Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeannine Martineau, a board member in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District and the outgoing President of the California School Boards Association. Jeannine Martineau is an exceptional community leader and citizen of Lake Elsinore.

Ms. Martineau has a distinguished record of service throughout her community and the State of California. She has served on the California School Boards Association for the past 12 years. She was a member of the association's delegate assembly and served as a regional director since 1992. This year Ms. Martineau was named chair of the Cities, Counties, and Schools Partnership.

Jeannine has also been a model of personal involvement. She has been active in many community organizations including the Elsinore Woman's Club, Elsinore Valley Human Services Commission and was named 2003 Tri- County Youth Services Volunteer of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally thank Ms. Martineau for her service to her community and wish her good fortune in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to enter into the Record an opinion piece that I wrote about the future of our relationship with Syria. This piece was published in the San Francisco Chronicle on October 14, 2003.

I also want to join my colleagues today in expressing deep concern about the choices that Syria has made over the past year. This is a sad day for American diplomacy. The passage of this bill, after more than two years of debate, marks the refusal of Syria to accept our diplomatic overtures. Syria has had numerous opportunities to demonstrate that it intends to move away from the policies that keep it on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terror. It has consistently missed those opportunities, and now faces the specter of isolation.

Syria had the chance to play a key role in securing the release of Elhanan Tenebaum, Adi Avitan, Benny Avraham, and Omar Sawayid--Israeli soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah. They refused, perpetuating a hostage situation that makes peace negotiations more difficult.

Syria had the chance to grant the United States use of its airspace for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They refused, thereby dramatically increasing the risk of mission failure for American pilots.

Syria had the chance to build good will toward the United States by staying out of the war in Iraq. They refused, allowing jihadis and military equipment to flow across their borders to kill American soldiers.

Syria had the chance to demonstrate its commitment to the peace process by supporting President Bush's Roadmap to Peace initiative. Secretary Powell specifically asked Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to close offices of Palestinian terrorist groups and to expel terrorist leaders operating out of Damascus. He refused, choosing instead to continue Syrian financial and logistical support for terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians.

Following the war in Iraq, Syria had the chance to build good will in the United Nations. They were repeatedly asked to support a constructive UN presence in Iraq. Instead, they opted to pursue a diplomatic agenda that drove divisions between the United States and other members of the UN Security Council.

Syria has had the chance to withdraw its troops and end its dominance of Lebanon. They refused, choosing to maintain their intimidating military and intelligence presence in Lebanon.

And finally, Syria has had the chance to rein in Hezbollah. I have personally asked senior Syrian government officials to disarm Hezbollah, arguing that Syria's interests are best served through peace negotiations. These requests have been consistently rejected. Syria continues to provide strategic, financial, and logistical support to Hezbollah in a misguided effort to keep the Lebanese conflict with Israel burning.

These issues are not imagined and they are not part of some secret Israeli agenda, as the Syrians believe. They are real problems that have driven a wedge between our two nations. I don't know if this bill will succeed in changing Syria's behavior--sanctions are rarely an effective long-term solution. But we cannot ignore the fact that Syria and the United States are moving in two very different directions. Diplomacy with Syria has failed. Syria has been given a choice and it has chosen poorly.

[From the San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 14, 2003]

Opinion/Editorial

(By Darrell Issa)

During a recent visit to Damascus, Syrian President Bashar

al-Assad told me ``we want to be part of this world--we do

not want to be isolated like North Korea.'' This statement

demonstrated that the young Syrian president understands that

Syria is heading down a path toward complete isolation.

Unfortunately, President Assad also appears to believe that

he can postpone isolation indefinitely by straddling two very

different paths. One is the path of cooperation. The Bush

administration has noted that, following the Sept. 11

terrorist attacks, Syria provided us with valuable

intelligence on al Qaeda that ultimately saved American

lives. President Assad opened up his office to visiting

American officials--something his father, the late Hafez

Assad--was reluctant to do. He has talked about Syria

becoming a member of the World Trade Organization and

expressed interest in visiting the United States.

But Bashar Assad has also perpetuated Syrian policies that

keep it on the State Department's list of state sponsors of

terrorism. He has failed to fully shut down Palestinian

terrorist offices that operate out of Damascus. During

Operation Iraqi Freedom, he failed to stop the flow of

jihadis and military equipment across the border that killed

American soldiers.

The most troubling concern for America, however, is Syria's

intention to support Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist

organization that continues to fight a proxy war with Israel

and provide assistance to other terrorist groups like

Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage has referred to

Hezbollah as the ``A-team of terrorism.'' Hezbollah

operatives are responsible for the murder of more than 250

American peacekeepers and diplomats in Beirut in the 1980s.

They are suspected in carrying out two bombings in Argentina

that killed over 100 civilians. Imad Mughniah, the suspected

mastermind of numerous terrorist attacks against Americans,

is a senior adviser in Hezbollah's organizational structure.

There is evidence that Hezbollah operatives have infiltrated

Iraq to join attacks against American soldiers. As senior

Bush administration officials have stated repeatedly, Bashar

Assad has a choice to make: Either cooperate and be rewarded

or continue to support terrorism and risk total isolation.

Assad's strategy of trying to keep one foot on each path

will not work much longer. He may be faced with isolation

sooner than he thinks. The Syria Accountability Act, which

could mandate isolation at the levels of Libya or Iran, is

now poised to move quickly through Congress. Until recently,

the Bush administration opposed the act, arguing that it is

the president's constitutional responsibility to determine

the nature of diplomatic relations with foreign countries.

But as Syria consistently showed no sign of changing its

dangerous policies, the White House changed its mind and has

now given the act the green light.

The result for Syria will be devastating. Libya has learned

the costs of total isolation as a result of supporting global

terrorism. Only after a decade of international rejection has

Libya begun to dig its way out of isolation. Bashar Assad has

but a few days left to change direction: to put both feet on

the path of cooperation and lead Syria into the community of

nations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 234. I am delighted to have had the honor of authoring this resolution with my friend and colleague, the gentlelady from Ohio, Marcy Kaptur. I also am grateful to the gentleman from Wisconsin, Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner, for his fine work in moving this bill through his Committee to the House floor.

I am pleased to be joined by over 52 Members who co-sponsored this resolution. Twenty other Members have also expressed their strong support for the resolution since it passed out of the Judiciary Committee on the 25th of July. Alcee Hastings, Jan Schakowsky, Bob Filner, Martin Sabo, Maurice Hinchey, Denise Majette, Chris Shays, Neil Abercrombie, Lee Terry, Henry Waxman, John Olver, Judy Biggert, Rod Kind, Lloyd Doggett, Ciro Rodriguez, Bill Pascrell, and Robert Matsui have all told me that they would like to be formally recognized for their support of this resolution. I thank them for their support.

This is an important moment for Arab-American, Muslim American, Sikh- American, and South Asian American communities throughout the United States. These communities have experienced increased levels of bigotry and violence since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

In the first nine weeks following the September 11 tragedy, there were about 700 violent incidents directed at Arab-Americans or those perceived to be Arab-Americans, like Sikh Americans and South Asian Americans. Fortunately, this rate dropped very quickly after those first nine weeks, thanks in large part to President Bush's repeated calls for tolerance.

The President's leadership on this issue prompted thousands of state and local officials, community leaders, and private citizens across the country to reach out to these minority groups with voices of compassion and support. I am delighted that Congress can now formally join them in standing by our fellow Americans who have unfairly had to live a cloud of suspicion.

Arab-Americans, Muslim Americans, Sikh Americans and South Asian Americans have all contributed greatly to this nation. Many serve in elected office, law enforcement agencies, or the military. The Commanding General of CENTCOM, John Abizaid, is an American of Arab ancestry. These men and women are part of the kaleidoscope of cultures that makes up this country. While they come from many diverse backgrounds, all of them traveled to America for one main reason: to taste freedom. We treat them as brothers and sisters because they share our desire to live in a nation that is tolerant, just, and free.

Again, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your fine work on this effort.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah of Kuwait to express my gratitude and sincere appreciation to him and his government for their steadfast support for the United States-led coalition in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since its independence in 1961, Kuwait has maintained close relations with the United States. Like the people of Iraq, Kuwait is in a unique position to understand the brutality of Saddam Hussein's regime. It was invaded by Iraq in August of 1990, and the Kuwaiti people experienced firsthand Saddam's brutality throughout the seven months of occupation until February of 1991, when coalition forces liberated Kuwait.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Kuwait has been an active partner with

the United States in the global war on terrorism. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kuwait provided vital assistance to the United States and its coalition partners, including access to airports, port facilities and bases.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kuwait was subject to attack by twenty ballistic Iraqi missiles. Despite these attacks, Kuwait was unwavering in its support of the United States, providing us with protection and basing support for our troops. In addition, since the end of the major hostilities with the Saddam Hussein regime, Kuwait has stepped forward to provide substantial humanitarian assistance to Iraq in support of coalition goals.

I am pleased that Prime Minister Al-Sabah has this opportunity to visit. I thank him for his work in building the friendship between our two countries.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the purpose of recognizing all small businesses as part of National Small Business Week. This week we honor the small business owners across the nation who work to make our country strong.

Small businesses represent the backbone of the American economy and are the key to economic stimulus. Small business accounts for 99.7 percent of the nation's employers, employing 52 percent of the private work force, contributing 47 percent of all sales in the country and 50 percent of the private gross domestic product.

This year, Congress has passed legislation that provides new tax incentives to make it easier for small businesses to make job-creating investments and given small business owners more power to provide health care for their employees. It is important that Congress continue to champion legislation designed to encourage this shared prosperity.

Again, it is my pleasure to recognize the men and women who run and own small businesses. Let's continue to support hardworking American workers and entrepreneurs by encouraging small businesses growth.

Mr. Chairman, I object.

Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) regarding a serious problem my constituents are facing with the Department of Justice. I had originally planned to file an amendment to limit funding for the Department of Justice by $1.5 million until they settled over 90 administrative claims that my constituents filed against the Department of Justice as a result of the destruction of their property during the Pines Fire of 2002.

In the summer of 2002, the Drug Enforcement Administration borrowed a National Guard helicopter to perform a marijuana search in Julian, California. The helicopter pilot made a mistake and clipped a power line causing a fire that destroyed 41 homes and thousands of acres of private property. The DEA took responsibility for the incident and agreed to give claimants fair compensation for their loss. About 200 claims were filed.

It has been nearly a year since the first claim was filed and the Department of Justice still has failed to settle over 90 of the largest claims. Some of my constituents have resorted to living in tents on their property because they do not have the money to rebuild their homes.

This morning I met with senior officials of Department of Justice and I believe that we are on the path to resolving this issue. I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for working with me to ensure that the Department of Justice successfully settles every claim, and I look forward to putting this matter behind us.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1472.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Hunter amendment. This amendment is critically important in both its timing and substance. The beaches of San Diego County are suffering from a massive pollution problem that has crippled the tourism industry and disrupted the lives of thousands of beach enthusiasts. For the past few years, pollution has forced San Diego County beaches to close for as many as 200 days of the year. This problem originates from an estimated 60 million gallons of raw sewage that is pumped into the Tijuana River in Mexico on a daily basis. The problem has grown from a minor annoyance to a major health crisis.

I find it frustrating that this problem was to have been addressed by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) in 2000, yet little has been done since then. On September 12, 2000, the House passed the Tijuana River Valle Estuary and Beach Sewage Cleanup Act, which required the IBWC to negotiate a resolution to this problem with the government of Mexico. So what has been happening these past three years? A review of the progress on this project is a frustrating lesson in the damage that an ineffective and slow-moving bureaucracy can do to a good idea.

The IBWC opposed the idea of building a wastewater treatment plant in Mexico because they insisted on maintaining total control over the project. They demanded the authority and the extra money they felt they needed to build it on the U.S. side of the border. In their effort

to develop this plant, the IBWC completely lost financial control of the project, forcing Congress to cap it at $239 million--over $100 million more than had been authorized for the project. Despite the massive cost overrun, the plant still did not meet U.S. Clean Water Act standards and may soon be forced to close as a result of numerous Clean Water Act violations.

In an attempt to find an innovative solution to this problem, the House authorized a public-private partnership that will keep the cost for a new plant low, while meeting the need to provide water treatment for the City of Tijuana. Furthermore, an estimated 56 percent of Tijuana's water needs will be met by reclaimed water from this proposed plant. More importantly, this project will be built in Mexico, at the source of the problem and it will be built quicker and cheaper than any public-only alternative.

This amendment requires the IBWC to make this project a priority and finally, after 70 years of misery for San Diego beach communities, end the pollution problem that has damaged our coastline. This project is critical for the future of San Diego County, and it is critical for California. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bipartisan, Republican-led, legendary, historic event that we are participating in here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment Chairman Thomas, Chairman Tauzin, and the House Republican leadership for their work on H.R. 1.

This landmark legislation will provide America's seniors with a lifetime prescription drug benefit through Medicare. This new benefit will mean permanent prescription drug access, lower drug costs and a limit on catastrophic drug expenses for all beneficiaries.

I am especially pleased to see that this bill enacts meaningful Medicare reforms that specifically affect California and my constituents in the 49th Congressional District.

H.R. 1 includes language that allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate plans that serve special needs beneficiaries as Specialized Medicare Advantage plans. This provision enhances the development of more effective approaches to chronic illness care by providing an opportunity for additional frail elderly demonstrations to move into mainstream Medicare. One example of this type of demonstration is the SCAN program, which currently serves over 50,000 Southern Californians--including 10,000 who live inside the 49th Congressional District.

I also want to thank leadership for their work to ensure stable funding in the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) program. H.R. 1 provides all states with a one time 20% increase in their DSH allotments. This 20% increase means an additional $184 million in Fiscal Year 2004 for California's safety net hospitals. This additional funding will help ensure that services to the most vulnerable populations remain available.

I believe that we must bring Medicare into the 21st century and that no American should be denied needed prescription drugs because he or she cannot afford them. I recognize that the lack of a prescription drug benefit for our seniors signifies the fact that Medicare has fallen behind the times. H.R. 1 is the best prescription drug benefit plan for America and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to remember the life and work of former Congressman Bob Stump. Mr. Stump was a true gentleman with whom I had the privilege of serving in this body for two years.

Before being elected to Congress, Mr. Stump served in the United States Navy and also served in the Arizona House of Representatives and in the Arizona State Senate.

He was first elected to Congress November 3, 1976, where he faithfully served the people of Arizona for 26 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Stump was a man whose congressional career was spent working for our Nation's men and women in uniform. His commitment to the military and to our Nation's defense should be an example to us all.

I send my condolences to his wife Nancy, three children, and five grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to remember the life and service of Officer Tony Zeppetella of the Oceanside Police Department. Tony was killed in the line of duty this past Friday, June 13, just two days before he would have celebrated his first Father's Day with his six-month-old son. My heart goes out to Tony's wife, Jamie, and his young son, Jakob, who will never have the opportunity to play catch or go fishing, or learn to ride a bike with his father. Jakob will only know of his father as a hero, who died in service to his community and his country. This is a tragedy.

It is unfair that such a good young man like Tony should have his life taken by a violent gang member with a long history of criminal behavior. Tony was a well-respected and promising young member of the Oceanside police force. Friends and relatives of Tony say that he was a terrific father, a man deeply committed to raising his son well, and looking forward to his first Father's Day.

After graduating from high school, Tony enlisted in the Navy for six years, serving as a Fire Controlman 2nd class. Tony also attended college while serving in the Navy, and then graduated from the Police Academy in October, 2002. Tony's friends describe him as a man deeply committed to community service, with a strong passion for police service. Capt. David Heering of the Oceanside Police Department said of Tony: ``[He] had said it was his lifelong dream to become an officer-- it's unfortunate his dream was cut short and ended so tragically.''

This murder has not only split apart a family--it has terrorized a community. Tony Zeppetella was the first police officer to be killed in the line of duty in Oceanside since 1916. This Friday, June 20, Tony's friends and family, the Oceanside Police Department, and the community of Oceanside, will come together for a memorial service to honor the life of Tony Zeppetella. I join with them in remembering this fine young man. Tony's murder has hurt all of us. He gave the ultimate sacrifice as a public servant and protector of our freedoms.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 1954, the ``Armed Forces Naturalization Act of 2003,'' a bill that helps the families of non-citizen military personnel killed in combat gain what their loved ones died defending--the rights and freedoms of Americans.

Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in my Congressional district is home to over 50,000 Marines. Many of these Marines were deployed to liberate Iraq from Saddam Hussein's oppressive regime. While many have returned to their families, some were not as fortunate. One of the Marines that died in Iraq was a non-citizen stationed at Camp Pendleton. I was told that he would receive posthumous citizenship--under current law, a strictly honorary award.

Posthumous citizenship is a hollow benefit for a fallen hero if his spouse and children are subsequently asked to leave the country he died defending. Existing immigration and naturalization law permits the President to award posthumous citizenship to non-citizens killed in any military hostility, but denies immigration benefits for their spouse and children. H.R. 1954 will honor the sacrifice of fallen heroes by allowing their spouses and children to enjoy the benefits and freedoms of the country they were fighting to defend, and would have eventually gained had their loved one not perished.

There are nearly 38,000 non-U.S. citizens serving in our nation's armed forces. These men and women are called upon to protect this nation. I want them to know that when they make the ultimate sacrifice for America their family will not face a cruel and unnecessary legal sanction. H.R. 1954 will allow surviving family members of military personnel, killed in defense of our freedom, to enjoy a real benefit from a posthumous grant of citizenship.

I thank you for the opportunity to speak on this bill. I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to talk about at an FCC decision that will have dire consequences for the telecommunications industry.

In February, I submitted an op-ed to Roll Call for their annual Telecommunications and Technology issue prior to the FCC vote on the Section 251 Unbundling Obligations of Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers. In the article, I reserved hope that the FCC would render a decision that could provide regulatory certainty to a sector that is in desperate need of stability. If not, I stated that Congress should step in and remedy this issue.

The FCC did not provide regulatory certainty when they voted, and three months later, they have yet to publish their decision. This decision, whatever it looks like in final form, will lead to litigation, assuring this issue will not be resolved for many years . . . unless Congress acts swiftly. Without regulatory certainty, the telecom industry, CLECs and ILECs alike, will continue to experience employee layoffs, cuts in capital expenditures, and little investment and growth.

The FCC had an opportunity to ensure regulatory certainty in the telecom marketplace, but failed. Congress must provide this much needed certainty, and it must do it soon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Bonsall, CA, community leader Dwight Thompson who passed away on May 13 at the age of 57 after a battle with cancer. He will be missed.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote, ``Give to every citizen, personally, a part in the administration of the public affairs.''

Dwight, however, wasn't one to wait for someone to give him a role in public affairs. In

the arena of public service and civic involvement he had a virtue that is, unfortunately, too rare: initiative.

A teacher who retired early and moved to Bonsall 14 years ago, Dwight served on the Bonsall School Board from 1990 to 2002. He also took on active roles with the Fallbrook Healthcare District Board and the Bonsall Chamber of Commerce.

Last September Dwight organized a picnic in honor of local firefighters, rescue workers, and law enforcement personnel which I attended. This event was one of the many ways that Dwight would say thank you to his neighbors and strengthen community pride in Bonsall.

My fondest memories of Dwight were observing his enthusiasm and optimistic approach to challenges. When we agreed on a community need, no one worked harder than Dwight to do what was needed. On the occasions when we disagreed, he always took a constructive approach to find common ground and, above all, the best solution for the community.

Dwight Thompson is survived by his wife Beverly, four children, and four grandchildren. My prayers are with them.

Dwight Thompson's legacy in Bonsall and the lives he touched with his generosity, public service, and care for others lives on in the community he helped build and the hearts of those who knew him. A model citizen and loyal friend, Dwight used his freedom as an American to participate in the administration of public affairs simply because he had a gift to share and a genuine concern for others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern about the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Taiwan. Despite the World Health Organization's categorization of the disease as ``a worldwide health threat,'' it has refused to help Taiwan during this time of need.

What the WHO has failed to realize is that ``worldwide health threats'' do not remain neatly behind political borders. Taiwan may not yet be a member of the WHO or a recognized independent state by some countries, but that does not make SARS any less of a threat to the Taiwanese people.

This crisis underlines the need for Taiwan to be granted observer status in the WHO, much like their status in the World Trade Organization. Global health risks must be addressed wherever they may occur and regardless of the political environments surrounding them. We should not expose the Taiwanese people to unnecessary health risks simply because their status in some intergovernmental organizations is uncertain.

I urge my colleagues to remain outspoken in their support of Taiwan's bid to gain observer status in the WHO so that dangerous diseases like SARS may be battled wherever they occur.