Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 346, the American Spirit Fraud Prevention Act, and I also want to commend the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Bass) for his leadership on this issue, as well as my colleagues on the Committee on Energy and Commerce for ensuring this measure's swift passage through the committee.

September 11 was the worst attack and loss this country has ever experienced on our own soil. Countless lives were lost, and the Nation was confronted with a new reality, a harsh sense of our vulnerabilities. It was the single darkest day this Nation has faced. The one saving grace, the one ray of hope that helped combat the pain, suffering, and sadness of the Nation was the heroism, leadership, and commitment displayed by Americans who were determined to help.

Some helped by giving their lives, and their stories will inspire us forever. Others from across the country helped by giving. Americans made generous donations to provide aid to victims of the terrorist attacks. Over $1 billion was raised for relief efforts and aid to victims' families in the wake of September 11, from donations, large and small, made by the American public.

Unfortunately, however, some in our country demonstrated the shameful side of humanity by attempting to illegally profit from the tragedy. Those individuals tried to exploit the generosity demonstrated by so many through fraudulent solicitations in which they claimed to be representing organizations benefiting the victims or providing emergency response services. While those despicable acts are already illegal, it is important for the Congress on behalf of our constituents to send a clear message that such behavior will be subjected to even more severe penalties in the future.

Under this measure the maximum civil fines for actions of fraud and attempts to profit from national emergencies in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act will be doubled. These increased penalties will apply to all violations that occur within 1 year of the time the President declares a disaster and all violations that occurred during and up to 1 year after the expiration of a presidential emergency declared under the National Emergencies Act.

Madam Speaker, the public is caring and committed. We care about the well-being of our neighbors, and we are committed to do what we can to ensure prosperity and security for this Nation, and we will not tolerate those who undermine and abuse the American spirit.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure.

Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I join people from around the world in paying tribute to the men and women of the space shuttle Columbia who were lost on Saturday, February 1st. I offer my deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. On that sad day, the United States, the State of Israel and India lost seven brave visionaries. But during their time on our planet, those heroes were living their dreams of reaching out for the stars. They risked their lives for the sake of improving the lives of all humanity.

To truly honor the legacy of these fallen heroes and their accomplishments, the United States must remain committed to lead the world in space exploration. These courageous individuals were well aware of the risks involved with space travel, but that did not deter them from pursuing their goals. We have experienced tragedy in this arena before, but we have never forgotten the spirit of those lost. It is unfortunate that tragedy has struck again but we must learn from the past and carry on. The United States must continue to improve and stay dedicated to its space program.

The crew of the Columbia represented so many different parts of our world. There was Mission Commander Colonel Rick Husband, a NASA veteran since 1994. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson, the Payload Commander, had logged more than 211 hours in space. Dr. Kalpana Chawla emigrated to the United States from India and was the first Indian woman to travel to space. Payload Specialist Colonel Ilan Ramon was Israel's first ever astronaut. Pilot William McCool, Mission Specialist Dr. David M. Brown, and Mission Specialist Dr. Laurel Blair Salton Clark were all making their first ever space flight. All will be remembered as patriots who sacrificed their lives for the greater good.

When we peer into the night sky and observe the stars shining above, let us never forget all those that strived to reach them. We thank them for their sacrifice in the name of discovery for humankind.