Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 431 and 432 I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional officer in the United States Army, CWO5 Charlie Ray Parker, Jr., upon his retirement after 40 years of distinguished service. Throughout his career, first as an enlisted Army private, then as a non-commissioned officer, and finally as a commissioned warrant officer, Warrant Officer Parker personified the seven Army values, particularly those of duty, integrity, respect, and selfless service across the many missions the Army asked him to execute. It is my privilege to recognize his many accomplishments. I commend his superb service to the United States Army and this great Nation.

Beginning his career in March 1967, Warrant Officer Parker entered into active duty from the State of Virginia as an enlisted soldier. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant while serving as a motor sergeant in the First Battalion (Airborne), 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Staff Sergeant Parker served in the 82nd Airborne Division from March 1970 until receiving his appointment as a warrant officer in March 1977. His formula for success was simple, ``work hard to accomplish your mission and take care of your soldiers,'' a formula he still follows today.

In June 1987, then Chief Warrant Officer 3 Parker served as the staff maintenance technician for the Logistic Readiness Division, 200th Theater Army Materiel Management Center in Zweibruecken, Germany. He was the principal automotive maintenance technical advisor to the Commander. As such, Warrant Officer Parker was singularly responsible for the increased readiness status in the 600 units of United States Army, Europe. His total dedication to this vital mission was a key to maintaining theater war fighting capability and allowed for the smooth deployment of U.S. V and VII Corps units to Operation Desert Storm in Southwest Asia.

By December 2000, Warrant Officer Parker was the Plans and Training Development Branch Chief, managing the development, implementation, and evaluation of training for the Warrant Officer Candidate Course, Staff Course, and Senior Staff Course for active and reserve component Warrant Officers. He also laid the groundwork for the Warrant Officer Mentorship Program, which is now implemented throughout the United States Army. As the most senior warrant officer in the Army Ordnance Corps, he used his position to ensure African-American soldiers were provided the same opportunities due every soldier who attended Army Warrant Officer Career Courses. His genuine concern for the welfare and development of warrant officers and candidates proves an enduring inspiration to all.

Most recently, as the senior evaluator for the $1.6 billion combat logistics support system--Global Combat Support System--Army (Field and Tactical), Warrant Officer Parker developed an operational test and evaluation strategy for the Enterprise Planning Solution designed to ensure enterprise elements such as supply, maintenance, property, finance, and task organization processes are adequately evaluated in accordance with public law. This new system will transform Army logistics by ensuring direct support of Joint Force and Army military operations ranging from garrison duty to expeditionary deployments, ultimately reducing the need for forward deployed logisticians.

On behalf of Congress and the United States of America, I thank Chief Warrant Officer 5 Parker for his commitment, sacrifice, and contribution throughout these 40 years. I congratulate him on completing an exceptional and extremely successful career.

Madam Chairman, H.R. 1585 clearly focuses on the readiness of our troops.

As a first step to improving the readiness of our forces, the bill requires the Secretary of Defense to include status of the National Guard in the quarterly readiness reports to Congress. Not only will this provide visibility on the status of our guard units to support the Federal mission, but will also provide updates to the Governors and to the Congress on the ability of these units to accomplish their civil support missions. The bill goes on to require the Secretary of Defense to report annually to Congress on the status of prepositioned stocks and to establish a timeline for reconstituting those prepositioned stocks in the event they are downloaded for use by our deployed troops. While these reporting requirements seem small, they will do a great deal to ensure that priority and necessary funding is applied to areas that need it the most.

I would also like to highlight that this bill authorizes $250 million to address training shortfalls throughout the services and recommends $165 million above the President's budget request for depot maintenance. Properly funding depot maintenance ensures that the equipment our troops need to not only engage in combat operations, but to also train and prepare for deployment, is available and ready for them when they need it.

Once again, I would like to state that I am proud of this legislation and I encourage all members to support it for the steps it takes to ensure our troops are ready to meet the needs of our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1294, the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act. I would like to thank Representative Moran for his leadership, efforts and work, and also Chairman Rahall for bringing this measure to the floor.

Several of the Virginia tribes are located within my congressional district, and I am proud to be one of the primary cosponsors of this historically significant legislation. As a former member of the Virginia Council on Indians, it is important to me that the tribes who were here before the English landing at Jamestown in 1607, receive all the rights afforded other similarly situated Indian tribes.

Often in the face of discrimination and persecution, the Virginia Indian community has strived for centuries to maintain their heritage and culture. Between 1912 and 1946 the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Virginia systematically erased all reference to Indians in public records. Additionally, Virginia's Racial Integrity Act of 1924 required all Indians to register as white or colored. These discriminatory actions and laws essentially erased hundreds of years of Virginia Indian dignity, heritage, and genealogy.

The members of these tribes have worked tirelessly and deserve greater autonomy and control to deal with tribal housing, health care and education. The six tribes were recognized by Virginia between 1983 and 1989. However, significant destruction of tribal records at the hands of the Commonwealth of Virginia have made prompt recognition and documentation through the Bureau of Indian Affairs' record intensive bureaucratic process impossible.

I believe it is appropriate that Congress take steps to federally recognize the Chickahominy, the Eastern Division Chickahominy, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Indian Tribe.

It is appropriate as the Nation commemorates the 400th Anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in the New World that Congress officially recognizes the tribes who were here before Captain John Smith set foot in America. I urge my colleagues to adopt this bill and extend much deserved recognition to these Virginia tribes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 117, a resolution that I have introduced to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the settlement at Jamestown. I want to thank my colleague Tom Davis for his work on this resolution and also the entire Virginia delegation for their support.

I feel very honored to represent the First District of Virginia, what I like to call America's First District.

As we all know, in 1607 the first permanent English colony in North America was founded in Jamestown, Virginia. As we look back on this historic time 400 years later, it is obvious that the journey that began with the settlement of Jamestown has truly changed the world. Representative government in America began at Jamestown and many of our Nation's democratic ideals and institutions, including the rule of law, free enterprise, and cultural diversity, trace their roots to that beginning. It was not a perfect beginning, but nonetheless it was the start of an experiment that changed the course of history.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the Native Americans' contributions to the early beginnings of this Nation. The Jamestown settlement owed its survival in large measure to the compassion and aid of the Virginia Indians. They provided the colonists with food and supplies at times that were crucial to their survival, and they served as guides to geography and natural resources, including the colonists' exploration of the Chesapeake Bay region. It is a fact that the settlement would not have survived without the Virginia Indians, and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.

As Americans, we are so blessed with the freedoms that we enjoy and with the truth for which our country stands. Many of these ideals can be traced back to Jamestown, Virginia. And I urge my colleagues to vote for H. Con. Res. 117 to commemorate the events that took place 400 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, due to medical reasons, I will be unable to vote on the conference report on H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007. However, if I had been in Washington, D.C. for the vote, I would have opposed this measure.

I believe that Congress is making a mistake with these attempts to substitute the judgment of military commanders in theater with the micromanaging of politicians in Washington.

Furthermore, I do not believe that setting artificial timetables for withdrawal of our forces from Iraq is in the best interests of our country or our military. While there have been mistakes made in Iraq, I believe that enacting this bill into law would have dangerous consequences for our Nation, Iraq, and the Middle East.

The Iraqi government continues to need our strong support as they rebuild their country, and this legislation would turn our backs on that country in its time of need.

Madam Speaker, due to my recovery from a medical procedure, I regret that I am unable to participate in the debate on the resolution that is before the House of Representatives today. The Iraq War Resolution offered by the Democratic majority is nothing more than a political exercise, and does nothing to support our troops or help solve the issues that we are facing in Iraq. The resolution offers no solutions or recommendations, but instead criticizes an action that is already underway. As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Readiness in the House Armed Services Committee, I am open to supporting legislation that actually presents solutions to stabilizing Iraq. Unfortunately, this resolution does not provide anything other than criticism, and I would have opposed this resolution if I had been in Washington, DC for the vote.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 99, H. Con. Res. 63, I was unable to vote due to medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, due to a medical treatment, I was unable to attend votes on Friday, December 8, 2006. Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

H.R. 6406--``nay''; to modify temporarily certain rates of duty and make other technical amendments to the trade laws, to extend certain trade preference programs, and for other purposes.

H.R. 6111--``yea''; Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006.

Mr. Speaker, due to a medical treatment, I was unable to attend votes on Friday, December 8, 2006. Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

H.R. 6406--``Nay''. To modify temporarily certain rates of duty and make other technical amendments to the trade laws, to extend certain trade preference programs, and for other purposes.

H.R. 6111--``Yea''. Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. I was particularly interested in a provision of this bill that provides an increase in payments to Medicare physician payments. I am concerned with the reimbursement rates and the Gross Domestic Product-based formula known as the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) used to calculate healthcare services rendered. Using the SGR formula, without this fix, Medicare was scheduled to cut physician payments by nearly 5 percent effective January 1, 2007. I believe that we need to reform our reimbursement structure to keep physicians participating in both Medicare and TRICARE. The constituents in my district, both the doctors and patients, have called my office to let me know this is particularly important to them, especially as the number of enrollees in both programs is increasing. I was very pleased this provision was included in H.R. 6111.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman for his leadership and hard work on H.R. 5466, the Captain John Smith National Historic Water Trail, which is very important to my district.

The John Smith Water Trail has support from across the Bay watershed. My colleagues from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania have been tremendously supportive. State legislatures, Governors, county governments, local boards of supervisors, citizens groups and nonprofits, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, have supported this project.

Also I would like to recognize the leadership of Pat Noonan of the Conservation Fund and Gilbert Grosvenor, chairman of the National Geographic Society, for all of their hard work.

In 1607, Captain John Smith and a small band of Englishmen set foot in North America with the intent of finding gold and quick riches. Instead, they represented the first wave of English colonists that would permanently settle the New World.

Four hundred years ago, 140 men from the Virginia Company settled at

Jamestown on the banks of the James River in Tidewater, Virginia. In search of a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean, Captain John Smith and a dozen men explored the Chesapeake Bay in a small barge. From Jamestown, they explored the Bay's major rivers, the James, the York, the Rappahannock, the Potomac and Susquehanna.

Between 1607 and 1609 Smith mapped and explored nearly 3,000 miles of the Chesapeake Bay. Captain Smith's maps and writings influenced exploration and settlement in the New World for over a century.

During Smith's voyages, he encountered the Native Americans in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. He developed trading relationships with many tribes. He documented the culture, languages and settlements of our country's first people.

This spring, the world will recognize the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in 1607. The Queen of England will visit America commemorating this significant event. Central to the story of Jamestown is Captain Smith's voyages.

This National Historic Trail designation signifies Captain John Smith's profound influence that shaped the course of our Nation and represents a lasting tribute to the American spirit of discovery and exploration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and I appreciate all the hard work of our chairman and those who put forth their effort in this event.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my resolution, H. Res. 748, recognizing the 225th anniversary of the American and French victory at Yorktown, Virginia, during the Revolutionary War.

I am very proud to represent America's First Congressional District. While next year my district will be host to the 400th anniversary celebration of the founding of Jamestown, this month marks another significant anniversary in our Nation's history: the victory at Yorktown.

It is a privilege every year on October 19 to celebrate Yorktown Day. The Revolution secured independence for the United States and significantly changed the course of world history. The American Revolution took place from Maine to Florida and as far west as Arkansas and Louisiana, but it was Yorktown battlefield that saw the final battle of the American Revolution, with the surrender of General Cornwallis's British army to General George Washington's American- French allied army in October, 1781.

By the end of September, 1781, Washington's army of 17,600 Continental soldiers and French allies had surrounded Cornwallis' 8,300 British, German, and Loyalist troops and laid siege to Yorktown, leading to the surrender of Cornwallis on October 19, 1781. And my colleague from Illinois said it best when he quoted Prime Minister Frederick Lord North when he said, ``Oh, God, it's all over.'' The allied victory at Yorktown effectively ended the war.

In 1931, Dr. Ray Lyman Wilbur, Secretary of the Interior, commented, ``To declare independence is one thing; to achieve it is another. Here it was actually achieved . . . The victory at Yorktown gave us that independence which the American patriots had boldly proclaimed to the world.''

Mr. Speaker, it is that independence that we so cherish and enjoy here in the United States of America today. It is our freedoms that our wonderful men and women in the military continue to fight for today, and it started back in 1781 with the victory at Yorktown.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution honoring a significant historical event in our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, although the Rules of the House of Representatives do not allow me to co-sponsor H.R. 5835, the Veterans Identity and Security Act of 2006, I wish to express my full support for this bill. My district is home to tens of thousands of veterans from every branch of the military, and this legislation will be extremely helpful to my constituents. The recent loss of data affecting over 26.5 million current and former service members was extremely unfortunate, and it became clear that the Department's data security and notification practices needed an overhaul. I believe this legislation will enable the Department of Veterans Affairs to better protect the personal identification data of those who have served and are serving our country, and I am pleased that we are taking steps to prevent these incidents in the future.

As our country increasingly relies on electronic information storage and communication, it is imperative that our Government amend our information security laws accordingly. This legislation will help in this effort, and I am wholeheartedly supportive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the accomplishments of a great man and a great Virginian, Dr. Raymond A. Bell, Senior Pastor at Mount Hope Baptist Church.

Dr. Bell celebrates his 20th Anniversary with Mount Hope Baptist Church on September 23, 2006.

Dr. Bell is a true pillar of his community. As a leader in the faith community and an advocate for his congregation, Dr. Bell is a real example of the values held dear by Virginians--hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Bell is a true American leader. A successful reverend and public servant who has worked tirelessly for so many years, I wish Dr. Bell many more years to so greatly impact his fellow Virginians.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 994.

The terrorist attacks upon our country changed the way that we live forever and provided us with a cruel reminder that freedom and liberty have a price. The attacks reminded us there are extremists in this world that would do anything, including sacrificing their own lives to destroy ours and our way of life. The attacks reminded us that democracy and the benefits of a free government cannot be taken for granted and must continually be fought for.

Mr. Speaker, we are safer than we were 5 years ago. But until we can say with confidence that we are safe, the constant fight for freedom can never end. Until families can go to bed at night feeling secure, we cannot stop the fight for freedom. Until our young people can know without a doubt that America holds a safe, prosperous future for them, our battle can never cease.

We in Congress are tasked by the Constitution to defend the homeland, and we take this task very seriously. Our men and women in uniform are getting the job done, and our first responders have answered the call. Our intelligence forces have played a vast role in protecting America. And together we are safer today.

However, we must remain vigilant and prepare to fight these radical Islamic terrorists whenever and wherever they may strike. Retreat has never made us stronger and, by Osama bin Laden's own words, is a sign of America's weakness.

There is no room for halfway approaches here. We must do what is needed to protect our country. We are using and must continue to use both diplomatic and military measures and tools available to protect America.

As we look back 5 years ago this week, we must remember the horrors of that time. But more importantly, we must remember the resolve adopted by all of us to defend freedom and fight with all our might to combat the forces that look to destroy us. It is through vigilance and the passion for freedom that we will win this war and truly make America safe.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

I want to thank the Financial Services Committee under Chairman Oxley, Representative Baker and Representative Ney, and their leadership in taking aggressive action to address the long-term financial security and management of the National Flood Insurance Program.

After Hurricane Isabel struck my district in 2003, I have watched as many of my constituents have struggled to rebuild their lives. My heart goes out to all those along the gulf coast as they face the monumental task of rebuilding as well.

I still have concerns with oversight policies of the National Flood Insurance Program. Thousands trust and rely on their flood insurance to restore property destroyed by flood waters. However, many have been disappointed to find that the claims adjustment process is unfair and inadequate.

Although the NFIP falls under FEMA, the majority of flood insurance policies are sold and administered by private insurance agencies. Most of the management and oversight functions have been contracted to the Computer Sciences Corporation, CSC. As a result, billions of dollars in policyholders' premiums and, ultimately the borrowing authority of the United States Treasury, pass through a few hands.

I believe that lack of oversight by FEMA has resulted in mismanaged and underpaid claims. A 2005 GAO study highlighted FEMA's oversight failures, stating that FEMA did not use a statistically valid method for sampling files to be reviewed in monitoring and oversight activities. As a result, FEMA cannot determine the overall accuracy of claims settled for specific flood events or assess the overall performance of insurance companies and adjustors in fulfilling their responsibilities to the NFIP.

This amendment is in line with GAO's recommendation and would direct FEMA to utilize a statistically appropriate sampling method for claims reviews and quality assurance purposes. I offer this amendment to improve the oversight of the National Flood Insurance Program.

My constituents, flood victims in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and Florida, and the American taxpayer deserve it; and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

I thank my colleagues.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Mr. Chairman, Hurricane Isabel struck the eastern United States in September of 2003, one of the worst disasters in Virginia history. The financial damages exceeded $1.5 billion. Winds destroyed homes, knocked down trees and power lines, leading to massive power outages. Large storm surges flooded homes and properties across eastern Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Many residents in my district, the First District of Virginia, are still struggling to rebuild following Hurricane Isabel which struck them in 2003. Some are still living in FEMA trailers. Many have been shattered to learn that flood insurance won't cover their losses.

I have spoken to many misled policyholders who had their claims mismanaged by the National Flood Insurance Program. Claimants were reportedly pressured to sign adjustors' proof of loss within 60 days of the flood, even though they believed that the adjustors had underestimated both the scope of damage and the associated cost of repairs to their properties.

My amendment would extend the proof-of-loss filing deadline to 180 days and should not be used as a technical basis to deny a claim, and make it retroactive to September 18, 2003 to provide much-needed relief for Isabel victims.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

I thank my colleagues.

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