Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008. I would like to thank Chairman Price and Ranking Member Rogers for including a solid increase for funding for detection canine teams used by DHS. The bill includes an increase of $17.3 million that will add more canine teams for air cargo inspections. The bill also includes funding for 1,506 canine teams for CBP, which represents an increase of 272 teams over last year's level.

These increases reflect a provision I supported in the Rail and Public Transportation Safety Act of 2007 and H.R. 659, the Canine Detection Team Improvement Act, which I introduced earlier this year.

However, I am deeply concerned about section 527 that would classify instructors at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center as inherently governmental. This provision would impose a dangerous ban on using non-Federal trainers after a national emergency and the resulting needed times of surge.

I also remain concerned about the ability of DHS to recruit and train an additional 3,000 new Border Patrol agents funded by the bill. Given attrition rates, this means that Border Patrol will need to hire and train approximately 4,400 agents a year. While I support putting more boots on the ground as quickly as possible, I am convinced

that the current approach DHS is using cannot meet this goal.

I am also concerned that it continues to cost $187,000 to recruit, train and deploy just one Border Patrol agent. The Subcommittee on Management Investigations and Oversight plans to hold another hearing on Border Patrol agent training costs in its capacity next Tuesday. It is my hope that the findings from this hearing will be considered by the House and Senate conferees on this bill to improve the way DHS recruits and trains Border Patrol agents.

Madam Speaker, Sergeant Brandon Hadaway, 25, of Valley, Alabama, died on May 30, 2007, in Afghanistan. Sergeant Hadaway was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd General Support Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Sergeant Hadaway was serving on his third tour when his helicopter took fire from enemy combatants, He was a proud graduate of Valley High School and will be dearly missed in his community. As a testament to his sacrifice, the City of Valley has already declared a flag day in his honor.

Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Sgt. Hadaway, like other brave men and women who have served in uniform, died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty. Indeed, like those who have served before him, he was a true American.

We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve our nation. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's remembrance at this mournful occasion.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask for the House's attention today to recognize the outstanding work of a constituent of mine, Mrs. Barbara Romey, who was recently named an Outstanding History Educator by The History Channel for her commitment to history and her students.

Mrs. Romey teaches Social Studies at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama. She is known for teaching history in a way that helps students connect and engage with current national and local issues. Throughout her career, Mrs. Romey has helped shape her students into successful and contributing members of the Phenix City community.

I congratulate Mrs. Romey for receiving this award, for her commitment to excellence in teaching, and for her dedication to helping better the lives of her students.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition to The Hall Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Valley, Alabama, which is celebrating their 82nd Anniversary on May 27, 2007.

In 1866, the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church allowed African Americans to have their own congregations. Many years later, in 1925, Hall Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was founded.

In 1941 Hall Memorial CME was rebuilt after a devastating fire, and in 1969, was remodeled. With dedicated pastors and a committed congregation, the church has grown and prospered over the years. The pastor there now is Rev. Pierre K. Primm.

I am pleased to recognize the members of The Hall Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Valley, Alabama, today for reaching this important milestone in the history of Valley, and congratulate the church family on their 82nd Anniversary.

Madam Speaker, Specialist Matthew Bolar, 24, of Montgomery, Alabama, died on May 3, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. Specialist Bolar was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Specialist Bolar graduated from Canterbury High School in 2002 at the top of his class and joined the Army in 2004. His friends and family remember him as a bright young man eager to serve his country.

Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Specialist Bolar, like other brave men and women who have served in uniform, died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty. Indeed, like those who have served before him, he was a true American.

We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve our Nation.

Mr. Chairman, as ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight, I have worked with my committee colleagues on this legislation for some time. I was also an original cosponsor of the bill, primarily because of its provisions to improve oversight, management and procurement at the Department of Homeland Security.

On March 28, our committee produced a sound bipartisan bill that the committee passed by a vote of 26-0. Unfortunately, as the bill headed to the House floor, jurisdictional turf battles took over. At least 16 important security provisions were dropped, and many more were altered without input from our side of the aisle.

Unfortunately, at least one of the dropped provisions addressed a key 9/11 Commission recommendation. This feature would centralize jurisdiction and oversight for homeland security in one committee, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Last Congress, the Republican leadership in the House heeded this recommendation by creating a new standing Committee on Homeland Security. This new standing committee was wisely vested with substantial jurisdiction over DHS.

While we recognize that last Congress was an ambitious first step, experience has shown that jurisdiction over this department still needs further consolidation, not erosion. Far too many committees and subcommittees in Congress still exercise control and oversight authority over DHS. 88 to be exact. Already this year, DHS officials have testified at over 100 congressional hearings.

It's my hope that leaders on both sides of the aisle can come to an understanding to help consolidate authorization jurisdiction under this one committee. Had this been the case this year, the bipartisan, well- reasoned bill that was originally presented to the House would not have been carved up by jurisdictional turf battles.

Until this issue is resolved, the House will not be able to exercise the needed oversight over DHS, just as it does with the other Departments in the Federal Government. Consequently, I must oppose this bare boned bill, and hope that we will address this critical issue of jurisdiction in the near future.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate today the dedicated men and women of the East Alabama Water, Fire, and Sewer Protection District Complex for the Open House and Ribbon Cutting of their new facility on May 3, 2007.

The new resource protection complex in Chambers County will help provide greater fire protection and water supplies to the city of Valley and the rural areas of Chambers County. With the growing population in the area, the opening of the facility could not have come at a better time. The new facility has over 24,000 square feet and two buildings, which will help provide space for current operations and storage and add room to grow. Overseeing the operation and management of the new facility will be Mr. Tony Segrest, Ms. Beverly Story, Chief Byron Pigg, Mr. Neal Marberry, Mr. Pat Meacham, and Mr. David Martin.

I salute the men and women of the East Alabama Water, Fire, and Sewer Protection District Complex for their service to the community, and congratulate them at the dedication of this important new facility.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize today the students and adult leaders of the Time Travelers History Club at Charles R. Drew Middle School in Lincoln, Alabama.

Since 2005, the Time Travelers club has taken a significant role in enhancing learning opportunities for students, preserving local history, and serving the community. Their events, such as a Constitution Day celebration, have joined students with community figures and in turn allowed students to learn more about history through interacting with people who lived

through some of the most influential events of the twentieth century.

I applaud the students of Charles R. Drew Middle School who have participated in this program, as well as their advisor Mr. Keith George, for their commitment to learning and service. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the House's attention to these accomplished individuals today.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

One of the main reasons is we don't have the capacity domestically to breed these dogs. Of the dogs that we use in TSA now, about 420, only about 15 percent, are bred in the domestic program here. We have to go overseas to European sources for these dogs because you can't just use any kind of dogs. They have to have particular breeds that have skill sets and the ability to sniff a variety of not only drugs but explosives, and we can't get them domestically.

And I find it odd that I am on the other side of this issue because I am the one that is usually criticized for

advocating more contracting out. But the fact is domestically we just do not have the capacity to provide these dogs that we need in TSA or in other areas, CBP, Secret Service or in DOD. DOD is obtaining the majority of its dogs from European sources as well. I think that is unacceptable as Americans.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

The interesting thing about TSA, I have been over to, the last couple of years, most of the breeding and training programs for canines in this country. And the interesting thing about TSA is they have the most stellar breeding program because they are genetically breeding a dog that is particularly useful in transportation settings at detecting explosives and being on its feet for long periods of time.

The contractors you are talking about, you can buy dogs in this country. Not the breeds that we need. That is the problem. If we could, I would be on your side of this amendment. We can't. That is why currently we are obtaining over 80 percent of our dogs from European sources. And they are private sources, by the way.

Mr. Chairman, I do want to go back to one question the gentleman from Arizona had, and that was the cost. Roughly, we are spending about $500,000 on this TSA breeding and training program. It trains about 50 dogs a year now. It can double that capacity with this.

This breeding is very important, particularly at this facility because it is on the cutting edge. I would urge this Congress to recognize how significant it is that we are able to produce this kind of dog here, and I would tell you that I have also been a big advocate on the DOD side as well of our trying to create more breeding programs domestically. I would like to see them be private, frankly, but we don't have that capacity right now that can put the standard of quality of dogs out that we need so that we don't have to rely on foreign sources for these dogs. Because I can assure you we are not getting the first quality and the quantity that we need.

So I would urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment. It is truly a matter of national security both in TSA and I think in DOD.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay tribute to the distinguished veterans of American Legion Post 143 in Dadeville, Alabama.

In January, Post 143 held a special ceremony to honor twenty veterans of World War II and the Korean War. These senior members of Post 143, like all distinguished military veterans of our Nation, offered their service in uniform to a country and world in need. When they returned home, their commitment to serve others and their country remained strong. The Veterans honored included Donald Black, Jim Black, Joseph Davis, Dwight Evers, Lamar Evers, Frank Farrow, Wayne Gilbert, Marvin Greer, Leon Guy, Robert Huff, Herman Kitchens, Joe McKelvey, Horace Moran, Hugh Owen, Roy Pugh, Jimmy Sanford, Paul Valentine, and Millard White, all of whom have continued to serve their community proudly through their work with the American Legion.

I salute all the veterans of Post 143 for their service and patriotism, and for proudly serving the common good throughout their lives.

Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a very special occasion today--Mrs. Winnie Martha Doss's 100th birthday. Mrs. Doss will gather with her friends and family to mark the occasion on March 17, 2007.

Mrs. Doss currently resides in the Jacksonville Health and Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, Alabama. Mrs. Doss spent 30 years working at Avondale Textile Mills. She has four children, 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Doss spends her time working on word search puzzles and crocheting. She enjoys receiving cards and uses them to decorate the walls of her room.

I salute this remarkable woman for her long life, and dedication to family.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mrs. Linda Nowlin of Jacksonville, Alabama. Mrs. Nowlin is a highly accomplished educator and was recently named Kitty Stone Elementary School's Teacher of the Year.

According to recent media reports, for the past 34 years Mrs. Nowlin has been inspiring young students in Alabama and Tennessee and has been a member of the Kitty Stone Elementary faculty since 1998. Over the years, Mrs. Nowlin has integrated advanced teaching methods and the Internet to equip her kindergarten students with the skills they need to be successful.

I congratulate Mrs. Nowlin for her years of service, and for her recent commendation.

Madam Speaker, I request the House's attention today to recognize a heroic American, Captain Donnie R. Belser, Jr., 28, of Anniston, Alabama, who died in Iraq on February 10, 2007. Captain Belser was assigned to the 425th Military Transition Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, and according to initial reports was killed during an exchange of small arms fire.

Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and the gratitude our country feels for his service. Captain Belser died serving the United States and the entire cause of liberty, on a mission to bring stability to a troubled region and liberty to a formerly oppressed people. Captain Belser was a true patriot indeed.

We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the House's attention this morning to reflect on the life and legacy of a great Alabamian, Mr. Charles Langford. Mr. Langford passed this week on February 11 at his home in Montgomery, Alabama.

Mr. Langford was an activist, lawyer, and statesman of the highest caliber. During the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-56, Mr. Langford represented the woman who started that protest which helped change our Nation, the late Mrs. Rosa Louise Parks, as well as the organization formed to carry out the boycott, the Montgomery Improvement Association. In 1956, the class action suit filed by Mr. Langford and his partner, Fred Gray, known as Browder v. Gayle, ended segregated seating on buses in Montgomery, and also became the precedent used to end all racial segregation ordinances in the United States. Later in life, Langford served two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives and five terms in the Alabama Senate.

Mr. Langford's passing is a great loss to the State of Alabama. He helped make history in the Civil Rights movement, and played an important role in Alabama politics. I know all of us in the House today share in the loss of this great and loved man, and send our condolences to his family and our prayers that his legacy will live on long after this mournful time has passed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose this resolution. In doing so, I want to say I understand and share in some of the frustrations of those who are disappointed in the course of this conflict.

Over the past few days we have heard passionate debate on both sides of the issue from Democrats and Republicans alike. But I would say to my colleagues, passing this resolution is not the answer to their frustration. Not only is it purely symbolic and offers no productive solution for helping our military succeed, it sends the wrong message to our troops.

Instead of debating a resolution that says what we should not do in Iraq, it seems to me a more reasonable question should be, how should we go forward from here?

In January, the President put forth a plan to send reinforcements to help secure key areas in and around Baghdad and Anbar province in order to achieve a level of security to allow the Iraqi Government and security forces to assume control. As we all know, it may work and it may not.

But if the President, as Commander in Chief, and General Pace truly believe this plan will succeed, then I believe it should be given a chance to work.

Having listened to proponents and critics of the plan, it seems to me its success or failure is dependent on some key factors, including, first, whether our soldiers will be given the latitude to fully perform their duties without political interference; secondly, whether the Iraqi Government will be held accountable to live up to its commitments; and, third, whether the Iraqis will finally take responsibility for their own affairs.

Madam Speaker, the stakes in this debate are high. Iraq, indeed, is now the primary battlefront in the global war on terror, and there are no easy answers.

The House may pass this resolution this week, but in doing so, we will have missed an opportunity for a better and more balanced debate, including the chance to vote on a substitute bill.

Given the sacrifices our Nation has made, I agree the time to see real progress in Iraq is now. We all want our troops to come home safely and as soon as possible. But we also need for them to be successful in order for our Nation to remain secure.

Though our patience is being tested, our men and women in uniform deserve better from us than this purely symbolic resolution. They need our complete and unqualified support.