Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last week the House engaged in an important debate regarding the transparency and accountability of Member project requests. As Democrat leaders sought to earmark taxpayer dollars in the dark of night, and away from public scrutiny, House Republicans took them to task, demanding the reforms we past last year be upheld.

I am grateful for the work of my colleagues on the Republican Study Committee who are committed to returning our party to its roots of fiscal discipline. Budget Committee ranking member Paul Ryan has worked tirelessly in his fight against the Democrat budget, which amounts to the largest tax increase in American history.

RSC chairman Jeb Hensarling and his staff are working night and day literally to promote conservative philosophy. I am especially thankful for the work of communications director Brad Dayspring, who works some of the longest hours on Capitol Hill to accomplish this goal.

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

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank Congressman John Campbell of California who originally was the proponent of this amendment. I am very happy to adopt this amendment because I believe that it truly expresses the concerns of the people of our country.

The Energy and Water appropriations bill, which spends $31.6 billion, is $1.13 billion, or 3.7 percent over the President's request. This amendment would reduce overall funding in the bill to the President's request, thus saving taxpayers $1.13 billion. If this amendment passes, the total amount of spending in the Energy and Water bill will still be $175 million greater than last year.

By enacting the largest tax increase in American history, the Democrat

budget allows for $23 billion in spending over that of the President's budget request. This amendment is designed to save the taxpayers $1.13 billion which will reduce some of the unnecessary increases in Federal spending this year which is fueled by the huge tax increases. This is an amendment that is an across-the-board reduction that does not destroy, interrupt or terminate needed projects, many that we just heard about that are very, very worthy. But it does provide for our Federal administrators to reduce expenditures by limiting travel, delaying filling employee vacancies, postponing equipment purchases and other innovative and creative initiatives to save taxpayers' money. Even the reduction of growth is an increase of spending of $175 million.

Prior to being elected to Congress, I served in the State senate of my home State and over and over again we would work toward across-the- board budget cuts and each time that we were able to achieve these, we were able to maintain the programs to benefit the citizens of our State; but, indeed, the programs were not terminated, they were made better. I have faith in government employees that they can accommodate a 3.7 percent reduction without hurting recipients of worthy projects.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota, Congressman John Kline.

Inquiry. Does the chairman have any witnesses at this time or any further testimony?

Mr. Chairman, again what we're talking about with this particular amendment is to reduce the overall expenditures to the President's request, which is a reduction of $1.13 billion. It's a 3.7 percent reduction. But actually because this is the request of the President, there has been an increase of nearly $175 million. We've heard the presentation, very eloquent, a few minutes ago of many of the wonderful programs and projects, and when you think of Energy and Water appropriations, I think of extraordinarily important appropriations, indeed, the infrastructure of our country, it's so important, as to the alternative fuels, promoting the alternative fuels. But, indeed, I have seen firsthand in my experience working in public office since 1984, you can reduce and still provide for the services to be provided.

I know that again in my State experience one time, we had a midyear budget crisis where, in fact, the State budget was reduced by 7\1/2\ percent and we had previously proposed that there be a budget reduction of 1 percent. Unfortunately, it was turned down. It was incredible that, indeed, with the 7\1/2\ percent across-the-board cut by people of another political party from me, it worked. And the services were still provided. That was, in effect, almost a 15 percent across-the-board cut.

And so what we are proposing today, I believe, is very reasonable and responsible and in the interest of the taxpayers of the United States.

At this time I am happy to yield to the minority leader of the House of Representatives, a person who is so widely respected, the Congressman from Ohio, John Boehner.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry).

Mr. Chairman, indeed, as I am here, proposing a cut of around 3.7 percent, this is across the board. Actually, it's an affirmation of the significance of the projects that are in the bill.

I am not saying they should be terminated. I am saying that they should be stalled. I am certainly not indicating they should be interrupted or destroyed. My being here is to propose that there be a reduction in spending, except that it's really a reduction to the President's recommendation, which is an increase in spending of $175 million.

But it is a savings to the taxpayers of $1.13 billion. That's, indeed, a key reason that I ran for Congress was to, indeed, protect the taxpayers, look out for the taxpayers, make sure that the government programs that are so worthy are handled well.

At this time, I yield such time as he may consume to the Congressman from California (Mr. Campbell).

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

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, nearly 2 months after the horrifying events at Virginia Tech took the lives of 32 innocent people, I am grateful the House last week acted to improve State reporting to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Sadly, had this legislation been in place sooner, that tragic day at Virginia Tech might never have occurred.

I'm especially pleased that the National Rifle Association, of which I'm a proud member, was active in supporting this effort. I'm also thankful John Goodwin, previously with former Congressman Rob Simmons, has recently joined their able team. The NRA plays a vital role in promoting second amendment rights, and I appreciate their work.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families affected by the Virginia Tech shootings. I urge the Senate to quickly consider H.R. 2640 to ensure guns are available to law-abiding citizens and kept from the hands of criminals

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11. Our sympathy to the people of Charleston due to the tragic deaths of courageous firemen.

Mr. Speaker, in the coming months, the United States Navy will lose one of its greatest leaders. ADM Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., will retire as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in August of this year. Admiral Giambastiani has held this post since August 2005.

A native of Canastota, New York, Admiral Giambastiani graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with leadership distinction in 1970. Admiral Giambastiani and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Pete and Cathy.

We are grateful to work closely with Pete, who serves as military legislative assistant to Congressman Jeff Miller of Florida. Pete, an academy graduate and lieutenant in the Navy, followed proudly in his father's footsteps.

I appreciate Admiral Giambastiani, his family, and their service to the people of the United States.

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

Congressman Kline, thank you for your leadership tonight. And particularly I want to thank you for your family service, your service in the Marine Corps, your son's service, who is in the central front himself, having served in Iraq. We are very grateful for your family's service.

I am here tonight really indeed to point out the extraordinary service, 40 years of service, of General Peter Pace. I think it's extraordinary, and I hope the American people indeed look at this record of service.

The perspective that I am here is that I served 31 years myself in the Army National Guard, the Army Reserves. Really, the reason I served so long is because I have such great appreciation for the confidence and capabilities and the patriotism of the military of our country.

Additionally, I have the perspective of being a parent. I have four sons who are currently serving in the military of the United States. In particular, I am very grateful my oldest son served for 1 year in Iraq. I know firsthand of the bravery of our troops, the success of our troops in protecting America by keeping the terrorists and stopping them overseas. I am also grateful, I have a son who is a doctor in the Navy. We are very proud of his service, and his wife, and what they mean to our country.

Additionally, I've got a third son who is a signal officer who has served in Egypt with the Army National Guard, and a fourth son who has just joined the Army ROTC. He will be participating in the simultaneous drill program of the National Guard.

I give all my credit to my wife, Roxanne, for training these four guys. But I will point out that a reason that we have such faith in their service is because I have such faith in people like General Pace. I have entrusted my four sons to the leadership of the American military, which by every poll, every time it is done, I am afraid lawyers don't come out too well, politicians don't come out too well by standards, even the media suffers when it comes time to judge the level of perception of a profession, even ahead of the clergy is the military of the United States, and I believe they deserve it.

The final perspective I have as a Member of Congress. I have been here 5 years. I serve on the Armed Services Committee. The communities I represent, Fort Jackson, Paris Island, the Marine Air Station in Beaufort, the Beaufort Naval Hospital, but the greatest highlight that I've had is to visit with our troops overseas.

I have been to Iraq seven times. I have been to Afghanistan three times. I've visited probably 30 different countries. When we visit, we visit with the generals; we visit with the diplomats; we visit with the top American and foreign officials. But one of the real highlights is that we have the opportunity to go into a dining facility. And of course, they make it pretty simple for Members of Congress; they have a little flag identifying our home State. And we will go and we will find junior officers and enlisted personnel. And that's where you find out the extraordinary quality of the young people serving our country. Indeed, I believe it is the new Greatest Generation, people who don't whine, who understand that our Nation has been attacked. On 9/11, it was attacked. Beginning back in 1979, with the seizure of our embassy in Tehran,

we have had multiple attacks until we came to 9/11/01. And we've learned a lesson. And these young people are protecting our country.

Indeed, it was just three weeks ago today that I was in Baghdad and had the great opportunity to meet again with General David Petraeus. I have great faith in his leadership and what he's doing, protecting American families by creating a level of stability in Iraq.

Additionally, I had the privilege of visiting with the 218th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Kabul, Afghanistan. This is the Army National Guard of South Carolina being very ably led by General Bob Livingston.

I was in that unit, Congressman, for 25 years, so I know firsthand of the capabilities of the person serving that unit as they are training the Afghan police and training the Afghan Army. A sad reminder today with the heinous homicide attack on the Afghan police; 35 policemen were killed yesterday. It is a chilling but a sad reminder that, indeed, the police that are being trained in Afghanistan and being trained in Iraq, the armies being trained in both of those countries, they have been the primary focus of attack of the terrorists because we are making progress in training people to provide stability in their own country.

Now, when I think of General Pace, it's really incredible that he has had a 40-year record of service. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. He was sworn in as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on September 30, 2005. And what is particularly meaningful is that he is the first Marine to serve in this position and also the first Marine to serve as Vice Chairman----

And I knew this would get your interest, being the Marine, Congressman Kline, that you are, and indeed, I want to commend you. If anyone ever doubts, I want to point out that you wear a U.S. and Marine flag everywhere you go, without fail, with your congressional pin. And if anyone mistakes the pin as the People's Republic of China, I want them to know that indeed it is the Marine Corps of the United States of America.

General Pace was born in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey. He holds masters degrees in business administration from George Washington University, attended Harvard University for the Senior Executives Course in International Security. He also is a graduate of the Infantry Officer's Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia; the Marine Corps Command and General Staff College at Quantico, Virginia; and the National War College at Fort McNair in Washington.

In 1968, upon completion of The Basic School at Quantico, General Pace was assigned to the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam, serving first as a rifle platoon leader, and subsequently as assistant operations officer. He was later assigned to the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., where he served a number of billets, to include Security Detachment Commander at Camp David, White House Aide, platoon leader and Special Ceremonial Platoon.

General Pace has held command at virtually every level and served in overseas billets in Nam Phong, Thailand; Seoul, Korea; and Yokota, Japan.

While serving as president of the Marine Corps University, then Brigadier General Pace also served as Deputy Commander of Marine Forces, Somalia, from December 1992 to February 1993, and as the Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force, Somalia, from October 1993 to March 1994.

After his assignment as the Director of Operations, (J-3) Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., then Lieutenant General Pace served as the Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Atlantic/Europe/South. He was promoted to General and assumed duties as the Commander in Chief, United States Southern Command in September 2000.

As the Vice Chairman from October 2001 to August 2005, General Pace served as the Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Vice Chairman of the Defense Acquisition Board, and as a member of the National Security Council Deputies Committee and the Nuclear Weapons Council.

General Pace's personal decorations include: Defense Distinguished Service Medal, with two oak leaf clusters, Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, Navy Achievement Medal with gold star, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

General Pace and his wife, Lynne, have a son, Peter; a daughter, Tiffany Marie; and a daughter-in-law, Lynsey Olczak Pace.

Colonel Congressman Kline, again, I want to thank you for bringing many of us together tonight to pay tribute to a great hero, an American hero who has served our country for 40 years, who has served the last 2 years as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, a person that I know and respect; I know that the military respects. I just want to thank you again for your efforts this evening.

I yield the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, President and Mrs. Bush visited Bulgaria as part of a six-nation European tour during the G8 Summit. Following Bulgarian admission this year into the European Union, the President's visit signifies Bulgaria's increased importance with its strategic location.

I am especially grateful President Bush and the First Lady participated in a round table discussion on free market democracy with students at the American University in Bulgaria. I am honored to serve on the university's board of trustees and I appreciate the leadership provided by president Michael Easton and chairman of the board David Flanagan. The round table was held at the university's Elieff Center for Education and Culture. The Elieff Center was made possible by the gracious financial donation of Eliot Elieff, a Bulgarian American living in San Marino, California. This world class facility proves his commitment to promote a bright future for Bulgaria.

I also appreciated a visit this week by Sofia mayor Boyko Borissov on Capitol Hill. Bulgaria is a strong ally of America and a full partner in NATO.

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

Mr. Speaker, last year House Republicans acted to stop the flow of illegal aliens into our country by passing five bills specifically addressing the current border crisis. Among these bills was the Secure Fence Act, a bill that among other things authorized more than 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border.

Sadly, this week, as the House considers the Democrat Homeland Security Appropriations bill, we find that included in this legislation is a provision allowing localities to ``shut off'' funding for this vital border fence.

As the debate regarding our immigration system continues to wage on, one thing we know for certain is that controlling our borders should come first to any effort we undertake. We welcome legal immigrants who follow the rule of law. But it is unfortunate Democrats are backtracking on the progress we have made. It is time to fund the fence.

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

Mr. Speaker, this week Democrat leaders will begin pushing their appropriations bills through the House without proper analysis or consideration.

Less than a year ago, the Democrats' top House leader proclaimed that her caucus was committed to restoring integrity to Congress. Specifically, she stated that ``Democrats would bring full accountability and transparency to all earmarks, those in the authorization bills as well as those in appropriations bills.'' Yet today, even Democrat CNN has editorialized that promised reform is not happening.

Last year, Republicans passed legislation to identify all earmarks by the sponsoring Members' names and Members being allowed to challenge individual earmarks on the House floor.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11. We will always appreciate the courage of Ronald Reagan who declared 20 years today, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,'' promoting freedom in Berlin and victory over communism.

Madam Speaker, tomorrow the House will consider a bill to further protect our children in the workforce. While children under the age of 18 are permitted to work under American labor law, certain rules provide reasonable limitations.

Under this bipartisan measure, companies will receive stiffer monetary penalties should a violation of these laws result in the injury or death of a child in the workplace.

I appreciate the leadership of Chairman George Miller and ranking Republican Buck McKeon on this issue. As ranking Republican of the Workforce Protection Subcommittee, I am pleased to have worked closely with Chairwoman Lynn Woolsey on this issue.

I am grateful the House is coming together to consider this bill and ensure the safety of our Nation's children. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, what do Ozzy Osbourne concert tickets, strip clubs, Las Vegas casinos, and expensive jewelry have in common?

If you think it sounds like a bachelor party itinerary, you will be surprised to learn it actually is a sampling of purchases made and places visited by Federal employees while using their government-issued credit cards.

What began as an efficient method for tracking and reimbursing legitimate expenses has morphed into an unmonitored system that can lend itself to abuse and fraud. For these reasons, Senator Grassley and I have reintroduced the Government Credit Card Prevention Act. This bill provides for necessary oversight, including credit checks and periodic audits.

American taxpayers will not stand for this continued abuse and lack of oversight. Enactment of this legislation is crucial to promote fiscal responsibility.

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

Mr. Speaker, today the House Armed Services Committee will examine the issue of body armor for our troops in combat. Fortunately, before going into recess for Memorial Day, Congress passed a critical war funding bill that will allow the military to purchase body armor and other equipment for our men and women in uniform.

I was grateful to visit with our troops during the break in Iraq and Afghanistan. Everywhere we went, the troops thanked us for passing the legislation to provide for their being fully equipped.

Our soldiers are fighting the terrorists overseas so we do not have to face them again in the streets of America. We are protecting American families in stopping al Qaeda's threat to our Nation.

On the 63rd anniversary of D-day, we appreciate the new greatest generation. I am pleased Congress passed and President Bush signed a bill that will provide our military with the tools it needs without handcuffing our commanders on the battlefield.

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

Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day last week in Baghdad will always be special to me. On that day, I met with General David Petraeus, Iraq's Defense Minister Jasim, and U.S. and Iraqi troops in a Joint Security Station deep in the City of Baghdad.

Then CODEL Spratt spent 2 days in Kabul briefed by ISAF Commander Dan McNeil, Major General Robert Durbin, Afghan Defense Minister Wardak, President Hamid Karzai, and Brigadier General Robert Livingston. General Livingston commands the 218th Brigade of the South Carolina Army National Guard, which leads Task Force Phoenix to train the Afghan army and police.

I saw firsthand our coalition forces stopping terrorists overseas to protect American families at home. This meets the threat of al Qaeda's Zawahiri that Iraq and Afghanistan are the central front in the global war on terrorism. Our capable military leaders should not have their initiatives handcuffed by Congress.

As we heard a bombing in Baghdad, we read simultaneously of attacks in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Lebanon and Gaza. We must not ignore the worldwide threats.

Congratulations to law enforcement for stopping the bombing of JFK Airport.

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

Madam Speaker, in venues ranging from the Bundestag to the U.S. Congress to the streets of Baku, Azerbaijanis worldwide will mark their National Day of the Republic this upcoming week. Since achieving independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan has remembered May 28 as the date, in 1918, when the country was proclaimed an independent state, making it the first democratic republic in the Caucasus region.

Though it lasted only 2 years, from May 1918 to April 1920, this first democratically elected Azerbaijani government worked on building an independent and democratic state.

Members of the Azerbaijani Diaspora regard the date as a key one among the numerous commemorative days they observe each year.

Even when such a state did not formally exist anywhere on the world map, it existed in our hearts, our souls, and our minds, said Tomris Azeri, president of the Azerbaijan Society of America. It is this strong sense of being an Azerbaijani, which we are now free to show to ourselves and the world. And with that freedom for Azerbaijan has come growing prosperity, and growing respect, involvement, and influence in the world community.

I commend Ambassador Yashar Aliyev for his hard work and dedication. I look forward to the United States continuing a successful relationship and strong friendship with the people of Azerbaijan.

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, a homicide bomber in Gardez, Afghanistan, mass-murdered 14 civilians and injured 36 others, including five members of the 218th brigade of the South Carolina National Guard. This affects me personally, as I was a member of the 218th for over 20 years. In July 2000, we trained together in the Mojave Desert at Fort Irwin to face this very evil, and now our courageous troops are stopping terrorists overseas.

Chuck Crumbo of The State newspaper reported the suicide bomber followed the Guard convoy and detonated himself in the midst of innocent women and children on a crowded street. This act of cowardice confirms why we must stop the terrorists overseas or they will return to America. In the past 96 hours, there was an attack in Baghdad, terrorists acted in Lebanon, and a shopping mall was blown up in Turkey.

I know my comrades, ably led by General Bob Livingston, are ready to face al Qaeda's boast of Afghanistan and Iraq as the central front in the global war on terrorism. This is how we can best protect American families. I have never been prouder of the Guard's service.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's The Hill features an advertisement by Merrill Lynch that praised the 2003 tax cuts, proclaiming, ``Lower capital gains and dividend tax rates have produced major economic gains.''

I was present 4 years ago this week when President Bush signed the tax reduction legislation. The results are some of the most successful ever. The economy has expanded $1.6 trillion; 7.8 million new jobs have been created; unemployment rates are near historic lows. The stock market is at a record high, soaring 40 percent. Tax revenues are the highest ever because of private sector growth. Twenty-four million

families have received an average tax cut of $950. The lower rate on savings and investments has helped our economy grow to benefit American families.

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