Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday we announced on the floor of this House that our former colleague, Tillie Fowler, had passed away that day. She suffered a stroke on Monday and went to the hospital and never recovered from that. It was a sad day for all of us, and there were so many Members that served with Tillie that wanted to honor her life and her achievements that we asked for this time tonight to celebrate her life, to celebrate the contributions that she made not only to her community, not only to the State of Florida, but to the Nation as a whole; and so that is why we are here tonight.

Tillie Fowler was one of those unique individuals that could balance so many things in her life. I never had the chance to actually serve with Tillie because we were from the same hometown and while she served on the city council at the local level, I was serving in the State government; and when she left the Congress in 2000, I ran to take her seat. But I knew her as a friend for 35 years, and I watched her involve herself in the community, and I watched her get involved in local politics; I watched her become a United States House of Representative representative from the Fourth Congressional District. Through all of that, I saw the way that she loved her children, the way that she loved her husband, Buck, and the way that she loved her community.

I can remember so many times, as we would come back, because she was in Washington working with a large law firm, that we would ride a plane here and ride a plane back to Jacksonville and her husband, Buck, was always there at the airport to greet her and give her a big hug. So I just think there are so many people here that cared so much about her, because not only was she tough in what she tried to do but, more than anything, she just liked people. She cared about people, whether they were important people or just people she would see on the street. She had a way of making everybody feel at ease.

So, Mr. Speaker, I am saddened by her death, but I am proud of the legacy that she leaves behind her; and I know that Members here tonight share in that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in celebrating the life and accomplishments of former Congresswoman Tillie Kidd Fowler. Ms. Fowler passed away suddenly last week but leaves a proud legacy of achievement and integrity.

Tillie Fowler was born in 1942 and grew up in Milledgeville, Georgia. Her father, state Senator Culver Kidd, was a legendary Democratic political figure in the Georgia Legislature for over 40 years and her mother, Katherine, was active in the community. She received both her bachelor's degree and law degree from Emory University.

After law school, she moved to Washington, DC and worked as a congressional staffer for Representative Robert Stephens (D-GA) and later as Counsel in the White House Office of Consumer Affairs under President Richard Nixon. In 1968, she married attorney L. Buck Fowler and in 1971 moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Shortly thereafter, she put her professional career on hold to raise her daughters, Tillie Anne and Elizabeth. During this time she served as the President of the Junior League of Jacksonville (1982-83), chaired the Florida Humanities Council (1989-91) and was active in a number of other charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross and Volunteer Jacksonville.

She returned to political public service when she was elected to the Jacksonville City Council in 1985. She became that body's first Republican and first woman President.

Tillie Fowler was elected to Congress in 1992, winning a seat that had been held by a Democrat for 42 years. She secured an appointment to the House Armed Services committee, the only Republican woman on that committee at the time. Her subcommittee assignments included Readiness, Personnel and Military Construction. In 1997, she was appointed by the Speaker of the House to a task

force created to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and abuse at U.S. military training bases.

She also served on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and in the 106th Congress she was named Chairman of the newly created Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Emergency Management.

In 1998, she was chosen by her Republican colleagues to be the Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference, making her the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. Congress when she retired. She also served for six years as a Deputy Majority Whip.

A year and a half before the terrible events of September 11, 2001, she drafted the Preparedness Against Terrorism Act of 2000 (H.R. 4210). Her bill would have centralized the Federal government's anti-terrorism efforts by creating the President's Council on Domestic Terrorism Preparedness within the White House. Many of her proposed reforms were enacted in the legislation creating the Department of Homeland Security.

Her reputation as a knowledgeable and articulate U.S. Representative resulted in her appointment to several boards outside of her committee responsibilities: U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors; Stennis Center for Public Service Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman; Defense Department's Centers for Security Studies Board of Visitors; and the House Page Board, Chairman.

Upon her departure from Congress, Representative Fowler's extraordinary efforts to ensure a strong United States military were recognized by the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense. She received the Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. These are the highest civilian awards given by the Navy and the Department of Defense.

Shortly after leaving Congress, she was appointed by the Speaker of the House to the Commission on the Future of the Aerospace Industry which was created by Congress to assess the aerospace industry in the global economy, particularly in relationship to the national security of the United States. The Center for Strategic & International Studies also named her to its Distinguished Congressional Fellows panel.

She was appointed to the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in 2001. In May of 2003, the Secretary named her as Chairman of the prestigious board which advises the Secretary of Defense on issues central to strategic planning for the department. She is the first woman to serve of Chairman of the Defense Policy Board in its 20-year history. She also serves on the Chief of Naval Operations' Executive Panel whose purpose is to advise the CNO on questions related to national seapower.

In the spring of 2003, she was appointed by the Secretary of Defense to lead the seven-member panel created by Congress to review sexual misconduct allegations at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The panel conducted a 90-day study of the policies, management, organizational practices and cultural elements of the Academy that may have been conducive to alleged sexual misconduct. The panel's final report was delivered to the Secretary of Defense and the Congress on September 22, 2003.

When allegations of prisoner abuse by U.S. military personnel at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq surfaced in May 2004, the Secretary of Defense again turned to Representative Fowler. The Secretary appointed her along with two former Secretaries of Defense and a retired four-star general, to a blue-ribbon panel charged with providing the Secretary with independent, professional advice on issues related to the allegations of prisoner mistreatment.

And finally, Mr. Speaker, this House was a better place for Tillie Fowler's service. She was a remarkable woman with a rare combination of passionate drive and dedication for what she believed and a caring spirit for the people around her. She made people feel at ease and she always did anything she could to help others. During lifetime of service she exhibited a striking presence of personality, integrity and intellect that will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to our conference chairman, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce).

Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the distinguished majority leader of the House.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) who also represents part of Jacksonville.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox).

I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the right honorable gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the honorable gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

I yield to the honorable gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the honorable gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer).

I yield now to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald).

I yield now to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Harris).

(Ms. HARRIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

I yield now to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis).

I yield now to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam).

Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, it is clear from what we have heard tonight the great esteem in which Tillie Fowler was held in this House. We have heard about her service in the community, we have heard about her service in local politics, and we have heard about her service here in the United States House of Representatives, as well as when she left this place. So I would simply say in closing that we all loved Tillie, we all will miss Tillie.

One of the things was, in spite of all the honors and accomplishments that came about in her short life, she was always just a great friend. As I said, I never had a chance to serve in this body with her because I took her place when she left, but knowing her for 35 years and watching her in the community, seeing how hard she worked, observing all the things that people have talked about tonight, it is just so clear the legacy that she leaves behind.

I can remember just a couple of occasions, once when she came to see me when she was going to run for the city council. She said, What do you think? I lived in that particular district; my brother had represented that area. I said, Tillie, it would just be magnificent if you would do that. You have been involved in the community; you have done so much. What a great service you would be. I said, You are going to be a star, I can just tell. I know you.

She became one of the first women to serve on our city council, the first Republican president of the city council, the first woman to be president of the city council. Then she went on to serve in this body. I think most people know she left in 2000 after serving for 8 years, not because she would not have been reelected overwhelmingly, but because she made a promise to the people in her district that she would only serve for four terms. It would have been very easy for her to decide that people needed her. She would have won overwhelmingly. But, true to who she was, she made a commitment and she kept it. It was as simple as that.

When I decided to run in 2000, I will never forget the night that I called Tillie to say, in a strange set of circumstances all this kind of came about, I said, I have decided to run in

the seat that you are going to vacate. You could feel this sense of excitement and enthusiasm over the telephone, that somebody that she had known for 35 years, and I am honored to say she believed in me, not only just helped me in the campaign, but paved the way for me in this body, to bring me up, introduce me to her friends, her colleagues, many whom you have heard tonight, just went out of her way to go above and beyond. That is just the kind of person she was.

She did everything wholeheartedly. She came to see me the last Friday, the following Monday is when she had the stroke, but true to form, she came to see me just to visit, to talk about things. She was almost like another Representative from the fourth district. She never stopped serving the people. We talked about issues that were important, and how she could help and ``here are some ideas.'' Always, always on the go.

So, tonight we are sad. We will miss her. She will be missed. She will be missed not only by her family, she will be missed not only by her friends, not only by the people of Florida, but she will be missed by the people of this Nation whom she so proudly served.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Tillie had an awful lot of friends in this Chamber. And for those of you that will not be able to go to Jacksonville for the funeral service on Friday, next Tuesday night we have reserved a time of Special Order to celebrate her life and her service. And so if you would like to be part of that celebration, if you would please contact my office.

Tillie was a remarkable woman. She was a rare combination of passionate drive and dedication coupled with just a warm and caring feeling for all the people around her, and she will be missed by not only her family, but her friends in this Chamber, by the people of Florida, as well as the people of this Nation whom she so proudly served. So I am sure you all join as we send our thoughts and prayers to her husband Buck, and her two daughters in this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I join my colleague as an original cosponsor of this resolution in urging my colleagues to support this.

It is fitting that this new Federal courthouse, which stands 15 stories tall in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, and casts such a shadow over our city, it is fitting that it is going to be named after Judge Bryan Simpson who, while he served for 50 years in our community, was a giant of a man who cast his own shadow all across our community.

My colleagues have heard a little bit about his background and some of his professional career, but I had the good fortune of knowing Judge Simpson. I had the good fortune of being a friend of his son, Bryan Simpson, Jr. My dad and Judge Simpson practiced law together as young lawyers in Jacksonville, and the one thing about Judge Simpson is that as the father of Bryan Simpson, Jr., and he had five stepchildren, Joe, Tim, John, Eve, and Franklin, above all, he had this underlying belief in the dignity of every human being, and he lived out that belief in everything that he did.

Maybe that came from the life experiences that he had growing up in a little town in central Florida. His mother was the U.S. Postmistress of the U.S. Post Office there in Kissimmee. He went to Osceola High School and then went north to school to Gainesville, Florida, about 50 miles up the road. Often he would hitchhike, catch a ride up to Gainesville, and he would stop in a little town called Orlando and have lunch because there was a park there where people would kind of gather, and he would always find a friend there and share lunch together.

He finished school in 6 years. He got an undergraduate degree and a law degree. It usually takes 7 years, but Judge Simpson was part of a special program. He finished in 6 years, which was good for him, because he worked his way through law school, and it only took 6 instead of 7 years. He often waited tables at a little place called the Primrose Grill.

Then he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to start his law practice. He worked in a firm where my dad also worked as a young lawyer, and he always was a man of great humor. As a young lawyer, my dad used to tell me that he made about $40 a month. Judge Simpson was a little older, so he might have made $45 a month, but on one of his applications, it said, List your hobbies and your interests. And Judge Simpson wrote, Polo and international yacht racing. So when one of his senior partners came in and was a little upset and said, What is all this; what does this mean? Judge Simpson said, I am interested in polo and international yacht racing, but on my present salary, I am not really able to participate in those activities.

But be that as it may, he continued his career. He wanted to be a judge, so he ran for judge. In those days you could be a State judge by running for office. He had two uncles that had served in the United States Senate. He knew a little bit about politics, so he ran for office and became a State judge.

Then, World War II came along, so he went to Europe to serve his country. His job there was to go around after the battles took place, his job was to go into communities and try to rebuild the government. And he used to kid people that his limited French was learned in World War II. He could say, ``Ou est la maire?'' which meant, ``Where is the mayor?'' Because that is the first thing he would do when he got to the community, find out who the old mayor was and try to build this new government.

He came back from the war, back to Jacksonville, continued his work as a State judge and then, as has been pointed out, was appointed to the Federal bench by then-President Harry Truman. Fifteen years later, then-President Lyndon Johnson appointed him to the appeals court, which is one step down from the United States Supreme Court, and he served as the Chief Judge on the Fifth and the Eleventh Circuit.

So he had kind of a broad-ranging career, up until the time he went to Federal court. And as has been pointed out, he was a real leader in stepping forward, being fair, being compassionate in a difficult time in our Nation's history when not all of the judges, particularly in the South, were fair and compassionate. In fact, it was kind of the way, in those days, for Federal judges who did not believe in what was going on in the civil rights movement to simply delay their decisions and just delay and delay and delay.

Judge Simpson was known not only as a man of courage and conviction, but someone who made his rulings firmly and decisively and quickly. So I think it is fitting that we honor him today.

As I said, he lived his life in a way that brought dignity to all the people in his courtroom. I think he certainly deserves this kind of recognition, and I am proud to support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fallen soldier who lost his life in the line of duty. On January 28, 2005, United States Army Specialist Michael S. Evans died in Baghdad when his military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Specialist Evans was serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Speaker, Specialist Evans gave his life in the service of his country. He answered the call when his Nation needed him. His willingness to serve our country has made our Nation safer and more secure.

I hope Michael's wife Melissa, his parents Michael and Wynette, and the rest of his family and friends know that our Nation thanks him for his service and sacrifice. He served our Nation as a patriot. His contribution will never be forgotten.

Specialist Evans was assigned to B Company, 1088th Engineer Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade, Army National Guard, New Roads, Louisiana. Specialist Evans's wife resides in Metaire, Louisiana and his parents live in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the people of Iraq for going to the polls this weekend to participate in their first free elections in over 50 years. In many cases, Iraqis defied death threats to take another significant step toward rebuilding their country and reconstituting a society built on democracy. The huge number of people who voted is clear evidence of the historic transformation ongoing in Iraq. Their actions serve as a signal to the United States and to the world that Iraqis are anxious to embrace freedom.

As independent accounts have verified, the turnout for Iraq's elections surpassed all expectations. But let it not be called a surprise, Mr. Speaker, that the people of this country, no longer living under a cloud of fear, are eager to freely elect a leader to lead a free Iraq.

As President Bush has said, it was the Iraqi people who made this election a resounding success. But it also bears mentioning that these elections would not have been possible without the leadership of President Bush. It also bears mentioning that these elections would not have occurred had it not been for the will of enlightened countries that allied with us in our war on terrorism. From the first day of the invasion, through the toppling of a tyrant, to today, these countries stand firm in their commitment to fight terrorism.

I commend the Iraqi people for their strength and willingness to embrace freedom. I know many have died in making this day possible and we mourn those we have lost. Though this election is just one step, it is representative of the Iraqi commitment to a brighter future, a future that I believe, Mr. Speaker, is based on peace and freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 304, a bill I introduced in the name of national security. This bill would set in law a requirement that our United States Navy maintain a fleet of at least twelve aircraft carriers.

Why, my colleagues might ask, is this change in law necessary? I believe the reason is clear. Our Nation is enduring an extraordinary amount of pressures, both financially and militarily. Somehow, Mr. Speaker, those financial pressures have weighed so heavy on our military leaders that they feel forced to propose a reduction in the number of carriers available to our Commander in Chief.

Mr. Speaker, the military might of the United States is unmatched. It is unmatched, Mr. Speaker, because no other Nation faces the challenges we face. And that is why I have introduced this legislation. Our unique challenges require force strength, flexibility, and presence. This is not my lesson; this is the lesson of past military conflicts.

The consistent message from senior Department of Defense leadership is that many of the important tactical missions accomplished in Afghanistan and Iraq would not have been possible without our fleet of aircraft carriers.

Aircraft carriers are in constant demand all over the globe. There is no technology, no way they can be in two places at the same time.

The Navy's CNO himself believes even with the technological advances, quantity has a quality all its own.

So this legislation, H.R. 304, will ensure that our Nation's Commander in Chief has a full fleet of carriers in times of peace, and in times of crisis. My colleagues, I urge you to support H.R. 304, support our carrier fleet, and support keeping the fabric of our national security whole.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce H.R. 304--the Aircraft Carrier End Strength Act. Recently, in a last ditch effort to reach OMB budgetary goals, the Department of the Defense approved drastic cuts in the Navy's Fiscal Year 2006 budget. Only one of these cuts is both operationally unsound AND irreversible . . . that is the reduction in the Navy's fleet of aircraft carriers from twelve to eleven.

This decision was not made by the military and policy experts who are now working on the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). This irreversible decision was made by budget crunchers looking to reduce the budget topline without considering all of the operational impacts. Congress has worked hard to re-build our national defense architecture and now is not the time to retreat. That is why I have introduced legislation, H.R. 304, which will ensure that the Navy maintains their current minimum requirement of twelve aircraft carriers.

Just last year, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark, stated; ``Aircraft carrier force levels have been set at 12 ships as a result of fiscal constraints; however, real-world experience and analysis indicate that a carrier force level of 15 ships is necessary . . .'' And in 2001, then-Vice Admiral Timothy J. Keating stated, ``The United States needs 15 carriers to provide continuous combat-credible sovereign presence in each area of responsibility. . . . The United States accepts a risk by leaving areas of the world uncovered at times.''

Over the last few years, Congress has heard a consistent message from the Department of Defense--the important tactical missions accomplished in Afghanistan and Iraq would not have been possible without our fleet of aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers are in constant demand all over the globe and there is no technology that will allow them to be in two places at the same time. In the face of terrorist threats and other dangers that this nation is facing and with the proven operational need of aircraft carriers, now is not the time for the Navy to contemplate decreasing the number of aircraft carriers available for our national security strategy.

Please support H.R. 304--the Aircraft Carrier End-Strength Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the outstanding volunteerism and community commitment of one of my constituents, Susan ``Sue'' Carter of Jacksonville, Florida.

Sue Carter, who recently moved back to Jacksonville after following her husband's military career across the globe for 20 years, is one of five individuals chosen by the National Military Family Association to receive the 2004 Very Important Patriot award. Sue was chosen, Mr. Speaker, for the countless hours of volunteer work she donated to the community in which she lived for the last three years, Keflavik, Iceland.

For the three years her husband, U.S. Navy Operations Officer, Commander Ted ``Coach'' Carter, was stationed at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Sue became very involved in some very important community organizations. Sue was president of the local Parent Teacher Student organization, served as chair of the organization's Activities board, managed a non-profit thrift shop whose proceeds benefit those seeking higher education, organized donations for the Red Cross, worked as a substitute teacher, volunteered as an assisting minister, and provided safety and instruction in small arms to military and civilian members of the community.

Sue performed outstanding work and donated countless hours serving her community. Sue's selfless commitment to volunteering is a vibrant example of the difference people can make in the lives of those around them. Now that she and her husband are stationed back in Jacksonville, I know our community will benefit greatly from her sense of community spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to meet with Sue and her husband Ted and found their positive attitude inspiring. In addition to their service to Country and community, they are the proud parents of two young daughters. I believe our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to Sue and volunteers like her all across America for donating their precious time for the betterment of their neighbors. Volunteers are among the best of what America has to offer the world. As a citizen ambassador and wife to a military officer serving in Iceland, Sue reflected America's values honorably.

For these reasons Mr. Speaker, I commend Sue's public service, I congratulate her on receiving the Very Important Patriot award, and

on behalf of the residents of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, I extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to establish a commission to plan the quincentenary commemoration of the discovery and colonization of Florida.

In 2013, our Nation will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon's landing on the east coast of Florida. As important an event as this is to America's history and heritage, I believe it is appropriate we commemorate this occasion. Such an event will serve to inform, educate, and remind the people of Florida, this Nation, and even the world of the importance and significance of Ponce de Leon's discovery and exploration.

Accordingly, the bill I introduce today establishes a commission composed of twelve members to plan, coordinate, and conduct the commemoration of the historic discovery of Florida.

Mr. Speaker, Florida's proud history begins with an explorer sailing through the Bahamas in 1513. As if touched by the hand of God, three ships commanded by Ponce de Leon were swept westward by winds and currents through the New Providence Channel and into the Florida Current. Historians believe Ponce de Leon landed at what is the present location of the city of St. Augustine.

Ponce de Leon's landing is significant to national and world history because it began what would become the establishment of the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent. St. Augustine was founded 42 years before the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.

As a child, I remember learning of Ponce de Leon's fascinating voyage and Florida explorations. To this day, this remarkable moment in history inspires children across our great Nation. Our young people continue to learn of Ponce de Leon's epic voyages and his quest for the ever-elusive Fountain of Youth.

Spanish heritage is still reflected in local architecture and historic resources and attractions in the center of the old part of the city. For instance, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, constructed between 1672 and 1695, represents the oldest remaining European fortification in the continental United States. It is prominently located on the Matanzas River directly across the road from the Spanish Quarter of St. Augustine.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the consideration given to this legislation and this important part of the United States history. All Americans should enjoy the celebration of this historical moment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition to an unfair tax increase contained in the conference report of H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

Overall I believe this bill is well crafted and contains a great number of provisions that will significantly benefit individuals, businesses and other job creators in this Nation. I commend the Ways and Means Committee and Chairman Bill Thomas for their hard work and determination on this complex and vital piece of legislation.

I must, however, express my strong opposition to an unfair tax increase for Florida's cigar manufacturers. A provision added in the final hours of the conference will force cigar makers to pay for a tobacco buyout that has nothing to do with the kind of tobacco used in cigars. This new provision--which was not included in either the House or Senate-passed versions of the American Jobs Creation Act--amounts to a $282 million tax increase and Florida companies will pay more than 75 percent of this new tax.

Mr. Speaker, well over 95 percent of the tobacco grown in this country is produced under a federal price support program. Cigar manufacturers do not use the type of tobacco produced under this program. According to industry reports, 99.9 percent of all quota tobacco produced in the United States in 2002 was used by someone other than a cigar manufacturer. Yet under the American Jobs Creation Act, cigar makers are being forced to finance the phase-out of this government support program. Assessing cigar makers for the tobacco buyout fails any test of fairness. We should not increase taxes on an industry by imposing so-called ``assessments'' unless the new tax has something to do with the purpose of the new program.

To make matters worse, the cigar tax assessments appear to be imposed unfairly within the cigar industry. The Internal Revenue Code distinguishes between ``small'' cigars and ``large'' cigars. Unlike cigarettes, cigars come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and weights. The tax code recognizes these distinctions. A 10 cent cigar is not taxed the same as a $15 premium cigar. Under the tax code, a premium ``large'' cigar might pay an excise tax amount that is 25 times greater than a small cigar. Small cigars make up a small percentage of sales in the overall market, and about 2 percent of all excise taxes on cigars are collected from small cigars. Yet under the American Jobs Creation Act, small cigar manufacturers will pay about 35 percent of the new assessments, unless the Secretary of Agriculture--when writing the rules--recognizes this distinction between small and large cigars. Otherwise, small cigar manufacturers will be assessed at a level that is far out of proportion with both their current excise tax burden and their overall market share.

Mr. Speaker, this is supposed to be a jobs bill, but ironically, I believe it will eliminate tobacco jobs in my state. For the Florida cigar industry, this provision is a job killer. I would hope this issue could be revisited in the future and a correction be made to reverse this unfair tax increase.

I look forward to working with the Secretary of Agriculture to fix this issue and ensure the tax is assessed on those manufacturers actually utilizing program tobacco. Since there is no per unit assessment level for cigars set in the bill, I trust the Secretary Will recognize the inherent differences in small and large cigars and set the assessment based on the market share of the product.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Boys and Girls Club of America and to support extending their Charter to meet future goals. As the saying goes, to the world you may be one person. But to one person, you may be their entire world. I think this applies especially to all of the good people involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

To me and to millions of children, Boys and Girls Clubs are not just buildings. These clubs are not just places where kids meet other kids. These clubs are the bedrock foundation for a number of young people who face an otherwise rapidly changing, and sometimes unstable, world.

These clubs are a point of stability, an area where young people learn responsibility. These clubs are places where boys and girls learn about teamwork, leadership, and values.

Back in 1860, several women in Hartford, Connecticut believed that boys roaming the street should have a positive alternative. They formed what would become the first Boys Club. In 1906, Boys Clubs started to affiliate and by 1956, the Boys Club of America received a Congressional Charter. Reflecting the times, Girls were added to the official name of the organization and its Charter in 1990.

But Boys and Girls Clubs are more than their history; these clubs are their volunteers, the people who operate these clubs, and the club sponsors. Each individual's contribution is reflected in the success and longevity of this organization. One of the issues I follow closely, support, and promote every chance I get is mentoring. I think this falls directly in line with what the Boys and Girls Club is all about.

Some of my friends might remember a discussion I began several years ago concerning ``problems of the soul.'' My focus was the erosion of moral values in our country and what we might do on a personal level, a community level, and even on a governmental level, to reverse the decline.

Much has occurred in the years since I began talking about problems of the soul. Much of what has happened is positive. Our nation places high value and respect on the family. We are a nation that rushes to the aid of those in need. The people of this country hold in reverence those who sacrifice their work, time with family, even their life for their country.

Despite the best of efforts, long-established vices continue to claw at our society. Plus, our world faces an even deeper evil, one rooted in radical extremism, one that finds its way to our society through terrorism. So clearly, there is still a need to focus on problems of the soul, and a need to find role models willing to give of their time and resources so that our young people have the opportunity to grow, learn, and accept responsibility.

Mentoring is a very worthwhile and much needed cause. Mentors serve as a guiding light, a benchmark, and a valuable asset for the many young people in America who might not otherwise have access to such a role model.

For many young people, mentors set an example of civility and stability. Mentors promote education and community respect. Mentors teach young people that there are benefits to contributing to selfless efforts such as charity drives, neighborhood cleanups, and serving in soup kitchens.

As a mentor, I personally know the satisfaction it brings to offer advice and guidance to a young person. I have known my mentee, Derek Williams for many years. Over that period we have become good friends. Today I am proud to say that he is in college, furthering his education, and building a strong foundation for his future.

There are numerous studies documenting that mentors help young people to augment social skills, enhance emotional well-being, improve cognitive skills, and to plan for the future. It also recognizes that for some children, having a caring adult mentor to turn to for guidance and encouragement can make the crucial difference between success and failure in life.

So it is incumbent on each and every one of us to offer our time and energy and love to children to provide positive role models and influences to young people to give them guidance and hope.

Currently, 17.6 million young people, nearly half the youth population, want or need mentors to help them reach their full potential. Only two-and-a-half million youth are in formal mentoring relationships, leaving 15 million young people still in need of mentors.

Earlier this year I asked Congress to adopt a resolution designating January 2004 as National Mentoring Month. My hope was that this month- long celebration of mentoring would encourage more adults to volunteer their time as mentors for young people and enlist the involvement of nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, faith communities, and government agencies in the mentoring movement. I think that effort was successful, but we have more to do.

The Boys and Girls Clubs are to be congratulated for working to make a positive difference in our society.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the achievements of Doctors for Designated Driving which is putting one of President George W. Bush's guiding principles--compassionate conservatism--into practice.

Doctors for Designated Driving is a group of physicians dedicated to working with the hospitality industry and other groups to promote the role of the designated driver. The group recognizes cooperating partners for their commitment to public safety through publicity and recognition awards including the ``Platinum Key of Life.''

I am proud that the Jacksonville Jaguars, together with the National Football League and the Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition, are supporting the designated driver programs during the 2004 season with a special incentive. This year Alltel Stadium-- home of the Jacksonville Jaguars and host of Super Bowl XXXIX-- encourages responsibility by providing fans a designated driver booth program where participating patrons receive free non-alcoholic drinks. Fans who register to be a designated driver will pledge not to drink alcohol, will drive their friends and family home safely, and will ensure that everyone always buckles up. At the end of the season, the TEAM Coalition and the Jacksonville Jaguars will select one designated driver to represent the team at Super Bowl XXXIX. The selected designated driver will receive two tickets to the game and hotel accommodations.

I want to commend my friend, Dr. Howard Forman, for his work in founding Doctors for Designated Driving. With our strong support, it is my hope that Doctors for Designated Driving will be successful in the promotion of designated drivers throughout the nation.

Mr. Speaker, on this third year since the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, I think it is appropriate for Americans to reflect on what we have learned since that fateful day, what we have done to make our homeland safer, and what we as a nation should do to secure our safety in the future.

Our Nation, and indeed the world, has learned that terrorism is a global epidemic that crosses all political lines and moral boundaries. Most recently, the terror attacks in Beslan, Russia prove that no country and no person is immune from the cowardice and tragedy of terrorism.

In these 3 years we have learned that U.S. leadership is necessary and working to stifle terrorists bent on killing, disrupting, and destroying our way of life. Afghanistan was the home base of Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorist network, but now the terror camps are closed, democracy is rising, and the American people are safer. Pakistan was a safe transit point for terrorists on missions of murder. Now their government is working with the United States to find terrorists in remote regions of Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is tracking down terrorists operating there. Libya has given up its nuclear-processing equipment.

Before America took action, Saddam Hussein's Iraq was a threat--he was a threat to us; he was a threat to the free world; he was a threat to the Middle East; and he was a threat to his own people. He is no longer a threat, and the American people are safer. We removed a declared enemy of America who had the capability of producing weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein had that capability, and he could have passed that capability to terrorists bent on acquiring them. After September 11, that is a risk we cannot afford to take. America must confront threats before they fully materialize--before it's too late.

These international actions have made our domestic borders more secure.

The United States has also used the 3 years since 9/11 to better equip our Nation's first responders. Police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and local government officials now have the tools, knowledge, and training to prevent or react to a terrorist attack. Congress created the Homeland Security Department to coordinate efforts to secure our borders, our air, and our seaports. The department monitors for potential threats coming from nontraditional sources aimed at our cities and our national infrastructure.

These three years of accomplishments include something especially important to my

hometown of Jacksonville. As one of the busiest seaports on the east coast, port security is critical to securing the homeland from foreign- bred tools of terror. Recognizing that cargo containers could bring dangerous items of an explosive, biological, or even nuclear danger, the Container Security Initiative is an initiative to protect the global trading system and the trade lanes between international ports and the United States. Under this program, a team of Customs and Border Protection officers is deployed to work with host nation counterparts to target all containers that pose a potential threat to our Nation.

It is clear a lot of progress has been made in the global war against terrorism. It is equally clear we have more to do.

In addition to building on the lessons of 9/11, improving our homeland security, and eradicating terrorist organizations, I believe America's charge going forward is to continue to lead by example. Our Nation must welcome with open arms our allies who join this fight. Our Nation must continue to export democracy to any burgeoning nation willing to embrace its principles. We ought to let our policies and principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness shine brightly over the grim allure of the hollow creeds of terrorists.

Looking forward, threats to this country in terms of terrorism are not going to come from rival global powers. They are going to come from the smaller emerging countries, smaller failing countries. Those are countries where they lack education, they lack the rule of law, they lack personal freedom; and those are countries where terrorism can flourish, where terrorism can fester, where terrorists can find sanctuary. If we want to deal with those kinds of threats, it seems to me we can prevent that from happening by encouraging policies like the rule of law, human rights, and civil liberties. We can encourage countries through targeted and goal-based foreign aid that will prevent terrorists from taking root in unstable countries.

This September 11, I know many Americans will pay tribute to those lost 3 years ago. I add my voice to that tribute and say that I am proud of America, I am proud of Americans, I am proud of our troops here and abroad, and I am proud of our Commander in Chief. This day let us pray for those still hurting from the tragic losses of September 11, 2001, and let us as a nation continue working toward those goals that will prevent this tragedy from ever visiting us again.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time, and I thank the chairman for his leadership in this area.

This is money, Mr. Speaker, that will go to help people who are hurting right now, and, believe me, there are a lot of people in Florida who are hurting. Even in my area in northeast Florida where we did not suffer any direct brunt of the hurricane, thousands of people are without electricity. Their homes have been damaged. And while State, local, and Federal officials did a great job of doing everything they could to prepare for this disaster, one can only do so much.

So I urge my colleagues to support this so that we can once again get the money to the people that are hurting now and come back and help those at a later time. I urge the adoption of this bill.

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

I rise in strong support of this legislation for a lot of reasons. Most important, I think, is that of all of the bills that we pass that relate to defense, this is the only piece of legislation whose main theme is the betterment of the lives of the men and women who wear our uniform; and it does it primarily in the area of housing in terms of their quality of life.

For too long, we have put the priority in terms of the weapons systems, in terms of the tanks that they drove, and for the first time in modern history, we are now saying that quality of life, living conditions are very, very important to our men and women.

So in this bill we spend over $1 billion of new money to provide for that kind of housing, and we do it in creative, innovative ways, something like a Ship-to-Shore program.

Right now, our sailors, when they are at sea being deployed, they live in very cramped situations, and that is a real sacrifice that they make, and it is part of the sacrifice they make overall. But when they come back to their home port, it is inexcusable that they have to continue to live on these ships in these cramped conditions, and that is what the Ship-to-Shore program helps to solve. It gives them a place to live on their base, more living room, a better way to live; and that is important.

Then we have heard a lot of discussion about housing privatization. This is revolutionary, and it is crazy that somebody has decided that when the Federal Government spends no money whatsoever that somehow, that is counted against Federal spending. So we have this new program that is innovative, creative, where the private sector comes in, builds new housing, takes the kinds of risks that they ought to take because they know it is going to be a profitable situation. So we have that as well.

Most of all, this bill recognizes the most important asset we have are our men and women in uniform, and this goes a long way towards providing a better quality of life for all of them. I urge the adoption of this legislation.