Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a founder of the modem conservative intellectual movement, William F. Buckley, Jr., who passed away yesterday morning.

Mr. Buckley was a man of all trades--author, soldier, musician, activist, editor, television personality, among others. Above all, he was a true patriot who believed in the ideals of limited government and the promotion of individual freedoms. Those goals were embodied in his extraordinary publication, National Review, which brought to light the mainstream conservative values that many Americans cherish and upon which our Nation was founded promoting victory in the Cold War.

Since high school, I have been an avid reader of National Review. I was inspired not only by the commonsense ideas that Mr. Buckley espoused, but just as much by his passion and dedication to those principles. He brought an uncanny wit and intellectual quality to his speeches and writings which endeared him to many--even those who disagreed with him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Buckley family during this time. William F. Buckley, Jr., made a positive difference for America.

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

Madam Speaker, March 1, 2008 marks the 47th anniversary of the Peace Corps. It is only fitting that we pause to congratulate this tremendous organization and all of its volunteers for the incredible work they do on behalf of millions of people around the world.

Since 1961, over 190,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 countries. As teachers and consultants, they bring a broad range of intellectual acumen to concerns as diverse as business, economic development, health care education, and agricultural improvement. Their dedication speaks to the highest ideals of our Nation; it shows our global neighbors the true face of American compassion and generosity.

Currently, there are 18 citizens of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina volunteering their time in countries around the world ranging from Romania to Jamaica: Coy Beale, Christopher Belser, Erin Curtis, Michael Edmonds, Lee Enzastiga, David Hart, Rebecca Hartz, Karla Hoppmann, Amanda Jackson, Danielle Kuczkowski, Lucy Marcil, Ingrid Martens, Cynthia McDonald, Carol Preston, Crystal Reardon, Alexis Serna, Phillip Shealy, and Erin Swails.

I am grateful for their service and wish to recognize their tremendous efforts. These leaders and their fellow Peace Corps volunteers deserve our utmost respect.

Congratulations to the Peace Corps on its 47th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

The Democrats have failed three times to push through their energy tax increase but here it is on the floor again today. When will our neighbors across the aisle realize we cannot tax our way to energy independence? Innovation and competition, the free market forces that have led to extraordinary discovery, do not emerge from tighter bureaucracy and punitive tax policies; yet, the majority still wants to raise taxes on the American people.

The truth is that our antiquated domestic refinery capacity, a dependence on foreign oil, and a growing global demand for oil are responsible for the increase in oil prices. Raising taxes on American companies simply punishes American taxpayers by implementing a policy which will raise the price at the pump and hit us all in the wallet.

Let's expand our energy development and workable conservation programs, but let's promote innovation, not new taxes.

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, Fidel Castro has stepped down as President and dictator of Cuba and handed over his communist rule to his brother Raul. The news of Castro's resignation was met with cautious optimism by many who see this as an opportunity for the Cuban people to build a new and free society. However, it appears that for now the Castro family elite will continue to reign in a communist state and stifle the voices of reform.

Today, political prisoners remain housed in inhumane conditions. The current Cuban legal system that authorizes the arrest of people for the crime of pre-criminal activity must be drastically reformed. The Cuban people deserve to live in a democratic society based on the rule of law that recognizes the rights of its citizens to the freedoms of speech, religion, and association.

I am inspired by the phenomenally successful and patriotic Cuban American business leaders in the community I represent, such as Louis and Nena Gonda, who have always kept alive the ideals of a free Cuba to provide opportunity for the people of Cuba.

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

Mr. Speaker, we need a permanent fix to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and we need it now.

Our enemies will not take a vacation if the Protect America Act is left to expire. Therefore, it is dangerous for American families to let our intelligence-gathering capabilities be limited because of a failure by Congress.

We face an enemy well equipped to exploit the technologies of the 21st century for their evil purposes. Our intelligence community knows what it

needs to combat that enemy and has told us on countless occasions. Yet the efforts by some to water down a fix to FISA or punish American businesses for cooperating with the government has brought us to another deadline. We face the choice of acting to defend this country or further delaying a fair solution.

I hope we take the bipartisan Senate bill and pass this fix immediately. Let's get this done to protect American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to President Boris Tadic and the people of Serbia on his re-election as President of the Republic of Serbia.

President Boris Tadic has been a strong and vibrant leader for the people of Serbia. He has led his people in their bid to become a member of the European Union because he understands that inclusion in the EU would be a strong step toward growing the Serbian economy and advancing the cause of peace and freedom in the region. The Serbian people have an extraordinary history and culture, and I am hopeful the principles of freedom and democracy embodied by the leadership of President Tadic will continue to thrive.

As a proud member of the Serbian Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues and our diplomatic partners in Serbia to forge a growing partnership between our two nations. Congratulations to President Tadic and the people of Serbia for building a robust free market democracy which is crucial for our Balkan nations.

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

My deepest sympathies to Annette Lantos, the Lantos family, staff and constituents on the death of Chairman Tom Lantos. He lived to see Hungary, his birthplace, become a thriving free market democracy.

Madam Speaker, yesterday morning a friend and colleague, Representative Tom Lantos, passed away.

Throughout his life, Congressman Lantos fought for liberty. As a young man in Hungary during World War II, he opposed the spread of Nazi fascism and survived the Holocaust. During his 27 years in Congress, Congressman Lantos earned a reputation as a leader for human rights and democracy around the world--in particular as the Ranking Member and the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

I had the privilege of working with Chairman Lantos as a fellow member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Together, we were able to strengthen the partnerships between the United States and nations throughout the world. Chairman Lantos brought an unmoving optimism to both his life and his career that served himself and his adopted nation of America well.

Tom Lantos was a beloved and respected member of the House of Representatives, and he will be dearly missed. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Annette, their two daughters, and his entire family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, the City of Berkeley, California, recently disgraced itself by referring to brave marines with slander when the city council voted to tell the Marine Corps to close its recruiting station. As a veteran, as the son-in-law of a veteran, and as the father of four sons in the military, I know firsthand of the education and opportunities provided by military service while promoting freedom.

In response to Berkeley, Congressman John Campbell has introduced legislation that would remove $2 million in secret earmarks for the City of Berkeley and instead send the money to the Marines. While I believe wholeheartedly in free speech, we owe respect to the very people who are sacrificing so much to defend our freedoms. I invite the Berkeley City Council to visit Beaufort, South Carolina, home of Parris Island, the naval hospital, and the Marine Corps Air Station to see how our patriotic community supports the brave men and women who serve as proud marines.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to bring attention to an anomaly in Federal higher education policy that I have been trying to fix. It has been Federal policy for many years to provide incentives to individuals to work in either high-growth professions, high-need areas, or both. These incentives have included a variety of loan forgiveness and loan cancellation programs. In fact, this chamber just created a new program for public sector employees last year.

The Federal Perkins Loan Program is a relatively small student loan program targeted at low-income individuals. It provides these individuals with low fixed-rate student loans. Additionally, the Federal Government is willing to cancel these particular loans for borrowers who work in high-growth professions and/or high-needs settings for at least 5 years.

Unfortunately, when my office examined the Federal Family Education Loan Program and the Direct Loan Program to see if these programs were treating their borrowers in a similar fashion, we found inconsistencies. One such inconsistency is the fact that individuals who borrow Perkins Loans, obtain a degree in speech-language pathology, and work in a Title I school for 5 years can seek to have a portion of their loan cancelled. The net result is an increase in individuals providing necessary services to children who require specialized care. However, both the FFEL and Direct Loan programs do not treat school- based speech-language pathologists like their special education teacher colleagues with whom they work side-by-side with as they provide valuable education services to children with disabilities. The teachers receive the incentive; the speech-language pathologists do not.

Four years after the re-authorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, while we are in the midst of a re- authorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, and while we know how critical the academic performance of children with disabilities affects a school or school district, I think it is unwise and unfair to deprive these children of the opportunity to receive the special education services they need to succeed.

I will work with my colleagues on the House Education and Labor Committee and our counterparts in the Senate to try to resolve this matter. I look forward to discusing this matter with them as we proceed to a conference with the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on the Democrat majority to pass a permanent fix to our Nation's foreign surveillance law and give our intelligence community the tools they need to protect American families.

It has been 6 months since this body passed a temporary patch to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. If Congress fails to pass a permanent fix, our Nation's intelligence community will once again be limited in their ability to track terrorists and defeat their efforts to murder Americans.

In his State of the Union address last night, President Bush reiterated to Members of both parties that the time to act is now. On this most important of issues, we owe it to the American people not to put American families at risk.

We can all agree that the safety and well-being of our Nation's families is our utmost priority, so let's work together on an agreement that will ensure that we meet the challenge of defending our Nation for the long term. Our enemies will not hesitate to exploit our intelligence loopholes. It is imperative that we not give them that opportunity.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the bipartisan leadership and the White House for including a bonus depreciation provision in the proposed economic stimulus package.

Currently, the package we plan to vote on tomorrow will include a 50 percent bonus depreciation for the first year for certain machinery and equipment purchases. This increase in bonus depreciation was included in the Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2003 and contributed to the productivity of small businesses, a boost in job creation, and a steady rise in the growth of the economy over the last 5 years. This incentive for small businesses enables them to compete with foreign competitors. The best way to weather this current economic storm is to build on the principles that have made our economy the envy of the world. That means lower taxes, less government regulation, and economic incentives for American businesses. We should promote the concept that the people should keep their own money which they know how to spend best as explained by editor Jerry Bellune of the Lexington County Chronicle.

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

Madam Speaker, last week the House of Representatives passed unanimously a resolution condemning the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Included in the resolution was a reaffirmation of our commitment to assist Pakistan in the global war on terrorism and to help promote democratic principles there, a cause for which Ms. Bhutto ultimately gave her life.

I had the honor with Congressman David Dreier and Congressman Darrell Issa to have breakfast with Ms. Bhutto at her home in Islamabad just 4 weeks prior to her murder. I was tremendously impressed with her passion for the principles of democracy and

dedication to seeing democracy spread throughout Pakistan and the region. No doubt, these are principles which her assassins were determined to stop.

It is incumbent on us to continue to stand up for the principles Ms. Bhutto championed, to help our partner work toward a more open and democratic Pakistan, and, above all, not to tire in our stopping of the terrorists who wish to stand in the way of free and democratic societies. Stopping terrorists overseas is the best way to protect American families at home.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Ravdan Bold, Ambassador of Mongolia to the United States. Ambassador Bold is retiring as Mongolia's emissary to the United States, and I want to thank him for his service on behalf of the Mongolian people.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of the Mongolia Caucus, I've had the pleasure of getting to know Ambassador Bold over the past few years. During his tenure, America celebrated the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. He is an honest and capable public servant whose work here in Washington has been vital to the growth of democracy in Mongolia.

Mongolia remains a strong and strategic partner of the United States. Mongolian troops proudly serve in Liberia, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq. I'm particularly grateful for Mongolia's continued support of our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan as the central front in the larger global war on terrorism, and I look forward to working with the future ambassador to strengthen this partnership.

I wish Ambassador Bold; his wife, Oyuum; his two daughters, Buyandelger and Buyanjargal, all the best in the years to come.

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

Madam Speaker, on January 2nd of this year, Sergeant Shawn Hill of the South Carolina National Guard's 218th Brigade Combat Team lost his life when his Humvee was struck by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The community of Wellford, SC, where Seargent. Hill had been an all-region football player at Byrnes High School and worked as an electrician while serving with the National Guard lost a fine citizen and friend.

Sergeant Hill's funeral was attended by almost 700 people who came to honor the life and sacrifice of this brave American. His commander in the field, BG Bob Livingston described Sergeant Hill as someone who ``didn't have to go to Afghanistan, but he went because he thought it was the right thing to do.'' He further noted that it was through the courageous and selfless acts of Sergeant Hill and his fellow soldiers that parts of Afghanistan that were once considered lawless had become peaceful and safe for the citizens of Afghanistan. This success is a tribute to his life, a life that General Livingston said had ``made more of a difference than 99 percent of the people will make in their entire lifetime.''

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Hill's wife, Julie Ann, his children, and all his family, friends, and fellow soldiers of the 218th Combat Brigade during this difficult time. Sergeant Hill's death is a reminder of the tremendous sacrifice so many of our citizen- soldiers make to protect American families. His life was a testament to the strength and selfless dedication so many Americans have for the defense of liberty. We should always remain grateful for their service.