Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Matt and Kate Wagner of Columbus, Georgia, on the birth of their new baby son. Lucas Scott Wagner was born on December 15, 2005 at 1:29 PM, weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Luke has been born into a loving home, where he will be raised by parents who are devoted to his well-being and bright future. His birth is a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Elizabeth and Blake Conatser of Washington, DC, on the birth of their new baby son. Cole Chandler Swanson Conatser was born on November 20, 2005 at 2:51 p.m., weighing 9 pounds and measuring 20.5 inches long. Cole has been born into a loving home, where he will be raised by parents who are devoted to his well-being and bright future. His birth is a blessing.

Madam Speaker, in October 2002, Saddam Hussein ridiculously reported he received 100 percent support during a sham election in which he was the only candidate in the race. Three years later due the bravery of American troops and Iraqi security forces, the people of Iraq now have an historic opportunity to select 275 individuals from over 6,655 candidates to serve in their national Council of Representatives.

National elections in Iraq are another symbol of progress and another demonstration of our coalition troops' efforts, including my son who served a year in Iraq, to spread freedom throughout the world. Our brave soldiers recognize that they are fighting in a war that will secure democracy in Iraq which ultimately protects American families from terrorists who would rather attack our citizens.

As the Iraqi people continue down the path of democracy, they should know the American people are proud of their continued successes and believe in the future of Iraq.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule and of H.R. 2830, the Pension Protection Act of 2005. I sincerely appreciate the strong leadership today of Mr. Hastings, as he is certainly presenting this in a very positive manner. I commend Chairmen Boehner and Thomas for crafting just a comprehensive and necessary legislation. This measure will both preserve and strengthen our private sector, employer sponsored retirement system for both current and former retirees.

This legislation, when enacted, will provide the most significant reform of our pension system since the initial passage of ERISA in 1974. This legislation will require higher levels of funding for single employer plans and provide the tools necessary to trustees, both labor and management, of multi-employer plans to more effectively deal with distressed plans. This legislation is the product of more than a year of hard work among Congress, the executive branch and a broad coalition of employers, labor unions and retirement system advocates. This coalition strongly supports passage of the Pension Protection Act of 2005, and it will go a long way toward preserving the benefits of millions of American workers and their families.

That is why it is so disheartening to see the Democrats and their leader Nancy Pelosi continue their just say no obstructionism by urging their Members to oppose this critical legislation. Rather than support pension reform that would aid American workers, the Democratic leadership continues its cynical and destructive strategy of opposing all substantive legislation in a futile attempt to influence public opinion against the Republican Congress. The opposition's motives could not be more transparent on this issue.

Employers, including auto makers, airlines and manufacturers, along with labor unions, including the United Auto Workers, Carpenters, United Food and Commercial Workers all support this reform measure and have urged all Members of Congress to support passage of H.R. 2830. For those Members on the other side of the aisle who demonstrate courage and reject their leadership's contemptuous call to oppose this legislation, you will be rewarded by the gratitude of your constituents and all Americans for doing the right thing.

I urge all Members to support retirement security reform and vote yes on H.R. 2830.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to salute an organization that has ably served the citizens of North and South Carolina for 50 years. With approximately 2,500 members, the Carolinas Independent Automobile Dealers Association is the largest chapter within the National Independent Dealers Association in the country. Led by executive director Jim Edwards, CIADA encourages its members to abide by a published code of ethics and to actively

serve the best interests of their clients. Their commitment to Carolina families has earned this association a reputation of excellence.

The members of this association have also been recognized as national leaders of the automobile industry. Throughout its history, four members of the Carolina Association have served as distinguished presidents of the National Association, including Karen Barbee of Concord, the current president and first woman to lead this national organization.

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

Mr. Speaker, workers throughout our country have over 4.25 million reasons to agree that the American economy continues to improve under Republican leadership.

Since President Bush signed the Jobs and Growth Act of 2003, the news about the economy has been overwhelmingly positive. 4.5 million new jobs have been created. The unemployment rate is lower than the average of the past three decades. The economy grew at 4.3 percent over the past 10 quarters. Tax receipts increased by $274 billion in just one year after the tax cuts, the largest increase ever due to economic growth.

As the Republican Congress continues to pass legislation that will decrease the tax burden upon American workers and eliminate excessive government regulations, our economy will continue to flourish. We will work hard to ensure that the American people, not the Federal Government, have control over their hard-earned money.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, we will never forget September 11, and the lifetime of service of the late Governor Carroll Campbell.

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Laura and Dan Gans of Alexandria, VA, on the birth of their new baby girl. Elizabeth Anne Gans was born on November 11, 2005 at 3:35 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches long. Elizabeth 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, with the death of my friend Governor Carroll Campbell, South Carolina lost a true hero today.

Governor Campbell led an extraordinary life, demonstrated by his commitment to his family and his community. As a devoted family man, he was always attentive to his wife, Iris, and his sons, Carroll and Mike. While working in Washington and Greenville, he was widely respected as a business leader who valued integrity and honesty.

Most South Carolinians will remember Governor Campbell for his dedication to improving their lives. Throughout his service in the State Legislature, U.S. Congress, and Governor's office, he was a true statesman. As a member of the State Senate, I was fortunate to witness his passion for restructuring the government and ensuring greater access for citizens. His vision helped create economic development, and helped bring BMW to Greer and Michelin to Lexington.

As a political leader, he effectively changed the face of politics in our country by establishing a Republican majority in South Carolina. On the national level, he was a key ally of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

The Wilson family extends its deepest sympathy to the Campbell family.

Mr. Speaker, Congress will soon consider implementing legislation to support civil nuclear cooperation between India and the United States. I strongly support this initiative, which is a critical component of the U.S.-India Joint Statement of July 18 reached during the historic visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington this past summer.

The civil nuclear agreement is a major step forward for the United States and global nonproliferation policies. In the U.S.-India Statement of July 18: ``President Bush conveyed his appreciation to the Prime Minister of India's strong commitment to preventing WMD proliferation and stated that as a responsible state with advanced nuclear technology, India should acquire the same benefits and advantages of other such states.''

After my meetings in New Delhi last week, I am convinced that our strategic partnership with India will help ensure our own future security and prosperity working together for victory in the war on terrorism.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11, our generation's December 7.

Mr. Speaker, while President Bush clearly outlined his strategy for victory in Iraq last week, soldiers of the Second Iraqi Army Brigade were finishing their first day of independently conducting military activities in Hillah, Iraq. After undergoing extensive training and testing by coalition forces,

these soldiers have proven that they are capable of protecting and securing their country.

Each day, Iraqis are playing a larger role in ensuring that democracy and freedom prevail in their Nation. On December 15, over 225,000 Iraqi soldiers will be responsible for conducting security operations during Iraq's nationwide election.

The constant progress in Iraq could not be possible without the tremendous dedication of the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States military. Our troops understand the necessity of victory in the war on terrorism to protect American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Suresh and Jey Maniam of Arlington, Virginia, on the birth of their new baby boy. Deccan West Venkat Maniam was born on November 4, 2005 at 8:02 AM, weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Deccan has been born into a loving home, where he will be raised by parents who are devoted to his well-being and bright future. His birth is a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, last month, Ayman Zawahiri, al Qaeda's number two leader, said that the terrorist mission was to ``expel the Americans from Iraq.'' Yesterday, this statement was echoed when Democratic Congressman John Murtha called for U.S. troops to be withdrawn from Iraq.

Instead of proposing winning solutions for the Global War on Terrorism, some Democrats are throwing up their hands and waving the white flag of surrender. As our brave men and women in uniform continue to protect our country, Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha, and other Democrats should have learned from last week's mass murders in Jordan that we face a global enemy, following the bus bombings in London and New Delhi.

As a 31-year veteran and the father of a son who served in Iraq, I know our troops and brave Iraqi patriots are making tremendous progress protecting American families. Americans recognize we will face the terrorists on the streets of Iraq or we will face them again in America.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Georgia for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I am here in the role of a parent. I am very proud that my oldest son served in the field artillery of the Army National Guard for a year in Iraq. He saw the progress of building a civil society in Iraq to protect American families. I am also grateful my second son is a doctor in the Navy, graduated from medical school this year. My third son graduated from signal school this year, just got back from serving a month in Egypt, again promoting democracy and freedom. My fourth son has indicated that next year he will be enlisting in the marines.

My four sons understand September 11 was the beginning of a war, a global war against terrorism. I am very proud of their participation. We understand that we must face the enemy overseas, or we will be facing them here on the streets of America.

Mr. Speaker, President Teddy Roosevelt once said that ``The best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.''

Throughout the past 11 years, Laurin Groover, a native of Florence, South Carolina, has done just that by working to improve the lives of countless citizens of the second district of South Carolina.

After graduating from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, Laurin began work in Washington as a staff assistant with my predecessor, the late Chairman Floyd Spence. Due to her extensive knowledge of military issues and strong work ethic, Laurin has quickly risen through the ranks on Capitol Hill. As Legislative Director in the office, she has been instrumental in protecting America's and South Carolina's military installations and helping American men and women in uniform win the war on Terrorism.

Although I am sad to announce that Laurin is leaving the Hill, I am happy to recognize her opportunity as a consultant with the American Business Development Group.

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

Mr. Speaker, Democrats and President Bush have consistently and truthfully said that Saddam Hussein was a threat to our country. In the 2002 war debate, Senator Hillary Clinton said, ``If left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continued to increase his capability to wage biological and chemical warfare.'' Liberal Democrat Nancy Pelosi declared, ``Saddam Hussein certainly has chemical and biological weapons.'' Howard Dean vowed, ``There is no question that Saddam Hussein is a threat to the United States and our allies.''

However, since losing the 2004 election, Democrats have developed a disturbing case of obstructionism and now falsely claim that President Bush exaggerated the threat posed by Saddam Hussein. Why would Democrats go from agreeing with President Bush in supporting our mission in Iraq to slandering our Commander in Chief and questioning our troops' efforts? Politics, pure and simple politics.

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