Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 10, the ``Flag Protection Amendment.'' Every day we rise with dignity to salute and pledge allegiance to our Nation's flag. We do so because our flag stands for liberty, democracy, and all the sacred ideals that allow us to rise here at all.

The stars-and-stripes are recognized in almost every corner of the globe as an emblem of liberating hope. This great symbol we respect so much has cloaked the bodies of our fallen brave and graced the final moments of our presidents. On American soil, she stands tall before all other flags and is lowered in sorrow only for the greatest of patriots. She waves from our homes and churches and crowns our Nation's greatest houses of freedom, including the one in which we now deliberate.

Our flag is handled with the utmost care by those who have worked hardest to sustain and protect what she stands for, by those who have dedicated their lives to her. Let us never forget their sacrifice and remain diligent in protecting the greatest symbol of democracy and freedom from desecration.

We would never tolerate the desecration of this or any other public building. We would never tolerate the desecration of our Nation's hallowed graves or places of worship. We would never stand idly by if Lady Liberty, the Washington Monument, or the Liberty Bell were ever torn from their pedestals and dragged into the streets. Why then should we leave our Nation's most cherished and recognized symbol vulnerable and unprotected in the very land that had its birth beneath her glorious colors?

I urge my colleagues to ensure that our beloved banner will survive, unscathed, every ``twilight's last gleaming.'' Guarantee that within our borders she will forever wave proudly ``o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.'' Please join me in voting for H.J. Res. 10, the ``Flag Protection Amendment.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Gallo, owner and president of Gallo Office Products in Indiana, Pennsylvania, who has been named a NFIB Small Business Champion Award Winner for 2005. The NFIB Small-Business Champion award program identifies a smallbusiness activist in each of the 50 States who have distinguished themselves through their involvement and participation in NFIB programs and activities.

Within months of starting his own business in 1992, Richard Gallo joined NFIB and has worked ever since to support Main Street small businesses. As an elected official, candidate for State office, civic leader, and NFIB member, Richard has been a tireless advocate for his community and a supporter for the free enterprise system.

As a committed member for over thirteen years, Richard Gallo is currently serving his second term on the NFIB/Pennsylvania Leadership Council as a vice president. Prior to his election as a LC vice president, Richard served as chairman of the Area Action Council-- Pennsylvania's first AAC.

On top of his local NFIB leadership, Rich has supported the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation Scholarship program, which encourages entrepreneurship in young Americans. Rich has testified before both Congress and the Pennsylvania State legislature. In 1999, Rich testified before the U.S. House Committee on Small Business concerning small-business health plans (formerly known as AHPs). In 2000, he testified before the Pennsylvania House Select Committee on Pharmaceuticals, and in 2004 Richard testified before the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee on Contract Bundling. Rich has represented NFIB at several Presidential events and has also worked actively to help the sales team to recruit new NFIB members, including attending drive-a-longs with sales representatives. In addition to his extensive activities with NFIB, Richard is a long time community activist. Richard recently retired as Indiana Borough Council vice president and has run three times for the state legislature. In 1994, Richard was named Indiana County's Republican Man of the Year, and he also served as the State Board Vice Chairman of the Yokefellowship Prison Ministry. He is a past president of the Indiana Lions Club, a board member of a local YMCA, an Indiana Midday Rotary Club member, and a member of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce.

Richard Gallo's contribution to America's small businesses, NFIB, and his surrounding community is truly invaluable. I am proud of his efforts to strengthen the economy and the engine of our economy, small business.

Madam Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's working with us to modify language on his amendment. I think all of us know and I know specifically as I travel to Florida to review some of the damage and some of the problems that occurred during those hurricanes and with FEMA coming down there and things they did and did not do, I know firsthand that there are problems and we need to make these types of corrections.

I think the gentleman's amendment, by modifying it, has strengthened the language and put into law not just a process or a regulation by FEMA but these are going to be standards that FEMA is going to need to adhere to when they are determining whom to pay funeral expenses to, those who deserve and those who do not deserve. And we heard of cases, a couple of hundred of them in Florida where there was fraud, abuse, and they got funds to pay for funeral expenses; and I think this language is going to go a long way to making sure that that does not happen, not only in Florida but across this country.

On the subcommittee that I chair, the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, we are committed to working with my friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam), to talking to the FEMA folks and making sure they are reviewing these cases in the past, but also going forward.

So the gentleman has my commitment, and we will sit down and, as I said, talk to the folks from FEMA to see that we clear up this matter.

I thank the gentleman, and I appreciate him working with us.

Mr. Chairman, I raise a point of order against, beginning with the colon on page 36, line 19, through ``funds'' on line 22.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, this is a good and fair rule that provides ample time to discuss this very, very important issue. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and to support the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to applaud the gentleman from California's (Chairman Cox) commitment to first responders and for developing a bill that better prepares our Nation for terrorism.

Since before the terrorist attacks of September 11, experts from across the political spectrum have urged these kinds of reforms that are in this bill. These improvements include clear preparedness standards to guide State expenditures, mutual aid agreements, interoperable equipment and better planning and coordination between first responders at all levels of government.

I also want to applaud the gentleman from California (Chairman Cox) for his willingness to carry this bill forward in an open and fair process.

As the chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, I can say with confidence that we have a stronger bill today because of the efforts of the gentleman from California (Chairman Cox) and the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young).

I particularly want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for working with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to incorporate two important principles throughout this bill: a commitment to the Nation's all hazards emergency system and minimum funding for all States.

We must remember that first responders have to deal with all kinds of disasters, regardless of the cause, and that our first responder programs must address terrorism in that context. There are no terrorism fire stations in this country. Firefighters respond to everything. The Cox bill recognizes this and ensures that terrorism preparedness is fully compatible with our existing all hazards system.

The second principle acknowledges that every State must have basic response capabilities. I come from a State with two very large metropolitan areas, but I recognize that terrorists can attack outside of these big cities.

Furthermore, if there is a catastrophic attack in a large urban area, local response agencies will be overwhelmed and will require assistance from units across this country, suburban areas as well as rural areas. These units will need proper equipment and training to effectively integrate into a large-scale disaster response.

States need a guaranteed minimum level of funding to meet both these requirements.

I would again like to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for his hard work and leadership and urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize with great pride the Jimmy Stewart Museum of Indiana, Pennsylvania, in honor of the 10th anniversary of its opening. Honoring the life of a motion picture icon and American patriot, the Jimmy Stewart Museum preserves all aspects of Indiana, Pennsylvania's favorite son.

While most Americans remember Jimmy Stewart as idealistic Jefferson Smith in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, watching him go toe-to-toe with Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story, and welcoming George Bailey into their homes every year at Christmas to find out why exactly It's A Wonderful Life, the people of Indiana proudly remember him as a good neighbor and citizen dedicated to his beloved hometown where his family resided for generations.

It is for this reason they came together to develop the Jimmy Stewart Museum which became a community effort in every sense of the words. While modesty initially shied Jimmy Stewart himself away from the idea of such a project, he came to understand the economic benefits the museum could produce for the area. With the creation of the Jimmy Stewart Foundation in 1994 the project catapulted into action with local volunteers, financial backers, and even a local architect who designed the facility pro-bono. Not only would the museum improve the economy of the community, it would improve the morale and incorporate a spirit of generosity to everyone who became involved with the museum and its efforts.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum, located directly across from the site of his father's hardware store, opened to the public on May 20, 1995, Stewart's 87th birthday. Since then it has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world to view an extensive collection of personal, local, and film industry memorabilia. Included in the collection is the Oscar awarded to Stewart for his Best Actor performance in The Philadelphia Story, as well as particular emphasis on his service to his country during WWII where he served as a bomber pilot in the European Theater and retired with the rank of brigadier general.

While the contributions of Jimmy Stewart to both community and the arts are undeniably deserved, the recognition for those who had the foresight and determination to preserve the memory of such an extraordinary life must not go unnoticed. Notable supporters Nick and Nina Clooney and comedian Rich Little generously donate their time to assist in the efforts of keeping the museum at its best. The museum is a true testament to the character of Indiana and I am proud of the devotion the town has shown towards their favorite son and subsequently to each other in the creation of this museum.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Jimmy Stewart Museum on its 10th Anniversary and offer my genuine best wishes for many prosperous years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to applaud the House for the passage of H.R. 748, the Child Interstate Notification Act, sponsored by my colleague from Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. This important legislation prohibits the transportation of a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion for the sole purpose of avoiding parental consent laws.

It is a tragedy to deny parents the ability to consult with their child at the most critical time. It is a parent who can provide the emotional and psychological support that their daughter will need. Additionally, parents know their daughter's medical history. They know any allergies that she may have to certain medications or anesthesia. In an era when a child must seek parental consent to receive aspirin from school officials, it seems reasonable to aspect that a child seek that same consent to obtain a major medical procedure.

Mr. Speaker, I come from a state that requires parental notification. Yet out of state clinics are constantly trying to circumvent our parental notification laws. It is not an uncommon practice for clinics in New Jersey, a state without parental notification laws, to advertise in Pennsylvania phone books. In fact, these clinics will go as far as to highlight the fact that they will perform abortions without parental notification. The passage of the Child Interstate Notification Act will effectively put an end to this atrocious practice.

Also, it should be noted that in no way does passage H.R. 748 interfere with or supercede existing state law. This bill simply deals with the interstate transporting of minors. As a parent of two children, I appreciate that the passage of this legislation will ensure that children will not be transported across state lines to circumvent state law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a young woman who made the ultimate sacrifice for her country. Staff Sergeant Kimberly Fahnestock Voelz of Cumberland County Pennsylvania died December 14, 2003 in Iraq from injuries sustained on the battlefield. A Leader of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, Kimberly was fatally injured performing her duties with the EOD while approaching a suspicious device outside of Fallujah, 40 miles west of Baghdad. She is credited by her superiors as saving countless lives.

Born in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania on August 24, 1976 to Floyd Jr. and Carol (Mardis) Fahnestock Kimberly graduated from Trinity High School and joined the Army after briefly studying at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. She was also a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mechanicsburg.

Serving with the 703rd Ordnance Company, 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Staff Sergeant Voelz began her tour of duty in Iraq in September 2003. During her time of service to her country, she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, two Good Conduct Medals, and a National Defense Service Medal. Sergeant Voelz was also Posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, the Purple Heart, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for her service in Iraq. Kimberly was the first female soldier from Pennsylvania to die serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Described as a bright, talented self-starter, Voelz loved what she did, plain and simple. She reenlisted for another 10 years of service shortly before her death. Voelz chose EOD because it was something different, and it took her all over the world. She was often assigned Secret Security detail ensuring government facilities were free of explosives, including events such as the 2002 Winter Olympics and a visit by the late Pope John Paul II to St. Louis.

Staff Sergeant Kimberly Fahnestock Voelz will be honored in a ceremony at Letterkenny Army Depot in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on May 2nd, 2005. Upon the recent completion of a new security gate, it will now bear Kimberly's name in honor of her service and sacrifice to the security of this nation. It is a fitting tribute that validates both her distinguished work as an Ordnance Soldier and Letterkenny's mission to support national security.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her husband Sergeant First Class Max Voelz, who was holding Kimberly in his arms when she died from her injuries. To her parents, brothers Chad, Mark and sister Kelly, who proudly and deservedly esteem Kimberly ``their hero''. We are humbly indebted to them for their sacrifice and a grateful nation honors Kimberly's memory.

Mr. Speaker, we are now 4 months into the 109th Congress and Republicans have passed bankruptcy reform, repealed the death tax, adjusted class action lawsuits to help victims, enacted border security to keep out terrorists, passed a budget and wartime funding, strengthened job training for millions and passed the highway bill. Meanwhile, the House Democrats have not proposed an agenda, but instead have remained negative, obstructive and focused on partisan attacks.

I rise today to support the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), not because he has proven to be an effective leader, but because he has been a victim of political game-playing and a relentless media, a media not focused on policies that have helped millions of Americans lead better lives, but instead focused on tabloid attacks on our leader.

Time and time again, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) has requested to appear in front of the ethics committee. He has requested this opportunity to prove his innocence and put an end to these meritless accusations, accusations that are based upon nothing but pure partisan rhetoric.

Democrats' attack on the Republican majority leader is nothing but a coordinated agenda to stop an effective leader from accomplishing the people's business.

Ethics is an issue that should not be taken lightly. The committee in Congress should not be used as a partisan tool. We need to get back to debating the principles to make America a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank, honor and express my sincere appreciation for Monsignor George Flinn, our guest chaplain. Reverend Flinn, originally from Cresson, Pennsylvania, and as we say back home, up the mountain, has dedicated his life to faith and community outreach. His service has made the Altoona-Johnstown area a better place to live because of his commitment to our local parishes.

Reverend Flinn has been assigned to a number of churches in central Pennsylvania, including Sacred Heart and Saint Rose of Lima in Altoona, and Saint Monica of Chest Springs. Most notable to me, though, is his service at Saint John Gualbert, where he organized a major campaign to renovate the interior walls of the cathedral.

This drive became known as ``This is Our Church,'' while Monsignor Flinn uniquely reached out to local businesses, community leaders and the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. This type of outreach has truly made our neighborhoods and small towns a much better place and a more memorable place. His story is a reminder to us all to take a moment from our busy schedules to help others and reach out to the community.

As we mourn the passing of Pope John Paul and celebrate the appointment of Pope Benedict, we should also commend and thank our local church leaders like Monsignor Flinn, because their hard work is truly making our Nation a better place to live.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1463) to designate a portion of the Federal building located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Alexandria, Virginia, as the ``Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building''.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 1463 introduced by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) designates a portion of the United States courthouse located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue in Alexandria, Virginia, as the Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building. The full courthouse is known as the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse.

This is the second time this matter has come before the House, having previously been considered during the 108th Congress when it passed by voice vote. As before, the bill has the bipartisan support of the entire Virginia delegation.

Born in New York City in 1942, Justin Williams earned his Bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 1963 and his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1967. After graduation, Justin Williams embarked upon his legal career. From 1967 until 1986, he worked for the Department of Justice Criminal Division, served as Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Arlington County, and Assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia based in Alexandria.

In 1986, Justin Williams was appointed chief of the Criminal Division and served in that capacity until his death in 2003.

It is my honor to bring this bill to the floor, which honors a dedicated American who spent his entire career making America safer for everyone. I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf).

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

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 483) to designate a United States courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, as the ``Reynaldo G. Garza and Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse''.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 438, introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), designates the United States courthouse located in Brownsville, Texas, as the Reynaldo G. Garza and Filemon B. Vela United States courthouse.

This is the second time the Congress has considered this matter, having previously passed identical legislation by voice vote during the 108th Congress.

This legislation honors two men for their service to their country, both inside and out of public service.

Reynaldo Guerra Garza was born in Brownsville, Texas, and spent his lifetime serving that community.

President Kennedy appointed then State Judge Garza to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in 1961. At that time, Judge Garza became the first Mexican American on any U.S. District Court.

In 1979, when Jimmy Carter appointed him to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Garza became the first Mexican American to serve in that position.

Filemon Bartolome Vela was born and raised in Harlingen, Texas. Like Judge Garza, he dedicated his life to South Texas, first as a State judge and then as a Federal judge, taking over the District Court seat vacated by Judge Garza upon his appointment to the Circuit Court of Appeals.

Judge Vela is perhaps best known in the community for his work with schools, encouraging youth education and literacy programs.

This naming is fitting tribute to their dedicated service, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

I would also like to recognize my colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), for his dedication to bringing this legislation to the floor. I thank him for ensuring these men are recognized for their service.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 787) to designate the United States courthouse located at 501 I Street in Sacramento, California, as the ``Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse''.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 787 introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson), honors the late Bob Matsui, a distinguished and well- liked Member of this body.

A well-respected attorney and former city councilman, Bob Matsui served in this body for 26 years before his passing away on New Year's Day of this year.

Since his passing, much has been said about our late colleague by Members that knew him better than I, many of whom are here today. So I will leave it to them to speak of his many and varied talents and abilities.

This naming is a fitting tribute to an exceptionally fine person, a dedicated public servant, and a respected colleague.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson).

Mr. Speaker, we have no speakers at this time, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it was an honor for me to manage this bill and to serve with Bob Matsui. I know my father and my entire family's thoughts and prayers go out to the Matsui family. As I said, he is a respected colleague, a fine gentleman, and this is a very fitting tribute. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1463, H.R. 483 and H.R. 787, the matters just considered by the House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to honor the life and work of Pope John Paul II and to offer my condolences to Catholics around the globe who mourn the death of their spiritual leader. For 26 years Pope John Paul II was a faithful Shepard to his flock and acted as a primary example of peace and justice to millions of all faiths.

Trained as an actor, Pope John Paul II used the world stage to promote his message of social justice and freedom for all of God's people. Upon his election to the Papacy, Pope John Paul made one of his many journeys home to his native Poland. It was upon that journey that the Pope defiantly preached against the oppressive tyranny of communism and promoted messages of solidarity and freedom. In uttering the simple words, ``Be Not Afraid'', John Paul II offered courage to hundreds across Eastern Europe to break free from the chains of communism.

Despite the illness that plagued him in the later part of his life, John Paul II never faltered in fighting against injustice and in protecting the most innocent in our society. Indeed, it was in the Pope's very public suffering that we are reminded of the dignity of every human life from conception until natural death. Mr. Speaker, today we join together to honor the life of a true servant of God. While we mourn Pope John Paul II and are filled with sorrow at his passing, we also rejoice in knowing that he has returned home to his Father.