Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the continued rise in energy prices threatens our economy and our national security. There are unfriendly nations around the world that are reliant on the world's addiction to oil. Unstable leaders like Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez delight in our dependence on imported oil and they are invested in using that power to promote their destructive agenda. Our national security is threatened by these circumstances. At the same time, we are sending billions of our dollars out of this country to buy foreign oil.

House Republicans have proposed a sensible plan of exploration, innovation and conservation that outlines long-term and short-term solutions to promote energy independence.

There is absolutely no reason why we cannot expand American oil and natural gas exploration, develop alternative energy sources and promote energy efficiency all at the same time. Incorrectly, the energy debate in this country has been sold as a fight between those who support alternative fuels and those who want to drill. The House Republican plan includes all of the above.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Madam Speaker, for 46 years, Dr. Jefferson Davis Futch, - III has been a member of the faculty at Washington and Lee University, my alma mater, in Lexington, Virginia. At the end of this school year, Professor Futch retired from his post. While he may no longer be teaching, his legacy of scholarship and dedication to the W&L community will never be forgotten.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1932, J.D, Futch earned an Associate Bachelors degree in humanities and a Ph.D. in history from Johns Hopkins University. He spent three years in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960, and joined the Washington and Lee faculty in September of 1962.

Throughout his life and career, Dr. Futch has been honored as a member in Phi Beta Kappa and as a recipient of the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship from 1955-1956. He contributed to articles in the widely respected magazine National Review from 1958-1976. And, in 1987, he was recipient of the W.W. Pusey Award which recognizes outstanding and dedicated service to Washington and Lee University.

Dr. Futch specializes in the history of the papacy, Renaissance and modem European history.

From the many lives he has touched to the University he helped grow and strengthen throughout his tenure at Washington and Lee, Dr. Futch is an icon in the Washington and Lee community and someone who will be missed by students, faculty, and friends alike. No professor had a more profound impact on my love of history and interest in public service than Dr. Futch. I will always be deeply grateful for his guidance in my life. I know I speak on behalf of the alumni who have had the honor to know and learn from Dr. Futch when I say that we wish him many years of happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, as cochair of the Bulgaria Caucus, I rise today to welcome Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev of the Republic of Bulgaria to Washington.

Since the defeat of communism in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria has emerged as a dynamic democracy. The country became a part of NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007. Recently the World Bank classified Bulgaria as one of the top 10 nations to have undertaken important economic reforms to attract business investment. Bulgaria is the only EU nation to be listed in the top 10.

Since my first visit as an election observer in June 1990, I have seen firsthand the talented people of Bulgaria emerge from totalitarianism to be one of the world's most vibrant nations as a free market democracy. Elena Poptodorova, the able ambassador from Bulgaria, has been vital in developing Bulgarian-American friendships.

I especially wish to thank Bulgaria for their continued support in the global war on terrorism. I have visited Bulgarian troops in Afghanistan, and my son Alan served with Bulgarians in Iraq. Our Nation and the world is safer and more prosperous by defeating terrorism overseas.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. Speaker, Americans are puzzled; puzzled why gas prices have topped $4 per gallon and why House Democrats have done nothing. They are puzzled why America sits on an estimated untapped reserve of 175 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 1.1 trillion barrels of oil, and yet we remain increasingly dependent on foreign oil.

The American people should know that there is a plan in Washington for energy independence. Republicans have a comprehensive strategy of exploration, innovation and conservation that will set America on a positive track. We have the tools and capacity to put our plan into motion. All we need are Democrats to step forward, join us, and tell the American people that Washington is no longer going to stand in the way of energy exploration in this country, that the short-term and long-term strategic and economic value of investing in America is our first priority.

Republicans have a plan. What remains to be seen is what the Democrats will do.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Madam Speaker, on May 25, Specialist David Lee Leimbach of Taylors, South Carolina, was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Specialist Leimbach had been in Afghanistan with my former unit, the 218th Brigade Combat Team of the South Carolina Army National Guard. The 218th recently returned home after a year of training police and army forces, but Leimbach volunteered to stay in Afghanistan with the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry of the New York Army National Guard.

We honor the dedication exemplified by Specialist Leimbach. His willingness to remain in a combat zone, to continue the difficult but important work of protecting the Afghani people and helping to stabilize their country speaks to the highest qualities of character and courage. According to those who served with him, Specialist Leimbach was a soldier that would do all that was asked of him. Our Nation is safer and stronger because of the ultimate sacrifice made by Specialist Leimbach.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Specialist Leimbach's wife, Dawn, and all his family, friends, and fellow soldiers of the 218th during this difficult time. Specialist Leimbach's life and sacrifice are a testament to the strength and selfless dedication he and his fellow soldiers have for the defense of liberty. He has made a difference protecting American families by defeating terrorists overseas. Our troops are helping the people of Afghanistan build an effective government and robust economy which will deny terrorists safe havens from which to murder Americans as devised on September 11, 2001.

We will forever be grateful for the courage and dedication of Specialist David Lee Leimbach and his family.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 109 days since the Protect America Act expired and our intelligence community's ability to track our enemies was degraded. Foreign surveillance is an important part of our Nation's defense in the global war on terrorism. We need to make sure it's up-to-date and equipped with tools our military and intelligence community say are vital to doing the job.

When the Protect America Act expired, a bipartisan group of Senators passed a bill that enjoys vocal support from House Republicans and Democrats, 25 State attorneys general, including South Carolina's own Henry McMaster, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Unfortunately, none of that seems to matter to the majority leadership, who has tried to downplay the importance of this bill and has failed to bring it to the House floor for consideration. We must not tie the hands of our intelligence services while they are doing all they can to protect American families.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Madam Speaker, the American people are fed up with rising energy prices. They are fed up that the leadership here in Washington does not seem to have the will to step forward and make tough decisions so that we can begin to ease the pain at the pump.

I am proud to be working with many of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to try to bring real relief to the American people. In particular, I am proud to be supporting legislation such as the American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act that would open up a small part of ANWR for energy production and exploration today and use funds obtained through the sale of land leases to invest in alternative energy sources for tomorrow.

These plans would adhere to the strictest environmental requirements in our Nation's history. This type of comprehensive approach is direct. It is timely. It is vital to building a stronger strategic energy portfolio.

The American people demand and deserve action.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. Speaker, Congress adjourned for Memorial Day having failed to pass an emergency troop funding bill that our military says is vital to successful operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including pay for our brave men and women in uniform.

Because the majority refuses to bring a clean bill to the floor, the military has announced that they will shift funding from one priority to another in order to meet the needs of our troops and civilian military employees. It is disappointing that when our military needs money to protect American families, the majority refuses to appropriate the funding without tying on billions more in unrelated spending.

On behalf of my constituents, many of whom serve proudly in the military, we need to work together for a clean emergency supplemental bill to be brought to the floor immediately for consideration. Our Nation is at risk with a delay in military funding, a failure to renew FISA, and limits on our energy independence.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Madam Speaker, May 23rd through May 28th has been designated Poppy Week by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary of South Carolina. I am grateful to have this opportunity to express my gratitude to the American Legion and to our brave servicemembers they honor this week.

The Poppy is the official flower of the American Legion. The flower symbolizes remembrance and serves as a memorial for the brave men and women of our armed forces who have given their lives in defense of this nation and our many freedoms. Since World War I, the Poppy Program has offered direct assistance to our veterans and their families.

As this year's Memorial Day approaches, I want to commend the American Legion for their hard work on behalf of our nation's military.

The poppies that are distributed by the American Legion do more than just raise awareness. Through their tireless and coordinated efforts, the men and women of the American Legion are able to raise valuable charitable donations that can be used to increase awareness about the needs of our veterans and military families and even directly assist those families and their loved ones who may be disabled or hospitalized.

I wish to thank Ms. Ethel Atkins. Poppy Chairman for the American Legion Auxiliary of South Carolina, for her hard work as well as Ms. Dorothy Tunstall, President of the American Legion Auxiliary of South Carolina. I appreciate the success of Past President Willie Wingard of Lexington. Their efforts and the work of all members of the American Legion honor the sacrifice of our brave American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.

Mr. Speaker, this majority has accumulated a number of broken promises since taking over the majority, but perhaps the most disappointing and painful for the American people has been their lack of a plan to lower gas prices and help American families.

There are very deliberate steps that can be taken in bipartisan cooperation to lower the price of gasoline--investing in local energy exploration, building new refineries, promoting conservation, investing in alternative energy resources like nuclear power that are proven, clean, and cost effective. These steps, some short term, some long term, will give the American people relief at the pump and at the store.

And while most agree we should invest in 21st century energy sources, it seems some in this body are adamantly opposed to taking the necessary steps to provide American families relief with the resources we already have here at home.

America's blessed with oil and natural gas reserves. We are blessed with the ingenuity and technology to take advantage of our natural resources without damaging the environment.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Madam Speaker, today, May 21, is being designated as the International Day of Solidarity with the people of Cuba. On this day we recognize the plight of political prisoners in Cuba and the threats to human rights that still exist in that nation.

For almost 50 years, Fidel Castro ruled Cuba with an iron-fist. While he recently stepped down as President, the Communist dictatorship he headed still remains under his brother Raul, The stranglehold this regime has upon its people, its economy, and many facets of daily life is unacceptable. This form of oppression stifles the human spirit and denies progress and prosperity.

On this date, the international community should speak with one voice to the people of Cuba that we understand their struggle. As a Nation built upon the foundation of freedom from tyranny, the United States must continue to lead the way in bringing democracy and freedom to the people of Cuba.

Madam Speaker, on April 10, Mr. Gopal Raju, a pioneer of Indian American Journalism, leader in his community, and founder of the publication India Abroad, News India-Times, and the Indian American Center for Political Awareness (IACPA), passed away at the age of 80.

Mr. Raju spent a lifetime supporting the Indian American community and promoting a stronger relationship between India and the United States. In particular, the Washington Leadership Program that was formed under the IACPA has allowed nearly two hundred Indian Americans to participate as interns on Capitol Hill--some of whom have even served in the office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina.

Additional achievements include launching the Indian American Foundation (IAF)--which raised millions of dollars for causes in India--and the India Abroad News Service that for over 20 years has been a vital channel for information sharing between the United States and India. Most recently, Mr. Raju was the editor and publisher of News India-Times, Gujarat Times, and Desi Talk.

A man of passion and committed to the needs of his community and his people, Mr. Raju received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which is given to immigrants for their contributions to the United States, the 2000 Asia Society's Leadership Award, the 2006 Taraknath Das Foundation award, and in 2007 he was recognized by India with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award.

A memorial service for Mr. Gopal Raju was held on May 17th at the Maharaja Hall in Royal Albert's Palace in Fords, New Jersey. It was organized by India Abroad and the South Asian Journalists Association.

I was honored to have met this incredible individual. I know his humility and selfless contribution to the lives of the millions his programs and publications touched will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Raju's family and the entire Indian American community.

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday I had the honor of attending a memorial service celebrating the life of Sergeant First Class George Walter Koon. Sergeant Koon was a soldier of the United States Army Infantry during the Korean War. He was a POW murdered while in captivity in 1951, but his body remained unrecovered for over half a century. It was not until recently that the hard work of his family and the Department of Defense helped positively identify Sergeant Koon and return him from North Korea to his family in Leesville, South Carolina.

The life and story of Sergeant Koon is an example of tremendous courage and commitment. His brother Reverend Carl Koon correctly stated that ``freedom isn't cheap and it isn't free.'' His sacrifice and that of his fellow American soldiers will never be forgotten to liberate dozens of countries so that more people today live in free market democracy than ever in the history of the world.

The memorial service was conducted by Reverend John McKeown and Reverend George A. Koon, nephew namesake of the deceased hero, at the Old Lexington Baptist Church of Leesville. He received full military honors.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to state my strong support for this legislation. I am grateful to my colleague Representative Jeff Miller for introducing this bill.

The terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in 1996 was a vicious attack upon the United States and our allies in Saudi Arabia. It took the lives of 19 brave U.S. servicemembers and hundreds of civilians were injured. This attack was and remains a clear example of the type of enemy we face in the Global War on Terrorism. And so, it is incumbent upon us all to honor the lives of those lost as we comfort the families that were forever changed by this horrible event.

As we pause to remember their lives and their sacrifice, we should recommit ourselves to doing all we can to protect Americans--those serving overseas and those here at home. We must be ever vigilant of the enemies we face and resolve to do all that is necessary to defeat terrorism wherever it may be.

Mr. Speaker, on May 14, the National Association of Realtors celebrated 100 years of support to Realtors and the communities in which they serve.

The NAR consists of 1.3 million members from around the country who are working together to promote positive and ethical service to Americans looking to sell or purchase a home. They are an advocate for homeownership, sound housing policies, and property rights. As a former real estate attorney, I have worked with the Realtors for over 25 years, and I know firsthand of their professionalism.

Homeownership is part of the foundation of the American dream. It is a sign of success and prosperity for millions of Americans and, most often, the largest investment a family will make. Today, a record of almost 70 percent of Americans own their own homes. This is a testament to the excellence efforts of Realtors.

I commend the Realtors for their hard work and congratulate them on their anniversary, ably led in South Carolina by Andy Walker as State president and Nick Kremydas as executive director. I'd like to pay a special tribute to Jerry Fowler who was one of our finest Realtors who sadly passed away over the weekend but what a great citizen, and he will always be remembered.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.