Floor Statements

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

I had not planned to come to the floor this morning, but I was sitting in my office and I heard my colleague from Florida mention Claude Pepper's name in relationship to this Medicare bill. Claude Pepper would be turning over in his grave by this bill. It was an insult to all of the fine work that Claude Pepper did in this House, and he would be on this floor speaking against this horrible bill.

This Republican Medicare bill is a slap in the face for every senior struggling to pay for needed medicine. The leadership of this House is not pushing this bill because they care about seniors. In fact, they would end the program altogether. In 1995 the majority leader called Medicare ``a program I would have no part of.'' Another leader said ``a program that I hope will wither on the vine.'' Now they want us to believe the spin that they really care about Medicare.

A zebra cannot change its stripes, Mr. Speaker, and the American people are not buying this sham. America's seniors are happy with the Medicare program, and we should provide for a prescription drug benefit the same way we provide for doctor visits through Medicare and not through a private program that even the insurance industry says will not work. This is a life-and-death issue for many of our seniors, and this hollow bill does nothing for that.

And I want to close quoting the only black Supreme Court Justice we ever had, Thurgood Marshall. He said: ``A snake is a snake. It does not matter whether it is black or white; if it bites you, it is the same.'' And I can say that for the Republicans on this bill, and I can also say that for AARP, who has left the people.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) for their leadership on this matter.

Mr. Speaker, 25 million Americans, or one in every 10, will experience at least one seizure in their lifetime. At least 2.3 million Americans currently have epilepsy, but the effects of this disease extend to family members, caregivers, and employers.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizure disorders can develop and strike at any time in life. Approximately one-third of the 181,000 new cases of epilepsy and seizures that develop each year begin in childhood, and as many as 44 percent of the people with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite treatment. While the disorder does not discriminate, the state of health care in this country is such that the impact is most heavily felt in minority communities. Currently, there is no cure.

Epilepsy can be a formidable barrier to normal life, affecting educational attainment, employment, and personal fulfillment. The stigma associated with seizures and societal misconceptions about them remain as facts of life for many individuals with epilepsy and magnify the social effects of this condition. Increased health care costs result in an economic burden on individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. A 3-year study, sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation, to determine the financial cost to individuals and the Nation found that the annual economic cost is approximately $12.5 billion. Of this, $1.7 billion is direct medical costs while $10.8 billion is indirect costs such as lost earning power, social isolation, and widespread unemployment. The study also found marked divisions in costs among people with epilepsy whose seizures are well controlled and those who continue to experience seizures despite treatment.

Another disturbing fact about this issue, African Americans and minority populations are suffering disproportionately. Once again, when this country gets a cold, the African American community gets pneumonia. The Epilepsy Foundation recently launched a diversity initiative with the goal of ensuring that all people with epilepsy have access to valuable services and information that help them manage their condition, monitor their health, and pursue the highest quality health care. The initiative was launched in response to disparities identified in health care access and quality of life with epilepsy who are members of minority communities.

As our population continues to grow more diverse, these findings provide a wake-up call to the health care community that the health care quality divide is in danger of turning into a gulf. The Institute of Medicine reports that African Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities receive lower-quality health care than whites, even when income, age, and insurance status were considered.

The disparities in health care delivery to minorities are real. The real challenge is to take the reality and develop solutions. Awareness is the first step. It is for this compelling reason that I ask you to join me in designating November 2003 as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. This resolution passed the Senate earlier this year, and it is now up to the House to ensure that this measure is recognized. Together we can make a difference in the lives of people struggling with the medical and social impact of this serious health condition. I ask Members to please join me in supporting S. Con. Res. 48.

Madam Chairman, I commend the efforts of the Chairman of the Subcommittee and the Ranking Minority Member for their leadership in the effort to establish a dedicated West Coast Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON).

As former Ranking Member of Coast Guard Subcommittee, I was deeply involved in the creation of the HITRON program. The current HITRON squadron is composed of eight leased and armed helicopters and is based in my district just outside Jacksonville. I have inspected the squadron on several occasions and have been very impressed with the level of training they have received and their state of readiness to pursue the ``go-fast'' boats. The ``go fasts'' have traditionally been a highly effective method for smuggling large volumes of drugs into the United States. HITRON has posed the first real threat to this mode of transportation. In the short life of this program there have been 41 fast boat chases and 41 drug busts which have prevented nearly $3 billion in cocaine and other illegal drugs from reaching our kids on the streets. Thus the Sting Ray HITRON program has a remarkable success rate of 100 percent. Today, HITRON aircrews routinely deploy aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters patrolling the high seas in the Caribbean to stem the tide of illegal drugs flowing into the United States. As intelligence reports dictate they are diverted to the Pacific. About 50 percent of the fast boat drug interdiction has now occurred in the Eastern Pacific.

The MH-68A HITRON helicopters have been named the Sting Ray. Since 9- 11, Sting Rays have been pressed into the anti-terrorist mission, defending our ports and waterways from waterborne terrorist attack, and even providing protection for presidential visits. Not even these wonderful pilots with their feisty little aircraft can be in more than one place at a time! Two years after 9-11 there are only 8 armed Homeland Security helicopters authorized for airborne use of force over our tens of thousands of miles of ports and waterways which are dotted with strategic facilities such as nuclear plants. Shame, Mr. Speaker! Shame!

I agree with those advocates in Congress who feel it is time to acquire a new larger state-of-the-art cutter capable helicopter that can perform multiple airborne use of force missions. We could at any day be confronted by suicide terrorists headed toward a port or critical bridge on a small boat or a container ship. We must have a helicopter that can transport and support six-man tactical teams and can deliver and retrieve sea marshals as well as engage in port coverage and drug interdiction. In other words we should have a bigger helicopter with cutter capability in the inventory. The Coast Guard should waste no time initiating a competition for a new multi-purpose helicopter.

Under the best circumstances, if a competition were initiated today and executed with vigor, we would only have a limited number of such helicopters by January, 2006. For the interim period we need more Sting-Ray helicopters. In fact, the Sting Rays are the only helicopters authorized for airborne use of force over civilian populations. Thus, the Sting Rays are the only interim solution available until new Multi- purpose Cutter Helicopters can be acquired.

One year ago I worked diligently with our former colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. Borski, the gentleman from North Carolina Mr. Coble, and the gentleman from California, Mr. Filner to assure there would be no interruption in the HITRON program. At that time HITRON was threatened by looming lease expiration on the armed helicopter fleet. Thirty-eight Members of Congress joined in this effort. We initially pressed for a purchase of the aircraft. However, the Commandant informed us that he wanted to hold open the option of acquiring a new multi-purpose helicopter. As a result of our efforts, the Coast Guard extended the lease for 8 HITRON helicopters currently in the inventory for 5 years and made provision to lease additional helicopters. In signing that lease, Coast Guard had the foresight to open the lease terms in order to permit the addition of as many Sting Rays as may be required. The Sting-Rays may be returned to the manufacturer in any lease year if new helicopters come on line.

It is important that we assist the Coast Guard in every way possible to carry out their post 9-11 role. With the HITRON Sting-Rays we have an ideal interim program until the new helicopters can be acquired. In fact I would be surprised if there is not a permanent role for these light, fast and aggressive little helicopters. I know for a fact they should not be shuttled back and forth between the East Coast and the West Coast. Each Coast must have a permanent installation. I know for a fact we need more Sting Ray helicopters for East Coast anti-terrorist port protection as well as Caribbean fast boat drug interdiction. This bill, which authorizes funding for a West Coast fleet, jump starts the process and is a good beginning. We have wasted two years with no expansion of our assets capable of airborne use of force. Lets roll!

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support of America's 25 million living veterans. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are surely the best of the best.

More than 48 million heroic men and women have served in our military since the start of the Republic. Veterans have served this great Nation honorably during times of peace, and of war. It is appropriate that we set aside one special day a year to honor their service. However, we must not reserve this day for remembrance and then forget our veterans the other 364 days a year. Daily, we owe veterans our heartfelt gratitude and respect.

As the Congresswoman representing Florida's third district, I am proud of the patriotism and loyalty that the people of Florida have shown to this Nation--it inspires me daily as a senior member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. There are nearly two million veterans in the state of Florida, and I thank them each for answering the call to service.

At this time, more than any other, we should stop and pay homage to America's veterans. Today's servicemember is tomorrow's veteran. Right now, there are 130,000 Americans serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On Thursday, the Administration announced a plan that would send 128,000 fresh troops to Iraq early next year. This plan calls-up 43,000 National Guard and Reserve troops for one-year tours. We need to promise these servicemembers that they will not be forgotten when they return home.

Congress needs to take action and fully fund concurrent receipt for the 560,000 eligible veterans. It is the right thing to do. We must promise this generation of career service

members that they will be treated on par with other federal employees in the event that they become disabled. A recent study, undertaken by the United States House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform, shows that the Disabled Veterans Tax affects approximately 57,300, or one in three, veterans in Florida. 2,738 veterans are affected by this tax in the third district of Florida. Statewide, Florida's veterans lose $300 million in benefits annually to the Disabled Veterans Tax. In Florida's third district, veterans cumulatively lose $13,923,588 in benefits a year--with an average loss of $5,085 per veteran annually.

The Bush Administration argues that there is a cost barrier to fully funding concurrent receipt. This argument shows where the Administration's priorities are misplaced. If we can come up with an $87.5 billion supplemental appropriation for the war in Iraq, then we can surely find the money to bring our Nation's military retirees on par with the rest of federal employees. We cannot say that we have enough money to fight wars, but not enough to compensate the servicemembers injured in them.

This year's budget process shows why we need mandatory funding for VA health care. The funding system for veterans' health care is seriously flawed. Instead of being based on need or costs like other federal health programs it is funded based on residual funding for discretionary programs. Veterans are paying for this defective funding system with curtailment in enrollment in the VA health care system, newly proposed copayments and enrollment fees, and increased waiting times. VA does well with the funding it receives, but with a stable and reliable funding stream, it could provide better access to high-quality care for our veterans.

It appears that the House will agree to the Senate's provision that will provide a $1.3 billion increase above the Administration's budget request. However, it will still fall short of the 2004 funding level that was promised in the budget resolution. Veterans should not have to come begging at our doors for adequate funding of the VA health care system.

Today, and everyday, we should honor those who have worn this Nation's uniform. I thank them and will continue to work to fulfill Abraham Lincoln's pledge, ``to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphans.''

Mr. Speaker, as the Member who currently represents Florida's third congressional district, I am proud to serve the area represented by my honorable predecessor, Charlie Bennett. He was truly a role model for anyone interested in public service. Regarded as among the most remarkable national leaders, his service to our Nation and its citizens remains memorable to this day.

Congressman Charlie Bennett was a great American who earned utmost respect in Congress. We can't even begin to thank him for what he did for us in this area and for the military. To me, Charlie Bennett is the one most responsible for making Jacksonville the military powerhouse it is today. And on a national level, Congressman Bennett, who served as the 2nd Ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, is owed a great deal of gratitude for making the U.S. military the fine institution it is today.

A role model not only as a politician, but also for those with physical disabilities, his list of accomplishments in his remarkable 44 years in Congress is seemingly endless. Even though he was stricken with polio and walked with crutches, the longest serving congressman from Florida remarkably never missed a vote. Perhaps the most noteworthy advocate for ethical reforms in Congress, he sponsored legislation that created the House Ethics Committee, and served as its first chairman.

Among the most noteworthy of his successes includes providing a hostile fire/imminent danger pay to our Nation's soldiers during combat, and making ``In God We Trust'' the U.S. motto. He also was instrumental in creating a strict code of ethics for government service, for co-sponsoring the Americans With Disabilities Act, for creating the Caroline National Memorial, and the Timucuan Preserve. In addition to his extensive knowledge of politics on a national level, he was also an expert in Florida history, and wrote several books on the subject.

Charlie Bennett will be missed for his service to his fellow man, his friendship and his statesmanship. He was truly the best of the best.

Members who wish to express their respect for Congressman Bennett may do so today at Arlington National Cemetery where his friends and family are holding a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank all of the members on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure who have worked to bring this bill to the floor.

The Coast Guard has been protecting our shores for more than 200 years, and they have done an outstanding job. The Coast Guard was the first agency to react to the terrorist attack on September 11 and within minutes was guarding our ports and bridges and directing maritime traffic out of New York. This Nation's ports and waterways are still very vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and the Coast Guard is the first line of defense against those wishing to harm us.

This $7.1 billion authorization will go a long way in allowing the Coast Guard to continue its mission while expanding its authority to fight terrorists. This bill will increase the size of the Coast Guard, improve benefits for those serving, increase the authority to inspect foreign vessels, allow additional force against fleeing vessels, and give them the authority to revoke the credentials of individuals that pose a safety or security threat.

I have major concerns when they moved the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security because I fear that it would prevent them from doing their core mission of drug interdiction, search and rescue, enforcing maritime and fisheries laws, and protecting our marine environment. This bill will allow them to accomplish everything we ask of them, but we need to keep the Department's feet to the fire so they can follow the law and not reduce the Coast Guard's traditional mission.

I hope that Members of this body will do the right thing and fund the Coast Guard at $7.1 billion. It is the right thing to do for America.

Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day for our committee. I have been on this committee for 11 years, and my constituents always ask, how are things going in Washington? I say it is like swimming with the sharks; but today, it is a shark attack. This conference report is a shark attack on the people of this great country.

Members travel at least twice a week, sometimes four times a week. We have put a lot of money in the aviation industry. In fact, over $18 billion.

Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of good things in this bill, but this privatization of FAA is a poison pill. It is a poison pill for the traveling public. I have one question to ask: I want to know which one of the President's campaign contributors wants to run the national air traffic controller towers, is Halliburton doing the control tower work now?

The American people deserve a clean bill that does not compromise their safety and security. This bill does not do that. I want my colleagues to vote down this very dangerous bill.

Mr. Speaker, I am here tonight to say that I cannot believe that this supplemental bill is handing over billions and billions of dollars in reconstruction funding to Iraq through direct grants . . . let me repeat that--Direct Grants! And where do these direct grants come from? Directly from America taxpayers' pockets. That's where. Instead of following the Senate bill and giving Iraq loans to rebuild, we are flat out throwing money at them with no oversight. While here at home the Republican leadership continues with their only legislative agenda item: Tax cuts for their country club friends, and pushing our Treasury further into debt, our citizens are being forced to pay for building a country that was unnecessarily destroyed in the first place, because it has never been proven that there is a link between Iraq and September 11.

And while Congress hands over blank checks to this Administration, the media has given them a free ride. While the Republican-controlled Congress continues to send billions of dollars overseas without accountability, the media continues to cover up the facts. All the while the President continues to lie to the American public about the very reason our troops are over there. Mr. Speaker, our troops are doing their job, it is the Members of this body that are not doing theirs.

The Republicans keep telling us this bill is all about the soldiers, and everyone in this Congress supports our soldiers. But how can a bill for our soldiers not include money for basic protections like body armor, boots, camouflage, rucksacks, armored vehicles, tank tracks, Humvee tires, signal jammers, and chemical suits. We can't even provide these brave men and women with simple necessities like drinking water, showers, tennis shoes, and even toothpaste.

I am still working for accountability from the other side of the aisle. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support our troops, and I am still trying to figure out why, after Congress appropriated $79 billion for Iraq just 6 months ago, we are going to vote on yet another $87 billion appropriation today. Whatever happened to the first $79 billion? The American public deserves more from their elected representatives, and they deserve some accountability for this funding.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask for support of H.R. 1516, which will establish national cemeteries in parts of the country where they are needed the most, in--Southeastern Pennsylvania; Birmingham, Alabama; Bakersfield, California; Greenville/Columbia, South Carolina; Sarasota County, Florida; and my own Jacksonville, Florida.

Florida has the second largest population of veterans in the Nation-- totaling almost two million. There are more than 325,000 veterans in the Northeast Florida/Southeast Georgia area alone. One out of every ten deaths nationally is a resident of Florida at the time of interment. And, veterans' deaths are increasing each year as World War II and Korean War-era veterans advance in age. Soon, we will be unable to meet the burial needs of our veterans. Northeast Florida is in dire need of a new cemetery to accommodate veterans and their families. We owe it to our veterans to make certain that they have an appropriate final resting place.

The nearest ``open'' cemetery serving Northeast Florida is in Bushnell, Florida, which is

150 miles from Jacksonville--a three-hour drive. Florida's two smaller national cemeteries in Pensacola and St. Augustine are closed due to full capacity. The situation for Jacksonville-area veterans is almost desperate.

The National Cemetery Administration's intent is to make veterans' burial needs available in a state or national cemetery within 75 miles of the veteran's home. Veterans in the Jacksonville area are twice the distance from an open national cemetery than the National Cemetery Administration's goal. This is unacceptable. People need to be able to visit their loved one's final resting place without being burdened with a six-hour round trip from Jacksonville. We need to show veterans the respect that they have earned.

I ask that my colleagues support this important legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I have with me a bullet- proof vest. My colleagues can see that it is extremely heavy. It weighs about 16 pounds. I was horrified to learn that tens of thousands of our troops were sent out to battle without the proper armor and, to this day, they still lack necessary items, life-saving items like this bullet-proof vest.

Mr. Chairman, 44,000 troops do not have this bullet-proof vest that costs $1,500. The family members are writing the checks and sending these vests to their family members. So the taxpayers are paying twice. They are paying their dollars. We are not getting assistance from any foreign sources. The family members are writing checks, sending these vests to their family members to make sure that they have the necessary items to protect their lives. This is unacceptable.

This is an important issue. I want every American citizen to know that the President did not request one penny for these vests. He did not request one penny for these vests. Mr. Chairman, 44,000 soldiers in Iraq without body armor, and the President did not ask for a cent to protect these soldiers. I guess our brave men and women will have to wait until Halliburton, Halliburton, Halliburton starts making body armor before they can get the protection they need and deserve.

Congress approved $310 million in April to buy 300,000 bullet-proof vests for our troops; but, sadly, only 75 million of these dollars have gone to the officers, Army officers that are responsible for purchasing these vests.

Where is the accountability that this administration promised this Nation?

The Republicans keep telling us that this bill is all about the soldiers, and everyone in this Congress supports our soldiers. But how can a bill for our soldiers not include money for basic protection like body armor, boots, armored vehicles, Humvee tires, signal jammers, and chemical suits? We cannot even provide those brave men and women with simple, necessary items like drinking water, showers, tennis shoes, and even toothpaste. And women, they do not have personal items that they need. This is unacceptable.

Just 6 months ago, we appropriated $79 billion for the war effort; and yet relatives have to resort to sending body armor to protect their family members.

The American people who are writing the checks for Iraq do not want a grants program. Like anyone who lends money in the real world, they want their money back.

I would encourage every citizen, if it were me, to call their Senator or their Congressperson and let them know that they do not support a blank check slush fund for this administration.

Vote ``no'' on the bill and ``no'' for another blank check for the President and his campaign contributors. Mr. President, this account is overdrawn.

I was horrified to learn that tens of thousands of our troops were sent out to battle without proper armor. And to this day, they still lack many necessary items. I spoke with several soldiers who suffered injuries to their legs, and many who totally lost their legs when bullets crashed through their vehicles because the cars were not fortified with armored plates. I met with soldiers who suffered chest injuries because they did not have bulletproof vests.

This is a very important issue, and I want the American public to clearly understand this point. Even though we have 44,000 soldiers in Iraq today without proper bulletproof vests, the President asked for absolutely nothing to protect these troops. Let me repeat that. We have 44,000 soldiers in Iraq without body armor, and the President didn't ask for a single cent to protect these soldiers. I guess these brave men and women will have to wait until Hailburton starts making body armor before they can get the protection they need and deserve.

Congress approved $310 million in April to buy 300,000 bulletproof vests for our troops. But sadly, only $75 million of that money has gone to the Army office that is responsible for purchasing these vests. Where is the accountability that this Administration promised this Nation.

The Republicans keep telling us this bill is all about the soldiers, and everyone in this Congress supports our soldiers. But how can a bill for our soldiers not include money for basic protections like Body Armor, Boots, Camouflage, Rucksacks, Armored Vehicles, Tank Tracks, Humvee Tires, Signal Jammers, and Chemical Suits. We can't even provide these brave men and women with simple necessities like drinking water, showers, tennis shoes, and even toothpaste.

Just 6 months ago, we appropriated $79 billion dollars for the war effort, and yet relatives have resorted to buying body armor in the U.S. and shipping it to troops in Iraq. What happened to this money Mr. President. These families and this Congress want and deserve to know.

The American people who are writing the check for Iraq do not want a grant program. Like anyone who lends money in the real world, they want their money back. I would encourage every citizen to call their Senators and Congressperson to let them know that you do not support another Blank Check slush fund for this administration.

Vote no on this bill, and no on another blank check for the President and his campaign contributors. Mr. President, this account is already overdrawn.

I was shocked to find out that the Services did not fully meet immunization and other predeployment requirements. Based on GAO review of deployments from four installations, between 14 and 46 percent of servicemembers were missing at least one of their required immunizations prior to deployment. As many as 36 percent of the servicemembers were missing two or more of

their required immunizations, such as influenza and hepatitis. We cannot send our servicemembers to war without first making certain that they are protected from in theater disease threats.

Mr. Chairman, I want to begin by commending the Congressional Black Caucus for standing up for the troops and voting against this appalling supplemental bill.

Just yesterday I visited Walter Reed Medical Center and was very impressed by our brave troops. They have done their part in fighting and risking their lives for our Nation. In addition, I talked to our men and women stationed in bases in the Caspian Sea last summer, and I was appalled to see that the female soldiers were not supplied with enough personal items and they were not even given access to showers nearby.

Yes, Mr. Chairman, I wholeheartedly support our troops; and for that reason I would like to know why after Congress appropriated $79 billion for Iraq just 6 months ago, we are going to vote for another $87 billion appropriations. By the way, the largest supplemental that ever passed this House.

I was horrified to learn that tens of thousands of our troops were sent out to battle without proper armor and to this day they still need many necessary items, for example, enough drinking water, showers, tennis shoes, proper chemical attack suits, quality boots, and even simple toothpaste.

Once again, I want to know, where is the beef? Where is the first $79 billion? Our troops are doing their job. It is the Members in this body that are not doing what we were elected to do.

I want to also point out to the media, you are not doing your job. You have given this administration a blank check. We have not seen one shred of evidence that links 9-11 to Iraq.

Mr. Chairman, our troops are doing their job. It is up to the Members of this body to do theirs.

Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to see this bill on the floor of the House today to dedicate a post office in Jacksonville to Ms. Eddie Mae Steward. Eddie Mae Steward left her mark on her community in many ways.

Eddie Mae Steward single-handedly launched the effort that led to the court-ordered desegregation of Duval County's public schools, she was the first female president of the Jacksonville branch of the NAACP, and served as the State NAACP president from 1973 to 1974.

She also served as the secretary of the Duval County Democratic Executive Committee. A graduate of Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, she was truly a dedicated civil rights activist.

Ms. Steward was the first to take on the fight to improve the infrastructure of public schools for children in Jacksonville. One school in particular, Boylan Haven, a private school for African American girls, was described to be unfit by any standard. Ms. Steward took on the local school board, and after a three-week battle and intense pressure from Ms. Steward and local civil rights activists, the school board decided to send the students to other area schools. Today, Eddie Mae Steward remains a tribute to those willing to undertake great risks to bring about social justice.

Much like those before her who struggled against the injustice of status quo, she was referred to as a ``troublemaker.'' However, it was fundamental fairness, strong principles, and the strength of her conviction that led her to become a visionary and courageous leader.

Ms. Steward leaves six children. And I am honored to recognize Eddie Mae Steward with this post office designation. I urge support for this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I think one of the most valuable lessons we have learned from the tragic events of September 11 is just how important our railroads are to this country. With the aviation system grounded, American railroads were working hard to help both passenger and freight reach their destinations. Not only was this important to keep the economy running, but sent an important message to our enemies that American transportation system was still the strongest in the world.

On November 12, 2001, I was in New York when American Airlines Flight 587 crashed shortly after taking off from JFK Airport, creating a national panic and shutting down the entire city. Fortunately for me and many other Members of Congress who ended up at Penn Station that day, Amtrak was still running, and returned us safely to Washington to deal with this latest tragedy. I realized once again just how important Amtrak is to the American people and how important it is for this Nation to have alternate modes of transportation.

I personally fell in love with railroads as a child watching the Silver Meteor passenger train pass my house in Jacksonville, and today I get firsthand information on the railroads from my friends, constituents and my brother, who worked with CSX for over 30 years, which I proudly say is headquartered in my district.

Since the first horse-drawn cars hauled coal on steel rails, the success of the U.S. economy has been directly linked to the success of the railroad industry. It is only right to pay homage to the men and women who have worked so hard to build this Nation's railroad infrastructure.

The National Railroad Hall of Fame's goal is to promote and encourage a better understanding of this country's railroads, and is collecting documentation and information that is open to the public. The planned National Railroad Hall of Fame Monument will honor the men and women responsible for founding and developing the U.S. rail industry.

I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for introducing this legislation. The veterans of this Nation have no better friend in Congress than the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans). It has been an honor serving with him on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and I am glad to join him in celebrating the noble history of American railroads.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this excellent legislation, which educates the public on the vital role our railroad plays in the development of our young Nation and the strong role it plays in the world economy today.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

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

Mr. Speaker, this is an outright attack on organized labor. Ever since George Bush and his administration were put in the White House by the Supreme Court, they have done nothing but cut taxes for the rich and destroy our country's labor movement.

The regulations put forth by the administration in March to change the Fair Labor Standards Act that would deny overtime pay to over 8 million employees is shameful. These regulations would be bad for many, many people: including first responders like nurses, police and firefighters, and also journalists, accountants, grocery clerks, and others. Millions more, who have long depended upon overtime work to help make ends meet, will face pay cuts, and at the same time, opportunities to work overtime are being done away with.

I urge my colleagues to vote to instruct conferees and to block the Bush administration from going on with this terrible change which would take overtime pay away from our country's hard-working people.

Mr. Speaker, I support a woman's right to make choices on her own behalf. Abortion should be a private decision made by the woman, with the aid of her family and her doctor. The government should stay out of private medical decisions.

Many, including myself, oppose the ban on partial-birth abortion because it may restrict the choices of a woman and her doctors in the second trimester. It is normally during this time that amniocentesis tests are given and therefore the time when fatal birth defects are usually found. We need to leave choice in the hands of the woman, especially when we are dealing with issues like fetal birth defects.

We all know that ``Partial-birth'' is a political term, not a medical term. This name is designed to throw fuel on the already heated abortion debate through graphic rhetoric and misinformation.

In describing what is banned, this bill does not reference a recognized, established medical procedure. In fact, the bill's language is deliberately vague--banning safe and common procedures. For example, this bill does not mention fetal viability, so it has the potential to restrict abortions throughout pregnancy. The Supreme Court has already ruled that we cannot do that. In Roe v. Wade and its companion case, Doe v. Bolton, the Supreme Court held that a woman has the right to choose legal abortion until viability. The Court said that states may ban abortion after that time, as long as exceptions are made to protect a woman's life or her health. Congress simply should not be legislating on this issue. This is one issue that Congress should leave to the states.

When President Bush signs this measure, he will become the first President since Roe v. Wade to recriminalize safe abortion procedures. Congressional leaders are moving toward the goal of ending legal abortion. This

legislation is just one piece of the overall strategy. With anti-choice leaders now controlling both the House and Senate, banning abortion is once again becoming a top legislative priority.

Why when there are so many other pressing issues in this Nation, would Congressional leaders choose to introduce legislation that has already been held unconstitutional? In 2000, the Supreme Court found Nebraska's so-called ``partial-birth'' abortion ban unconstitutional. The Court found that the law was an unconstitutional burden on a woman's right to choose. The Nebraska law banned safe abortion procedures and lacked the constitutionally required exception to protect a woman's health. These same issues are present in the bill now before Congress.

I urge Congress to reject this ban on partial-birth abortion. I support a woman's right to make choices on her own behalf. The government should stay out of important health decisions, and leave those important health decisions to the woman, her family and her doctor.