Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise, along with Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, to recognize the gentleman honored by the City of Sonoma as 2008 Alcalde--Honorary Mayor of the Year--Sy Lenz. The honorary position of Alcalde has been bestowed each year since 1975 on a person who has enhanced the welfare of Sonoma by his or her unselfish contributions to the community.

As Alcalde, Sy will be given a silver-headed cane as a symbol of his distinction and will appear in parades, grand openings and other special events throughout the year.

Although Sy and his wife, Harriet, have lived in Sonoma since 1989, when they moved here to be near their daughter, Sy leapt directly into community service. He used his talents as a retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel and executive recruiter to volunteer on the strategic plan for the local school district. He also became active in the Kiwanis Club and with La Luz Center, a local nonprofit serving immigrants, as well as founding and developing Congregation Shir Shalom.

``One project I worked on was an attempt to establish an in-town teen club,'' Sy says. ``We raised thousands of dollars hopefully to find a site, and although it remained out of our reach, it lead to the creation of the `No-Name Cafe' at Sonoma Valley High School.''

Sy's service is not limited to the younger generation. He has participated in delivering

holiday meals to seniors and shut-ins, and was part of the effort to create the Senior Shade Program which provides senior citizens transportation to and from the town's holiday parades and a shady place from which to watch.

Most recently, Sy has served as president of the board of directors of SOS--Sonoma Overnight Shelter--which he and other members of the community started in an effort to extend a helping hand to the homeless and working poor who need assistance with restoring their self- sufficiency. It is a project he has dedicated himself to.

First of all, Sy points out, it is a shelter; it is designed for those who are temporarily homeless. ``Most of the time the people we're dealing with are women or single moms,'' says Sy. These are usually women who have been dependent upon a man and suddenly find themselves alone or alone with children and without life skills needed for independent living. They may stay with family or friends for awhile until that becomes untenable and then they are out on the streets.

``And this,'' Sy says, referring to the astronomical Bay Area real estate prices. ``is a tough place to find an affordable space.''

His compassionate service is one reason Sonoma Mayor Joanne Sanders chose Sy for Alcalde. She has known Sy for 20 years and says, ``When it's driving rain, late at night, and the phone rings, he's the kind of guy who'll go out and find a place for someone to stay. He's an unsung hero.''

Madam Speaker, we would like to join with the City of Sonoma in recognizing the contributions Sy Lenz has made to the lives of the residents of the Sonoma Valley area.

Mr. Speaker, I yield my time to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) and ask unanimous consent that he may control that time.

Madam Speaker, together with Representatives Miller, Stark, Tauscher and McNerney, I rise today to honor and thank the California East Bay Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America and the Marines' Memorial Association. With the support of the Marines' Memorial Association and Major General Michael Myatt (Ret.), the Blue Star Moms are hosting their third event for Gold Star parents who have lost a child in service to our country.

The East Bay Blue Star Moms was founded when Patty Martin, Peggy Conklin and Nancy Ecker reached out to each other for support after the September 11th attacks. Each had a son in the Army, and in November, 2001, they established a support group for military mothers in the East Bay area. Membership has since grown to over 150 mothers, and they are affiliated with the national Blue Star Mothers of America. The East Bay chapter sponsors a variety of activities in addition to the Gold Star event, including providing care packages for troops stationed overseas, and Operation Post Card, connecting local community groups with soldiers abroad through letter writing campaigns. The moms have also taken their good works to veterans in our community through regular visits to the VA hospitals at Livermore, Palo Alto and Martinez.

The Marines' Memorial Association in San Francisco was founded in 1946 as a living memorial to all the Marines who had lost their lives in the Pacific during World War II. Since then, its mission has expanded to include all branches of the United States Armed Services, including members of National Guard and reserves, and the U.S. Merchant Marine. The Memorial is currently led by Major General Michael Myatt, USMC (Ret.). General Myatt has overseen the development of the Memorial as a facility that both honors fallen servicemembers and actively promotes the interests and needs of men and women currently in service.

The third Gold Star Parent gathering will bring together hundreds of parents from all over California for a 2-day event to honor the families of the fallen and allow them to celebrate the lives of their children and mourn their loss. This event allows the families to come together in private and share their experiences with others who are experiencing the same loss. The Marines' Memorial Association provides the facilities and meals for the event at a considerably reduced cost, and additionally lends support to the participants throughout the weekend. The Blue Star Moms contribute an incredible effort to make the Gold Star event successful, including personally reaching out to all the Gold Star families in the state, and underwriting expenses for families who might not otherwise be able to make the trip.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, at this time it is appropriate that we thank the Blue Star Moms and the Marines' Memorial Association for the hard work and dedication they have shown to sponsor the Gold Star parents event. Their efforts have provided an important forum for these families to come together and the event is greatly appreciated by the families who have participated.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Vernon Singleton on the occasion of a symposium of Wine Phenolic Research being held in his honor by the American Society of Enology and Viticulture.

Dr. Singleton was born in Mill City, Oregon on June 28, 1923. In 1951 he earned a PhD in Protein Biochemistry from Purdue University, where he had also received his bachelor and masters of sciences degrees. He moved to the University of California, Davis in 1958 where he would begin a long and distinguished career as one of the foremost enologists in the world.

He is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work on wine phenolics and antioxidants. This research has opened the door for an ever expanding scope of knowledge concerning wine and its potential health benefits. He is also the author of more than 220 academic papers and many books that have become classics in the field of enology. For these contributions he has received numerous honors including twice winning the Outstanding Paper of the Year Award from the American Society for Enology and Viticulture in 1986 and 1992, the Office Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin Prize in Enology in 1998 for the best contribution to wine literature in any language for 1997-98, as well as being a life fellow of the American Institute of Chemists and a Charter member of the Phytochemical Society of North America. He retired in 1991, but remained a professor emeritus and continued publishing for another ten very productive years.

Madam Speaker, it is fitting at this time that we honor the long career and great achievements of Dr. Vernon Singleton. His dedication as a teacher and mentor has allowed him to touch the lives of his students and peers alike, and his research continues to guide and inspire the next generation of chemists and enologists around the world to explore the truly limitless possibilities in their fields.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a legendary grape grower, winemaker and friend on the occasion of his 90th birthday. John Angelo Parducci has been in the wine business in Mendocino County for more than seven decades.

His contributions to the wine industry in Mendocino County, as well as to all of northern California, have helped one of the region's most important agricultural products grow to international acclaim. His lifelong commitment began at an early age.

The grandson of an Italian immigrant, John Parducci is a third generation winemaker. He was born on January 22, 1918, to Adolph Parducci and Isabella Katherine Lucchetti Parducci in the same house where his mother had been born, just south of the Mendocino County line. Adolph moved his family to Ukiah, and at about the same time Prohibition began, built Parducci Winery, the oldest in Mendocino County.

In 1933, 14-year-old John accompanied 40 train carloads of grapes his family was shipping to the east coast. When he returned to Ukiah, he took part in the first of a lifetime of grape harvests. He filled jugs from magnificent 50-gallon redwood tanks, some of which still exist at the old winery. Parducci was the first to bottle and label varietal wines in Mendocino County, the first to use Anderson Valley on a label and the first to promote Mendocino winemaking around the country.

In 1937, John Parducci married the love of his life Margaret Louise Romer. They had two sons. In 1960 he took over the winery from his father and continued with his passionate and opinionated quest to make great wine at an affordable price. The original Parducci Winery was recently purchased by the Mendocino Wine Company, which continues the label.

Not one to retire, however, in 1999, John Parducci and his grandson Rich, started McNab Ridge Winery in the pristine McNab Valley, where John hunted deer, turkey, and wild pigs in his younger years. His winemaking legacy continues under the McNab Ridge and John A. Parducci Signature Heritage Series labels.

Accolades and honors have poured in over the years. In 2003 he was awarded the California State Fair Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been America's Ambassador of Wine, recognized by the Wine Institute, and named winemaker of the year by the Los Angeles County Fair, the North Coast Knights of the Vine, the City of Los Angeles, and the Texas Knights of the Vine.

Over the years John has found time to give service to the community through his membership in the Masons, Rotary and Shriners in Ukiah. In 1999 he received the prestigious Norman Lippman Award in Nashville for his community service as well as his winemaking.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, John Parducci has earned the admiration and respect of his peers and left a positive legacy for the future of winemaking not only in Mendocino County, but all across our country. For these reasons, it is appropriate that we honor Mr. Mendocino--John Parducci.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my deep sympathies to the family of David Fesmire, including his loving wife, Karen, his three wonderful daughters, Kindra, Katti and Mikki, and his 4 grandchildren.

David Fesmire's passing is a great loss for all of us. He was a true hero who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. He honorably served his country in Vietnam, his state with the California National Guard, and his community as a paramedic and firefighter.

David served in the Army from 1970 to 1973, with two tours in Vietnam. He was highly decorated for his service, receiving 2

Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and 34 Air Medals, among others. He went on to the California National Guard, serving as a Crew Chief in the 126th Helicopter Company. He was extremely proud of his military service, and particularly enjoyed coordinating the Vietnam Darkhorse project.

David then became a certified EMT and worked in the public ambulance sector as a paramedic from 1980 to 2001. He served first as a volunteer, then as an employee at the North Shore Fire Protection District, Lucerne Station from 2001 to 2007. He held a variety of positions with the Fire Protection District, including Paramedic, Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Fire Officer, Weapons of Mass Destruction Instructor/Trainer, and Captain. His tireless efforts led him to be recognized as Firefighter of the Year.

David will always be known as someone who loved his family and his community dearly. He is remembered by those who knew him as a superlative husband, father, and grandfather; as a caring brother, a respected comrade, a spirited co-worker, a true friend, a loyal employee and an honest neighbor.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, David Fesmire's contributions to our country and the community of Lake County are immeasurable. His presence will be missed even as his legacy endures.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to travel to Washington, DC, for votes during the week of December 17, 2007.

However, I would have recorded the following votes on the rollcall votes which I missed. They included:

December 17, 2007

(1) H. Res. 856--Rollcall No. 1163--Expressing the heartfelt sympathy for the victims and families of the shootings in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, December 5, 2007--``yes.''

(2) H. Res. 851--Rollcall No. 1164--Honoring local and state first responders, and the citizens of the Pacific Northwest in facing the severe winter storm of December 2 and 3, 2007--``yes.''

(3) Previous Question--Rollcall No. 1165--On ordering the previous question to H. Res. 873--``yes.''

(4) H. Res. 873--Rollcall No. 1166--Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules--``yes.''

(5) H. Con. Res. 271--Rollcall No. 1167--Providing for the sine die adjournment of the first session of the One Hundred Tenth Congress-- ``no.''

(6) Previous Question--Rollcall No. 1168--On ordering the previous question to H. Res. 878--``yes.''

(7) H. Res. 878--Rollcall No. 1169--Providing for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2764) making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes-- ``yes.''

(8) H.R. 4286--Rollcall No. 1170--To award a congressional gold medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma--``yes.''

(9) 1st Senate Amendment to H.R. 2764--Rollcall No. 1171--On motion to agree to the Senate amendment with the 1st House amendment--``yes.''

(10) 2nd Senate Amendment to H.R. 2764--Rollcall No. 1172--On motion to agree to the Senate amendment with the 2nd House amendment--``yes.''

(11) H. Con. Res. 254--Rollcall No. 1173--Recognizing and celebrating the centennial of Oklahoma statehood--``yes.''

december 18, 2007

(1) Previous Question--Rollcall No. 1174--On ordering the previous question to H.R. 877--``yes.''

(2) H. Res. 877--Rollcall No. 1175--Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6) to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes--``yes.''

(3) H.R. 3793--Rollcall No. 1176--To amend title 37, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Defense to continue to pay to a member of the Armed Forces who is retired or separated from the Armed Forces due to a combat-related injury certain bonuses that the member was entitled to before the retirement or separation and would continue to be entitled to if the member was not retired or separated--``yes.''

(4) H.R. 6--Rollcall No. 1177--To reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes--``yes.''

(5) H.R. 2761--Rollcall No. 1178--To extend the Terrorism Insurance Program of the Department of the Treasury, and for other purposes-- ``yes.''

(6) S. 2271--Rollcall No. 1179--To authorize State and local governments to divest assets in companies that conduct business operations in Sudan, to prohibit United States Government contracts with such companies, and for other purposes--``yes.''

(7) H. Res. 542--Rollcall No. 1180--Expressing the unconditional support of the House of Representatives for the members of the National Guard--``yes.''

(8) H. Res. 884--Rollcall No. 1181--Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendments to H.R. 3997, with an amendment-- ``yes.''

(9) H.R. 3690--Rollcall No. 1182--To provide for the transfer of the Library of Congress police to the United States Capitol Police, and for other purposes--``yes.''

december 19, 2007

(1) H.R. 3996--Rollcall No. 1183--To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes-- ``no.''

(2) S. 2499--Rollcall No. 1184--To amend titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act to extend provisions under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP programs, and for other purposes--``yes.''

(3) H.R. 4040--Rollcall No. 1185--To establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission--``yes.''

(4) H.R. 2764--Rollcall No. 1186--Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes--``no.''

Mr. Speaker, today we're debating legislation that will provide middle-class families with tax relief from the AMT tax, 23 million taxpayers. We'll pass this legislation, offering AMT relief to middle-class families without increasing the Federal deficit.

My good friend from Wisconsin said earlier that this sets a new precedent. Yes, it does. We're going to be paying for this tax relief. That is precedent setting. To do otherwise would be an abdication of our responsibilities, both as legislators, and as stewards of our Nation's finances.

This administration has presided over 7 years of fiscal mismanagement. Spending has skyrocketed. Entitlements have expanded. Taxes have been cut without any regard to the bottom line.

As a result, our budgets haven't balanced, our surpluses turned into deficits, our national debt exploded, and our borrowing from other countries more than doubled.

If there was ever a time when fiscal discipline was necessary, it's today.

From day one, this Democratic majority has pledged our commitment to budget enforcement. One of our first acts as a new majority was to implement PAYGO rules. The position of this House and this majority has not changed. Congress must pay as we go, and we pay for this tax relief today by closing loopholes which allows tax avoidance for wealthy folks who move their money offshore, and we take what we gain from closing that loophole and in turn we pay for middle-class tax relief. Twenty- three million people will be hit with a tax increase if we don't pass this.

This legislation provides responsible tax relief. It does not increase the deficit and it deserves our vote.

Madam Speaker, this is about health care for kids. It's an important and humane bill that's illustrative of who we are as Americans. It's paid for, and moreover, it saves us money. It saves us money by keeping kids out of the emergency room, and anytime that you can prevent or cure an illness before it becomes acute, that saves us money as well.

It's bipartisan, not only in the House and the Senate, but 43 Governors have endorsed this measure. Over 80 percent of the American people support the SCHIP program.

We should not let the President deny health care to 10 million kids of working moms and dads. We're better than that. We need to override this veto.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Representative Woolsey to congratulate Holly and Henry Wendt, who are being honored by Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County with the first annual Wetzel Community Leadership Award. They are being recognized for their contributions to life in Sonoma County and their philanthropic leadership on behalf of numerous local causes and organizations.

Henry and Holly have been fixtures in Sonoma County for many years, where until recently they owned the highly regarded Quivira Vineyards. Mr. Wendt, formerly the CEO of SmithKline Beecham, spent four decades working in the pharmaceutical and health care industry, and he remains active on the boards of several major corporations.

Together, the Wendts have given greatly to the community in Sonoma County, particularly in the fields of education and health care. They offered their substantial resources to Healdsburg High School to renovate and expand the Holly and Henry Wendt Library. In addition, their work with the Pediatric Dental Initiative, for which Mr. Wendt serves on the advisory board, has progressed the work of the soon to be opened Redwood Empire Surgery Center. This facility will bring the highest quality dental care to youngsters in coastal northern California.

Mr. Wendt has given generously with his time and deep knowledge of health care to facilitate the work of Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County. His substantial leadership gift helped ensure that the Healdsburg District Hospital campaign was successful and the hospital remains an outstanding health care provider. Further, he has been instrumental in the success of the Community Foundation Sonoma County. Having served multiple terms as chairman of the board, he provided superb guidance and experience to help the foundation expand its resources and reach, and he remains a member of the leadership board.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, at this time it is appropriate that we congratulate Holly and Henry Wendt, who are receiving the Wetzel Community Leadership Award. The Wendts have been dynamic and generous figures in Sonoma County, and the wisdom and guidance they bring to philanthropic endeavors has been a boon to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alexander Mallonee on the occasion of his retirement as Secretary- Treasurer of the North Bay Labor Council, AFL-CIO, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 183, and letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. Alex has honorably served his community for 30 years.

Mr. Mallonee's career in public service began in 1977 when he became a letter carrier and was immediately active in the union. He ascended to the presidency of Branch 183 in 1980 and became known as a highly approachable, dedicated, and principled leader. In a position that can often lend itself to conflict and acrimony, Alex firmly stood up for the rights of his members while maintaining a strong, civil dialogue with management. According to his colleagues, Alex even educated management on many social justice issues.

Mr. Mallonee's stellar work with the Letter Carriers earned him the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the North Bay Labor Council, AFL- CIO, representing member unions in Sonoma, Lake, Marin, and Mendocino counties. Under Alex's leadership, the Council's membership has grown to over 50 unions representing 30,000 working men and women in the North Bay.

Mr. Mallonee's coalition-building skills were essential in his role as a founding member of the Coalition for a Better Sonoma County, an endeavor that sought to unify progressive environmental, labor, and community groups under the shared principles of smart growth, environmental protection, social justice, and affordable housing. Alex's gift for bringing people together has resulted in a vibrant progressive movement in Sonoma County.

Mr. Mallonee's legacy will be felt long after his retirement. He is a one of a kind leader who is well-respected by the business community as well as the progressive community. He is leaving the labor movement markedly better than he found it, which is a testament to his strength of convictions and quality of character.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize Alexander Mallonee for his many years of public service to the Northern Bay area of California, and to thank him for his many contributions on behalf of working men and women everywhere. We wish him the best as he enters this new phase of his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Schneider, who has been recognized as the City of Sonoma's 2007 Treasure Artist of the Year. Mr. Schneider is being recognized for his contributions to Sonoma and his leadership of the Sonoma Hometown Band.

Mr. Schneider was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, but moved to northern California at a young age when his father was transferred to work at Alcatraz Federal Prison. At the end of the war, the family moved north to Fields Landing in Humboldt County, where Mr. Schneider was raised in this small town and attended the local school. In 1949, the family moved to Eureka, where he participated in a band for the first time.

After graduating from Eureka High School in 1954, Mr. Schneider joined the Navy hoping to become a member of the Navy Drum and Bugle Corps. He was accepted, but was subsequently assigned to the Naval Communications School. After completing his training, he spent 2 years in Korea and 2 years in Germany. In 1959, he left the Navy and began attending Humboldt State University, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in music in 1963.

After completing college, Mr. Schneider began teaching music in the Central Valley, first in Hanford and then as a full time teacher at three different schools in Corcoran. In 1965, he moved to Sonoma after being hired to teach at local schools. The following year, he was transferred to the high school, where he founded the high school band with strong support from Principal Max Murray.

In 1967, Mr. Schneider founded the Sonoma Hometown Band in order to provide a musical group for the 4th of July parade. The band was initially made up of 25 high school students, but has gradually expanded as former students returned to participate and members of the community joined. Today, the band gives a half-dozen performances each year, bringing together musicians of all ages under Mr. Schneider's direction. From concerts at the Sebastiani Theatre to the 4th of July, the Sonoma Hometown Band has become an important fixture in Sonoma under Mr. Schneider's leadership.

Madam Speaker, at this time it is appropriate that we congratulate Mr. Schneider for being recognized as the City of Sonoma's 2007 Treasure Artist of the Year. As the leader of the Hometown Band, he has brought his community an exciting musical group catering to all ages, interests and skill levels.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John R. Shafer on the occasion of his receiving the 3rd Annual Making a Difference Award from the non-profit organization Healthy Moms and Babies. This award is being presented in recognition for his outstanding work in support of making healthcare accessible to all in the Napa Valley.

Mr. Shafer has always had a strong commitment to public service. At age 18 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew combat missions over occupied Europe as a B-24 bomber pilot. After a long career in corporate textbook publishing, he came to the Napa Valley, as so many before him, looking for a new place to call home. John purchased a vineyard site in an area known as Stag's Leap. Although it had been idle for several years, he had a vision that it could grow to become one of the country's premier wineries. The following year, he moved his family to California to make this vision a reality.

Since then, Shafer Vineyards has grown into a world class winery and has done so while practicing and promoting sustainable, earth-friendly agriculture. Throughout his success in the wine industry Mr. Shafer has remained committed to serving his community. In addition to being a former president of the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association and a former member of the board of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, Mr. Shafer has also been active with the board of directors of the Community Health Clinic Ole since 1990. Clinic Ole is dedicated to bringing the highest quality medical and dental services to the underserved communities in Napa County and

has become an essential part of the health and well being of all residents of the Valley.

In addition to his support for Clinic Ole, Mr. Shafer also spearheaded the building of the Napa Valley Vinters Community Health Center. This facility houses not only Clinic Ole, but also the Sister Ann Community Dental Clinic, Napa Emergency Women's Services and also Healthy Moms and Babies, which provides pregnancy care, education and support to women in underserved communities. By seeing this project through to completion Mr. Shafer has helped to ensure that healthcare will be available to the underserved in a way that is both coordinated and accessible.

Madam Speaker, it is fitting at this time that we thank John Shafer for his commitment an dedication to helping others and his community. His efforts have ensured that thousands of residents in the Napa Valley have access to the best medical care for themselves and their children. The Making a Difference Award is only one reflection of what will surely be a legacy that will last for many years.

Madam Speaker, I'm honored that Deacon Bob Little, from my home parish and hometown of St. Helena, is serving as today's guest chaplain.

Deacon Little has had a lifetime of exemplary service to our country. He's a 26-year veteran of the Air Force, achieved the rank of major, and served in Vietnam, Panama and eastern Saudi Arabia.

He's also served the community in Napa County. He was a deputy sheriff

for 12 years and an elementary school science and physical education teacher.

He later came to work at the St. Helena Catholic Church. After 5 years of training, he was ordained as deacon.

Among the many services he provides the residents of our community, he also travels throughout Northern California as a military bugler for the funerals of fallen soldiers.

Deacon Little is a distinguished American citizen and important community leader, and I thank him for his service to our country and for the prayer that he led today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise in strong support of the bill that is before us today. First and foremost, I want to point out that every Member on this floor, every Member knows that the brave men and women of our military have done a fantastic job, and every Member on this floor supports the brave men and women serving our country.

Mr. Speaker, too many of those brave men and women have been doing a fantastic job for way too many tours. Multiple tours. The last time I was in Iraq, I had lunch with a group of soldiers from California, one of whom was a firefighter from the North Bay in California, and he said, I used to have a house in your district, but I don't anymore. My ex-wife has it now. I said, I am sorry to hear that. He said, well, this is my fourth tour. I couldn't expect much else.

Our men and women have been put under a tremendous strain for far too long. Our military equipment has been depleted. Over $100 billion is needed to bring our military equipment up to standard. Our combat readiness has been depleted. This bill, this bill is about refocusing our area; to transition, transition our effort into force protection, diplomatic protection, counterterrorism, refocus our effort looking into the future for future problems that we may have. It's long past time to refocus our efforts; it's long past time to transition.

This bill does represent a change. We heard from the previous speaker that there wasn't much change. Mr. Speaker and Members, if there wasn't any change in this bill, we wouldn't be facing the opposition from the other side that we are facing tonight. This bill represents major change.

This bill represents a policy change that the American people are demanding. They demanded it in the November election; they demand it today. It's long past time for this transition to take place. This war can't go on forever. We know that on this side of the aisle and we know it on the other side of the aisle.

A lot of comparisons have been made tonight with Vietnam. I want to make just one. I served in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. I didn't do anything exceptional. I showed up; I did my job. But there came a time in past Congresses that it was known that we were going to leave Vietnam, and from the time that we knew that our colleagues, our past colleagues knew that we were going to leave Vietnam, until we actually left Vietnam, 21,000 Americans died.

They knew, our colleagues in past Congresses knew that we couldn't sustain that. We weren't going to be in Vietnam forever. They knew we had to leave. From the time they absolutely knew it on this floor until we left, 21,000 brave American men died in Vietnam. I was one of the lucky ones. I was only wounded. I lost a lot of friends. We lost a lot of fellow Americans.

We cannot make that same mistake. We know that the Iraq war cannot go on forever. We know that on both sides of the aisle. It's time for a major policy change. This bill represents that major policy change. I urge everyone to vote ``aye'' for the underlying bill.