Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of the citizens of Longford, Kansas in their work to create and support Longford Water Company, LLC.

For years, this town of 89 people has had a reputation for providing high quality, good tasting water. Road signs near the community advised, ``For Good Health and Longevity Drink Longford Water, Kansas Purest.'' Groundwater from Longford is clean and soft because it is naturally filtered by a distinctive group of underground rocks known as the Kiowa Formation. Years ago, communities used to compete at the Kansas State Fair regarding the quality of their water. Water from Longford was a frequent winner.

More than a year and a half ago, a group of local individuals formed Longford Water Company, LLC. The reason: to research the possibility of capitalizing on Longford's reputation for high quality water by bottling it for sale. They discovered that most of the bottled water for sale has been treated by reverse osmosis, a process used to purify water through removal of unwanted chemicals. This procedure is expensive and removes natural minerals from the water that contribute to good physical health. Due to its high quality, Longford water does not need to be subjected to this added expense.

Following extensive research, the company took the following actions: announced that the production facility will be located in Longford; agreed to purchase water from the City of Longford; in order to minimize marketing and shipping costs, established a marketing distribution system that focuses on a 50-mile

area around the community; selected KIOWATA as the marketing name for the water and financed the entire project through private funds.

Because of this team effort, The Longford Water Company is now ready to produce, market and distribute KIOWATA water. According to Wava Kramer, president of the board of managers, the company has raised the real estate tax base of the city, provided local employment and contributed to the positive image of the Longford community.

Ms. Kramer also noted the entire effort has resulted in other benefits. ``Langford water has been long known as nature's finest gift to Kansas,'' said Kramer. ``Another gift is that the process of creating Longford Water Company has brought our community together. Our town is small in size but big in spirit.''

For rural communities to survive and prosper into the future, citizens must be willing to create their own opportunities for success. The Longford Water Company is an example of how hard work, innovation, professional management and community pride can create just such an opportunity.

Citizens throughout the First Congressional District of Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. Longford Water Company, LLC is a success story that demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive difference in rural America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1524. I thank my colleague, Mr. Moore, for sponsoring this legislation to name the post office at 12433 Antioch Road in Overland Park after long-time Mayor Ed Eilert.

The job of mayor is a challenging position. Each day they are tasked with the responsibility of making their community, their home, a better place to live. They do this with the eye of the public always on them as they live and work in that community. The fact that May Eilert was re-elected six times speaks volumes of his dedication and character. During his over 24 years in office, Mayor Eilert worked hard to improve Overland Park, and his leadership is well respected.

Mr. Moore spoke of the infrastructure improvements that Mr. Eilert helped bring to Overland Park--the Clock Tower Plaza, KU's Edwards Campus and the Fire Training Center, to name a few. I want to emphasize that these centers and buildings are much more than physical structures. They are symbols of economic development, job creation and improvements in quality of life. During the time Ed served as Mayor, Overland Park grew to be the second-largest city in Kansas. Ed's vision helped to ensure that the city is both bigger and better for the businesses, individuals and families who are proud to call Overland Park their home.

Mayor Eilert's commitment to Overland Park extended beyond his role as mayor. He was an active member of many civic organizations including the League of Kansas Municipalities and the National League of Cities. He has also served as secretary and treasurer of the Johnson/Wyandotte Counties Council of Mayors. He currently serves as a commissioner of the Kansas and Missouri Metropolitan Cultural District, a board member of Services for Seniors and Advocates for Citizens with Retardation, a member of the advisory council for Emporia State University's school of business and a member of the advisory council for United Community Services and Temporary Lodging for Children.

Mayor Eilert is a charter member of the South Overland Park Rotary Club, the Overland Park Historical Society, the Overland Park Arboretum and Friends of Johnson County Developmental Supports. He also is a member and elder, and a former chairman of the board, of Overland Park Christian Church. I commend Ed for his service to the community and his contributions to improving the quality of life in Overland Park.

I recognize that Kansas is home to many leaders who work to make our state a great place to live and work. I also acknowledge that our growth and prosperity is possible because of the efforts of local leaders like Mayor Eilert who are willing to serve our communities. Mayor Eilert touched lives every day. He directly affected the residents of Overland Park in a positive way. I am grateful for his hard work and dedication, and I join with my fellow Kansas representatives in honoring Mayor Eilert.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless efforts of the citizens of Kensington, Kansas in their work to re-open their community's grocery store.

A little more than 19 months ago, this community's only grocery store closed. This town of 511 people immediately felt the loss of the store. Residents no longer had local access to basic necessities such as dry goods and fresh cuts of meat. The closest grocery store was in the county seat of Smith Center--nearly 15 miles away. I know that most Members of Congress do not have to concern themselves with whether their communities have a grocery store. However, for many of the communities in my district, keeping the local grocery store open is a constant struggle.

The citizens of Kensington decided to take action. Following a community meeting, board members were elected to form the Kensington Community Store, Incorporated. This organization was created to oversee the construction and development of a non-profit community grocery store with noon deli.

Since that time, support for the project has been impressive and inspiring: the Kensington city council committed to construct a 60' x 75' steel building; several lots of ground were donated for building construction; community ``work nights'' were held to ready the store for opening; Vo-tech classes at the local high school constructed metal and wood shelves; the local Lions Club assisted with interior construction of the store.

All totaled, more than $130,000 has been raised to support the project. Donations of all sizes have come from more than 250 individuals, businesses, clubs and foundations. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when an agreement was reached to share wholesale supply delivery dates with a grocery store in a community 27 miles down the road. The arrangement allows the store in Kensington to sell merchandise at competitive prices.

Thanks to a team effort, the Kensington Community Store is now a reality. According

to John Struckhoff, chairman of the committee that organized the project, having a grocery store back in town provides an anchor business that can be used to attract other businesses to Kensington. It also helps stabilize property values and provides citizens of all ages a place to purchase groceries without having to leave town.

Mr. Struckhoff also noted that the whole experience has resulted in other benefits. ``It is amazing how many individuals and groups donated money and time to this project,'' Struckhoff said. ``This shows how a small town in Kansas can come together to support a project that provides a common good to all citizens. It really makes you proud to live in Kensington.''

All across the State of Kansas are stories just like this one. Of neighbors helping neighbors, not because they have to, but because they want to. Because it is the right thing to do. Their efforts deserve our support and recognition.

Citizens throughout the First Congressional District of Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. The Kensington Community Store is a success story that demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive difference in rural America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Steve Fossett, pilot of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, and all those who assisted him during his successful world record-setting flight around the world last week.

Steve Fossett flew the first solo, non-stop, non-refueled aerial circumnavigation of the globe in a jet aircraft, completing the record- setting flight in 67 hours and one minute, with an average speed of nearly 300 miles per hour. This feat began on Monday, February 28, 2005, and ended Wednesday, March 3, 2005, at the renowned ``America's Fuel Stop,'' the Salina Municipal Airport, Kansas, USA. With aviation pioneers like Earhart, Beech and Cessna to its credit, it is only fitting that today's modem aviation pioneer chose Kansas as the location to set his world record.

Mr. Fossett is an accomplished adventurer, having set numerous world records in aviation and sailing. In fact, Mr. Fossett owns the world record for the number of world records held, with a total of 62, to date. Collaborating with Sir Richard Branson, famed British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group of companies, he embarked on this around-the-world voyage, aiming to set world records in speed around the world without stopping or refueling, distance over a close circuit without landing, and distance without landing. The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, the plane Mr. Fossett flew for this trek, was specially designed to be lightweight, aerodynamic, and fuel-efficient.

Mr. Fossett encountered several obstacles during his flight, including the failure of his plane's navigation system and the discovery of a fuel shortage. However, his perseverance and determination to succeed, despite the challenges, have earned him yet another notation in the record books.

I am also proud of those who assisted Mr. Fossett and the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, especially the talented and dedicated staff of Dr. Dennis Kuhlman, Dean of the College of Technology and Aviation at Kansas State University at Salina. K-State at Salina is one of the top aviation schools in the nation, boasting excellent facilities for student use, which also helped to attract Mr. Fossett. The efforts of K-State at Salina to train aviation mechanics and pilots are helping to ensure safe air transportation into the next generation.

In addition, I extend sincere congratulations to the Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors, Mr. Tim Rogers, Executive Director, and the many fine airport staff members. While the airport's 12,300 ft. runway was a significant factor in the site selection for this historic attempt, it didn't hurt that the Salina Airport Authority has established expertise in the areas of airfield security, ground handling, equipment and media services.

Other significant contributors to the mission were the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Gerald Cook, President/CEO, and staff; and, the City of Salina, Mr. Monte Shadwick, Mayor; Mr. Dennis Kissinger, City Manager, and staff. This was truly a collaborative effort, of magnificent proportions, befitting a record-setting feat.

I join the world in congratulating Steve Fossett and honoring the contributions of the greater Salina community on a job well done.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The amendment I offer this afternoon also is an hours of service amendment, although perhaps the most narrow of the amendments offered today.

The existing law allows for an hours of service exemption for agricultural products during the time of harvest and planting. The amendment I offer simply clarifies two things. One, it defines what an agricultural commodity is, and basically would make clear that the definition includes livestock, milk and other farm products.

It does not include any products of agricultural products. So this is clearly about peanuts, not about peanut butter. It is about cotton; it is not about t-shirts. This exemption has been in existence for the last decade, as I understand, and in the desire to make more clear the definition, I offer this amendment.

This amendment will clear up the confusion that exists and will prevent FMCSA from arbitrarily eliminating agricultural commodities from the exemption in the future.

Other than these changes, the agricultural exemption remains the same. It is seasonal, applying only during designated months as designated and determined by the States to meet critical agricultural transportation needs.

This language is included in the base bill. The bill that I strongly support includes the language about hours of service exemption for agriculture commodities. The amendment I offer today does the two things I just mentioned: Clarifies what the definition of an agricultural product is, and indicates that the Secretary of Transportation cannot eat away at this amendment in its provision in its rulemaking authorities.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I obviously respect the opinion of the gentleman from Minnesota, who has long experience in regard to transportation, particularly hours of service issues. I am surprised somewhat by the characterization. He and I characterize my amendment differently. It is my understanding that the hours of service exemption for agricultural commodities, including the ones that are described specifically in my amendment, have been in place for a long period of time and only in 2002 did confusion arise with the issuance of a guidance from the Department of Transportation in regard to the definition of agricultural commodities.

Again, I would emphasize that this is designed to make clear that all agricultural commodities, not those that are just specifically named in the past, would be eligible. The crisis that an agricultural hauler, a trucker, has in getting agricultural commodities to market is the same regardless of which crop it is. I believe this amendment simply makes clear what has been the practice in the past and also makes certain that this rule-making authority is not utilized to eliminate the exemption in the future.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to introduce to my colleagues here in the House the Reverend James T. Akers of Madison, Kansas. Reverend Akers currently serves as the chaplain of the American Legion, and is an ordained priest with the Anglican Orthodox Church in Madison.

Reverend Akers answered the call to the Lord's service when he left public school administration and entered the clergy. He has served his church and has focused his efforts on his colleagues, his comrades, and the American Legion as he tries to meet the spiritual needs of veterans and their families. Since 1992 this chaplain has been the chaplain at Ball-McComb American Legion post in Emporia, Kansas, and has been the American Legion district chaplain twice and for the past 7 years has been the Department of Kansas chaplain. We are honored in Kansas to have him now as the National American Legion chaplain. He is a U.S. Army veteran himself, who fought in the Korean War, and Reverend Akers is not only involved in the American Legion and service to other veterans, but he is also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, and is a Companion of the Military Order of World Wars.

I have known Reverend Akers for a long time now. We often meet people in life who make a tremendous difference just on meeting them. He is a warm and caring and compassionate person who loves his fellow man, and it is a real honor to have him today as our guest chaplain in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, Congressman Tiahrt and I join together today to honor the life of fallen Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels. On Wednesday, January 19, Sheriff Matt Samuels was shot while serving a search warrant and an arrest warrant near Virgil, Kansas. He died in the line of duty while serving his community.

Protecting and serving was in Matt's nature. His father had served as county sheriff before him, so he grew up around the principles of law and justice. As a second-generation sheriff, Matt took service beyond just his job. He was seen as a leader, involved in the Special Olympics and serving as President of the local Kiwanis Club.

Sheriff Samuels was devoted to law enforcement, but more than that, he was devoted to the people of Greenwood County. While still in high school, Samuels began working as a part-time jailer. After graduation, he married Tamara Bechtle, then attended the

Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. He was elected to his first term as sheriff in 2000.

1979 to 2005. That's 26 years of public service. As Sheriff Samuels was only 42 years old at his death, it means he spent over half of his life serving the citizens of Greenwood County.

As his friend, John Lehnherr said, ``Matt lived to be a sheriff, and he died being a sheriff.''

Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across Kansas turned out on Sunday, January 23, for Sheriff Samuels's funeral. The service was held in the local junior-senior high school gymnasium, and it was standing room only--plus an additional packed room, where the crowd watched the service on television.

It was fitting that Sheriff Samuels's casket traveled its route from the memorial service to his final resting place in a white pickup truck owned by the sheriff's department. The motorcade following that white truck included government and law enforcement vehicles of all kinds, from all over the area. It took half an hour for the entire procession to pass by.

People like Matt Samuels put on their uniforms every day, and go out to try and make their communities better and safer. They know, whenever they wear their badges, that they may face danger. But they take that risk. For us. For our children and our families. For all of us.

Matt Samuels made the ultimate sacrifice. At first glance, it seems unfair that Matt met his end while delivering warrants. After all, he was just doing his job. Who knew that gunfire would erupt and a daylong standoff would ensue? Who knew that anyone would be hurt, much less killed? Let us all remember that Sheriff Samuels did not die a senseless death. His job--even the routine duties--all of his duties carried great importance.

Those questions are the key to what makes us call law enforcement officers brave. No one knows what will happen when an officer confronts a suspect, whether that confrontation occurs at a house in the country or in the middle of a burglary. Law enforcement officers face the unknown. They apprehend suspects, for the good of their fellow citizens, despite the danger, despite the possibility of being injured, or even killed.

Being killed in the line of duty carries with it a certain nobility. But all the nobility and honor in the world can't ease the pain of losing Matt Samuels. His wife, son, and daughter are in pain. His community grieves. Rare are men like Matt Samuels, and we all feel he was taken too soon.

Congressman Tiahrt and I pray for the Samuels family. We pray for Eureka, Kansas, and for Greenwood County. We mourn the death of Matt Samuels and know he will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, Carol Beggs was many things to many people. He was a friend, a husband, a father, a soldier, and a lawmaker. In all of these, and throughout all his life, Carol lived to serve others. As a young man in the Navy during World War II, then as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, Carol served his country. As a commissioner, then mayor, in Salina, Kansas, he served his city. And finally, in his ten years in the Kansas House, Carol served his state.

However, Carol Beggs was so much more than his titles. He was a man of thoughtfulness and action. He knew what he believed in, and he stood by his convictions. Though he faced tough decisions and took hard stances, Carol never lost his sense of humor. Even when disagreeing with fellow lawmakers, he knew how to lighten difficult moments and bring smiles to colleagues' faces.

His quick wit kept people smiling and laughing, and so did his harmonica. In the halls of statehouse, staff and members alike fondly recall Carol's rendition of ``Danny Boy'' floating through the halls.

There's nothing quite like ``Danny Boy'' being played on a harmonica, and Carol doing the playing made it even more special. I'm sure all who knew him think of him when they hear that song, more so now that he has passed.

Carol Beggs passed away Wednesday night, January 19, after a long battle with pneumonia. He was 77 years old. His wife, Betty, says he went peacefully, in his sleep.

Carol and Betty had been married for 54 years and had two sons, Dan and David. Up until it closed in 2000, the whole family helped run Beggs Yamaha Cycleland, a motorcycle shop Carol opened in 1949.

I feel blessed to have known and to have served in the state legislature with Carol Beggs. He was a member of the Greatest Generation, and like so many of that generation, self was secondary to others. Entrepreneur, veteran, statesman, and loving family man. Carol leaves behind a legacy of courage, honor, and service--and his life serves as an example to all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless efforts of the citizens of Otis, Kansas in their work to keep ambulance service available to their community.

A little more than two months ago, this community's emergency medical service was in danger of closing due to a lack of emergency medical technicians. After more than 30 years, Otis and the surrounding area was looking at the unfortunate reality of having no local ambulance service. This loss could have been devastating to this community of 325 people. The response time for an ambulance run in Otis is five to eight minutes. Ambulance response time from the next closest community, which is 15 miles away, would have been a minimum of 20 minutes. In rural America, having access to local ambulance service can mean the difference between life and death.

Fortunately, six individuals saw the effect this would have on their community and stepped forward to help. These individuals are taking EMT training and will volunteer their time to keep the Otis EMS alive. After seeing the outpouring of support, two other former volunteers also agreed to return to the service. In addition, two new volunteers-- a registered nurse and an EMT--have made themselves available to go on ambulance runs when needed.

Because of the following individuals, the Otis EMS will remain open: Bruce Adamson; Mary Adamson; Jerry Dirks; Marsha Hinds; Mike Sharkey; Tara Stieben; Mike Bahr; Teri Bahr; Mark Brack; Candace Demory; Margaret Gary; Shane Konzem; Shayla Koochel; Virginia Landers; Karen Maier; Roger Mohr; Robert Newton; Eric Royer; Everett Royer; Ellen Schriner; Kent Schriner; James Sheldon; Bruce Swob; Mandy Urban; Don Weide.

Thanks to their team effort, this close-knit community will continue to have that lifeline to the health care services they need. Everett Royer, a current EMS volunteer, noted, ``it gives us a little bit of hope.''

All across the state of Kansas are stories just like this one. Of neighbors helping neighbors, not because they have to, but because they want to. Because it's. the right thing to do. Their efforts deserve our support and recognition.

Citizens throughout the First Congressional District of Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. Preservation of the Otis EMS is a success story that gives all of us in rural America ``a little bit of hope.''

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

I am here only once again in a series, it seems like, of a number of years in which I have been on the floor to support the provisions contained in this legislation. I commend the chairman and the ranking member in the Committee on the Judiciary for their work in getting this resolved this year.

The J-1 visa program expired on May 31 of this year. It is a program that is so important to many areas of the country. Once again, I am here to express my support for the legislation and indicate that in many places across rural America and the core of our cities, absent this program, Americans will not be served with a physician. It is important. It needs to be passed. I thank the chairman for his leadership in seeing that that occurred.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that my colleagues on the conference committee for H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act, have, by passing this legislation, taken an important step to preserve jobs in rural Kansas and across the country. In specific, I applaud Chairman Thomas for his inclusion of the Railroad Track Maintenance Credit.

This provision will help to preserve freight railroad infrastructure operated by short line and regional railroads. Over 12,000 manufacturing, mining, chemical and agricultural employers, who employ over one million workers in 49 states depend on short line railroads for their success. In many rural areas, such as the First District of Kansas, short lines are crucial in transporting agriculture goods and products to market. Across our country, there are over 500 short line railroads, operating nearly 50,000 miles of track, or nearly one third of the national freight rail network in the U.S.

The repercussions of certain federal regulations combined with the increasing gross weight of railroad cars have created a serious threat to the continued viability of this rail infrastructure. The Railroad Track Maintenance Credit will encourage investment to protect this important transportation link for American businesses and agriculture.

This provision originated with the introduction of H.R. 876. My colleagues also recognized the importance of short lines to their local economies, and as a result, 267 Members of the House co-sponsored this legislation.

I appreciate the conferees including a version of H.R. 876 with the railroad infrastructure provisions in H.R. 4520. These provisions will go a long way in preserving short line railroad track and keeping our local communities attached to the national rail network.

As drafted in H.R. 4520, the 50 percent tax credit available to each short line is subject to a maximum limitation. This limit is the product of $3,500 and the number of miles operated by the railroad. Credits up to this limit may be earned regardless of the length of track that is improved by the expenditures. For example, if a 100-mile railroad invests $800,000 in improving a 1,000 foot bridge span, the amount of qualified expenditures would be $800,000. The credit earned on such investment would be $400,000, or fifty percent of $800,000. The last $50,000 would be excluded as exceeding the limitation of $350,000, determined by multiplying 100 miles by $3,500. Therefore, the railroad would earn a credit of $350,000.

I believe that such a limitation will allow short line railroads to upgrade segments of track, roadbed and bridges that are in the most dire need of upgrades. At the same time, this credit will cap the potential exposure of tax revenues at a known amount: the length of a short line in miles times $3,500.

The conference committee version also includes an important provision that is a variation on the original subsection (g) proposed in H.R. 876. This provision will encourage those who depend most on short line railroads to invest directly in maintaining this critical infrastructure. Railroad customers or suppliers of railroad-related property or services may earn credits under this provision for railroad track maintenance expenditures they make in short line railroads.

I believe this provision is also critical for those two-dozen municipal or state owned railroads that are tax exempt. While those railroads cannot benefit directly from the tax credit because they are tax exempt, their customers and suppliers can still help preserve this infrastructure by investing directly.

In conclusion I want to again thank all of my colleagues who have supported our short line railroads over the past two years. I also want to thank Chairman Thomas and the conferees for including this provision to help rural America stay connected to the national transportation network.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner), and I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for her remarks in support of this legislation.

It has been adequately described and well-defined.

This is an important program that serves both rural America and the core center of cities. It brings rural and urban America together. But as a Member of Congress from Kansas who cares greatly about the future of rural communities across my State, I recognize this is a significant component to meeting the needs, the health care needs of our communities. I know that should we lose our physicians, should we lose our hospitals, our doctors, our home health care agencies, the ability to keep those communities together, to keep our communities alive and well for the future dissipates quickly.

So this is one way in which we have been successful in Kansas and many communities across the country in attracting and retaining physicians.

The good news about the program is, there is a 3-year commitment that the physician remain in that underserved community for a 3-year period of time but, in reality, nearly two-thirds of all physicians in Kansas who participate in this program remain longer. They become an integral part of the community and an integral part of the health care delivery system. Jewell County, Kansas, population 3,791, has two J-1 physicians in their community. They are the only two physicians in the county, Dr. Kalderon and Dr. Meena. They have brought a breath of fresh air to Jewell County and to its hospital. Absent physicians, we cannot keep our hospital doors open, and this program has made it possible for the citizens, the residents of Jewell County to access health care. The great news is that these people become so important to not only the delivery of health care, but components of the community that make a huge difference in the future of that community.

So once, when there was despair and concern as to whether or not we would be able to access health care, whether or not the community hospital would stay alive and well, and whether or not people could be able to afford to live, because rural folks live in that community, senior citizens, young families, the question was answered when the J-1 physicians arrived and stayed.

So, Mr. Speaker, this issue is important. It matters to the future of our country, and it matters especially to the future of rural communities. I thank the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) as well as the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for their support today, and I ask my colleagues in Congress to quickly pass this bill, let the Senate act quickly and keep this program, this highly- valuable program, in place.

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

I rise tonight in support of this amendment. I would like to show a photograph from home of what we face in our State. These issues that Florida has encountered as a result of hurricanes create tremendous problems, but 5 years of no rain in western Kansas results in a photograph like this. This is not the 1930s; this is the spring of 2004, and we have Kansas counties that are drier now than in the ``Dirty '30s.''

This issue is important to us. It is about whether or not our farmers and ranchers can survive and live into the future, whether or not there is hope and opportunity for rural communities, whether or not we have young people in school, whether or not we have people who shop on our main streets. This is about the survival of rural America.

And I am pleased to be here tonight to see the House take action in a responsible way, designed to address the serious needs faced by many rural American communities as a result of weather-related conditions through no fault of their own. This is an opportunity for us to come together as a country and support not only Florida and the southern part of the United States whose sympathy and condolences we have for the disasters they have encountered but also to recognize that all of America is in this battle together.

I thank the gentleman for allowing me the opportunity to speak tonight in favor of this amendment, finally bringing it to the House floor, addressing this issue we seriously face.

Madam Speaker, I am here to lend my support for not only this resolution, but for the epitome that it represents, the story it tells about folks from the middle of the country, in this case from Nebraska.

Sometimes, particularly during football season, it is unusual for any Kansan to be here speaking about something good happening in Nebraska, but it is this story that the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) tells about an historic event that is still part of people's lives of Nebraska and how it affected Kansas. In fact, it affected many soldiers across the country who made the trek across Nebraska on the train and stopped in North Platte at the canteen. In fact, the first soldiers that were cared for at the canteen were from my State of Kansas.

The gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) explained this story to me one day 4 or 5 months ago, and as he was talking about the sacrifice that those Nebraskans made, those individual farmers, those families, those young men and women, those kids, to try to make a difference in the lives of soldiers who were facing an uncertain future, I could just sense the emotion that the gentleman had for the sacrifice that was made. In fact, it seems to me that tears kind of welled up in the eyes of the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne).

Again, I think those of us who come from middle America recognize the kind of people that we have the honor to represent, recognize the people who make up the history and tradition of our States and what a difference they make, how much they care.

So I am here to join the gentleman from Nebraska in honoring something that happened that was great about middle America, but really exemplifies not only America then, not only middle America, but all of America, and, most importantly, exemplifies what still goes on in our country today, the concern for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

Once again, as our country is calling our men and women in active duty to service in the war on terror, it is an appropriate time for us to recognize those who cared in the past, and once again call upon all Americans to serve and sacrifice for the soldiers and families who serve our country so nobly today.

Mr. Speaker, much of the central and western United States has been suffering from a grinding, unending drought that continues to harm farmers and ranchers and the rural communities in which they live. Compounding these losses is every disaster imaginable: hail, frost, tornado damage, and, yes, even flooding.

For nearly half of the 8 years that I have had the opportunity to represent Kansans in Congress, much of our State has been in a severe drought. It gives me no joy to speak before my colleagues tonight and describe the difficulties that Kansas farmers and ranchers are enduring. With a resolve that finds itself in the roots of a previous generation of hardy pioneers, they are struggling to survive.

The destruction from three hurricanes on homes, farms, businesses, schools, local economies, and, most importantly, the loss of life in Florida and other Gulf Coast States cannot be overstated. The people of Kansas mourn the deaths and support the rebuilding of lives and the reconstruction of those communities.

Adverse weather conditions have no respect for State lines and, unfortunately, Kansas and other central and

western areas of the United States have been greatly affected by weather as well.

Mr. Speaker, I would much rather be standing here before you with the news that the drought has broken and that the rains have returned. I would love to describe the positive effects of crop revenues working their way through the local economy. This economic activity would energize struggling small businesses and, more importantly, restore hope in the faces and the lives of farmers and ranchers. But that is not the case.

It is difficult for many to understand the severity of this continuing drought and its effect on rural America. Beside me is a picture reminiscent of the 1930's dust bowl, where producers were uprooted from their farms while their precious topsoil blew away. But this picture was not taken in the ``dirty '30s,'' but rather in the drought of 2004.

The severity of these dust storms is evident in this picture, but there are tremendous costs elsewhere as well. Each year I travel through the counties of my district, 69 of them, and I meet with Kansans. There are many issues that threaten our way of life, including rising health care costs, the aging population and the general out- migration of farm families. The average age of a Kansas farmer is 58\1/ 2\ years old, and in many communities no young people are returning to farming because no money can be made.

Despite this, Kansas and other residents of the plains are resilient people who believe that hard work and persistence can overcome almost any obstacle. The people of my State take pride in being self-reliant and overcoming adversity on their own. However, assistance is needed today. By no means will these producers realize profits, but at least this assistance may allow some to stay in farming long enough to experience a good harvest. In the words of one of my farmers who contacted me, ``I just need to hold on that long. It can't stay dry forever.''

Talking about weather is not just polite conversation in Kansas, it is our way of life. Our farmers and ranchers risk their entire operations hoping for timely moisture. Unfortunately, many areas have not received these rains or have received them at the wrong time.

By looking at the U.S. drought monitor map we can see that much of the central plains and western region of our country have been in a severe drought. While conditions could be improving for our fall crops, the damage of multiyear drought has been done.

According to Kansas State University research, Kansas alone lost $1.1 billion to its economy in 2001 and 2002. In 2003, it is estimated that $275 million was lost by our producers; and in 2004, wheat producers lost another $150 million. The majority of those losses, $82 million, occurred in northwest Kansas, which has had a drought for a solid 5 years.

These losses do not even begin to cover the cost to local business and other community organizations. Agriculture is the foundation of each rural community, and a bad harvest affects everyone from the car dealer to the home builder to Main Street grocery stores.

This drought has not gone unnoticed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By the end of 2003 and for most of 2004, every county in Kansas was designated either as a primary or secondary disaster county.

During my tenure on the Committee on Agriculture, we have worked to see that farmers and ranchers are treated fairly and that the U.S. can continue to provide enough food and fiber to be self-reliant.

As the chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, I have worked to approve the availability and benefits of crop insurance, and I will continue this effort. But as of now, there is no insurance solution for multiyear losses.

I urge my colleagues in the House to support some form of disaster assistance. This funding will assist producers who have suffered yet another year of drought or other weather-related disasters. The timing of this assistance is crucial. Many producers simply will not survive one more crop disaster.

Rural America is the backbone of our country and provides many of the essential components to the economy. We have the opportunity to keep their dreams from being carried away by the Kansas winds.