Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on Memorial Day, May 31, 2004 a ceremony was held in Central Florida in commemoration of naming the new Interstate 4 bridge connecting Volusia and Seminole Counties as the ``St. Johns River Veterans Memorial Bridge''.

The designation of this structure, a principal transportation link, was made possible by action of the Florida Legislature; by an Act signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush on May 13, 2004; and by resolutions adopted by the Seminole County Commission and the Volusia County Council.

While it was my privilege to recommend naming the bridge in honor of all veterans who have served our Nation, I would like to express my appreciation--and that of all Florida veterans and citizens--to those State and local leaders who made this tribute to our veterans and special designation possible:

Governor Jeb Bush.

Members of the Florida Senate representing Seminole and Volusia Counties--Sen. Evelyn J. Lynn, Chair of the Volusia County Legislative Delegation; Sen. Lee Constantine; Sen. Anna P. Cowin; Sen. Anthony C. ``Tony'' Hill, Sr.; Sen. James E. ``Jim'' King, Jr.; Sen. Bill Posey; and Sen. Daniel Webster.

Members of the Florida House of Representatives representing Seminole And Volusia Counties--Rep. David Simmons, Chair of the Seminole County Legislative Delegation; Rep. Sandra ``Sandy'' Adams; Rep. Carey Baker; Rep. Joyce Cusack; Rep. Suzanne M. Kosmas; Rep. David J. Mealor; Rep. Pat Patterson; and Rep. Joe H. Pickens.

The Seminole County Commission--Chairman Daryl G. McLain and Commissioners Carlton D. Henley; Grant Maloy; Randall C. Morris and Dick Van Der Weide.

The Volusia County Council--Chairman Dwight Lewis and Council Members Joie Alexander; Frank Bruno, Jr.; Jack Hayman; Joe Jaynes; Bill Long and Patricia Northey.

Furthermore, I would like to recognize four families who lost loved ones in service to our Nation and who participated in the Memorial Day dedication ceremony. These eight individuals represented many other families and Americans who have made similar, great sacrifices:

Jesse and Arbutus Beall. Their son, Specialist 4 Charles Richard Beall, was killed in action in Kontum, South Vietnam on March 6, 1968 while serving in the United States Army.

Jim and Sandy Wetmore. Their son, Airman 1st Class Brian William McVeigh of the United States Air Force, was killed in a terrorst attack on the Khobar Towers Military Complex in Saudi Arabia on June 25, 1996.

Mrs. Jill Roberts and her son, Jacob. Jill's husband and Jacob's father, Corporal Robert D. Roberts of the United States Anny, died on November 22, 2003 while serving in Baghdad, Iraq.

Mrs. Minna Earnest and her son, Brian. Minna's husband and Brian's father, Commander Charles M. Earnest of the United States Navy, perished at sea during combat operations in North Vietnam on November 28, 1972, and Minna's son and Brian's brother, Charles Bradley Earnest, a member of the United States Army Special Forces, died on August 21, 1999 from injuries previously sustained during combat training.

Each day in Central Florida as tens of thousands of travelers cross the St. Johns River Veterans Memorial Bridge, they will be reminded of the price these and thousands of other veterans and their families have paid for the freedoms all Americans enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, it was my pleasure to appear before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on March 30, 2004 to introduce Paul Anderson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at his confirmation hearing for the post of Federal Maritime Commissioner. President George W. Bush nominated Paul for the position on Oct. 1, 2003.

In nominating Paul Anderson, President Bush has chosen someone who possesses a rare blend of work experience and background that makes him an asset to the commission. With a background in both government and the maritime industry, Mr. Anderson is positioned well as a knowledgeable and forceful advocate for a strong United States maritime industry.

I have known Paul for more than 20 years, working with him in the Senate with former Senator Paula Hawkins when I was chief of staff. He is well qualified with Senate experience, 8 years with Hvide Marine, a U.S.-flagged diversified marine transport company in Florida and 9 years with JM Family Enterprises, the nation's largest distributor of Toyota vehicles. Clearly his knowledge of business in addition to the maritime industry will be invaluable in his position. He balances knowledge of government responsibilities and the needs of private companies.

If it was my own son being considered, I couldn't be more proud of Paul Anderson. It was my honor to introduce him to the Senate committee.

I'm confident the administration has made a fine choice in nominating Paul Anderson for this important post and I urged the committee to act favorably on the nomination.

Mr. Chairman, I am privileged to serve with some great people on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, led by the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young). I want to take this opportunity to thank him, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and others who have worked on this bill.

Mr. Chairman, this is a very difficult issue, because this decides how we divide our transportation dollars that come to Washington.

There are certain facts in this debate, and you just heard one of them. There is a substantial increase in the amount of highway money, in fact, some 25 percent increase in this bill. We have been asked to really leave the final decision of division of the funds up to the conference.

I have great faith in the chairman, I have great faith in the ranking member, the Speaker, the majority leader and others who have expressed their commitment to resolve this fairness issue, and that is what it is, in conference. But this amendment goes to the core of the problem, and that is the distribution. Rather than to leave it to chance, this Isakson amendment does in fact guarantee a substantial and fair increase to every State.

Now I know that we need projects of national significance, but I will tell you, I come from a State that has many projects of State and community significance, and they will be left out if we do not address this from a fairness standpoint and address it in the bill now, so every State, every State, benefits.

Look at the calculations. I know figures have been floating out there, but every State will benefit by the Isakson amendment. When we go to conference, we will be in a better position to address this fairness issue.

Mr. Chairman, I know the leadership has done their best to resolve this, I know they have committed to solve it in conference, but, again, the fact is in dollars and cents to each and every State, and particularly those States that have suffered, we need to resolve this and adopt this amendment. That will do the job.

Mr. Chairman, I ask for the consideration of Members.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I had not planned to come to the floor and debate this resolution. This resolution actually deals with the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve the ability of the Department of Defense to establish and maintain Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps units at institutions of higher learning. That is the subject of this particular measure. This is the rule, or the resolution, by which we consider that particular bill.

The other side of the aisle, unfortunately, is using this as an opportunity to bash our side of the aisle and also the administration. They are also using it as a vehicle to try to attach a nongermane amendment dealing with extension of unemployment benefits. It may well be necessary to do that, but let me say that I have heard some of the comments that have been made. I disagree with those comments. I come from the business sector. If we want to see jobs created and opportunities for people, we do not want to leave one option and that is extended unemployment benefits. I know the other side is well intended here. But if the other side is truly well intended, they need to take some time and look at pending legislation and proposals that would create jobs. Maybe some on the other side have not had enough familiarity with what a businessperson goes through today. Litigation, taxation, and government regulation are job suppressers in this economy. I challenge the other side, instead of offering a handout or an extended unemployment check, to offer a job and pass some of the legislation that is pending.

If you are going into business today, you take a great chance. I am glad I am out of the business world, because you are sued at every turn. If you want to see why jobs are going overseas, it is because of litigation. We do not even produce in this country anymore a ladder. There are no ladders produced in the United States because people would be sued to where they cannot afford to produce or manufacture in the United States, so they take those jobs and opportunity overseas.

If you are compassionate about people, do not give them just one option. They want a good-paying job, and they want to be able to compete in a global market. Try to go open a business, and I challenge Members of Congress to get back in business. Some of them should return to the private sector and see what it is like. I am so pleased that my wife and I, we are approaching April 15, that we do not have to fill out the mounds of forms and tax returns and comply with all the regulations. And health care, give some options in health care. Talk to a small businessperson. That is where jobs are in this country. Jobs are with small business in this country. They create more than all the big corporations. But you ask a small businessperson if he is going to expand jobs and he will say, it is very difficult. His taxes are high. In fact, taxes on business in the United States are the highest in almost any nation in the world. So would you go overseas, or would you create jobs here in the United States? You cannot afford to have health care.

I challenge the Members. Look at your pay stubs. There is $2,700 going out for health care. That is our part of the equation. The total cost is $9,000, $10,000 a person. How would a small businessperson deal with that for health insurance for themselves or to create jobs? So here we have presented today, they are taking time from another piece of legislation, one option, a handout, a check which people may need, that is true, but they want a good-paying job.

So stop blocking legislation like Head Start that will give our young people some quality in a very expensive program to our neediest students who go on to become failures in our

schools and in our system. Stop blocking job-training programs and initiatives by the President, because everyone is not going to college, community colleges, where we need to train people for changing jobs in technology opportunities that we are missing and helping small business, not hurting small business to create jobs so we can have people working in the future. So I urge the passage of the rule.

Mr. Speaker, It is my honor to recognize the Congressional and public service of David E. Schaffer upon his retirement.

David provided outstanding, professional leadership and service as a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee staff since 1984. He became Majority Counsel and staff director of the Subcommittee in 1995 and was instrumental in passing twenty major aviation bills during his time on Capitol Hill.

As Chair of that Subcommittee, I believe the Congress and the American People have benefited not only from his decades of public service, but also from his untiring efforts after the attack on our Nation on September 11, 2001. Indeed, we were privileged to have David's experience and talents as we developed legislation to secure our national aviation and transportation systems.

I have been fortunate, along with Full Committee Chairman Don Young, to also have David Schaffer lead our staff efforts as we worked to replace AIR-21 with a new four-year federal aviation authorization bill.

David Schaffer's service to Congress, the aviation industry and our country spans more than a quarter of a century. As he retires from federal service, we wish him every future success.

I thank David Schaffer for his tremendous assistance to me and our Aviation Subcommittee, for his loyalty and commitment to good government, and most of all for his friendship and professional work over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 358) authorizing the printing of ``History of the United States Capitol'' as a House document.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 358. This is somewhat of a mundane measure. As a member of the Committee on House Administration, it is a housekeeping responsibility that we take care of obligations such as this.

This particular measure authorizes the printing of a new annotated edition of the United States Capitol by Glenn Brown. Brown's History of the United States Capitol represents the most scholarly publication on the United States Capitol to date. This book was originally written to celebrate the centennial of the move of Congress to the Capitol in 1800.

The volume by Brown continues to provide important information on the development of the United States Capitol building and is also a visual record of the building and the art collection at the turn of the century. The publication sets a new standard for architectural history, as well as being very well received in both this country and abroad.

Glenn Brown's book also played an important role in the revival of Pierre Charles L'Enfant's plan for Washington, D.C., through its influence on the 1901 McMillan Plan; and thus it has also had a very significant effect on the shape of this city, the District of Columbia, and how we see it through the twentieth century.

The idea of publishing a new annotated edition of Glenn Brown's history of the Capitol, published in 1900 and 1903, was first discussed back in 1987. This new annotated history will provide both historical context and contemporary perspective. Glenn Brown and his philosophy and achievements will be examined in the introductory biographical profile.

Annotation of the text will correct errors, review some very important, sometimes controversial issues, mention recently discovered documentation and direct the reader to relevant sources. The publication will be illustrated with high-quality photographs based on Glenn Brown's selection and will introduce color when appropriate to enhance the architectural renderings.

The book will be prepared under the auspices of the Architect of the Capitol, with support from the United States Capitol Preservation Commission and the United States Capitol Historical Society.

Glenn Brown's History of the United States Capitol will be of interest not only to Members of Congress but of significant value to the public, to libraries across the United States, and also to scholars investigating the rich history of the United States Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I urge full support of House Concurrent Resolution 358. I am pleased to present it on behalf of the Committee on House Administration this afternoon.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, just in conclusion, I am very pleased that we can come together and take care of this housekeeping chore. During the discussion this afternoon on the passage of this resolution I would have liked to have been presented a copy of Mr. Brown's book. I am told the only volumes we have the Architect has, and they are too tattered to even leave his office. So it is time that Congress meet its obligation of preserving the rich history of this great building that is a symbol of liberty and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield back the balance of my time and ask for passage of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 358.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 359) permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of House Concurrent Resolution 359, which permits the Capitol Rotunda to be used for a ceremony as part of the Days of Remembrance commemorating the victims of the Holocaust.

Mr. Speaker, it is necessary to go through this procedure to use the very sacred center of the Capitol for a ceremony and joint authorization by both the House and the other body because of the significance of this particular location and its significance and importance in this building.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is mandated by Congress to educate Americans about the history of the Holocaust and to annually honor and remember the victims of this catastrophic, horrible event, and that is done on the National Days of Remembrance observance. The purpose of the Days of Remembrance is to ask all Americans to reflect on the Holocaust, to remember the victims and to renew and strengthen our commitment to democracy and to human rights for every person.

The very first Days of Remembrance ceremony was held in the United States Capitol Rotunda in the year 1979. It has been held there every year since, except when the Rotunda has been closed for renovations. At last year's National Days of Remembrance observance, Secretary of State Colin Powell gave the keynote address. The theme of this year's Days of Remembrance commemoration is entitled ``Justice and Humanity.'' That title, Justice and Humanity, is in memory of the Jews of Hungary who were deported 60 years ago in the final stages of World War II. The commemoration will honor the courageous individuals, as well as the organizations and countries who attempted to rescue them.

In this country, official response to the mass murder of European Jews and others resulted in the creation of the War Refugee Board in 1944. Established by the Executive Order of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the War Refugee Board worked with Jewish organizations, diplomats from neutral countries and resistance groups in Europe to rescue Jews from occupied territories and provide relief to inmates of Nazi concentration camps. Although belated, this action saved thousands of lives, reminding us of the terrible consequences of indifference and of the ability of organizations, individuals and countries to confront and work to halt acts of genocide or related crimes against humanity.

How appropriate I believe it is, Mr. Speaker, at this time that we remember the victims of the World War II Holocaust. It is my hope also that during this ceremony we can reflect upon others who have lost their life to genocide and to murderous regimes. I have often wondered how the world could stand by in World War II and not do more to save people who were headed for extermination camps. Not being alive in that era, I have, however, been alive during an era of other holocausts, such as in Cambodia, where millions literally were murdered in a genocide.

During my term in office, I remember Rwanda where nearly a million Africans were slaughtered and the world did not come to their aid. And, once again, we remember and we should reflect during our Day of Remembrance on those in Iraq as we uncover hundreds of mass graves throughout that country. Our obligation, whether it is in Asia, Africa or the Middle East, is to make certain that a holocaust does not take place, to make certain that tens of thousands are not murdered by any despot regime.

This ceremony that will be conducted will be the centerpiece of similar remembrance observances to be held throughout our Nation in all 50 States. Members of Congress, government officials, foreign dignitaries, Holocaust survivors and citizens from all walks of life have attended previous commemorations. House Concurrent Resolution 359 provides for the 2004 commemoration to be held in the rotunda on the day of April 22 of this year.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the support of my colleagues for this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), the sponsor of this resolution.

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

Again, I would like to close on this particular resolution before the House, a simple resolution to allow the use of the rotunda for this ceremony. But when we enter the rotunda, the sacred center of the Capitol building on April 22, it is important that we do remember those victims who were lost in this horrific slaughter of human beings in World War II. We remember, as the gentleman from Ohio said so eloquently, that there were incidents like the turning away of the steamship St. Louis that went from port to port, and hundreds met a horrible fate because of the nations, and even the United States, who turned their backs.

The good Lord gave the United States the responsibility now, as the superpower of the world, an important responsibility that we should not lose sight of.

So as we reflect upon those victims, as we reflect upon those who ignored their responsibility, and as we recognize our responsibility in the world today, it is important that again we reflect at this time on what occurred, what was done, and what was left undone, and that we also make certain as we reflect on April 22 that we do not allow a holocaust of our time.

So with those comments, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of H. Con. Res. 359.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 357) permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy Height.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise this afternoon in support of House Concurrent Resolution 357. This is a resolution authorizing again the use of the rotunda for a ceremony which will be conducted on March 24 honoring Dr. Dorothy Height. Dorothy Height will receive a great honor of the United States Congress when she is awarded in that ceremony the Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr. Speaker, as we just authorized the use of the rotunda for a different ceremony, and that particular ceremony and the previous action for a memorial service, this is a service of celebration and also of the life of a distinguished American, Dr. Dorothy Height.

This is a service of celebration and also of the life of the distinguished American, Dr. Dorothy Height. On December 6, 2003, the resolution awarding Dr. Dorothy Height the Congressional Gold medal became public law. That is the purpose for our requesting a ceremony in the Capitol rotunda; and, of course, as I said before, we need permission of the House and the other body to conduct this ceremony.

I want to talk a little bit about Dorothy Height and tell a little bit about her history. She is an outstanding American and truly deserving of this great honor.

Dorothy Height was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1912. At an early age she moved with her family to Rankin, Pennsylvania. While in high school, Dorothy Height was awarded a scholarship to New York University where she studied and earned a master's degree. At a very early age she established herself as a dedicated student with exceptional oratorical skills.

After graduating from New York University, Dr. Height began her career working as a case worker with the New York City Welfare Department. At the age of 25, she began her journey as a civil rights activist when she joined the National Council of Negro Women. In 1957, Dr. Height was named president of the council, a position which she held until 1977.

During the height of the civil rights movement in the late 1960s, Dorothy organized Weekdays in Mississippi, which brought together black and white women from the North and the South to create a dialogue of mutual understanding.

Throughout her life, Dr. Height fought for equal rights for both African Americans and also for women. And in 1944 she joined the national staff of the Young Women's Christian Association, the YWCA. She remained active with the organization until 1977. During her tenure at the YWCA, she developed leadership training and other programs and other projects promoting racial and religious tolerance and understanding.

Dr. Height has served our Nation in a number of different capacities during her distinguished career, including as a consultant on African Affairs to the Secretary of State, also as a member of both the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped and on the President's Committee on the Status of Women. Her tireless efforts for equal rights have earned her the praise and recognition of numerous organizations as well. She has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Freedom From Want Award, and the NAACP Springarn Medal and now the Congressional Gold Medal. Dr. Height has also been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Dr. Height's work has helped countless women in America and around the world participate in democratic reform resulting in new opportunities for themselves, for their families, and their communities.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, if you ever had a chance to hear or see Dorothy Height, you had an opportunity to see one of the most distinguished advocates for women, an advocate for minorities that has ever been in our country's history.

If you have not seen Dr. Dorothy Height, you missed the glow in her eyes, you missed the sparkle in her voice, you missed the strength of an individual who has gone beyond so many barriers in her life, again, opening doors and offering opportunities to women, to minorities, and to all Americans.

I am a strong admirer of this lady and what she has done. I know a former Member of the House, Connie Morella, often talked about Dr. Height and her accomplishments; and others will come forward when we pass this resolution to honor her accomplishments. So I am absolutely delighted this afternoon to be here to offer this resolution to authorize the use of the Capitol rotunda where we will present this distinguished medal to a great American, Dr. Dorothy Height.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to again support this resolution that I think is somewhat overdue to present and conduct this ceremony for the presentation of the gold medal for Dr. Dorothy Height.

Dr. Dorothy Height, as I said, is a delightful lady. She just celebrated, I am told, her 91st birthday just some 2 weeks ago. She has an incredible career that has spanned nearly this century, and she has a public career that spans over 65 years. She unquestionably has been recognized as one of the preeminent social and civil rights activist of our time. In fact, Dorothy Height, I am told, was the only female at the table when Dr. Martin Luther King planned the civil rights movement.

She has all her life struggled for equality, for social justice and for human rights for all people.

Mr. Speaker, when young people need role models, and certainly in the time that we live in they need role models, we have had two women so honored. Soon Dorothy Height will receive this honor. The other I remember is Rosa Parks since I have been in Congress. She was awarded a gold medal, and certainly Dorothy Height is in the same category and deserving of recognition of this honor by Congress.

So I think, whether it is Rosa Parks who changed the course of history in this country or someone who worked tirelessly through their life and has an incredibly distinguished career, as we heard, promoting the rights of all individuals, women and minorities in our society, that we take this time to honor her in this ceremony in March. I urge the passage of this resolution.

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of America's great citizens--Dr. Dorothy Height.

For more than six decades, Dorothy Height has tirelessly fought for those who are less fortunate, for those who have been denied access to an education, and for those who have been denied equal rights. Both through personal example and her commitment to social equality, Dorothy Height has provided women and minorities with hope to dream and the tools to realize their potential.

During the civil rights movement, Dorothy Height led the fight for inter-racial schooling, and spearheaded African American voter registration drives. She worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph, and others as they developed plans for obtaining civil rights. It should be noted that she was the only woman allowed to be present in several high-powered strategy sessions with those great leaders.

Dorothy Height was an advocate for women's rights during a time when few African American women were engaged in the feminist movement. She fought tirelessly to implement her vision of full and equal employment, fair pay, and access to education for all women.

In addition to her work for equality in the United States, Dr. Dorothy Height has been a leader in the struggle for international human rights. In 1975 she helped establish the sole African-American private voluntary organization working in Africa. She has improved the quality of life for women in developing countries, and has worked to combat the AIDS crisis in Africa.

A Congressional Medal of Honor is well deserved, and one of many honors earned by Dr. Dorothy Height over her long and distinguished career. I am very pleased to join my colleagues in the House in marking this honor for an individual who dedicated her life to the struggle for social equality and justice.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 357.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 264) authorizing and requesting the President to issue a proclamation to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Constantino Brumidi.

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

I am pleased to offer a resolution, the fourth measure today. This bill passed

the Committee on Government Reform and will be considered by the full House at this time, a resolution which would honor the memory of Constantino Brumidi.

Not too many people have probably heard of Constantino Brumidi. He is not exactly a household word or name in America, but Constantino Brumidi has been called the Michelangelo of the United States Capitol Building. House Concurrent Resolution 264 was introduced to honor both the life and also the work and creative genius of Constantino Brumidi.

Mr. Brumidi was an Italian immigrant who spent 25 years, from 1855 to 1880, painting, decorating and making the United States Capitol as we know it even today a more beautiful place to live and visit and have as a treasure for our country.

Brumidi was born in Italy in 1805, and he worked as an artist in Rome. He also worked in the Vatican, where he had many commissions, including a famous portrait of Pope Pius IX.

In 1852, Brumidi immigrated to the United States; and he dedicated really the balance of his life to making this building, our United States Capitol, one of the most impressive structures in our great Nation.

In 1865, Brumidi spent 11 months walking dangerously and working high atop the Capitol rotunda where he labored on his masterpiece. His masterpiece, and we can see it today if we walk out into the rotunda and look up, is called The Apotheosis of Washington, and it is located in the very center, in the eye of the dome of the ceiling of the Capitol.

Six years later, he created the first tribute to an African American in the Capitol when he placed the figure of Crispus Attucks at the center of his painting of the Boston Massacre.

In 1878, at the age of 72 and in poor health, Brumidi began work on the rotunda frieze. If we look in the Capitol around the frieze, about midway, we can see his work. The frieze chronicles the history of the United States.

Constantino Brumidi's life and work exemplifies the lives of millions of immigrants who came to the United States, and they came from all lands, sometimes to escape adverse conditions, to build a better life, to leave the problems of their native lands, and they brought their skills and their hard work and their talents, which not only bettered their lives and those of their children but immensely created the art, the trade, the richness that we have in the United States and enjoy today.

There are many organizations supporting this resolution, including NAIF, which is the National American Italian Foundation. That is an organization that promotes Italian American relations, cultural and business relations. We also have other numerous United States Italian American groups who support the recognition that we are bringing forward today, again to recognize the life and talents of Constantino Brumidi.

The year 2005 is the bicentennial of Brumidi's work, and I can think of no better way to honor this patriotic Italian American's contribution to our great Nation, to this incredibly historic building, than by passing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the resolution.

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

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

In closing, I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 264, a resolution again recognizing the 200th anniversary of the birth of Constantino Brumidi. I urge its adoption.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of H. Con. Res. 264, the concurrent resolution just considered.

Mr. Speaker, it is with the deepest sadness that I report the death of Corporal Robert D. Roberts, a native of Winter Park, Florida, who died in service to our Nation on November 22nd while serving in Iraq.

I extend my deepest sympathy to his widow Jill, his 3 year old son Jacob, and his family. Bobby, as he was affectionately known, died

in a tragic accident as he was fulfilling his military obligation to our Nation.

Cpl. Roberts was a member of the United States Army and served in the position of Tank Gunner. His devotion and commitment to our U.S. Military were legendary among the family members he leaves behind. Prior to his death, he personally reiterated to his family the importance of his mission and his dedication to serving our Nation in this time of international conflict.

I am most saddened to lose this dedicated American soldier, a Winter Park native and the son-in-law of a wonderful friend, Karen Mendenhall. During services that were conducted at the First Baptist Church of Oviedo on Friday, December 5th, Bobby was remembered by his brother and parents as a wonderful member of the family, a devoted Christian and a committed American soldier.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Cpl. Roberts' parents, Chuck and Joann, on the loss of their beloved son. We commend his brother, Lance Corporal Chris Roberts, for his courage and dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps. And to all those in Bobby's family who have suffered this great loss, we give the eternal thanks of a grateful Nation.

Mr. Speaker, President Bush today signs for $87 billion to aid our United States Military and assist both Iraq and Afghanistan. I wanted to include in the record a copy of a letter I received from a young man who served as a Congressional Intern. Jeff states much better than anyone why today's action by Congress and President Bush is necessary.

Dear Congressman Mica: I don't know if you remember me, but

I worked as an unpaid intern in your Casselberry office about

7 years ago. Right now I am in Northern Iraq with the 101st

Airborne Division. I have been with the Division during the

entire war and also served in Afghanistan for a few months

with the division's 3rd brigade Rakkasans.

I am writing to you because I am concerned about the debate

over the cost of rebuilding Iraq. From what I see on the

news, people back home, especially the Democratic candidates

for President, have not put two and two together. They

complain about the attacks and the danger to our troops, but

yet they do not want to give the cause any more money. We are

in support of stability operations. There is no field manual

on the things we are doing here but rebuilding a country is

something that takes time. Relationships must be formed. With

that, America has to realize that the fighting is still going

on. We are fighting for the hearts and minds of the Iraqi

people. Our ammunition is therefore money. I am in charge of

multiple renovation and reconstruction projects and each one

takes money to complete.

The last few weeks, the money source has been cut off, and

I am sure the debate over how much to spend is a leading

cause to this. I have met many Iraqis that are growing

impatient, asking for work, wanting to do anything to feed

their family. Sir, please let your fellow Representatives and

Senators know that if we are going remain here, fighting for

the hearts and minds of the Iraqis, we need to have the

ammunition to support it. We have to have money to help

rebuild the country, put people to work and get the economy

going. I am certain that by doing the right thing for these

people now, it will pay off in the long run. WWII was not

fought because of the concentration camps and the social

injustices in Germany, but looking back now, that is cited as

probably the most important good that came out of it. This

war was fought for many reasons, but WMD or not, the mass

graves and the social injustices by the old regime have

ceased. Iraq's new found freedom far outweighs any sacrifices

that myself or my men had to make by coming here. All we want

to do is to finish the job that we started.

Please urge those on the Hill to support the troops, not

just in voice but in action. I appreciate you listening to

what I have to say.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey David Harvey,

1LT, FA.