Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I note that January 19 will mark the 18th anniversary of an historic and tragic day in the history of the country of Azerbaijan. On the night of January 19, 1990, 26,000 Soviet troops invaded the capital city of Baku and surrounding areas. By the end of the next day, more than 130 people had died, 611 were injured, 841 were arrested and 5 were missing. This event is memorialized as ``Black January,'' and for the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan this event left an indelible mark on the minds of all citizens.

Soviet troops entered Azerbaijan under the authority of a state of emergency declared by the USSR Supreme Soviet Presidium and signed by then President Mikhail Gorbachev. In the face of growing unrest among the people of Azerbaijan, a national independence movement which had gained a strong foothold, and emerging democratic groups who were projected to succeed in an upcoming Parliament, the Soviet Union sought to ``restore order'' by indiscriminately firing on those peacefully demonstrating in Baku, including women and children. The protesters were calling for independence from the Soviet Union and the removal of Communist officials.

The Soviet incursion in early 1990 was intended to suppress the growing independence movement. Instead, it further incited Azerbaijani nationalism. In the end, Azerbaijan's pro-Moscow regime grew weaker and by 1991, popular pressure led the country to break away from Soviet rule and declare its independence. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan was approved. November 1991 marked the beginning of international recognition of Azerbaijan's independence. The United States opened an embassy in Baku in March 1992 and remains committed to aiding Azerbaijan in its transition to democracy and its formation of an open market economy.

Some historical observers have noted that the violence inflicted on the citizens of Baku may have been intended to send a message to other Soviet republics that similar aspirations of nationalism would not be tolerated. In the wake of this horrific act and inspired by the strength of the Azerbaijani people's belief in the principles of democracy, the Republic of Azerbaijan has maintained its independence for over 16 years, despite lingering economic and social problems from the Soviet era. Today, Azerbaijan has developed into a thriving country with double digit growth, in large part due to a freely elected president and parliament, free market reforms led by the energy sector, and most importantly, no foreign troops on its soil.

The road to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity for the Azerbaijani people has not come without adversity and sacrifice. Even though Azerbaijan thrives today, the people of Azerbaijan recognize those who lost their lives on Black January in 1990 and honor their sacrifice through their commitment to the ideals of democracy. On the anniversary of this terrible tragedy, we who believe in the tenets of freedom and the hope of democracy should recognize the incredible sacrifice made by the people of Azerbaijan and by free people all around the world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish a fond farewell to a member of the Second Congressional District staff, Amber McDaniel. A member of our team from the very beginning, Amber served as deputy campaign manager during my 2001 run for Congress, as a field representative and as our office manager. She will be joining Emerging Markets Private Equity Association as their executive assistant.

Amber's hard work and dedication have earned her a reputation as someone that is willing to always go that extra mile to get the job done. I have had the privilege of getting to know Amber as someone of immense personal and professional integrity, as well as a dear friend. Her service will be missed.

As a 4-year letterman graduate of the University of South Carolina, Amber is the daughter of Pete and Andi Riddell of Westerville, Ohio, and sister of Andrew Riddell and Richard Fleeman. We are all tremendously proud of Amber and wish her the best in the years to come.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman McKeon very much for the introduction. I appreciate his leadership on the committee.

I speak in opposition to the bill and in favor of mine safety, as fully explained by the Statement of Administration Policy dated January 15, 2008, from the Office of Management and Budget.

In 2006, the President signed the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response, MINER, Act, the most significant mine safety legislation in nearly 30 years. The administration has worked with miners, mine owners, miners' representatives, and other stakeholders in the mining industry to meet the safety improvement goals set forth in the original MINER Act, including issuing regulations to strengthen emergency mine evacuation practices, improve the strength requirements for seals, and increase civil penalties. In addition, on December 26, 2007, the President signed the Omnibus Appropriations Act, which mandates additional rulemaking on belt air and refuge chambers on rigorous timetables.

H.R. 2768, the Supplemental Mine Improvement New Emergency Response Act, the S-MINER bill, would place in jeopardy meaningful achievements and efforts currently under way as a result of these measures. In particular, several of the regulatory mandates in the S-MINER bill would weaken several existing regulations and overturn regulatory processes that were required by the MINER Act and are ongoing.

These changes would provide no opportunity for stakeholder participation in the regulatory process and would impose burdensome and unrealistic time requirements. The S-MINER bill would also fundamentally change the investigation of mining accidents and jeopardize the ability to hold mine operators accountable for violations of mine safety regulations.

For these reasons, the administration strongly opposes House passage of the bill. If H.R. 2768 were presented to the President in its current form, the President's senior advisers would recommend he veto the bill.

The S-MINER bill requires new regulations on the strength of mine seals, even though a new emergency temporary standard on mine seals was issued in May 2007 and a final regulation will be issued in February 2008. To reopen this process would cause confusion within the industry and put on hold improvements already being made to underground mine seals.

The S-MINER bill would weaken current regulations requiring a mine operator to contact the Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA, within 15 minutes of a serious accident by creating a new two-tiered notification system of 15 minutes or 1 hour, depending on the severity of the incident.

Of particular concern is a provision requiring the MSHA to adopt the recommended exposure limits issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as permissible exposure limits, PELs. This provision overturns a Federal court decision that requires agencies like the MSHA to perform a risk assessment prior to issuing a PEL. This provision would mandate the adoption of potentially hundreds of PELs without any input from stakeholders and without determination of whether the PEL is economically and technologically feasible.

The S-MINER bill would allow a stakeholder to challenge a PEL only after its issuance. This process undermines the rigor of the normal rulemaking process and places the burden

of proof of technological and economic feasibility on stakeholders instead of the Department of Labor.

The S-MINER bill would potentially quadruple the number of investigations into multi-injury or multifatality accidents by adding a requirement for another investigation by an independent investigative team and by giving the Chemical Safety Board, as well as the Office of the Inspector General within the Department of Labor, the right to investigate mine accidents. These provisions undermine the government's ability to hold accountable mine operators who violate mine safety and health regulations since multiple investigations potentially using different methodologies and reaching different conclusions could prejudice the government's ability to prosecute civil or criminal investigations of mine safety and health standards that contributed to or exacerbated an accident.

Current law gives MSHA the sole authority to investigate mine accidents, and when MSHA investigators uncover possible criminal violations, they identify the necessary enforcement action to take against a mine operator and make an appropriate referral to the Department of Justice.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment made in order under the rule.

I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of mine safety and in opposition to this bill.

The Wilson/Kline amendment combines the key elements of the Wilson amendment offered in committee with the important safety teams amendment also considered during markup. There is much that we do not know about the tragedy of Crandall Canyon. It would be premature to legislate on many of these issues until the Crandall Canyon investigation is complete. Once the investigation is complete, we can determine if any further initiatives are necessary. It also should be noted that few, if any, of the provisions in the underlying legislation would have had any impact in preventing the accident in Utah this summer.

Our amendment would require the Department of Labor to more regularly communicate with the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, regarding safety concerns. Given that personnel from the BLM inspect mines daily, the Mine Safety Health Administration, MSHA, should have the benefit of knowing what BLM is observing and what concerns the agency has regarding safety.

Our amendment would also require two studies: one to address deep mine safety, and another to address pillar removal. Regarding deep mining, it is no secret that the mining industry is mining deeper underground. In order to assure that they have the most sophisticated science available to them, a study about the elements of deep mining should be undertaken. It is also important to recognize that deep mining and pillar removal are two separate issues, and our amendment was crafted accordingly to give each issue thorough consideration.

Finally, there is great concern about how information during a mine rescue and recovery effort is communicated to the public. Our amendment would create a public relations protocol similar to that used by the National Transportation Safety Board. In this way, all parties to the rescue and recovery effort must clear any information through MSHA before releasing it to the public.

This amendment takes the NTSB's well-regarded approach to communications. Before anyone associated with the rescue and recovery effort can make public comments, they must be approved by MSHA. In this way, we can ensure that the families have been fully briefed, that any information given to the media is factual, and that it does not interfere with the ongoing efforts of any future investigation.

The S-MINER Act may address some of these issues, but ultimately the underlying bill is not narrowly crafted to focus on the Crandall Canyon tragedy. Instead, it provides for a complete rewrite of a successful law. In addition to these four specific policy opportunities that respond to the tragedy that occurred at the Crandall Canyon mine, our substitute builds on the MINER Act by actively engaging miners in safety teams and implementing substance abuse testing. It is important to note that the MINER Act was the most significant piece of mining legislation passed in 30 years, which was signed into law in 2006.

The Wilson/Kline substitute ensures that the MINER Act is not derailed by excessive new regulations. The MINER Act has put in motion regulations, studies, and industry improvements that will be negatively impacted by H.R. 2768. I oppose the S-MINER Act and urge you to vote in favor of the Wilson/Kline substitute.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), a ranking and valued member of the Education and Labor Committee.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), the distinguished ranking member of the Education and Labor Committee.

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

Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, I urge the strongest consideration of the Wilson/Kline amendment. I would like to point out that it would provide for full implementation of the MINER Act of June 2006. Additionally, it has the provisions, as well explained by Congressman McKeon of California, the provisions and concerns of the late Congressman Charlie Norwood of Georgia, providing for drug testing are included.

As I conclude today, I would like to read and summarize an op-ed which was in the Lexington Herald Leader, a McClatchy newspaper. This op-ed was printed on November 26, 2007: ``New mining bill premature.'' The author is Rick Honaker. Professor Honaker is the Mining Foundation's distinguished professor and chairman of the University of Kentucky Department of Mining Engineering.

Professor Honaker says, ``Eliminating coal mine accidents is an achievable goal. In recent years we have seen a dramatic decline in fatalities at the Nation's 550 underground mines, though the tragic accident earlier this year at a mine in Utah underscores some of the serious problems we face.

``But Congress has gotten ahead of itself. However well-intentioned, it is considering new legislation before the industry has been able to implement and assess the effectiveness of a major mine safety law passed last year.

``It seems very strange, almost incomprehensible, that a move is afoot in

Congress to impose an entirely new set of requirements on coal mine operators and mine inspectors, even before there has been an opportunity to comply with the far-reaching provisions of the MINER Act. It threatens to disrupt the all-important emergency rescue provisions of the law.

``That process will require more work from the coal community, not more laws from Congress. Rather than leap into an abyss with new legislation, let's give mine safety and health experts an opportunity to implement the existing law.''

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

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize James E. ``Jimmy'' Bristow of West Columbia, South Carolina for his many years of public service to the people of South Carolina and the country, and congratulate him on a successful year of leadership as President of Ruritan National.

Ruritan National is a national civic organization made up of 33,000 members with 1,178 clubs in 25 States. Since its founding in 1928, Raritan has built a strong reputation as one of our Nation's leading community service organizations. Under the excellent leadership of Mr. Bristow, Ruritan has continued to grow and make a substantial and positive impact in the community.

Mr. Bristow is a graduate of The Citadel with 31 years of experience working with community businesses. He now serves as vice president and resident construction lender for Security Federal Bank. In addition to his work with local businesses, Mr. Bristow is a life-long member of the Mount Hebron United Methodist Church where he has taught Sunday school for 22 years. Over the last decade, he has served as Scoutmaster for Troop 331 of the Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

For his years of public service, Mr. Bristow has received numerous honors and recognitions including the Order of the Silver Crescent from South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford--the State's highest honor given for volunteer and community service.

I am grateful for Mr. Bristow's service to his community. I want to recognize and thank his wife Fran and their three sons--Jeremy, Andrew, and Ryan--for their years of support, and wish them many more years of happiness.

Madam Speaker, today America's great ally, the Republic of Korea, elected a new President. To provide congratulations and in recognition of the achievement of President- Elect Lee Myung-bak, I wish to submit the following article from the Associated Press regarding today's presidential election in South Korea.

Lee Claims Win in South Korea Election

(By Burt Herman)

Seoul, South Korea (AP)--Former Hyundai CEO Lee Myung-bak

claimed victory Wednesday in South Korea's presidential

election, as voters overlooked fraud allegations in hopes he

will revive the economy.

Lee's two main rivals both conceded defeat after returns

and exit polls showed him winning nearly double the votes of

his closest competitor.

``Today, the people gave me absolute support. I'm well

aware of the people's wishes,'' said Lee, of the conservative

Grand National Party. ``I will serve the people in a very

humble way. According to the people's wishes, I will save the

nation's economy that faces a crisis.''

The National Election Commission said Lee had 48.6 percent

of the vote with 98 percent of ballots counted. Liberal Chung

Dong-young was a distant second with 26.2 percent. The

victory margin was by far the largest in any South Korean

presidential election.

Lee, a former Seoul mayor who turned 66 on election day,

has led the race for months. His victory ends a decade of

liberal rule in the South, during which the country embarked

on unprecedented reconciliation with rival North Korea that

has led to restored trade and travel across the heavily armed

frontier dividing the peninsula.

``I humbly accept the people's choice,'' Chung told

reporters late Wednesday. ``I hope (president)-elect Lee

Myung-bak will do a good job for the country.''

Candidate Lee Hoi-chang, who was trailing in third with

15.7 percent of the vote, congratulated Lee Myung-bak on his

win.

``I hope he would uphold the people's yearning for a change

in government and correct what the outgoing government has

done wrong in the past,'' he told reporters.

The office of liberal President Roh Moo-hyun congratulated

Lee.

``We respect the people's choice shown in this election,''

presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon said in a statement.

Hundreds of supporters watching results on a giant TV in

front of the Grand National Party's headquarters burst into

song Wednesday evening as returns showed Lee winning.

Lee has pledged to take a more critical view of Seoul's

engagement with North Korea and seek closer U.S. ties.

Efforts to end North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions stand

at a critical juncture, with the communist country set to

disclose all its programs for eventual dismantlement by a

year-end deadline.

State Department spokesman Tom Casey congratulated Lee on

his victory.

``We have a long history of cooperation and friendship with

South Korea and fully expect that'll continue with this new

government,'' he said. ``Certainly, we've got a number of

important issues on our bilateral agenda including our mutual

cooperation in the six-party talks.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish a fond farewell to a member of the Second District staff, George Harper. George has been a member of our team for almost 2 years, and he has brought a strong level of professionalism and personal integrity to the job. I am happy to report that George will not be traveling far as he joins Congressman Jon Porter's office as a legislative assistant.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska, George first came to Capitol Hill as a summer intern in the office of Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina. After serving as a deputy legislative assistant to Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, he joined our office, first as a scheduler and then as legislative correspondent.

George's hard work, dedication and pleasant demeanor have made him an invaluable member of our staff as we work hard to address the needs and concerns of the people of the Second Congressional District. Our office will miss George tremendously. And we wish him all the best in all his future endeavors.

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

Mr. Speaker, last week the majority forced a vote on a faulty fix to the alternative minimum tax, AMT, that raises taxes

elsewhere. Consequently, this bill had no chance of ever becoming law, and everyone knew it. The Senate resoundingly rejected the tax increase legislation the week before and instead passed legislation that offers a clean fix of the AMT. The majority in the House knew this, and yet they chose to pursue a political statement rather than a solution.

Instead of getting down to business and working with the Senate, House Republicans and President Bush, the majority leadership in the House has failed to repeal a tax that unnecessarily threatens 23 million Americans. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has already made it clear that the delay in passing a fix or a complete repeal will cause delays in tax refunds for 50 million Americans. This is the price of inaction. The American people should not have to pay that price. The majority needs to bring a clean AMT fix to the floor, and not another tax increase.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Representative Carol Shea-Porter for introducing this resolution and my colleagues, led by Representative Robin Hayes, on the Armed Services Committee, for bringing it to the floor for our consideration.

As a proud co-sponsor, I am honored to have this opportunity to celebrate the United States Marine Corps and recognize their 232 years of service to our Nation.

On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution that called for two battalions of

marines to be raised for use as naval infantrymen. From that day forward, marines have defended this Nation in every American military conflict. They first saw combat in the Bahamas in 1776 under the leadership of Captain Samuel Nicholas, the officer who is considered by most to be the first marine commandant.

Though the Marines were disbanded following the Revolutionary War, they were reestablished on July 11, 1798, and from that day forward have protected and defended Americans and our allies around the world. From Europe to the Philippines, South America to Asia, and the Middle East, marines have fought in every corner of the world.

In addition to traditional military duties, marines protect our embassies and dignitaries around the world. They have served in a humanitarian capacity bringing relief and aid to citizens of other nations as well.

In the global war on terrorism, 76,000 marines have been deployed to Iraq to help establish peace, root out insurgent remnants and al Qaeda terrorists, and bring stability to that young democracy. I am grateful for my son, a naval doctor, who is working with the marines in Iraq today.

As part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, marines have helped topple the repressive Taliban regime and dismantle the al Qaeda network. For their service on these two fronts of the global war on terrorism, marines have been decorated with thousands of honors and medals. These decorations include 7,720 Purple Hearts for wounds suffered during combat, and 866 Bronze Stars with ``V'' for exceptional valor in a combat situation.

Since the inception of the United States Marine Corps, 298 marines have earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, our Nation's highest military honor. On a personal note, the Second District of South Carolina, which I have the honor of representing, is home to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Parris Island. All marine recruits east of the Mississippi River go through Parris Island.

Marines are the most elite fighting force in our military. Their reputation for professionalism and selfless duty has earned them the thanks of a grateful Nation and the appreciation of millions around the world over two centuries of service and sacrifice. My late father-in- law, Major Julian Dusenbury, and my late brother-in-law, Captain Tim Dusenbury, were proud marines, and our family especially appreciates the service of the Marine Corps.

On behalf of my colleagues in the House of Representatives and the American people, I want to thank the tireless men and women of the United States Marine Corps for their service and sacrifice. Each and every day they are working to protect our Nation and our allies around the world.

I encourage all my colleagues to join me in supporting and expressing our most humble appreciation for the few, the proud, the Marines.

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

Having no further speakers, I would like to make one further statement.

Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity, 2 years ago, of visiting in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, where the Marine Corps ably served to assist the people of Pakistan in their recovery from the horrific incidents of the earthquake. And it was so reassuring to visit and see the hospital that they set up, with female doctors, due to the cultural concerns of the people in that region. It had just an extraordinary impact.

I had the privilege of meeting with President Musharraf, who indicated that at that time the most famous toy, the most appreciated toy, in all of Pakistan was the Chinook helicopter, representing the deep affection of the people of Pakistan for the Marine Corps and their service.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield so much time as she

may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).

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

I want to thank Representative Ginny Brown-Waite for introducing this resolution and my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee for bringing it to the floor for our consideration.

As a proud co-sponsor, I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of our citizen soldiers in the United States National Guard.

From the earliest days of our country's founding to today, average Americans have stepped forward to serve their Nation. Soldiers of the National Guard have served in every major combat throughout our great history, and since September the 11th, they have taken a tremendous role in support of the global war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Since these terrible attacks 6 years ago, 329,982 members of the National Guard have been mobilized for military operations around the world. Unlike their traditional military comrades, National Guard members are not career military soldiers. They are most often employed in other careers and serve when called upon to assist with combat operations and as first responders during domestic emergencies and rescue and recovery situations. This unique role underscores an immense dedication to their patriotic duty and to this Nation.

As a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserve and National Guard, I am honored to have known and worked with many of these extraordinary and dedicated individuals.

My former unit, the 218th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the South Carolina Army National Guard is currently serving in Afghanistan under the leadership of Brigadier General Bob Livingston. Its 1,800 troops are the largest deployment of National Guard since World War II. I have visited the troops in June, August and November, and I know firsthand they are training Afghani police and military forces to help that young democracy stand on its own two feet. The best way to stop terrorism is to deny terrorists safe havens anywhere in the world. Additionally, my son, Alan, was deployed with the South Carolina National Guard to Iraq, along with my son, Julian, with Guard service in Egypt. And my family and I are grateful for their service and the service of their comrades, led by Major General Stan Spears, America's longest serving adjutant general. Our family knows that National Guard membership is rewarding for service for America and for our State while receiving extraordinary opportunities for education, travel and meeting talented people of competence and patriotism. I encourage every American to consider National Guard service.

With this resolution, we recognize the contributions of the Guard, but we also pledge to support their efforts with the necessary resources and express our deepest gratitude to the families whose loved ones serve this Nation. Above all, our deepest sympathies go to the families whose loved ones have been lost.

On behalf of my colleagues in the House of Representatives and the American people, I want to thank the brave men and women of the Guard for their service. In times of peace and times of war, there they are working to protect our Nation and our allies around the world and the citizens here at home. I want to thank Representative Ginny Brown-Waite for introducing this resolution. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting it and expressing our most humble appreciation for the citizen soldiers of the National Guard.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield so much time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones).

Mr. Speaker, I yield so much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun).

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3793, as amended, a bill to ensure that military personnel who die or who are retired or separated for medical reasons are paid their full enlistment or re- enlistment bonuses and are not subject to repayment of any portion of those bonuses.

Last month, media stories sparked outrage among Members of Congress and citizens alike when they highlighted what appeared to be a potentially widespread practice by the Army and Department of Defense. Media reports stated that wounded servicemembers who could no longer continue on active duty because of those wounds were being required to repay portions of their enlistment or re-enlistment bonuses because they had not fulfilled the terms of their contracts. In some cases, the Army was cited as demanding repayment of thousands of dollars from soldiers who, but for their wound or injuries in combat, continued to serve the Army in this Nation honorably.

What the media failed to report completely was that the Department of Defense and the military services had an active policy in place that addressed this problem. The policy did the following: first, in cases where a servicemember died, not at the result of his or her own misconduct, the unpaid portions of an enlistment or re-enlistment bonus would be paid to the servicemember's survivors, and there would be no requirement to repay already paid bonuses.

Second, when the servicemember was unable to complete an enlistment or re-enlistment due to circumstances reasonably beyond the service- member's control, no already paid bonus would be recouped. Finally, the Secretaries of the military services had broad discretion, on a case- by-case basis, to forego recoupment and pay out unpaid portions of bonuses.

H.R. 3793, as amended, captures and codifies the most effective parts of the existing DOD policy, and goes beyond that policy. When enacted, H.R. 3793 will guarantee that a servicemember who dies or is retired or separated for medical disability will not be required to pay any portion of a bonus or similar benefit that they had received. It mandates that the full contracted amount of any unpaid bonus or similar benefit be paid, as appropriate, to the estates of servicemembers who die or to servicemembers who are retired or separated due to a disability. And it mandates that payments are to be made not later than 90 days after the death, retirement, or separation of the servicemember.

Additionally, if a service Secretary determines that requiring repayment or withholding payment of the unpaid bonus would be contrary to a personnel policy or management objective, against equity and good conscience, or be contrary to the best interests of the United States, then they would be allowed to waive repayment or to continue payment of unpaid bonuses. Discretion should be allowed for the most beneficial interpretation in favor of our courageous servicemembers.

H.R. 3793 is a good bill, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting it. Our servicemen and -women deserve our most humble thanks, and this bill would ensure that we are honoring their sacrifices by not denying them or their families their due pay.

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

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

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

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

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

Madam Speaker, America's third quarter GDP grew at an impressive 4.9 percent. That means we have had 6 straight years of economic growth coupled with a record 51 straight months of job growth creating 8.3 million additional jobs. In the district I represent, the Nation's fourth largest cabinet company, the Elkay Cabinet Division, has announced a new manufacturing plant in Barnwell which will create hundreds of jobs. This job success is the product of the pro-growth tax policies that President Bush signed into law 4 years ago.

There remains much more that we must do in order to promote strong economic growth. We need energy legislation that actually helps create new energy, health care reform that values individual choice over government mandate, and sensible tax reform. We must enact legislation--including a repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax--that doesn't expand the burden of Washington spending on the backs of middle class Americans and small businesses.

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

I want to thank my Republican colleagues for bringing this motion to instruct to the floor. It is important to me as a member of the Armed Services Committee, as a 31- year veteran of the Army National Guard, and as the parent of a soldier who has served in Iraq, with another son soon to deploy to Iraq. Additionally, our family is grateful to have two additional sons serving in the military.

This motion to instruct is straightforward. It simply confirms that the representatives of the American people understand the consequences of our actions in Iraq and that we are not going to pull the rug out from underneath our brave soldiers. Congress should never act to undermine our troops and jeopardize the success they are achieving in Iraq today. Unfortunately, the strategy of precipitous withdrawal and defeat some continue to advocate has brought us to this point.

The Democrat leadership has continued to propose legislation that aims to micromanage our military leaders and tie their hands as they stop the terrorists. This undermines the extraordinary gains by our troops that I have seen on my eight visits to Iraq, which has been possible by the surge led by General David Petraeus. We must not forget al Qaeda spokesman Zawahiri has declared Iraq and Afghanistan the central front in the global war on terrorism, and we must succeed in stopping terrorists overseas and protecting American families at home.

This motion to instruct is a right opportunity for this body, for the leadership here in Washington to say with one voice that we are invested in success, that our aim is not to leave behind a failed Iraqi state where safe havens for terrorists will threaten American families. Our military should be able to count on our unwavering support for the fight in which they are engaged.

Our colleagues in the Senate have already acted with near unanimous support, 94-3, to include the language of this motion in their authorization. Only three Senators voted against this, showing a unified United States Senate. They have gone on record recognizing that a failed state in Iraq would have dire consequences for the safety and security of the region, for American families, and for our allies around

the world. It is imperative that we follow their lead.

Again, I want to thank the ranking member, Duncan Hunter, for his leadership. He is a dedicated veteran and father of an Iraq veteran. And additionally, I want to thank my Republican colleagues for bringing this motion to the floor. I encourage all of my colleagues to support it and send a bipartisan message to our enemies and allies that we are committed to victory in Iraq and ensuring that Iraq does not become a failed state and a safe haven for terrorists.

Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Dave and Rochelle Wilson of Lexington, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby boy. Grant Evan Wilson was born on October 25, 2007 weighing 7 pounds and 8 ounces. Grant joins seven siblings-- Bryce, Carly, Makenna, Caleb, Alyssa, Bennett and Owen. He has been born into a loving home, where he will be raised by parents who are devoted to his well-being and bright future.

Dave and Rochelle are longtime friends, and I am so excited for this new addition to their family. On behalf of my wife Roxanne, and our entire family, we want to wish the Wilson family all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina Foundation for the hard work on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina.

The purpose of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation is to promote the health and well-being of economically disadvantaged South Carolinians through expanded access to quality and affordable health care. Through the awarding of grants, the foundation provides necessary resources to free clinics, health education programs, and school nursing programs. Realizing that it is often children and young adults most adversely affected by inadequate health care, the foundation focuses on providing grant money to services that will assist children and adolescents who are either uninsured or underinsured.

This year they have embarked on a state-wide tour to recognize the $1.6 million in grants that they will be awarding. This is part of over $7 million in grants they have awarded since 2003.

I want to thank the foundation's executive director, Harvey Galloway, and the CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Ed Sellers, for their strong leadership.

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

Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues and friends this evening to honor the life of former International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde.

Throughout his 32 years in the House of Representatives, Congressman Hyde was a pioneer of conservative values and principles. As chairmen of the Judiciary Committee and the International Relations Committee, he fought to preserve the sanctity of life and to promote the tenets of freedom. His career is a testament to his character and his love for this country. It was all too fitting that President Bush honored this life and legacy earlier this year when he awarded Congressman Hyde the Medal of Freedom--America's highest civilian honor.

For those of us who had the pleasure to know Chairman Hyde personally, we were touched by his immense dedication to public service, his integrity, and the wisdom he imparted to us all. He was a founding father of modern American Conservatism promoting the expansion of freedom and the limiting of government.

I am grateful to have known and worked with this tremendous individual, and I am grateful for his service to this Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hyde family during this difficult time.