Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 994, introduced by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King, observing the fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States.

On September 11, 2001, we were brought face to face with an elusive and dangerous enemy. As the world watched, America responded to these heinous attacks with a united front. We could no longer pretend that our oceans protected us from evil. We were determined to find the terrorists and bring them to justice. We would leave no rock unturned.

While the face of America was strong, the hearts of America were heavy. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that fateful day. The families of those who lost loved ones continued to grieve, and America grieves with them.

Five years later, we must maintain our resolve to defeat extremism worldwide and protect American families here at home. I am grateful our family is participating in the Global War on Terrorism with four sons currently in the military and my oldest son, Alan, served for a year in Iraq knowing this is the central front of the War on Terrorism as proclaimed by Osama Bin Laden.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and recognize Kathie and Jeff Harness on their 25th wedding anniversary. Kathie and Jeff met in their home town of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, but not until after college. Kathie has dedicated herself to teaching and raising their family. Jeff works for Federal Screw Works in Michigan, and both he and Kathie enjoy spending time outdoors. The couple has two children, Ellen and Jeffrey.

I am honored to recognize this wonderful couple and wish for them many more years of love and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a true friend to our Nation and the State of South Carolina. Friday, July 7, 2006, saw the sad passing of Grover Ford Bowers, Jr. Senator Bowers was born in Luray, South Carolina, in Hampton County on November 20, 1919. He was a son of the late Grover Ford Bowers, Sr. and Corinne Fitts Bowers. He graduated from Estill High School and the University of South Carolina. He was a member of Luray Christian Church where he served as finance chairman. He was also a member of Estill Masonic Lodge and the Society of 1824. Senator Bowers was a United States Marine Corps Veteran of World War II, having served on the Island of Tinian in the 18th Anti-Aircraft Artillery. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He then became the co-founder of Harper & Bowers Inc. in 1947. After retirement in 1976, he remained actively involved in both agri-business and politics. Senator Bowers served in the South Carolina Senate from 1962-1966 and was the last Senator from Hampton County. He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of Clemson University and The Medical University of South Carolina, as well as various State Commissions including: State Ethics Commission, State ASCS Commission, S.C. Highway Commission, State Transportation Commission and State Forestry Commission. In 1978 Senator Bowers was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor James B. Edwards.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Macie Tison Bowers, his 3 children, Martha B. Simons and her husband, Dr. Paul K. Simons; Grover F. Bowers III and his wife, Derbiana Peeples Bowers; William T. Bowers and his wife, Julia Roman Bowers. His 7 grandchildren include Caroline S. Chase and husband, Samuel Chase III, Paul K. Simons Jr., Grover F. Bowers IV, Hunter T. Bowers, Margaret E. Bowers, William T. Bowers and Charles R. Bowers. Senator Bowers also has one great grandson, Samuel M. Chase IV. He was preceded in death by two brothers, DeTreville F. Bowers and Corrin F. Bowers.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ms. Mary Eleanor Bowers of Estill, South Carolina. Ms. Bowers served as the Estill Office Special Assistant of the Second Congressional District until her retirement. Before that she served on the staff of the late Congressman Floyd Spence and was initially added to service by Congressman Arthur Ravenel.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a true American Hero. On August 26, 2006, Corporal David Gardner Weimortz died fighting for our country in Iraq. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, David Weimortz enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In the Corps, Corporal Weimortz proudly served America and ultimately made the greatest sacrifice.

Corporal Weimortz is survived by his mother, Fran A. Fellers of Irmo; father, Joseph T. Weimortz of Crestview, Fla.; sister, Kelly A. Weimortz of Columbia; grandmother, Helen F. Asbill of Aiken; aunt and uncle, Pam and Clint Parker of Greenville; and great-aunt, Alice Lee Foster of Aiken.

Corporal Weimortz was lovingly eulogized in the September 7, 2006, issue of The New Irma News by Deloris Mungo. The text of her article follows:

``This world is a better place for each of us today thanks

to the life of Corporal David Gardner Weimortz of Irmo, South

Carolina. David was a fearless Marine, but he was first a son

to Mrs. Fran Fellers and Mr. Terry Weimortz, a brother to

Miss Kelly Weimortz and a friend to what seems like everyone

he ever came into contact with.

``This particular remembrance of David is dedicated to his

Mother, Fran Weimortz Fellers, my dear friend. These past few

weeks have been the worst of times for any mother but the

outpouring of love from her friends and family have held her

up and let her loved ones know what a legacy of life David

left. David was certainly a man's man but he was definitely a

Mother's son. The choices were clearly his own and he was

very proud of them and of what a difference he was making in

this world by helping secure freedom for the Iraqis. David,

by all accounts, always did it his way, no matter what age he

was or what he was doing. Serving his third deployment to

Iraq, he died in a roadside bomb attack on August 26th in the

3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Division at Camp Lejeune,

N.C. He was a corporal, even though he was a college

graduate. He wanted to jump right in and not take the time to

go to Officer's Candidate School--he felt that he was needed

right then. Trappings and titles were not important to him,

but making a difference was. Once his frustrated mother asked

him why he was so intent on being a Marine when there were

so many people in our own country that just don't care

that these soldiers are out there for them--why wouldn't

he please just stay home? David replied `Mom, I'm out

there for the GOOD people too, and that also means that I

am out there for YOU.' David felt like the hope in Iraq is

in the children. He said `The kids are really what make it

worthwhile. It is our goal, our desire, they come in as

well adjusted, well educated persons and want to have a

democratic society. Hopefully, that will be infectious and

spread.' David was proud to say `I got everything I wanted

out of the Marine Corps. I have no regrets.' Very sadly,

David's candle of life was extinguished far too soon; but

the light that he shined on the people he loved in his

path will always burn brightly.

``David was always playing sports as a child, and his first

word was `ball.' David was a graduate of Dutch Fork High

School, and graduated as a golf standout. He then went to the

University of South Carolina where he graduated as a history

major in 2000. After college, he worked for a publisher in

Raleigh and modeled products at NASCAR races before

enlisting. He joined the Marines in March 2003 and graduated

from boot camp at Parris Island. His next step was to enter

Law School when he returned from military duty.

``Out of the hundreds of people who have shared thoughts

and memories of David, the one constant was his sense of

humor and ability to entertain people and make them laugh!

This was the core of his personality. No one was untouched by

his wit and charm, and his ability to make people smile and

laugh was the ONE thing that EVERYONE remembered. There was

never a room that he did not fill with his contagious

personality when he entered, and never a person who did not

leave with laughter after being round him for any time at

all. His exterior was huge, 6'5 and 225 pounds of all man and

muscle and mass--but his interior was always thinking of the

other person and what he could do to make him or her smile or

make their life better. This gentle warrior of a man visited

two sisters (friends of his in California) for a few days;

and after he left, he had written thank you notes to each of

them including one to Simon the Cat thanking him for sharing

his bed (aka the floor!). All of his local teachers have

shared that their classrooms would not have been nearly as

`exciting' without the wit, charm and amazing harmless but

funny antics of this brilliant young man.

``The Marines have lost an unbelievable soldier, Todd

Gayle, Jason Flynn, and Miles Solomon have lost their best

friend, Fran has lost her most precious son, Kelly has lost

her beloved brother who had promised to walk her down the

aisle and give her away whenever she found the right man

(`Muff' and `Bubby' as they referred to themselves were as

close as brother and sister could be), Helen Asbill of Aiken

has lost her grandson and Pam and Clint Parker of Greenville,

SC, have lost their treasured nephew. The people of our

community have lost one of the finest young men ever placed

on the earth. What we have gained is the discovery of this

very wonderful young man will always be with us. He has

permeated out hearts and souls and we have learned so very

much from him. There are already in the works many well

deserved memorials being made in his name with USC, National

Bank of SC and Project Pet. If we could all be as lucky as to

know ourselves as well as David knew himself, and to set an

example of quality for life and love as he did. His passion

for his mother and his sister were unsurpassed, and he wanted

to `take care of them' . . . always.

``We can only take so much sadness; so dance, sing, laugh--

celebrate the life that was before the death and what it gave

you and what it will continue to give you because you will

always have him in your heart. `So it's the laughter we will

remember--the way he was.' David, you will be forever in our

lives and hearts.''

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we marked the fifth anniversary of an unparalleled tragedy in our Nation's history.

On September 11, 2001, we were suddenly made aware of our vulnerability to a new and dangerous enemy, an enemy that attacked the World Trade Center in 1993, our embassies across Africa in 1998, and the USS Cole in 2000.

Charity poured from the hearts of every American and from allies around the world. Firefighters and law enforcement personnel heroically put their lives at risk to save our countrymen. We were united in the resolve to defeat those who terrorized us.

Five years and one day removed from September 11, Islamic militants today stormed the U.S. Embassy in Syria. While we are thankful no Americans were harmed, this attack serves as a sober reminder that we are in a global war with Islamofascists. We must maintain our commitments to protect American families and seek justice for those who seek death to America.

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

Mr. Speaker, while traveling by bus through the 10 counties of South Carolina's Second Congressional District last month, I spoke with constituents about the resolve of America for victory in the global war on terrorism. I repeatedly heard that we must maintain our resolve for winning this war to protect American families.

As several recent successes prove, we are winning the war on terrorism. Nine men suspected of plotting a terrorist attack in Denmark have been arrested. British police detained 14 people suspected of operating terrorist training camps. Iraqi authorities arrested the number two al Qaeda murderer in Iraq. U.S. and British authorities stopped a plot to target U.S.-bound airplanes. Germany and India foiled terrorist attacks in their homelands.

Countries that were reluctant to join with us in the war on terrorism are learning they cannot escape its effects. This is not just a war against America; this is a war against all freedom-loving nations.

With four sons in the military, I am grateful for the dedication of American servicemembers symbolized by the heroism of Cpl David Weimortz of Irmo.

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

Mr. Speaker, while traveling by bus through the 10 counties of South Carolina's Second Congressional District last month, I visited with chambers of commerce, schools, and booming local businesses. During these visits, I saw the effects of Republican tax reductions and pro-growth initiatives at work.

Due to the Republicans' fiscal policies, workers are keeping more of their own money. In turn, they are investing more money in their local economies. Last month, the unemployment rate dipped to 4.7 percent, one of the lowest points since 2001. Yet just last week, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi stated: ``Our economy is moving in the wrong direction.''

I am grateful that American workers can celebrate 36 consecutive months of job growth, creating nearly 6 million new jobs. Homeownership is at a record high of nearly 70 percent, and more persons than ever in history are fulfilling the American Dream.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my longtime friend, Curtis M. Lofits, Jr., and the Saluda Charitable Foundation. The Saluda Charitable Foundation was founded in 2001 in Columbia, South Carolina, is a faith-based Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to serving people in need. What began as a one- man effort created and funded by Columbia native Curtis M. Loftis, Jr., has now grown to include dozens of volunteers and associates who have touched thousands of lives across four continents.

Individuals, missionaries, churches, hospitals, and clinics ranging from the United States and Bolivia to Ukraine and India have benefited from the works of Saluda Charitable. The Foundation's efforts in Ukraine produced such great success that the programs there have grown into a stand-alone Ukrainian organization, the Saluda-Temopil Charitable Foundation. Saluda-Temopil has been recognized as one of the finest charitable groups in Ukraine.

Saluda Charitable and Saluda-Temopil recently opened the doors of their largest undertaking, the New Hope Village, in Shelpachy, Ukraine. The New Hope Village is a modem humanitarian mercy center that features a home for the elderly with 24-hour nursing care, daily doctor visits, nutritionist consultations, and community activity programs. The facility has received praise and cooperation from the Ukrainian and United States Governments.

The New Hope Village also features a community center that supports three local villages and a humanitarian aid focal point that dispenses assistance from agencies and churches from the United States and Europe. The facility will soon become home to one of Ukraine's first ``foster family'' pilot programs. This project opens in August and seeks to alter the traditional system of large and unfriendly government orphanages in favor of more traditional family structures.

I would like to recognize the Saluda Charitable Foundation's contributions and efforts for people in need everywhere. The foundation is an excellent example that goodwill knows no borders. We would all do well to follow their lead.

Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, it is appropriate that we remember the valiant service of the U.S. Coast Guard. During our Nation's most destructive natural disaster, these men and women went above and beyond the call of duty.

The sheer magnitude of the Guard's response was astounding. One-third of its air fleet was deployed in the Gulf region. Six years of search- and-rescue operations were completed in 1 week. More than 33,520 lives were saved.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that these servicemembers were not unaffected bystanders. Sixty-nine percent of Coast Guard members were themselves victims of the hurricane; yet they put their own distress aside to save those in need. These men and women are truly American heroes, despite negative, false reporting by the drive-by media.

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

Mr. Speaker, on August 24, Ukraine will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its independence. As we continue to strengthen relations with allies around the world, the importance of a democratic Ukraine cannot be overstated.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has made steady progress toward the creation of democratic institutions and a free-market economy. While past political instability proved challenging to the Ukrainian economy, reforms implemented under the leadership of President Viktor Yushchenko have brought greater success and prosperity to the people of Ukraine. I was honored to attend President Yushchenko's historic speech before a Joint Session of Congress last April.

Moreover, Ukraine has cultivated a civil society, showing greater respect for human rights, maintaining peaceful relationships with its neighbors, and investing in its citizens' prosperity.

I am very grateful that my home church, the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina, has entered into a strong and vibrant partnership with Maximovicha Baptist Church in Vinnitsa, Ukraine. Both churches are promoting exchanges of citizens who, sharing their experiences are promoting democracy. The inspiring heritage and culture of Ukraine is being appreciated by the people of South Carolina. The United States is proud to call Ukraine a friend. We will continue to seek Ukraine's support in world affairs and remain committed to helping the people of Ukraine compete in the global economy for the increased prosperity of its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday I will join Chairman Sam Johnson and colleagues on the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Employer--Employee Relations for a field hearing in Plano, Texas. This hearing will address a key issue in the debate surrounding illegal immigration: employee verification systems and employer enforcement.

The House border security bill incorporates stringent measures for verifying and complying with employee eligibility. Such provisions are sadly absent from the Reid-Kennedy Senate bill.

Throughout August, we will take our case to the American public. With various field hearings, we will differentiate our border- first approach from the Reid-Kennedy amnesty plan.

Chairman Ed Royce held two such hearings in July. Mr. Speaker, the response was overwhelming--the American people are on our side!

As we continue to debate this issue, I hope Senate Democrats will realize what the average American already understands: We cannot address illegal immigration without addressing border security.

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

I want to congratulate Congresswoman McMorris on her leadership with Congressman Smith on this issue.

As a person who has a son who is a doctor in California, I am very grateful to be here and support the amendment, which will create a Web- based virtual case management tool that provides access to the best practices for managing chronic disease.

Additionally, this amendment would provide for chronic disease patients and caregivers to have access to their own medical records and to a single source of information on chronic disease.

Further, it directs the Secretary to select at least four proposals from those submitted by States and at least one proposal selected to include a regional approach featuring access to an integrated hospital information system in at least two adjoining States that permits the measurement of outcomes.

I know personally that our family has benefited from the best of health care. One of our sons has been a cancer survivor. And I just want to congratulate, again, Congresswoman McMorris on her leadership; and I urge adoption of the amendment.

Miss McMORRIS. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time remains.

Mr. Speaker, just 3\1/2\ years ago, Iraq was controlled by a brutal dictator who killed an average of 300 people a day. Iraq has now been liberated, and a fledgling democracy has taken root. The Iraqi people--in the face of terrorist threats-- turned out in droves to ratify a constitution and elect their representatives. Today, this Congress and the American people have heard from the democratically elected leader of Iraq, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

I am grateful for the Prime Minister's address, as I appreciate his message of hope and progress. The training of Iraqi Security Forces is advancing rapidly. The parliamentary cabinet has been completed. Iraq has become a civil society.

Having visited Iraq six times, I have witnessed firsthand the progress being made. While there is still a long road ahead, the United States will continue to stand with the Iraqi people which protects American families. We will together make Iraq the graveyard of terrorists.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today as an original cosponsor of the civilian nuclear agreement. As a member of the International Relations Committee and past cochair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, this is an issue I have enthusiastically supported. I want to thank Chairman Henry Hyde, Ranking Member Tom Lantos, Chairman Ed Royce, Caucus Cochairs Gary Ackerman and Joe Crowley, and all other members of the committee who have crafted well-balanced, bipartisan legislation.

Some incorrectly believe this agreement will have a negative impact on nonproliferation. In contrast, it will greatly strengthen our current nonproliferation system. India has long been outside of the international nonproliferation regimes. Under this agreement, India will place 14 of 22 existing and planned nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.

For 30 years, India has protected its nuclear programs. It has not allowed proliferation of its nuclear technology. India is the world's largest democracy, with the 11th largest economy. It is treated uniquely because of its history of maintaining a successful nuclear nonproliferation regime. I saw firsthand on a visit to India in December the vibrant future of India as America's partner in the codel led by Dan Burton.

Passage of this agreement promotes meaningful mutual economic benefits for India and America. Secretary Rice has noted that as many as 5,000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs could be created as a result of this agreement. In addition, India will be better positioned to compete in the global economy, and trade between our countries will continue to grow at a record pace, such as in 2005 when we recorded a 30 percent increase in exports to India.

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

Mr. Speaker, literacy development begins at the early stages of a child's life and is the building block to future success. If we as a nation want to enhance our competitive edge in the global marketplace, we must ensure that our children have the basic reading skills to become successful in the classroom and later in the workplace.

On August 24, 2006, people around the country will participate in Jumpstart's ``Read for the Record.'' This unique event will attempt to set the world record for the number of children reading a single book, or being read to, and at the same time allow people of all ages to work together in overcoming the school readiness issues facing our country.

This reading experience will use one of the best known child motivational stories ever produced--The Little Engine That Could. In honor of this day, a special edition of the story was created to include proven reading techniques to help our children grasp core reading foundations. This custom edition was funded solely by a private company dedicated to reading excellence.

Mrs. Laura Bush is the Honorary Chair of Jumpstart's ``Read for the Record'' project. As a former teacher, Mrs. Bush understands the need for strong reading development.

Demonstrating this project's importance, NBC's Today Show will host a special segment to cover proven reading techniques. Matt Lauer will then read this classic book to children.

I would like to thank Principal Mary Ellen Parks Shell Point Elementary School in Beaufort, South Carolina, for inviting me on August 24th to read to a group of kindergarten students. As an award- winning school dedicated in closing the achievement gap in learning, I am extremely encouraged that the faculty and staff at Shell Point are totally committed to early childhood development through enhanced reading skills.

Jumpstart's ``Read for the Record'' will raise the necessary awareness and emphasize the importance of early learning in every family. Participation in this event will support the goal that every child can read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. For more information on how you too can foster stronger reading skills in our children, please visit www.readfortherecord.org.