Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan once said that the government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: if it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it; and if it stops moving, subsidize it.

I believe the American people, not the government, have a better view of our economy. By working to remove the economic barriers of taxation, litigation and regulation, House Republicans are returning control of the economy to the American people. The 109th Congress has passed legislation this year which will permanently repeal the death tax, decrease the deficit, strengthen American borders, prevent frivolous lawsuits, improve our highways, and provide our country with a comprehensive energy policy.

In my home State of South Carolina, the unemployment rate continues to decrease and over 1,300 new jobs have been created since March. This great news is positive proof that the Republican leaders are creating more jobs, growing the economy, and returning control to the American people.

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

Mr. Speaker, I support the National Defense Authorization Act.

Mr. Chairman, as our troops continue to risk their lives to defend our country, Congress is acting today to ensure that these brave men and women have the necessary training and equipment to win the war on terror.

As a father of three sons who are currently serving in the military, I am personally invested in the war on terror and the safety of our troops. In February, my son Alan returned after serving for one year in Iraq. I am proud of his Army National Guard service, and I am dedicated to ensuring a safe return for all of the brave soldiers who selflessly serve in the United States Armed Forces.

Today, I am honored to vote for the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that will ensure American troops receive the best equipment, weapons systems, training, and support.

During my visits to both Iraq and Afghanistan, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing our soldiers. H.R. 1815 addresses these challenges by authorizing additional funding for force protection, including up-armored Humvees, tactical wheeled vehicle programs, night vision devices, and improvised explosive device jammers.

As our soldiers continue to sacrifice their lives for our freedom, they should be able to provide for their families. By including a 3.1% pay raise for members of the Armed Forces, and increasing the maximum amount of hardship pay, this legislation rewards the tremendous sacrifices of our soldiers.

Finally, H.R. 1815 contains several measures that will provide for military families who have lost ones in the war on terror. It permanently increases the death gratuity to $100,000, and also extends the amount of time dependents of deceased service members can stay in housing or receive housing allowances. Although we can never fully compensate for the sacrifices of our soldiers, these measures will help express our heartfelt appreciation to military families.

The terrorists fighting against us are a cowardly and brutal enemy, inspired by hatred and evil. Their agenda of evil will fail against the thousands of men and women of the United States Armed Forces who serve a greater cause of freedom.

I would like to thank Chairman Hunter and other members of the House Armed Services Committee for their leadership and continued efforts to provide for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time and for her leadership on this issue. I also appreciate the leadership of our chairman, the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter), and the support from our friends on the other side. This is a very important issue, providing for the ability of the Department of Defense to support youth organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America.

I am very pleased about scouting and what it means as a worldwide movement to so many young people and how it has been so inspiring in promoting character, education, and training. I also know that you can look at young people and tell and forecast success, because persons involved in scouting, nearly 70 percent of the persons who attend the different academies of the United States have been members of scouting: 23 of the 26 first American astronauts were active in scouting; 85 percent of FBI agents have been active in scouting. This has a great impact on our Nation.

Additionally, I know the hard work of the adult leaders. We have people in my home community with the Indian Waters Council, the past president, John Hipp, has raised phenomenal amounts of money to promote scouting camps so young people have opportunities during the summer. We have got good people, such as our commissioner, Larry Brown, who is now leading our council, so that we have opportunities for young people.

I know firsthand, too, and am very pleased about the national jamboree. I have had two sons attend at Camp A.P. Hill. Additionally, I am very familiar that the Naval Academy provides the Eagle Scout Association Weekend with opportunities for the Scouts to learn about opportunities at the Naval Academy at Annapolis.

I have worked very closely with Scouts units in visiting here in Washington to tour Washington. We have the ability of Scouts to stay overnight with space available for Scouts to come and visit and tour Washington, to go to Philmont, the Boy Scout camp in New Mexico.

A final point I would like to make is personally I have worked with Troop 1, Faith Lutheran Church in West Columbia, and I have three sons who are Eagle Scouts. All three are now military officers in the military of the United States. The fourth will be an Eagle Scout later this year.

A highlight for us is that our second son, a Navy lieutenant, arrives for service in San Diego today, so we are very proud that he will be in the company of our chairman, the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter).

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

Mr. Speaker, Senator Jim DeMint published an excellent op-ed in The State newspaper yesterday that the Senate has an obligation to ensure timely up-and-down votes for all nominees, regardless of who is President or which party is in power.

Ensuring that our courthouses are filled with well-qualified judges is one of the most important responsibilities of the U.S. Senate. As Senator DeMint notes, the majority of Americans trust the Senate's judgment on judicial nominees, and it is unfair for a minority of Senators to ignore the will of the American people. If the minority's case against these nominees is so strong, they should be able to convince other Senators to oppose the nominees during a fair up-and- down vote.

This week, Majority Leader Bill Frist will lead the Senate to vote on the constitutional option, which will restore a 200-year tradition to ensure that each nominee receives a fair vote. After years of debate on this topic, it is time for the Senate to follow the will of the American people.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for yielding me this time, and for her leadership on this issue and her leadership on the Committee on International Relations. It is particularly an honor for me to follow my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel). It is wonderful we can be here together as Members of the House Israel Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 149, which recognizes the 57th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. Since its establishment, Israel has served as a trusted home and safe haven for Jews all over the world. After World War II, Israel welcomed Jews who survived the horrors of the Holocaust.

Mr. Speaker, I have visited firsthand to see the country continue to embrace Jews who are eager to reestablish in their ancient homeland. By regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the exchange of ideas, and vigorously exercising in its parliament, Israel is a shining model of democracy.

The evolution of this great Nation is a true testament to the power of democracy and the resiliency of the people of Israel. Throughout the past 57 years, the relationship between Israel and the United States has continued to strengthen. Israel is a trusted ally of the United States, and our two countries now enjoy a strategic partnership based on shared mutual democratic values, friendship, and respect.

Additionally, I am grateful my home State of South Carolina and my hometown of Charleston were the home of the largest Jewish population in North America at the time of the American Revolution. Its provincial constitution was the first to recognize Judaism to be coequal to Christianity. The first Jew to be elected to public office in North America was in South Carolina. And the first Jewish fatality in the cause of liberty during the American Revolution was a patriot from South Carolina.

The bonds of Israel and South Carolina are strong.

Today's resolution also commends President George W. Bush of the United States and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for continuing to work for peace in the Middle East. Despite the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis at the hands of murderous terrorists, the people of Israel continue to seek peace with their Palestinian neighbors. Their perseverance and strong spirit will ensure a bright future for their nation and the Middle East.

As we recognize the 57th anniversary of independence, please join me in extending warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of Israel.

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

Mr. Speaker, more than 86,000 men, women, and children currently await life-saving transplants.

However, due to lost wages and increased medical expenses, the organ donation process is expensive, time consuming, and discouraging for many potential donors. Since so many Americans could benefit from the tremendous generosity of organ donors, I believe Congress should help make it easier for people to donate their organs.

Today, I'm introducing the ``Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2005,'' which will provide a one time, tax credit up to $5,000 to help cover non-reimbursable expenses, including lost wages, incurred by living organ donors.

The National Kidney Foundation has endorsed this legislation, and I believe it is an effective way to encourage more Americans to serve as living donors. Today, I'd like to ask my colleagues to join me in providing tax relief to the millions of Americans who unselfishly serve as living organ donors.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Republic of Bulgaria on its continued--and unwavering--support of the United States both in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am particularly encouraged by Bulgaria's commitment in Iraq. In defiance of great pressure to withdraw its troops, Bulgaria has stood shoulder-to- shoulder with the United States in bringing freedom and democracy to the Iraqi people.

One need only look to Bulgaria's past to recognize the significance of its actions now. A former Soviet bloc country, Bulgaria was a cold war adversary of the United States. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, however, Bulgaria has revitalized its economy, entered the world market, and contributed to peacekeeping operations around the globe. Indeed, bold steps supported by a profound vision for the future, have resulted in great progress. Today, Bulgaria is one of the newest members of NATO, and it is finalizing its accession to the European Union.

Perhaps the most striking illustration of Bulgaria's evolution from cold war adversary to strategic ally, is its willingness to actively promote democracy beyond its borders--particularly in Iraq. As a member of the United Nations Security Council during the Iraq debate, Bulgaria voted with the United States concerning the use of military force in Iraq. Bulgaria also routinely grants to the United States the use of its airspace, and has offered ground, air, and naval basing rights.

Most importantly, however, Bulgaria has contributed to bringing peace and democracy to Iraq not only through its words, but through its sacrifices.

Bulgaria has 500 troops in Iraq and has suffered 8 deaths there. Yet it remains resolute. On the day that two Bulgarian contractors were murdered in Iraq, the Bulgarian Government recommitted its support and later increased its troop level. The surest way to establish peace is to stand up to the terrorists and not turn and run, which encourages more terrorist barbarism.

For Bulgaria, this is not an insignificant commitment. This Eastern European country is one of the least developed to contribute troops to the Coalition, and doing so has greatly impacted the nation's economy. Yet despite its limited resources, Bulgarian troops have rebuilt hospitals and schools, restored power and water, and provided security to numerous towns and villages--considerable accomplishments for a country that itself is a budding democracy.

Some have belittled the Coalition as simply a reporting of numbers. This disparages the great sacrifices made in Iraq by smaller nations such as Bulgaria. To the contrary, it is the contribution of these smaller nations that signals to the Iraqi people that even those nations less fortunate than the world's superpowers care deeply about the future of Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, I for one, am deeply grateful to our Bulgarian friends, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and commending this United States ally for its sacrifices and continuing commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know firsthand of this service having visited with Bulgarian troops in Afghanistan and my oldest son, U.S. Army Captain Alan Wilson, was eager to meet his Bulgarian colleagues during his year-long tour last fall in Iraq.

I thank you Bulgaria for your friendship to the United States, and together, we will never forget the attacks of September 11th, 2001.

Mr. Speaker, for over 200 years, judges have been confirmed by a simple majority vote.

When President Clinton was in office, his nominees required only 51 votes to be confirmed by the Senate. Unfortunately, Democrats have changed the rules and require today's nominees to receive an unprecedented 60-vote standard.

Justice Janice Rogers Brown of California is one of the many highly qualified nominees who are being denied a fair up-and-down vote. Justice Brown is the first African American to serve on California's highest court and was retained with 76 percent of the vote statewide in her last election. However, Democrats are denying her the opportunity of a fair vote simply because she was nominated by President Bush.

On Monday, Majority Leader Frist explained in USA Today why the Democratic obstructionism is harmful to the American people and the constitutional process. When our courthouses sit empty, Democrats should not be focused on partisan games.

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

Madam Speaker, yesterday, The Wall Street Journal highlighted the extreme and politically charged use of the Senate Democratic filibuster.

Editors at The Wall Street Journal clearly articulated the audacity of the Democrats' radical claims against nominee Priscilla Owen of Texas. Justice Owen is a well-respected and accomplished nominee who enjoys significant bipartisan support and would be quickly confirmed if given an up-or-down vote. Unfortunately, Democrats are denying her this opportunity in a desperate attempt to hold on to Federal power and legislation through the judicial system. Their agenda is fueled by bitterness and is not in the best interests of the American people.

Majority Leader Bill Frist is to be commended for maintaining the constitutional case for an up-or-down vote. Democrat obstructionism is a radical deviation from allowing Senators to vote for the nominees who are highly qualified to serve our country. I support Senator Frist's efforts and urge Senate Democrats to give Justice Owen a fair vote.

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

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, respected columnist Charles Krauthammer of the Washington Post correctly revealed the Senate Democratic filibuster of judicial nominees as a fraud.

He thoughtfully researched that one of the great traditions, customs, and unwritten rules of the Senate is that we do not filibuster judicial nominees. Only once in 200 years has a filibuster been successful, and it reflected uniquely a lack of votes for confirmation.

Senate Majority Leader Frist is to be commended for maintaining the constitutional case for an up-or-down vote. Democrat obstructionism is a radical deviation from allowing Senators to vote on nominees who are highly qualified. Senator Frist is courageously protecting the American people to take an unwritten 200-year-old rule to make it written.

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

Mr. Speaker, the eyes of the world have been on Moscow this week as Allies celebrated the 60th anniversary of victory over Nazism.

When Russians historically held off the 900-day siege of Leningrad, St. Petersburg served as an extraordinary front in Russia. The Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery at St. Petersburg is a vivid reminder of this sacrifice, containing over 600,000 deceased in the largest mass grave in history.

On Sunday, I joined Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo in representing the United States at a wreath laying ceremony attended by representatives from 30 other nations. The program was inspiring and recognized the restored friendship of the people of Russia and America.

St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko, Vice Governor Aleksandr

Prokhorenko, and the courageous Siege veteran essayist Daniil Granin served as the gracious hosts of our visit. Each host sincerely conveyed warm Russian hospitality in one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Additionally, the professional staff of the U.S. Consulate at St. Petersburg including the U.S. Marine contingent was very helpful. Acting Consul General Karen Malzahn with her staff have a proven record of enthusiasm and continues to represent America at its best.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was honored to join Congressman Jack Kingston as he led a delegation for a wreath laying and dedication of a monument in Pilsen, Czech Republic, to the veterans of the U.S. Army who liberated Western Bohemia of Czechoslovakia in May 1945.

Czech President Vaclav Klaus presided with Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek and Pilsen Mayor Miroslav Kalous. The large double columns of the monument symbolizing Czech-American friendship were hailed by the U.S. Presidential delegation led by Veterans Administration Secretary Jim Nicholson. The American delegation was hosted by Ambassador William Cabaniss, a former Alabama State Senator, who delivered a letter from Congressman Spencer Bachus and Birmingham Rotarians to establish the city of Pilsen as the sister city of Birmingham, Alabama.

The impressive monument corrects a distortion of history, where former communist oppressors bizarrely claimed that Americans had not been present and that the liberators were Soviet troops in American uniforms. Fortunately, the long suppressed truth is now clearly marked, proudly proclaiming ``Thank You America'' for the U.S. Army in May 1945.

On April 29, 2005, prior to attending the festivities, Diane Brown presented me the following article written by her neighbor Jana Culik of Chapin, South Carolina. Her story is an inspiring personal account of heroism and appreciation of the United States by the Czech people who now live in a liberated democracy that enjoys membership in NATO and the EU.

American Flag

(By Jana Culik)

I think that the following little narrative should be

shared--it is about an American flag made by my mother,

Dagmar Pavlansky, in Czech Republic (former Czechoslovakia)

in the spring of 1945 at the end of the Second World War.

I was a 6-year-old child at the time, and as such I could

not be trusted enough to be part of my parent's decision

concerning making flags--American, French, English and Soviet

representing four allies that the Czech people hoped to

welcome into their country. However, I remember that there

was a shortage of almost everything, especially of any kind

of cloth material and even thread sewing were not available.

After the war, when I was older, my mother told me that she

had to dye white bed sheets and go into the attic to rummage

through old magazines and newspapers to find pictures of the

flags. She had to work at night when my older sister and I

were asleep--what she was doing was a crime, it was against

the law of the occupants--the Nazis. I was told it was

punishable by death.

Then there came May of 1945--the marvelous month when the

war in Europe ended and my Czechoslovakia (near Pilsen at

Blatna) was liberated by the American army. I will never

forget the night when I was awakened by my smiling parents in

company of three American soldiers. Our house was big enough

to become the unofficial meeting place for the officers who

were stationed in our little town. I remember my father,

Judr. Jan Pavlansky, who was a good pianist, playing ``Happy

days are here again'' and ``Roll out the barrels,'' and the

soldiers teaching us to dance the boogie-woogie. All the

soldiers were wonderful--friendly, helpful, and generous. My

love for the American flag started during those times, and it

has been a life long affair.

I am not sure what happened to the other flags my mother

had made. Through the years of hardship when my country

became a part of the Easter Europe (the unlucky countries

ruled by the Soviet Regime) I was remembering the American

one. The flag kept reminding the people behind the Iron

Curtain that freedom and decency still existed in the world

even if they could not enjoy it themselves in almost 40

years.

In August of 1968, when Czechoslovakia tried to free itself

and wanted to become a democratic, self-ruled country again,

it was overrun by Soviet tanks. My husband, Karel Culik, and

I immigrated to Canada. It took 22 years before we could go

back to visit Czechoslovakia. We went back in 1990 after the

Soviet bloc in Europe collapsed. By then we had moved to the

United States and were living in Chapin, South Carolina.

When I returned to Czechoslovakia, my first ``quest'' was

to find the American flag of my childhood. Despite the fact

that my family had to move from place to place, the flag had

survived on the bottom of an old suitcase with other

cherished mementos given to use by the American soldiers in

1945.

Nowadays the flag is here in Chapin. It is still one of my

most treasured possessions. Through the years, I have become

a collector of keepsakes related to special eras of my life.

It seems that the American flag or at least the symbol of it

has been present my whole life and it has now come full

circle--in 1945, then later on, and especially now the

American flag still stands for freedom.

God bless America!

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday I was in Sofia, Bulgaria, on a delegation with the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo). I saw firsthand the Bulgarian miracle of a dynamic democracy, a partner with America on the war on terrorism, and a thriving and robust economy providing jobs for young people.

During my first visit 15 years ago to Bulgaria with the International Republican Institute, I witnessed a dying Communist State frozen in time. Today, Bulgaria is a valued member of NATO and soon to be admitted to the EU.

The Bulgarian people are proving themselves to be courageous and capable to meet the challenges of political, defense and economic transformation.

I want to thank my hosts Tuesday of the enthusiastic economic team of Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburgi Gotha, Foreign Minister Solomon Passy and President Georgi Purvanov. Also, America is well represented in Bulgaria by Ambassador Jim Pardew and his gracious wife Kathy.

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

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall numbers 162 and 163 on May 10, 2005, I was on Congressional travel and unable to cast my vote.

Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

Rollcall no. 162, H. Res. 193, in Support of the Assembly to Promote Civil Society in Cuba, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rollcall no. 163, H. Res. 142, Supporting the Goals of Rotary International Day, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, with the continuity of a congressional session, there is a normal shuffling of staff positions. Today, it is with mixed emotions that I announce the departure of Jessica Eggimann.

For the past year and a half, Jess Eggimann has had one of the most difficult jobs on Capitol Hill--serving as a scheduler in my office. Due to her professionalism, dedication and strong work ethic, she has managed my hectic schedule with exceptional efficiency and patience, fulfilling the recommendation of Congressman Jeff Miller, her hometown Member of Congress.

Although I am sad to see her leave, I am thrilled Jessica has been selected to work with the firm of Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & White. Jessica is a person of high integrity and competence, and I am confident she will excel in her new position.

Jessica Eggimann is one of two daughters of Gail and the late Craig Eggimann of Pensacola, Florida. She is a credit to the people of South Carolina and Florida, and I wish her Godspeed.

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

Mr. Speaker, America's economic future is bright. Since May 2003, more than 3 million American jobs have been created, and we have had 22 straight months of job growth. In the last month alone, more than 110,000 Americans have found jobs.

In the past 100 days, House Republicans have delivered a long list of accomplishments that are spurring economic growth and making a positive difference for millions of American families. The 109th Congress has passed legislation that will permanently repeal the death tax, decrease the deficit, strengthen America's borders, prevent frivolous lawsuits, improve our highways, and provide our country with a comprehensive energy plan. Because of our continued efforts, the unemployment rate is now at the lowest level since September 2001.

Each of these accomplishments will ensure that our economy continues to improve. However, we will not be satisfied until every American who wants a job can find a job. Although Democrats continue to try to obstruct our positive agenda, House Republicans will remain dedicated to helping American workers take care of their families.

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