Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I thank him for his leadership on the Committee on Armed Services and everything he is doing to take care of our men and women who are leading in this war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the heroes, not in the large sense, but in the individual sense, the heroes that we have in this war, fighting in this war in Afghanistan and in Iraq. And, specifically, I would like to share the story today of just one of the many committed Marines. And I know that the gentleman's son is in the Marines, and we share some common bond here; but one of the Marines that is serving today in Iraq has an incredible story.

I was talking to the commandant of the Marines this week. He was in an airplane, I think he said at 48,000 feet. It is amazing how we fly these airplanes these days. He was telling me the story of Sergeant Christopher Chandler. I wanted to share that today because it is a story of resolve, determination, love of country, and love of the American people. It is an example that we see in other men and women in uniform, but this one is particularly special.

I have got some notes here to make sure I get the dates and times right. In November of 2001, Sergeant Christopher Chandler answered the call to service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Less than one month into this assignment, Sergeant Chandler stepped on a land mine while providing security for an explosive ordnance disposal unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan; and he lost a leg.

Sergeant Chandler was one of the first service members injured in the global war on terrorism after the attacks on 9/11 and the first American to be awarded the Purple Heart in Operation Enduring Freedom. Despite the severity of his injury, he refused to let the incident diminish his resolve.

Following the incident, Sergeant Chandler was evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he received treatment and was outfitted with a prosthetic leg.

Neither his injury nor the immediate danger he experienced were able to stifle the determined spirit of Sergeant Chandler. Upon completion of physical therapy, he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and requested a seat in the U.S. Army jump school.

His request was met, as I am sure you can imagine, with some resistance. He was informed that no exceptions could be made for any physical limitations. He would be required to complete every

task and fulfill each training requirement at the same level of excellence as everyone else attending that jump school.

He accepted the challenge. He excelled. He was able to demonstrate to the physical evaluation review board that he was fit to return to full active duty without limitations. He became the first amputee to complete Army jump school.

The story is not over. In December of 2003, Sergeant Chandler graduated, exceeding all expectations by being selected the noncommissioned officer honor graduate of his class.

Today Sergeant Chandler is serving our Nation bravely as a member of the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance in Iraq.

It has been said that the truest test of a man's character is not what he does with success, but what he makes of defeat. For generations, the Marine Corps has trained recruits with this type of determination and instilled the courage in its men and women to move forward when those around them have faltered. Sergeant Chandler is a leader, but he is not the only one.

Thousands of terrific men and women have answered the call to serve because they know how important this service is to the security of America and to a stable world. And these brave men and women deserve to know that they have our unconditional love and support.

In those discussions with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, as I mentioned earlier, and he has just returned from Iraq only just a couple of weeks ago, he shared with me the single most asked question about the families of the American and women serving at every level and by the men and women themselves in the Marine Corps. And the question is, Do we still have the backing of the American people?

He answers unequivocally yes. We need to make certain that stays so. These men and women who face danger each day on our behalf see and hear the same newscasts that we do. We cannot allow the morale of our troops to be diminished by these negative reports.

Mr. Chairman, you are absolutely right. We have to stay the course. We have a responsibility to make our support known, our emotional, financial, all levels of support to every man and woman who serves this Nation. We owe them no less. We cannot show any weakening of resolve.

It is a commitment that we have to Sergeant Chandler and to all the Marines and soldiers serving over there.

I know, Mr. Chairman, you are giving them your unqualified support and I pledge mine, and I ask my colleagues and the American people to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the recess have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with many of my fellow veterans in this body to bring attention to a serious decision facing our Nation. Very soon the American people will be asked to make an important choice. We will be asked to decide who will best lead our Nation for the next 4 years. One candidate, John Kerry, would claim to have the best interests of America at heart. However, Mr. Kerry's history tells a different story.

Thirty-three years ago today, he stood before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee disparaging, disparaging our brave servicemen and - women as murderers. Yet today in pursuit of the Presidency of what he called a ``hypocritical'' Nation, he boasts of his service alongside them.

Every man and woman who has stood in defense of our Nation deserves our thanks. But John Kerry's service does not excuse him from joining ranks with Jane Fonda and others in speaking ill of our troops or their service then or now.

On the anniversary of these outrageous claims by John Kerry, I believe we must remind the veterans of our United States Armed Forces, past, present, and future of our appreciation, of our thanks for their service to our military and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to give my Special Order at this time.

Mr. Speaker, we hear many outrageous claims and public discourse today on the floor of this House and outside of this House, and the integrity of the President of the United States is impugned over and over again, and we simply do not have time to address all of those issues; but today I rise to address an unacceptable offense against the men and women of our National Guard and the Commander in Chief-of-the United States military.

As my colleagues may know, Mr. Speaker, last month the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Mr. Terry McAuliffe, attacked President Bush by claiming he was AWOL, AWOL from the Alabama National Guard. He also cheapened the service of the men and women of the National Guard by saying that President Bush, as a member of the Guard, never served in our military.

In the time that has passed since Mr. McAuliffe made his unfounded charge, the President has produced military records which reflect his service and honorable discharge in the National Guard.

Mr. Speaker, the President has had the opportunity to exonerate himself; and I believe the men and women who have served their country, our country, as members of the National Guard deserve to be exonerated as well. Mr. McAuliffe's comments discredit, discredit the sacrifices of tens of thousands of National Guardsmen and -women and is a slap in the face to their service, to their families.

I believe the men and women of our National Guard serving this very moment in Afghanistan, Iraq and throughout the globe, including many Minnesotans serving in Bosnia, would disagree with the sentiment that they are not serving their country. More than 193,000 National Guards members and Reservists are currently serving in the war on terror, and over 129,000 are overseas.

While in Iraq last fall, I had the good fortune to spend time with members of the Minnesota National Guard who provided transportation in and out of Baghdad, and I would say it was the best transportation in and out of Baghdad. These men and women are steadfast servants of our military and our country who have given up their own freedom to ensure liberty for others. Whether on the front lines or serving in support roles, these brave Americans are the difference between terrorism and freedom. If that is not service to our country, Mr. Speaker, I do not know what is.

This week, yet another National Guard unit from Minnesota will depart to serve our country, another National Guard unit will depart to serve our country; and I challenge anyone to question the sacrifice of these Guardsmen and -women and the families they are leaving behind.

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I take offense to Mr. McAuliffe's demeaning the characterization of our National Guard. His baseless insinuation diminishes the National Guard as an institution, and he owes an apology to the Guardsmen and -women in uniform serving our country and protecting their fellow Americans.

Mr. McAuliffe's comments represent the worst of election-year politics. It is deplorable for anyone, much less the leader of a national party, to denounce, degrade, and dishonor a fighting force that is at this moment fighting for freedom and democracy around the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the men and women of our National Guard and say thank you. We love you; we are with you.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring a man who will forever remain a symbol of the American dream.

I had the great good fortune and high honor to serve as military aide to President Reagan during my time in the United States Marine Corps. As the officer assigned to carry the ``nuclear football,'' I had the opportunity to observe the President in a wide variety of situations.

Ronald Reagan was already well known before he entered the Presidential field. Through a variety of careers, his thoughtful, caring nature and engaging personality were well established. Friends and colleagues alike recognized him as gifted, some would say the ``great communicator,'' who was as accomplished a listener as he was a speaker. Strong in character and always quick with a joke, the best joke teller I ever knew, candidate Reagan, Governor Reagan, earned the allegiance, trust, and respect of a Nation and was elected as our 40th President.

What struck me almost immediately when I began my service to President Reagan was the strong sense of leadership he exuded. Perhaps more than any other leader in contemporary history, President Reagan knew when to trust his staff and when not to allow his beliefs to be swayed. On routine matters, President Reagan displayed enormous confidence in his staff, I am proud to say, including me. When told, for example, ``Mr. President, please stand here,'' he agreed affably. On matters of substance, however, he was guided by unwavering principle and would not be moved.

President Ronald Reagan applied this principle to the many challenges he faced. The economic policy of Reaganomics was met with initial skepticism and scorn, but its success validated his vision of how to address the faltering economy he inherited.

In international matters, his unflinching opposition to communism led to its demise and earned the enduring allegiance of former adversaries. This principled vision inspired men and women of all political persuasions to put the best interest of our Nation ahead of their respective political parties. By holding to his vision of America as a beacon for the rest of the world, he brought freedom, hope and opportunity to millions here and abroad.

Today we honor President Reagan for his achievement, his leadership and his enduring example. Happy birthday, Mr. President, and thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 438) congratulating John Gagliardi, football coach of St. John's University, on the occasion of his becoming the all-time winningest coach in collegiate football history.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 438.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 438. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy), for bringing this resolution forward. Mr. Speaker, this resolution recognizes the achievement of Coach John Gagliardi of St. John's University for becoming the all-time winningest coach in collegiate football history.

Coach Gagliardi--John to his players, colleagues and friends--has long been a force in college athletics and in life. In his 51 years at St. Johns, John has found great success on the field, leading St. John's to 23 conference titles and the winningest record in Division III history.

His performance as a coach is impressive, but it tells only one side of the story of this great man. John has invested in thousands of lives over his career in the coaching business. The success earned by the St. John's team reflects the dedication he inspires in each player. John's investment in these young lives is, to him, the most important contribution he can make, and to them the most important reward they will receive.

I extend my congratulations to Coach John Gagliardi on this important day for him and for the St. John's community. I am happy to join my colleagues in honoring a great man and wishing him continued success.

I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy).

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

I thank the gentlewoman for her very kind remarks on this occasion, and I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy) for bringing this forward. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this, with a hearty congratulations to Coach John Gagliardi.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 379) honoring the Rice University Owls baseball team for winning the NCAA baseball championship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 379.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 379. This resolution honors the Rice University Owls baseball team for their victory in the 2003 NCAA baseball championship. With their 14 to 2 victory over Stanford, the Rice Owls scored the largest margin of victory in a College World Series championship game and earned their first, their first, NCAA baseball championship ever. The Owls won five of six games in their fourth College World Series appearance to complete a remarkable season in which they won 58 of their 70 games. The Owls' victory at the College World Series was Rice University's first national championship in any team sport. The distinction earned by these players and the remarkable repeat victories of the team reflect the dedication of each player, the leadership of Coach Wayne Graham, and the support of family, friends, and fans.

I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bell) for introducing this resolution and extend my congratulations to Coach Graham, Rice University, and each of the hardworking players on the successful Owls team. As the only Member of Congress to claim Rice University as my alma mater, I am especially proud and happy to join my colleagues and am very thankful to have the opportunity to join my colleagues in honoring the accomplishment of this team and wishing them continued success. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank, again, the gentlewoman from California for her kind remarks and the other speakers today, and certainly the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bell) for authoring this resolution. I will dare to speak on behalf of all Rice alumni and say to Coach Graham and to the team, congratulations and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The first-ever NCAA championship is a big thing to the alumni community and Rice University.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), my distinguished colleague, for yielding, and more importantly, most importantly, for his leadership on this issue and so many issues. It is such a pleasure to serve with such a fine gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, of course, to join he and my other colleagues in sharing the really great news what we are seeing in the United States economy. As you heard from the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling), the United States economy grew at the astonishing rate of 7.2 percent in the third quarter. The highest rate since 1984. That warrants the repetition that we are giving it this evening.

It is a sign that the President's Jobs and Growth Package is doing exactly what it was supposed to do. And I am so pleased to have been a part of this Congress to help make this a reality. That package that we passed this year helped to generate our growth spurt by bringing economic activity to a higher level. That was exactly the purpose. This, in turn, increased the incomes and the living standards, the living standards for American workers. Not just the living standards for the rich, the living standards for American workers. And, in addition to this incredible, astonishing growth, we have seen other important indicators of a reviving, in fact, a rapidly growing economy.

My colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling), mentioned that home ownership has reached the highest level ever, the highest level ever. And since the beginning of this year, the value of the United States stock markets has increased $2 trillion. Two trillion dollars. That is money in retirement accounts and 401(k)s and IRAs and mutual funds. That is real wealth to Americans. Disposable income is up 5.8 percent.

And, just as predicted, when you let the American workers, businesses, and families and individuals keep more of their own money, when you tax it less, and disposable income goes up, other good things happen. Manufacturing goods are up. Shipments of durable goods are up. Consumer confidence is, you guessed it, up. Things are looking up and there is more to come.

Mr. Speaker, the point has been raised that jobs are not as high as we would like them to be, but I am here to tell you that they are on their way. This economic indicator always lags, and we are already starting to see signs that the labor market is beginning to improve. Claims for unemployment insurance are down.

My colleague from Texas mentioned that 57,000 new jobs are were created in September. Progress is evident. We have more work to do. And the good news is that the President and the leadership in this house never planned to rest on its laurels.

The President, the administration, the House, has a plan to further strengthen the economy and create more jobs. Six easy points that the President has articulated, and it bears repeating tonight for our discussion. We want to ensure an affordable and reliable energy supply, and we are working on passing an energy bill; we want to reduce the burden of frivolous

lawsuits on our economy; streamline regulations and reporting requirements; make health care costs more affordable and more predictable; open new markets for American products; enable families and businesses to plan for the future with confidence by bringing consistency and predictability to the system.

Mr. Speaker, this Congress and this President recognized a need and responded. We are already seeing signs of success and more to come. I am so pleased to be here with you tonight and to be part of this Congress and this team working for a better, stronger America.

I just want to follow up on the comments that the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) and the distinguished gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce) were making about the resilience of our economy and the power that you get when you let the American people keep their own hardearned money.

We have talked about the dot-com bubble, well-described, the terrible corporate scandals that would have rocked any economy to its heels, the horrific attacks on 9-11. We are conducting major military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. We are conducting a global war on terrorism. We have had the largest reconstruction, reconfiguration of the Federal Government since 1947. And still the American economy grew. And as we have talked about this evening, because of the leadership and the trust of the President and the leadership in this Congress and letting the American people and letting American businesses spend their money in the way they saw fit, we have seen the largest growth in gross domestic product in 19 years.

I just think it says remarkable things not only about the President and about the leadership in this House, but about the wonderful American people and the strength of our economy.

I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in commending the valor and commitment of the brave men and women who served in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) for authoring this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a great honor to these men and women, and we have an opportunity to offer a more meaningful tribute. The best way to honor the troops of Operation Restore Hope is to support the legacy of freedom they fought to preserve.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside some of the finest troops in the world when I was a commander of Marine Aviation Forces in Operation Restore Hope. The commitment of these men and women to our Nation and to the people of Somalia was exemplary.

Unfortunately, as we learned shortly after the battle of Mogadishu, civilian leadership of Operation Restore Hope did not share the commitment of our troops when the situation became difficult. Today, a decade later, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces again face a difficult challenge, this time in Operation Iraqi Freedom. As in Somalia, American forces have entered Iraq with the best of intentions, and this time, this time we must stay the course.

We commend the troops of Operation Restore Hope for their service as we pray for the safety of those who carry forth the proud tradition of committed service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1078.

Mr. Speaker, this is an historic moment for U.S.-Asia relations. The United States and Singapore have agreed to formalize their mutually beneficial economic relationship with the ground- breaking U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. This monumental agreement is the first free trade agreement between the United States and an Asian country. It opens new markets for U.S. businesses and provides strong protections for U.S. companies and investors.

Singapore is an important economic ally of the United States. In 2002, Singapore was the 12th largest U.S. trading partner. Not only is Singapore itself an important market to the United States, but it also serves as a bridge between the United States and other markets in the Asia-Pacific region. This agreement builds on Singapore's many strengths and solidifies an important economic relationship between the two nations, presenting new opportunities for U.S. businesses and investors.

The U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement will set an example for economic relations with other U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8, a measure that frees men and women from being penalized for their hard work and their success. The Death Repeal Permanency Act of 2003 would eliminate the death tax, eliminate it, and that is the key, once and for all.

Mr. Speaker, Congress has already voted to get rid of the tax. We should never ever let it come back. The estate tax discourages the very values we prize most highly in our Nation. It is a tax on hard work and savings, on sacrifice, and on success.

In Minnesota, the family farm is an important part of our commerce, an important part of our industry. It is part of the fabric of Minnesota. The family farm epitomizes the values that we hold most dear. We should never ever let this tax creep back in and put those farms in jeopardy.

We cannot allow this unjust penalty to harm any of our family farmers, whether they are a small farm, like my wife's family farm, or a big farm. The estate tax is immoral. The death of an individual's father, mother, father-in-law or mother-in-law should not be a taxable event. Not now, not ever.

Let us support H.R. 8 and not the Pomeroy substitute.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 171) commending the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs for winning the NCAA 2003 National Collegiate Women's Ice Hockey Championship.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 171.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 171; and I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), for bringing this resolution forward.

Madam Speaker, this resolution recognizes the achievement of the University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team, the Bulldogs, for their NCAA National Collegiate championship. This victory marks the third consecutive national championship for the Bulldogs.

The national champion Bulldogs deserve recognition for their double overtime victory against a talented Harvard University team. In addition to the inspiring team victory, four individuals distinguished themselves from the field: three young women from the University of Minnesota of Duluth were named to the All-Tournament team, and Coach Shannon Miller was named the 2003 AHCA Women's Division Coach of the Year. The distinction earned by these individuals and the remarkable repeat victories of the team reflect the dedication of each player, the leadership of Coach Shannon Miller, and the support of family, friends, and fans.

I extend my congratulations to each of the hard-working players on the successful Bulldog team, to Coach Miller, and to the University of Minnesota Duluth. I am happy to join my colleagues in honoring the accomplishment of this team and wish them continued success. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, just to associate myself with the remarks of my colleague, the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), in saying that the women in Minnesota have confirmed what we always knew, that Minnesota is the ice hockey headquarters of the world, and we are proud to associate ourselves with them and congratulate the team.

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

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