Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize John Zutavern of Abilene, Kansas and congratulate him for receiving the 2005 Excellence in Local Government award from the League of Kansas Municipalities. I commend him for his excellence in leadership and passion for helping citizens of Abilene and the State of Kansas.

John's love for his community and his home-State is visible to everyone around him. He has been a diligent ambassador for Abilene and promotes the virtues of the city wherever he goes. He always welcomes guests with a warm greeting and hearty handshake. People like John are the ones who give small towns their good name.

John is involved in many community and civic groups, and his influence extends to all areas of the community. John has served the citizens of Abilene as a member of the City Commission since 1991, serving as Mayor on two different occasions. He is responsive to citizens and is known for being unafraid to take on new challenges. Forward thinking and innovativeness are also characteristics that John possesses, both of which help him in his leadership roles.

John's influence also extends to a state-wide level. He was appointed Chairman of the Governor's Advisory Committee for Children and Families where he served from 1996 to 2000. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Health Institute. John has also served the League of Kansas Municipalities and is considered ``the go-to guy'' on the Governing Body. He has served with the League since 1994, taking on the responsibility of Vice President, President, and Chair of the Executive Director search committee.

I am pleased that John's hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed by the people of Kansas. Tonight, I extend my congratulations to John for being the 2005 Excellence in Local Government Award recipient, an honor he well deserves. Thank you for your dedication to serving the people of Abilene and the people of Kansas.

Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to voice the concerns of farmers and ranchers who struggle to feed the world as well as their own families. Kansans will tell you it is difficult to make a living on the farm. Federal farm policies do not take into account the current scenario of input prices rising to record levels. Natural disasters, whether it is hurricanes in the South, in the gulf, or droughts in the Midwest, still fall far beyond what a farm bill or crop insurance policy can adequately address.

As we have seen with hurricanes Katrina and Rita, not only do such disasters introduce terrible human suffering and paralyze the region in which they hit, but they also affect with transportation bottlenecks and skyrocketing energy prices many others a long way away.

Any suggestion that things are good in ag country does not meet the reality test. Having completed 69 town hall meetings, one in each of the counties that I represent, I know farmers are greatly affected by the high cost of fuel, fertilizer, and natural gas.

American agriculture depends on natural gas to bring food to our tables. We use natural gas for irrigation, for drying our crops, processing our food, and, most importantly, in producing our fertilizer.

In addition to price of natural gas and fertilizer, the cost of diesel is a major concern for producers. In Kansas, it is estimated that the average farmer's fuel bill will increase $17,000 this year. Since January, diesel fuel has increased from $1.95 a gallon to $3.15 a gallon this month. Kansas farmers say when you do the math, it just does not pencil out.

It is easy for a Congressman to talk about these issues, but the mail from my Kansas farmers can better tell of the real struggles and convey the real story of life on the farm.

Mr. Speaker, this is a letter from a farmer at Otis, Kansas. He gives me his name and tells me he is a middle-age farmer with an operation located in western Barton and eastern Rush counties. He tells me: ``The recent fuel and fertilizer price increases are pushing my bottom line into the red. Three years ago I could buy a transport load of diesel fuel for $7,800 and today the same amount costs me $27,740, a difference of 330 percent.''

He says: ``It seems as though other industries can pass fuel expenses by putting on fuel surcharges. However, we are not able to do that. The American public is taking the farmer for granted with the cheap quality food that we provide. Wait until we are dependent upon foreign food like we are oil. I just hope and pray that the farmer can survive. Thanks for any help.''

And this from Lynette Stenzel, a farmer in Ness City, Kansas. She tells me she is ``extremely concerned with rising fuel prices. It not only affects the economic concerns on the farmer, but our local government, schools, churches, hospitals and even our community service organizations. More money into the expense side of farming leaves less on the income side to support schools, churches and help raise funds for community projects. When living in a rural area, the economic situation of the farmer really does affect local bills as well.''

She tells me that her younger brother, who now operates a third- generation family farm, said he felt if and when he had to pay the same amount for fuel as he got for a bushel of wheat, it would be time to give up the farm. ``I am hoping he forgot that comment, as that time is here. His 12-year-old son wants to continues the family farm, so hopefully that will be possible.''

Finally, from a farm couple in Southwest Kansas: ``The real America is not in the political realm of Washington. Real Americans cannot afford to drive to work. They won't be able to heat their homes in the winter. Real American farmers continue to lose money feeding the world. We need real help for the real America.''

Mr. Speaker, we need to work together as Members of Congress, as policymakers in these very challenging

times. We must pursue economic, agriculture, and energy policies that increase the chances that our farmers can continue to farm the land and feed the world.

Mr. Speaker, as my farmers said, we need real help for the real America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order for 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to discuss the economic harm that U.S. farmers and ranchers have experienced as a result of the Japanese embargo of U.S. beef. This issue has gone on far too long, and we in Kansas have lost our patience.

Mr. Speaker, Japan has prohibited the imports of beef from the United States since December 2003 when a single case of BSE was found in a Canadian-born animal.

Since that time, the United States has undergone rigorous and thorough surveillance programs for BSE testing and has implemented safeguards to protect human and animal health. These safeguards have far exceeded internationally recognized standards promoted by the World Organization for Animal Health, of which Japan is a member.

While the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement provides that members of the WTO have the right to take measures to protect human, animal and plant health under principles of sound science, the SPS Agreement does not allow WTO members the right to discriminate and restrict trade arbitrarily.

The U.S. State Department, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the United States Department of Agriculture have worked tirelessly to reopen this market for U.S. beef, and I commend them for their efforts.

On October 23, 2004, nearly a year ago, the United States and Japan concluded an understanding that established a process to lead to the resumption of beef imports from the United States. Despite this agreement a year ago, the Government of Japan continues to delay imports of beef from the U.S. on a basis and factors not grounded in science or consumer safety.

Losing the export market to Japan is having a significant impact upon our entire industry, and it also puts at risk a well-established bilateral trading relationship. This 2-year delay has now almost totaled $3.4 billion in losses to American agriculture. Whether you are a farmer or a rancher, a beef processor or a retailer, this loss of market is having a detrimental effect upon that business, upon our rural communities, and upon the agriculture economy. The U.S. cattle and beef industries are losing $100 million each month that Japan remains closed to U.S. beef markets. Since December 2003, the U.S. meat industry has lost 10,000 jobs, mostly attributed to a loss of the export markets.

In March this year, Mr. Speaker, I introduced House Resolution 137, which currently has more than 80 co-sponsors. I encourage my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this legislation. The resolution is a sense of the House of Representatives that if the Government of Japan continues to delay in meeting its obligations under the understanding reached last October, then

the United States trade representative should immediately impose retaliatory trade sanctions against Japan.

While I do not wish for the U.S. and Japan to enter into a drawn out trade dispute, the reality is that Japan cannot have it both ways, and they must be required to uphold their agreement. The United States works to promote free trade agreements throughout the world, and it is important for our trading partners to honor the current agreements and international standards; and without those assurances, support for trade agreements will clearly erode.

Recently, I was joined by over a hundred Members of Congress in writing President Bush asking him to make restoring this market of U.S. beef to Japan his highest economic priority in his discussions with the Japanese Prime Minister. I support our government's efforts to reopen our beef exports to Japan; but, again, Japan continues to unjustifiably delay the process.

Last month I testified before the House Committee on Ways and Means and urged the committee to bring this resolution to the floor and show Japan the serious nature of this trade issue. I appreciate very much the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) for holding the hearing and for allowing me to testify.

Many members of that committee during the hearing agreed that this action needs to be taken to address this issue.

Mr. Speaker, Japan cannot have it both ways. They cannot benefit from exports to the U.S. while denying our imports such as beef with no scientific evidence to support their actions. Congressional patience has been exhausted. It is time that House Resolution 137 be brought to the floor and a clear message be delivered to Japan. Let us allow the will of the House to be heard. Patience is a virtue no longer.

Mr. Speaker, this evening I rise to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Thankfully, we have made progress in raising awareness and attention of domestic violence and providing assistance to the affected victims. However, it is a problem that has not gone away.

We must not forget about these crimes that disrupt homes and destroy families. It is estimated that over 2 million acts of domestic violence take place each year here in the United States. According to a recent study in my home State of Kansas, one domestic violence act occurs every 24 minutes.

Domestic violence is an issue that affects all aspects of our society and is not bound by race, economics or age. It can be blamed for increased medical care costs, decreased productivity, and increased absence from work. Domestic violence also promotes a culture of depression, hopelessness and fear. One incidence of domestic violence can create a cycle of despair that is difficult for not only the victim but also the entire family to overcome.

In my small hometown of Plainville, Kansas, a family grieves over the loss of their daughter. Patty Kruse-Hicks, a kind, loving daughter, and a devoted mother to her three children, lost her life due to domestic violence. On April 19, 2004, the world changed forever for her family and all those who loved her. Patty is more than a statistic. Her legacy and love will live in the hearts of

all who knew her. Too often we think an act of domestic violence does not occur on our street, in our hometown, or to people and families we know, but this act of violence tells me that no street, no community, no hometown is immune.

There are other victims of domestic violence who are often overlooked. Each year an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence committed by family members against their mother or caretaker. During 2002 in Kansas alone, there were over 8,000 cases where children were the victims of domestic violence. Children who see violence are more likely to commit or suffer violence when they become adults. The cycle of despair continues from one generation to the next.

While the realities of domestic violence are grim, we do have hope. Our hope stems from the belief that with education, resources and support, victims of domestic violence can overcome their circumstances. Hope is what sustains and motivates the nine domestic violence centers I represent in my rural 69-county district. These agencies help advocate for victims, provide essential services, and spearhead efforts to increase domestic violence awareness throughout most part of rural Kansas.

I would like to highlight one such effort. In Emporia, the SOS, Inc., agency recently partnered with the Girl Scout Council of the Flint Hills, and their Studio 2 Be Troop, including 40 girls, ranging from the ages of 11 to 17. This effort focused on teaching these youth about domestic violence and the legal system. The highlight of this year-long project was a mock trial event that the youth participated in during the month of September. The troop girls were the defense and prosecution teams, the jury, and even the victims of crimes. This project was supported by the legal community, and many lawyers and judges gave their time to work with these Girl Scouts. This project taught the participants that domestic violence is not okay and our communities should take it very seriously. This project was a one-of-a- kind experience for these girls, and garnered significant national attention.

Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Thankfully, we have made progress in raising awareness and attention to domestic violence and providing assistance to victims. However, it is a problem that certainly has not gone away. We must not forget about these crimes that disrupt homes and destroy families. It is estimated that 2 million acts of domestic violence will take place this year in the United States. According to a recent study, in my home State of Kansas one domestic violence act occurs every 24 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for continued support and assistance for the domestic violence programs we in Congress have responsibility for.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the community of Alma, Kansas for the successful revitalization of the Alma Creamery.

Beginning in 1946, this town of 762 people was identified by the presence of the Alma Creamery, famous for producing delicious Alma Cheese. Bernie Hansen, a pioneer in the development of value-added foods, furthered this tradition when he purchased the company in 1986. Bernie developed the company and sold it more than a decade later. Unfortunately, the creamery then closed in 2000. This was a setback to the community of Alma. And for more than 3 years, the production plant lay dormant. However, during this time, Alvin Kahle and Jim Ferguson, two longtime employees, did something great. On their own initiative, they regularly cleaned up and maintained the plant with the hope that one day it would reopen.

Their hopes were fulfilled in October of 2003 when former owner Bernie Hansen purchased the plant at an auction. Bernie quickly rehired Alvin and Jim. He also asked Linda Craghead, who serves part-time as Wabaunsee County economic development director, to serve as general manager of the company. In addition, more than one million dollars was invested in equipment, facilities and personnel.

On April 28, 2004, the hopes of Bernie, Linda, Alvin, Jim and the entire community were realized. On that day, the first batch of hand- made Alma Cheese was produced in a completely remodeled plant. Since the plant reopened, this delicious product has been attracting more and more customers. The company's workforce has expanded from 5 to 15 employees in order to keep up with increasing demand.

According to Bernie Hansen, the company's growth is the result of an inspired team effortt ``The renewed success of Alma Creamery can be attributed to a hard working staff, a supportive community and a trusted brand name widely-recognized across the state of Kansas,'' Hansen said.

For rural communities to survive and prosper into the future, citizens must be willing to create their own opportunities for success.

The revitalization of Alma Creamery is an example of how hard work, innovation, professional management and community support can create just such an opportunity.

Citizens throughout Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. Alma Creamery is a success story that demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive difference in rural America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my Special Order at this time.

Mr. Speaker, this evening I rise to recognize and celebrate the life of a constituent and friend, Ina Mae Selfridge. Ina passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 17, at the age of 76. Her death is a tremendous loss to her family, her community, and the many individuals who were fortunate enough to call her a friend.

Probably the greatest compliment I could give Ina is that she was a great farm girl. In truth, she embodied much of what is good and decent about the family farm and the way of life we enjoy in Kansas. Ina is one of those people you meet and you think to yourself, I am in the presence of an extraordinary human being.

I have known Ina through her many years of service to the organization Women Involved in Farm Economics, otherwise known as WIFE. Most recently, Ina was the national president of WIFE and has served in this position for the past 2 years. Ina was also the State president and member of the Gold Waves Chapter 76 of WIFE located in central and southwest Kansas.

It would not be fitting to talk about Ina and not bring up the ideals and accomplishments of WIFE. Ina truly cared about agriculture and about rural communities. On her many visits to Washington over the years, Ina joined other WIFE leaders to advocate on behalf of the family farm. From health care to energy policy to emergency drought assistance, Ina knew what was going on in farm country because she lived it each and every day.

In fact, Ina's trips to D.C. were usually scheduled so they would not interfere with harvest. In written testimony she gave in 2003 on credit availability in rural areas, she wrote that she would have preferred to be here in person, but it was wheat harvest and ``all hands are on deck for the entire family.'' Indeed, Ina was an integral part of her family farm, even at age 76.

Ina farmed in true partnership with her husband Elmer Selfridge and several of her sons. Their farm in eastern Hodgeman County included wheat, forages and grains for their 1,000-head feedlot. She is survived by her husband; her four sons, Randy, Tyler, Brad, and Wade; and nine grandchildren.

Ina would want me to use part of this time to talk about agriculture. Today I wear a domino on my lapel that she gave to me. It represents WIFE's theme that agriculture has a domino effect on America. Like dominos standing next to each other, when the farmer suffers economic loss, so do local businesses, schools, communities, churches, and local government. Today, however, I wear the domino to show how Ina's life had a positive domino effect on the many lives of everyone who came in contact with her.

Ina had an enthusiasm that few possess. You could not be around Ina and not feel a sense of excitement about what the future might hold. The pioneer spirit of optimism and hard work that established farms across Kansas was alive and strong in Ina. Insights into the life she lived can be derived from her e-mail address, which is simply ``happy.'' This is not to say there were not hardships on the farm. Many parts of Kansas are just now recovering from 5 years of drought, but Ina's can-do personality is an inspiration to us all.

The last time she was in my office she said, ``I may not be the WIFE president next year, but I will be back again to remind you about the importance of agriculture.'' Today I bet she would say, ``Time to get back to work. The wheat harvest is in, but we must get ready for the fall crops.''

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ina's family in this time of difficulty with the knowledge that their loss on Earth is God's gain in heaven. It is my absolute privilege to have known Ina. The world is a better place because of her, and she will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to honor the life's work of a man whose mission is to serve the Lord, his God.

Last weekend, the Reverend Billy Graham held what could be his last crusade. The crusade in New York marked the culmination of a life dedicated to preaching faith, equality, and love to people the world over.

As a young man growing up in rural Kansas, I remember gathering in front of the television set with my mom and dad to hear this man speak. With integrity and truth he spoke of God's love for all people and our need to know this love in our own hearts. Even at that young age, I sensed that there was something special about this man; and, as I grew older, his words were a source of strength to my faith.

In times of trouble and disaster, we turn to God for strength and comfort. Three days after September 11, 2001, as our Nation grieved the loss of life, America needed to have its faith restored. Our sense of peace that we had felt in our neighborhoods and our towns and our country had been severely shaken, and our belief in the goodness of man had been severely challenged.

Billy Graham, showing the effects of Parkinson's disease and age, slowly climbed the steps to the pulpit at the National Cathedral during a service to reflect upon these events. Although physically frail, the strength of his spirit projected confidence. With the assurance of his faith, he helped us understand that despite the evil that we had seen, God's love remains, God's love never fails and, with that love as our foundation, we could prevail. Reverend Graham's words gave meaning to the lives lost and restored faith to a mourning Nation.

In 1957, Billy Graham held his first of seven crusades in New York City. Although his crusade in 1957 occurred at a time in our Nation's history when race divided all, Reverend Graham refused to preach in segregated audiences.

To begin one night of the crusade in 1957, Reverend Graham invited Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to give an opening prayer. Another night of the crusade, the event was presented in Spanish. Reverend Graham and his team went to great lengths to ensure that the crusade meetings were accessible to those with disabilities. Although he had intended the crusade to last only 6 weeks, he stayed 16, in order to meet the needs of the people of New York.

By refusing to restrict his message to one audience, Billy Graham affirmed the equality of all people and God's equal love for all. Returning last weekend to New York City, Reverend Graham continued sharing his message of faith, equality, and love for all people.

Billy Graham has been a spiritual adviser to every President since my fellow Kansan, Dwight D. Eisenhower. He has written 24 books. His radio program ``Hour of Decision'' has been broadcast on Sundays around the world for more than 50 years. Reverend Graham has even been rated 47 times by the American people as one of the ``Ten Most Admired Men in the World.'' However, it is his ability to reach people with the message of God's love that makes Billy Graham truly a special man.

Throughout his ministry, Billy Graham has preached to over 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. Yet, it is his personal impact on my life and the encouraging words that he has left with our Nation that I am most grateful for and will always cherish.

Marking the occasion of his last crusade, I rise tonight to honor and thank Reverend Billy Graham for his influence on my life, on our Nation, and the world.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to voice my opposition to the existing law that provides an automatic annual cost-of-living pay increase for Members of Congress.

While I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues on this bill, I object to the process and believe it should be reformed. Failure to allow an up or down vote on this issue only serves to increase cynicism towards the political process and confirms the feeling of many voter that their representatives are out of touch. The American public deserves better. Members of Congress should be on record with our constituents as to whether we believe an increase in our salary is justified. Given the opportunity, I would vote ``no''.

Fiscal discipline must start with Members of Congress. While our nation's economy continues to improve, our national debt remains at unprecedented levels and many rural Americans are struggling. Struggling to put food on the table. Struggling to make their farms and businesses profitable. Struggling to pay skyrocketing medical costs. Struggling to educate their children. Struggling to save for retirement. The people we represent deserve responsible government and Congress should not receive an automatic cost-of-living increase during these challenging economic times.

Mr. Speaker, my arrival in Congress, it really was about what do I do to make certain that folks in Kansas, people across rural America have a quality of life, that they have the opportunity to put food on the family's table, that they have enough money to save for their retirement and for their kids' college education. But even perhaps more important than that, the goal for me as a policymaker has been what can we do to see that the communities that make up my State are around for a while longer.

Rural America faces many challenges; and among those challenges is an often declining economy, and an economy related to agriculture. But one of the things that became clear to me early on in my time in Congress is access to health care matters. If we care about the future of our communities, we need to make certain that our citizens, the people who live there, can access a physician, can have access to a hospital, that the hospital doors remain open, that there is home health care and nursing home care.

So for much of my time in Congress, I have worked on issues related to the availability of health care. I have been an active member and chaired the Rural Health Care Coalition. And I commend my colleagues who are actively engaged in a group of Republican and Democrat Members of this body who work time and time again to see that good things happen in the delivery of health care in rural America. The goal there has to be to make certain that we are reimbursed, that our providers, our hospitals and physicians and nurses and other health care providers, are reimbursed through Medicare in particular in a way that makes it possible for financially those health care providers to continue to provide the service and that we need to continue to make efforts to reduce the paperwork and bureaucratic burden that increase the cost of providing services, especially in communities where senior citizens comprise a significant component of the population.

Many of the hospitals in the First Congressional District of Kansas, 60, 70, 80, and sometimes even 90 percent of the patients admitted to a hospital seen by our physicians are over the age of 65; and, therefore, Medicare is responsible for payment at least in part of the hospital or physician bill.

During my time in Congress despite this continual focus on access to health care, one other thing has become clear to me. There is an overriding issue that should consume us all. I rise tonight to try to bring to my colleagues' attention the necessity of beginning to address the ever-rising cost of health care.

I am in the middle of 69 townhall meetings. I represent 69 counties in Kansas, and every year I conduct a townhall meeting in each of those counties. I remember the townhall meeting in Hoxie, Kansas. During that townhall meeting, the first question was from a teacher who said, Last year my premiums for my health insurance to the school district that I paid out of my pocket were $450. This year it is $700. What are you going to do about it?

The next question was from the farm implement dealer who said, We are trying to stay afloat here. It has been a difficult year. Drought on the high plains. You know how difficult the agriculture economy is. We are trying to keep our employees insured. We raised our co-payments. We raised our deductibles and our insurance premiums still went up 49 percent. And there was the question, What are you going to do about it?

The third question came from a lady who said, My brother has cancer. He has been in Texas in an experimental treatment program, and he has now returned home to Kansas and his treatment costs are $40,000 a year. My mom and dad and other brothers and sisters, we are all trying to figure out how do we as a family come up with $40,000 a year to take care, to perhaps save my brother's life. Again, the implied question, What are you going to do about it?

So from that townhall meeting several years ago, it has been a growing desire on my part to move the House of Representatives, the Senate, the policymakers, the administration toward addressing the issue of health care costs. I think there are things we can do. It is more than just decrying the problem.

We clearly need more access to primary care physicians. Too much health care is delivered through the emergency room. I commend the Bush administration for their focus on community clinics. That is an important component of making certain that people who could not otherwise afford health care are not showing up at the emergency room, but could access a primary care physician or a nurse practitioner through our community clinics.

We need to focus more on wellness and prevention. I think perhaps the biggest bang for our buck in reducing health care costs is to encourage and to educate citizens of our country about nutrition, about life- style, about habits, about exercise.

Clearly our information technology system has to be overhauled. We have tremendous technology in the delivery of health care, but not in the way that we keep records and provide for their payment. IT needs to be overhauled for better and easier data retrieval. We clearly need to make certain that our reimbursements for our hospitals under Medicare and Medicaid are adequate to cover the costs, otherwise there is simply a cost-shifting onto those who have insurance.

I have been supportive of health savings accounts and opportunities for small businesses to pool their purchasing power to access health care for their patients.

I heard earlier about prescription drugs. We need to continue to work as a body, as a Congress and as policymakers in our Nation's capital to reduce the ever-escalating costs of health care.

Offered By: Mr. Moran

Amendment No. 8: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, today I offer an amendment to appropriate funds for the eradication of noxious weeds.

I first would like to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, as well as the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), for their leadership in what I know is a very difficult task of allocating funds within the budgetary restraints that we find ourselves. I would also like to thank their staff for their hard work and their efforts to accommodate my amendment.

This amendment would allocate within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service $15 million to fund the Noxious Weed Control and Eradication Act of 2004. This legislation, the act, was authorized for the past 2 years, but no funding has yet been appropriated to carry out the purpose of the program.

The Noxious Weed Control and Eradication Act passed the House in October of 2004 and allows the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture to establish a grant program to control and eradicate noxious weeds.

This legislation gives local weed management entities the ability to control local weed problems and provides the funding necessary for them to meet a very serious need in many places across the country.

This legislation has broad bipartisan support and will benefit the entire Nation.

Noxious weeds are a significant environmental and economic concern. I know from my own experiences in Kansas, we have a difficult time controlling the very difficult and noxious weeds. Sericea lespedeza is a weed that has invaded many acres of the foothills region of Kansas, which contain some of the few remaining acres of native tall grass prairie.

Sericea lespedeza is just one example of many invasive species that create economic hardship across the country; and by finally providing these funds, we can help in the battle to eradicate this and prevent a major outbreak of noxious weeds.

This is a matter in which timing is critical; and we need to give our communities, our local entities, and our farmers, landowners, the tools they need to manage our natural landscapes.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues for the offering of this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, based upon previous conversations with the gentleman from Texas and the staff of the agriculture subcommittee, I am willing to withdraw my amendment under the understanding that we have reached in regard to cooperation on this issue in the future.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment and look forward to working with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla) in regard to this issue being considered in the future.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Captain Charles ``Chuck'' McAtee. After leading a life devoted to public service, Captain McAtee passed away on Friday, April 8, 2005 from acute leukemia.

In his life, Captain McAtee was committed to the principle of country before self. When duty called, he answered, serving proudly and honorably as a United States Marine in the Korean War. His experiences in Korea inspired him to later lead the effort to ensure the dedication of the Northeast Kansas Korean War Memorial in Topeka in 2003. He also generously shared his love of country with others, such as his financial support to Marine Junior ROTC programs.

Following active military service, Captain McAtee pursued two of his great interests in life--public service and the law. He first demonstrated a devotion to law through his work for the law firm of Eidson, Lewis, Porter & Haynes in Topeka, Kansas. He also used his legal knowledge serving as an officer to the 1st Marine Division Association.

Captain McAtee later became involved in public service at the age of 27, working as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He then transitioned into State government, combining his passion for law and law enforcement through service as the Director of Penal Institutions for the State of Kansas--a position that would define the remainder of his life.

As Director of Penal Institutions for the State of Kansas, Captain McAtee played a major role in the case of the Clutter family murders and bringing their killers to justice. The murders eventually became the subject of author Truman Capote's book In Cold Blood. Captain McAtee's position brought him in close contact with the convicted murderers in the Clutter case, receiving frequent uncensored correspondence from them and visiting with them during their time on death row.

Captain McAtee also demonstrated leadership and commitment to public service by representing the Republican Party as a candidate for Congress in 1972, and as a candidate for Kansas's Attorney General in 2002.

Although his experiences took him around the world and into the national spotlight, he never abandoned the values instilled in him by his parents, neighbors and friends in the small, Kansas hometown of Mahaska. The principles of hard work, integrity, and justice that had been engrained in him in his youth, guided his efforts throughout his life.

Captain Charles ``Chuck'' McAtee was a true public servant who fit the situation within which he was called to serve. I join his many friends in extending my deepest sympathies to his family during their time of loss.

Madam Speaker, I am honored today to introduce to the House of Representatives the Reverend Fred Holloman of Topeka, Kansas. Reverend Holloman is a retired Southern Baptist minister and is currently a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas.

Reverend Holloman retired in 2002 after serving 50 years in the ministry. He had attended seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, after graduating from the University of Alabama. After serving in Oklahoma and Missouri, Reverend Holloman moved to Kansas in 1958. He was pastor in Baxter Springs, Manhattan, Lawrence, and Kansas City before concluding his career as a Baptist minister with a 15-year tenure in Topeka.

I am especially glad to be introducing my friend Reverend Holloman today because he served as the chaplain of the Kansas Senate during my time there. Fred was there a lot longer in the Kansas Senate than I. He has served as the senate chaplain for now 24 years, where he is known for his wit and his incisive thought when he delivers his invocation, but also known as someone who cares and has compassion for every member of our legislature and their families.

Many of Reverend Holloman's relatives have joined us today and are in attendance. He and his wife, Pat, have nine children. His children and grandchildren have come here to our Nation's Capital all the way from Texas and Kansas.

Please join me in welcoming the Reverend Holloman to the United States House of Representatives.