Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that provides credit for the purchase of new qualified fuel cell, hybrid, or other alternative fuel motor vehicle.

The Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2005 encourages consumers to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously reducing our country's oil dependence. It repeals the phase-out of the Qualified Electric Vehicles Credit and Deduction for Clean fuel-Vehicles so that 100% of the credit can be claimed through 2009. Consumers would receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 for hybrid gas-electric powered vehicles and $4,000--for fuel-cell vehicles.

Making our environment cleaner and reducing our dependence on foreign oil requires the participation of all stakeholders, including both consumers and manufacturers.

Cars, SUVs and other light trucks consume millions of barrels of oil every day and emit harmful amounts of carbon dioxide, a principal greenhouse gas. Passenger vehicles alone account for one-fifth of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. With significant fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions, alternative-fuel and advanced-technology vehicles help to reduce the environmental impact of driving an automobile. Getting more miles out of a gallon of gas means lessening our dangerous reliance on oil, lowering levels of key air pollutants, and saving consumers money at the gas pumps.

All Americans need a choice in buying cars that can increase their fuel-efficiency. While the average fuel economy of vehicles on the road is at a twenty-one year low, gasoline prices continue to strain business and family budgets. Americans now spend more than $500 million per day to fuel their cars and light trucks. Families deserve a more affordable way to get to work, school, vacation, home or any destination on the road. Businesses that rely on vehicles to function need the cost-efficiency of driving hybrid vehicles.

Although major automakers currently offer advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles and plan to produce a full range of fuel- efficient options, including SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks, the cleanest vehicles available to the public should be more economical.

The tax incentives provided by this bill would not only save consumers money--but spur market demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. As people around the country embrace cleaner, more efficient cars, American automobile manufacturers must continue to improve fuel efficiency in order not to lose market share and jobs. This bill would help automakers invest in the production of alternative fuel motor vehicles--and accelerate the introduction of newer models into the marketplace.

The Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2005 provides a win-win situation for consumers, the economy, and the environment. It offers valuable incentives for the purchase and production of alternative vehicles and fuels--and enables consumers to help limit fuel consumption, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and protect our air quality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Petty Officer (FSO) Andrea Bisignani.

FS2 Andrea Bisignani, a Food Service Specialist on the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, is being honored as the 2005 Baltimore Area Coast Guard Person of the Year.

FS2 Bisignani has consistently demonstrated a high level of performance throughout this past year in her job as a Food Service Specialist. Her untiring efforts and steadfast commitment to her shipmates on the CGC James Rankin has made her a prime candidate for this honor. Those that nominated her for this award cited her leadership and high level of performance as a key factor in the CGC James Rankin being selected for the Dining Faculty of the Year (Afloat- Small category), and also resulted in her selection as Food Service Specialist of the Year.

FS2 Bisignani's accomplishments this year have gone above and beyond the criteria for election of these prestigious honors in the food service rating alone. Her professionalism, dedication, and enthusiasm have had a significant and positive impact on the degree of mission success and high state of morale that exists on board the CGC James Rankin.

FS2 Bisignani has risen to the demands and challenges of the working environment aboard the CGC James Rankin, and has not only excelled tremendously in the food service area, but has also lived up to the high standards, which are expected of every crewmember on board. She has thrived in her demanding role as FSO and has been able to accomplish a great deal because of that.

FS2 Bisignani has volunteered much of her time and energy to the members of the CGC James Rankin. She assists and encourages every member in maintaining a healthy lifestyle; is 100 percent customer focused and concerned for the well-being of all crew members; and has taken on more responsibilities than required in order to ensure everything runs well on the ship. FS2 Bisignani has gone above and beyond in her responsibilities to ensure the members on board the CGC James Rankin are happy and healthy, and her dedication is evident to all that have the privilege to work with her.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking FS2 Andrea Bisignani for her service and honoring her for being named the 2005 Baltimore Area Coast Guard Person of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join my colleagues-- Congressman Tom Davis of Virginia, Congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina, and Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland--to introduce a truly bipartisan resolution expressing support for the members of our Armed Forces and their families. In particular, this resolution offers support for those service members wounded or severely injured in service to the Nation, as well as support for the newly established Military Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Center. With the 2- year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom arriving on March 19, I can think of no better way to salute our disabled and severely disabled troops who have returned home than the quick and bipartisan support of this resolution.

This resolution recognizes many efforts made by our brave men and women in uniform. It reaffirms our support for all members of the Armed Forces and their families. It acknowledges that all returning troops-- whether an active, National Guard or Reserve component--should be treated with the same degree of dignity and respect. It pledges our desire to help all injured, wounded, and severely disabled service members returning home by providing the assistance they require to navigate the complicated medical and bureaucratic processes to transition back to active duty or civilian life. Most important, this resolution specifically acknowledges the number of National Guard and Reserve components called for prolonged duty in today's military and pledges Congressional support to the Department of Defense Joint Support Center to ensure we take care of our own once we bring them home.

I applaud the action of the Department of Defense for establishing the Joint Support Center on February 1, 2005. I, along with Mr. Jones and Mr. Hoyer, proposed the same concept in H.R. 5057 in the 108th Congress. That bill was eventually introduced in the Senate by Senator Bond and Senator Kennedy. It received full endorsements from every major veterans' and military service organization. We are proud to see that effort taken up by the Pentagon and welcome the Joint Support Center. This resolution supports the Pentagon's initiative by expressing Congress's strong commitment to the center and our assistance in ensuring that the center receives the resources it needs to succeed in its mission.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in passing this resolution quickly to send a clear message to our service men and women that the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 109th Congress are firmly behind them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a simple, straightforward bill to ensure that as the architects of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, we keep our promises regarding border security to the American people, the 9/11 Families who fought so tirelessly for passage of that legislation, and the members of the 9/11 Commission.

By architects, I am referring to Members of the House and Senate-- both Democrat and Republican--who fought for Intel Reform and voted overwhelmingly to see that bill become law. I am also referring to the President, who signed that legislation into law on December 17, 2004.

Border security is not some esoteric term of art created by a bunch of lawyers writing complicated pieces of legislation that laymen will never understand. Border security means exactly what it says: secure our borders to prevent those who should not enter America from entering America. We wrote a good piece of legislation that prescribed additional funding for what we all agreed was needed--additional border security agents to implement our border security plan. We can write all the laws we want, but without boots on the ground in the place where we need them the most we cannot win the battle. This is as true in border security as it is in war.

I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing Intel Reform last Congress. It was a tiresome fight well worth the result. It was not perfect, but the legislation signed into law by President Bush took a great leap forward to protect our American families and communities.

That bill included a provision to add 2,000 border security agents every year for five years beginning in 2006. In order for that to happen, the President would need to budget for 2,000 additional agents in the budget he submitted this week to Congress and Congress would need to appropriate that money to the Department of Homeland Security. Only two months after signing Intel Reform into law, this Administration has budgeted for only 10 percent of the border security agents we agreed were necessary.

I am introducing this bill to ensure that this legislative body keeps its word to the American people to provide 100 percent of the border security protection we decreed to be necessary. I urge House and Senate leadership to bring this bill to the floor immediately to rectify this discrepancy. I urge my colleagues to join me in funding this important priority and putting the boots on the ground where we said we need them to ensure our borders are secure.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 26, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their amazing contributions during World War II, and their impact in creating an integrated United States Air Force. I am honored for this opportunity to speak during Black History Month on this important resolution.

As the first African American combat unit in the Army Air Corps, the Tuskegee Airmen helped shatter stereotypes by fighting for freedom both abroad and here at home. Their individual and collective acts of courage helped pave the way for the desegregation of the Army in 1948.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize four members of the Tuskegee Airmen with ties to the Second Maryland Congressional District. Alfred L. Woolridge, Gordon T. Boyd, Leroy A. Battle, and Alfred McKenzie were four individuals with separate lives and histories. Each brought unique skills to their service and each helped form this historic group of this Tuskegee Airmen. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank them for their contribution and service.

These gentlemen exemplified the bravery of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. They served their country, both on the battlefield and off, and were valuable members of their Maryland communities.

Madam Speaker, at a time of war with a new generation of service men and women serving bravely to bring liberty to the oppressed, I think it is only fitting that we remember these members of the greatest generation, the Tuskegee Airmen.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 417 honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their amazing contributions during World War II and their impact creating an integrated United States Air Force. I am honored for this opportunity to speak during Black History Month on this important resolution.

As the first African-American combat unit in the Army Air Corps, the Tuskegee Airmen helped shatter stereotypes by fighting for freedom both abroad and here at home. Through their heroism in the skies above North Africa and Europe, the Airmen demonstrated that African-Americans could be effective members of the military. Completing over 500 missions during the war, the Tuskegee Airmen destroyed over 250 enemy aircraft without losing a single American bomber. Their individual and collective acts of courage helped pave the way for the desegregation of the Army in 1948.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize four members of the Tuskegee Airmen with ties to my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Alfred L. Woolridge, Gordon T. Boyd, Leroy A. Battle, and Alfred McKenzie were four individuals with separate lives and histories. Each brought unique skills to their service and each helped to form this historic group of Tuskegee Airmen. I would like to take this opportunity to speak briefly about each of these incredible men and share a bit about them with you.

Mr. Alfred L. Woolridge, a Baltimore resident, joined the Tuskegee Airmen after enlisting in the Army in 1942 and being assigned to the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. A scientist with a master's degree in chemistry and mathematics, Mr. Woolridge worked as an aircraft engineering officer ensuring that the planes were safe to fly every morning. After leaving the Army in 1946, Mr. Woolridge worked as an analytical chemist in Maryland until 1974. He remained an active member of his Baltimore community until his death in March of 1998.

After being inducted into the Army Air Corps during World War II, Mr. Gordon T. Boyd Jr. became a bombardier and a navigator. He joined the Tuskegee Airmen after being assigned to the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Mr. Boyd ascended to the rank of first Lieutenant and is credited with helping newer cadets adjust to military life. After being honorably discharged in 1946, Mr. Boyd worked as a management specialist for the U.S. Census bureau until his retirement in 1979. Before his death on May 5, 1995, Mr. Boyd became a charter member of the East Coast Chapter D.C. Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

Mr. Leroy A. Battle was a jazz musician who played with Billie Holliday before he was drafted into the Army in 1943. He volunteered to join the Tuskegee Airmen and soon became a bombardier and a navigator. On April 5, 1945, Mr. Battle along with 100 other airmen, defied orders by attempting to desegregate the officer's club at Freeman Field in Seymour, Indiana. The Freeman Field Incident played an important role in African-American attempts to combat racism in the Armed Forces and eventually paved the way for President Truman's order to desegregate the Army in 1948. After

being honorably discharged from the Army, Mr. Battle spent 29 years teaching before retiring in 1978. He continues to be an active member of this community by speaking out about his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman.

Mr. Alfred McKenzie joined the Tuskegee Airmen after being drafted into the Army in 1942. After completing advanced training, Mr. McKenzie became a B-25 pilot. He was sent to Freeman Field in Indiana where he later joined Mr. Battle and 100 other airmen in attempting to desegregate the officer's club. After World War II ended, Mr. McKenzie continued to fight for the cause of civil rights. After being passed over for a promotion numerous times at the Government Printing Office, McKenzie filed a class action law suit. The suit resulted in an order to end discrimination in promotions and a $2.4 million award back pay to over 300 people. He continued to work for various civil rights causes until his death on March 30, 1998.

These gentlemen exemplified the bravery of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. They served their country both on the battlefield and off and were valued members of their Maryland communities. Mr. Speaker, at a time of war, with a new generation of servicemen and women serving bravely to bring liberty to the oppressed, I think it is only fitting that we remember these members of the Greatest Generation--the Tuskegee Airmen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend, a true American patriot, Mr. Edward O. Wayson, Jr.

Ed Wayson passed away on December 4, 2004 and his funeral was held today in his beloved city of Annapolis, Maryland. For all who attended today's service, it was clear that Ed was a man of incredible character and integrity. He was a man who touched so many lives personally and professionally through his humor and sheer joy of life. He believed in making the most of every moment he had and I speak for many when I say his moments were far too few in number.

Ed Wayson was a dear friend of mine and I would like to also pay tribute to his family. He is survived by his brother Boone, his wife of eight years Jeannine, his mother Ruth Ann, his first wife Beth along with their daughters Sarah and Anne, and his stepdaughter Kacey. Ed Wayson was a very successful man on many levels, but he was most proud of his family. It was impossible to have a conversation with Ed without him mentioning Sarah or Anne. I would like to extend my sincerest thoughts and prayers from my family to his.

Ed Wayson was an active citizen who embraced the American democratic experience fully. Through political campaigns, local charities, lobbying, foundation work, and serving on boards including the Anne Arundel County Bar Association and the Annapolis--Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce--Ed did not just talk about making a difference, he worked to make the world better for all of us.

During the funeral service today, it was said that this quote from Abraham Lincoln best describes Ed Wayson, and I would have to agree. ``Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.'' Ed Wayson was the real thing and the world is a better place for him.

Mr. Speaker, first, I want to start out with strong praise for the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra). He has bridged differences among many Members who had reservations about this bill, so I thank him for his leadership.

I also want to thank our leader, the committee's ranking Democrat, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman), for her vision and tenacity in pursuing intelligence reform. She was the driving force behind the introduction of a reform bill back in April, months before the 9/11 report was released.

Now, this is an historic measure. We are doing more than rearranging boxes on an organizational chart. We are ensuring that the intelligence community has one boss to ensure better communication and accountability. I spent close to 18 years in local government, where I managed a large county, close to 19,000 employees; and I know that workers need to answer to one person who sets policy and manages the budget.

This is critically important to help prevent another terrorist attack and to protect our families and communities.

Mr. Chairman, this is a historic moment for our Nation as we take a giant step forward in national security by reforming our intelligence community to make our citizens and our communities safer. These reforms include the establishment of a National Intelligence Director and the implementation of new information sharing strategies to

break down old barriers between agencies. While no legislation is perfect and I believe the Collins/Lieberman version of Intelligence Reform legislation passed in the Senate this week is a better solution, I stand in support of H.R. 10 and vote for this bill today. These reforms move us towards a safer and stronger America.

In the course of the House debate of H.R. 10, many concerns have been raised about immigration and I would like to speak about this particular component of the bill. I remain convinced that illegal immigration is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by the Congress. People who circumvent our Nation's laws and enter this country illegally should not be here. I believe this is central to our national and economic security for hard working Americans and others who come to this country legally.

But I also believe it is important that we remember the purpose of this bill and what brought us to this historic point in time. The purpose of this bill is to reform our Intelligence Community; to lay the foundation we need to protect Americans today. The 9/11 Commission specifically addressed Intelligence Reform. With five Republicans and five Democrats, the Commission spent 20 months on an exhaustive examination of millions of pages of documents, countless interviews and hearings, and hundreds of hours of debate--and produced a bipartisan, unanimous list of 41 recommendations. This report provided the Congress with a real, workable and effective blueprint that became the foundation of the Collins/Lieberman bill that passed the Senate 96-2 on October 6, 2004.

So while I applaud some of the measures in H.R. 10 and have ultimately chosen to vote for this bill because it provides many measures to protect all Americans and our communities, I remain concerned about some of the extraneous provisions it includes like immigration. There are enormous differences between illegal aliens and legal immigrants. There are enormous differences between immigration and terrorism. All of these issues are incredibly important to the fabric of our Nation and deserve to be considered in full and separately.

Mr. Chairman, I applaud Senators Collins and Lieberman for their bill which was endorsed by the 9/11 Commission, the 9/11 families, and the President. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate yesterday 96 to 2 and shows us that Congress is capable of getting it right.

The Senate bill is not perfect, but it is tough, historic reform. Of course, there are other important national security issues, like border security, and we must and we will deal with them.

Now is the time to throw partisan politics out the window. Now is the time to come together on behalf of the American people. This is about life and death. This is about the national security of our families and our communities. The bipartisan 9/11 Commission did an outstanding job for 20 months, with 1,200 witnesses and millions of documents, and reached a unanimous conclusion. The country stands behind their work and their recommendations. We need to move forward and follow the Commission's incredible work.

The most important recommendation we can implement is that of a strong national intelligence director with real authority and budget control. When I was Baltimore County Executive, I managed over 15,000 people. A leader needs real budget authority to be able to give people the resources they need to get the job done and hold them accountable for performance.

We owe it to the 9/11 families, we owe it to the victims, we owe it to the 9/11 Commission, and we owe it to the American people to set our politics aside and get it right.

This should not be about turf battles. I urge all Members to vote their conscience and vote for the Menendez substitute amendment, which is the closest to the Senate bill.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that provides a credit for the purchase of new qualified fuel cell, hybrid, or other alternative fuel motor vehicle.

The Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2004 encourages consumers to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously reducing our country's oil dependence. It repeals the phase-out of the Qualified Electric Vehicles Credit and Deduction for Clean Fuel-Vehicles so that 100% of the credit can be claimed through 2006. Consumers would receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 for hybrid gas-electric powered vehicles and $4,000 for fuel-cell vehicles.

Making our environment cleaner and reducing our dependence on foreign oil requires the participation of all stakeholders, including both consumers and manufacturers.

Cars, SUVs and other light trucks consume millions of barrels of oil every day and emit harmful amounts of carbon dioxide, a principal greenhouse gas. Passenger vehicles alone account for one-fifth of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. With significant fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions, alternative-fuel and advanced-technology vehicles help to reduce the environmental impact of driving an automobile. Getting more miles out of a gallon of gas means lessening our dangerous reliance on oil, lowering levels of key air pollutants, and saving consumers money at the gas pumps.

All Americans need a choice in buying cars that can increase their fuel-efficiency. While the average fuel economy of vehicles on the road is at a twenty-one year low, gasoline prices continue to strain business and family budgets. Americans now spend more than $500 million per day to fuel their cars and light trucks. Families deserve a more affordable way to get to work, school, vacation, home or any destination on the road. Businesses that rely on vehicles to function need the cost-efficiency of driving hybrid vehicles.

Although major automakers currently offer advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles and plan to produce a full range of fuel- efficient options, including SUVs, mini vans, and pickup trucks, the cleanest vehicles available to the public should be more economical.

The tax incentives provided by this bill would not only save consumers money--but spur market demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. As people around the country embrace cleaner, more efficient cars, American automobile manufacturers must continue to improve fuel efficiency in order not to lose market share and jobs. This bill would help automakers invest in the production of alternative fuel motor vehicles--and accelerate the introduction of newer models into the marketplace.

The Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act provides a win-win situation for consumers, the economy, and the environment. It offers valuable incentives for the purchase and production of alternative vehicles and fuels--and enables consumers to help limit fuel consumption, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and protect our air quality.

Mr. Speaker, I was in a meeting with constituents and missed rollcall vote 445. If I was present for the vote I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3369, the Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2634--A Youth Suicide Prevention Bill.

Suicide knows no boundaries. It affects children of every race, ethnicity, religion, and economic background and takes the lives of 3,000 young people every year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24.

My neighbors and close personal friends, Doug and Sharon Strouse, tragically lost their daughter, Kristin, to suicide shortly after the September 11th Terrorist Attacks in New York. Kristen was a gifted student at the Parson's School of Design in New York at the time of her passing and had a promising future in the design field.

In Kristin's memory, the Strouses used their grief to help other young people who may be depressed or considering suicide. Kristin's sister, Kim, established a non-profit organization that runs art workshops to provide suicide prevention education and crisis intervention. The Strouses also support suicide awareness through a moving videotape that helps young people and their parents identify the signs of depression while offering solutions to help them address the issue.

I believe S. 2634 also known as the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act of 2004 will help the Strouses and other families further these important programs. The bill will also improve nationwide access to prevention and intervention techniques for youth.

The bill authorizes $82 million over three years for mental health services, including screening, assessment, mentoring, and counseling, on the local, state, and federal level. These services will be offered in a variety of settings including schools, juvenile justice systems, foster care establishments, and substance abuse programs.

The legislation will also help establish a comprehensive federal strategy to share data, disseminate research, and coordinate the evaluation of early intervention and prevention programs for youth.

I believe S. 2634 will help fund some very important work to help families like the Strouses avoid the pain of losing a loved one.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Jones of North Carolina, and I are honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help our severely wounded soldiers returning home from the field of battle.

With the number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq moving past 1,000 this week and over 7,000 servicemen and women wounded in combat, we believe Congress must act now--before we leave in October--to help these heroes and heroines. Many of these surviving men and women now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives with severe disabilities--soldiers who have lost a limb, been blinded or lost an eye, suffered a disabling brain injury, or disfiguring burns or wounds. They have served their country without question honorably and bravely, and they deserve our help now to transition back to civilian life as they work to put their lives back together.

This simple and straightforward bill would work quickly and appropriately to address the needs of our wounded troops. First, it honors all servicemembers in each of the U.S. Forces with deeds as well as words by helping them when they need us most. Second, it honors the Army and Department of Defense for recognizing this critical need and initiating the Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3) program in April 2004. The current program provides the Army's severely disabled soldiers and their families with a system of advocacy to assist them as they transition from military service back to civilian life. DS3 has been able to step in to advocate for soldiers and their families by working with government agencies to resolve pay, benefits, entitlements, and care issues. We applaud these efforts and believe with adequate resources they can continue to help more wounded servicemembers.

Third and most important, this bill expresses congressional support for the DS3 program and extends the same assistance to all wounded Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Guardsmen and Reservists. We believe that the Congress must adequately fund the DS3 program and expand it to include all branches of the service since all branches have served this Nation in harm's way.

While both the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs have voiced their support for this program, DS3 is currently staffed by only 10 people and has a budget of only $1 million dollars. This bill would give the Secretary of Defense the authority to correct that by providing the reprogramming authority necessary for adequate staffing to assist the number of wounded servicemembers returning from overseas. This bill would also designate an executive agent within the DoD with the authority and responsibility to carry out the program in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security for all U.S. servicemembers with severe disabilities.

What these soldiers and their families must face as they return home is unimaginable to most Americans including many of us in Congress. We are a grateful Nation for all our brave men and women in uniform do to protect the very freedoms we enjoy each and every day. How we treat these new veterans as they return home will be a great test to this generation, and we believe this is a small program that can make a huge difference.

This bill has been endorsed by the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS), the PAV, DAV, VFW, AMVETS, and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and has the support of over 40 other military and veteran organizations. We urge the leadership in both Houses on both sides of the aisle to bring this bill to the floor quickly for passage and send it to the President to be signed into law in the next few weeks. With so many severely wounded in the system now, we cannot wait for a new Congress. We urge our colleagues to act now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the conference report for H.R. 4613, the Department of Defense Appropriations FY05. At a time when our brave men and women in uniform are serving their country with great honor and distinction, this legislation will provide valuable funding for personnel, equipment, and so many other great needs our military faces. This money is critical to their continued success in their current missions. As long as our troops are in harms way, fighting the war on terrorism, we must continue to make sure they receive our full support.

The district I represent includes well over one hundred thousand soldiers at Fort Meade and the Aberdeen Proving Ground. This bill provides a 3.5 percent pay raise for our uniformed personnel--a critical step in the right direction. This bill also includes important funding for our Active Guard Personnel for their missions abroad and here at home.

This conference report includes the proper balance of tactical military and necessary diplomatic funding. For example, I am pleased to see money for many important projects like the Shadow 200 TUAV and the F/A 22 fighter as well as support for humanitarian initiatives. The Shadow 200 TUAV, which is a product of one of the vital military companies in the Maryland 2nd Congressional District, allows for secure surveillance operations to be performed with optimal safety for our military personnel. I am also pleased to see that the F/A-22 fighter program has received the full appropriation request. And I believe that the $95 million dollar appropriation to aid State Department efforts in Sudan and Chad represents an important part of our responsibility to ensure that stability and security are brought to this region of the world.

The strong fabric of our Nation is held together by those who are willing to put their lives on the line to defend our core values, and we need to support these brave men and women by putting the proper resources in place to allow them to most safely complete their mission. I am pleased with the results of this bill as it gives crucial assistance to our brave military service members.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) for yielding me this time to speak on this legislation. I rise today to support America's Coast Guard, and that is why I intend to support the conference report for H.R. 2443, the Coast Guard Authorization Act.

I represent Maryland's Second Congressional District, which includes both the Port of Baltimore and the Coast Guard Yard. So while I applaud attempts to provide adequate funding for the Coast Guard and its mission to protect America's shorelines, I am disappointed that this conference report does not provide any language to protect the critical role and mission that the Baltimore Coast Guard Yard serves.

The Baltimore Coast Guard Yard is a unique and indispensable asset to this Nation and the Coast Guard itself. For over a century it has served as the service's sole ship construction and major repair facility. It is an essential part of the Coast Guard's core of industrial support base and supplier of depot-level services.

In the wake of the September 11 attack on America and the intensity of the national Coast Guard homeland security response, the yard capabilities and skill allowed the Coast Guard to sustain critical readiness for the fleet and our Nation. The yard plays a unique and indispensable role in both our homeland security and homeland defense priorities.

For example, it supported efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan through a joint Department of Defense and Coast Guard project. Engineers and tradesmen designed, tested, and constructed the custom shipping cradles needed to transport the 110 patrol boats needed in Iraq. The yard also answered an urgent request from the U.S. Army and Marine Corps to quickly repair over a dozen old-style bridge erection boats. These boats were refurbished and shipped to Iraq, allowing bridges to be built over the inland rivers permitting the transportation of personnel and supplies.

It is my understanding that the core logistics of the yard are being threatened, and I am deeply troubled by the absence of language in the conference report to protect the Coast Guard Yard's mission. This is an incredibly important issue to the security of our country. Protecting the yard and its shipbuilding and repair facilities is critical to all Americans.

I urge my colleagues to consider the tradition of excellent service the Baltimore Coast Guard Yard has provided in the defense of the Nation for over a century. The dedicated and skilled craftsmen working at the yard today are among this country's greatest assets protecting our way of life.