Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I dare not say that it is with great pride that I rise today in support of the resolution offered by my good friend from Tampa, Mr. Davis. After all, I am a Miami Dolphins fan. However, it is with high regard, as well as a bit of shock, that I rise today to honor the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a Floridian, I share in Mr. Davis' excitement. For who would have ever thought that the Buccaneers would ever make it to the Super Bowl, let alone win it?

But seriously, Mr. Speaker, all of us need to tip our hats in admiration of the accomplishments made by the 2002-2003 Buccaneer team. As I said to one of my staffers on Monday morning, ``Yeah, Oakland didn't really show up to play, but could you believe the Bucs' defense?'' Not since the Steelers' Iron Curtain defense of the 1970s has the National Football League seen a defense as dominating as the Tampa Bay defenses of the late 1990s through this past season. Credit must be given to those who deserve it, and the Buccaneer defense is where credit is due. The team's defensive leaders such as Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice, Greg Spires, Ronde Barber, John Lynch, Dwight Smith, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, Dexter Jackson, are to be truly credited for leading the team that everyone wanted to win, but no one thought could, to a Super Bowl championship.

No pun intended, Mr. Speaker, but the buck didn't stop at Tampa's defense. The team's offense was equally impressive. Quarterback Brad Johnson, running backs Michael Pittman, Mike Alstott, and wide receivers Keenan McCardell, Joe Jurevicius, and Keyshawn Johnson were virtually unstoppable. Who would have ever thought that a team like the Buccaneers, built for defense but capable of an offensive explosion, would ever register 48 points against a relatively good Oakland Raider defense? I certainly didn't.

Additionally, I commend Tampa head coach Jon Gruden and his entire coaching staff, especially longtime Tampa Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin, for a job well done. As a Miami fan, I hope that Coach Kiffin finds his way into a head-coaching job out of the state of Florida. Frankly, the Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars are itching to regain the title of ``Florida's Best NFL Team.'' Finally, I would be remiss if I sit down before honoring the work that had been done by Tampa's previous coach, Tony Dungy. Coach Dungy built the Tampa team that won last weekend, and he is as deserving as anyone of credit for the Super Bowl victory.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I remind the gentleman from Tampa, Mr. Davis, that the greatest team in NFL history was a team that went 17-0 from a little city in South Florida that we call Miami. The 1972 Dolphins, now that team was perfect. Nonetheless, today is about the Buccaneers. Therefore, today, I congratulate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for winning Super Bowl XXXVII. As for tomorrow, Mr. Speaker, well, go Dolphins!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a Resolution that mirrors the sentiments expressed by the Honorable Senator Byrd, and key members of the United Nations Security Counsel.

The United Nations weapons inspectors must be given more time to continue their work in Iraq.

Further, if the weapons inspectors are able to present evidence that the Government of Iraq has revived its nuclear weapons program, and is in material breach of U.N. Security Counsel Resolution 1441, we must seek another Security Counsel Resolution authorizing the use of force against the Government of Iraq.

Although progress is slow in Iraq, it is progress. I believe that with continued pressure from international emissaries, Saddam Hussein will soon have no choice but to relinquish power voluntarily. We must continue to work together to exhaust peaceful and diplomatic means for disarming Saddam Hussein, because we have little to gain and much to lose in a unilateral preemptive strike against Iraq.

First and foremost, the men and women of our Armed Forces are already fully engaged in a war on terrorism. This must remain our highest priority.

Second, it stands to reason that the more aggressive and belligerent our posture as a nation becomes, the more we invite another terrorist attack. Make no mistake, passing a bill to create a Department of Homeland Security did little to make our homeland more secure, and we are woefully unprepared for another terrorist attack on our soil.

Third, even though the administration has tried to play down the looming crisis in North Korea, last week, the top military commander in the Pacific requested an additional 2,000 more troops to join the 37,000 already in South Korea.

And fourth, when I rose to speak against the Iraq Resolution five months ago, I voiced concerns that the Administration did not have any post-invasion plans in place yet. There is no doubt in my mind that the United States, alone, or as part of a coalition, can prosecute a war to a successful conclusion, but the question is--and then what? We still haven't been provided with any estimates on how long our troops would be engaged in peacekeeping or peace enforcement operations in the Middle East, or what the estimated costs will be for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction.

On January 24th, I joined 129 Members of the House in signing a letter to the President urging him to make every attempt to achieve Iraq's disarmament through diplomatic means and with the full support of our allies. Toady, I urge your support in sending the same message to the President with this Resolution.

Mr. Speaker, from the earliest of time, man has yearned to explore the unknown--to chart the distant stars. This unquenchable spirit to learn what is beyond the horizon, or over the next hill, is part of who we are. As Americans, this character is, more than anything, a defining part of us as a people. Indeed the America that we lovingly call home is far from the distant lands of most of our early roots.

From Lewis and Clark to the ``iron horse'' and the wagon train, the earliest quest for manned flight and, yes, even the first efforts to explore the heavens are celebrated mileposts on our journey for discovery. The Space Shuttle Columbia and the brave crew that she carried into space were, and is, part of this long voyage.

We have always known and accepted the risks associated with our most daring of efforts. This does not, however, lessen the deep pain in our heart or fill the empty void in our soul brought on by this tragedy. Space Shuttle flights were never without risks, though many had grown to view them that way.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that this Congress, indeed, the nation and the world, honor and remember the members of this diverse and international space crew that was lost. We must express our deepest appreciation to them and their families for the sacrifice that they made for the advancement of humanity. For their mission was a noble one.

As a Floridian, the Columbia tragedy hits very close to home. Florida's east coast was where the crew trained and prepared for its

mission, and it was to be where they would be reunited with their families and friends after 16 days amongst the stars.

The Kennedy Space Center, located at Cape Canaveral, is no more than 90 minutes north of my Congressional District. On a clear day, my constituents can see the glow of the space shuttle as it launches toward the heavens. In some instances, some have even felt the Earth tremble beneath their feet as the Columbia and her sister ships departed Florida's east coast.

We will never forget Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband, Navy Commander William ``Willie'' McCool, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Anderson, Navy Captain David M. Brown, Dr. Kalpana Chawla, Navy Commander (Captain-select) Laurel Blair Salton Clark, and Colonel, Israeli Air Force, Ilan Ramon. All will occupy a space on life's honor role for their selfless dedication to mankind.

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy stood before a nation immersed in a race to space with the former Soviet Union and declared, ``I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth.'' Barely eight years later, Americans from Florida to Honolulu and from Maine to California heard the famous words of Neil Armstrong as he became the first human being to step foot on the moon. ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.''

Since then, well over 300 men and women from more than 25 countries have lived the dream for which so many of us have longed. That is, to see what our planet looks like from the heavens. Outer space is a place where the beauty of the blues and greens of the Earth overshadow the day-to-day difficulties facing Americans and others throughout the world. It is a place where uncertainty is accepted, but answers are always sought. It is a place that every child--male and female, tall and short, black, white, and brown--falls asleep, at least one night in their lives, fantasizing about what it would be like to see the Earth from a place amongst the stars.

These dreams and aspirations, as we all know, were not limited to American children. In Israel, Colonel Ramon's participation in Columbia's mission was extremely special, as Ramon was Israel's first ever astronaut. Israelis watched Colonel Ramon's every move with great enthusiasm and anticipation. Updates on his mission and conversations with Israeli news personalities provided the Israeli, community with a much-needed break from a never-ending conflict with the Palestinians. The tragic death of Colonel Ramon, however, means that no one will be returning to Israel to talk about what it was like in space, looking down at a world where violence and terrorism is not so obvious.

Here in America, Dr. Chawla, the first Indian-American astronaut, was another example of breaking down walls for minorities. Her participation in the mission sent a clear message to Indian-American children, and other minorities, that space travel can be a reality for all Americans--regardless of their ethnic background and color of their skin.

Realize, the studies that were being done by Dr. Chawla and others were to impact many of us here on Earth. Captain Anderson, the crew's only African American, was attempting to grow prostate cancer cells, a disease that disproportionately affects black males; Colonel Ramon was studying the effect that dust storms have on global warming; and Commander Clark, one of the crew's medical doctors, was examining how space affects the human body and the lives of other animals and organisms. It is under these studies and findings, as well as others currently underway in the International Space Center, with which the American space program must expand and grow.

In the coming days, months, and years, federal agencies, from NASA to NORAD, will investigate what happened during Columbia's reentry. Their findings will make it safer for Americans and others to visit the heavens, but no investigation will ever replace our seven astronauts, our seven brothers and sisters that we lost last Saturday. And certainly no investigation will ever erase the glowing image of Columbia breaking up as it reentered the Earth's atmosphere. That image will forever be etched in our memory, much like those of the Challenger and the initial Apollo mission.

Whether it is increasing minority participation in the space program or reaching a new scientific discovery that will save the lives of thousands, the space program remains a vital ingredient in the America spirit of innovation. We have overcome the odds of the past, and are now face to face with the difficulties of the future.

Mr. Speaker, Socrates said in 500 B.C., ``Man must rise above the Earth--to the top of the atmosphere and beyond--for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.'' Every time that we travel amongst the stars, we learn more about the world of which Socrates so eloquently spoke. For it is a world in which we one day hope to live, and may the memories of those who perished on the Columbia last Saturday forever guide us on that path.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 25, a resolution commending those who give their time and talents to supporting mentoring programs. I support the efforts to promote greater awareness of the need for youth mentors and the increasing involvement with youth through mentoring.

17.6 million young people, nearly half of the youth population, want or need the help of mentors to help them achieve their full potential. Currently only 2.5 million young people are in formal mentoring relationships, leaving

15 million young Americans without the aid of mentors.

Every child in our community should be given the opportunity to achieve their full potential. The role of mentors in a child's development cannot be understated. Mentors serve as role models, friends, and advisors helping our youth to develop important social skills, enhance emotional well being, improve cognitive skills, and plan for the future. A mentor can provide crucial guidance, and encouragement, which motivates and nurtures our youth.

Mentoring projects could be used to help control and lower the national high school dropout rate, which continues to be a major problem. An estimated 300,000 to 500,000 students in grades 10-12 leave school each year. If used effectively, I believe that mentoring programs could significantly lower the nation's high school dropout rate.

This month is National Mentoring Month. We must take this opportunity to recognize the importance of youth mentors and work to embrace and promote mentoring activities and programs.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the efforts of the many mentors who provide the youth of our communities with the invaluable gifts of education and self-confidence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce and discuss a Concurrent Resolution concerning North Korea. It calls on North Korea and the United States, in a demonstration of good faith, to return to an interim level of compliance with the Agreed Framework.

Once both nations have agreed that this is an acceptable starting point, diplomatic negotiations can begin, and we can work together to develop a more comprehensive and mutually acceptable agreement or treaty.

Last year, when North Korea admitted that it has been operating a covert nuclear weapons program, I immediately introduced a Resolution condemning those actions and calling on North Korea and the United States to honor their commitments in the Agreed Framework.

The existence of a North Korean nuclear weapons program constitutes a real and imminent threat to the populations of South Korea, and Japan, and certainly to the U.S. forces stationed in those countries.

I was certain then, as I am now, that our wisest course of action was to meet our obligations under the Agreed Framework and continue monthly heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea. I was also certain that if we did not honor our commitments, tensions between our two nations would rise at an alarming rate.

Regrettably, my Resolution was neither considered nor adopted in the 107th Congress. And indeed, the situation with North Korea has gone from bad to worse.

I have watched incredulously as this Administration has stumbled again and again, making a bad situation worse, because it has failed to develop even the rudimentary beginnings of a policy to deal with North Korea.

Enough is enough. Between our poorly defined declaration of war against terrorism and our imminent war with Iraq, we have all the conflict we can handle.

The crisis in North Korea is a serious one, and I don't for a moment believe that resuming an interim level of compliance with the Agreed Framework will be the end of it.

However, I do believe that we must do something to resolve this impasse and we must also do something to garner support for those nations most effected by North Korea's nuclear weapons capabilities-- South Korea, Japan, and China.

If, in a show of good faith, we resume our obligations, we will be much more likely to have the support of those nations if sanctions are necessary in the future.

The responsibility for complying with treaty obligations rests with the two nations that signed the Agreed Framework--the United States and North Korea.

The responsibility for certifying that North Korea is in compliance with its portion of the Agreed Framework rests with the IAEA.

The responsibility for determining appropriate sanctions if North Korea fails to comply with its portions of the Agreed Framework rests with the United Nations.

It's that simple.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I believe it will establish our nation as a leader in seeking diplomatic solutions to complicated problems and will be the first step in a developing a policy with North Korea that is achievable, attainable, and supportable by other nations as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution condemning the current political unrest in Venezuela. I wish to express my strong concern about the direction of the government and its alienation of a large part of the citizenry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to call also for new national elections in that country. Venezuela is an important member of the community of nations in this hemisphere. Venezuela is the world's fifth largest commercial supplier of oil and the only Latin American member of the OPEC. Venezuela is the fourth largest supplier of oil to the United States.

The continued strike by workers in the petroleum industry in Venezuela has contributed to the rise in the price of crude oil on the world market, thereby affecting a major source of energy for the United States.

If the current political unrest and economic instability in Venezuela is not corrected, it could have further negative impact on the price of oil on the world markets.

This country, and indeed this region, which seemed to hold so much promise as a nation on the cusp of a new era, and was at long last emerging from a long dark period as a ``military controlled ghetto,'' seems to be slipping once again into an era of ``strong man'' rule, and a state that embraces socialist dogma.

America must be more than an island of hope and beacon of opportunity in a region where there is low expectations, and so much unfulfilled potential. We must continue to show leadership in the region.

The Administration must follow through with vigorous support of the Summit of the Americas agenda and get on about the business of assisting all the countries in the region to develop their economies and strengthen their political institutions.

The House of Representatives must support our neighbors in this hemisphere and support them in the continuing struggle to become full democracies with strong economies.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and call on the leadership to act swiftly in bringing this to the floor for consideration.

Mr. Speaker, a study conducted by the National School Safety Center on School Associated Violent Deaths notes that between 1992 and 2001, 33 teachers, school administrators, school employees, or volunteers, were fatal victims of school violence. This means that during that nine-year period, a teacher, school administrator or some other school employee in America was killed while performing the duties of his or her job every fourteen weeks.

A similar study done by the U.S. Department of Justice last year stated that teachers, school administrators and other school employees accounted for nearly 10 percent of all fatalities from school violence on campuses nationwide. Even more disturbing is that the majority of faculty fatalities occurred when a school employee attempted to stop a fight or some type of disagreement between students or other faculty members. In trying to stop school violence, these school employees became victims of school violence themselves.

On May 26, 2000, my district was struck with horror when a thirteen year old student walked into Lake Worth Middle School and shot and killed his teacher, Mr. Barry Grunow. While this tragic event once again raised the important issues of school safety, gun control, and the minimum age at which a child can be tried as an adult, to the Grunow family, the tragic death of Barry Grunow has meant much more.

In addition to the painful loss of a father and husband, Barry Grunow's death had a long-term affect on the entire Grunow family. Barry's death meant that, within six months, the entire Grunow family would find themselves without health care coverage; Barry's death meant that the Grunow family would incur added and unexpected expenses; and, ultimately, Barry's death means one less income that can be used to support Pam Grunow and her two children in the years to come.

In Spring 2001, the Florida State Legislature passed and the Governor signed the Barry Grunow Act, a measure that provided death benefits to the spouses and children of victims of school violence. Today, I come to the floor of the House of Representatives to say that it is time for Congress to follow Florida's lead and pass a similar measure.

I rise today to reintroduce the Teacher Victims' Assistance Act of 2002. The 108th Congress is the second consecutive Congress that I have introduced this legislation. Similar to Florida's Barry Grunow Act, the Teacher Victims' Assistance Act places teachers, school administrators, school employees and school volunteers in the same high-risk category in which we currently place many of country's most important role models.

My bill provides the spouses and children of educators who are killed as a result of school violence with the following death benefits: a one-time death benefit of $75,000, $1,500 to be used to assist with any funeral expenses, $900 per month in living assistance to the victims' surviving spouse, $225 per month in living assistance to each dependent of the victim until the age of 17, $7,500 per year, for up to five years, for each dependent to be used to pay for college or other forms of higher education before the age of 25, opportunity to enroll in the Medicare health benefits program, and exempts the family members from having to pay any accumulated income tax by the victim as a result of school employment.

Mr. Speaker, never before has Congress made the historic statement that we need to compensate the families of educators who are victims of school violence. Many of us understand that violence in our schools is virtually impossible to eliminate completely. However, it is possible for Congress to ensure every educator in the country that if another school shooting such as those which occurred at Lake Worth High School, the future of educators' families shall never be in jeopardy.

The Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2003 makes such a commitment, and I urge my colleagues to pass it immediately.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Congress 2006 Commission Act. My bill establishes a congressional commission to examine the current size of the U.S. House of Representatives and recommend to this body, if applicable, a size increase. Additionally, the Commission is directed to examine and consider alternatives to the current method by which Representatives are elected. Methods such as cumulative voting and proportional representation would, without doubt, result in a more diverse House of Representatives, as well as greater participation in the legislative process by Americans of all shapes, colors, and backgrounds.

Under the Constitution, the size of the House of Representatives can be as small as 50 Representatives and as large as one Representative per 30,000 people, or the equivalent to 9,380 Members, based on the 2000

Census. In fact, every decade from 1790 to 1910, following the release of the census, the House of Representatives passed apportionment acts, increasing the size of the House to reflect population increases as well as the introduction of new States to the Union. The current House size of 435 was established in 1911. Congress passed a law in 1929, setting the size limit at 435. The House's size was temporarily increased to 436 in 1959, and 437 in 1960, when Alaska and Hawaii were admitted to the Union, respectively. But in 1961, the size of the House was reapportioned back to 435.

In the past 90 years, U.S. population has more than tripled, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In the past 90 years, four States have joined the Union, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In the past 90 years, the United States has become the second most underrepresented democracy in the entire world, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In fact in the past 90 years, Congress has addressed permanently increasing the size of the House of Representatives only once.

When I was first elected in 1992, I represented roughly 589,000 South Floridians. Today, each of us now represents nearly 663,000 or 12.5 percent more people than 10 years ago. In 1982, each Member of the House represented about 534,000 and in 1972, the number was a mere 482,000 or 38 percent fewer people than today. This means that we represent well over 100,000 more people today than did our predecessors--and some Members still serving today--20 years ago. Frankly, at some point Members in this body are going to have to accept reality and begin asking, ``As Representatives, are we as effective today as the Representatives of the 1970s when they had fewer people to represent?''

Mr. Speaker, the 108th Congress is the third Congress that I have introduced this legislation, and in light of the 2000 biennial census, it is clear that, to better serve our constituents, we should represent fewer. Indeed, the effect that an increase in the size of the House of Representatives will have on the American political system is obvious. Increasing the size of the House will result in a reduced amount of campaign spending, smaller congressional districts, more personal interaction between Members of Congress and their constituents, and most importantly, better representation for the American people.

I ask my colleagues for their support and cosponsorship of this bill, and I urge the leadership to bring it to the floor for an immediate vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Mr. Obey's motion to recommit this CR.

By now, we've all read or heard about the Hart-Rudman Independent Task Force report stating that the United States remains ``dangerously unprepared'' for another terrorist attack.

The Task Force determined that first responders are not prepared for a chemical or biological attack, their radios cannot communicate with one another, and they lack the training and protective gear to protect themselves and the public in an emergency. As the Task Force report stated simply and chillingly--``The consequence could be the unnecessary loss of thousands of American lives.''

I am outraged that this President, who declared war against terrorism, is itching for a war with Iraq, and started sowing the seeds of conflict with North Korea with his ``axis of evil'' speech, is now telling the American people that we can't afford to invest in homeland security. It stands to reason that the closer our nation gets to war, the greater the threat of another domestic terrorism attack becomes.

When your national security policy stumbles from a vague declaration of war against an ideology, to crying foul before the first IAEA inspector enters Iraq, to antagonizing national leaders with name- calling, you can't afford not to pay for homeland security.

Federal funds are desperately needed to equip firefighters, protect our ports and borders, enhance airport security, defend against agricultural terrorism, and protect our critical infrastructure.

I'd like to quote, if I may, a letter I received from the Mayor of the City of Oakland Park, Florida. ``I am writing to express my deep concern that funding for first responders, promised nearly a year ago, has still not been provided to America's cities, towns and villages.'' I have received similar letters from community leaders throughout my District, and when they write expressing concerns about homeland security, they have my undivided attention. I would venture to guess that most of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have received similar letters as well.

I urge you to support Mr. Obey's motion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my total support for the people and the newly elected government of Kenya. The hard work and perseverance on the part of the people of Kenya is commendable, as they march along the difficult road of peace and democracy. In much of the developing world, we have witnessed, time and again, countries whose efforts have fallen short of that needed to fully implement a democratic tradition.

The determined Kenyan voters ignored unseasonably heavy rains and provided a solid mandate to the new president, the parliament, and local councilors throughout the country. It is refreshing to see the change of government at the ballot box of free and fair elections and not at the end of rifles. Local and international observers who witnessed the election of President Mwai Kibaki described it as the fairest in Kenya's 39-year history. I urge this body to support and commend the Kenyans for the positive measures they have taken to establish a solid democratic foundation.

This body, the House of Representatives, along with the Senate and the executive branch should provide assistance to this country as it continues to build its economy and political institutions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the Small Business Drought Relief Act. The bill provides small businesses that depend upon water supply as a means of income with the opportunity to qualify and apply for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration when drought affects their ability to earn income. This is the second Congress that I have introduced this much needed legislation, and the need for its immediate passage is greater today than ever.

As the clear majority of Members can attest to, the past two years have been two of the driest years in the history of the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency recently noted that 2002 was the second warmest year on record for the globe. In the western parts of United States, record low waterfalls were a plenty. On multiple occasions, more than half of the country was in moderate to extreme drought. Then, when Congress adjourned late last year, thousands of farmers and small businesses fell victim to partisan politics and were left without emergency assistance from the 2002 drought.

Under current law, small businesses whose income depreciates as a result of diminishing water supply are unable to even apply for SBA loans. Often these businesses are family-owned and family-run recreational or commercial fishing firms. The majority of them are dependent upon water resources, whether lakes, streams, or rivers, for the ability to operate their businesses. When water levels drop to unbearable points, aside from the obvious water supply issues, boats are unable to make it into lakes and rivers, commercial fishing ceases to exist, and businesses often lay off workers and close their doors for good.

I became more acutely interested in drought relief the summer of 2001 when Florida found itself in the most prolonged drought it had seen in nearly 20 years. The water level in Lake Okeechobee, our country's 2nd largest fresh water lake, and located in my District, had decreased by nearly 25 percent. Not only did the water shortage in the lake cause problems for agriculture and water management, but it also destroyed the economic well being of small businesses around the Lake who depend on it for income. Realize this too, the clear majority of these businesses are owned by minorities or families who struggle every day just to get by.

As I began to try and help the towns and businesses surrounding the Lake in locating temporary assistance, even if it was only low interest loans, I found that unless a firm was involved in agriculture, assistance is virtually impossible. When it is possible, the bureaucratic red tape applicants must cut through is so discouraging that they don't even try.

The issue at hand, Mr. Speaker, is that droughts are major natural disasters. The Stafford Act says it is, as well as the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Defense also say it is. Congress said it as recently as 1998. But for some reason, the Small Business Act does not include drought in its definition of disaster. Frankly, this oversight is a disaster of its own.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I am reintroducing a bill which will reconcile the oversight made by our body's predecessors and ensure that businesses who suffer from drought will live to see another day. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I urge the leadership to bring it swiftly to the floor for a vote.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the memory of our colleague and good friend Congressman Wayne Owens. His death on December 18, 2002, was, indeed, unexpected. Today, we are left with a void that will undoubtedly remain unfilled for a long time to come.

A four term Member of Congress, Wayne Owens experienced this institution from the inside during two very trying times in American history. As a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, in 1973, Congressman Owens voted to recommend the impeachment of then President Richard M. Nixon. Additionally, in 1991, during his final term in the House of Representatives, Congressman Owens joined with 44 of his Democratic colleagues to sue then President George H. W. Bush to prevent him from taking offensive action against Iraq without first obtaining a Congressional declaration of war or ``other explicit authority from the Congress.'' While the suit only succeeded to delay war for a brief period, it reaffirmed the Congress' constitutional authority to make war.

Congressman Owens remained a continued advisor to many of us still serving today long after he left the House of Representatives in 1992. In 1989, Congressman Owens co-founded the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation where he quickly became a leading voice advocating a peaceful solution to a historically deadly conflict. Many of us were often left in true admiration of his passion and commitment to educating policy makers and public citizens that peace in the Middle East is not a pipe dream, but rather a real possibility. During my tenure on the House Committee on International Relations, I often sought Congressman Owens advice and guidance, especially when considering legislation affecting the Middle East. While Middle Eastern leaders continue down the difficult path toward peace, Congressman Owens' voice of reason and understanding will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, the United States must work harder to fulfill the aspirations of peace that Wayne Owens sought for so long. Peace in the Middle East is not a pipe dream. Wayne Owens knew that and the Center that he founded is evidence. Without doubt, it would be a fitting legacy to the memory of Wayne Owens for Middle Eastern leaders to recommit themselves today to a life of peace, harmony, and coexistence. Congressman Owens wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. The gentleman

from Wisconsin has given us an explanation with reference to what is transpiring.

When I came to this body, I had no idea that I would have the privilege to serve on the Committee on Rules. When I was given that opportunity, it became the proudest moment in my limited congressional career. Last night, before we left here, I became rather distressed that the majority does not see fit to grant the minority privileges that the minority at another point in time argued that they should have, I remember very distinctly.

I have great respect for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Certainly, the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations is a friend of mine, and I have immense respect for him, his fairness and his ability. But the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) is not the person that is in control of the situation with reference to the rule. The chairman of the Committee on Rules also is a friend of mine, and I am not certain that he is in control of what is transpiring with reference to the rule.

What is happening here is we are giving back-room deals new meaning. In essence, what my colleagues have done, if we were to take 10 people, as one Member of Congress here said today, she described it as though we had 10 people and my colleagues put a gag on four and a half of them, so that nearly one-half of America is being denied an opportunity to go forward and put ideas on the table for this body to work its will. That is not fair.

Thus my colleagues will find that there are some of us who, different than the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) described when he said we are unhappy, some of us are outraged and plain mad about the circumstances we find ourselves in. In fact, what my colleagues are allowing with these two continuing resolutions is absolutely no debate of consequence with reference to matters of immense and enormous magnitude for the good of this country.

Among the things that we say all the time, and on yesterday proudly all of us admired, as we do admire the Speaker of the House, when he cited certain portions of the Constitution that all of us know so well, among those things was to promote the general welfare. Well, we cannot promote the general welfare with dynamic scoring when we are hiding the deficit with creative math. We cannot promote the general welfare when we find ourselves taking ``Jefferson's Manual on Parliamentary Procedure'' and pitching it into the Potomac River.

We did not have hearings last night. A train hit those of us in the minority in the Committee on Rules, and a train is hitting every member of the minority as well as the majority. My colleagues hurt themselves as much as they hurt us when they do not give us an opportunity to make an adequate presentation on matters of health, on matters of education, on matters of homeland security; and I could go on and on.

Everybody knows what my colleagues did when they took over the House of Representatives, and they did it by arguing against what the Democrats did that was so wrong then: closed rules. Yet every time we look up, all we see is no opportunity for amendments, no opportunity for supplementals. Nothing in the way of decency is coming forward. I am outraged.