Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, all South Carolinians mourn the loss of the late Corrin Fitts Bowers of Estill who was the devoted husband of the beloved Mary Eleanor Bowers who served with distinction as Office Manager in the Second Congressional District Office for Arthur Ravenel, Floyd Spence, and Joe Wilson.

The following obituary ran in The State newspaper on February 23, 2006:

Corrin Fitts Bowers, 77, died February 22, 2006, surrounded

by his loving family. He was born July 5, 1928, in Luray,

South Carolina, to Grover Ford Bowers and Corinne Fitts

Bowers. He was the grandson of Louisa Johnston and Dr. Paul

Ford Eve Bowers and Francis Gray and Eugene deTreville Fitts,

all of Luray.

He attended school in Luray and Estill, where he finished

high school in 1945. He attended both the University of South

Carolina and Newberry College. He was the owner of the hat

that became the Bronze Derby, Newberry and Presbyterian

Colleges' much contended sports trophy.

He was a lifelong farmer who farmed the family land and

grew cotton, corn, peaches and watermelons. He served for

many years on the Production Credit Board in Walterboro. He

served as a member of Hampton County's ASCA as well as the

State Board under President Jimmy Carter. In Estill, Mr.

Bowers was the Democratic Committee Chairman for 10 years. In

1960 he placed in the ``Outstanding Young Farmers Award'' and

won the State Cotton--5 acre contest. He served for many

years on the S.C. District Housing Committee #2 as the

chairman. He served as the first President of the Estill

Jaycees and Co-Chairman of the 1964 Watermelon Festival,

which was held in Estill. Mr. Bowers was instrumental in

bringing astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young to Estill on

Mendel Rivers' Day. He was one of the founders of Patrick

Henry Academy, serving as the first temporary chairman. He

served on the board of Patrick Henry for many years and

remained a Trustee until his death.

Corrin Bowers was a member of Lawtonville Baptist Church

and served as an active and inactive deacon there for 50

years. He taught Sunday School, Training Union and was

chairman of the Building Committee several times. Mr. Bowers

served on one pastor search committee and sang bass in the

church choir.

Corrin and his family were avid hunters who loved to

entertain. He and his two brothers, Grover and ``Det,'' were

the Lowcountry jitterbuggers. A girl cousin once said, ``You

have not lived if you haven't been to a dance with one of the

Bowers boys.'' Corrin was a charter member of the Monday

Night Couple's Bridge Club for 56 years. He was also a member

of Estill Supper Club as well as the Estill Lions Club.

Corrin Bowers is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary

Eleanor Wiggins Bowers; his brother, Grover Ford Bowers

(Macie); a son Corrin Fitts Bowers, junior (Sallie) of

Estill, daughters, Sharon Bowers Green (Roy) also of Estill,

and ``Liz'' Bowers Palles (Mitch)

and Graham Bowers Solana (Mark) of Savannah, Georgia; three

granddaughters, Mary Crane Palles of Columbia, Louisa Sims

Bowers of Estill and Mary Tippins Solana of Savannah; eight

grandsons, John C. Green (Deana) of Jacksonville, Florida,

Corrin J. Green (Hanna) of Columbia, South Carolina, and

Andrew N. Green, Mitchell D. Palles III, and Corrin Fitts

Bowers III, all of Columbia; Joe, Henry and Gray Solana of

Savannah; one guardian son, Thomas W. Folk, junior (Jan) of

Barnwell; two greatgrandsons, Patrick Bowers Green and

William Fitts Green of Jacksonville, Florida; four nieces,

Martha B. Simons (Paul) of Aiken, Laurie W. Hanna (Chris) of

Estill, Stephanie W. Bates (Rob) of Chapin, and Tracy Wiggins

of Columbia; seven nephews, deTreville Bowers (Polly) and Dr.

Ford Bowers (Susan) both of Chapin, South Carolina, Ransey

Bowers (Mary Wells) and Tison Bowers (Julie) of Columbia,

Bill Bowers (Val) of Savannah, Georgia, Grover Bowers III

(Derbi) of Okatie, South Carolina, and Bob Wiggins (Rachael)

of Estill, South Carolina; one brother in law, R.G. ``Bro''

Wiggins (Kay) of Estill, South Carolina. First cousins, Betty

Fitts, Cecilia Baker of Estill, Mary Eleanor Rouse, Robert

and Mary Bowers of Luray; Paul Bowers of Allenda1e; Frances

F. DeLoach of Beaufort; Deloris F. Jenkins of Barnwell, SC.,

Franklena Geiger of Atlanta, Georgia and Araminta E. Harris

of Salisbury, N.C. He was predeceased by his brother,

deTreville Bowers and survived by his wife, Evelyn Pendarvis

Bowers Kuebler. The pallbearers for Corrin Bowers are his

grandsons with his nephews standing nearby, in a group. The

honorary pallbearers include: Harry Hanna, Montague Laffitte,

Dr. Luke Laffitte, Clarke Baker, Paul Peeples, Dr. J.D.

Rouse, junior, Ashley Bush, Dr. Harrison L. Peeples, Lester

Cook, Richard Mixson, George Barber, Coy Johnston, Bill

Ratcliff, Bill Stewart, Clyde Eltzroth, Harold Mack, Bill

Sprague, Homer Peeples, Mendel Davis, Billy Wier, Billy

Yonce, Bart Waller, Randolph Murdaugh III, Lee Bowers, Karl

Bowers, Hughsie E. Long, Tony Reardon, Hugh T. Lightsey,

Damian Centgraf, John D. Carswell, his faithful employees and

his kind and loving caregiver Jerrod Steven Wilson.

Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2006,

at 362 Wyman Blvd. in Estill, South Carolina and continue

until 1 p.m. Friday when Mr. Bowers will be taken to the

church.

Funeral is 3 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2006, at Lawtonville

Baptist Church with Reverend. Dr. James Norris, officiating.

Burial: Lawntonville Cemetery.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made

to Lawtonville Baptist Church Parsonage Building Fund, P.O.

Box 1057, Estill, SC 29918.

Mr. Speaker, while preparing for his upcoming visit to India, President Bush recently highlighted the unique role India is playing in the 21st century. As the largest democracy in the world and

one of the largest economies in the world, India possesses a rare combination of freedom and innovation which is paving the way for the country's bright future.

The United States already shares a strong strategic partnership with India, enhanced by the extraordinary success of 2.2 million Indian- Americans. Our nations are working together to defeat the global threat of terrorism, support democracy around the world, and encourage fair trade. Last year, exports from America to India increased by 30 percent, clearly indicating a bright future for U.S.-India trade with mutual benefit.

By traveling to India this week, President Bush is taking another step to cement the bonds of this strong relationship. I appreciate his leadership, and I am confident that he will witness the same positive developments I saw during my recent trip to India.

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

Madam Speaker, yesterday, as he delivered his first economic update to Congress, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke from Dillon, South Carolina, reported that the American economy performed impressively in 2005. While hailing increases in payroll employment, gross domestic product and productivity, he noted that our economy achieved significant gains, overcoming incredible obstacles.

Chairman Bernanke also predicted that the economy will continue to grow in 2006. His positive economic outlook equals more jobs for American workers, more income for American families, and more opportunities for American consumers.

Today, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting permanent tax cuts that will ensure economic expansion throughout our country. President Bush's tax cuts started this strong wave of economic growth, creating 5 million jobs. We must remain committed to continuing this important policy.

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

Mr. Speaker, since 2003, the United States Agency for International Development has supported efforts to revitalize Iraq's economy, improve education, develop a vibrant civil society, and assist Iraqis in the development of their new democracy which protects American families by denying terrorists training camps.

Thanks to USAID, 10 sewage treatments plants in Iraq have been refurbished; 97 percent of Iraqi children

have been immunized against polio; 8.6 million new textbooks have been supplied to Iraqi schools; 790,000 Iraqis participated in town meetings on democracy during their historic elections; five cities in Iraq have 19 refurbished or expanded water treatment plants; nearly 3,000 Iraqi schools have been rehabbed; 2,500 Iraqis have been trained to provide primary health care; 1,200 megawatts of new/rehabilitation generation capacity have been added to Iraqi's electricity grid.

Today, the Victory in Iraq Caucus will host USAID Iraq director Dawn Liberi to learn more about progress taking place throughout Iraq. I urge my colleagues to join me for this important event.

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

Mr. Speaker, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the controlled President of Iran, continues to deny the horrors of the Holocaust and encourage the elimination of Israel. As his message of hatred and fanaticism grows louder each day, the seriousness of his nuclear ambitions has become increasingly obvious.

Last week, the IAEA Board of Governors, including our allies, India, Canada and Australia, voted overwhelmingly to report Iran to the U.N. Security Council. Although the Bush Administration built a case for international unity, Iran's President persists in his quest for nuclear weapons. The U.N. must act quickly and strongly to hold Iran accountable for violating the nuclear nonproliferation treaty.

During the Cold War, Ronald Reagan advocated peace through strength. As the Iranian regime continues to undermine peace and stability, leaders of free nations must work together to seriously address this grave threat. While the Iranian president, chosen by a fixed system, continues to pursue his agenda of terror, the Iranian people deserve a brighter future of economic expansion, not a warmongering leader.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for House Concurrent Resolution 322, and I appreciate the leadership of my Armed Services Committee seatmate Jeff Miller for authoring the resolution. He and his wife, Vicky, are tireless advocates for our military heroes who protect American families. I am also grateful for the USO Caucus leadership of Congressman Jeff Miller and Sylvestre Reyes, two of the most dedicated Members of Congress.

Created in 1941 by the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the United Service Organizations delivers

encouragement and optimism to our brave men and women in uniform. The USO is ably led by president and CEO Ned Powell, who is a distinguished graduate of Washington and Lee University in Virginia.

Throughout the past six decades, the USO has evolved continuously to meet our soldiers' needs during wartime and peacetime. From operating clubs where troops can meet, to sponsoring Bob Hope's historic shows, the organization has a tremendous record of providing critical comfort and aid to our servicemembers. Today, with the help of 12,000 volunteers providing nearly 450,000 hours of service per year, the USO operates 124 centers and six mobile canteens around the world. On the State level, we have had outstanding programs such as in South Carolina with Redd Reynolds entertaining National Guard troops.

I am proud to join Congressman Jeff Miller and Congressman Sylvestre Reyes in congratulating the USO for its 65th anniversary of dedicated service. As American soldiers risk their lives in the war on terrorism to protect American families, the USO's mission is more important than ever. I appreciate the USO firsthand from my knowledge as a Member of Congress, a 31-year veteran, and as the parent of three sons currently serving in the military.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Rahul and Lavannya Pandit of Houston, Texas, on the birth of their new baby daugther. Sanjna Vijaya Pandit was born on January 12, 2006, at 2:20 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Sanjna has been born into a loving home, where she will

be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. Her birth is a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, the following resolution was passed in honor of Margaret Heller Percell by the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

Resolution Honoring Margaret Heller Percell

Whereas Margaret Heller Percell will retire on February 1,

2006, after thirty-eight years of service to the state of

South Carolina and

Whereas Margaret began her service to the State of South

Carolina in May, 1967, at South Carolina State University in

the Career Planning and Placement Office and

Whereas Margaret became a member of the Governor's staff in

August, 1968, as the first black since reconstruction serving

under Governors Robert E. McNair and John C. West,

respectfully, and

Whereas Margaret jointed the staff of the South Carolina

Human Affairs Commission in September, 1975, as staff

assistant to the Commissioner and was appointed to the

position of Procurement Officer in 1978 where she has served

for the past twenty-seven years and

Whereas Margaret has served as a member of the South

Carolina Governmental Fleet Managers Association (SCGFMA) and

the South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing

Officers (SCAGPO), Bethune-Westside Chapter of National

Council of Negro Women, the Daisy Dunn Johnson Foundation,

Hope School Preservation/Restoration Committee, the Ryan

Street Home Owners Association and a member of Brookland

Baptist Church where she served as president of the

Deaconesses for fifteen years.

It is hereby resolved that the members of the South

Carolina Human Affairs Commission commend Margaret for her

exemplary service to the Commission and the State of South

Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, in 2006, over 1,850 South Carolinians will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, or melanoma. Unfortunately, this devastating statistic is reflected in communities throughout our Nation.

While families struggle to cope with these serious diseases, the South Carolina Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is fighting to find cures and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. By focusing their resources on research, patient services, professional education and advocacy, a dedicated group of volunteers and staff are making tremendous progress every day.

Today, I am honored to recognize the South Carolina Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for its service. As blood cancers continue to threaten the lives of our family members and friends, I would like to encourage my colleagues and all Americans to join in this important fight.

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

Mr. Speaker, as the National Conference of Catholic Bishops once stated, ``Education fosters the dignity of a person and the building of a community.'' Today, I am honored to thank my friend, Congressman Mark Kennedy, for his leadership in recognizing America's Catholic schools for their continued commitment to education, and I appreciate Congressman Mike Castle for his managing of the resolution.

I know firsthand of the effectiveness of Catholic schools from my school visits in the Second District of South Carolina to the elementary schools of St. Mary Help of Christians in Aiken; St. Peter in Beaufort; St. John Newmann of Columbia; and St. Joseph of Columbia, where I have two godsons, Jackson Gossett and Joseph Fisera; St. Martin DePorres of Columbia; St. Peter of Columbia; and additionally, St. Francis by the Sea of Hilton Head Island, along with Cardinal Newman High School in Forest Acres, South Carolina.

For generations these schools have served as an origin of opportunity for millions of Americans by teaching a broad, values-added education. Catholic schools play a pivotal role in helping American children develop into responsible and productive members of

society. Today, almost 8,000 Catholic schools are educating nearly 2.5 million students. Because of their excellent curriculum and strong emphasis upon values, these schools consistently outperform other public and private schools. Ninety-nine percent of Catholic high school students graduate, and 97 percent attend some form of postsecondary schooling.

Catholic schools also serve willingly in our communities. After Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, Catholic schools in almost every State graciously welcomed displaced children from devastated areas without charging them for tuition, uniforms, books and supplies. Their recent generosity is simply another example of Catholic schools faithfully following the Gospel message. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I join my colleagues in supporting the resolution expressing our sincere appreciation for America's Catholic schools.

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

Mr. Speaker, while I would be happy to report all of the good news about today's economy, it would certainly take me more than 1 minute.

By decreasing taxes and eliminating unnecessary government regulations, President Bush and Republican leaders have created strong economic growth that has delivered a long list of benefits to the American families.

Four point five million new jobs have been created since May 2003. Home sales reached a record high in October with the highest percentage of American home ownership in history. Consumer prices decreased last month by 0.6 percent, the largest decrease since 1949. Energy prices recently dropped by 8 percent. The unemployment rate is lower than the average of the past 3 decades. The economy grow at 4.3 percent over the last 10 quarters. Productivity soared in the last quarter by 4.7 percent, reducing fears of inflation.

Although we are pleased about these excellent economic indicators, we are not satisfied. House Republicans will continue to promote policies that create jobs for all American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, all South Carolinians have mourned the loss of former Governor Carroll Campbell. As a longtime friend, I especially appreciate his service.

I met Carroll Campbell when we were both elected delegates at the State Republican Convention in 1972 for the National Convention in Miami Beach. We were delegates when I hired fellow delegate Lee Atwater of Newberry College to organize college campuses to work with Carroll in the Upstate to elect President Richard Nixon.

In 1975, as Executive Assistant to Governor Jim Edwards, South Carolina's first Republican Governor, I worked closely with Carroll and accountant Wagdy Demian to reform the irregulataries at the Department of Social Services. Our meetings were in hallways due to concern of monitoring in offices and Mr. Demian courageously provided whistleblower information despite an attempt on his life.

In 1985, I was the first State Senator to endorse his candidacy for Governor and I worked independently with State Senators Ryan Shealy and Warren Giese to recruit Congressman Tommy Hartnett for Lieutenant Governor and developed the Dream Team of two candidates with the highest integrity and ability.

In 1986, the gubernatorial campaign was a historic breakthrough which fostered a Republican majority in the State. Working with Bob McAllister and Warren Tomkins, I researched, developed, and publicized with State Senators David Thomas and Bill Branton, the sweetheart leases of Democrat officials with state agencies at ``The Good Old Boys Tower.'' After the election, Governor Campbell re-negotiated the leases, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

In 1990, I was grateful to work with the Campbell staff and irate Democrats uncovering purchasing irregularities at the State Department of Education, explaining the need to elect a new State Superintendent. Working with Representative David Wright, we were slammed as ``Hatchet and Tomahawk'' by Democrats, but the efforts prevailed to elect Barbara Nielsen as the State's first Republican Superintendent, who served with great distinction.

During the two terms of the Campbell Administration, I was honored to serve as floor leader for his initiatives in the State Senate. The highlight was to address the power failure of state government with restructuring. Working with Chamber leader Paula Harper Bethea, Democrat Lt. Governor Nick Theodore, Senator David Thomas and Senator Greg Ryberg, we were successful. Due to the House leadership of Rep. David Wilkins, we were able to pass a bill despite determined opposition who were opposed to the reforms and devoted to tarnishing the Campbell legacy of success.

The following obituary is a full tribute to Governor Campbell. This tribute ran in the The Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, on December 9, 2005.

Carroll Campbell, Jr.

Carroll Ashmore Campbell, Jr., beloved husband, father,

grandfather and former two-term South Carolina governor who

led the economic and political transformation of his home

state, died of cardiac arrest Wednesday at a Lexington health

care facility after a five year struggle with Alzheimer's

disease. He was 65.

Born July 24, 1940 in Greenville to Carroll Sr. and Anne

Williams Campbell, he was a lifelong learner himself,

educated in Greenville's public schools and graduated from

the McCallie School in Tennessee. As a teenager,

he paid his own way to attend college part-time at the

University of South Carolina-Spartanburg. He continued his

education while in Congress, taking classes in the evening

and earning a master's degree in political science and the

award for outstanding scholarship at the graduate level from

the School of Government and Public Administration at

American University. One professor told friends in later

years that Campbell was the only public official who had

taken the class without having staff members do the

classwork. He also held ten honorary doctorate degrees and

received numerous business and public service awards.

Despite accomplishing reforms on behalf of millions of

fellow South Carolinians, Carroll Campbell took his greatest

pride in the achievements and love of a few. His family--a

wife of 46 years, two sons and their wives and four

grandchildren--were his strength and comfort. Iris and

Carroll Campbell married in 1959 and soon became known in

Greenville for their delight in the company of friends and

their shagging to the beach music Carroll had learned and

loved as a young lifeguard during high school summers in

Myrtle Beach.

At 19, while working in the real estate business, he

cofounded a successful chain of parking facilities. In 1967,

he was co-founder of a business that developed a chain of 13

Burger King restaurants. He later became an active breeder of

Arabian horses, owning and operating a farm near Fountain Inn

in the Seventies. Later, along with his sons and others, he

owned a chain of 19 Wendy's restaurants throughout South

Carolina.

He was first elected to public office in 1970 as a member

of the South Carolina State House of Representatives. Mr.

Campbell served there until 1974. Running in a 1976 special

election, he won a seat representing Greenville in the state

Senate.

In 1978, Carroll Campbell was elected to the United States

Congress from South Carolina's fourth congressional district,

the first Republican since reconstruction to hold that seat.

He served in Congress until 1986.

Campbell was elected as governor of South Carolina in 1986

and re-elected in 1990. Job creation, strong economic growth,

education reform and fiscal conservatism were the hallmarks

of his administration.

In 1995, Mr. Campbell became President and CEO of the

American Council of Life Insurers, the trade arm of the life

insurance industry. He retired from that position in January

2002. He served on the board of directors for BMW

International, Fluor Corporation, AVX Corporation, Norfolk

Southern Corporation, Wackenhut Corporation, TRAC Racing and

the Boy Scouts of America.

In an October 2001 letter to the people of South Carolina,

Mr. Campbell announced his diagnosis and plans to fight the

disease. He was an active supporter of the Alzheimer's

Association in South Carolina, raising funds for the

association and for the care facility that bears his name and

where he spent his final days.

Surviving are his wife Iris, his son Carroll III and wife

Elizabeth; son Mike and his wife Ruffin, and four

grandchildren, Blakeney Herlong Campbell, Carroll Barrett

Campbell, Michael Rhodes Campbell and Marie Riley Campbell,

all of Columbia. He is also survived by Anne Mangum, Mary

Carpenter, Elizabeth Tatum, and Caroline Campbell.

Instead of flowers, the Campbell family asks that donations

be made to the South Carolina Alzheimer's Association,

Attention: Carroll Campbell Respite Program, PO Box 7044,

Columbia, SC 29202. The Respite Program helps family members

relieve the stress they may experience while providing care

for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

The governor's body will lie in state on the second floor

of the State House between the House and Senate chambers from

9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, December 9. The viewing is open

to the public. Members of the S.C. Army and Air National

Guard will serve as honor guards during this time.

The funeral will be held Saturday, December 10, at 10:30

a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia. The body

will be taken by caisson. The funeral will be open to the

public, though seating will be very limited.

After the Columbia funeral, the body will be taken to All

Saints Episcopal Church at Pawley's Island for a brief

service inside the church at 4 p.m., followed by burial in

the church cemetery. This service, too, will be open to the

public, though seating will be very limited.

Pallbearers will be officers representing SLED, the

Department of Natural Resources and the S.C. Highway Patrol.

Members of his former security detail will be honorary

pallbearers.

Dunbar Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's New York Times proclaims loudly that ``Iraqis, Including Sunnis, Voted in Large Numbers'' during Thursday's historic elections.

Throughout the world, people were waking up to the great news about Iraq's most recent democratic victory. USA Today discussed the inspiring turnout in Iraq, while even Knight Ridder declared that high voter turnout in Iraq promises fully representative parliament.

The National Review reported that U.S. troops describe a festive atmosphere across Iraq. The Los Angeles Times wrote that the ballot box is the new battle ground. The Boston Globe described how, for one Sunni family, casting ballots was an act of resistance.

I was particularly pleased to learn that the BBC reported the Iraqi vote met global standards. From New York to London, the mainstream media finally recognized and reported the clear successes of the election which delivered a devastating blow to terrorists and ultimately helped protect American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, Republican fiscal policies continue to spread tidings of economic joy to families throughout our country.

Yesterday, the U.S. Labor Department reported that consumer prices plummeted last month by 0.6 percent, the largest decrease since 1949. Energy prices alone have dropped by 8 percent. These strong economic indicators are only a sample of gifts created by low taxes and decreased government regulations.

Additionally, 4.5 million new jobs have been created. More Americans are working than ever before in our Nation's history. The unemployment rate is lower than the average of the past three decades. The economy grew at 4.3 percent over the last 10 quarters. Tax receipts increased by $247 billion in just 1 year after the Bush tax cuts, the largest increase ever. Home sales reached a record high in October. Productivity soared in the last quarter by 4.7 percent, reducing fears of inflation.

We will continue to enact economic policies to help all Americans.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11 and the courageous Iraqi voters.

Mr. Speaker, I am here today in support of the rule and the underlying resolution, in very strong support. I am here as a Member of Congress. I am here as a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserves and the National Guard.

I am also proud to be the father of a son who served for a year in Iraq. I know firsthand of the progress that is being made there, along with other Members of Congress.

We should be proud that Chairman Hunter, his son served in the Marines for a year in Mosul. Mr. Skelton had a son serve in Afghanistan in the war on terrorism. Mr. Taylor of North Carolina, Mr. Akin of Missouri, Mr. Kline of Minnesota, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, and Mr. Saxton of New Jersey, all of us have had family members who have participated in the global war on terror, and we are so proud of their successes.

Additionally, I would tell you that I disagree with Democratic Leader Pelosi. I believe that her position is wrong. I believe that proposing a withdrawal is giving your game plan ahead of time. You do not do it in football; you do not do it in politics. And you do not do it in a time of war. It is my view that we should understand that war is unpredictable.

Of all times, this week 61 years ago we found out the unpredictability of war and that is the Battle of Bulge. Tens of thousands of German troops secretly were located in the Ardennes Forest, attacked our troops in Luxembourg, in Belgium, and in Germany itself, and we lost 17,000 Americans. This could not be projected, this surprise attack.

We need to be prepared. So I am very proud that indeed progress is being made.

Our President has a wonderful plan of developing the Iraqi Security Forces, developing the Iraqi economy and the political situation, as we saw yesterday with the historic turnout of millions of Iraqis to build a civil society. And the bottom line is, it protects the American people.

This is exactly what America did after World War II, developing the democratic society of Japan which now is one of our great allies. We have the same potential to protect American families now.