Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as a 30-year member of Rotary International, I am proud to recognize the valuable work of new Rotarians in Russia.

Although Rotary in Russia is only 11 years old, the 100-year-old Rotary organization is already strengthening Russian communities, helping to enrich multinational relations and improving economic conditions in the new democratic Russia.

Today, I met with a group of Russian Rotarians who are visiting our country hosted by Neil Young of the Towsontowne, Maryland, Rotary Club. Our visitors and their sponsors are enthusiastic to learn more about how American small businessmen organize and manage their businesses. They will be able to apply the lessons they learned to help Russian businesses survive, grow and create jobs and consumer products for their communities.

Rotarians throughout the world continue to promote networking for community development and leadership, they should feel proud that their efforts are making a positive difference for millions of people.

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

Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of President George W. Bush, the men and women of our armed forces are winning the war on terrorism. By dedicating their lives to fighting for the American people and stabilizing emerging democracies, our soldiers are protecting our country and defeating the goals of the terrorists. I am grateful for their service.

The President has submitted a supplemental budget request that will dramatically increase funding for body armor, hardened vehicles, and technology to protect our troops in the field. The supplemental also increases the maximum service member group life insurance benefits and the one-time death gratuity for combat fatalities. I strongly support the President's request.

Providing for our troops is the most important budget priority. Congress must deliver the necessary equipment and funding to our troops to ensure they remain safe and successful in their mission. Our family appreciates firsthand Iraq service with our son, Captain Alan Wilson of the South Carolina Army National Guard.

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

Mr. Speaker, this afternoon the people of South Carolina honor the late Betty Easler with a memorial service at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church in Columbia.

Betty was a graduate of Dreher High School, and she received undergraduate and masters degrees at the University of South Carolina.

Betty selflessly and tirelessly advocated for persons with disabilities and special needs and their families. She served as a counselor at the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She was executive director of the office of the Governor's Development Disabilities Council for Governor Carroll A. Campbell.

Betty was executive director of Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities and was employed as case manager for Intracorp, a division of Cigna Insurance Company.

All of this was achieved although she was born with spina bifida and was for a lifetime in a wheelchair.

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

Madam Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Iraqi Women's Caucus, I am honored to recognize the bravery and strength of Iraqi and Afghan women today in developing democracies. In the face of great danger, the women of Iraq and Afghanistan are displaying tremendous courage.

In January, Iraqi women risked their lives to participate in Iraq's first free elections in over 50 years. After the votes were tallied, their bravery was rewarded, as over one-third of Iraq's newly elected legislators are women.

The liberation of Iraq delivered hope and a future to Iraqi women, and they are helping to turn the promises of democracy into realities for their children and grandchildren. Today, a group of Iraqi and Afghan women are visiting the halls of Congress. I am pleased to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage them to continue their work for freedom and democracy.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to participate in the tributes in memory of former Congresswoman Tillie Fowler. Although she retired before I entered Congress, I was fortunate to work with her

while campaigning for my predecessor, former Congressman Floyd Spence. As Spence Campaign Manager in 1998, I learned firsthand of Tillie's warm and convincing personality. Her enthusiastic endorsement of Congressman Spence made her a hero of the Second District of South Carolina and propelled Congressman Spence to tremendous victory.

Tillie was a gracious friend and diligent public servant. She once remarked that she tried to live by her father's guidance ``don't try to be popular. Just do the right thing.'' In following his advice, she became one of the most well respected and effective members of Congress. Through her quiet tenacity and steady leadership, Tillie solved difficult problems and achieved tremendous successes. She was committed to protecting Florida's bases, helping America's military families, and enabling our men and women in uniform to successfully defend our country. As we fight the War on Terrorism today, Tillie's accomplishments are more relevant than ever.

True to her word, Tillie retired after eight years of service in the House of Representatives. She continued to serve her country as Chairman of the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee. She was awarded the Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the highest civilian awards given by the Navy and the Department of Defense.

Tillie also possessed an extraordinary sense of purpose and a profound understanding of what matters most in life. Her dedication to her family and her friends was possibly her most admirable quality. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Buck and her daughters, Elizabeth and Tillie.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in appreciation of President Bush seeking to strengthen our Social Security system.

When Social Security was conceived in the mid-1930s, the average age of life expectancy in the United States was 60. Today the average American's life expectancy is over 77.

Americans are now receiving benefits over longer periods of time because we are so grateful they are living longer. Our current Social Security system is financially broken, outdated, and unable to meet the retirement needs of our children and grandchildren.

If we fail to act now, we will burden further generations with dramatically higher taxes, massive new borrowing, or sudden and severe cuts to Social Security benefits or other government programs. In 1998, President Bill Clinton said, ``My fellow baby boomers, let me say that none of us wants our own retirement to be a burden to our children and to their efforts to raise our grandchildren.''

Seven years later, we still have not solved the problems facing Social Security.

Congress must act soon to provide younger Americans with retirement choices and strengthen benefits for today's retirees. We need to fix the system now, once and for all.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to discuss how two service organizations in the Second District of South Carolina have joined together on the Nothing to Hide project to promote awareness about mental illness. This project is an educational photo exhibit about families whose lives have been affected by mental health disorders.

By sponsoring the Nothing to Hide project, the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island, Sunset, and the Mental Health Association of Beaufort and Jasper are addressing the myths and stigmas surrounding mental illness and are helping connect people who suffer from mental illness to the appropriate resources for support, education, and treatment.

Sunset Rotarians have volunteered to oversee the transition of the display during its 8-week tour through Beaufort and Jasper Counties. I would especially like to recognize the good work and leadership of the dedicated volunteers, Ed Dowaschinski, Krista Delgado, and Sandy Leath. Their strong efforts to raise awareness about this issue that affects so many of our friends and family members will help increase understanding throughout our community.

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

Mr. Speaker, the American people are compassionate, generous and eager to help improve the lives of others less fortunate than them. Today I'm honored to recognize the Peace Corps, an organization that provides Americans with an opportunity to promote peace and friendship throughout the world.

Since 1961, over 178,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 138 countries. They offer their time and talents by serving as teachers, business advisors, information technology consultants, health and HIV/ AIDS educators, and youth and agricultural workers. Their efforts are spreading hope and goodwill, and they are making a positive difference in the lives of millions of people.

In 2002, President Bush challenged Americans to contribute two years or 4,000 hours of service to their community, the Nation or the world. I am proud of the eleven volunteers from South Carolina's Second district who answered the President's call to service by joining the Peace Corps: Lindsey Bach, Amanda Bell, Catherine Chesnutt, Jennifer Emmert, Kimberly Hardee, Lydia Lester, Hedda McLendon, Rachelle Olden, Roscoe Oswald, Ashlee Painter and Kiva Wilson. Their willingness to serve is extraordinary. They follow a tradition of service established by Warner Montgomery of Columbia who was South Carolina's first Peace Corps volunteer.

I congratulate the Peace Corps on its 44th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that all Americans deserve a strengthened retirement. Our current Social Security system is financially broken, outdated, and unable to meet our future retirement needs.

In 1950 there were 16 workers to support every beneficiary. Today there are only 3.3 workers per beneficiary. If Congress does not act soon, Social Security will be unable to meet its obligation to our children and grandchildren. Yesterday, I discussed this issue with fellow South Carolinians and many agree that our Social Security system faces significant problems.

President Bush is boldly leading the way to solve these problems by providing younger Americans with retirement choices and strengthening benefits for today's retirees. Reform offers younger Americans the opportunity to invest their Social Security funds in voluntary personal accounts which will provide higher benefits and allows them to build a nest egg for retirement that the government cannot take away.

As Congress continues to consider Social Security reform, I urge my colleagues to fix our system and provide better retirement choices to the American people.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of Joseph Clyde Robinson, who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. I am honored to remember his great life today.

Born in Statesboro, Georgia, and settled in Beaufort, South Carolina, Joe Robinson was a charitable and special member of South Carolina's Second Congressional District. His life was a full one, dedicated to helping, protecting, and improving the lives of those around him. As a Coast Guard veteran, firefighter, church elder, and Boy Scouts leader, Joe abided by his personal motto to ``live a life of no regrets.''

Described as ``Beaufort County's best,'' Joe possessed a spirit and purpose which profoundly impacted the lives of those around him. At his funeral, the procession of his friends who came to celebrate his life and mourn his passing stretched a mile long. Joe will be greatly missed throughout our community. My prayers and condolences are with the entire Robinson family.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the 100th anniversary of Rotary International, the world's first service organization.

In 1905, Paul Harris had a vision of an organization that would provide service opportunities in Chicago. Today his vision has become a reality, and Rotary International promotes volunteerism throughout America and 166 countries worldwide. With over 1.2 million members, Rotary International is an organization of community leaders that networks to provide humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards, and helps build goodwill and peace.

Throughout the world, Rotarians are helping to provide scholarships and international group study exchanges. Its Polio Plus Program to eradicate polio is being achieved by vaccinating more than 2 billion children worldwide.

As a past president of the Cayce-West Columbia Club, I have seen first hand the tremendous goodwill spread throughout the world. I am grateful that my chief of staff, Eric Dell, is a charter member of the new Capitol Hill Rotary Club where he is current president. Congratulations on fulfilling the Four-Way Test and the motto of ``Service Above Self.''

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in appreciation of the strong partnership between the United States and Bulgaria.

For over 100 years the United States has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. With its new era of democracy, our two countries now stand together in the war on terrorism and our friendship is stronger than ever.

Bulgaria is a new democracy which recognizes the importance of furthering freedom throughout the world. By sending over 400 troops to rebuild Iraq and train security forces, the country is playing an important role in helping the Iraqi people. Also, with a contingent in Afghanistan, Bulgaria is protecting the modern world by containing terrorists at the source.

Bulgaria is also a country of great accomplishment. Last year I was honored to meet Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha and to attend the White House ceremony honoring Bulgaria's admission into NATO. Under his leadership, the Bulgarian economy is being transformed and EU admission is planned in 2 years.

During my visits to Bulgaria, I have seen firsthand the Bulgarian miracle, the establishment of a dynamic democracy and the restoration of economic freedom.

As the co-chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus with the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher), it is also my privilege to work with Ambassador Elena Poptodorova.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the anniversary of one of the hardest fought legislative battles of the last decade and to discuss the need for improving it this year.

It was 9 years ago this week that Congress last passed comprehensive telecom reform. The biggest issues then were how best to provide competition in both local and long distance telephone service and to ensure that everyone, including those in rural areas, has access to phone service.

In the last 9 years we have seen advancements in communication technology that could not have been envisioned. Near universal access to the Internet, development and deployment of broadband technology, more wireless phones in service than wireline accounts, e-mail on the go and cable, phone, and satellite companies all vying to deliver an entire suite of video and communications services to a growing marketplace. New technologies and industries unfettered by the constraints of old rules have competed vigorously for consumers' business, transforming forever the way business and consumers get information and communicate with one another.

Unfortunately, our telecom laws have not kept pace with growing demand for choice and competition in the marketplace. Some industries continue to operate under arcane regulations that stifle ingenuity, hinder job creation, and bottle up needed economic investment. These same regulations also place the burden of meeting our shared national priorities of universal phone service and 911 emergency services squarely on the shoulders of a single industry--the local phone companies.

Our Nation's telecom laws are due for some badly needed, free-market reforms, changes that will build upon the successes of the last 9 years in terms of innovation and product delivery while also addressing the issues of social responsibility and competition. Unlike what we did in 1996, these new telecom laws must do more to anticipate advancements and create a mechanism where the playing field is level for every company that wishes to compete.

Specifically, we face some daunting challenges. The United States-- despite being the

country that invented the Internet--ranks 13th in the world in broadband deployment, there are millions of jobs and billions of dollars in potential investment waiting to be unleashed by a telecom marketplace free of excessive regulations and Universal Service and 911 access must, again, be the responsibility of all the companies in the telecom marketplace.

In much the same way healthy, abundant competition for mobile phone service has enabled nearly every community in the United States to have access to a wireless phone signal, so too can vigorous competition deliver on President Bush's commitment of universal broadband service. A study by the New Millennium Research Council shows that 1.2 million jobs can be created and over $50 billion in new investment in broadband technologies can be brought about by ubiquitous broadband deployment.

In the past, we have made it incumbent upon local phone companies to ensure that basic phone service and 911 emergency needs were met. These services are important to our rural and local safety communities and must be protected. Now, however, it is unfair to ask only a handful of companies to bear the burden of ensuring the success of the Universal Service Fund and it is dangerous to allow some companies offering phone services to opt out of providing 911 services.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, we have a responsibility this year to revisit our Nation's outdated and arcane telecom laws. A responsibility to our constituents to ensure that telecommunications competition provides choices. A responsibility to our economy to institute a telecom policy that spurs job creation and investment. A responsibility to our communities that their broadband and 911 safety needs will be met. And, finally, a responsibility to future telecom advancements that we will allow them to flourish and compete so that the United States is, once again, the global telecommunications leader.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow the International Relations Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation is scheduled to review the Volcker Interim Report on the United Nations Oil-For-Food Program. I would like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), the subcommittee chairman, for their leadership on this important issue.

While the United States prides itself as being ``the premier vehicle for furthering development in poorer countries,'' its Oil-For-Food Program allegedly furthered Saddam Hussein's dictatorship over the Iraqi people. During my travels to Iraq, I have seen the numerous palaces of Saddam Hussein and the devastation his rule left on the people of Iraq.

I am outraged to think a U.N.-sponsored program designed to help the Iraqi people was so easily corrupted and manipulated to serve the dictatorship's interests. The diverted funds should be recovered for the people of Iraq.

I strongly support the legislation offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) entitled United Nations Oil-for-Food Accountability Act. This legislation would require the United States to withhold a portion of its U.N. contributions until the U.N. fully cooperates with the Oil-for-Food investigation. American taxpayer dollars should not support programs or people who obstruct our efforts to promote democracy and spread freedom throughout the world.

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

Mr. Speaker, having served as poll manager, poll watcher, county election commissioner, State ballot security coordinator, campaign manager, and candidate, I know firsthand the challenges of free elections.

In our developed democracy, we are confronted with serious problems of securing polling locations, recruiting poll workers, printing intelligible ballots, finding dedicated managers, providing current poll lists. The challenges are endless, but unlike Iraqi voters, we have rarely been asked to brave bullets, bombs, and terrorist thugs on our way to the polls.

The millions of Iraqi voters are to be commended for their bravery. I also credit the Iraqi security forces, American servicemembers, and coalition troops for securing the over-5,000 polling sites across the nation.

The success of Sunday's election is a tangible fulfillment of the vision of President George W. Bush and proves that democracy abroad is the best way to protect American families at home. Terrorist extremists cannot and will not survive in free nations.

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