Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, America and its allies are engaged in a war against a terrorist movement that spans all corners of the globe. It is sparked by radical ideologues that breed hatred, oppression, and violence against all of their declared enemies. Since September 11, 2001, the powerful coalition of nations, led by the United States, has seen many successes against al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. It is imperative that we remain united and steadfast in the quest to defeat terrorism around the world.

Last year I traveled to the Middle East to visit with troops in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I came away with several observations:

First, morale of the troops is HIGH. They are confident of the progress they have made in the mission to spread freedom and democracy in the Middle East. Not one serviceman or woman I encountered had any doubts about the purpose and importance of his or her presence there. The troops are positive and appreciative of all of the support they received from back home.

Their confidence in their mission is well-justified. Since my visit, the Iraqis have ratified a new constitution and installed a new, strong Prime Minister, Nuri Al-Maliki. And now the latest milestone: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al Qaeda's leader in Iraq, was killed in an air raid last week.

Mr. Speaker, as I sat in a tent in Kuwait eating dinner with troops from Texas, I was struck by how young most of them were. Those soldiers with me were 18-20 years old. Their experiences and their stories humbled me. Never in my life have I felt such emotion and love for our service men and women than when I sat and looked at these brave young soldiers. Barely out of high school, yet each day these heroes awaken knowing of the perils that lie ahead. Danger awaits them, but they continue to make a great sacrifice each day so that you and I can be free.

I sometimes feel that we Americans take our freedoms and our lives for granted. We forget the images of 9/11. Yet while on my trip to the Middle East, the London bombings occurred. This was yet another stark reminder that if we don't fight terrorists abroad, they just get closer to our home.

Mr. Speaker, the War on Terror is a global effort; it reaches beyond a small concentration of countries in the Middle East. I'd like to share the story of Marine Staff Sergeant Nathan Fletcher. Sergeant Fletcher's wife, Mindy, lived in Dallas and also worked for another war hero, my fellow Texas Congressman Sam Johnson, on Capitol Hill. He is currently experiencing his third extended separation from Mindy since they married a few years ago and the start of the war on terrorism.

Sergeant Fletcher is serving in a very remote region in the Horn of Africa. He is part of a Combined Joint Task Force focused on defeating transnational terrorist groups operating in the region. Sergeant Fletcher and his fellow troops in Africa lack amenities like running water, reliable power, and air conditioning. There is no internet, television, or even paved roads. Because they are so far away from the main camp they eat off the local economy. There are no fruits or vegetables where he is based, and so far he has

eaten camel, goat, lamb, beef, and a couple things he could not identify. They cook their meals over an open fire and sleep outside every night.

Sergeant Fletcher's wife writes, ``His team is doing well and I know they are working very long hours. I can't imagine going 40 days without running water in temperatures over 100 degrees without air conditioning, but I know Nathan and other servicemen and women do it everyday.'' She continues, ``Iraq and Afghanistan get most of the focus, but our troops are fighting the global war on terror throughout the world. I am really proud that he is part of making sure al-Qaeda and other terrorists aren't able to expand into another part of the world.''

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Fletcher and the millions of other troops fighting the War on Terror around the world believe in what they're doing. They don't want to stop. They know their mission is right. We owe it to them to see this campaign for democracy through until we are completely victorious.

Mindy no doubt wishes that Nathan was at home with her. Nathan no doubt wishes he was at home sitting in the air conditioning and eating a t-bone steak rather than camel steak. Yet they both know the reasons and the importance of the mission.

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Fletcher is enduring these harsh conditions for our freedom. Make no mistake--this mission is not only justified, it is essential. Let us never forget the Pearl Harbors, the attacks of 9/11. Let us never forget the freedom we have. Let us never forget the Sergeant Fletchers and the sacrifices they make for us.

Mr. Speaker, we must not lay down our arms now. We must press on, for freedom, for peace.

Mr. Speaker, America and its allies are engaged in a war against a terrorist movement that spans all comers of the globe. It is sparked by radical ideologues that breed hatred, oppression, and violence against all of their declared enemies. Since September 11, 2001, the powerful coalition of nations, led by the United States, has seen many successes against al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. It is imperative that we remain united and steadfast in the quest to defeat terrorism around the world.

Last year I traveled to the Middle East to visit with troops in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I came away with several observations:

First, morale of the troops is HIGH. They are confident of the progress they have made in the mission to spread freedom and democracy in the Middle East. Not ONE serviceman or woman I encountered had any doubts about the purpose and importance of his or her presence there. The troops are positive and appreciative of all of the support they received from back home.

Their confidence in their mission is well-justified. Since my visit, the Iraqis have ratified a new constitution and installed a new, strong Prime Minister, Nuri AI-Maliki. And now the latest milestone: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al Qaeda's leader in Iraq, was killed in an air raid last week.

Mr. Speaker, as I sat in a tent in Kuwait eating dinner with troops from Texas, I was struck by how young most of them were. Those soldiers with me were 18-20 years old. Their experiences and their stories humbled me. Never in my life have I felt such emotion and love for our service men and women than when I sat and looked at these brave young soldiers. Barely out of high school, yet each day these heroes awaken knowing of the perils that lie ahead. Danger awaits them, but they continue to make a great sacrifice each day so that you and I can be free.

I sometimes feel that we Americans take our freedoms and our lives for granted. We forget the images of 9/11. Yet while on my trip to the Middle East, the London bombings occurred. This was yet another stark reminder that if we don't fight terrorists abroad, they just get closer to our home.

Mr. Speaker, the War on Terror is a global effort; it reaches beyond a small concentration of countries in the Middle East. I'd like to share the story of Marine Staff Sergeant Nathan Fletcher. Sergeant Fletcher's wife, Mindy, lived in Dallas and also worked for another war hero, my fellow Texas Congressman Sam Johnson, on Capitol Hill. He is currently experiencing his third extended separation from Mindy since they married a few years ago and the start of the war on terrorism.

Sergeant Fletcher is serving in a very remote region in the Horn of Africa. He is part of a Combined Joint Task Force focused on defeating transnational terrorist groups operating in the region. Sergeant Fletcher and his fellow troops in Africa lack amenities like running water, reliable power, and air conditioning. There is no internet, television, or even paved roads. Because they are so far away from the main camp they eat off the local economy. There are no fruits or vegetables where he is based, and so far he has eaten camel, goat, lamb, beef, and a couple things he could not identify. They cook their meals over an open fire and sleep outside every night.

Sergeant Fletcher's wife writes, ``His team is doing well and I know they are working very long hours. I can't imagine going 40 days without running water in temperatures over 100 degrees without air conditioning, but I know Nathan and other servicemen and women do it every day.'' She continues, ``Iraq and Afghanistan get most of the focus, but our troops are fighting the global war on terror throughout the world. I am really proud that he is part of making sure al-Qaeda and other terrorists aren't able to expand into another part of the world.''

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Fletcher and the millions of other troops fighting the War on Terror around the world believe in what they're doing. They don't want to stop. They know their mission is right. We owe it to them to see this campaign for democracy through until we are completely victorious.

Mindy no doubt wishes that Nathan was at home with her. Nathan no doubt wishes he was at home sitting in the air conditioning and eating a t-bone steak rather than camel steak. Yet they both know the reasons and the importance of the mission.

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Fletcher is enduring these harsh conditions for our freedom. Make no mistake--this mission is not only justified, it is essential. Let us never forget the Pearl Harbors, the attacks of 9/11. Let us never forget the freedom we have. Let us never forget the Sergeant Fletchers and the sacrifices they make for us.

Mr. Speaker, we must not lay down our arms now. We must press on, for freedom, for peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of United States Army Corporal J. Adan Garcia, 20, of Irving, Texas.

Corporal Garcia died on May 27, 2006 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died of injuries sustained on May 22, 2006, while serving in Baghdad, Iraq. Corporal Garcia was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, in Fort Drum, New York.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Corporal Garcia. This brave young man made the ultimate sacrifice for the security of his country and for the defense of democracy worldwide. He was an outstanding young man; and we should all be grateful for his noble contributions to this nation and the advancement of freedom.

I am proud to call Corporal Garcia one of our own, and again deeply sorry for his family and friends who have suffered this loss. His legacy will remain, as the men and women of our armed services continue to fight for liberty--both abroad and on our home soil.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of United States Army Specialist J. Adan Garcia, 20, of Irving, TX.

Specialist Garcia died on May 27, 2006 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died of injuries sustained on May 22, 2006, while serving in Baghdad, Iraq. Specialist Garcia was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, in Fort Drum, NY.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Specialist Garcia. This brave young man made the ultimate sacrifice for the security of his country and for the defense of democracy worldwide. He was an outstanding young man and we should all be grateful for his noble contributions to this nation and the advancement of freedom.

I am proud to call Specialist Garcia one of our own, and am, again, deeply sorry for his family and friends who have suffered this loss. His legacy will remain, as the men and women of our armed services continue to fight for liberty--both abroad and on our home soil.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert Rogers upon his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Educational Employees Credit Union, after almost 30 years of service in the credit union industry.

His retirement concludes a phenomenal career in the credit union business, starting as a Texas State Examiner in 1977. Rogers later held executive-level positions at Hughes Employees Credit Union, Houston Area Teacher's Credit Union, and the University of Arkansas Credit Union. He also served as Deputy Commissioner for the State of Texas in 1988 and was named Commissioner three years later. In 1995 Rogers moved to Fort Worth to act as President and CEO of EECU.

Rogers has been an active leader with many credit-union related affiliates on the local, state, and national level. He is a former Director for the National Association of Community Credit Unions, and is on the Board of Directors for Town North Bank. Other noteworthy accomplishments include founding the Texas Credit Union Legislative Coalition, and being appointed to the Texas Credit Union League's Board of Trustees.

Rogers has been an advocate for credit unions and members throughout his career. He has always sought to provide vital financial services for the underserved and ensured that the voices of credit unions and their members were heard in the political arena. I thank him for his years of dedication to Texas families. I wish him well in his retirement; his presence will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize former Air Force Captain John M. Hayes for receiving The Silver Beaver Award,

the highest award Boy Scouts Councils may grant to a volunteer. John is the Military and Veterans Affairs Liaison in my Irving, Texas, office.

John's devotion to the Boy Scouts of America through the years makes him well-deserving of this award. He is a District Commissioner in the Circle Ten Council and, with his wife, Mary, chaired the Circle Ten Council POW WOW for 2 years. He has also taught POW WOW at the Boy Scouts' Philmont, New Mexico, Training Center for 4 years.

A former Air Force combat pilot, he currently serves as the Senior Vice Commander of the Dallas Chapter of the Military Order of The World Wars. John is also very active in the Dallas Veterans Foundation. He will be a chairman for the Military Order of the World Wars sponsored Youth Leadership Conference in June in Fort Worth, Texas. The conference provides leadership and patriotic training for high school students.

I congratulate John on this high honor from the Boy Scouts. This country thanks him for his dedicated service--both in the military and with the Boy Scouts of America. The 24th District of Texas benefits from having a man with such valuable experience and strong allegiance to his country serve them in my congressional office.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Ben H. Carpenter. Their lifelong dedication to improving lives and communities in North Texas will be sorely missed. Ben Carpenter passed last Friday, March 3, at his home in Dallas. His wife, Betty Dupree, followed him in death on Sunday, March 5.

Mr. Carpenter's vision and astuteness as a business leader helped shepherd Dallas into a new role as an international city in the latter part of the 20th century. He ran one of the country's largest insurance companies, Southland Life Insurance, which was founded by his father, John Carpenter and later became Southland Financial Corp., for 30 years. In 1959, he built the city's tallest skyscraper, the Southland Center, which is now the Adam's Mark Hotel.

Mr. Carpenter's greatest legacy is Los Colinas, one of the most successful real estate developments in the United States. In the early 1970s he launched a plan to turn his family ranch into a world class residential and commercial community. Las Colinas now houses some 12,000 acres of apartments, homes, hotels, shopping centers, and company headquarters. The community is home to 40 Fortune 500 Companies today, including ExxonMobil, Nokia, Microsoft, and Kimberly Clark.

Mr. Carpenter served his country during World War II as a volunteer in the Army. He was awarded a Silver Star for his heroics in the China- Burma-India theater. Upon his graduation from the University of Texas at Austin in 1948, he married this lifelong love, Betty Ann Dupree.

Mrs. Carpenter will also be remembered for her commitment to service and giving spirit. She served as an officer and board member in several charitable organizations, including the Child Guidance Center of Dallas and the Irving Community Hospital. An active Presbyterian, she and her husband donated land for the creation of two new Presbyterian churches in the Dallas area. They also funded the construction of the Carpenter Chapel at the Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.

Betty and Ben Carpenter were charitable contributors to multiple causes in North Texas. They provided land for the establishment of the Irving Arts Center and the Irving Community Hospital. Their generous gifts founded the Carpenter Family MBA Leadership Center and Carpenter Family MBA Leadership Endowment at the University of Texas at Austin, and the Ben H. and Betty Dupree Carpenter Endowment for Cardiovascular Research at the Heart, Lung, and Vascular Clinical Center of Excellence at St. Paul Hospital of Dallas.

Ben and Betty Carpenter's endeavors in both the business and service worlds have left an indelible mark on the city of Dallas and the state of Texas. I honor their lives and their legacy; North Texas would not be what it is today without their contributions.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Katelyn Seloff of Carrollton, Texas. Katelyn has been named one of the top youth volunteers in Texas for 2006 in the 11th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Katelyn Seloff, age 13, is an eighth-grader at DeWitt Perry Middle School in Carrollton, Texas. She created a peer tutoring program to provide students with academic help without the pressures of being tutored by a teacher. Katelyn recruited 21 students to volunteer as tutors. Together they provided regular tutoring sessions for 15 students in need of assistance. Her efforts led to her selection as a Distinguished Finalist in this year's Prudential Spirit of Community awards program.

Today I salute Katelyn for her impressive community service activities. It is encouraging to see outstanding young adults like her making significant contributions to their communities. I thank Katelyn for her dedication to volunteering; she is a great example of the high quality of the young people in our North Texas schools. I am proud to represent her in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Peace Corps. I would like to thank the over 7,800 volunteers who currently serve overseas for their important work with this organization.

We are in a time when the Peace Corps mission is more vital than ever, and the organization is at a 30-year high in the number of volunteers in the field. The Peace Corps is currently in 69 posts and serving 75 countries across the globe.

I salute the outstanding individuals who serve and have served in the Peace Corps, specifically the sworn-in volunteers whose hometowns are in Texas District 24: Bonnie Barron, Amanda Bass, Christopher Bass, Scott Bennett, Eric Brooke, Jaime Bruner, Susan English, David Fox, Mary Kah, Geoffrey Keogh, Carolyn McGee, Roanne Perry, and Aubrey Weers.

I am proud to represent these men and women who empower people in developing nations and promote the Peace Corps mission of peace and friendship. These volunteers are making major strides to improve the lives of people and communities around the world.

I wish the Peace Corps and its volunteers continued success and perseverance. We are grateful for their contributions to society and dedication to providing assistance where it is needed. May the Peace Corps continue its legacy of service, both at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the 40th anniversary of Texas Western's 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship. The title game had a profound impact on the state of racial integration in sports and civil rights in America.

On March 16, 1966, Coach Don Haskins led the first ever all-Black starting lineup to play in a major championship contest in a victory over the heavily-favored Kentucky Wildcats.

Coach Haskins played high school basketball in Enid, Oklahoma, and in college at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State). He then became a successful high school basketball coach in Texas. Haskins was a coach at Dumas High School before becoming the head of the men's team at Texas Western College, now the University of Texas at El Paso, in 1961.

Haskins coached the Miners to 33 winning seasons over the course of his career with the Miners. He won seven Western Athletic Conference championships, four Western Athletic Conference tournament titles, and made 21 post-season appearances. He established a proud winning tradition in the community of El Paso that still exists today. Coach Haskins was voted in to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.

The Texas Western Miners' victory was a watershed moment for diversity in college athletics. It helped expand the civil rights movement into the realm of sports. On January 13, 2006, Walt Disney Pictures released Glory Road, which tells the story of the historic 1966 season and pays tribute to the dedication and bravery of Coach Haskins.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Container Store, whose headquarters are based in Coppell, Texas, for being ranked number 6 on Fortune Magazine's 2006 list of the ``100 Best Companies to Work For.''

The Container Store is one of only two companies from the State of Texas to make the Top 10 overall. It was awarded a number 3 ranking in the ``Best Medium-Sized Companies (2,500-10,000 employees) to Work For'' category.

The companies are chosen based upon Fortune's evaluation of the policies and culture of the company, and the opinion of its employees. The latter is given more weight; it is found from employee responses to a survey that evaluates factors such as attitudes towards management and job satisfaction.

The Container Store continues in the excellent tradition of employee satisfaction. The company has been at the top of the ``Best Companies to Work For'' list for 7 years in a row. Last year it was ranked number 15 on the top 100 list. The company prides itself on the philosophy that ``employees are our greatest asset.''

And so, I commend the Container Store for maintaining its dedication to a friendly and productive workplace environment. Its successful and creative practices have not only led to satisfied employees, but a business that continues to thrive and expand on a national level as well.

Mr. Speaker, illegal immigration touches us all, whether you live in a border state, such as Texas, or not. Millions of Americans pass through airports daily. Before they travel city to city or state to state, they have to show a valid i.d., remove their shoes, have their belongings examined, and walk through metal detectors. Meanwhile, thousands of illegal immigrants waltz across our borders, undetected, every day. America's failure to control its borders has cost us billions of dollars, and heightened the possibility of criminal and terrorist activity on our home soil.

It is time to prevent illegal immigration. The first step is taking control at the borders and holding people accountable. We can achieve this by passing legislation such as The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act.

Mr. Speaker, this country has been enriched by foreigners who respect our laws and become citizens the proper way. We do not wish to deny others this opportunity. However, illegal immigration and disrespect for our laws

cannot be tolerated. We cannot secure this nation without securing its borders.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to take the opportunity to honor Captain Michael Noble. Born into a military family in Dallas, Texas in 1977, Mike Noble has experienced much in his short lifetime. His father, MG William Noble (USA, retired) and mother, Imogene, are no strangers to serving their country. William was a founding member of the 101st Airborne and served the division throughout World War II.

Mike graduated from St. Mark's High School in 1997, and then went on to the University of Texas. He entered the Army ROTC program and graduated with honors in 1998. Upon receiving his commission he went into Military Intelligence School and, subsequently, the Army Language Institute. After completing jump school, Mike followed in his father's footsteps and was assigned to the 902nd MI group of the 101st Airborne, a special honor.

Mike served with the NATO and U.N. peace-keeping forces in Kosovo. On September 11, 2001, Mike was working with NATO Command in Brussels. When he received news of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., he was immediately flown back to the United States, going to work at the Pentagon while it was actually still on fire. He would not leave the building for 17 days.

Most recently Mike was active in Afghanistan and involved with the liberation of Iraq. He was severely wounded on April 13, 2003 and medically retired from the military. I am proud to employ this two-time Purple Heart recipient as the military and veterans affairs liaison in my Irving office. His dedication to his country is commendable; Mike Noble is a true American hero and an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, last month I was fortunate as a Member of Congress to travel to Israel and witness firsthand the peace process that is currently taking place.

The trip was a unique opportunity to learn more about relations between the United States and Israel. This country has maintained a longstanding friendship with the Jewish state since its creation in 1948. Today, cooperation between the U.S. and Israel is essential as we fight the war on terror and promote peace in the Middle East. Israel is, has been, and will continue to be an important ally in the goal to spread democracy worldwide and promote peace in the Middle East.

I was privileged to have the opportunity to meet with many high- ranking officials from the region, including Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, as well as Former Prime Minister BiBi Netanyahu and Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Talking with these leaders provided me with valuable insight into the ongoing peace process and plans for the region. While their approaches are different, their common goal remains the same: peace and fulfillment of the Jewish homeland.

On the final day I met with Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman of the Palestinian Authority. I, along with my colleagues, stressed with him how important it was to the United States that the terrorists be disarmed and that peace be advanced within the region.

Mr. Speaker, my rigorous schedule included an extensive tour of this country. Although Israel is smaller than the State of New Jersey, I was thoroughly impressed with its infrastructure and potential for growth. In just over 50 years of existence, Israel has developed a remarkable highway system and infrastructure. As we visited universities, holy sites, military bases, it was easy to tell how modern and highly accomplished Israel is today and what an incredible potential that it has with its people.

Throughout the country's history, the Israeli people have experienced violence and terror on their home soil. Normal citizens' lives have been threatened in schools, malls, and other public places at the hands of suicide bombers. Israel, though, is committed to combating terrorism and to world peace.

During my trip I was able to attend various briefings and got to see the security fence that separates Israel from Palestine and other tools that have been effectively used by Israelis to deter the terrorist attacks.

I traveled also to the developing Negev Desert area. This region has experienced a surge in development and opportunities with its diverse residents. The community is composed of Israelis, Arabs, and Bedouins. Its growing strength is vital to Israel's national security interests as well as an excellent place for new settlement. The United States needs to play a key role in the assistance of the development of this desert area.

This trip was also especially important because it took place in the midst of the disengagement of Gaza and the northern part of the West Bank. I was one of the few Americans to be able to visit Israel during this very historic time. Over 8,000 Israelis were relocated from the Gaza Strip.

The courageous decision to withdraw from Gaza carries serious risks for Israel. It proves the willingness of the Jewish state to take enormous chances for peace. Withdrawal provides Palestinian leadership the opportunity to curb terrorism and govern its people. Prime Minister Sharon explained that he believed the painstaking process is the best long-term decision for Israel. Only time will tell whether Gaza will become a catalyst for peace or the new headquarters of terrorism.

Now more than ever, Israel needs America's support. Israel's commitment to peace is vital in this time of war and oppression in the Middle East. As America continues with its mission to spread freedom and democracy, the Israeli people have to be, and will be, our very important allies. They deserve our respect and our cooperation.

Madam Speaker, Hurricane Katrina has disrupted the life of an unprecedented number of gulf coast residents. A well-known reality of the hurricane is the tens of thousands of workers who have been displaced not just from their homes but from their jobs.

In the continuing wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Flexibility for Displaced Workers Act is essential to increase the flexibility of certain funds to respond to the reemployment needs of displaced workers. I commend the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) for bringing forward this important piece of legislation.

One way to eliminate government red tape so workers and their families in impacted areas may access immediate assistance, including temporary job placement, is through increased flexibility of national emergency grants. National emergency grants are awarded by the Department of Labor. They are used to provide temporary disaster relief employment, for up to 6 months, to individuals who participate in projects that provide clothing, food, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for victims of a particular disaster. Funds may also be used to provide jobs for those participating in the demolition, the cleanup, repair, renovation, and reconstruction of facilities and lands within the disaster area. These national emergency grants may be used by public or private entities which provide employment and training activities.

So far, in response to Hurricane Katrina, NEGs have been awarded to provide more than 40,000 temporary jobs in the gulf coast region. The Flexibility for Displaced Workers Act will significantly expand the flexibility of the NEGs for gulf coast workers, with the goal of making more jobs and training available to individuals faster. This bill will specifically make NEG funds available for displaced workers' employment projects outside the designated Hurricane Katrina disaster area. This is vital in areas like my home State of Texas, which has become a home away from home for hundreds of thousands of Louisianans, and which has sheltered a large majority of the evacuees.

It will permit previously awarded NEG funds to be directed to workers impacted by Hurricane Katrina and allow displaced workers to obtain public-private sector jobs not related to the disaster. Also, if necessary, the bill empowers the Secretary of Labor to extend the duration of the NEG grants from 6 months to 12 months.

Lastly, the bill will authorize gulf coast residents with expired unemployment compensation, who are participating in reemployment activities, to be eligible for NEG payments.

I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this valuable piece of legislation to assist victims of this horrible disaster.