Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, in spite of great challenges, the Afghan people continue to make tremendous progress in creating a hopeful future for their families and their country.

On Sunday, Afghans will go to the polls to choose parliamentary candidates who will represent their views and reinforce their nation's status as a growing democracy. Preparations are being made to ensure that the upcoming election is fair and accessible to all citizens of Afghanistan.

Since many people in the country are illiterate, the ballots will list candidates names, photographs, personal symbols, and numbers to ensure that Afghans from all walks of life have the opportunity to participate in the election.

After witnessing the tremendous success of Iraq's elections, I am confident that the people of Afghanistan will also turn out overwhelmingly to cast their ballots.

They are committed to democracy and confident in their vision for their nation, which protects American families.

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

Madam Speaker, some 1,500 evacuees from the Gulf Coast, and particularly in New Orleans, are calling Columbia, South Carolina, home through the help of a unique grass-roots effort called South Carolina Cares, which combines private, public, and faith- based organizations.

I want to extend my thanks to my fellow Congressman, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), Columbia Mayor Bob Coble, and University of South Carolina president Andrew Sorensen who worked with the American Red Cross and initiated the effort that now involves thousands of people.

At South Carolina Cares, the only rule is the Golden Rule, and fellow citizens are treated as we would like to be treated if we were in this unthinkable situation. As Sam Tenenbaum, chairman of South Carolina Cares said, ``Put yourself in their shoes.''

South Carolina Cares is a model for the Nation, demonstrating how people, companies, and organizations and government at all levels are coming together to help their fellow Americans. They will continue to respond to this crisis with action, compassion, and leadership.

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

Mr. Speaker, since President Bush nominated John Roberts to serve on the Supreme Court in July, we have heard countless stories confirming Mr. Roberts' character, leadership abilities, and commitment to justice. Throughout his career, he has achieved an accomplished record of government service and has demonstrated his dedication to protecting our rights. The more Americans learn about him, the more they like him.

On Sunday, President Bush nominated Judge Roberts to follow in the footsteps of Chief Justice William Rehnquist as our Nation's highest ranking judge. When the Senate begins its confirmation process next week, I am confident that they will continue to discover that Judge Roberts is well suited for this position. From serving as a law clerk for Chief Justice Rehnquist to arguing 39 cases before the Supreme Court, he possesses a unique wealth of knowledge and experience.

After losing Chief Justice Rehnquist, our judicial system needs a similar leader who will fairly and effectively guide our courts. I strongly believe our Nation has found such a person in John Roberts.

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

Mr. Speaker, today our thoughts and prayers are with the Rehnquist family and our Nation. As we celebrate the life of Chief Justice William Rehnquist today, we mourn the loss of a true leader who made the most of his unique opportunity to help the American people. He was a skilled judge and a brilliant man who devoted over a third of his life to ensuring that our highest Court fairly upheld our laws.

From fighting excessive Federal laws as an Associate Justice to battling cancer as Chief Justice, Rehnquist embodied determination and conviction throughout his tenure. Often the lone vote on an issue, he remained true to his conservative beliefs and worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was fairly delivered, and efficiently. Because of his monumental impact on our legal system, he earned a valuable place in our Nation's history.

As his family and friends gather today, I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude for the life and work of Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1642.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the past week, Americans have watched scenes of devastation that we never imagined would occur in our country. Lives have been lost, families have been separated, and communities have been demolished in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. As rescue workers search for survivors and permanent shelter for evacuees, the severity of this disaster continues to shock all Americans.

As a former National Guard liaison to the Governor's office during hurricanes in South Carolina, I see that our Nation grows more hopeful every day. Federal, State, and local officials are working together to save lives, deliver relief and restore order in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Last Friday, Congress passed a $10.5 billion emergency relief package to immediately help American families.

Across our country, Americans are opening up their homes and their checkbooks to help their neighbors. I would like to encourage South Carolinians to join this effort by contacting the Red Cross at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW. Now more than ever, Americans must do what we do best: help each other.

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

Mr. Speaker, I join in supporting House Resolution 360 recognizing V-J Day.

Last week, I was honored to serve on a delegation with Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, accompanied by Col. Antonio Baines (U.S. Army-- Ret.) for the V-J Day activities in Beijing, China. The U.S. Embassy staff professionally coordinated the visit.

A highlight was to meet with U.S. veterans who served in China during World War II. It was inspiring to personally meet heroes who still exhibit the courage of their service 60 years ago.

I am grateful for my host, the Hon. Jiang Enzhu, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, who extended the invitation and provided a warm exchange of ideas to promote Chinese American Friendship. I addressed concern that the talks on textile imports had broken down the previous day.

At the Great Hall of the People, we were welcomed by the Hon. Sheng Hauren, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee. In a frank exchange of viewpoints, we determined China and America have more in common rather than differences.

It was inspiring to join veterans of a dozen nations at the Beijing Peace Wall for the signing for the Beijing Peace Declaration. Our stay concluded with a dinner hosted by President Hu Jintao.

As the son of a Flying Tiger who served in China, I especially was appreciative to attend these events. My late father, 1LT Hugh D. Wilson, was proud to have protected the Chinese people in the Fourteenth Air Force as a member of the 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group known as the Thunderdragons of Fungwaushan, China.

The following report by my father was presented to fellow 14th Air Force Veterans as he reflected on his service.

A Night on a Sandbar on the Yangtze River--March 8, 1945

(By Hugh D. Wilson)

I had spent twelve months in China as a fighter pilot,

flying P-40's and P-47's. In another three months I would

finish my quota of missions and be on my way home.

On March 7, Lt. Col. Getchel, 1st Lt. Phil Van Sickle and I

were called into our CO's office to inform us that we had

been picked to ferry three L-5's (Stinson) from Kunming to

Chengtu a distance of 600 miles. We were to fly by transport

to Kunming early on the 8th. The planes would be ready and we

were to fly half way back by night fall to Ipin, spend the

night and then on to Chengtu.

We took off from Kunming about 2 p.m. with an ETA at Ipin

at 5 p.m. The L-5's had a 165 HP Engine and we were cruising

about 100 MPH.

Van Sickle and I being 1st Lts. closely followed our Col.

which was a mistake, for after about two hours he called on

the radio that he thought he had missed a check point.

I had been doing some map reading and assured the Col. that

we couldn't be far off course and should reach the Yangtze

river in about 45 minutes. So--on we flew and arrived at the

river in one hour. The Col. said he thought we were west of

Ipin and that we should fly east along the river until we

could recognize some check points.

Ipin is at the foot of the Himalaya mountains on the

headwaters of the Yangtze river. We were warned not to fly

much west of Ipin because there was a tribe of Chinese head

hunters at the foot of Mt. Minya Konka. (Second highest

mountain in the world 24,900 ft.)

It was getting dark about this time as I spotted a white

sand bar that I thought we could land on. We all agreed and

flew down close to get a good look. The river runs thru a

narrow valley with mountains on each side rising to 800 ft.

On landing the Col. who went in first landed too far from

the water where the sand was soft and nosed but he was not

hurt. Van Sickle and I were both from Florida and knew that

on our beaches the sand is firmer at the water's edge. We

both got in fine. In a few minutes it was dark.

In about thirty minutes we could see a circle of lanterns

all around us and closing in slowly. We didn't know whether

they were head hunters or who. As they closed in on us we

stood close together and agreed to be as friendly as possible

(all the Chinese we knew was ``Ding How''--``good''). Inside

my jacket I had the Chinese and American flag and I took it

off to show them.

There were at least fifty men all with a lantern with

candles in them and each had a gun of some kind. I have never

seen as many old guns, some were blunderbusses even.

In a few minutes they acknowledged that we were Americans

and friendly. They took a good look at our planes and saw the

U.S. Air Force identification.

In another twenty minutes, a Chinese Buddha monk arrived

from a monastery that was atop the mountain just above us. He

could speak some English and asked us to follow him up the

mountain for shelter for the night (800 ft).

The monk offered us some food and we decided to eat some of

their duck eggs.

After a fairly comfortable night and assured by the monks

that we were east of Ipin the Col. flew with me west to Ipin

and to gas up (50 miles). We then flew back to assure Van

Sickle that he could follow us home. We transferred the gas

from the wrecked plane to Van Sickle's and flew on home with

no further trouble. This time we all three navigated!

The above summary is indicative of the courage of our veterans in China and it is with deep appreciation that I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 360.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Jennifer and Andy Hanner of Columbia, South Carolina on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Marina Blakely Hanner was born on July 11, 2005 at 5:30 p.m., weighing 8 pounds, 8 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Marina 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, and I greatly appreciate the longtime friendship I have shared with Mr. and Mrs. Hanner.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Rachel and Adam Temple of Columbia, South Carolina, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Lucille Briggs Temple was born on April 19, 2005 at 6:30 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.

Lucy 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. Adam is doing a wonderful job as Deputy Communications Director for U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, and I appreciate the friendship of both Mr. and Mrs. Temple.

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Janelle and Leon Laylagian of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, on the birth of their son. Airmen John Laylagian was born on June 4, 2005 at 5:58 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. Airmen 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. I appreciate the friendship I share with both Mr. and Mrs. Laylagian.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to recognize the valuable work of Mr. John Daso, a talented artist who resides in Lexington, South Carolina.

As one of the most beautiful states in the nation, South Carolina's landscape is certainly not easy to accurately illustrate for most artists. However, Mr. Daso's work demonstrates his unique ability to reflect the beauty of our state. I am proud that we have such a remarkable artist living in the Second District of South Carolina.

As the founder of the Gifted Artist of America Center, Inc., Mr. Daso is also generously serving our community. This valuable center helps educate, mentor and inspire young artists who are or were unable to afford a formal education. Specifically, the center offers business development, marketing skills, financial awareness, associative skill training and graphic design. By supporting our youth and encouraging public interest in the Arts, the Gifted Artist of America Center is inspiring individuals to make a difference in their communities by using their artistic skills.

I am grateful for Mr. Daso's artistic talent and leadership in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say how pleased I am to hear so many Democrats are praising President Bush's highly qualified nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge John Roberts, Jr.

A leading liberal Senator from California recently characterized Judge Roberts as ``very cautious'' and ``very studious'' and declared that ``in no way, shape, or form do I believe that he puts any ideology before the law, nor do I believe that he would be an activist in the law. I see none of those signs in anything he has done or said.''

Another top Senate liberal calls Judge Roberts ``legally skilled, a very bright man. He has no questions related to his honesty or ethics that I'm

aware of.'' And yet another Democratic Senator declared, ``they have found an individual that is brilliant, clearly capable as a jurist.''

Mr. Speaker, I agree 100 percent. Judge Roberts embodies the qualities we expect in a justice on the highest court, someone who is fair, intelligent, impartial, and committed to faithfully interpreting the Constitution and the law.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11, or London, July 7.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute an individual without whom Members on this side of the aisle and indeed Members of the entire House would be lost.

Danielle Simonetta has been a public servant for the last 8 years, 5 of which have been spent with us here in the House. A New York native and a graduate of my alma mater, Washington Lee University in Virginia, Danielle began her Hill career with the legendary Gerry Solomon and then the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) as a Committee on Rules staffer. After 2 years with Mitch Daniels at the Office of Management and Budget, she came back to us again and has spent the last 2\1/2\ years as the senior floor assistant to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), majority leader.

In her time with leadership, she has worked tirelessly for the members of the Republican Conference. Those who know Danielle know she is a reliable source of information to us here on the House floor and a constant advocate for us in scheduling the floor. Whether it is adding a Member's last-minute suspension to the House schedule, advising Members on the merits of a particular amendment, or bragging about her beloved dog Otis, Danielle has always been here when we need her.

This fall Danielle will be leaving us to pursue an exciting new career opportunity. In addition, she is putting the finishing touches on her upcoming wedding. Congratulations to Danielle. We will miss her, and we wish her well.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Tracy and Matthew Halme of Tampa, Florida, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Campbell Grace Halme was born on July 20, 2005, weighing 7 pounds, 7.5 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Campbell 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, as insurance premiums continue to rise, doctors, hospitals and other health care providers across the country have been forced to severely limit their practices or close their doors. Until we address this issue with commonsense reforms, many doctors will be unable to afford to serve their communities, and patients will find it increasingly difficult to obtain needed health care.

Today, thanks to the strong leadership of my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey), Congress has the unique opportunity to address the medical liability crisis occurring throughout our Nation.

The HEALTH Act of 2005 safeguards patients' rights to care through commonsense reforms. First, it promotes the speedy resolution of claims and fairly allocates damages. Second, the

HEALTH Act accurately compensates patient injuries and maximizes patient recovery. Finally, this legislation places reasonable limits on punitive damages and ensures the payment of medical expenses and respects States' rights.

By passing the HEALTH Act of 2005, we will help ensure that doctors spend their time addressing the real needs of American patients.

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