Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the people of Illinois and the United States are rightfully concerned about the recent smear and slander made by Democrat Whip Senator Dick Durbin.

After Democrat Whip Durbin likened U.S. troops to murderous dictators, columnist John Kass of the Chicago Tribune called on Senator Durbin to apologize to the Nation for his irresponsible and dangerous comments. Kass wrote, ``Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot murdered roughly 50 million people. At Guantanamo, suspected terrorists have been made uncomfortable, including a minion of Osama bin Laden's, but I haven't heard of anyone being killed there. We're at war, Senator.''

The people of Illinois deserve a Senator who accurately represents their strong appreciation for the men and women who bravely serve our country at home and abroad. Democrat Whip Durbin made his reckless comments almost a week ago, and he has still not apologized for his comments. As the second ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate, Durbin should take responsibility for his comments and immediately apologize to the U.S. troops and American families. I am grateful my son served in Iraq.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to recognize the tremendous achievements of L.C. Greene, a life-long resident of South Carolina who has demonstrated a tradition of excellence and a commitment exceptional leadership throughout his life. From his distinguished twenty-three year career in the U.S. Air Force to his thirty years of service in municipal and county government, L.C. Greene has exemplified the qualities that are critical for leaders of good government.

After retiring from the military, L.C. Greene brought his leadership skills to the classroom. He later became the Emergency Medical Service Director for Aiken County, South Carolina. Because of his leadership skills and ability to handle crisis situations, L.C. Greene was then promoted to County Administrator, and served a total of eight years. During this time, Mr. Greene was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation, the highest Federal award to a civilian, by the U.S. Department of Defense, for his outstanding leadership and cooperation in the aftermath of a B-52 Bomber crash in Aiken County. He was also recognized by the U.S. Army at Ft. Gordon for the role he played in the recovery operation of this tragic accident.

After serving as a director for Lockheed Aircraft Support Systems for two years, Mr. Greene became the City Manager for the Town of Winnsboro, South Carolina, serving in that capacity for eight years. During his service to the citizens of Winnsboro, Mr. Greene played a critical role in the recruitment of the Mack Truck Assembly Plant, which invested $168 million and created over 2,000 jobs, and the Rite Aid Southern Distribution Center, which invested $80 million and created over 325 jobs. Mr. Greene was also recognized by the U.S. Senate for his innovative approach to public-private partnerships and was invited to Washington, DC for a briefing. Mr. Greene's leadership skills in the area of natural disaster were also called upon in Winnsboro as he led the emergency preparedness and clean-up efforts after the town was struck by three different tornadoes.

For the past fourteen years, L.C. Greene has been the Town Administrator for the Town of Lexington, which has become the fastest growing municipality in South Carolina. During this time, he has been instrumental in working with other state and local governments to form regional partnerships and cooperation, especially in the area of water and wastewater infrastructure. Mr. Greene is recognized throughout the state as having expertise in all facets of local government and is often called upon for assistance and advice from other municipal and county leaders as well as from state officials and past governors. He selflessly shares his wealth of information and wisdom in an effort to bring better government to all communities throughout the state.

Mr. Greene has consistently led with a management style that focuses on people and the improvement of the quality of life for the citizens of his community. Whether it is in obtaining grant funding for blighted and impoverished areas, recruiting industries that will build investment and create jobs, responding to the devastating effects that a tornado had on the Lexington community, sharing scarce water supplies with sister cities in need, sending utility personnel to other States devastated by hurricanes or building a special-needs park for handicapped children, Mr. Greene's commitment to finding better procedures and more cost-effective measures to achieve the highest level of services to the citizens at the lowest possible tax cost is an inspiration to all who know him. He exemplifies the true spirit of leadership through the development of friendship, team building, and cooperation for the greater good.

L.C. Greene is also a devoted family man, having been married to his wife Colleen for 48 years. They are the proud parents of five daughters and one son, fifteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Mr. Greene has also served on various boards such as the South Carolina Retirement Advisory Board, the Central Midlands Environmental Protection Agency Committee, the South Carolina Local Government Assurance Group, Lexington County Municipal Association, and the Lexington Economic Development Association Board. Additional awards and recognitions include recognition by: the South Carolina Senate; Low- Country Regional Emergency Medical Services; the Strategic Air Command; and the Midlands Human Sources Development Commission for service to Low-Income Home Energy Program. Mr. Greene was also named as the Jaycees ``Boss of the Year'' and was named Who's Who in Executives and Professionals in 1996-97.

As L.C. Greene retires as Town Administrator of Lexington, it is only fitting that his selfless, lifelong commitment and service to his community, his State and his country be recognized by awarding the Order of the Palmetto. Truly, cities and counties are vital to the health of our State because they provide essential elements of our civilization. And, in order to have healthy, growing communities, there must be stalwart leaders of good government. L.C. Greene has been such a leader. When Mr. Greene retires on June 30th, he should take pride in knowing that our community and our State is better because of his exemplary service.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Jim and Karen Potter of Potomac Falls, Virginia, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Sarah Grace Potter was born Wednesday at 12:37 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Sarah 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, two suspected terrorists were arrested last week for plotting to blow up a supermarket in California. If they are convicted and sent to Guantanamo, they will be greeted by U.S. soldiers who treat them humanely and provide Korans, prayer rugs and nutritious meals.

However, the Democrat whip Senator Durbin this week slanderously compared U.S. soldiers serving honorably at Guantanamo to mass murderers Hitler, Stalin, and Pol Pot. His statements were irresponsible, disrespectful and, most of all, dangerous.

By likening American troops to brutal tyrants who killed millions of innocent civilians and misrepresenting the vital mission at Guantanamo, the Democrat whip Senator Durbin has put our soldiers and the American people at risk. His dangerous political diatribe will only embolden terrorists who seek to justify their determined war against our citizens at home and abroad.

Senator Durbin should apologize to U.S. soldiers and American families for his smear and slander. As terrorists plot to infiltrate our country and murder innocent civilians, American leaders should not embolden their horrific agenda.

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

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), our chairman, for his extraordinary leadership in bringing this important legislation which reforms the United Nations to the House floor today. It has been an honor for me to serve on the Committee on International Relations with Chairman Henry Hyde, a legendary gentleman of public service. I also appreciate the civility of my neighbor, the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos).

Mr. Chairman, for too long the United Nations has taken an unbalanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nongovernmental organizations and commissions within the U.N. that monitor human rights abuses have often resorted to an anti-Israel campaign under the guise of protecting

human rights. As a result, numerous organizations exist within the U.N. that are not constructively engaged in establishing peace in the Middle East, but, rather, serve to continue inflaming anti-Israel sentiment throughout the region due to one-sided reporting of human rights abuses.

Chairman Hyde's legislation in section 107(b)(2) seeks to end duplicative efforts and fundings to organizations within the U.N. that focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The legislation requires the Secretary of State within 60 days of enactment to audit the enlisted organizations and report to the appropriate congressional committees recommendations to eliminate these duplicative efforts.

My amendment adds The Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories to the list of organizations that are to be audited and reported upon. This Committee was established by the U.N. General Assembly in 1968. In its most recent report dated September 23, 2004, it notes that the Palestinian people's hopes for their own homeland and a better future have been considerably diminished.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The prospects of Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace for mutual benefit grows stronger every day as world leaders continue to work together to resolve this conflict. This Special Committee goes so far as to criticize Israel for building a security wall, without mentioning how the wall has made Israel more secure from suicide bombers, whose sole purpose is to commit the most egregious human rights violations by killing innocent Israeli civilians. Under these circumstances, it is entirely appropriate to add this U.N. Special Committee to the list of entities to be audited and reviewed.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will not forget September 11.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), the distinguished deputy majority whip.

Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jindal).

(Mr. JINDAL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, the world has entrusted peacekeepers from the United Nations with the tremendous task of promoting peace and international cooperation throughout the globe.

Unfortunately, for years we have watched U.N. peacekeepers neglect their lofty goals and actually contribute to the demise of war-torn nations. From the jungles of the Congo to the swamps of Sierra Leone, U.N. peacekeepers have committed crimes, including sexual exploitation, corruption, sex trafficking, and the systematic rape of women. In Bosnia, the U.N. quashed an investigation into the involvement of U.N. police in enslavement of Eastern European women.

Today, Congress has a rare opportunity to restore hope, order, and purpose to the U.N. Decades of U.N. waste, fraud, and abuse prove that strong action is the only remedy for the problems plaguing the organization. By linking U.S. support to U.N. reform, we can ensure the U.N. peacekeepers rightfully fulfill their mission.

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

Mr. Speaker, as the largest financial contributor to the United Nations, the United States should be assured that U.N. programs are accountable, efficient, and results-oriented.

Unfortunately, we still have no guarantee that our contributions are used for valuable purposes. Although U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan has discussed reform of the United Nations for years, his words have rarely resulted in action. In 1995, two dozen U.S. staffers defrauded or squandered up to $10 million in agency funds. Two years later, 16 U.N. employees were under investigation after siphoning off $6 million during an 8-year period. Additionally, in 2003, a U.N. probe into corruption allegations found that one senior U.N. official improperly gave 11 contracts to his wife.

The Committee on International Relations chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), requires the U.N. to drastically reform or risk losing 50 percent of America's contributions to the U.N.-assessed budget. Actions speak louder than words; and if we link U.S. support to U.N. results, the U.N. will be more effective.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Judge Garry Malphrus, his family and friends, on his appointment to the Federal Immigration Court.

I am very grateful to represent the Malphrus family in Congress and one of the great honors of serving in Congress was having the opportunity on June 3rd to join in a swearing-in ceremony to recognize the achievements of a constituent. As a former attorney who has practiced immigration law, I know the importance of this judgeship.

Garry was born and raised in Jasper County, South Carolina, a son of the Lowcountry, which is in the district that I represent. Garry's impressive career track includes his graduation from Thomas Heyward Academy of Ridgeland and his further education at the University of South Carolina for his undergraduate and law degrees. Garry was a law clerk to Federal Judges Chauncey Patterson and Dennis Shedd. I particularly appreciate the importance of clerkships because Judge Dennis Shedd was a clerk in our office. Garry also worked on the Senate Judiciary Committee for South Carolina's former Senior Senator Strom Thurmond and was an attorney for the current Bush Administration. I know he will do well with that list of former employers.

Not only do I want to congratulate Garry, but I also want to congratulate the people who helped make this possible, his family; Judy and Donnie Malphrus, his brother Barry and sister Kim and his grandmother Lorene Langford.

Garry has been instrumental in furthering the cause of justice for many years through his work on the judiciary committee and political campaigns.

Garry has been involved for campaigns, including mine, for as long as I can remember. He and his brother Barry actually recruited my chief of staff, Eric Dell, involving him in politics for the first time in 1986 as a volunteer in the gubernatorial race of Congressman Carroll Campbell in his successful election. I always enjoyed seeing Garry and Barry at state conventions; it was encouraging to see their bravery and enthusiasm to be dedicated activists in a county where they were a persistent political minority.

In the seventeen years I served in the South Carolina Senate, I had the opportunity to vote on dozens of candidates for judgeships and appoint numerous magistrates. In every election, I looked for judicial temperament of a person who would respectfully give every participant a respectful day in court, no matter who they were or what they looked like. I am confident Garry possesses this unique quality.

Again, I want to congratulate Garry, his family, and friends on his appointment as a federal immigration judge and wish him success and Godspeed.

Mr. Speaker, I see encouraging news each week proving that President Bush's tax cuts and his economic policies are clearly paying off for the American people and the American economy.

In May, over 78,000 Americans found new jobs and over 3.5 million jobs have been created in the last 2 years. The job growth amounts to more jobs created in America than new jobs in France, Germany, England, Canada, and Japan combined. Although we have seen steady job gains for each of the last 24 months, I know President Bush will not be satisfied until every American who wants to work can find a job.

Additionally, the gross domestic product has been revised upward for the first quarter from 3.1 to 3.5 percent.

With more Americans working more than ever, our flourishing economy is also shrinking the national deficit. Last week, the Treasury Department announced the May deficit has decreased by $27 billion, which is the smallest deficit for the month of May since 2001. President Bush and the Republican Members of Congress are committed to cutting the deficit in half in 5 years.

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

Madam Speaker, Saddam Hussein was able to siphon off almost $10 billion from a UN-administered program that was designed to provide food and care to the Iraqi people. As Iraq continues to recover from Hussein's rule of dictatorship, I will urge the United Nations to recover these funds for the Iraqi people.

Unfortunately, the Oil-for-Food scandal was only one example of a long litany of scandals associated with the United Nations. This week Congress will vote on the United Nations Reform Act of 2005, which will ensure efficiency, accountability and effectiveness at the U.N. If the organization fails to enact these changes, America's contributions to the U.N. assessed budget will be reduced by 50 percent.

These reforms will assure the American people that their dollars are used only for legitimate and valuable U.N. projects. When we contribute billions of American dollars to the United Nations each year, the United States should not continue to pay for U.N. programs that operate with essentially a blank check.

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

Madam Speaker, June is American Homeownership Month, recognizing the benefits of achieving the American Dream. As a former real estate attorney for 25 years, I know firsthand the joy of homeownership. By purchasing a home, Americans are investing in their own futures, ensuring stability and promoting long-term financial security for their families. House Republicans are providing important incentives for homeowners and creating jobs and are paving the way for more American families to own their own homes. Today, homeownership is near record levels, with 69.1 percent of American families now owning their homes. According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of existing U.S. homes climbed 4.5 percent in April.

Increased home sales are just another sign of continued economic growth in America. Last week, the Department of Labor also reported that the Nation's unemployment fell to 5.1 percent in May and that over 3.5 million jobs have been created since May 2003 when President Bush signed into law his tax reductions.

Republicans remain dedicated to a successful, positive agenda that will grow the economy and provide more opportunities to American families.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) for yielding me this time.

It is a great honor for me to be here today to speak on behalf of House Current Resolution 159, and I want to congratulate the authors, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) for his leadership in recognizing the importance of military families and designating June 12 as National Military Families Week.

As I stand before this Chamber, I am very grateful to let the Members know that my appreciation of military families is because we are one, and I am very grateful that our family has multiple generations of recognition of how extraordinary it is and what a great honor it is to represent the people of the United States in uniform.

As I think about the multiple generations, I was inspired by my dad, who served in the Flying Tigers during World War II, the 14th Air Force; and I had the extraordinary opportunity 2 years ago to visit with President Jiang Zemin of China, who told me of how the American military is revered in China for the liberation of their country during World War II.

Additionally, I am inspired because of my late father-in-law, who served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. He had been advised that it was impossible for the American Marines to capture the Japanese headquarters at Okinawa, Shuri Castle. It had been fortified and refortified for 400 years, and of course the U.S. Marines took that as a challenge, and they did capture Shuri Castle, and I am very grateful that my late father-in-law was awarded the Navy Cross. But he understood sacrifice. He, following the conflict on Okinawa, was shot in the back by a sniper, and he spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. But he never regretted his service to the American people.

And the inspiration was to me. I had the privilege of serving 31 years in the Army National Guard, and the reason I stayed in so long is because the people that we meet in the military are dedicated, they are competent, they are patriotic. They are people that inspire people to want to be associated with

them, and I urge young people in particular and families to get involved in the military process.

I also want to give credit to my wife, Roxanne. She has had the great experience of raising three sons who are currently serving in the military today. Our oldest son, Alan, returned in February from serving 1 year and a day in Iraq in the Army National Guard. We are very proud of him. He is classic National Guard. He was mobilized 16 months ago. He was retrained, served for a year in Iraq. He has come back, and now he is Assistant District Attorney in our home county. In fact, this week he had his first case that began at the courthouse. So it is a real testimonial to our Guard members, how they can serve and be citizen soldiers and be proud of serving.

Additionally, our second son 2 weeks ago was promoted to lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, and he is currently serving at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego. We are very proud that he and his wife and two young sons have what I hope will be a long-term career in the U.S. Navy.

And then this week is a big week for our family in that on Friday our third son will be graduating from officer basic school at Fort Gordon, Georgia. So I am really hopeful that we get out of here early enough on Thursday so I can fly to Columbia and drive to Augusta so I can see his graduation.

So as I tell the Members how much I appreciate military families, indeed it is very personal; and I am so grateful for leadership here in Congress of both parties to recognize families.

I have to point out that I just arrived back last week from my fourth visit to Iraq, and I had the opportunity to meet firsthand with our troops in Fallujah. I had the opportunity to meet with our troops at Balad and then at Camp Victory, and we got to meet with the generals. We got to meet with people from our home State, young enlisted personnel, the junior officers. The enthusiasm of our troops, the morale of our troops, just can warm the hearts of family members and also their employers back at home.

A difference is being made. Our troops understand in the war on terror that they are protecting the American families by taking the war to the enemy oversees and that protects American families whom we are recognizing today.

So, again, I want to thank the leaders on this particular bill. I want to urge support of my colleagues of H. Con. Resolution 159.

And, in conclusion, God bless our troops; and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, Roxanne, our sons, and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death on June 1st of Charlie Boineau, who has been a lifetime hero to us for his courage to pioneer the development of the two party system in South Carolina,'' said Wilson.

``One of the most meaningful events of my life was to visit the State House for the first time in August 1961 to witness Charlie's swearing in as a member of the S.C. House of Representatives. After winning a special election countywide in Richland County, he became the first Republican of the twentieth century to be elected to the General Assembly, an accomplishment that paved the way for the current Republican legislative and Federal majorities in South Carolina.

``I was always grateful to recognize Charlie as a trailblazer of the Republican Revolution, and I will always be proud he was my third cousin. We were both proud of our French Huguenot heritage.

``Charlie Boineau will always be remembered as a political leader, Rotarian, and Chamber official who made a difference for the people of South Carolina.

``Our family extends its deepest sympathy to Betsy, Bonnie, Fred, and the granddaughters.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following obituary is from The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina, of June 3, 2005.

Charles Evans Boineau

Columbia.--Services for Charles Evans Boineau will be held

Saturday at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100

Sumter Street. The family will receive friends Friday 5-7

p.m. at 1829 Senate Street, Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine

Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Born in Columbia, Mr. Boineau was the son of the late

Bessie T. and Charles Evans Boineau. He was a graduate of

Camden High School and was a student at the Citadel in

Charleston when World War II began. In 1942, he volunteered

for the Naval Air corps and at the age of twenty, was a Navy

fighter pilot in the South Pacific aboard the aircraft

carrier Hornet (CV-12). He participated in carrier strikes

against Luzon, Formosa, South China Sea, French Indochina and

Okinawa.

After the war Mr. Boineau returned to Columbia and began

working for Boineau's Allied Van Lines. He was affiliated for

forty-three years with the moving company that was founded by

his father in 1931. He became president of the company in

1971. He had been with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

as Membership Ambassador since 1994.

Mr. Boineau was elected in 1961 as the first Republican to

the South Carolina Legislature since Reconstruction. He was a

charter member of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

where he served on the Vestry and taught Sunday School. He

served on the Board of Directors of the Columbia Rotary Club,

where he was a member for fifty-five years, the Columbia

Chamber of Commerce, The Columbia Navy League, The St.

Martin's Foundation, and as vice-president of the

Southeastern Warehouseman and Mover's Association. He was a

former president of the South Carolina Mover's Association.

Mr. Boineau was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the

highest honor conferred by the State of South Carolina, by

Governor James B. Edwards. He was a member of The South

Carolina Republican Silver Elephant Club, and was Chairman of

the Platform Committee of the party in 1962, and in 1964 was

a delegate to the Republican National Convention. He was a

lifelong member of American Legion Post No. 6 and was a

member of the South Carolina Historical Society. He was a

communicant of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. He held

memberships in Forest Lake Club, The Columbia Cotillion Club,

The Trantella, The Flamenco and was a charter member of The

Summit Club.

Mr. Boineau is survived by his wife, Betsy Boatwright

Boineau; daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Fred Crawford;

and granddaughters, Beverley and Mary Crawford and Jessica

Bacon.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Children's Home, Trinity

Cathedral Foundation or St. Martin's-in-the-Fields

Foundation.

Madam Speaker, Nigeria is deservedly working hard to secure a permanent seat on the Security Council of the United Nations. But in the meantime, Nigeria is holding territory known as the Bakassi Peninsula, which rightfully belongs to the Republic of Cameroon.

The International Court of Justice, in settling a dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon, there is a decree that the territory belongs to Cameroon. Cameroon is a developing democracy which is achieving economic success for its people.

President Obasanjo of Nigeria in his effort to secure a permanent seat on the Security Council should set an example for the international community. I urge President Obasanjo, in the interest of regional harmony for mutual benefit, to remove troops and government personnel from the Bakassi Peninsula and to pursue positive relations with his neighbors, especially the dynamic Republic of Cameroon.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize the tremendous sacrifice of Thomas Marvin ``Tim'' Owen, Jr., who as a Water Tender First Class, United States Navy, served on the USS Butler. The USS Butler was a destroyer that participated in many important naval battles in World War II. The Butler served as an escort ship near Casablanca, North Africa, and Dakar, French West Africa. She participated in the Sicily Invasion, Battle of the Seine, Invasion of Northern France at the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of Okinawa.

On May 25, 1945 at the Battle of Okinawa, bombs from a suicide plane exploded under the ship blowing out steam lines and flooding the forward fire room. The USS West Virginia stood by to assist the Butler until power was restored. During this time, two more suicide planes attacked the Butler.

Thomas Marvin Owen, Jr. was awarded the Navy Cross for heroic actions in this engagement. Even though he was mortally wounded, he continued to perform his duty at his post and aided other sailors on the Butler. He and eight shipmates were killed in the engagement and were buried at sea. His name is inscribed on the Honolulu Memorial Tablets for those missing in action or buried at sea.