Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, 1 year ago today, 32 students and faculty at Virginia Tech lost their lives when a deranged gunman, Seung-Hui Cho, opened fire on campus, indiscriminately killing and maiming everyone in his path. One of the most deadly school shootings in American history, the tragedy stunned the Nation and shook the school to its core. I cannot imagine how the parents and families of the victims dealt with the heartbreaking news that their loved ones, who they thought were in a safe learning environment, had become the victims of gun violence. On this one year anniversary, my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the entire Virginia Tech community as they continue to cope with the aftermath of that tragic day.

But it is also important to honor the courage displayed by the entire Virginia Tech community during the days and weeks following the shooting. Students, faculty, parents, alumni, and Blacksburg residents all came together to help each other cope with the physical and psychological damage of the shooting. The resolve demonstrated by the Hokie community was one of the most poignant acts of solidarity that I have ever witnessed.

Shortly after the tragedy, many of those affected chose to participate in initiatives to fix the laws that facilitated the perpetration of this crime. First among them was the deficient manner in which mental health records were added to the national background check system. Given his mental health history, had Seung-Hui Cho's information been handled properly he would have been prevented from purchasing the weapons used in the shooting. Responding to pressure from these citizen advocates, Congress passed the NICS Improvements Act, a law providing funding to States to insure that mental health records are added efficiently to the national background check system.

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting yesterday with a survivor of the Virginia Tech massacre. Her name is Lily Habtu. Lily was shot in the jaw and arm during the violent melee. She described how the events of that day have forever changed her life. That trauma could have left Lily a shell of her former self, afraid to face a world that no longer made sense. Instead, Lily has become an activist, joining the Alexandria, VA-based organization called ProtestEasyGuns.com to stand up against the gun lobby so that others might never experience the pain she was forced to bear one year ago today. Right now, she is participating in a demonstration outside the Supreme Court, calling for commonsense legislation to close loopholes that make the purchase and possession of illegal firearms and the violence they perpetrate prevalent in our society.

I am given strength by people like Lily. Rather than retreat from the world, they have channeled their experiences into a positive, fighting to prevent future acts of violence. But the sad fact is that not enough elected officials are willing to take a strong stand on gun safety issues.

The problem is not confusion over what laws need to be implemented. Requiring universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, preventing terror suspects from purchasing firearms, tightening laws against straw purchases, and banning weapons like the .50 caliber sniper rifle and the rapid-fire assault rifle are all positive steps that would reduce violent crime yet do not restrict the lawful ownership of firearms. The lack of action on these measures is not due to uncertainty over policy, but rather a lack of political courage.

We will never forget the lives cut short on April 16, 2007, and the families and friends of the victims who continue to suffer today. But our sympathy for these victims is hollow unless it is matched with a determination to prevent gun violence. It is imperative Congress honor the memory of the Virginia Tech victims. As a body, we need to stand up before another tragedy occurs, by passing strong, responsible gun safety regulations.

Madam Speaker, yesterday our constituents filed their tax returns, but I wonder how many American taxpayers realize that the average tax return will be consumed in less than half a second in the Iraq war. When we grant the President the additional $100 billion he is asking in emergency funding for Iraq, we will be spending $5,000 a minute and $12 billion a month in a lost cause.

The American taxpayer is still paying for Iraq's garbage collection, their schools, their health clinics and their roads. When the Iraqi people themselves are running a surplus. They have almost $70 billion in accumulated surplus now.

The last couple of years, they have had $100 billion come in from oil revenue, and they budgeted it at about $55 a barrel. It is now about $112 a barrel. They are generating an enormous surplus that they don't know what to do with, and a whole lot of it is being stolen.

And yet we are paying still to collect their garbage. There is something wrong with this picture and the American taxpayer needs to stand up and speak out about it with a full measure of outrage.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commend my colleague Congressman Green for sponsoring this resolution to recognize and honor the 40th anniversary of congressional passage of title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the Fair Housing Act, and the 20th anniversary of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. It is important that we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and reflect on how far we have come. It is equally important, as we witness tens of thousands of Americans who risk losing their homes to foreclosure this year, that we rededicate ourselves to standing firm for those victimized by this economy or victimized by residual discrimination. We must continue to encourage all people and all three levels of government to rededicate themselves to the enforcement and the ideals of fair housing laws.

The fair povision of housing and economic opportunity--and especially the drive to ensure safe shelter for those in need--has been a compelling foundation of my career in public service. As a council member and subsequently as mayor of Alexandria, I served as vice chairman of the Alexandria Economic Opportunity Commission when the commission began its efforts to ensure local, State, and Federal action to bring down the barriers in rental housing that so discriminated against single women with children.

The enactment of the Fair Housing Act of 1988 was a testament to many of our former colleagues in this region, including former Congresswoman Gladys Spellman, former Senator Charles MacMathias, and former Delegate, Reverend Walter Fauntroy. That enactment was an honor to them and to thousands of Americans who joined in a national effort to seek justice and enduring rights for women in that most fundamental of human needs: shelter.

In Alexandria, our commission--and our city--focus on special populations, such as at-risk preschool children and teens, the homeless, ex-offenders, single parents, as well as the low-income community in general. These populations, our most vulnerable, face enough of an uphill struggle everyday as it is without governmentally permitted discrimination. I am proud at what we were able to accomplish so many years ago, but I remain committed the vision that Dr. King and others set before us, which we honor and remember today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support of the United States Patent and Trademark Office's National Trademark Expo. After a 10-year hiatus, I am excited to join the USPTO in its efforts to recognize the vital role that trademarks play in the global economy.

This 3-day event, beginning on April 10, 2008 will turn the USPTO's campus into a ``Trademark Theme Park,'' featuring themed displays, company booths, costumed characters, and much more. During the expo, costumed trademarked characters, including the Pillsbury Doughboy, Sprout, Hershey Kisses, and the Chocolate Bar will parade about the USPTO campus, and large inflatable characters including the ``Cat in the Hat,'' ``Thomas the Train,'' the ``Jolly Green Giant,'' and ``Shrek'' will decorate the grounds.

Trademarks are valuable symbols of quality in our increasingly competitive global marketplace. On average, people are exposed to 1,500 trademarks each day and more than 30,000 if they make a trip to the grocery store. The exposition will feature celebrity trademarks, which are often subject to counterfeiting, unusual trademarks, the evolution of certain trademarks, the people behind the names of trademarks, and century-old registered trademarks.

Exhibitors will include many of America's leading corporations, whose exhibits will highlight some of the benefits of Federal trademark registration. These exhibitors include the American National Red Cross, Burberry, The Travelers Companies, Inc., Starmaker Products, Microsoft Corporation, Owens Corning, Callaway Golf Company, Caterpillar, Inc., CMG Worldwide, NASCAR, YKK Corporation of America, UPS, Bridgestone Firestone, the International Trademark Association, INTA, and the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, IACC.

The expo will emphasize the essential role the USPTO plays in approving Federal trademark registrations. In a time of globalization, counterfeit goods pose an increasing threat to American businesses. Trademarks protect words, names, symbols, sounds, or colors that identify and distinguish the goods of one party from those of others. The USPTO, an award-winning leader in handling electronic filings, will showcase the impact of electronic filing and processing of trademark applications.

I applaud the USPTO for its efforts to educate the public on the role of trademarks during the National Trademark Expo, and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the USPTO at a time when trademarks and intellectual property rights play an increasingly important role in our global economy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the T.C. Williams men's basketball team upon becoming this season's Virginia AAA state champions.

Guided by Coach Ivan Thomas, on March 15, 2008 at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia, the Titans ended Bethel High School's 29-game winning streak, surging to a commanding 70-57 victory and unprecedented 2nd state title.

Led by a trio of sharpshooters, seniors Travis Berry, Anthony Winbush and junior Edward Jenkins--who combined for 59 of the teams 70 points-- the Titans started fast and never let up till the final buzzer sounded. The stifling T.C. team defense forced a whopping 20 turnovers, holding the opposition to only a 37 percent shooting percentage and less than 20 points in the first half.

Madam Speaker, T.C. Williams High School has a proud tradition of excellence, both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. I stand today on the floor of the House, to salute the entire T.C. Williams community--students, faculty, parents and fans--on this year's unforgettable championship basketball season. May this victory inspire you to climb to even greater heights in the road ahead.

Madam Speaker, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker are understandably trying to put a positive spin on the Iraq war. But the reality is that this has been the worst military fiasco in American history. But one of the questions I would like them to answer is how, when the Iraqi government has over $56 billion of revenue this year, they have the gall to ask the American taxpayer for another $170 billion?

They have $40 billion in reserve that they have gotten from oil being over $100 a barrel. The American taxpayer is paying more than $3.30 a gallon for gas, and yet Iraq wants another $170 billion? They have got $10 billion in reconstruction funds. Yet we are going to continue to pay for all their needs? But that is what we are doing. We are paying for everything from military training, all the way down to garbage pickup, with American taxpayers' money, when they have got tens of billions of dollars that they choose not to spend.

This is a disgrace, Madam Speaker. This policy has never been worthy of the sacrifice of our military families, let along their loved ones in uniform.

I thank my friend, the distinguished delegate from Guam, for yielding me the time.

I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman) for his kind comments as well. I am glad to be joined here by the Chair of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, Mr. Chet Edwards.

Madam Speaker, a child's process of growing up is difficult, but imagine what it must be like when one parent or even both parents are deployed abroad as part of their duty in our Armed Forces.

While friends and relatives pray for their safe return, no one feels the impact of deployment more than the children of servicemembers in combat overseas. We are learning more about the impact that living under this shadow of uncertainty has on our children.

The incidence of military children needing psychological counseling has increased dramatically. Last year Children's Hospital in the District of Columbia had over 1,000 visits from military children suffering from behavioral and mental health problems. These are just normal kids who want what any child wants, their mothers and fathers at home to tuck them in at night reassuring them everything will be all right.

Today more than 2,300,000 Americans demonstrate their courage and commitment every day to our Nation by serving in our Armed Forces. Of these men and women, most have families subjected to frequent moves from one installation to another, long deployments abroad, and the fear that their loved one serving overseas might never come home.

Fifty percent of our troops deployed overseas have children that are left behind. That is more than one million children with at least one parent deployed overseas. Those figures, statistics, can too easily be ignored sometimes because they are abstract. But here is one that can't be dismissed: 3,400 children have already lost a parent serving in the Armed Forces over the past 6 years.

When I introduced this resolution 2 years ago, the number of children who had lost a parent was 1,000 and now it is 3,400. The Department of Defense understands that without the families' support, they will never have the soldiers' full support.

In 1986, Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger declared this month the ``National Month of the Military Child.'' Every year since, events at military bases, forts and other installations across the Nation have been held to celebrate the military family, replete with lots of lofty rhetoric but not enough true attention to their needs.

Two bases in my own district, Fort Belvoir and Fort Myer, hold annual events providing military kids the chance to be distracted a bit by just being a kid with other kids in similar situations. But the Congress needs to step up.

Today I am glad to join with my colleagues, particularly with my colleagues who will speak here today, to offer this resolution officially recognizing the month of April as the National Month of the Military Child, and dedicating the Congress to pay more attention to the children and the spouses of our soldiers.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, Representative Issa and Walter Jones of North Carolina are bipartisan sponsors for this effort. I thank them for their support and leadership.

This resolution is just a small way that Congress can recognize the sacrifice these youngsters and their families are asked to make, but it is an opportunity to commit ourselves to doing much more.

Specifically, the resolution joins the Secretary of Defense in honoring military children, recognizing that they too share the burden and are making a great sacrifice in protecting our Nation.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the organization Kids Serve Too. It is in my congressional district, and is dedicated to the needs of military families everywhere. It was created by military families to support other military families. Kids Serve Too sponsors activities and events for military children. It is represented in the gallery today specifically by Tricia Johnson and her daughters, Cat and Claire, and her sister, Kathleen Murphy.

Madam Speaker, military families and their children deserve our heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifice. Today we honor them and their sacrifice and thank you for bringing this resolution to the floor.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of this important bill. PEPFAR-funded programs have provided life-saving assistance in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and I welcome any expansion of this assistance. Additionally, I am pleased that we have removed the ``hard earmark'' requiring 33% of all prevention funds be spent on abstinence-only until marriage programs. Studies by GAO and the Institutes of Medicine found that the one-third earmark undermines successful HIV prevention efforts by limiting flexibility in developing countries. However, I continue to be concerned about any funds being directed towards unproven, ineffective programs using the ``abstinence- only'' approach. I worry that the new ``balanced funding'' requirement may cause mission directors and public health officials to be anxious about doing what they think Congress wants, instead of what is needed in the field. Public health experts on the ground are the ones who can best determine the mix of prevention activities, especially since what works for one culture may be disastrous for another. Even in our own country, young people who take part in abstinence-only education are less likely to use condoms. With 15,000 new HIV infections every day, the need for additional resources is clearly tremendous, and I'm extremely supportive of the goals of this important legislation, and I continue to believe that our highest priority should be funding science-based, comprehensive efforts to prevent HIV.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take a minute to recognize an enduring legacy of John F. Kennedy--the Peace Corps--in recognition of its 47th anniversary this year and to commend 44 constituents from Northern Virginia currently serving in 38 countries around the world. It is an honor to serve with the likes of my colleague and friend Chris Shays and others in this body and the other who served our country in the enhancement of citizen diplomacy. I hope all Americans will join us in supporting and expanding this enduring commitment to convey our values as a nation.

As Fareed Zakaria wrote: ``We must begin to think about life after Bush--a cheering prospect for his foes, a dismaying one for his fans (however few there may be at the moment). In 10 months he will be a private citizen, giving speeches to insurance executives. America, however, will have to move on and restore its place in the world. To do this we must first tackle the consequences of our foreign policy of fear. Having spooked ourselves into believing that we have no option but to act fast, alone, unilaterally and preemptively, we have managed in six years to destroy decades of international good will, alienate allies, embolden enemies and yet solve few of the major international problems we face.''

The London Financial Times last December reported that the U.S. has suffered a significant loss of power and prestige around the world in the years since the beginning of this century, limiting our ability to influence international crises, according to an annual survey from a well regarded British security think-tank. The 2007 Strategic Survey of the non-partisan International Institute for Strategic Studies picked the decline of U.S. authority as one of the most important security developments of the past year--but suggested the fading of American prestige began earlier, largely due to its failings in Iraq.

One of our most special and effective citizen agencies of public diplomacy is the Peace Corps. Think of this--more than 187,000 volunteers have served this venerable legacy of former President Kennedy, serving in 139 countries--where they bring our values to other peoples, and bring understanding and appreciation of other cultures back home.

The greatest gift of the Peace Corps and other civilian programs is not just that ordinary Americans share their values and our culture with other peoples, but also that when volunteers return, they bring greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

Foreign policy is not just what we do, but also who we are. America as a place has often been the great antidote to U.S. foreign policy-- and it should be again. Mr. Zakaria writes that ``When American actions across the world have seemed harsh, misguided or unfair, America itself has always been open, welcoming and tolerant * * *''

At the end of the day, our openness is our greatest foreign policy. We have succeeded not because of the ingenuity of our government, but rather because of efforts like this unique program to keep ourselves open to the world--to sending our people out across the countries of the world to share our unique culture, our goods and services, our ideas and inventions, our people and cultures. This openness, this civilian diplomacy, has allowed us to make friends across boundaries. It will be central to our place as a Nation in the future.

This week, as we celebrate National Peace Corps Week, we honor the more than 190,000 volunteers who have served in 139 developing countries since President Kennedy's call to service in 1961--and I honor 44 of my constituents currently serving our country in places as diverse as China, Mali, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, El Salvador, and Namibia. This can be lonely and demanding service but service that can create enduring friendships and values that transcend boundaries and cultures.

Today, more than 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers around the world are currently providing training and education in 74 countries. These volunteers each donate their time and skills for over two years, in order to make a difference in the world and to promote understanding between cultures. By offering their valuable skills and showing a passion for helping others, they show the world that Americans value learning and cross-cultural exchange.

Volunteers work in areas of education, health and HIV/AIDS, business development, environment, agriculture and youth, and must often be creative and flexible when living and working in new cultures and learning new languages. The resulting experience is rewarding for all involved, and it highlights the importance of cooperation and involvement between cultures around the globe.

When volunteers return home and share their overseas experiences with their communities, the Peace Corps helps Americans as much as the people in developing countries. From recent college graduates to doctors with decades of experience, volunteers choose to use their valuable skills and education to help people all over the world, but their work affects their lives long after returning home.

This week we remember the dedication and passion of Peace Corps volunteers, young and old, current and returned. We thank them for their service, and encourage more Americans to volunteer with the Peace Corps.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to say a word about the President's veto of the congressional ban on torture. By vetoing this measure, he is essentially instructing America's torturers to act in a way that is illegal according to international law, to act in a way that is wholly inconsistent with the military's code of conduct who are required to abide by the Army Field Manual, to act in a way that does not consistently provide reliable information because people being tortured tell their torturer what they know they want to hear so as to stop the torture. They know it is not the most effective means of acquiring information.

He also must know that this puts our own soldiers and civilians in much greater jeopardy because our enemy will consider it license to do at least as much as we do to them. But, most importantly, it undermines our moral authority. How far we have strayed from the vision of our Founding Fathers that this Nation would serve as a moral guidepost to the rest of the world. We should override this misguided Presidential veto because it is both illegal and, most importantly, it is immoral and un-American.

Mr. Speaker, there are five compelling reasons why we should override the President's veto of this bill and sustain the congressional ban on torture:

First of all, it creates a double standard between the military and our intelligence personnel. The rest of the world won't recognize the difference, and neither should we.

Secondly, it gives us faulty information. Somebody being tortured will tell you whatever is necessary in order to stop the torture.

Thirdly, it jeopardizes our own personnel, because the enemy will consider it a license to torture American prisoners.

Fourth, it is illegal, according to the Geneva Conventions.

Fifth, it is immoral, and thus it is un-American.

Our Founding Fathers believed that this Nation would be united by a common set of values, that we would stand as a moral guidepost to the rest of the world. This undermines that moral high ground, and that is why this veto should be overridden.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to take a minute to recognize an enduring legacy of John F. Kennedy--the Peace Corps--in recognition of its 47th anniversary this year. It is an honor to serve with the likes of my colleague and friend Chris Shays and others in this body and the others who serves our country in the enhancement of citizen diplomacy. I hope all Americans will join us in supporting and expanding this enduring commitment to convey our values as a Nation.

As Fareed Zakaria wrote: ``We must begin to think about life after Bush--a cheering prospect for his foes, a dismaying one for his fans (however few there may be at the moment). In 11 months he will be a private citizen, giving speeches to insurance executives. America, however, will have to move on and restore its place in the world. To do this we must first tackle the consequences of our foreign policy of fear. Having spooked ourselves into believing that we have no option but to act fast, alone, unilaterally and pre-emptively, we have managed in six years to destroy decades of international good will, alienate allies, embolden enemies and yet solve few of the major international problems we face.''

The London Financial Times last December reported that the U.S. has suffered a significant loss of power and prestige around the world in the years since the beginning of this century, limiting our ability to influence international crises, according to an annual survey from a well regarded British security think-tank. The 2007 Strategic Survey of the non-partisan International Institute for Strategic Studies' picked the decline of U.S. authority as one of the most important security developments of the past year--but suggested the fading of American prestige began earlier, largely due to its failings in Iraq.

One of our most special and effective citizen agencies of public diplomacy is the Peace Corps. Think of this--more than 187,000 volunteers have served this venerable legacy of former President Kennedy, serving in 139 countries--where they bring our values to other peoples, and bring understanding and appreciation of other cultures back home.

The greatest gift of the Peace Corps and other civilian programs is not just that ordinary Americans share their values and our culture with other peoples, but also that when volunteers return, they bring greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

Foreign policy is not just what we do, but also who we are. America as a place has often been the great antidote to U.S. foreign policy-- and it should be again. Mr. Zakaria writes that ``When American actions across the world have seemed harsh, misguided or unfair, America itself has always been open, welcoming and tolerant. . .''

At the end of the day, our openness is our greatest foreign policy. We have succeeded not because of the ingenuity of our government, but rather because of efforts like this unique program to keep ourselves open to the world--to sending our people out across the countries of the world to share our unique culture, our goods and services, our ideas and inventions, our people and cultures. This openness, this civilian diplomacy, has allowed us to make friends across boundaries. It will be central to our place as a nation in the future.

This week, as we celebrate National Peace Corps Week, we honor the more than 190,000 volunteers who have served in 139 developing countries since President Kennedy's call to service in 1961--and I honor 44 of my constituents currently serving our country in places as diverse as China, Mali, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, El Salvador, and Namibia. This can be lonely and demanding service, but service that can create enduring friendships and values that transcend boundaries and cultures.

Today, more than 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers around the world are currently providing training and education in 74 countries. These volunteers each donate their time and skills for over 2 years, in order to make a difference in the world and to promote understanding between cultures. By offering their valuable skills and showing a passion for helping others, they show the world that Americans value learning and cross-cultural exchange.

Volunteers work in areas of education, health and HIV/AIDS, business development, environment, agriculture and youth, and must often be creative and flexible when living and working in new cultures and learning new languages. The resulting experience is rewarding for all involved, and it highlights the importance of cooperation and involvement between cultures around the globe.

When volunteers return home and share their overseas experiences with their communities, the Peace Corps helps Americans as much as the people in developing countries. From recent college graduates to doctors with decades of experience, volunteers choose to use their valuable skills and education to help people all over the world, but their work affects their lives long after returning home.

This week we remember the dedication and passion of Peace Corps volunteers, young and old, current and returned. We thank them for their service, and encourage more Americans to volunteer with the Peace Corps.

Sworn-in Volunteers In the District of VA-08

Volunteer Name, Country of Service, Start of SVC Date, Projected COS

Date

Adriance, Joel E, ECUADOR, 31-Aug-2005, 30-Sep-2008.

Armitage, Emily M, BULGARIA, 19-Oct-2006, 10-Oct-2008.

Arnaoudova, Ina M, AZERBAIJAN, 13-Sep-2006, 12-Sep-2008.

Ballenger, Charles J, EL SALVADOR, 30-Nov-2006, 28-Nov-

2008.

Banks, Cecilia M, ECUADOR, 31-Aug-2005, 30-Sep-2008.

Bergin, Sarah M, SURINAME, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008.

Braslavsky, Gelena, BULGARIA, 29-Jun-2007, 30-Jun-2009.

Cabrera, Luis J, NICARAGUA, 20-Jul-2007, 17-Jul-2009.

Calnan, Shannon M, ROMANIA, 27-Jul-2007, 26-Jul-2009.

Chadbourn Iv, Charles C, COSTA RICA, 14-Sep-2006, 19-Sep-

2008.

Cohen, Matthew B, GHANA, 21-Aug-2007, 20-Aug-2009.

Davies, Meghan E, HONDURAS, 20-Apr-2006, 14-Mar-2008.

Doherty, Jennifer J, JAMAICA, 25-Aug-2006, 25-Aug-2008.

Ferrara, Erin J, FIJI, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008.

Ficke, Melanie K, HONDURAS, 07-Sep-2006, 06-Sep-2008.

GarciaLahiguera, Andres J, ROMANIA, 27-Jul-2007, 26-Jul-

2009.

Geurtsen, Christopher P, VANUATU, 21-Jun-2007, 19-Jun-2009.

Glock, Porter O, FIJI, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008.

Guachamin, Marcela A, COSTA RICA, 18-May-2007, 15-May-2009.

Gustafson, Kevin L, GUYANA, 26-Jul-2007, 25-Jul-2009.

Houk, Kathryn G, BOLIVIA, 28-Jul-2006, 01-Aug-2008.

Huckstep, Melanie L, CHINA, 07-Sep-2007, 08-Sep-2009.

Hurley, Emelia M, BOLIVIA, 13-Apr-2006, 11-Apr-2008.

Infantino, Ann Marie C, HONDURAS, 27-Sep-2007, 25-Sep-2009.

Johnston, Elizabeth A, PARAGUAY, 21-Apr-2006, 18-Apr-2008.

Landrigan, Gregory J, PANAMA, 28-Jul-2005, 04-Sep-2008.

Luckett, Christina C, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 26-May-2006, 05-

May-2008.

Mandt, Kehl R, CHINA, 09-Jun-2005, 16-Aug-2009.

Milanowski, Elissa N, NAMIBIA, 06-Jan-2006, 30-Mar-2008.

Morris, Katherine M, ALBANIA, 13-Jun-2007, 13-Jun-2009.

Morrow, Katherine J, CHINA, 07-Sep-2007, 08-Sep-2009.

Neidorf, Katherine A, MACEDONIA, 15-Dec-2006, 14-Dec-2008.

Norko, Sara M, PHILIPPINES, 03-Aug-2007, 03-Aug-2009.

Papernick, Rachel J, HONDURAS, 27-Sep-2007, 25-Sep-2009.

Pasley, Virginia B, UKRAINE, 21-Dec-2006, 18-Dec-2008.

Rooney, Kieran E, MOLDOVA, 16-Aug-2007, 14-Aug-2009.

Schiller, Malaika L, BENIN, 22-Sep-2006, 22-Sep-2008.

Shah, Rekha, PHILIPPINES, 03-Aug-2007, 03-Aug-2009.

Shanahan, Kara A, EL SALVADOR, 16-Aug-2007, 13-Aug-2009.

Slotnick, Jennifer A, GUATEMALA, 27-Jul-2006, 26-Jul-2008.

Soto, Jocelyn D, UKRAINE, 21-Dec-2006, 18-Dec-2008.

Vance, Jessica H. EL SALVADOR, 19-Apr-2007, 24-Apr-2009.

Wagner, Ariel E, MALI, 25-Nov-2005, 25-May-2008.

Zehner, Amanda L, GAMBIA, 13-Apr-2007, 15-Apr-2009.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act, H.R. 2857. I congratulate Chairman Miller and Chairwoman McCarthy and Ranking Members McKeon and Platts on their work toward this day and moving us closer to finally reauthorizing the Corportation for National and Community Service.

There are many noteworthy programs in the GIVE Act, including Senior Corps and AmeriCorps, which give countless Americans the opportunity to volunteer. Today, I would like to bring attention to a new and very promising program that I have worked to include in the GIVE Act. This new part of the law will provide grants to non-profit organizations to encourage increased volunteer, community, workforce, and educational participation in older adults.

Recent research shows that Americans in the second half of life-- regardless of income, educational level, or race--want to explore options for the next stage of life, including service opportunities, obtaining new training, retooling existing skills, pursuing educational interests, and exploring flexible work.

This initiative is a timely and necessary way to help the large U.S. `boomer' generation make the transition to a new productive life phase by providing support and community connections for ongoing learning, development, and contribution to society. Similar programs currently function as an initiative of Civic Ventures and are a proven success.

I am hopeful that we will be able to bring a program to my district to assist those that are in a transition period, whether they have lost a job, are looking for a career change, or would like to move into a volunteer role in the community.

Mr. Chairman, again I thank the leadership of the Education and Labor Committee and its excellent staff for assisting in securing this program authorization and in moving the GIVE Act forward.

Mr. Speaker, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's vitriolic, anti-American, Holocaust-denying leader, just concluded the first ever trip to Iraq by an Iranian President. Many commentators in the Middle East hailed the visit as a diplomatic success for him. Before our invasion, no Iranian President would have dared to step foot inside Iraq. He was received by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki not with one, but four kisses for luck at a staged press conference with Iraqi media.

I quote Ahmadinejad: ``The Americans have to understand the facts of the region. Iraqi people do not like America.''

After 6 years in Iraq, 4,000 American lives lost, tens of thousands wounded, and $570 billion spent, this is what we have to show for it? Iran's anti-American leader being given the opportunity to try to humiliate us at a joint press conference with Iraq's leader?

Mr. Speaker, we are seeing the fruition of our strategic blunder in Iraq. The groundwork has been laid for a Shiite-dominated Iraqi theocracy, loyal to Iran and diametrically opposed to our strategic interests in the region. We can stay this course or chart a new direction that will end this failed policy and bring our troops home.

It's about time we chose a direction that is worthy of the patriotism of our troops and the sacrifices of their families.

Mr. Speaker, over the past few days we have witnessed the Annapolis peace process come unraveled. There have been grave escalations between Israel and Hamas. These are a symptom of failed policies, irresponsible actions, and a lack of strategic thinking. Further escalation of the violence in Gaza may deal a fatal blow to the credibility and viability of any peace process. It would further erode support for the peace process. It would further erode support for the peace process among both Israelis and Palestinians.

No one can help but feel deep concern for the residents of Israeli communities near Gaza, who have been suffering from a campaign of Qassam rocket attacks. Israel has the right and must take measures to protect its citizens, as well as to seek to free its captured soldier Gilad Shalit. But excessive response that endangers innocent lives and threatens emergency care and services in hospitals is likely to cause graver harm than good.

Certainly Hamas understands that its crude rockets, while able to create fear and suffering in Sderot and, now, Ashkelon, can neither destroy Israel, nor break its economic blockade--just as Israel's citizens and military leaders appreciate that while its air force and army can achieve lethal short-term tactical gains in Gaza, this strategy has only enhanced popular support for Hamas, coalesced West Bank sympathy for the Gazan population, and harmed any realistic chances for lasting peace.

I firmly believe that any realistic, sustainable resolution to this crisis will require all parties including the United States to engage, directly or indirectly, to achieve a ceasefire. For that reason, I would prefer that the resolution before us were focused not on condemning one side, but rather on supporting more constructive and balanced efforts to achieve a meaningful cease fire and constructive engagement. I believe that any resolution of this conflict needs to recognize and address the current humanitarian crisis facing the people of Gaza. How many more innocent Israelis and Palestinians will die or be wounded before our country attempts a more productive policy approach?

While the Bush Administration has recently become more proactive in its efforts to attain a ceasefire, stabilize Gaza, and re-build Palestinian national unity, the policy of not including all parties and of blockading Gaza, risks making our country less and less relevant. We need more constructive leadership on all sides.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend Mr. Davis, and also his excellent staff assistance provided by William Miles and Roberto Valencia. I very much appreciate the work that has gone into this.

I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 286. It recognizes and honors Earl ``Big Cat'' Lloyd for tearing down the color barrier and becoming the first African American to play in the National Basketball Association.

Earl Lloyd was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 3, 1928, at a time in our Nation's history when racial prejudice was intense.

Mr. Lloyd developed his passion for the game of basketball as a star at the segregated Parker-Gray High School. This was well before Parker- Gray was joined with George Washington High School into T.C. Williams, which subsequently has been made famous by the movie ``Remember the Titans.''

He was twice named an All-American at West Virginia State College, where he led his collegiate alma mater to two conference and tournament championships, including the school's only undefeated season in 1947- 1948. I am told our colleague Ed Towns was actually recruited by West Virginia State or played with them, but, anyway, he has some connection. But this is about Earl Lloyd.

Drafted by the Washington Capitols in 1950, Mr. Lloyd played his first game in the NBA on October 31, 1950. Imagine. This was the first time that the NBA actually allowed somebody to play in the NBA who could actually jump. Over the course of nine seasons, interrupted by a 2-year stint in the Army, Mr. Lloyd played in 560 games, helping carry his team to an NBA championship in 1955. Mr. Lloyd later became the NBA's first African American assistant coach, and went on to be the head coach of the Detroit Pistons.

When I spoke to Earl yesterday, he wanted to acknowledge this honor on behalf of all the great African American players along the way who never got a chance to play in the NBA solely because of their race. His mom used to tell him, ``Earl, never fold up your tent, never give up, and never disappoint the people who love you.'' He had just returned from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament. For decades, that used to be called the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Tournament. How easy it is to forget the way things used to be, even in our lifetimes.

I trust that this resolution will receive the unanimous support of my colleagues, and I thank the dozens of Members who were willing to sign on as cosponsors. Mr. Lloyd deserves this recognition.

Done. We would be very proud of that.