Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on June 6 we commemorated D-day, the day that American military forces stormed the coast of France 62 years ago to turn the tide in one of the most brutal conflicts the world has ever known. The United States sustained 6,603 casualties that day, yet the final victory over the forces of fascism remained nearly a year away.

Rows of silent graves at the American Military Cemetery in Normandy bear witness to the high price of freedom. They solemnly remind us that there is no substitute for perseverance and sacrifice if we are to prevail over threats which challenge this Nation and the world today.

The Global War on Terror is a different war from the wars of the past. This is not a war of uniformed armies on clearly defined battlefields. It is a war that invades tranquil space and time without warning, carried out by those who hide among and behind civilian populations, seeking to exploit the vulnerable for ruthless purposes.

While we have endured the sacrifice of global wars during the past, we have never before waged such a war in an age of globalization, in an age when technology eviscerates the concept of distance, magnifies our losses, trivializes our accomplishments, and places our adversaries in a far better position to leverage the freedoms of our society against us.

In seeking to prevent another 9-11, the President and the United States Congress would have been utterly irresponsible to ignore the threat posed by Saddam Hussein in Iraq. It is important to note that in 1998, President Clinton ordered U.S. armed forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq because Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs posed a credible and serious threat.

But I am not here to argue the case for war today. The United States and our coalition partners made judgments to enter Iraq based on the best available evidence, and now the commitment is ours to complete. We are all in this together. The successful progression of our commitment in Iraq, from which I remain convinced that an abrupt withdrawal of U.S. troops would do more harm than good, is vital to achieving national security for America, stability and hope for all peoples of the Middle East, and establishing the prospects for civil reform and long-term peace throughout the world.

While our mission continues to be dangerous and costly, it continues to make strong progress as well. The recent establishment of democratic institutions in Iraq is without cultural or historical precedent. This fact, combined with rapid progress on the deployment of Iraqi security forces, gives us realistic hope of diminishing conflict and a stable foundation for the prospects of long-term peace.

As we proceed with our obligation, may each one of us endeavor to discharge our responsibilities in a manner that is worthy of the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces.

And may each of us recall that this obligation is ultimately connected to the mantle of leadership that has fallen to the United States--not only for our own welfare, but for the welfare of the entire world.

Mr. Speaker, on June 6 we commemorated D Day, the day that American military forces stormed the coast of France 62 years ago to turn the tide in one of the most brutal conflicts the world has ever known. The United States sustained 6,603 casualties that day, yet the final victory over the forces of fascism remained nearly a year away.

Rows of silent graves at the American Military Cemetery in Normandy bear witness to the high price of freedom. They solemnly remind us that there is no substitute for perseverance and sacrifice if we are to prevail over the threats which challenge this Nation and the world today.

The global war on terror is a different war from the wars of the past. This is not a war of uniformed armies on clearly defined battlefields. It is a war that invades tranquil space and time without warning, carried out by those who hide among and behind civilian populations, seeking to exploit the vulnerable for ruthless purposes.

While we have endured the sacrifice of global wars during the past, we have never waged a war in an age of globalization, in an age when technology eviscerates the concept of distance, magnifies our losses, trivializes our accomplishments, and places our adversaries in a far better position to leverage the freedoms of our society against us.

In seeking to prevent another 9/11, the President and the United States Congress would have been utterly irresponsible to ignore the threat posed by Saddam Hussein in Iraq. It is important to note that in 1998 President Clinton ordered U.S. Armed Forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq because Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs posed a credible and serious threat.

But I am not here to argue the case for war today. The United States and our coalition partners made judgments to enter Iraq based upon the best available evidence, and now the commitment is ours to complete. We are all in this together, and the successful progression of our commitment in Iraq, from which I remain convinced that an abrupt withdrawal of U.S. troops would do more harm than good, is vital to achieving national security for America, stability and hope for all peoples of the Middle East, and establishing the prospects for civil reforms and long-term peace throughout the entire world.

While our mission continues to be dangerous and costly, it continues to make strong progress as well. The recent establishment of democratic institutions in Iraq is without cultural or historical precedent. This fact, combined with rapid progress in the deployment of Iraqi security forces, gives us realistic hope of diminishing conflict and a stable foundation for the prospects of long-term peace.

As we proceed with our obligation, may each one of us endeavor to discharge our responsibilities in a manner that is worthy of the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces.

And may each of us recall that this obligation is ultimately connected to the mantle of leadership that has fallen to the United States, not only for our own welfare, but for the welfare of the entire world.

Mr. Chairman, the purpose of United States foreign assistance is to strengthen the foundation for international stability by fostering civil society, supporting the development of free markets and institutions that foster self-determination, and helping the vulnerable by bringing healing, hope, and sustainable basic sustenance to those in need. As the leading provider of foreign assistance worldwide, the United States has made extraordinary strides toward alleviating suffering throughout the world. I would like to thank Chairman Kolbe for his hard work on this legislation to further this mission. He has shown great leadership and outstanding commitment to promoting our international initiatives.

I also wish to bring attention to the fact that this year's report on the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill confirms violations of the Tiahrt Amendment by an organization funded by the United States in Guatemala.

In passing the Tiahrt Amendment, which sets out clear criteria for voluntarism in family planning, the United States Congress worked to protect families throughout the world from the humiliation and indignity of coercion. I commend my colleague, Congressman Tiahrt, for his foresight in developing this amendment, which serves the important purpose of preventing the imposition of procedures under duress and without an explanation to participants of the potential risks involved.

Apparently the organization referenced in the report aggressively targeted women for sterilization, setting out numerical targets and offering financial incentives contrary to U.S. law. Although the system of financial incentives that occasioned the violations discovered in June 2005 has been terminated, we must work to ensure that this type of episode is not repeated and that investigations of such potential violations are vigorously thorough and unquestionably objective.

I believe that U.S. foreign assistance should not be used as a vehicle for imposing programs which potentially compromise the health of recipients, violate their consciences, or break laws of recipient nations which aim to affirm human dignity. On behalf of those we strive to assist, I urge my colleagues in Congress, the Administration, and the United States Agency for International Development, as well as the constituents we serve, to work earnestly to uphold this purpose.

And thank you again, Congressman Kolbe, for your leadership in international affairs, and for your selfless dedication to leveraging the gifts of our great country for the betterment of the international community.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for this opportunity to support Mr. Kolbe in opposing this amendment to decrease economic support to the government of Egypt.

I think it is important to note that I fully appreciate the concerns raised by the sponsors of this amendment and their commitment to political and human rights reform in Egypt. The imprisonment of Mr. Noor, a presidential candidate, other prisoners of conscience, as well as serious violations of religious freedom, are very serious affronts to human dignity and freedom. I believe that we have a responsibility to raise the issue of reform with the Egyptian Government which the United States has done on numerous occasions and continues to do.

However, it is also important to note that Egypt has borne significant sacrifices for the cause of peace and freedom in the Middle East.

President Sadat paid a very high price for Egypt's rapprochement with Israel. More recently, Ambassador Ihab al-Sherif paid with his life for daring to defy the foes of peace in Iraq.

When I visited the Sinai as an 18-year-old in the aftermath of the 1973 war, I was struck by the graffiti scrawled on a twisted heap of concrete, a scene so typical throughout the Middle East. The message in Arabic and English read: ``Here was the war. Here is the peace.''

For close to 30 years now, Egypt has stood by a courageous choice, daring to chart a new course. President Sadat could have made another choice. While no government is perfect, this choice has been consistent with a march toward democratic reform. Much is left to do. Many challenges remain. But the loosening of our hand of friendship with Egypt will potentially harm that which this amendment seeks to achieve.

Egypt is one of our most important strategic allies in the Middle East, and a cultural and historical leader of the Arab world. I believe this amendment would achieve nothing short of damaging an important relationship at a critical time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) who chairs the International Relations Subcommittee for Middle East and Central Asia Affairs on which I serve, for organizing this time to honor an extraordinary legislator, an extraordinary statesman, Mr. Henry Hyde.

It is a rare privilege in the course of a lifetime to know someone who possesses equal portions of wisdom, intellectual brilliance, robust humor, and

great humility. I consider it a tremendous honor to serve on the House International Relations Committee under the Chairmanship of such a man, Representative Henry Hyde.

Since 1975, the people of Illinois' Sixth District have enriched the United States by their wise choice for a Member of Congress.

During his long and distinguished tenure in the House, Chairman Hyde has provided decisive leadership at pivotal moments in the recent history of U.S. foreign policy and on many issues of principle which determined the character of our great Nation.

In particular, I would like to honor his commitment to protect the lives of vulnerable persons, particularly the unborn in the United States and throughout the world.

Also I would like to thank Mr. Hyde for his sage counsel nurtured through years of experience and tempered by some of the most grueling episodes of the 20th century. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, and knows firsthand the sacrifice that it took to prevail in that struggle against the enemies of freedom and human dignity.

While we face different challenges today, they require no less vision, commitment, and perseverance. As a careful student of history, Chairman Hyde cautioned us in a recent speech that he entitled, the Perils of the Golden Theory. He reminds us of the need to tread carefully as we seek to promote our ideas in a world where the values we cherish may often be considered alien and are subject to frequent unrelenting assaults.

As we look to the remainder of this session and consider the opportunities and challenges before us, I am grateful that we will continue to benefit from the leadership of Chairman Hyde.

Just this week, Mr. Speaker, I asked the chairman if he would do me a favor and meet with a group of college students interested in international diplomacy. Despite the rigors of his calendar, he enthusiastically agreed, and this small act of generosity alone speaks volumes about the nature and character of our chairman.

His ability to command the respect of both Democrats and Republicans remains an invaluable asset to this Congress. I am confident that his legacy will continue to inform and inspire many generations of Members to come.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to express my support for H.R. 5427, the Fiscal Year 2007 Energy and Water Appropriations bill and I urge my colleagues to vote for it.

I would like to begin by commending the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson), the chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, and the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), the ranking member of the subcommittee, for their outstanding work in bringing this bill to the Floor.

I recognize that extremely tight budgetary constraints this year made the job of the subcommittee much more difficult. Therefore, I believe the subcommittee should be commended for its diligence in creating this fiscally responsible measure.

In light of these fiscal constraints, I am very pleased that the bill includes $7.5 million for the Antelope Creek Flood Damage Reduction Project, an integral component of a flood control, transportation and community revitalization project known as the Antelope Valley Project in Lincoln, Nebraska. Critical to progress on the entire Antelope Valley Project is the completion of the drainage work. This multi- purpose project is a partnership of Lincoln, the University of Nebraska, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, the Corps of Engineers, and the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development.

The first segment of the project was completed in 2004 under a $4 million Corps of Engineers contract. Delay of the next project segment would cause a delay in the transportation improvements already under construction. Completion of the flood control portion is necessary before community renewal can proceed.

It is also important to note that this bill includes $190,000 to complete the Fremont South Section 205 Flood Control Study. The total cost of the study is $733,500 and the total federal share is $366,750, of which $177,000 has been received over the past two study years. The goal of this project is to provide urgent feasibility planning in connection with upgrading an existing levee in order to keep a portion of south Fremont out of flooding in the 100-year floodplain. This Fremont South area is not currently identified by the Federal Management Agency (FEMA) as being in the designated floodplain. However, a revision to the FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map will include this Fremont South area when printed and approved in the near future.

Finally, I am pleased that this bill includes $175,000 for the Lower Platte Natural Resource Districts under the Lower Platte River and Tributaries authority and Section 503 authority. This provision was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 for a carrying capacity assessment for protection of water resources in the critical Lower Platte basin, including planning to expand to a water resource monitoring program. Key to protection of water resources in the basin is a carrying capacity assessment to support watershed management resource protection including the strengthening of related resource monitoring programs.

Again Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the Subcommittee's inclusion of funding for these projects of great importance to my district. I support passage of H.R. 5427 and urge my colleagues to vote for it.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to express my support for H.R. 5386, the fiscal year 2007 Interior-Environment appropriations bill and I urge my colleagues to vote for it.

I would like to begin by commending the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor), the chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, and the distinguished gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks), the ranking member of the subcommittee, for their outstanding work in bringing this bill to the Floor.

I recognize that extremely tight budgetary constraints this year made the job of the subcommittee much more difficult. Therefore, I believe the subcommittee should be commended for its diligence in creating this fiscally responsible measure.

In light of these fiscal constraints, I am very pleased that the bill includes $1 million for a sanitary sewer crossing between Nebraska and Iowa. This new crossing is a very immediate need for the community of South Sioux City, NE. The existing crossing is more than 40 years old and 3 years ago, the pipe carrying sewage between South Sioux City to the treatment plant in Sioux City, IA, broke. For several weeks, about 1.6 million gallons of raw sewage each day was dumped into the Missouri River. The pipe was eventually replaced, but the incident highlighted the need for a second crossing. The new crossing that is proposed, to be located south of the city, would provide a more direct link to the regional treatment plant in Sioux City.

Since the original sewer pipe was installed in the early 1960s, South Sioux City's population has increased more than 60 percent. Also, the community's economic base continues to grow, which places an additional burden on the sewer system. In an effort to meet the growing needs for an improved sewer system, the city's residents have seen significant rate increases over the past several years. However, it is now clear that Federal assistance is necessary.

Again Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the subcommittee's inclusion of $1 million for the South Sioux City sanitary sewer crossing project. I support passage of H.R. 5386 and urge my colleagues to vote for it.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall no. 138 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Chairman, thank you for this opportunity to join my colleagues in challenging this amendment which has been defeated by the full House for 10 consecutive years.

The core purpose of our military hospitals is to care for servicemen and women, particularly those who are wounded in the line of duty defending our country.

U.S. taxpayers should not be forced by the government to have their hard-earned funds used for the taking of innocent human lives. They should continue to have the free choice to say ``no'' to funding abortions.

The U.S. military health care facilities overseas witness more than their fair share of violence. Military health care personnel understand that the Hippocratic Oath is a solemn commitment to heal and nurture life. Let's not abandon this legacy and force our constituents to foot the bill.

Women deserve better than abortion. As a people, we should strive to be a just and loving society that does not abandon persons to the choice for abortion, particularly at taxpayer expense, but helps women even through the most difficult circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the right to object.

(Mr. FORTENBERRY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, in 1872 an outstanding Nebraskan, J. Sterling Morton, began the tradition of Arbor Day to encourage tree planting. One hundred years later, another outstanding Nebraskan, John Rosenow, founded the National Arbor Day Foundation to promote Morton's original goals. Today, I have the pleasure of honoring the fruits of their labor. There are over 1 million members of this organization nationwide.

These two visionary leaders recognized that the simple action of planting a tree can protect the environment and provide resources and beauty for generations to come. Thanks to their efforts and inspiration, today America is a much greener, healthier, and more beautiful place. Because of their foresight, people from around the world enjoy a better quality of life. The planting of trees is a great reminder of our duty to take responsible actions now that will benefit our children and our grandchildren later.

As J. Sterling Morton noted, ``Each generation of humanity takes the Earth as trustees.''

The resolution I introduced, House Concurrent Resolution 383, supports the goals and ideals of National Arbor Day and the National Arbor Day Foundation. I would like to begin expressing my sincere appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis), the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform; and the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), the ranking member of the committee, for their help in bringing this resolution to the floor.

This resolution honors National Arbor Day, which our country will celebrate tomorrow. I encourage my colleagues and others to join in the celebration by planting a tree or by taking part in Arbor Day activities nationwide. By doing so, we can carry on the spirit and the tradition of J. Sterling Morton, who once observed, ``Other holidays repose on the past. Arbor Day proposes for the future.''

I urge support for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. Chairman, on Thursday, March 16, 2006, I was inadvertently detained and thus missed rollcall vote No. 46. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to honor the life of a very generous man whose service to his family and community made him extraordinary to those of us privileged to know him.

Mr. Leroy Robbins passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2006 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Robbins leaves behind his wife, Bernice, nine children, 28 grandchildren and 52 great grandchildren. Yet his legacy extend far beyond his own family.

Mr. Robbins was extraordinary because of his faithfulness in the simple and precious things in life. For more than 50 years, he served as a 4-H Livestock Club Leader.

As a child, I lost my own father and Mr. Robbins' mentorship helped to fill the profound loss created by that particular event. His kindness shined through as he opened his home, lovingly called ``Robbins Roost'' to 30 4-H club Members. He and Mrs. Robbins patiently taught us how to make things, how to improve ourselves and how to be leaders. He just helped us participate in the joy of discovery through the wonderful array of 4-H club opportunities.

Mr. Robbins was a man of generosity, compassion and integrity. In life he demonstrated what it meant to be extraordinary and undoubtedly, his legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched, particularly mine.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order.

Mr. Speaker, First Lieutenant Garrison Avery died Wednesday, February 1, from injuries he sustained while serving in Iraq. The personnel carrier in which he was traveling hit a roadside bomb, killing him and two fellow soldiers. He was 23 years old. He leaves behind his wife Kayla, his bride of just 8 months.

Garrison was the son of Gary and Susan Avery of Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 2000 and from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, in 2004. He then signed up for Army Ranger training, and with his strong intellect and fierce dedication, Garrison Avery became a decorated member of the United States Army. He served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

In his service and in his life, Garrison exemplified the solemn virtues of the great American soldier: The drive and purpose that compelled him at 17 years old to earn his parents' permission to join the Army; the seriousness and excellence that propelled his decorated graduation from West Point; the humility and dignity that kept him from speaking of his numerous special honors awarded for excellent service; the compassion and justice that drove him beyond the call of duty to help Iraqi children, orphaned by the war; the strength, honor and courage he displayed as an officer, leading his troops in the midst of battle; and the faith, love and respect he gave to God, to his family and to his country.

We are also indebted to Garrison's beautiful family. Their love, their nurturing, and their support formed him, guided him and steadied him. His memory will live on through his family and friends, but also in the hearts of the community he bravely protected.

First Lieutenant Garrison Avery died an American soldier, and America will be eternally grateful for his sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Price and my other colleagues who have cosponsored this Day of Hearts resolution, recognizing congenital heart defects and the impact they are having on American society and American families.

As has been mentioned, approximately 35,000 babies are born each year with some variety of a congenital heart defect. Five years ago, my wife Celeste and I had a beautiful baby girl, and we named her Kathryn, and she was one of those 35,000 babies. She was diagnosed shortly after her birth with a complete atrial ventricular septal defect.

It was a normal birth. Afterward, during a regular checkup, our family doctor heard something that almost jumped through his stethoscope. As we later found out, he was holding back his own emotion as he heard this. So that launched us then on a path, a very intense, difficult, 3-month period, until she had her first surgery.

But one of the most encouraging things that happened for us then were other parents who found out we were suffering through this and who took initiative to call us, to extend a hand of friendship. Because when this happens to you, your world spins around 360 degrees. It is very hard to know who to turn to and where to go. So the support network of parents who simply took their own initiative to contact us was very deeply meaningful and helped us through this very difficult time.

Kathryn, as many of your saw this past weekend, is a very vibrant, happy, 5-year-old. She wears a pacemaker, which obviously causes some security difficulties here and there, but, nonetheless, we are grateful to the advances that medicine has given us in the last 30 years to be able to deal successfully with this form of defect.

I am just really thankful that Congress is taking the initiative today to actually propose a Day of Hearts, not only to bring more emphasis to the issue, because it does affect so many families, but to potentially help spur additional research into the potential of finding a cure, or at least helping parents who have to deal with the management of this issue for a lifetime.

Thank you, Dr. Price, for proposing this; thank you to my other colleagues who have cosponsored this; and I urge passage of H.R. 629.

Mr. Speaker, as we consider the issue of democratic reform in Egypt, I think it is vitally important to assess progress in the context of the multifaceted cultural and philosophical challenges facing Egyptian society.

None of us would deny the benefits of freedom and democracy or choose another path to justice for our nation. Egypt has also taken its first steps on the path to democracy in a region where this concept of governance is virtually unknown and untested, despite many internal and external obstacles.

While this resolution draws attention to very legitimate and serious concerns that I share, I am concerned that as re-written, it amounts to a harsh censure that will accomplish little short of alienating the Egyptian government at a particularly volatile time in the history of the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, would it have been better if Egypt's elections had not been held at all?

Looking at recent history, Egypt has borne significant sacrifices for the cause of peace and freedom in the Middle East. Formerly an ally of the Soviet Union, Egypt moved to establish diplomatic relations with Israel in 1978 after 30 years of hostilities. President Sadat paid a high price for Egypt's rapprochement with Israel. More recently, Ambassador Ihab ai-Sherif paid with his life for daring to defy the foes of democracy in Iraq.

When I visited Sinai as an 18-year-old, I was struck by the graffiti scrawled on a twisted heap of concrete with the message: ``Here was the war--Here is the peace.'' For close to 30 years now, Egypt has stood by a courageous choice for peace. While no government is perfect, this choice has been consistent with a move toward democratic reform, however flawed, and however tenuous.

Egypt's first contested presidential elections this September and the parliamentary elections held in December represent a significant achievement. Nevertheless, the unpleasant realities of high unemployment, threats of terrorism, internal political and religious strife, along with the vicious persecution of minority faith communities remain pressing concerns. While the state of democracy in Egypt is neither ideal nor established, we dismiss Egypt's concerns about the ``slippery slope to theocracy'' at our peril.

During Secretary Rice's visit to American University in Cairo this summer, she recalled the words of President Bush's Second Inaugural Address: ``Our goal is to help others find their own voice, to attain their own freedom, and to make their own way.'' Secretary Rice went on to say that ``we know these advances will not come easily, or all at once.''

I appreciate and share the heartfelt concern of my colleagues who are seeking to usher Egypt along the path toward a vibrant and

thriving democracy. However, I believe that we need to express this concern in a manner that acknowledges the accomplishments of the past, appreciates the challenges of the present, and carefully considers the options available to realize our hopes for the future.