Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, this week, Southern Living Magazine named Aiken, South Carolina, as the Best Small Town in the South. Mayor Riek Osborn unveiled the magazine cover Wednesday, where Aiken was also recognized as the South's friendliest town.

According to Southern Living, and my own experience, Aiken is ``an authentic South Carolina Equestrian community, rich in historic charm and tradition.''

From the ``iconic archway of live oaks along South Boundary Avenue'' to ``Aiken's 2,100-acre urban forest,'' Aiken has gorgeous greenery. The extraordinary landscaped medians are highlighted with huge ten feet high azaleas.

Aiken has a multitude of great lodging and dining opportunities, where ``Downtown Aiken, especially Laurens Street, is loaded with a variety of eclectic eateries, galleries, and shops.''

I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Aiken County in Congress, where my grandfather Wilson was born in 1888 and great- grandfather Wilson was born in 1860.

In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the Foreign Influence Transparency Act, which requires organizations, such as the Confucius Institute, to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, FARA, if they promote the political agenda of a foreign country.

The goal of this legislation is to increase transparency between foreign governments, universities, and students. Americans have the right to know if they are consuming propaganda that is produced by a foreign government.

Currently, FARA contains a technicality that allows foreign governments or organizations to push their political agenda under the facade of an ``academic pursuit.'' The Foreign Influence Transparency Act will clarify the intent and ensure that all propaganda funded by foreign governments at least contains a disclaimer.

The Foreign Influence Transparency Act also decreases the monetary threshold of foreign donations that universities are required to disclose. Currently, universities only report on donations they receive of $250,000 or more, while organizations, such as the Confucius Institute, operate below that level. This results in a lack of disclosure to students and parents. The goal of this legislation is simple, and that is to create transparency through disclosure.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, the past few weeks has brought an unfortunate intensification of the Syrian Civil War as the Syrian government, aided by Russia, continues to bomb rebel-held towns and cities in Syria--including targeting hospitals. This worsening crisis puts even more innocent civilians at risk as the fighting moves closer to heavily populated areas.

We should not make the same mistakes as the Obama administration, whose ``strategic patience'' allowed Russia to get a foothold in the Middle East by propping up the brutal dictatorship of Syrian President Bashar al Assad and obstructing peace efforts by the UN Security Council. Putin is knowingly allied with murderers.

That is why I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 1677, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2017, which would sanction anyone responsible for hindering access to humanitarian relief in Syria as well as any person who knowingly provides support to the Syrian Government in their attempt to acquire ballistic missiles. The House passed H.R. 1677 last year, and I urge the Senate to pass this bill as well.

In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I greatly appreciate Dr. Terry Michalske, who is the Executive Vice President and Director of the Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory, located at the Savannah River site in South Carolina's Second Congressional District.

Today is Dr. Michalske's last day as director. I am grateful to thank him for his leadership of this critical national laboratory.

The Savannah River National Laboratory conducts research and development, focusing on legacy waste cleanup, national security, and clean energy. Dr. Michalske has more than 30 years of experience in these fields. He holds seven patents, has authored 90 journal publications, and also collaborated on several books.

Dr. Michalske also coordinates with the Department of Energy to support the Savannah River site as a leading national laboratory and regional producer of jobs.

Also, congratulations to Dr. Vahid Majidi, who will succeed Dr. Michalske.

As a former staff member at the site myself, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Savannah River site in Congress.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Secretary Rex Tillerson for his service, and best wishes for continued success for Secretary of State designate Mike Pompeo.

Mr. Speaker, this week we have representatives from the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, MEP, visiting for their annual legislative day. MEPs are public-private partnerships that help small- and medium-size manufacturers grow their business. There are MEP centers in all 50 States and Puerto Rico.

Manufacturing is one of America's major economic drivers, comprising over 12 percent of our annual GDP, with most manufacturing firms in the United States having 500 employees or less. MEPs provide much-needed assistance for manufacturers to become more successful. MEPs help manufacturers grow their global market with export guidance on where to eliminate waste.

Last year, MEPs across the country generated $1.7 billion in cost savings, $3.5 billion in new client investments, and helped create and retain over 100,000 jobs. You can see these benefits firsthand in the Second Congressional District, where the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, led by Chuck Spangler, served over 40 companies last year, resulting in $25 million in new sales and 25 retained jobs.

I am grateful for the MEP's positive impact in communities across the country.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, Israel is America's treasured ally in the Middle East, and we must stand up for our friends when they are being treated unfairly. Recently, we have seen the United Nations targeting Israel with six anti-Israel resolutions passed in the last year alone. This is hypocritical discrimination.

That is why I introduced House Resolution 728, which recognizes that the United Nations Human Rights Council wastes U.S. taxpayers' money by targeting Israel and reiterates that they

need to stop the shameful, prejudicial behavior toward Israel. Even U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed disappointment with the Human Rights Council singling out Israel, given the multitude of other human rights violations occurring around the world.

I was grateful for the opportunity to have attended the AIPAC Policy Conference this weekend, where I participated in a panel discussion on the threat to Israel from Gaza. There I highlighted the broad security concerns Israel is facing, such as the Hamas tunnels, and discussed ways in which the United States can assist to address the threats of kidnapping and murder, such as the murder of Taylor Force.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Americans appreciate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a world statesman, for his visit to Congress today.

Mr. Speaker, sadly, Walter J. Buckert, Jr., a proven champion for military service-members and their devoted families, passed away last week. He will always be cherished for championing benefits for our military and providing extraordinary jobs for military family members. The Office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina was fortunate to have as staff members two of his talented granddaughters, Elizabeth Grayson and Katherine Grayson, who he influenced for extraordinary service on behalf of constituents. I include in the Record the following thoughtful obituary:

Walter J. Buckert, Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully on

Sunday, February 25th at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia.

Walter was born on February 24th, 1933, in Rochester NY, to

Walt and Marge Buckert. In 1955, Walter graduated from

Georgetown University with a BA in Business. He joined the

General Electric Company's Corporate Financial Program where

he was assigned to the Federal Government Department of

Electronics Division. From there, he was promoted to General

Electric's Lighting Business Group, its highest division by

revenue at that time. He took on increasing roles of

responsibility with each transfer accepting positions in New

York, Cleveland and Richmond. His final assignment from

General Electric, before his retirement in 1995, was as

Manager of U.S. Government Sales and Marketing for all

lighting products for government use and resale to military

personnel. In that role, Walter grew government sales and

created a division highly valued to this day. After 47 years

with General Electric, Walter joined Webco General

Partnership in 1996 as Director of Government and Industry

Affairs. A strong advocate for military personnel and their

families, he was awarded the American Logistics Association

Lifetime Achievement Award, The Department of the Army

Outstanding Civil Service medal for his service, and The

Exchange.

Walter is survived by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Mary

Sutton Buckert and loving daughter, Laurie Grayson; son-in-

law, Bill Grayson; and granddaughters Katherine, Elizabeth,

and Caroline Grayson who fondly referred to their grandfather

by his childhood nickname, Buddy. He is also survived by his

older sister, Joanne McDermott, and too many nieces and

nephews on both sides of the family to count but to whom he

held much love and respect.

Walter will be remembered for his loyalty, hard work, and

dedication to others. He was a true blooded, American patriot

who never took his freedom for granted. He was a humble,

stoic man, with strong convictions and beliefs, but

underneath it all was a childlike spirit. Walter was a loving

and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and

friend, he will forever be missed.

Mr. Speaker, in 2002, after extensive research by the Department of Energy (DOE), scientists concluded that Yucca Mountain met all the requirements to act as a repository for high level radioactive waste. After which, the DOE applied for the license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to begin construction of the Yucca Mountain facility.

Unfortunately, due to political brinksmanship, those plans have stalled indefinitely, despite the fact that ratepayers have contributed nearly $30 Billion to the nuclear waste fund, which is specifically designated to be used for Yucca Mountain.

The federal government and taxpayers have dedicated enormous resources to completing the nuclear storage facility at Yucca Mountain. However, the Obama Administration did everything in its power to stall the completion of the facility, holding up construction under political red tape--even though the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's own safety evaluation found it would not be a threat to the local population of Nevada as it would benefit all of America.

Thankfully, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017 will finally remove

unnecessary burdens to make much needed improvements to our national nuclear waste strategy.

This legislation is especially important to the residents of South Carolina. South Carolina ratepayers have invested over $1.3 billion into Yucca over the last 30 years--that's in addition to the billions of dollars collected from ratepayers across the country. During this time, states like South Carolina have remained de facto repositories for nuclear waste. The federal government should finish what they started and complete the Yucca Mountain license application.

Currently, SNF is stored in 121 different neighborhoods, across 39 states--all waiting to be moved to a permanent location. The Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act will address the concerns of communities across the country, in a cost-effective manner, and passed the Energy and Commerce Committee with bi-partisan support, 49 members voting in favor and only 4 against. I am grateful for the opportunity to support this legislation, and am hopeful that it will provide much needed clarification on the disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

I am grateful that text from my bill, the Sensible Nuclear Waste Disposition Act was included in this bill and thank Chairman John Shimkus for his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Munich Security Conference, highlighted by Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, and senior representatives from more than 70 countries. During the conference, we met with General Curtis Scaparrotti, NATO Supreme Allied Commander, and General Christopher Cavoli, Commander U.S. Army Europe, who are successfully implementing President Donald Trump's European Deterrence Initiative to promote peace through strength, preventing further Russian aggression.

I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who are on the front lines of advancing democracy. A highlight was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exposing Iranian drone wreckage.

I also had the opportunity to participate with Congressman Mike Turner at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, where we reinforced the bonds with our NATO allies of 29 countries and discussed joint efforts to confront threats of Russian aggression in Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine.

In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and may we never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, Roxanne and I will be forever grateful for the positive impact Reverend Billy Graham has had for American families and the world. Reverend Graham had the amazing ability to digest the stories and lessons in the Bible and relay that information in ways that were understandable, relatable, and powerful.

He was followed and adored by millions across the world but still remained humble, with his home in Montreat in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, from Grandfather Mountain to Cashiers, where Psalms 72 proclaims the mountain shall bring peace.

Over 200 million people worldwide attended his crusades in over 185 countries. In 1987, our family was grateful to participate in the crusade organized by Harry Dent in Columbia, South Carolina.

Reverend Graham's accomplishments outside of his ministry were inspiring. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom award by President Ronald Reagan; and in 1996, he and his wife, Ruth, together were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor. That was also followed by the outpouring of love for Reverend Billy Graham, which will serve as a reminder for his family and staff of how much he was admired and respected.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may we never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Summer Buchanan Bravo and her husband, Matthew Edward Bravo, on the birth of their new baby girl, Sloane Dachisen Bravo. Sloane Dachisen Bravo was born on February 3, 2018, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. Sloane weighed seven pounds and eight ounces and measured 19 and \3/4\ inches long.

I would also like to congratulate Sloane's grandparents, Steve and Barbara Buchanan of Birmingham, Alabama, and Charles and Linda Bravo of Fairfax, Virginia. Congratulations to the entire family as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, Iran has wrongfully seized another American hostage.

Morad Tahbaz, a dual American and Iranian citizen, was volunteering with the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation when he was maliciously arrested. This is in addition to the tragic news that Canadian Kavous Seyed Emami, who was arrested working with the Foundation, died last week under suspicious circumstances in an Iranian prison.

Morad Tahbaz is the CEO of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation and former president of Empire Resorts. He attended Colgate University and Columbia Business School. He is an upstanding American citizen who does not deserve to be treated like a criminal, nor a political pawn, by a rogue regime as he promotes the extraordinary heritage of Persia.

The Obama administration caved to the dangerous ransom deals with Iran, but ``strategic patience'' only emboldened them to subjugate the brave citizens of Iran.

As the Iranian Government continues to undermine peace, free nations must work together to address this serious threat. I support Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley in calling for the release of all American citizens unjustly detained in Iran.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, the following loving obituary is a deserved tribute to a true Southern Lady of South Carolina who made a positive, meaningful difference for others with nearly 104 years of life.

Dorothy Calhoun Wilson Rogers (``Dot'') died February 9,

2018 at McLeod Hospice in Florence, SC. A memorial service

will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bennettsville, SC with a

reception to follow at the Church.

Dot was born February 18, 1914 in Macon, GA. She was the

daughter of the late Harry Gardelle Wilson and Corrie Hartzog

Boineau Wilson. She was predeceased by her husband of 69

years, Frederick Alexander Rogers, Jr., her twin brother

Harry Gardelle Wilson, her younger brother Hugh deVeaux

Wilson, her daughter Harriett Rogers Drake, her son-in-law

Julian Moyd Drake, and a grandson, Frederick Alexander Rogers

IV. She is survived by her children--Frederick Alexander

Rogers, III of Beaufort, SC and Judith Rogers Gibson (Frank)

of Wilmington, NC, and by six grandchildren--Hamilton Rogers

Drake (Nancy), Julie Drake McCue (Joey), Smilie Gregg Rogers

(Mary Kathryn), Kinchen Council Rogers, Frank Byron Gibson

III, Faison Gibson Sutton (Hunter), numerous great

grandchildren and extended family.

Throughout her adult life, Dot was an active and devoted

communicant of the Episcopal Church. Her steadfast faith and

detailed knowledge of the Bible and the Episcopal Book of

Common Prayer were legendary among her family and friends. At

her death she maintained her membership at All Saints

Episcopal Church, Florence, SC. She was also a member of the

DAR and the Huguenot Society of SC.

Dot majored in fine arts at USC and was a prolific and

gifted artist. She saw her art as a means of glorification of

God's creation. She enjoyed many notable accomplishments,

including being one of the founding artists of the Petite

Louvre Art Gallery, Charleston, SC, and membership in the

Charleston and South Carolina Artists Guilds. She took

special pleasure in teaching art to others, especially her

family. Her work and creative vision will always be cherished

by her family and friends.

Dot's life was full of love and joy, family and friends,

creativity and intellectual curiosity. Dot lived out her

faith every day and to know her was to experience the joy and

peace that comes from a personal relationship with Christ.

She will be missed and remembered with much affection by all

whom she enriched with her beautiful smile and her faith and

courage.

The family would especially like to thank the Methodist

Manor, her personal caregivers, McLeod Hospice, and All

Saints Episcopal Church for all the loving care shown to Dot.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 306

Fayetteville Ave., Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512, All

Saints Episcopal Church, 1425 Cherokee Rd., Florence, SC

29501, or to the charity of one's choice.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3542) to impose sanctions against Hamas for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights by reason of the use of civilians as human shields, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative

days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the coauthor of this legislation and a good friend, Congressman Seth Moulton from Massachusetts, a valued Iraq veteran; as well as the original cosponsors, Congresswoman Ileana Ros- Lehtinen and Congressman Ted Deutch. I also appreciate Chairman Ed Royce and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for allowing it to proceed to a floor vote.

H.R. 3542, the Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act, will sanction Hamas for violating human rights standards by using civilians as human shields.

For far too long, Hamas has taken shelter and launched offenses against Israel from civilian areas, including schools, hospitals, and mosques. Their cowardly actions knowingly and carelessly put innocent lives at risk and are a gross violation of human rights and international law.

Last June, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, discovered Hamas tunnels under two of its schools in Gaza, demonstrating how they knowingly integrate terrorist operations with children in civilian areas.

Sadly, the Iranians and Hamas are willing to fight to the last Palestinian man, woman, and child in their quest to annihilate the people of Israel. Yet neither Hamas nor Iran have been properly held accountable by responsible nations for their crimes against humanity. Unfortunately, the prior U.S. administration never raised this as a serious issue with the Iranians. The cowardly Iranians and Hamas sacrifice innocent Palestinians for their self-destructive ideology.

The world must face the threat of Hamas as it continues to perpetrate atrocities against civilians by using them as human shields. This legislation imposes direct sanctions against any Hamas terrorist who is responsible for using human shields.

This bill, Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act, encourages the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to secure a U.N. Security Council multilateral resolution imposing sanctions against Hamas for the use of human shields. It would also sanction foreign governments and individuals who provide material and financial support to Hamas, which would cut off the resources that allow Hamas to terrorize civilians.

I appreciate that Ambassador Nikki Haley has been outspoken against the murderous terrorists in the global war on terrorism. I believe this legislation will promote working to ensure that lives of innocent civilians of the citizens of Gaza are spared by proactively imposing strong sanctions against Hamas and their murderous actions.

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

House of Representatives,

Committee on the Judiciary,

Washington, DC, February 7, 2018.

Hon. Edward R. Royce,

Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Royce: I write with respect to H.R. 3542, the

``Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act.'' As a result of your

having consulted with us on provisions within H.R. 3542 that

fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the

Judiciary, I forego any further consideration of this bill so

that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for

consideration.

The Judiciary Committee takes this action with our mutual

understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 3542 at

this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject

matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our

committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as

this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may

address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Our

committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an

appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate

conference involving this or similar legislation and asks

that you support any such request.

I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 3542 and would ask

that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be

included in the Congressional Record during floor

consideration of the bill.

Sincerely,

Bob Goodlatte,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), who chairs the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

First, I would like to thank Congressman Sherman for his leadership in this bipartisan legislation, which will make a difference on behalf of the people of Gaza and on behalf of the people of Israel.

The terrorists of Hamas hide behind school children, hospital patients, and other vulnerable civilians. This cowardly use of human shields is a grave

human rights abuse that must be stopped, which sacrifices the lives of innocent Palestinians.

I again want to thank the bipartisan sponsors of the Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act, which deserves our unanimous support, and, in particular, I point out the cosponsorship by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moulton).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 129) calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of H. Res. 129, which recommits us to the sacred task of accounting fully for our troops who are still missing and unaccounted for in past wars and conflicts.

From World War II onward, more than 82,000 U.S. personnel have not come home and are not accounted for. That means that for tens of thousands of American families, friends, and comrades in arms, the pain of uncertainty continues to this very day.

This resolution also calls upon foreign nations to fully cooperate and to provide the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency with all information on our missing personnel that those countries may have. It is especially appropriate that we are considering this resolution this week, which marks the 45th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, which secured the return of more than 550 American prisoners of war from Vietnam.

This group that left Hanoi on February 12, 1973, included an American fighter pilot whose F-4 had been shot down over North Vietnam in 1966. When he ejected from his plane, he had suffered a broken arm, a broken back, and a dislocated shoulder, but that was only the start of his ordeal.

This pilot spent nearly 7 years as a prisoner of war, enduring torture, abuse, and an incomprehensible 3 years in solitary confinement. For 18 months, he shared a cell with Senator John McCain at the infamous ``Hanoi Hilton.''

For his service and heroism, he was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, and numerous other deserved awards.

After that pilot returned home, he stated: ``The freedoms that most Americans take for granted are, in fact, real and must be preserved. I have returned to a great nation, and our sacrifices have been well worth the effort. I pledge to continue to serve and fight to protect the freedoms and ideals that the United States stands for.''

Well, we know that that pilot did continue to serve, not only in the military. He is a former combat warrior and prisoner of war, an American hero, and a Member of Congress. His name is Sam Johnson, and we are honored by his presence in the Chamber today.

I want to thank Congressman Johnson for introducing this resolution. But even more, we all, every American, want to thank him for his life of valor and service.

H. Res. 129 is an opportunity to renew our pledge to our men and women in uniform and to the families of those who have gone missing in service to our country. We will leave no one behind, and we will not forget your solemn sacrifices laid upon the altar of freedom. I urge support for this resolution.

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

House of Representatives,

Committee on Armed Services,

Washington, DC, February 12, 2018.

Hon. Edward R. Royce,

Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, U.S. House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H. Res.

129, a resolution ``Calling on the Department of Defense,

other appropriate elements of the Federal Government, and

foreign governments to resolutely continue efforts to

investigate, recover, and identify all United States

personnel designated as unaccounted for from past wars and

conflicts around the world.'' There are certain provisions in

the resolution which fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of

the Committee on Armed Services.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed

expeditiously to floor consideration of this important

legislation, I am willing to waive this committee's further

consideration of H. Res. 129. I do so with the understanding

that by waiving consideration of the resolution, the

Committee on Armed Services does not waive any future

jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in

the legislation which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction.

Please place a copy of this letter and your response

acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the

Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on

the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in

which you have worked regarding this matter and others

between our respective committees.

Sincerely,

William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), the author of this measure, a former fighter pilot and prisoner of war, and a true American hero.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations; and a longstanding leader on behalf of veterans' issues.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As I close, I want to commend the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which continues the noble work of accounting for our missing troops and personnel day in and day out around the world.

I also want to express gratitude to those groups that continue to keep the home fires burning bright for the many families still awaiting concrete information on their loved ones. These include:

The National League of POW/MIA Families;

The American Legion;

The Veterans of Foreign Wars;

The Disabled American Veterans;

The Jewish War Veterans;