Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday of this week I had the wonderful experience of participating in a very important and worthwhile exercise in civilian diplomacy.

Coordinated by the Campaign for a New American Policy in Iran, Tuesday's event, called ``Time to Talk with Iran,'' brought together a bipartisan gathering of Members of Congress, citizen groups, and religious organizations calling for bilateral negotiations without preconditions between the United States and Iran to dissuade Iran from seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.

Our message was simple: It is time to talk to Iran.

In fact it is past time we talk to Iran.

Because we hear the same people who supported a disastrous war of choice in Iraq now steadily beating the drum for war with Iran.

We have been down this road before and Americans have learned a simple truth from five hard and bitter years in Iraq:

No unjust war ever produced a just and lasting peace.

It has not worked in Iraq. It will not work in Iran.

We do not need another rush to unwarranted, unnecessary, and misguided military action. We need instead to launch a diplomatic surge for peace and reconciliation.

That is why earlier this year I introduced H.R. 5056, the Iran Diplomatic Accountability Act of 2008, which directs the President to appoint a high-level envoy empowered to seek to conduct direct, unconditional, bilateral negotiations with Iran for the purpose of easing tensions and normalizing relations between the United States and Iran.

My bill takes a common sense approach and it is one the American people understand.

Six out of 10 Americans do want their president to talk to Iran's president, according to the most-recent Gallup poll.

Many leading organizations active in the nuclear nonproliferation movement support this approach as indicated by the attached letter in support of diplomatic dialogue with Iran from the Friends Committee On National Legislation, FCNL.

Foreign policy experts also support direct negotiations without preconditions. In fact, a group of 5 bipartisan former U.S. secretaries of state have called for the U.S. to open talks with Iran to find common ground and resolve differences on Iraq, Iran's nuclear program, and other issues.

They understand that the current policy of avoiding serious negotiations with Iran until Iran suspends uranium enrichment has not worked. They understand that an offer of bilateral negotiations with a precondition is essentially no offer at all, when the precondition is the object of the negotiations.

Not only is talking to Iran the most sensible approach--it is far superior to preemptive military action against Iran. We know from the misadventure in Iraq that the humanitarian, economic, political, and military consequences of military conflict with Iran would be staggering.

Simply put: this Nation cannot afford these costs--especially on top of the tremendous costs of the debacle in Iraq.

Finally, Madam Speaker, although many persons were responsible for planning this extraordinary exercise in civilian diplomacy, I would like to single out for special recognition Carah Ong of the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation; Bill Goold, Executive Director of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; and Nicole King of my personal staff. They did a wonderful job organizing this event.

It is time to talk to Iran. As the ``Time to Talk to Iran'' event this past Tuesday, all it takes to begin is one ``Hello.''

Friends Committee on

National Legislation,

Washington, DC, June 3, 2008.

Dear Member of Congress, We write to call your attention to

the recent call from five former U.S. secretaries of state

for the U.S. to open talks with Iran. We urge you to speak

out in favor of such talks and to support legislation to

encourage them.

Colin Powell, Henry Kissinger, James Baker III, Madeleine

Albright, and Warren Christopher all urged the U.S. to open a

dialogue with Iran to find common ground and resolve

differences on Iraq, Iran's nuclear program, and other

issues.

The administration's policy of avoiding serious

negotiations with Iran until Iran suspends uranium enrichment

has not worked. We agree with those in Congress and elsewhere

who have argued that to offer bilateral negotiations with a

precondition is no offer at all, especially when the

precondition is the object of the negotiations. This position

guarantees that the negotiations with the best chance of

settling U.S.-Iran differences will not begin.

Former national security advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski and

the late former National Security Agency director William

Odom wrote recently that ``Current U.S. policy toward the

regime in Tehran will almost certainly result in an Iran with

nuclear weapons.'' They and many other analysts have

concluded) that U.S. military action against Iran would only

delay an Iranian nuclear weapons program and insure their

determination to acquire nuclear weapons. Extreme elements

would be strengthened and the cause of reform in Iran would

be set back for years to come. Military action would also

increase animosity toward the U.S. in the Middle East and

elsewhere. It would prompt a big spike in the price of oil

and would likely lead to retaliatory actions against the U.S.

in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Current U.S. policy not to seriously negotiate with Iran

has failed. The absence of talks and the addition of ever

more stringent economic sanctions will resolve nothing.

Military action would be disastrous. The only sensible option

that serves the interests of the U.S. and the nations of the

Middle East is to explore the possibility of finding common

ground with Iran through direct negotiations. Common ground

is not hard to imagine. For starters, both countries have an

interest in a stable Iraq, a Taliban-free Afghanistan, and

increased oil production capacity in Iran. The U.S. need not

wait to develop leverage.

Please add your voice to those of the five former U.S.

secretaries of state and other senior figures who are urging

the U.S. to open talks with Iran. And please look for

legislative opportunities to put Congress on record in

support of such talks.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jim Fine,

Legislative Secretary for Foreign Policy.

Mr. Speaker, as the prices at the pump continue to hit record highs, House Democrats know that the

American people are struggling with these outrageously high prices. Some people are having to choose between buying gasoline and food. Others cannot afford to go to work.

Before the Bush administration conducted the bombing, the war and the occupation of Iraq, the price of gasoline was as low as $1.35 per gallon. Now it's over $4 per gallon. Oil was $23 a barrel. Now it's over $130 a barrel. There is no way, no way you can convince the American people that the price at the pump is not related to this misguided war and occupation of Iraq.

The effects of the Bush-Iraq recession, and that is what it is, are devastating our economy and wreaking havoc on the lives of families and children. It's time our Republican friends in the Bush administration join us in supporting our legislation to bring down the price of gasoline, and it is time to end the war and occupation of Iraq.

Believe me, this will bring down the price of gasoline at the pump.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Mr. Austin Simon. A pioneer and man of great distinction, Mr. Simon was the first African-American Postmaster in the 9th Congressional District. We lost our beloved Austin Simon on May 5, 2008. Known as ``Si'' to his loved ones, Mr. Simon lived a full and vibrant 81 years, and although his presence will be sorely missed among his family and friends, his legacy will continue far into the future.

Austin Simon was born in 1926 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Seymour and Mary Simon. Mr. Simon was a retired M.S.C. Postmaster in the Bay Area and was the first African-American to head both the Richmond and Oakland, California offices. The sheer substance of such an incredible life accomplishment attests to Mr. Austin's vitality and energy. He experienced firsthand some of the most important and dynamic moments in the struggles of African-Americans in our country throughout the last century. Mr. Austin was indeed on the frontlines of history, breaking the glass ceiling for generations of African-Americans pursuing careers in the United States Post Office.

In addition to a distinguished career in the postal service, Mr. Simon served his country in the United States Army during World War II. In his community, Mr. Simon participated as an active and committed Mason for more than 50 years and served as the Honorary Grand Master of the Hiram of Tyree Grand Lodge of California. He was also a member of the Stars of Love No. 22 Order of the Eastern Star for 50 years.

Even in his retirement, Mr. Simon was incredibly energetic and proved to be an inspiring role-model throughout his life. Mr. Simon knew the importance of community stewardship and creating lasting relationships with his fellow man. After moving to Las Vegas in 1996, Mr. Simon was quick to become engaged in his new community and search out new ways to contribute to society. In Las Vegas, Mr. Simon became a member of the Alpha Lodge No. 75, which he helped establish into a reputable and impressive organization. He led his fellow Alpha Lodge No. 75 members, dedicating his time and efforts as District Deputy Grand Master.

It is obvious that Mr. Simon's lifelong profession was to help others achieve their dreams and accomplish their goals. A dedicated family man, Mr. Simon balanced his personal, professional, and political dedications so that all who were fortunate enough to know this great man could benefit from his compassion and warmth.

A pillar of strength and historic figure in our community, Mr. Simon will be sorely missed. However, we are thankful for the opportunities he gave us to come together and celebrate the hope and love in our lives. As we say goodbye to him, we have been given yet another opportunity to reflect on the rich past of the African-American community and the tumultuous American century which defined our heritage, diligence, and hopes for the future.

Austin Simon's legacy will surely live on through all who knew him, and all who know

of his great accomplishments. Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors Mr. Austin Simon. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, especially his wife of 39 years, Mrs. Bertha L Simon, his daughter Linda Duhon, and his sons Austin Jr., Ricky, Anthony, Aaron, Christopher, Marcus, Gregory, Cedric, and Kevin. His legacy will live on through his siblings, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nephews, nieces, godchildren, in-laws, and loving friends. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, first let me thank Chairman Splatt for his leadership and for his hard work on this budget. I also want to thank all the staff, especially Tom Kahn and Scott Russell.

They have put together a very good budget that we should all support.

The Democratic budget restores vital funding to programs that will help American families during these difficult economic times.

The Democratic budget rejects the President's cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, rejects his cuts to food assistance and rejects his cuts to higher education.

Our budget will expand children's healthcare, increase support for first responders and for veterans, expand support for renewable energy initiatives and fund new green job training programs.

I'm also very pleased that the budget retains language that I and Republican Woolsey worked on with Chairman Spratt to address the continuing waste fraud and abuse at the Department of Defense.

Again I want to thank and commend Chairman Spratt for his work on this budget and I urge my colleagues to support it.

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for your leadership and your commitment to our country's children.

I rise today in strong support of this bill. Not only does it provide for the modernization and repair of our schools, but it also employs green building standards and encourages States to adopt forward- thinking, energy-efficient strategies.

And I must thank Chairman Miller for this bill, and the committee, but also for including in the manager's amendment language that I authored that requires local education agencies to report on the number and amount of contracts awarded to small minority and women-owned and veteran-owned businesses.

As a longtime advocate of green jobs that will be fundamental to America's future economic competitiveness, I believe everyone must have the opportunity to benefit from the green economy supported by this language.

Let me just say that I firmly believe the American people would rather invest in their school children. And in listening to this debate, it's mind boggling to hear the other side talk about resource allocation and priorities. I think the American people would rather send our children to decent schools rather than fund a war and an occupation in Iraq that did not have to be fought. Here we're talking about now another $180 something billion plus as another down payment of this occupation that the President wants. This could lead us up to, what, $3 trillion in terms of the occupation.

I just wanted to make this one point because I listened very closely to what the fiscal arguments were on this bill. And it's hard to believe that you continue to fund this occupation in Iraq, yet you talk about the fact that we don't have the resources to create schools worthy of our children.

So I think this is about priorities. And I hope that everyone on both sides will vote for this bill in a bipartisan fashion.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for yielding. I support this bill and hope we all vote for it.

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, earlier today I missed rollcall votes numbered 367 through 369. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 367 regarding, H. Con. Res. 138, Supporting National Men's Health Week; ``aye'' on rollcall 368 regarding, H. Res. 923, Recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th Anniversary; and ``aye'' on rollcall 369 regarding H. Res. 1114, Supporting the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor Day.

Mr. Speaker, although I support the legitimate Government of Lebanon, I could not support H. Res. 1194 because it contains language calling upon the United States ``to immediately take all appropriate actions to support and strengthen'' the current Government of Lebanon.

I believe this wording is unnecessarily broad and could he construed by some to implicitly endorse military action against any state or organization that this administration deems a threat to the Lebanese government. Because the resolution does not expressly exclude the use of force as one of the ``appropriate actions'' to be taken by the United States, I was not able to support it.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

First let me thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for their work on this bill and also for their devotion to the men and women of our Armed Forces.

Thank you very much on behalf of my dad, retired Lieutenant Colonel, recently deceased, Garvin Tutt. Thank you, Mr. Skelton; thank you, Mr. Hunter.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple and straightforward. It provides that no provision contained in any Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA, negotiated between the President and the Government of Iraq which commits the United States to the defense and security of Iraq from internal and external threats is valid unless this agreement has been authorized and approved by Congress.

This may sound complicated but it really is not. The issue is really simple. Should President Bush, this President, or any President be allowed to obligate our troops to a long-term commitment to spend resources and provide troops to defend Iraq against its enemies internal or external without congressional review? The longstanding answer and constitutional answer to this question is ``no.'' So, Mr. Chairman, this amendment should not be controversial.

And why is it needed? Because in November, 2007, President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki signed the Declaration of Principles for Friendship and Cooperation, which included an unprecedented commitment to defend Iraq against internal and external threats. Frankly, this is not only unprecedented, but it is really insulting when one considers that the agreement does require the review and approval of the Iraqi Parliament but not our own Congress. That doesn't make any sense. If prior review and approval is good enough for the Iraqi Parliament, it is good enough for the United States Congress. In fact, it is essential for the United States Congress to give their approval.

I want to take a moment to address the position of the administration and some of my Republican colleagues who would argue that the agreement is nothing more than a garden variety. Status of Forces Agreements, for the most part, don't require congressional involvement or approval. But the reality is that this Declaration of Principles goes far beyond what is typically covered in the Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA. The reality is that routine SOFAs do not include any guarantee to defend a host country against external or internal threats. That just has not been part of prior SOFA agreements.

I cannot underscore just how serious this commitment is. An agreement of this kind to commit American troops to the defense of security of another country is not routine or typical or minor. It is a major commitment that must have the support of the American people, and that popular support will only be reflected through the Congress of the United States, the people's House.

Mr. Chairman, if a decision is made about keeping troops in Iraq indefinitely, then it is the Congress that

should have a say. My amendment does that.

I want to be clear, though, that this amendment is not about redeploying our troops from Iraq, a position that I strongly support, nor is it about timelines or reconstruction or oil or the various other debates raging around our occupation of Iraq. We can't undo the suffering, the death, the horrible injuries, the deep psychological scars, or the millions of lives that are forever altered, and we can't erase the misrepresentations made, the mistakes made, or the damage done. But we can, however, prevent future mistakes. And it would be a disastrous mistake to let the current declaration move forward without congressional debate and approval.

So this amendment is about the future. Do we want the next President and Congress to inherit a situation where our troops are committed to fight Iraqi civil wars and any entity the Iraqis deem a threat? Do we really want that? Do we want to do that without even having debated it or allowing congressional review? Do we really want that?

This is about standing up for Congress and the Constitution. Again, this amendment is responsible, practical, and necessary. For these reasons, I urge all Members to support my amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 1 minute to the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton).

Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have left?

I would yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott).

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

I would like to yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from California (Ms. Woolsey).

I would like to yield now 1 minute to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. Chairman, I'd like to yield the remaining time to close to the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton).

Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of the McGovern- Sestak-Bishop, GA, amendment.

This important amendment will restore public access to the name, country of origin, and other information of graduates and instructors of the infamous Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, WHINSEC, formerly known as the School of the Americas.

In doing so, this amendment will provide a critical measure of transparency to the training provided by the United States at this institution.

We know that prior training provided by WHINSEC has led to increased instability in Latin America and numerous violations of human rights at the hands of former students--including torture, extortion, and executions.

Rather than supporting peace and stability, this institution has instead done quite the opposite.

Many countries in the region are still struggling to recover from decades of dictatorship, corruption, and human rights abuses perpetrated by WHINSEC graduates.

At a time when our occupation of Iraq has greatly damaged our credibility and standing in the world, it is imperative that we reverse the legacy of this school that is drenched in secrecy, terror, and violence.

I urge my colleagues to improve our reputation as a promoter of democratic ideals, protect human rights, and support this amendment.

Madam Speaker, first let me thank and applaud Congressman Wu for his leadership in offering this very important resolution today.

It is with great sadness that all of us have watched the news reports of thousands of people who have been displaced or who have died as a result of the earthquake in China last week. I have talked with constituents in my district who have family and friends affected by this tragedy.

I was particularly pained by the children who were trapped in the collapsed schools and buildings. It is my hope and my prayer, like those of this entire body, that more survivors will be found and that more families will be reunited.

I want to extend my condolences to the Chinese people and especially to those families who have lost their loved ones.

The people of my district, the Ninth Congressional District of California, are rallying together in solidarity to provide humanitarian relief in response to the quake.

Donations to humanitarian relief agencies are already flowing in, and our local Chinatown Chamber of Commerce is working with the local Red Cross to place donation canisters at local restaurants and businesses to help raise additional funds. I know that 14 of the canisters have already been placed.

The people of my district and myself will do everything we can to help with the relief and recovery efforts during this tragic time. This is a natural disaster of enormous proportions that requires an unprecedented response. As a country, we must extend our hand of friendship and our heart of compassion.

My heart and my prayers go out to the people of China, but I know that with the world unified in assisting with these efforts that the people will receive some form of relief very quickly.

I thank Congressman Wu for your leadership and for your compassion and for giving us the opportunity to talk about this very important, tragic natural disaster that has turned really into a human disaster.

First, let me thank my colleague from New York, a great American and a proud daughter of the Caribbean, for your leadership and for putting together this Special Order tonight.

And as I listen to you, I'm thinking, I hope everyone in the country is listening tonight because I get so many questions about the world food crisis, the whys, what is going on? Why, even in some of our communities, stores are stockpiling rice? And I think what you are doing tonight is allowing us to give the big picture, the explanation, talk about what is really talking place. And so thank you, Congresswoman Clarke, for your leadership and your vision and for putting this all together tonight.

Let me just say a couple of things. First of all, Congresswoman Clarke mentioned the congressional delegation. Congresswoman Kilpatrick and myself co-led it to Haiti to examine the current conditions on the ground.

Now, during our visit, we were joined by 10 members of the Congressional Black Caucus and one member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. I'd like to mention who these Members are because they reflect the broad concern, regionally, and just in terms of their deep commitment to address some of the humanitarian issues that we must address in the world. Congressman Andre Carson, Congresswoman, of course, Yvette Clarke, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congressman Hank Johnson, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congresswoman Diane Watson, and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. We all have a longstanding interest and commitment to strengthen our ties with Haiti and the Haitian people.

Now, during this codel we met with Haitian President Rene Preval, our United States Ambassador Janet Sanderson, and representatives from humanitarian and development organizations in Haiti. Our goals were to examine the United States strategy to help alleviate the effects of the recent rise in food prices in Haiti. We were there to ensure that there is infrastructure, which we discussed with President Preval, to make sure there is adequate infrastructure in place to help distribute aid to the Haitian people, and that there is a long-term plan in place to expand that infrastructure. Also, to take steps to ensure a safe and stable and promising future for Haiti and all Haitians by providing immediate relief to help the Haitian people.

So we want many, many short-term goals to be met, but also, we want these short-term goals and initiatives to lead to a more sustainable effort to make sure that the Haitian people begin to receive our assistance with regard to the infrastructure, health care, clean water, and all of the systems that people just deserve so that they can live decent lives.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. And Haitians are particularly affected by soaring food prices, which have risen over 40 percent globally since mid 2007. Haiti produces 50 percent of the food it needs and imports the rest.

The rising cost of living has keenly affected the people of Haiti. Forty percent of Haiti's population is only able to eat one meal a day. Eighty percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day. And the cost of staples, such as rice, beans, fruit, and condensed milk, have gone up 50 percent in the last year.

In terms of health aid organizations, they fear that the nutritional crisis will get worse in Haiti. Haiti has the highest rates in the Caribbean of HIV and AIDS. And in order to make sure that the anti- retroviral drugs are effective, good nutrition must be available. Food must be available for people to eat so that they can just take their medications, otherwise, it just won't work.

According to the World Food Program, malnutrition is particularly acute in Haiti, where the average Haitian diet contains just 1,640 calories, 460 calories short of the typical 2,100 daily requirement. Particularly, one in five children is chronically malnourished.

Now, anti-government protests and public looting in reaction to soaring food prices have really jeopardized Haiti's capacity to sustain and administer its government institutions effectively. Currently, Haiti's government is in a very precarious caretaker position, where they are unable to create and enforce new laws.

On April 12 of this year, Haitian Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis was forced out of office for failure to boost food production and lower food prices. In addition, the Haitian Parliament vetoed President Preval's recent replacement appointee for the Prime Minister position. With no head of government, Haiti is left in a very fragile state, and it's up to us to help fill the void in terms of just helping to feed the people of Haiti.

As a witness to these dire conditions in Haiti, we must take urgent steps to implement an effective strategy to help the Haitian people. Congresswoman Clarke reviewed some of the

initiatives that have taken place here in terms of what we have done in the farm bill, what we are urging the President to do. Actually, he did announce we would release 200 million in emergency food aid, some of which would go to Haiti. He also called on Congress to approve the 770 million in food aid to help fight the food crisis. But we've learned now that there is $1 million that has not been released yet, which would help reduce the cost of rice for the Haitian people. And so one of the initiatives that we talked about is how we could help facilitate this $1 million so that the Haitian people will at least be able to afford to buy rice. We're working on that very diligently as I speak.

This crisis, though, let me just say, has opened the door to much needed innovation for long-term development solutions in Haiti. So as I said earlier, this crisis should be addressed with an immediate response, and it should be a strong and very aggressive and very robust response because this is a very dire situation. But we also need to make sure that we don't go backwards and that the crisis is contained, and that we move forward and look at how to help Haiti find some sustainable solutions in terms of agricultural development, the development of their infrastructure, and all of the other initiatives, debt relief, that are so desperately needed.

And so members of our delegation are working on a variety of bills which will be announced very shortly, and we're working on a variety of actions. And so I just hope that President Bush will make sure that everything is done on behalf of the people of the United States to just help Haiti live, help Haiti thrive, and help the Haitian people move on with their lives.

Thank you, Congresswoman Clarke.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this continued occupation in Iraq, and I want to thank Chairman Obey for his leadership and for yielding me this time. I'm so much opposed to giving this President this new funding to continue this occupation with no strings attached until last night, once again, I went to the Rules Committee to propose the Lee amendment, which would provide funding only for the safe, responsible redeployment of our troops and contractors, and also for a strong diplomatic initiative. Not one dime should be spent anymore for funding this combat operation.

We just left a hearing of our Winter Soldiers. These young men and women told us about the dehumanizing effects of what has happened to them in terms of our troops. This has got to stop.

One of their first requests was to ask us not to vote for any more funding, to fund only redeployment and to bring them home.

In honor of our troops, let's bring them home and not send any more money over there to fight this war.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the continued occupation in Iraq and I want to thank my Chairman, David Obey for his leadership and for yielding me the time. I am opposed to giving this president $180 billion with no strings attached to continue the disastrous war and occupation in Iraq as amendment No. 1 does.

The war and occupation in Iraq has put our country and economy in a hole. When you are in a hole, you've got to stop digging and climb your way out. Today that means funding the

safe redeployment of our American troops and contractors out of Iraq.

The Lee Amendment I offered at the Rules Committee would have accomplished that but it was not made in order. So I have no choice but to vote against providing more funding for Iraq.

Unlike amendment No. 1, amendment No. 2 contains important restrictions and limitations on funding and would begin redeployment of our troops within 30 days. The second amendment also contains two restrictions and conditions that I have long championed. The first is the prohibition against the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq. The second condition prohibits the President from unilaterally binding the U.S. to an agreement with the Government of Iraq that includes security assurances for mutual defense.

Finally, I support amendment No. 3 which provides urgent funding for domestic and international priorities, including a new GI bill for our brave veterans, extension of unemployment benefits, funding for peacekeeping operations in Darfur, and urgently needed international food and disaster assistance.

The sad fact is that in the last 5 years this Administration has spent nearly a half trillion dollars on the Iraq war and occupation and we have precious little to show for it. Iraq has been destabilized, our national prestige has been tarnished, and national attention has been diverted from the real and urgent challenges facing the American people.

Over 4,000 American troops and tens of thousands of Iraqis have died, more than 30,000 Americans are wounded, and more than 4 million Iraqis are displaced.

It is far past time to stop the madness.

I urge a ``no'' vote on amendment No. 1. I urge a ``yes'' vote on amendment No. 2 and No. 3. We must redeploy and honor our troops by bringing them home.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud associate member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chaired by a great leader, Congressman Mike Honda of California, I rise today to join my colleagues in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Countless Asian Pacific Americans have contributed to our history, culture and economy. We could not be the Nation that we are today without the contributions of the Asian Pacific American community.

My home State of California has the largest and fastest growing Asian American population with 4.6 million people. I represent a wonderful and diverse mix of Asian Pacific Americans who are proud of their cultural heritage and who share a strong link to people in their home countries. We have many festivals that share music, food, dance, culture, art and customs with the entire Bay Area.

On behalf of my constituents, I also want to take this moment to express my great sadness for the recent tragedies that just occurred in Burma and China. My heart and prayers go out to the millions of people who have been affected by these natural disasters.

I especially want to extend my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. The people of my district and I will do everything we can to help with the relief and recovery efforts during this tragic time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2419, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.

Mr. Speaker I must state from the beginning--I have never been a strong supporter of the previous farm bills that we have considered.

I and many of my constituents have long believed that the Federal Government wastes far too much taxpayer money on subsidizing farmers and farm programs.

While it is true that many small scale farmers should be protected during cyclical downturns, far too much Federal funding is spent subsidizing large scale agribusiness and wealthy farmers who don't need our support.

That being said, I appreciate the efforts of the committee to address some of the unnecessary spending in this bill. However I had hoped they would have gone further to reform farm bill programs.

The reason I am able to support the conference report is because it does include a very robust nutrition title that provides $10.361 billion in funding which will support 38 million families to purchase healthy foods.

Among the key nutrition items included in the bill:

The food stamp program is modernized to help an additional 11 million people by 2012.

The Emergency Food Assistance program is expanded and indexed for inflation to help support food banks, soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

The bill also provides $1 billion to help schools provide free fruits and vegetables to schoolchildren.

These and other improvements to nutrition programs in the farm bill will provide much needed funding to groups like the Alameda County Community Food Bank and the Berkeley Food and Housing Project in my district.

The conference report is also supported by a number of organizations, including the California Association of Food Banks, California Food Policy Advocates, California School Employees Association, National Council of Jewish Women, Congressional Hunger Center, AARP, ACORN, Families USA, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Counties, and the Center for Law and Social Policy.

Mr. Speaker, despite my concerns about continuing unnecessary subsidies, I believe the robust nutrition title in the conference report deserves our support.

Mr. Speaker, let me thank Chairman Frank and Chairwoman Waters for bringing this badly needed legislation to the floor today. Millions of families in America are seeing their dream of homeownership turning into a nightmare. Foreclosure rates have reached crisis levels. In California and in many parts of my district, too many families are facing devastation, and entire neighborhoods are on the brink of collapse.

Homeownership has been the primary means that most Americans have to accumulate any kind of wealth, to send their kids to college, to start a small business, or to do whatever they want to do to be part of the American dream.

I want to thank Chairman Frank for including language in this legislation which I introduced with Senator McCaskill to address the Reverse Mortgage Proceeds Protection Act which protects seniors from losing their homes.

We are beginning to see some of the same abuses in the advertising and high-pressure sales of reverse mortgages as we saw in the subprime mortgage crisis. These provisions will ensure that vulnerable seniors are fully informed of hidden costs and pitfalls of reverse mortgages before they sign.