Julia Carson

Madam Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to a great American, a colleague and most importantly, a friend. Lane Evans has served this body with his full heart and soul for the past 24 years and for his service and friendship I thank him so much.

Lane is an amazing man in every sense of the word. His tireless work as Ranking Member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee has set the bar for which future Chairmen should strive to achieve. As a young Marine serving in Vietnam, he saw firsthand the rigors of war and it helped him to realize that our soldiers must be treated for all the symptoms of war and that some of the worst battle scars are visible but below the surface. His fight to get fair treatment for those suffering from Agent

Orange in Vietnam ensured he would be one of the first to recognize and push for treatment of Gulf War Syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Physical and mental health were not the only fights that he entered into on behalf of Veterans. He also led the battle to get equitable treatment for female veterans and worked tirelessly to combat the plight of homeless veterans across America. His work to ensure a high quality of life for those who have served us with honor will be one of his most noted legacies in this body.

Lane, I thank you for your friendship, your leadership and all of your service to our Nation. I know you have forever left your mark on your Nation, the House of Representatives, and all the veterans who have received better treatment because of your work.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to enclose with my statement the remarks of my predecessor and friend who also served this body with his full heart and soul, the Honorable Andy Jacobs, former Congressman for the 10th Congressional District of Indiana.

December 8, 2006.

Hon. Lane Evans, MC,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Lane: The time has come for me to put on paper what I

have fervently entertained in my mind through the years of

our acquaintance.

To begin, you are one of my authentic heroes. British Lord

Chesterton said, ``Sometimes it takes less courage to die for

one's country than to tell her the truth.'' On many more than

one occasion you have displayed that greater courage in the

profoundly patriotic performance of your chores as a member

of Congress, service quite literally ``above and beyond the

call of duty.''

In your effective opposition to the mindless, gratuitous

and vicarious militarism of some national leaders, you have

helped save the lives of hapless public spirited young

Americans. Thus, you have done God's work most nobly.

For the young Americans who have been forced into

unnecessary permanent combat disability, you have been a

major national factor in achieving justice in terms of

veterans' benefits.

You have also given our Nation bright lessons of prudence

with the public purse. Thank you for being my friend and

friend to all peace-loving freedom-loving Americans.

Sincerely,

Andy Jacobs, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I salute the Democratic Pacific Union which was formally inaugurated in Taipei, Taiwan on May 14, 2005, the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. Notable guests at the inaugural ceremony included presidents of Taiwan, Costa Rica and Guatemala as well as vice presidents of Taiwan, Nicaragua and Palau. The goals of the Union are to integrate resources in the pan-Pacific region for joint development and regional cooperation and to promote democracy, peace and prosperity among DPU member democracies.

Since May of 2005, the Union has established a Secretariat, published its first quarterly, planned West Pacific regional meetings, formed a Pacific economic advisory group, and initiated the Pacific Congressional Caucus project. The project seeks to bring congressional and parliamentary members of DPU together to promote exchange and cooperation among lawmakers throughout DPU member countries. The Taiwan Chapter of the Pacific Congressional Caucus was inaugurated on May 20, 2006 and convened by the Speaker of Taiwan's Legislature Yuan.

My commendations also to the Taiwan Chapter of the Pacific Congressional Caucus. The Chapter will sponsor a symposium on congressional reforms December 8-10, 2006, in Taipei, Taiwan. Legislative members of the DPU, member states and U.S. Members of Congress have been graciously invited to attend this symposium either as participants or observers. I hope that my colleagues will find time to attend this very important event in Taipei and lend our encouragement and support to The Pacific Congressional Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, I also commend the Union for its goals, achievements, and initiations which include a training program on hazard mitigation on typhoon-related disasters held May 8-12, 2006 in Taiwan. The DPU has also established a 2006 fellowship and scholarship program providing funds for students from DPU member states to attend universities in Taiwan. Another significant achievement for this young organization is an invitation to distinguished women from member states to attend meetings in Taiwan to identify and address gender issues and problems women face in the Pacific region. The DPU has also invited political experts to observe elections in Taiwan; and established the Pacific Center for Disaster Reduction in Taipei.

Mr. Speaker, due to a flight delay, I was unable to record my rollcall votes 517 through 519. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on 517 and 518 and ``no'' on 519.