Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on the eve of the home porting ceremony of the USS Ronald Reagan, to welcome America's newest Aircraft Carrier and its crew to San Diego.

The USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76, our nation's ninth Nimitz class carrier, is the world's most advanced and most capable carrier ever built. The USS Reagan, along with its crew of 6,000 and its commanding officer Captain James A. Symonds, will give America greater capabilities to address threats to the safety of Americans and international peace and stability than ever before.

For most of the world's history, the oceans have been a dangerous and lawless place. For over 60 years, however, America's Navy has reigned supreme over the world's oceans. Today, our Navy ensures freedom of the seas for all nations who seek to use the world's shipping lanes for peaceful purposes. The USS Ronald Reagan enhances our Navy's ability to do its job.

For California, the USS Ronald Reagan will serve as a proud reminder of the legacy left behind by our former Governor and President. President Reagan understood the importance of maintaining a strong and effective military. Throughout his administration, which brought about a successful end to the Cold War, President Reagan rebuilt America's armed forces with a steadfast belief in the pursuit of peace through strength. Because of this legacy, it is entirely fitting that the most powerful and diplomatically visible symbol of the American Navy now shares both the name and home state of President Ronald Reagan.

The crew of the USS Reagan will find the San Diego community to be warm and welcoming. San Diego has a mix of many cultures and, as someone who moved my family here 20 years ago, I can assure the entire crew that San Diego is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to recognize Mrs. Reagan who will participate in tomorrow's home porting ceremony. The USS Ronald Reagan is a testament to the many great things Ronald and Nancy Reagan accomplished together. Ronald Reagan gave our nation hope and reminded us that with hard work and determination we could do great things. President Reagan may have moved on, but his legacy is as strong and steady as the ship that now bears his name.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Palestinian Parliament for their leadership in demanding reforms in the Palestinian Authority.

By a vote of 43-4, Palestinian lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling on Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei and calling for the formation of a new government that would have greater control over the security forces, the authority to introduce political changes and to combat pervasive corruption. Yesterday's vote marks the emergence of the Palestinian Parliament as a check to Mr. Arafat's political power.

If the Palestinian Authority is to gain legitimacy among its own people and in the world community, the Palestinians themselves must take responsibility for bringing about needed reforms and for establishing an effective security apparatus to combat terrorism and violence.

It is clear by yesterday's action that a new power base dedicated to reducing violence and chaos in the Gaza Strip is emerging, and the United States must encourage and support that effort. I look forward to a renewed commitment in bringing stability to this region.

I am hopeful that seeing the success of this resolution, Palestinian lawmakers will assert themselves in the future to serve the greater interests of the Palestinian people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75 years of good works and charity of the Oceanside Elks Lodge #1561. On May 31, 1929, the Oceanside Elks Lodge became a reality in the Palomar Theater building in Oceanside, California, with 129 charter members.

The first business meeting took place on June 28, 1929. Since that time, the Lodge has held meetings in three different locations ending in their current facility at 444 Country Club Lane in downtown Oceanside.

The motto, ``Elks Care and Elks Share,'' is well established in the order of Elks, and the Oceanside Lodge has been one of the leaders in monies donated to worthy causes since its beginning. Over the last 15 years, the Oceanside Lodge has donated over $482,624 to charitable causes, such as direct student scholarships, VA Hospitals, the American Heart Association, youth groups and a host of other local charities.

The Elks National Order has donated in excess of $3 billion to charity during its 137 years, second only to the United States Government in total donations.

When founded in 1868, the Elks Lodge was a fraternal organization. However, the Oceanside Lodge is proud to recognize Donna Stewart as their first female Elk and Claudia Dineen as their first female Exalted Ruler.

Their Current Exalted Ruler, Robert F. Neal, is a long-time, respected member of the community and is working to increase the charitable contributions to even greater heights.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is vital that we in Congress recognize the 187 years of service and charitable good works of the Elks Lodge and the 75 years of generosity of the Oceanside Elks Lodge #1561 to their local community.

Mr. Chairman, I reluctantly come, as many of my colleagues, probably this is as close to a 50-50 vote as we are normally going to have on this floor, to oppose this amendment, not because many of the points being made are not accurate, but because in 1998, Egypt and the United States agreed to a 10-year economic assistance phase-down. We agreed between our two nations to a long-term change in what had been the 1979 peace agreement. We need to be a nation that keeps our promises or renegotiates in good faith. It should not be done unilaterally from this body.

What I would say is, if, as I hope and will vote this is defeated, we should all work together to find new ways to ensure that Egypt has the assets and the impetus to do 100 percent successful sealing of the Gaza border, and particularly the tunnels that have been so troublesome. I look forward to working with both sides of the aisle after this vote to make that happen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Valley Center Municipal Water District, which meets the water and wastewater needs of Valley Center and its 23,000 residents.

Fifty years ago, on July 12, 1954, a group of citizens formed an agency to build a water storage and transport system to access the water resources of the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. At the time, securing these sources was imperative for continued community growth in a region that had only limited rainfall.

Today, in addition to providing water supply and sanitation services to their customers, the Valley Center Municipal Water District has promoted water conservation through incentives such as vouchers for ultra low flush toilets and high efficiency washing machines, residential landscape assistance, and providing water conservation guidelines for their customers.

Mr. Speaker, the Valley Center Municipal Water District has provided an invaluable service to the community it serves. This agency continues to fulfill its mission of ensuring customer satisfaction through quality service at the lowest possible price. I would like to thank the water district and its current and past employees for their hard work in meeting the water needs of the residents and businesses it serves. Their efforts have allowed a community to flourish in one of Southern California's most scenic and unique locations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major General William G. Bowdon for thirty-four years of outstanding and dedicated service to the United States Marine Corps and his country. Major General Bowdon will retire from the Marine Corps on July 1.

Graduating from Louisiana State University in 1970, General Bowdon entered the Marine Corps in August and reported to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. He received his wings at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, Texas, in February 1972, and reported for flight duty at El Toro, California.

General Bowdon completed F-4 Combat Qualification Training in Yuma, Arizona, in December of 1972. In January 1973 General Bowdon departed for his first Fleet Marine force tour and, following this assignment, served his country as a flight instructor.

In January 1977, General Bowdon received his first overseas assignment in Iwakuni, Japan. He returned to the U.S. the following year to attend Amphibious Warfare School at MCB Quantico, VA.

In August 1982, General Bowdon attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, VA. After graduation he reported to Marine Training Support Group at the Cecil Field, Florida, Naval Air Station as the Executive Officer.

Major General Bowdon assumed command of VMFA-333 in July 1988 and deployed the ``Shamrocks'' to the Western Pacific. After this command, Major General Bowdon reported to the National War College at Fort McNair for the training that would prepare him for the great responsibilities our nation was about to entrust in him.

Following graduation then Lt. Col. Bowdon was assigned to the Joint Staff, J-4 Directorate, in the Pentagon in June of 1991. He was promoted to Colonel in August of the following year. In June of 1994 General Bowdon returned to the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station and assumed command of Marine Aircraft Group 11. He was promoted to Brigadier General on October 1, 1996, while assigned as the Assistant Wing Commander of the 2nd Division Marine Aircraft Wing in Cherry Point, North Carolina.

Major General Bowdon assumed the duties as the Commanding General of the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point in April 1998. He served as the Deputy Commander of the Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans for one year in 1999. After that he went on to command a number of posts before assuming command of our nation's largest West Coast Marine Corps base, Camp Pendleton, on June 24, 2002.

Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct honor and privilege of representing California's 49th Congressional District, the home of the Marines of the 1st Division based at Camp Pendleton. For the past two years, I have also had the honor of working with General Bowdon during the one of the most significant times in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps' storied First Division.

Last year the 1st Division Marines, along with a U.S. Army Division and a British Division, crushed a much larger Iraqi force that had been set-up to defend the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein. The victory achieved by America and its allies, thanks to outstanding training, technology, bravery, and command, was the quickest and most decisive defeat of a modern military power in history.

The Marines of the First Division, who spearheaded this victory, were trained at Camp Pendleton and many left their families behind in the care of Camp Pendleton and communities like Oceanside, Fallbrook, and Vista while they were serving in Iraq. As the commanding officer of Camp Pendleton, General Bowdon played a crucial role in preparing the Marines of the 1st Division for the great victory they helped achieve in Iraq and for successfully executing the largest troop rotation in the history of the U.S. military.

One of General Bowdon's finest qualities as a commanding officer, however, is that he cares about Marines and their families well beyond their training and their ability to perform under fire on the battlefield. General Bowdon and I have worked together on a number of issues on Camp Pendleton including getting better housing for Marine families, improving recreational facilities for enlisted Marines, strengthening relations between Camp Pendleton and the neighboring city of Oceanside, and seeking out improvements to the quality of water on base. As commander of Camp Pendleton, he was truly dedicated to both his duty as a U.S. Marine and to his fellow Marines with whom he served.

General Bowdon has received awards including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Major General Bowdon has had an exemplary career filled with distinction. It has been a great pleasure to know and work with General Bowdon and an honor to offer this testament to his dedication, service and hard work for America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was officially proclaimed President of the Philippines yesterday, the 23rd of June, 2004. This election marks a milestone in the politics of the Philippines. It demonstrated that, despite the difficulties that persist in the Philippines, the leadership of the country remains committed to democratic governance.

I have had the pleasure of meeting President Arroyo on two separate occasions. I have also interacted and worked with several members of her cabinet. The Philippines, under the leadership of President Arroyo, has been a steadfast partner of the United States in the War on Terror. While Al-Qaeda has sought to spread its influence, training camps and criminal enterprises into Asia, the government of the Philippines has taken a proactive approach to ensure that international terrorism does not take root in this strong ally of the United States. The government of the Philippines has recently made important strides towards protecting intellectual property rights and other measures that will strengthen trade and contact between our two nations.

Mr. Speaker, as Americans, we have the privilege of living in the world's strongest democracy and as such we, as a nation, often take it upon ourselves to answer freedom's call and point out injustices in the world and, in some occasions, take an active role to bring democracy to those who do not enjoy freedom. While these cases of injustice often command our immediate attention, it is important to note the United States has many friends throughout the world who, like the Philippines, have been there for the United States when we have needed a dependable ally.

The 108th Congress has also acted to strengthen the friendship between our two nations. The aid we provide the Philippines provides important support in the War on Terror and our decision to grant Filipino veterans of World War II the same benefits as the American counterparts with whom they served has gone a long way toward righting an injustice and enhancing the ability of the government of the Philippines to work with the United States on numerous issues of mutual concern.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I congratulate both President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on her re-election to a new term of office and the people of the Philippines for holding a competitive election that demonstrated the vibrant spirit of democracy of the Philippines. I look forward to working with President Arroyo on future projects that benefit both America and the Philippines.

Mr. Speaker, if I had been present for rollcall vote No. 320, I would have voted ``yea.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing support for the vision for peace that President George Bush outlined in his letter to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on April 14, 2004. Today we are considering a resolution that affirms many of the principles laid out in the President's letter. These principles include recognition that the United States remains committed to the peace and security of the Israeli people. We believe that peace cannot be achieved until all states in the region, and the Palestinians themselves, join in the fight against terrorism. And we believe that Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorism.

But this resolution falls short of fully expressing the President's vision as it was articulated in his letter. Along with assurances to Israel, the President's letter also acknowledges that peace is not possible without a Palestinian state. As the President himself said, this state must be ``viable; contiguous, sovereign, and independent, so that the Palestinian people can build their own future.'' President Bush, as President Clinton did before him, understands that a lasting peace cannot be achieved if the Palestinians are consigned to live in cantons and denied basic rights as citizens of a nation state.

This resolution makes only a passing reference to a Palestinian state, thereby missing a critical aspect of the formula for peace. Without the hope of a Palestinian state or the promise of democratic opportunity for the Palestinian people to live in their own country, lasting peace cannot be achieved. The true hope for peace lies in a Palestinian right to self-determination.

President Bush wisely recognized that, in order to prevent the Palestinian ``Right of Return'' to the Israeli state, Palestinian refugees must be able to return to their own homeland. Without their own state, millions of Palestinian refugees around the world will remain stateless people. As long as this is the case, peace will remain elusive.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to recognize the progress that President Bush has made toward a just and lasting peace.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the George C. Marshall Institute here in Washington, DC on their 20th anniversary this June.

For the past 2 decades, the Marshall Institute has tirelessly promoted the use of sound

science in making public policy and has provided Congress and the public with valuable assessments of recent scientific advances and trends. By stressing fact-based assessments of science, the Marshall Institute has helped policy makers make wise decisions in contentious areas such as climate change, defense, bioterrorism, and civic environmentalism. I ask that all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in honoring this institution, which has provided an invaluable service to the policy-making community for the past 20 years, and in wishing them all success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of two Border Patrol Agents, Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George P. Azrak, who were killed in the line of duty.

Theodore Newton and George Azrak were Border Patrol Agents stationed at the interior checkpoint in Temecula, California. On the evening of June 17, 1967, Agents Newton and Azrak were operating a rural checkpoint on Highway 79, approximately 30 miles south of Temecula. Agent Newton, 26 years old and married with two children, had been with the Border Patrol for a little over a year, while Agent Azrak, 21 years old, who was shadowing Agent Newton, hadn't even begun training at the academy. During their shift, they stopped an old military ambulance carrying two men when they discovered a shipment of more than 800 pounds of marijuana. As they

were about to arrest the two men, two more men pulled up from behind and held the agents at gunpoint. They were kidnapped and subsequently murdered by these drug-traffickers in an abandoned shack near the checkpoint.

Upon hearing about the kidnapping, nearly 400 law enforcement officers participated in the search for the missing agents in one of the largest manhunts in Southern California. Eventually, the bodies were found, and all four of the men involved in the crime were later arrested. Two of the men convicted of murder were sentenced to life in prison.

In honor of these two agents, the Commissioner of the Border Patrol presents annually the Newton-Azrak Award to the agent that provides services or accomplishments reflecting unusual courage or bravery in the line of duty. This is the highest award for valor and bravery in the Border Patrol.

This country lost two dedicated law enforcement officers 37 years ago. The deaths of Agent Newton and Agent Azrak are a lasting reminder of the perils our law enforcement officers face each and every day while protecting our nation. I am grateful for their service and dedication to this great nation.

I thank the Speaker for the opportunity to honor the anniversary of the passing of Agents Theodore Newton and George Azrak and recognize the loss suffered by their families. I would also like to recognize all the brave men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol and their family members who, like our military families, have loved ones putting their lives at risk for our security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Class of 2004 graduates of Oceanside High School in Oceanside, CA and to wish the students continued success as they pursue their dreams and goals.

I would like to also extend a special thanks to Superintendent Kenneth Noonan, Principal Kimo Marquardt and to all of the teachers and administrators who contribute to the quality educational experience that students receive at Oceanside High School. It is through the hard work and caring of these leaders that students are able to graduate from Oceanside High School with the tools they need to become successful members of society and future leaders in our communities. I commend and congratulate you all.

Mr. Speaker, Oceanside High School is a great example of how a public school should work. Students at Oceanside High School have the opportunity to learn a challenging academic curriculum in a positive learning environment that stresses the importance of civic responsibility and cultural diversity. It is important that our future leaders receive a strong education, work ethic, and an awareness of our global society--Oceanside High School has succeeded in providing the students with this knowledge.

The graduates of Oceanside High School have taken an important step forward today as they don their cap and gown and walk across the stage to accept their diplomas. Each student graduating today has the potential to achieve great success and it is up to each one of them to determine how they are going to make a difference in our communities. I congratulate you all for your accomplishment today and encourage you to pursue your goals and continue to build on the knowledge you have learned.

Your accomplishments at Oceanside High School have opened many doors for you. From this point forward, the only limits on your future are those you place on yourself--anyone who says otherwise is wrong. If you have the determination, are equipped with knowledge and you outline a goal, you have the ability to accomplish great things. Again. I congratulate the Class of 2004 and wish you all continued success.

Mr. Speaker, on this second week of June, 17 years ago, President Ronald Reagan stood in the then-divided city of Berlin and called on Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to ``tear down this wall.'' Then, as perhaps now, critics did what they so often do. They cast aside the genuineness of his statement and, in fact, said that his speech was a publicity ploy. The Soviets and East Germans called it an infringement of East German sovereignty, an unwarranted meddling by the American President.

Two years later the wall came down.

Mr. Speaker, President Reagan was a leader with the foresight and strong conviction to get things done. He believed in America so much that he made America believe in itself again. He valued freedom, especially for those who had none. He understood that for America to be great, it first had to be good. He understood that America's problems, the malaise of the years preceding his Presidency, were simply America's not understanding how great it was and how great it could be.

Mr. Speaker, I was just a soldier during the period leading up to Mr. Reagan's becoming President Reagan, but I was a businessman starting a business from scratch when President Reagan came to office, and I recognized overnight that this was a special time to be an American, a time when we had a President who was saying that an American hero was somebody who took chances, who made a difference for the world, but particularly somebody who cared enough to work those extra hours and to care enough about his country.

Ronald Reagan knew America. He knew what was right about our Nation. What was right about our Nation and what was right about America would set the world in a better direction. Ronald Reagan led America, and the rest of the world became a freer place. Under his leadership we headed toward more than 400 million people in 27 countries finding a freedom they did not have. Today the soldiers of some of those democracies now fight side by side in Iraq and Afghanistan.

President Reagan showed us that our freedom and our determination can tear down walls.

Many Speakers will come here tonight, and they will talk of how profoundly President Reagan affected them, and I would be no different, but perhaps I can be slightly different tonight by saying that the only way to honor President Reagan's legacy is to take it to the next step. Today we are trying to do that for people in the Arab and Muslim world, and we have not finished that job. Today Communist China still denies rights to the people of its own country and is attempting to stifle the freedom and independence of Hong Kong. Today Cuba, to our south, is still a Communist nation, having little or no respect for the rule of law and for its people.

All of these and more need to be part of the American struggle because, Mr. Speaker, only if we determine that America's greatness will be in our willingness to set a course for the world in a positive way, not to dominate, but, in fact, to liberate, I think that is the legacy that Mr. Reagan would want.

And if I can take a personal liberty on behalf of Mrs. Reagan, I believe that continuing to look for a cure to the terrible illness that plagued President Reagan for his last 10 years of life and promote and continue stem cell research consistent with what this body has passed would also be a tremendous addition to the Reagan legacy.

I am determined to work for both of these, and I ask this body to take those steps to free those who were not freed under President Reagan, and to commit itself to the research to end the terrible illness that the Reagan family has suffered under for 10 long years.

Mr. Speaker, on this second week of June, 17 years ago, President Ronald Reagan stood in the then divided city of Berlin, and called on Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to, ``tear down this wall.'' President Reagan's critics at home called his speech a publicity ploy. The Soviets and East Germans called it an infringement of East German sovereignty--unwarranted meddling by the American President. Two years later, the wall came down.

President Reagan was a leader with foresight and strong conviction. He believed in America--then he made America believe in itself again. He valued freedom--so he brought it to those who had none.

Through wise policies, force of will, and a kind demeanor, President Reagan conveyed strength and determination alongside reason and optimism to America and those who yearned for freedom behind the Iron Curtain. He never doubted what America could do--and he wouldn't let us doubt ourselves. When tragedy struck, he told us to move forward--and we listened.

Ronald Regan knew America. He knew what was right about our Nation, what was right for our Nation, and what America could set right in the world. Ronald Reagan led America and the rest of the free world against communism. When his work was finished, the free world had expanded by over 400 million people in 27 countries.

Today, soldiers from these new democracies fight side by side with Americans against the new enemies of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Reagan showed us that freedom can tear down walls. He reaffirmed for us that America is a force for good in the world, and that our proudest achievements will never come without criticism or sacrifice.

I never had the opportunity to meet Ronald Reagan, but knew him, like most Americans, as someone who had faith in our ability to

achieve great things for ourselves and the world.

Mr. Speaker, history will remember Ronald Reagan for bringing freedom to more people throughout the world than has ever been done before. The America and the world Ronald Reagan leaves behind is a better place because of him.

President Reagan, we still carry the confidence you gave our Nation and will never forget what we accomplished together. A grateful Nation thanks you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Captain Don Redd, who was presented with the General Douglas MacArthur Army Leadership Award on May 26, 2004. The MacArthur Leadership Award is presented to 27 recipients each year to company grade officers and warrant officers who show exceptional leadership in command and embody the principles of duty, honor, and country that are central to the Army tradition. Captain Redd's selection recognizes his proven ability to motivate and inspire his fellow soldiers, and to provide leadership at critical moments.

Captain Redd currently serves as commander of Headquarters and Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (A) in Fort Carson, Colorado. He has served in combat tours in Kosovo and twice in Iraq. He also has a Master's Degree in National Security Affairs from Georgetown University.

I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize Captain Redd for his achievement and to thank him for his exceptional service in defense of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 3722, the ``Undocumented Alien Emergency Medical Assistance Amendments of 2004.''

I commend the gentleman from California for his intent in introducing this legislation. It

attempts to address legitimate concerns that exist about widespread illegal immigration and the cost of providing services to those aliens. This legislation requires hospital emergency rooms to collect citizenship, immigration status, financial data, and employer information from aliens seeking emergency care and transmit that information to the Department of Homeland Security in order to receive reimbursement for services. H.R. 3722 also requires an employer who knowingly employs an illegal alien to pay the cost of providing emergency care to the alien. As a representative of the same state as the gentleman from California, I understand the factors that led to him draft this legislation.

However, I am disturbed that this legislation has come to the floor of the House without proper consideration, that it has not been fully vetted through the Committee process. I am a member of the committee of jurisdiction, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and this legislation has not had a hearing or a mark up before our committee. Before we make a change in the law, before we enact legislation that will impact the operation of every emergency room in America, I think we ought to have a thorough debate on the issue, hear from the doctors and hospital administrators and others who will be impacted by this legislation, and who will bear the burden of implementation.

I am opposing this legislation today, with the hopes that the gentleman will continue to pursue solutions to a serious problem, and that we would have an opportunity to hold hearings on this issue in the committees of jurisdiction and address it through the normal committee process. This will give us the opportunity to perfect legislation in order to make it fair and practical for hospital emergency rooms and the patients they serve.

I thank you for the opportunity to speak, applaud the good intentions of the gentleman from California, and respectfully urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill at this time.