Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my solidarity with the courageous women of Afghanistan.

This past weekend, Afghani women once again made history as their country held their second round of free and fair elections to select a national parliament and provincial assemblies.

Despite threats of retaliation and retribution, 580 women stood for election. These 580 women have risen up to be leaders of their land, in a country that just 4 years ago prohibited women from participating in national life.

Just as significant, many men for the first time voted to support female candidates. While skeptics on the left and in the media said it could not be done, this is an unmistakable victory for forces of democracy in our battle against tyranny and oppression.

The Afghan election demonstrates that we have learned the lessons of history: if women are not allowed to participate in the decision-making process, if women are deprived of rights to run for elective office, and if women are barred from determining their own future, then those women will suffer oppression and human rights violations.

Afghani women no longer have to fear the terrible cruelty of their past because they now control their own future.

With our support, these women will continue to fan the flame of democracy and build a brighter future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Mr. Robert A. Jaeb of Temple Terrace, Florida.

Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Mr. Jaeb moved to Florida in 1936. Following his marriage to the former Lorena Morrill in 1941, Robert and his wife started a small grocery store. While Robert served in the Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Lorena ran their store. Her efforts, and their efforts together following Robert's return from the War, enabled them to grow their store into the Shop'N Go convenience store chain, a large and successful enterprise throughout Florida and Georgia.

Following the sale of the Shop'N Go chain in 1985, Mr. and Mrs. Jaeb were very involved in local civic and philanthropic affairs, including an extremely generous donation to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The family was also very involved in the charitable efforts of organizations like the United Way, the Florida Sheriff's Association Youth Ranches, All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and the University Community Hospital in Tampa.

While Robert and his wife Lorena found material success in life, it was their desire to give back to those less fortunate that endeared them to their community and to their peers. Robert's faith guided him to make donations for the construction of churches throughout the world. When asked about the reasons for his philanthropic efforts, Robert stated, ``You know, I often wondered why God allowed me to make so much money, and I know it's because I was supposed to give most of it away.''

Mr. Speaker, I know that his wife Lorena, his family, friends and loved ones miss his presence but are heartened to know that Robert has passed on to a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 240) supporting the goals and ideals of a national day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and encouraging all Americans to observe that day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 240.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 240. This resolution expresses the solidarity of the House of Representatives with the people of the Gulf Coast whose lives have been lost, uprooted, and otherwise changed forever because of Hurricane Katrina.

On August 29, Hurricane Katrina slammed into Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane. It left almost the entire city of New Orleans under water and ravaged numerous other Gulf Coast communities. Hundreds of people were killed and millions forced to evacuate for an indefinite period of time. Katrina was one of the most destructive natural disasters that the United States has ever endured. The entire Nation has been grieving for more than 2 weeks.

President Bush proclaimed this Friday, September 16, to be a national day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. On behalf of all Members, I commend the President for this proclamation and urge all Americans to keep the victims of this storm in their prayers.

As a Floridian, I can particularly empathize with the people of the Gulf Coast. First, it is important to remember that before the hurricane gained power and hit Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, Katrina also struck south Florida as a Category 1 storm on August 25, killing 11 people. And last summer, in just over a one-month period, three devastating hurricanes, Charley, Frances and Ivan, destroyed neighborhoods, churches, businesses and communities throughout the State of Florida. These storms killed nearly 100 people and caused billions and billions of dollars in damage.

Hurricane Katrina has proved to be even more costly, and that is why I know I speak for all Americans when I say that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims of this once-in-a-lifetime storm.

Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Government Reform, of which I am very proud to be a member, will hold its first oversight hearing on the Federal government's overall response to Katrina tomorrow morning. The committee, led by our very distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), seeks to gauge the efficacy of the hurricane preparation and recovery effort, determine what lessons our government has learned, and evaluate the preparedness of other major U.S. cities to cope with disasters of all types in the future.

This Congress is overwhelmed with grief as a result of Katrina, and all Members are resolved to do everything possible to help to provide the necessary support to authorities and volunteers who are working to rebuild this area.

Mr. Speaker, as we mourn the souls we lost to the incredible force of nature that was Hurricane Katrina, we are compelled to recognize the backbreaking, selfless, life-preserving work of the altruistic military and law enforcement personnel, relief workers, volunteers and others. Their seemingly endless work has been in full gear for more than 2 weeks now, and we are all indebted to them for coming to the rescue of our Gulf Coast neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, September 11, the October 2003 wildfires, the hurricanes in Florida last summer, and now Hurricane Katrina, these tragic events in this country have all had similar remarkable silver linings, and that is each brought out the best in the American people. Americans are an incredibly compassionate people, and they have and will do anything to help their neighbors.

In recent days, there has been a colossal outpouring of benevolence and aid from citizens across this great land. The citizens of the Gulf Coast region have desperately needed this support. But our Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama neighbors continue to need much more aid as so many lost their homes, their jobs, their precious belongings, and even their loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I know my distinguished colleagues will support this resolution, and I commend the sponsor. I urge Americans to observe the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Hurricane Katrina victims on Friday.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the people of North and South Carolina that they, too, have our prayers as they brace for Hurricane Ophelia making landfall today.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, regardless of what denomination one belongs to, we all know the power of prayer; and that is one reason why I am sure that my colleagues will join me in supporting the National Day of Prayer for Hurricane Katrina victims.

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

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

As the person who represents the area that Jessica Lunsford grew up in and knowing her family very, very well, all of America was focused on Jessica when she turned up missing. Then we found out that she was the victim of a predator, a very, very sick, depraved man. Jessica is no longer with us; and I commend the Members of Congress, including yourself, Mr. Speaker, with whom I have worked very closely, and certainly the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, in putting together the Children's Safety Act.

No parent should worry when their child is at a playground whether or not a sexual predator is nearby. There were many loopholes in the various State laws in Jessica's case. The perpetrator came into Florida from Georgia. He registered at one point but then transferred his address. The probation officer never knew that he had a prior offense of violating children. Had that probation officer known that, he never would have allowed the offender anywhere near a school.

That is but one of the very excellent facets of this bill in addition to having the nationwide registration and availability on line so that parents, so that grandparents, so that anyone can go and find out who the offenders are in their neighborhood so that every family member can have a modicum of safety in knowing who is nearby.

It also, as I mentioned, does allow for probation officers to know about a prior offense. Now, why is that important? I firmly believe, Mr. Speaker, that Jessica Lunsford would be here today had the probation officer known that.

Additionally, the bill also picks up on some language that I had in the Jessica Lunsford Act, and part of this bill is named after her, that provides for more frequent contacts, a mailing or random mailings to the sexual offenders so that they have to report. If the mailer is not returned, if they do not fill out the form and send it back, at that point police will be alerted to be on the lookout for them because they are not at their last known address.

With all of the various facets of the bill, many Members who are concerned, who have lost children to these offenders, to these violators of our most innocent children, every single Member who put a bill in and those who signed on as cosponsors realize the importance of protecting our streets, of protecting our families, of protecting our children from these lowlifes who prey on our most innocent young children.

I certainly support the bill. I want to make sure that the rule is adopted so we can go on, pass this bill, send it over to the Senate; and, hopefully, they, too, will see the need, the absolute imperative need that America has in demanding that this bill pass so that our children will be protected.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this concurrent resolution to honor the brave men and women of Flight 93.

As all Americans learned from the transcripts of the 9/11 Commission, a brave group of individuals took their own futures and potentially the lives of thousands who work in D.C. and charged the cockpit door of Flight 93.

While their heroic deeds thwarted the plans of the 9/11 hijackers to crash the airplane into the Capitol or the White House, it cost them their lives when the plane crashed into that remote Pennsylvania field.

While the resolution that we will pass this afternoon authorizes a memorial to Flight 93 victims here in the United States Capitol, it is the memories of individual victims that drive us and that we will keep in our memories.

I would like to specifically recognize the contribution of one outstanding individual on Flight 93, Mr. Mark Bingham. Described as a charming and outgoing man by all who knew him, Mark used his experience as a rugby player to help break down that cockpit door. His efforts were truly heroic and will not be forgotten.

Just last week I met with Mark's father, Gerald Bingham, who is my constituent from the Fifth Congressional District in Florida.

Gerald and his family have spent the last 4 years fighting and advocating for an appropriate memorial to recognize the sacrifices of their son, Mark, as well as the other men and women who gave their lives that fateful day.

I am very proud to stand on the floor of the U.S. House to let Gerald and his family know that the sacrifices of his son will forever be consecrated in an appropriate manner here in the United States Capitol.

In closing, I certainly would like to thank Senator Conrad for sponsoring this resolution as well as the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) for bringing this tribute to the floor today.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. Agostino Loporto of Citrus County, Florida, a Purple Heart recipient from World War II.

Inducted into the military on March 1, 1941, Mr. Loporto went to boot camp at Fort Dix, NJ, and received additional training at Fort Benning and Camp Gordon. Shipped overseas in late 1943 to Liverpool, England, Mr. Loporto was in the Battle of the Bulge on D-Day.

Attached to the 4th Infantry Motorized Division in Belgium, Mr. Loporto was wounded in his shoulder by shrapnel in the Black Forest. He was taken to a hospital in Belgium and was transferred to a hospital in England when the Belgian hospital was hit by a B2 German bomber. Mr. Loporto received 4 months of medical treatment and was discharged from the military on November 4, 1945.

Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like Agostino Loporto should be honored for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Loporto with his long-overdue Purple Heart. He is truly one of America's greatest generation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. Harold Kurth of Citrus County, Florida, a Purple Heart recipient from World War II.

Volunteering for service in 1943, Mr. Kurth's ambition was to join the Air Corp, but was inducted into the Army at Camp Roberts to receive his basic training instead.

Following his initial training, Mr. Kurth was aboard the Sea Witch on his way to Guadalcanal when the ship was fired on by Japanese submarines. Luckily, the Sea Witch made it safely to Guadalcanal without further contact with the enemy.

Mr. Kurth then took part in campaigns on the Soloman Islands and the Philippines, where he was wounded by a hand grenade while guarding a church in Manila. He was part of a group of six soldiers who came under enemy fire in the church yard following a river crossing. Several of his compatriots were injured as well in the battle.

Part of the ``Heavyweights of the South Pacific,'' Mr. Kurth's division was credited with killing 12,500 enemy soldiers during World War II. Serving three years without a furlough, Mr. Kurth returned to the United States on Christmas Eve, 1945.

Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like Harold Kurth should be honored for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Kurth with his long-over Purple Heart. He is truly one of America's greatest generation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the members of the Spring Hill National Dixie Youth AAA baseball team on their recent victories at the State championships and world series.

The Spring Hill Nationals are made up of 9- and 10-year-olds who have worked tirelessly for their successes. The 13 members of this extraordinary team have demonstrated through their victories the traits of sportsmanship, dedication, loyalty, and discipline.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following members of the Spring Hill team: Gabe Abbadessa, Mason Arroyo, Drue Brooks, Brandon Brosher, Alex Martin, Danny Gendusa, Derek Newman, Nic Pasarela, Nick Ramirez, Drew Dessa, Brad Smith, Evan Webster, and Joey Wright. Their manager, Dave Smith, and assistant coaches, Bob Pasarela and Dave Newman contributed to their successes.

The Spring Hill National Dixie Youth AAA baseball team is Florida's team. I am honored that these fine young gentlemen are from my district and am proud of their accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. Josh Cooley of Pasco County, Florida, a Purple Heart recipient from Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A deputy in the Pasco County Sheriff's office since 1998, Mr. Cooley enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in July of 2003. A third generation Marine, Lance Corporal Cooley was deployed to Iraq in December 2004.

While on patrol in Iraq, Mr. Cooley was the victim of a roadside blast. Following the attack, Mr. Cooley has required several head surgeries to remove pieces of scrapnel, some as large as a credit card. He currently remains in a local hospital recovering from his wounds sustained in early July.

While at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Mr. Cooley was presented his Purple Heart by President George W. Bush. An emotional and brief ceremony with Mr. Cooley's family was a fitting tribute to his and their sacrifices both on the battlefield and back here in Florida.

In addition to the support from his coworkers and family, the entire Pasco County region has helped the Cooley family. Volunteers have hosted fundraisers to help defray the costs of his medical bills, and have even reroofed his house. We are all proud to know that the good people of Pasco County have come together to support those who defend our freedoms and liberties in the United States Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like Josh Cooley should be honored for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Cooley and his family with this proclamation and let them know that America is grateful for the sacrifices of Lance Corporal Josh Cooley and that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. John Fedyszyn of Lady Lake, Florida, a Purple Heart recipient from the Vietnam War.

A native of Dunkirk, NY, Lance Corporal Fedyszyn was a proud member of C Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Mr. Fedyszyn served as a forward-observer radioman who fought in savage exchanges with North Vietnamese Army artillery units north/northeast, west, and south of Dong Ha throughout his deployment with the 12th Marines in Vietnam.

Many times, out-gunned and out-ranged, the 1st Battalion 12th Marines continued to return fire rather than give any quarter to North Vietnamese artillery units. Lance Corporal Fedyszyn earned his Purple Heart when he was wounded by the enemy during an attack on May 9, 1968. He was first presented the Purple Heart by the Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Division.

Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like John Fedyszyn should be honored for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Fedyszyn with his long-overdue purple heart. He is truly one of America's greatest generation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Mr. Edwin Jerome Bombly of Hernando, FL.

Born in Hamtramck, MI, Mr. Bombly moved to Hernando, FL in 1978. An Army Veteran and the owner of a local insurance company, Mr. Bombly was very involved in local philanthropic activities and social organizations.

Mr. Bombly was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, chairman of

the Citrus County Right to Life, and had recently been elected president of the Florida Right to Life. In addition to participating in these organizations, Mr. Bombly was a devoted family man who enjoyed playing the saxaphone.

Mr. Speaker, I know that his family, friends and loved ones miss his presence but are heartened to know that he has passed on to a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Corporal Joshua Joel Gramling of Zephyrhills, FL, a Marine Corps veteran of the war in Iraq. I am proud to join the entire Zephyrhills community, his friends and family, and his fellow soldiers to welcome Corporal Gramling back safely from Iraq.

Following his enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1998, Corporal Gramling served as a tank gunner for the first four years of his service. Following the completion of his four-year duty, Corporal Gramling decided to re-enlist in the Marine Corps. Activated before the end of the year, Corporal Gramling was deployed to Iraq in March, 2005 where he served in Regimental Combat Team 8.

During his time in the Marine Corps, Corporal Gramling has received two Good Conduct Medals, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Medal.

Born into the military with both parents serving at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, Corporal Gramling comes from a long line of military veterans. A proud member of three generations of American military men and women, Corporal Gramling continues his family's tradition of service to America's Armed Forces. In fact, twelve members of his family have served in the Gulf War, the Vietnam War and in World War

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps unit of Central High School in Brooksville, FL for being recognized by the Navy as the 2005 Best Unit in the Navy's Area 7 and runner up as the 2005 Best Unit in the Nation. Both of these prestigious awards are sponsored by the Navy League of the United States.

Central High's NJROTC program is focused on the development of their cadets as model citizens as well as fostering the growth of tomorrow's leaders. In addition to their countless time spent drilling and reviewing on the parade grounds, the unit has amassed over 5,900 community service hours in a wide variety of community oriented activities. The unit has also pushed its cadets to achieve in the classroom, with several cadets participating in national academic contests, three cadets being awarded NROTC scholarships, and one cadet appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy.

In his application to the National NJROTC Awards Nominating Committee, the Area 7 manager stated that he had never seen a more inspiring event than the Evening Parade conducted by Central High's NJROTC Unit. Working as a team, the unit performed with a flawless precision that was of the same caliber as some of the finest honor guards in Washington, DC.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Central High's Area 7 Best Unit award and their number two ranking in the nation, I would like to congratulate all the cadets participating in Central High's NJROTC program and their instructors for their dedication to the cadet program, for their service to the Brooksville community, and for their love of the United States of America. This unit will serve as an inspiration and an example for other NJROTC programs throughout Florida and throughout the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and sacrifice of Army Staff Sergeant Michael Schafer of Spring Hill, FL. Sgt. Schafer was killed by enemy fire July 25, 2005 in Oruzgan, Afghanistan. He leaves behind his loving wife Danielle, parents Karen and Dan Barr, brother Tim, and grandparents Ron Forbes and Stand and Loretta Barr. In times when children and families need role models to look up to and emulate, Sgt. Schafer was a true American hero.

A volunteer for the Army in 1999, Sgt. Shafer performed his basic training at Fort Benning, GA and Airborne training in Fort Bragg, NC. After he completed his training, Sgt. Schafer served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as Kosovo. A proud member of C Company, 2nd Batallion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Sgt. Schafer was one of the first paratroopers to jump into Kirkuk, Iraq during the March, 2003 invasion. Sgt. Shafer served 9 months in Iraq before being transferred to Afghanistan, and had expressed interest in going back to Iraq to be where the action was.

In addition to serving honorably in the United States Army, Sgt. Schafer was a true and dedicated family man. Married to his wife Danielle within a week of shipping out to Kosovo, the couple was in constant contact throughout his tours of duty. At the time of his death, Sgt. Schafer and his wife were looking to adopt a baby.

As a sign of the love for his family, Sgt. Schafer wrote a poem to his mother before he left for basic training.

``Mother, There comes a time in every boy's life When he leaves the warmth of the nest. Perhaps to look for all your qualities in his future wife; Or join the working class like the rest. I am standing here before you this very day. To let you know when I leave not to fear, Because I will never be that far away. And you will always be near and dear to my heart, It is where I will keep your love. I know that the bond that we have between us cannot be torn apart, And when I think of you so beautiful like a white dove, I want you to know that as I leave for the Army, If you are feeling scared, do not be afraid to show it. Your love for me won't let any one harm me. I will be back home before you know it.''

Mr. Speaker, as a mother and a grandmother, I know the pain that comes when a child leaves home for the first time. What Sgt. Schafer's family must cope with today, however, is the knowledge that their child will not be returning home. I can offer them this pledge, however: that this Congress will never forget the sacrifice Sgt. Schafer made serving his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and sacrifice of Army Staff Sergeant Michael Schafer of Spring Hill, FL. Sgt. Schafer was killed by enemy fire July 25, 2005 in Oruzgan, Afghanistan. He leaves behind his loving wife Danielle, parents Karen and Dan Barr, brother Tim, and grandparents Ron Forbes and Stan and Loretta Barr. In times when children and families need role models to look up to and emulate, Sgt. Schafer was a true American hero.

A volunteer for the army in 1999, Sgt. Schafer performed his basic training at Fort Benning, GA and Airborne training in Fort Bragg, NC. After he completed his training, Sgt. Schafer served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as Kosovo. A proud member of C Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Sgt. Schafer was one of the first paratroopers to jump into Kirkuk, Iraq during the March, 2003 invasion. Sgt. Schafer served nine months in Iraq before being transferred to Afghanistan, and had expressed interest in going back to Iraq to be where the action was.

In addition to serving honorably in the United States Army, Sgt. Schafer was a true and dedicated family man. Married to his wife Danielle within a week of shipping out to Kosovo, the couple was in constant contact throughout his tours of duty. At the time of his death, Sgt. Schafer and his wife were looking to adopt a baby.

As a sign of the love for his family, Sgt. Schafer wrote a poem to his mother before he left for basic training.

Mother, there comes a time in every boy's life when he

leaves the warmth of the nest. Perhaps to look for all your

qualities in his future wife; or join the working class like

the rest. I am standing here before you this very day. To let

you know when I leave not to fear, because I will never be

that far away. And you will always be near and dear to my

heart, it is where I will keep your love. I know that the

bond that we have between us cannot be torn apart, and when I

think of you so beautiful like a white dove, I want you to

know that as I leave for the Army, if you are feeling scared,

do not be afraid to show it. Your love for me won't let any

one harm me. I will be back home before you know it.

Mr. Speaker, as a mother and a grandmother, I know the pain that comes when a child leaves home for the first time. What Sgt. Schafer's family must cope with today, however, is the knowledge that their child will not be returning home. I can offer them this pledge, however; that this Congress will never forget the sacrifice Sgt. Schafer made serving his country.