Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin, Chairman Petri, for yielding me this time.

I would like to thank Congressman Lane Evans for his leadership on this matter. Congressman Evans and I serve together on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and he is a tireless advocate for all veterans. I also want to thank Chairman Petri for his leadership and support of the legislation.

H. Con. Res. 235 proposes that all States require that candidates for driver's licenses demonstrate the knowledge to use increased caution when driving in the vicinity of what may be a visually impaired individual.

As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I appreciate all the hard work the Blinded Veterans Association has done to support this legislation. The Blinded Veterans Association has received hundreds of letters and e-mails concerning individuals who have had their white canes hit or have been hit themselves in crosswalks by drivers who are unaware of what a white cane or guide dog indicated.

As an optometrist, I know firsthand that many people with visual impairments live normal, independent lives. They too should be able to travel without fear. Unfortunately, many States do not require people who are applying for driver's licenses to indicate awareness in regards to recognition of visually impaired pedestrians. Simple education can greatly increase the much-needed protection for visually impaired fellow citizens.

Again, I would like to thank Congressman Evans for his leadership on this matter, and I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 235.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in support legislation that I introduced, H.R. 3082, the Veteran Small Business and Memorial Affairs Act of 2006. This is an important piece of legislation that will improve veterans' benefits programs.

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the provisions that would enhance small business and employment opportunities for veterans.

This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to give priority to small businesses owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans when awarding contracts, even when contracting officers choose to use another set aside authority such as 8(a) or HUBZones.

Madam Speaker, there have been previous attempts to promote veteran- owned small businesses to the Federal agencies. Public Laws 106-50 and 108-183 set goals and set aside opportunities for federal agencies. Additionally, Executive Order 13360 encouraged Federal agencies to meet the goals for veteran-owned businesses.

Unfortunately, agencies have not been successful in meeting the goals. It is truly regrettable that according to Small Business Administration data that only three of eighty-one Federal departments and agencies have met the three percent goal currently in law for service-disabled veteran-owned business. VA was not one of those three, I feel VA must set an example for the rest of the government.

I want to make it plain that the intent of this bill is to put veteran-owned businesses, especially service-disabled veteran-owned businesses at the front of the line for set aside opportunities at the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is a small way for the nation to show its appreciation for not only the service these men and women have rendered to the nation, but also for their entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy.

Many servicemembers, upon leaving the Armed Forces, seek employment within a field similar to their occupational specialties. However, there are several barriers that veterans may face when trying to be certified in these fields in their home states.

When we marked up this legislation in the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, of which I chair, I inserted in my Chairman's Amendment, a provision that would require states to develop a licensing and certification program as a condition of receiving a grant from the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS). The states will have 2 years after the date enactment to do this.

It is also important for the people assisting veterans with employment to have the proper qualifications and training to meet the needs of veterans. Therefore, my Chairman's Amendment also included a provision that would require VETS to establish guidelines for non- mandatory professional qualifications for Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS) and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs). This bill would also require that all DVOPS and LVERs successfully complete training by the National Veterans' Training Institute.

Madam Speaker, veterans as a group is one of this nation's largest assets. Their small businesses are very successful and they have proven to be excellent employees. The employment and entrepreneurial tools within H.R. 3082 would give our veterans the ``leg-up'' that they deserve.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3082, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent the Committee on International Relations may have until midnight, July 21 to file a report on H.R. 5682, the United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006.

Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor today to support this legislation that will preserve America's Pledge of Allegiance. This Congress is working to strengthen America to taking steps to continue job creation, keeping our economy growing, providing the tools that we need to fight the war on terrorism and address the problems that are leading to high energy prices.

However, we also have a responsibility to take a few minutes today to reinforce the spirit and unity of the American people by protecting our Pledge. The Pledge of Allegiance is not just a statement that our kids rehearse in schools, it is an expression of we as Americans.

The American people are united by devotion, not just to our flag but to our country. Our devotion is not just to our public, but to our principles, including liberty and justice for all. Our shared Pledge of Allegiance should not be rewritten on a whim by a few judges against the will of the overwhelming majority of American public.

That is why this legislation is so important, and I appreciate Mr. Blunt's and Mr. Akin's leadership on this issue. The Pledge Protection Act, which has 197 cosponsors, passed the House in the

108th Congress by a wide margin. Article III of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to pass this legislation. We should use this authority with restraint.

But when it comes to protecting America's Pledge of Allegiance, we should take these thoughtful steps to exercise the will of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues from Arkansas today. The State of Arkansas has lost one of its greatest citizens and role models this week. Lieutenant Governor Win Rockefeller dedicated his life to public service and to the people of our State.

As Lieutenant Governor, Governor Rockefeller focused on economic development, education and literacy. Let me give you just an example of the many great contributions that Lieutenant Governor Rockefeller made, not just as an elected official, but as a citizen. The Lieutenant Governor created a program called ``Books in the Attic'' where Boy Scouts collected used children's books to distribute to needy families. This was a little thing, but Lieutenant Governor Rockefeller was always willing to use his resources to do good, but more importantly he wanted to get other people involved in doing good as well.

The passing of Lieutenant Governor Rockefeller is a great loss for the State of Arkansas. We will all be grateful that he chose to make Arkansas his home. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends who loved him so much.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes today, July 17, 2006, due to a delay in my flight back to Washington, DC. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: H.R. 3085-- ``yea''; H.R. 3496--``nay''; H.R. 3729--``yea''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Gerald ``Jerry'' Braun who passed away on July 7, 2006, at his home in Maryland.

Over the last 3 years Dr. Braun has served with distinction as the Deputy Director for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was a consummate professional with unquestioned integrity, who consistently met or exceeded the goals of the vocational rehabitation and employment program.

I first had the privilege of meeting Dr. Braun when he testified before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity at the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which I Chair. I always found him to be an honest, sincere witness who possessed a great knowledge of veterans programs and always exhibited the utmost concern for the veterans enrolled in vocational rehabilitation and employment. He was the VA's institutional memory on the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and his contributions will truly be missed.

Dr. Braun began serving our Nation's veterans in 1972 as a vocational rehabilitation specialist for the blind and visually impaired in St. Paul, MN. He later worked for VA facilities in Chicago and Reno as a counseling psychologist and in Indianapolis as the vocational rehabilitation and employment officer, before finally coming to Washington to serve in the Department's Central Office In addition to his service as a VA counselor, Dr. Braun was a member of the American Legion and the National Rehabilitation Association. He earned Certificates of Appreciation from Vice President Gore, from the Greater Sierra Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for Lifetime Contribution, and from the State of Nevada Governor for his contributions to the Governor's Committee of Employment of People with Disabilities.

Dr. Braun was born in Red Wing, MN and graduated from St. Cloud Minnesota State University in 1968 with a degree in Sociology. Upon graduation, he joined the Army and served his country from October 1968 to May 1970. His service included a thirteen month tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon returning, Dr. Braun earned both a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling and a doctorate of education in counseling and guidance.

Dr. Braun is survived by his wife, Debora and his four children, Eric, Kirsten, Rebecca, and Joanna. His family and friends will remember him for his intelligence, wisdom, sense of humor, and generous heart. To his wife and children, we are thankful for his 35 years of service to the Nation, especially to its veterans and to each of them for the support they gave him during what was a rewarding life

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life the J.E. Dunlap who passed away yesterday morning. J.E. was an icon in the community of Harrison, Arkansas. As a young ambitious teenager, he was hired as a stringer for the statewide newspaper. After seeing action in World War II, J.E. returned to Harrison where he spent 50 years running the city's daily newspaper. J.E. was an accomplished newsman who won numerous accolades during his career, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. A man of character and integrity, J.E. was always a fair newsman, but also one who was not afraid to tell you what was really on his mind. His energy level, enthusiasm and commitment to his community remained with him throughout his life. After retiring from the day-to-day management of the paper, J.E. continued to write three columns a week. That dedication earned him Arkansas' Older Worker of the Year Award in 2002.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Harrison will greatly miss J.E. His work ethic and devotion to community truly is representative of the Greatest Generation. The weekday coffee klatch at Coffee and More won't be the same without him.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the amendment. As a member of the medical community, I understand the importance of effectively treating and preventing pain.

However, the medical use of smoked marijuana has been rejected by the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society and other leading health care organizations.

The concern is that marijuana smokers are exposing themselves to a crude and harmful drug delivery system.

Marijuana smoke contains a variety of toxic chemicals that can cause damage and may even exacerbate the underlying medical condition.

The Federal Government has provided money for research into the medicinal use of THC, which is believed to be the primary chemical component responsible for marijuana's psycho-pharmacological effects. I support that approach.

As a result of such research, synthetic forms of THC have been available as an oral prescription for 20 years.

Ultimately, inhaling marijuana smoke and tar are not effective treatments for medical conditions.

For these reasons and primarily because of the opposition of leading health care organizations, I must rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Economic Opportunities Subcommittee under the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I traveled to South Dakota on Sunday, June 18, 2006, to hold a field hearing. Due to the timing of the hearing and return travel, I was unable to participate in votes on Monday, June 19, 2006. I am requesting my absence for this date. I would also like you to note that, should I have been present, I would have voted in the following manner: H.R. 5540--Sergeant Jacob Dan Dones Post Office Designation Act, ``yes''; H.R. 5504--Larry Winn, Jr. Post Office Building Designation Act, ``yes''; and H. Res. 826--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established, ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give strong support to H. Res. 861. For more than three years, the man Osama bin Laden called ``the prince of al-Qaeda'' orchestrated terror attacks that killed thousands of Iraqis, American troops and coalition forces. Now, thanks to hard work and dedication of the U.S. military and our coalition partners, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's reign of terror is over.

Since the U.S. and our coalition partners liberated Iraq, bin Laden has sought to defeat the efforts of the people of Iraq to transform their nation into a peace-loving democracy so he can turn it into a radical Islamic state where al-Qaeda calls the shots. The air strike that killed Zarqawi has dealt bin Laden's organization a crucial blow by eliminating the man he trusted to wage his jihad in Iraq. It is a major victory in the War on Terror.

Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the House VA Economic Opportunities Subcommittee, I feel strongly about coming to the floor today to honor our brave servicemen and women who are defending our homeland in the Global War on Terror. They have fought valiantly since the vicious unprovoked attacks of 9/11. They liberated the people of Afghanistan from the Taliban, an abusive regime that once harbored Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda leadership. The terrorists no longer have a safe haven and are on the run. Their hopes of creating a new Taliban-like state in Iraq has suffered a major setback with our military's latest success in getting Zarqawi.

Since the end of the initial operation in Iraq, many of my Democratic colleagues have called for a full withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. When the attacks on U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians intensified, so did their calls for us to pull out. If we had heeded those calls and not allowed our military to complete their mission, Zarqawi would still be alive and be making further strides toward turning Iraq into al-Qaeda's new home base.

Whether or not you supported the initial operation in Iraq, the fact of the matter is we have to see this through. Our troops deserve our support and all the resources they need to get the job done. And I am committed to giving them both.

Since the liberation of Afghanistan and Iraq, we have captured or killed thousands of suspected terrorists. Our servicemen and women have rooted terrorists out of hiding all over the globe. They deserve our utmost support and praise for keeping us safe and making the world a better place as they continue to fight the global war on terror.

Mr. Chairman, I raise a point of order against the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment violates clause 3 of rule XXI. It reduces obligation authority and associated outlays below the levels provided in Public Law 109-59 in violation of rule XXI, clause 3.

Mr. Chairman, I am a member of the Committee on International Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Human Rights, and I have great sympathy for what you are trying to accomplish in the sense that I think the Emergency Refugee Migration Assistance fund does a great job.

On the other hand, as a member of the Speaker's drug task force, and very active in the war against drugs, this is not the vehicle to do this in. I have had an opportunity to go to Colombia and see the progress that is being made. I very strongly oppose the McGovern amendment. I have had an opportunity to visit with the police and the armed services in Colombia, and they are doing a good job and tremendous progress is being made.

We had an opportunity to go out on a mock drug expedition where we went out in the cigar boats and saw firsthand how they go after the drug traffickers. Probably 2 hours after we left, they actually captured a boat that had several hundred pounds of illegal drugs on it. So they are doing a good job.

Again, I very strongly disagree that the money needs to be reduced.

In regard to the Colombian police situation, as we know on May 22, 2006, 10

members of the Colombian Judicial Police force, known as the DIJIN, were murdered by members of the Colombian army. These brave police officers were investigating a drug trafficking incident when they were captured and shot execution-style by army soldiers.

Since the incident, the Uribe government has moved quickly to launch an aggressive independent inquiry by the attorney general's office in Colombia. Because of these actions and because of the fact that Colombians are doing the right thing in this instance, we need to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I make the point of order that the number ``5'' on page 60, line 4 is not in order because it violates clause 2 of rule XXI which prohibits legislation in an appropriations bill.

Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order that the language on page 74, line 6 through 11 is not in order because it violates clause 2 of rule XXI which prohibits legislation in an appropriations bill.

Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order that the language on page 86, line 10 after ``law,'' through the word ``region'' on line 11, is not in order because it violates clause 2 of rule XXI which prohibits legislation in an appropriations bill.

Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order that the language on page 91, line 14 after the word ``directs'' through line 17 is not in order because it violates clause 2 of rule XXI which prohibits legislation in an appropriations bill.

Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order that the language on page 127, line 5 through line 24 is not in order because it violates clause 2 of rule XXI which prohibits legislation in an appropriations bill.

Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order that the language on page 135, line 17 through page 136, line 5 is not in order because it violates clause 2 of rule XXI which prohibits legislation in an appropriations bill.

Mr. Speaker, I also would echo the fact that Congressman Davis is an Arkansan; and we are very, very proud of him and all that he has accomplished.

I rise today in support of H.R. 4811, the John Paul Hammerschmidt Post Office Designation Act. No one understands my congressional district like the kind and thoughtful gentleman who represented much of Arkansas in the Congress from 1967 through 1993. I consider John Paul Hammerschmidt a mentor and a friend.

During his 26 years in Congress, John Paul became known for his strong work ethic and attention to individual constituent service. His fellow Members came to rely on his legislative expertise in highways, aviation and waterway infrastructure. In fact, Congressman Hammerschmidt served as ranking member of the Public Works, now known as the Transportation and Infrastructure, Committee from 1986 through 1993.

During his tenure in office, Arkansas completed many of the infrastructure improvements, including highways and airports, that have allowed northwest Arkansas to become one of the major financial engines of our Nation.

Congressman Hammerschmidt is also remembered for his work on behalf of our Nation's veterans. Particularly in Arkansas, our veterans hospitals and facilities still benefit from Congressman Hammerschmidt's service.

Congressman Hammerschmidt served as ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee from 1975 through 1986, and all of our Nation's veterans had a tremendous advocate in this good man.

As a combat pilot in World War II, Congressman Hammerschmidt flew 217 missions with the Third Combat Cargo Group over ``the Hump'' in the China-Burma-India theatre.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, three Battle Stars, the China War Memorial Medal by the Republic of China, and the Meritorious Service

Award. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a major. Furthermore, he has been awarded the highest honors by eight national veterans service organizations.

Since retiring, Congressman Hammerschmidt has been named Arkansas Citizen of the Year; and he has remained incredibly active in the fields of business, education, aviation, community service, and his local church.

Many of Congressman Hammerschmidt's close friends continue to serve in Congress today, and several will be submitting statements that were unable to be here today.

Finally, I want to take a moment to honor Ginny Hammerschmidt, who served the people of Arkansas alongside John Paul during his many years of service. We lost Ginny last year, but this bill, in recognizing the service of Congressman Hammerschmidt, also recognizes the sacrifices and service of Ginny and the rest of the family.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

I appreciate this opportunity to offer an amendment which will strengthen the hand of Congress in the future as we work to protect the most vulnerable children in our society and as we work to deter the abuse of drugs in our culture.

This amendment would provide for two simple actions by ONDCP. First, the amendment would require the director of ONDCP to include in the National Drug Control Strategy statistical data and information to demonstrate and assess trends relating to the effects of illicit drug use on children of substance abusers. This information will assist Congress, as well as States, local governments and private groups, as we work to protect these children.

As we all know, one of the greatest tragedies of drug abuse is the terrible effect these crimes have on the most vulnerable members of society, children. Children of substance abusers are the innocent victims of drug abuse, and research shows that these children are much more likely to become drug abusers themselves when they reach adolescence or adulthood. Congress should do all it can to protect these innocent children, while we have the chance; and no effective National Drug Control Strategy would be complete without considering the effects on children of substance abusers and how we can help prevent the cycle of drug abuse.

We all know from experience that children who have grown up in homes in this sort of condition are much more likely to use drugs themselves. In Arkansas, State, local, and private groups are working hard to assist meth-endangered children, kids, who are some of the most vulnerable, of substance abusers. Several years ago, I visited with a high school young lady whose parent had recently committed suicide as a result of being high on meth. He was a truck driver. He had been on the drug for many, many years; and she was being a model student. There was really nothing, there was no agency, there was no help for her. So, again, I think this is very, very important and something that would be great if we could study and then use that information to go further.

The second part of this amendment requires the director of ONDCP to conduct a study on drug court programs that hold hearings in nontraditional public places, such as schools. As you all know, the mission of a drug court is to provide an alternative to incarceration for nonviolent persons convicted of alcohol or other drug-related charges. In order to reduce demand and deter our kids from getting involved in illegal drugs, we must make sure they understand the consequences of drug abuse. We spend a lot of time and money talking to kids about the repercussions of drug abuse, but this type of program allows us to show them the consequences.

In my congressional district, I have seen firsthand the strong impact that such a program has had on school-age kids. Judge Mary Ann Gunn of the Fourth Judicial District Drug Court in Washington County, Arkansas, has been taking her program into the schools for several years with the strong support of school administrators and the community. She uses the opportunity to visit with students about the drug problem, and it has had a profound effect on many kids. Experience has shown that her program is a strong deterrent for young people, and it strongly promotes demand reduction among our youth.

In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to join me in this effort to reduce the harm experienced by children of substance abusers and to study drug court programs that could be a tremendous deterrent to young people nationwide. These two items may seem small, but they are critical steps in saving future generations from the harm caused by drug abuse.

I commend Chairman Souder for his work on this very important bill. I appreciate the hard work that he and his staff and the other members of the committee, both Democrat and Republican, have put into this effort.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Rehberg, and we have really enjoyed working on this. I rise also in strong support. The only reservation I have at all is perhaps 10 percent is not enough. We are dealing with a situation that in Arkansas, started in the Midwest, started in Arkansas, States like that, very rapidly spread across the country.

When I talk to anybody in enforcement in my State, they tell us that 65 to 70 percent of crime in Arkansas now is directly attributed to methamphetamine. Our shelters are full. When you use this drug for an extended period of time you tend to get paranoid. You start beating up your family, and it is at an age when the children are invariably involved because it is in your 20s to 40s.

While I was waiting to come and speak on this, I went in and talked to my MediVac folks who are out there that wanted to tell me about their issues in transporting patients. I mentioned I was going to come here and speak on this bill. They started relating story after story of transporting burn patients, children, men and women that had been injured as they were cooking meth that exploded.

So, again, I appreciate the chairman and ranking member and strongly support the amendment.