Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for yielding me this time.

Mr. Chairman, reasonable men and women can disagree, and hopefully disagree agreeably, and this is a situation where this is going to happen. I think convincing arguments can be made on each side of the issue. And I do not want to sound like I am knee-jerking responding to this, but should terrorists be able to use taxpayer-funded public library facilities to plot a major attack without fear they will be investigated by the FBI?

I think that could come to play if this amendment is, in fact, enacted. As I understand my friend from Vermont, the amendment would exempt public libraries and book stores from section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act, which permits the FBI, after obtaining a Federal court order, and I repeat, after obtaining a Federal court order, to obtain documents and other records relevant to international terrorism and espionage cases.

Now, there has been no abuse in this matter, Mr. Chairman. On September 18 of last year, the number of times to date that the Justice Department had utilized section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act relating to the production of business records was declassified, and at that time it was made known that the number of times section 215 had been used as of that date was zero. So, obviously, there is no abuse here.

Furthermore, section 215, Mr. Chairman, provides for a thorough congressional oversight. Every 6 months the Attorney General is required to inform the Congress on the number of times agents have sought a court order under section 215, as well as the number of times its requests were granted, modified, or denied. No abuse at all on this. And I just believe we should vote down the amendment.

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

Mr. Speaker, as I said at the subcommittee hearing and as I said at the full committee hearing, and as I will

reiterate today, reasonable men and women have adamantly supported this bill before us, and reasonable men and women have adamantly opposed it. So that is where we are.

Today I rise in support of H.R. 218, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Enhancement Act of 2003. H.R. 218 would exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers from State laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms.

Currently, most States do not recognize within their borders concealed carry permits issued in other States. This legislation, Mr. Speaker, would allow active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed weapon in any of our 50 states. There are important provisions in the bill that require such officers to maintain appropriate firearms training and to carry identification recognizing their affiliation with a law enforcement agency.

Further, the bill has garnered tremendous bipartisan support, and recently passed the House Committee on the Judiciary by a vote of 23 to 9. On June 15, the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a legislative hearing on H.R. 218, and some concerns were raised regarding States' rights, coordinating adequate training standards and the liability problems that may arise by having law enforcement officers using firearms outside of their respective jurisdictions.

While there may be room for improvement, I do believe that the bill before us is a positive step toward ensuring that law enforcement officers have the means to defend themselves and other innocent victims from potential acts of violence and crime.

Mr. Speaker, having said that, I would, at this time, like to engage in a colloquy with my good friend, the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), who is the ranking member on the Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) authored an amendment which passed the full committee, and which I supported, and I think which was supported in toto by the membership and which is included in the version of the bill we are considering today, that would exclude someone from the definition of qualified law enforcement officer if that person is under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating or hallucinatory drug. As I said, I supported the amendment.

I just want to clarify that the amendment only applies during the time that the officer involved is actually under the influence of the alcohol or drug. In other words, as an example, if an officer is going on a 3-day trip, for example, out of his home State, and he is going to be under the influence of alcohol or a drug during 2 hours of that trip, let us say, then he would only lose his coverage under this bill for that 2 hour period and not for the entire 3-day trip.

I just want to clarify that if he does carry his weapon during that 2-hour period, he would not be subject to any special penalty as a result of this law, but rather would just be subject to whatever the penalty is under the applicable local law.

I would ask my friend from Virginia, the ranking member, if that is his understanding as well.

I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, as the 2003-2004 academic school year comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to congratulate a high school in the Sixth District of North Carolina that won a state girls' soccer championship. The Whirlies had extra incentive in the final game as they faced a Raleigh Broughton team that had defeated the Grimsley girls (by a score of 2-0) in the finals just 1 year ago. This time around the score was again 2-0, but it would be the Whirlies who walked away with the state title. This game capped off a perfect post-season run in which Grimsley held all playoff opponents scoreless; a remarkable feat that was last accomplished by the Whirlies in 2002. Indeed, the Grimsley girls' soccer program is no stranger to championships as this became their sixth title since 1990.

Despite a convincing playoff performance going into the final game, Grimsley Head Coach Herk DeGraw was weary of the Whirlies' sluggish first few minutes against a formidable Broughton adversary. ``The slow start scared me because I thought if they sneak one in and we don't get going we're going to have a problem,'' DeGraw told the Greensboro News & Record. But with 19:53 remaining in the first half, freshman Holly Cresson's goal began to assuage DeGraw's concerns. A left-footed player, Presson used her right foot to shoot the ball past the Broughton goalkeeper putting the Whirlies on top 1-0. ``The look on her face was the funniest thing I've ever seen . . . It was total disbelief,'' DeGraw told a local reporter about Presson's post-goal expressions. After the Whirlies secured the lead there was no looking back as they powered their way to a 2-0 victory.

This was a memorable win for the Whirlies who were led by a number of senior players. Laura Hanson, Erin Graham, Whitney Andringa, Marie Bobalik, Jenny Cauble, Arden Dwyer, Melissa Ellisen, Anna Betton, and Ashley Newsome all finished their careers with a state championship. These girls had a strong supporting cast comprised of Anna Rodenbough, Michele Driver, Carey Goodman, Alex Leeder, Heidi Andringa, Carra Sykes, Lauren Atkinson, Casey Warmath, Holly Presson, Catherine Rierson, Lucy FanCourt, and Camelyn Dillon.

After such a strong season congratulations are in order for the Grimsley coaching staff. Head Coach Herk DeGraw and Assistant Coach Kevin Conaway deserve much credit for leading the Whirlies on their title run. Recognition should also be given to Athletic Director Neal Hatcher, Principal Rob Gasparello, Athletic Trainer Kris Dickens, and team managers Lauren Chambers and Rachel Goans. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Grimsley Whirlies for winning the 4-A girls' soccer championship.

Mr. Speaker, as major league baseball is in full swing, I would like to take a moment to congratulate a high school in the Sixth District of North Carolina that won a state girls' softball championship. It was not an easy road for the Southern Alamance girls' softball team, but in the end, it was certainly a rewarding one. After losing the first game of the championship round in 10 innings, the Patriots found themselves facing a winner take all game at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex. ``I don't expect anything easy with them (his team),'' Head Coach Mike Johnson told the Burlington Times-News. In continuing this trend of close games and tension filled finishes, Southern Alamance defeated Enka High School 8-6 in yet another 10 inning battle. Despite the Patriots' history of drama, this title should come as no surprise after a combined record of 30-2 for the year.

One of the key performers during the two day tournament run was senior pitcher Brooke Isley who handled 39 innings and struck out 59 batters. It was Isley who closed out the final game by retiring three straight hitters. This capped off a come from behind victory that was initially sparked by Amanda Johnson's base hit and ensuing RBI from Marybeth Ingle. ``We couldn't make anything easy,'' Isley explained to a local reporter. Perhaps the biggest scare for the Patriots came in the 9th inning when an Enka base runner was thrown out at the plate keeping Southern Alamance's hopes alive. Finally in the 10th inning, with runners in scoring position, Marybeth Ingle came up with, what would be, the deciding hit to secure the title.

This was a special win for the Patriots who were led by a number of senior players. Carla Roger, Whitney Lambe, Amanda Hodge, Brooke Isley, Marybeth Ingle, Maegan Evans, and Stacey Vaughn all finished there high school careers on top. These girls had the help of a strong supporting cast comprised of Tori Thompson, Kim Pardue, Brittany McPherson, Brittany Thompson, Magan Campbell, Amanda Johnston, Bethany Hawks, Brandi Haithcock, Ariel Bullock, Amanda Cline, Lesli Scott, Daveda Fox, Tiffany Helton, Erika Winebarger, Kristen Burgess, Olivia McPherson, Kristen Roach, April Carver, and Janna Holt.

After such a remarkable season much credit goes to the Southern Alamance coaching staff who guided the Patriots to the championship. Congratulations to Head Coach Mike Johnson and assistant coaches Chris Miller, Cully Lambeth, Mike Thompson and John Miller. Further recognition should be awarded to Principal Kent Byrd and Athletic Director David Vaughn after this memorable season. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate the Patriots of Southern Alamance for winning the state 3-A girls' softball championship.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to recognize the Southwest Guilford golf team for their terrific talent and teamwork which resulted in a state championship on May 11, 2004. It is my honor to congratulate the Southwest Guilford golf squad from the Sixth District of North Carolina for their victory and remarkable team effort in the state 3A golf tournament. Led by Head Coach Don Dixon and assistant Larry Rice, the Cowboys were able to work together and capture the title. Special congratulations to Matt Dowdy, Shawn Hardesty, Greg Williams, Will Duke, T.J. Christensen, Andrew Smith, Taylor Radison, Tyler Smith, Drew Hilliard, Andrew Chakasem, and Wes Swaim for their efforts.

As team leader Greg Williams told the High Point Enterprise, ``We knew to stay more focused on golf this season, and not worry about having too much of a good time.'' The Cowboys dedication proved to pay off which should not only bring pride to Southwest Guilford, but to the entire Sixth District. T.J. Christensen, who played another vital role on the team, fought through injury with a broken bone in his hand to finish the year and contribute to the state championship. This was a clear example of the dedication exhibited by the Cowboys golf team.

Congratulations to Principal Arthur Legrand and Athletic Director Brendan Christen. This was a remarkable season of golf for the Sixth District. I am very proud of these young men and wish them the best of luck for the future. We are looking forward to more impressive play in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, the infamous Iraqi prison photographs with which we are so familiar portray deplorable scenes for which we will apologize. I am concerned that these inappropriate practices occurred, but I am further concerned regarding the double standards that many countries apply regarding terrorism, and I will discuss that in detail herewith.

Much attention has been directed, Mr. Speaker, against America regarding the Iraqi prison matter; but comparatively speaking, little has been expressed against the terrorists.

Who will apologize or express concern for the 9/11 attack and the 3,000 innocent lives lost?

Who will apologize for the first attack to the World Trade Center and subsequent attacks upon our embassies and the U.S.S. Cole?

Who will apologize for the recent deadly explosion in Spain?

Who will apologize regarding hostages who were mutilated and hanged from a bridge while onlookers gleefully applauded and laughed obscenely?

These questions are rhetorical, Mr. Speaker, because no apologies are forthcoming, and many do not appear to be concerned about it.

I am told that the majority of Iraqis wanted Saddam removed from power, but they were unwilling and were incapable of doing the job themselves because they feared Saddam and knew the pain and torture he was capable of inflicting upon them.

Incidentally, Mr. Speaker, Saddam's rape rooms are no longer open for business, nor are Saddam's torture chambers. Why do we hear virtually nothing about the rape rooms and the torture chambers having been shut down? They are shut down because America, Great Britain, and coalition members stepped forward and Saddam retreated to his spider hole where he was captured.

Some in Iraq embrace us as liberators, while others, including terrorists from beyond Iraq, reject us as occupiers.

The closer Iraq approaches freedom and democracy, the more impediments and barriers the terrorists will erect.

When the government is handed over to the Iraqi Council on 30 June, many have declared, oh, the Americans must never leave because civil unrest may erupt. Well, I agree, we cannot abruptly depart, but Iraq needs to step up to the plate on 30 June.

Mr. Speaker, there is an expression uttered in the rural South to indicate appropriate timing. This expression is called ``high time.'' So I say today it is high time for Iraq to accept responsibility and express a willingness to govern and stand up to terrorism. If they want us to leave, they can show the world they are capable of governing responsibly. They can show the world they have the fortitude to avoid intimidation by terrorists and the evil practices they dispense.

I am not suggesting that America become the rigid, inflexible, fully supportive rod for the Iraqi spine or backbone, but rather serve as a brace or splint to permit and encourage independent function. I firmly believe that day will come, Mr. Speaker. I pray it will be sooner rather than later.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 10 minutes a.m.), the House adjourned until Friday, April 30, 2004, at 10 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, while the nation focuses on the culmination of the NCAA men's basketball March Madness and the Final Four this weekend in San Antonio, Texas, the Sixth District of North Carolina is already basking in the glow as the home of three state high school basketball championship teams. Trinity High School in Randolph County, Thomasville High School in Davidson County, and Westchester Academy in Guilford County are the respective homes for high school basketball champions this season, and we are proud to acknowledge their tremendous seasons here.

Trinity High School completed a remarkable season on March 13 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill when it captured the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 3-A boys basketball championship with a win over Dudley High School of Greensboro. Led by state Coach of the Year Tim Kelly and state Player of the Year Josh King, the Bulldogs finished the year with a 31-1 record.

Despite that gaudy regular season record, many people did not give Trinity much of a chance going into the game against the Dudley Panthers. Coach Kelly told the Greensboro News & Record that a tough regular season schedule prepared his baby-faced warriors for the toughest battle of the year. ``We think we saw the right mix to get here,'' Coach Kelly told the newspaper. ``We didn't get a free pass. We didn't get to pass go and collect $200. We had to pay our way to get here and our kids were aggressive. We might look like choirboys when we walk into the building, but we're not. We're going to attack and be aggressive on both ends of the floor.''

When it was over, the Bulldogs celebrated a 73-64 win over the Panthers, led by King's 21 points, along with 18 from championship game MVP John McEachin. Coach Kelly will tell you, however, that it took a total team effort to beat a talented Dudley squad. ``I really feel like this team was destined to win tonight,'' the coach concluded. ``We wish (Dudley) luck next year with everything they have coming back. I'd hate to have to play them next year, but maybe we'll get that opportunity.''

So do all the Bulldogs fans, but before we look ahead to next season, let's take one more moment to savor this year's championship. Congratulations are in order to Coach Kelly and his assistants, Joey Freeman, Richard Brendle, Richard Austin, Lindy Hall, Brent McDowell, and Brian Nance. Again, led by Player of the Year King, and MVP McEachin, every member of the Bulldogs can take pride in the title quest. The other members of the championship team included J.B. McDowell, Jason Lewis, Spencer Smith, Jonathan Watts, Tim Kelly, Brian Downing, David Idol, Matt Watkins, Dane Young, Ben King, and Dustin Everette.

Assisting all season long were managers Kristy Craig, Jennifer Hiatt, Carson Wheeler, Jerome Porter, along with statisticians Ashley Gentry and Blair Farlow. To Principal Daryl Barnes, Athletic Director Doug Tuggle, the coaches, players, students, faculty, staff, family, and friends of the Trinity Bulldogs, we say congratulations for capturing the 3-A state boys basketball championship.

Speaking of threes, the girls basketball team at Thomasville High School is celebrating its third straight NCHSAA 1-A state championship. Also known as the Bulldogs, Thomasville defeated Farmville Central 67- 48 on March 13 to win the crown at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill. It was the second year in a row that

Thomasville defeated Farmville Central in the title contest, but this year the squad was led by someone who wasn't even supposed to start the game. Charnette Davis was surprised by Head Coach Eric Rader when she was tapped to be in the starting lineup, and Charnette responded by scoring 18 points and pulling down 11 rebounds to be selected as the game's MVP. Charnette was also named as the MVP of the Western Regional final.

This third crown capped a remarkable 30-1 season, and Coach Rader told the High Point Enterprise that, in his mind, the final outcome was never in doubt. ``When you have the heart of a champion like these ladies do, they never lose,'' Rader told the newspaper. For the last three years, the Thomasville Bulldogs have not lost and can celebrate this ``three-peat'' with pride and honor. The citizens of the Sixth District congratulate Coach Rader and his assistants Sara Larrick, Holly Harvey and Kelvin Caraway. In addition to MVP Davis, every member of the Thomasville girls basketball team contributed to the third straight title, including Leah Harris, Impris Manning, Mary Allen, Brittanny Marsh, LaShonda Cosby, Wudi Alford (who was named Most Outstanding Player for her 18-point performance in the championship game), Brittany Sanders, Tameka Thomas, Erin Crowder, Kendra Rutledge, Sha Harris, and Jenny Burgess. Providing valuable assistance all season long were managers Byron Lattimore, Andrew Oakley, Clifton Carroll, along with statistician Shanterra Robinson and video coordinator Jonathan Caraway.

Again, we congratulate Principal Dick Gurley, Athletic Director Woody Huneycutt, the coaches, players, students, faculty, staff, family and friends of Thomasville High School on the winning of their third straight 1-A girls basketball championship.

In keeping with our theme of threes, another high school in our district won its third boys basketball championship in five years and its second in a row. On February 28, Westchester Academy of High Point won the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) 2-A title. The Wildcats defeated Carolina Day of Asheville 74- 52 at Ravenscroft High School in Raleigh. Even though this was not the first title for Westchester, Head Coach Pat Kahny said this one was significant. ``This was special,'' Coach Kahny told the High Point Enterprise. ``There was a lot of pressure trying to repeat as the number one seed, and there was pressure because we played before the biggest crowd all year.''

The title contest culminated a tremendous 29-2 season for the Wildcats. Following two consecutive losses at a tournament in December, Westchester ran off 20 straight wins on its way to the championship. Leading the way to the title was Jacob Briles, who poured in 37 points in the championship game while Toby Grauel added 21. Coach Kahny, however, does not think the offensive firepower the determining factor in the outcome. ``Our defense in the second quarter was the key,'' Coach Kahny told the Enterprise. We forced a number of turnovers and got several easy baskets in transition. They (Carolina Day) have a very good offensive team. To hold them to 23 points in the first half was a tremendous effort.''

Coach Kahny and his assistants Ken Hyde and Adam Schwartz led that tremendous effort all season long. In addition to Briles and Grauel, the members of the winning squad included Britt Hutchens, Myles Pearl, Kemil Kepinski, Will Moore, Dexter Garner, Coleman Team, Jack Vance, Emir Dukic, Jack Tucker, Anthony Peters, Robert Byrd, and Tuck Tucker. Supporting the squad all season long were managers Candice Gilliland, Andrea McNamara, Kathryn Thompson, and Jeff Galloway along with publicist Lore Fariss.

Once more, we are pleased to congratulate Headmaster Tommy Hudgins, Athletic Director Kahny, the coaches, players, students, faculty, staff, family and friends of Westchester Academy for winning the NCISAA 2-A boys basketball championship.

On a final note, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to acknowledge that either current or former staffers of mine are graduates of Trinity, Thomasville and Westchester. It makes their state championships all the more sweet, and we offer our heartfelt thanks for making us proud.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. And I too want to extend kudos to the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), and for that matter members and staff on both sides of the aisle who sit on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. This has been a team effort personified.

I am an avid supporter, Mr. Chairman, of H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; and I am pleased it is now being considered on the floor today.

I realize that Members have worked tirelessly at the end of a long day, but at a time when we have much work to do to address our Nation's critical infrastructure, while this country is indeed in dire need of upgrade and repair, this legislation is also a jobs bill; and I think some people casually overlook that fact. And the fact that it is a jobs bill will offer new opportunities to many of our Nation's recently unemployed workers. I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), with whom I have talked concerning an ancillary problem which involves the donor States of which North Carolina is one, among several others. First of all, I thank them for recognizing the problem, and I hope that we will be able to resolve this problem which continues to plague donor States such as my home State.

This bill, Mr. Chairman, as I have said before the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has jobs written all over it. It is an important step to address the problems that are a direct result of unsafe bridges and highways that continue to deteriorate. Mr. Chairman, unsafe bridges and unsafe highways abound in this great country from border to border, from ocean to ocean; and improvements must be forthcoming.

This bill, it is my belief, will have the assurance that vehicular traffic will be allowed to flow more freely, resulting in the delivery of people and goods at their respective destinations in a safe and timely manner. I again thank the gentleman from Wisconsin, the chairman of the subcommittee, for yielding me this time.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Chairman, this is a good amendment. Outside of industry centers such as New York and California, North Carolina, my State, leads the country in attracting film and television production to our State. This hours of service amendment would allow the motion picture industry to operate under the old hours of service rules under which they have an excellent safety record, but this will also afford them to keep production costs down.

It is imperative, Mr. Chairman, that my State and other States be able to compete for this business. Too much of it is lost to Canada and other countries. As my friend from Alabama just said and gentlewoman from California mentioned, it is a good amendment. The Teamsters support this amendment. I support this amendment. I urge my colleagues to do likewise.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, April 1, 2004, several hundred people will gather at a location in my congressional district for the 73rd year in a row to commemorate what some fear is becoming a lost art--quilting. No one knows what the future holds for this wonderful tradition, but thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, there will be a permanent reminder to all who travel to our area.

On April 1, an historic highway marker will be unveiled commemorating ``Uncle Eli's Quilting Party.'' Named after Eli Whitney-- the father of the cotton gin--``Uncle Eli's Quilting Party'' has been a tradition in Alamance County, North Carolina, since 1931. The unveiling will take place in front of the community center that bears Eli Whitney's name on the ``Football Road'' (SR 1005) in southern Alamance County. Community volunteers wanted to mark the historic and cultural significance of ``Uncle Eli's Quilting Party'' with a roadside historical marker. The state of North Carolina agreed that it met the standards needed for the sign's erection, but it did not have any available funding. So, like the determined quilters the sign commemorates, the group pitched in, raised the needed funds themselves, and convinced the state to manufacture the sign. On April 1, all will gather with pride when the sign is unveiled.

To fully appreciate the wonderful traditions kept alive by the quilters, allow me to quote Erma Kirkpatrick from Quiltmaking in America, Beyond the Myths: Selected Writings from the American Quilt Study Group (edited by Laurel Horton):

``The day begins early. By 8:00 a.m., the first cars have parked outside the big old brick gymnasium, which is the Eli Whitney Community Center. Nannie McBane, quilter, quilting instructor, and coordinator of the quilting party unlocks the door. Inside, the gym seems huge, cavernous and bare. One or two quilts have been `put in' the previous day so the quilters can get an early start. Otherwise the gym is empty, with bleachers folded against the wall and tables stretched out along one end ready to receive food. Gradually the room comes to life. A table is placed by the door so that everyone can sign the register and make a name tag to wear. Early arrivals unfold chairs brought from the storage room and begin to wipe off the bleachers. As women bring in quilted items for display, willing hands help drape the quilts over the now-dusted bleachers or hang them on clothes lines which are stretched around the walls. Suddenly there is a quilt show! . . . The day and the quilting progress. Around noon the covered dishes are uncovered, the line forms, a blessing is asked, and a serious attack is made on the heavily loaded tables . . . The quilters take pride in their cooking as well as their quilting.''

Erma Kirkpatrick also writes that in the last few years, the focus of ``Uncle Eli's Quilting Party'' has changed: ``Today the quilting party is a social gathering for which the Eli Whitney community is well known. People attend from as far away as 50 miles. There is less dedication to putting in and completing a quilt. In fact, seldom is a single quilt completed by the end of the day. The number of quilts in frames has gone down and the number of visitors has increased. It has become a spectator sport.''

No matter what the future holds, ``Uncle Eli's Quilting Party'' will continue to mark the start of spring in southern Alamance County. And thanks to a group of dedicated, civic-minded quilters and their fans, a highway marker will let the world know that there is a quilting party every year in North Carolina that would make Uncle Eli proud.

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill implements the revised Strategic Business Plan proposed by Director Rogan when he was at the Patent and Trademark Office to update the services and structure of the office. The Strategic Business Plan will enhance the quality of the patent and trademark examining operations, accelerating the application pendency period, making it more consumer friendly and efficient.

The manager's amendment to the bill addresses the fee diversion problem and prevents the PTO funds from being used to fund general revenue programs throughout the Federal Government.

Under the agreement reached between the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) and the Committee on Appropriations, PTO fees collected in a given fiscal year that exceed the appropriation to PTO for that year would be placed in what will be known as a PTO reserve fund. At the end of that fiscal year, the Director of the Patent and Trademark Office may determine if, and how, these funds should be allocated back to the eligible applicants.

Mr. Speaker, I have been a proponent of modernizing the patent and trademark fee structure and have fought on this floor year after year to protect these dollars from being used to fund non-PTO programs, as have my chairman the gentleman from Wisconsin and other Members of the Committee on the Judiciary. They have fought equally diligently to this end.

A fully funded United States Patent and Trademark Office is vital to sustaining the strength and growth of United States companies, inventors and innovations, and this legislation is integral to preserving the United States' worldwide leadership in the intellectual property industry.

I say to my friend from Georgia, who yielded to me, I was at the PTO office about 5 years ago for an event. I was invited to take part in an event there, and I said to those people, from the Director to all the patent examiners who were there and trademark examiners, I said I want to send a message to Capitol Hill and I want to tell everybody up there to keep their grubby paws out of the PTO coffers. Now that may have been an indelicate way of saying it, but I wanted to make clear to everyone up here that these funds should not be removed from PTO custody and control.

The opponents of such a proposal indicate that some sort of unjust enrichment will ensue if the PTO gets to keep these funds. That is poppycock. That is nonsense. These funds belong to the PTO, and I am confident that with the passage of this legislation, the diversion anathema that has plagued us for so long hopefully will finally be resolved.

I again thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from the nutmeg land of Connecticut for yielding me this time.

I am not sure how I became a fan, but I will say this: the words ``Stockton to Malone'' are synonymous words with winning basketball. And to watch those two guys play was not unlike, I say to the gentleman from Connecticut, watching a ballet. I mean Malone would haul down the rebound, dish off to Stockton, Stockton would very methodically and effectively move the ball into the front court and then, before you know it, the ball from Stockton back to Malone, and then Malone buried the shot. It was winning basketball, and it was unselfish basketball.

My good friend, the chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Mr. Speaker, Senator Orrin Hatch, knows that I am a Jazz fan. He said one day, Howard, I am going to get you out there as my guest. Well, it was not the Senator's fault, nor was it my fault, but we never got to go. Now, as a result of that, Malone has gone to another team, and Stockton has retired. And when you procrastinate, I say to the gentleman from Connecticut, it comes back to bite you. It was no one's fault.

Finally, and I do not mean this to be a negative note, but many Jazz fans, including yours truly, believe that a no-call in a game that involved, I believe the Chicago Bulls and the Jazz, to what most Jazz fans conclude was an obvious foul, with which I am in agreement, but it was not called, the whistle did not sound. And I think the Bulls went on to win that game. Ugh, you are right; ``ugh'' is correct. And many Jazz fans to this day relive that no-call, as I do.

But what a great tribute to a great basketball player. My friend mentioned Stockton's many attributes. I think he is the all-time leader in steals and assists, destined for the Hall of Fame, I am sure. But I commend my colleagues for doing this resolution for John Stockton. I hope the gentleman from Connecticut now knows why I am a Jazz fan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a serious gap in our homeland security strategy and to encourage my colleagues to work with me to move expeditiously and cost effectively to remedy this problem. Currently, the Coast Guard only employs eight armed air assets that are equipped to use force to protect our entire port and waterway network and to enforce our nation's drug laws. This is unacceptable. This fleet is obviously much too small to provide coverage to the almost 90,000 miles of U.S. coastline and hundreds of ports and waterways. In light of this serious vulnerability, it is my strong belief that the Coast Guard should move quickly to initiate a competition for a new multi-mission armed cutter helicopter. We need more assets now and should not stand idle while millions of Americans who live along our coastlines remain vulnerable. This being said, I completely support the mandate of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee contained in H.R. 2443 that directs the Coast Guard to expand its fleet of armed Sting Ray helicopters. The plan to acquire additional HITRON Sting Ray helicopters through a flexible lease arrangement is a common sense interim solution until a new state-of- the-art multi-purpose helicopter can be deployed. In the aftermath of 9-11, the Sting Ray fleet suddenly has a key role on the front lines of both America's war on drugs and terrorism.

On September 15, 2003, Coast Guard Subcommittee Chairman LoBiondo and Ranking Member Filner wrote the leadership of the Appropriations Committee to emphasize the priority our Coast Guard Subcommittee is giving to the establishment of a an expanded fleet of MH-68A armed helicopters. Recognizing the Coast Guard is confronting a serious challenge in trying to balance its limited resources to meet both its humanitarian missions and its new homeland security responsibilities, it is my belief that the only way to effectively address this problem is to increase the number of assets tasked to perform these kinds of operations and to ensure that these assets have prioritized missions. The Coast Guard simply does not have enough assets to perform all their traditional missions plus all their new responsibilities. As a result, the Coast Guard should acquire additional assets for the airborne use of force mission.

I am particularly alarmed over reports out of the Coast Guard that there is a plan to rebuild their existing 20 year old HH-65 fleet rather than replace it through a competitive process. This is a classic case of being penny wise and

dollar foolish and it defies common logic in this post-9-11 environment. Instead of accurately identifying the new mission and then deciding on the best possible helicopter to carry it out, it is an example of shrinking the mission to fit the assets on hand. The Department of Homeland Security requires a new and larger state-of-the- art cutter-deployed helicopter to meet the growing challenge. Rebuilding a twenty year old helicopter is simply not acceptable. The Coast Guard should move quickly to initiate a competition to procure a modern technology Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter and related Airborne Use of Force assets that can also be used by Customs, Secret Service and the Border Patrol. Mr. Speaker, as you and others in this body know, I am a fiscal conservative who is always conscious of how we in Washington spend taxpayer dollars. I have also always been a strong advocate for the Coast Guard and believe that this branch of our military service is a big bang for the taxpayer buck. Given the 100 percent success of the current HITRON fleet, I believe this would be one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to address the enormous vulnerabilities that continue to exist along our nation's coastlines and in our ports and waterways.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, Mr. Chabot, Mr. Boucher, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Grijalva, Mrs. Blackburn and I would like to take this opportunity to set forth some of the history behind, as well as describe the workings of the Private Calendar. I hope this might be of some value to the Members of this House, especially our newer colleagues.

Of the five House Calendars, the Private Calendar is the one to which all Private Bills are referred. Private Bills deal with specific individuals, corporations, institutions, and so forth, as distinguished from public bills which deal with classes only.

Of the 108 laws approved by the First Congress, only 5 were Private Laws. But their number quickly grew as the wars of the new Republic produced veterans and veterans' widows seeking pensions and as more citizens came to have private claims and demands against the Federal Government. The 49th Congress, 1885 to 1887, the first Congress for which complete workload and output data is available, passed 1,031 Private Laws, as compared with 434 Public Laws. At the turn of the century the 56th Congress passed 1,498 Private Laws and 443 Public Laws--a better than three to one ratio.

Private bills were referred to the Committee on the Whole House as far back as 1820, and a calendar of private bills was established in 1839. These bills were initially brought before the House by special orders, but the 62nd Congress changed this procedure by its rule XXIV, clause six which provided for the consideration of the Private Calendar in lieu of special orders. This rule was amended in 1932, and then adopted in its present form on March 22, 1935.

A determined effort to reduce the private bill workload of the Congress was made in the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. Section 131 of that Act banned the introduction or the consideration of four types of private bills; first, those authorizing the payment of money for pensions; second, for personal or property damages for which suit may be brought under the Federal tort claims procedure; third, those authorizing the construction of a bridge across a navigable stream, or fourth, those authorizing the correction of a military or naval record.

This ban afforded some temporary relief but was soon offset by the rising postwar and cold war flood for private immigration bills. The 82nd Congress passed 1,023 Private Laws, as compared with 594 Public Laws. The 88th Congress passed 360 Private Laws compared with 666 Public Laws.

Under rule XXIV, clause six, the Private Calendar is called the first and third Tuesday of each month. The consideration of the Private Calendar bills on the first Tuesday is mandatory unless dispensed with by a two-thirds vote. On the third Tuesday, however, recognition for consideration of the Private Calendar is within the discretion of the Speaker and does not take precedence over other privileged business in the House.

On the first Tuesday of each month, after disposition of business on the Speaker's table for reference only, the Speaker directs the call of the Private Calendar. If a bill called is objected to by two or more Members, it is automatically recommitted to the Committee reporting it. No reservation of objection is entertained. Bills unobjected to are considered in the House in the Committee of the Whole.

On the third Tuesday of each month, the same procedure is followed with the exception that omnibus bills embodying bills previously rejected have preference and are in order regardless of objection.

Such omnibus bills are read by paragraph, and no amendments are entertained except to strike out or reduce amounts or provide limitations. Matters so stricken out shall not be again included in an omnibus bill during that session. Debate is limited to motions allowable under the rule and does not admit motions to strike out the last word or reservation of objections. The rules prohibit the Speaker from recognizing Members for statements or for requests for unanimous consent for debate. Omnibus bills so passed are thereupon resolved in their component bills, which are engrossed separately and disposed of as if passed separately.

Private Calendar bills unfinished on one Tuesday go over to the next Tuesday on which such bills are in order and are considered before the call of bills subsequently on the calendar. Omnibus bills follow the same procedure and go over to the next Tuesday on which that class of business is again in order. When the previous question is ordered on a Private Calendar bill, the bill comes up for disposition on the next legislative day.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to describe to the newer Members the Official Objectors Committee, the system the House has established to deal with the great volume of Private Bills.

The Majority Leader and the Minority Leader each appoint three Members to serve as Private Calendar Objectors during a Congress. The Objectors are on the Floor ready to object to any Private Bill which they feel is objectionable for any reason. Seated near then to provide technical assistance are the majority and minority legislative clerks.

Should any Member have a doubt or question about a particular Private Bill, he or she can get assistance from objectors, their clerks, or from the Member who introduced the bill.

The great volume of private bills and the desire to have an opportunity to study them carefully before they are called on the Private Calendar has caused the six objectors to agree upon certain ground rules. The rules limit consideration of bills placed on the Private Calendar only shortly before the calendar is called. With this agreement, adopted on November 17, 2003, the Members of the Private Calendar Objectors Committee have agreed that during the 108th Congress, they will consider only those bills which have been on the Private Calendar for a period of seven (7) days, excluding the day the bill is reported and the day the calendar is called. Reports must be available to the Objectors for three (3) calendar days.

It is agreed that the majority and minority clerks will not submit to the Objectors any bills which do not meet this requirement.

This policy will be strictly enforced except during the closing days of a session when the House rules are suspended.

This agreement was entered into by: The gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), the gentlelady from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher), the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva).

I feel confident that I speak for my colleagues when I request all Members to enable us to give the necessary advance considerations to private bills by not asking that we depart from the above agreement unless absolutely necessary.

Howard Coble.

Steve Chabot.

Marsha Blackburn.

Rick Boucher.

Adam Schiff.

Raul Grijalva.