Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 653, honoring former President George Herbert Walker Bush on the occasion of his 80th birthday on June 12.

Thousands of friends and supporters celebrated the former President's birthday in Houston and in College Station this past weekend. In true George H.W. Bush style, the former President capped the festivities in college Station by jumping from an airplane above his presidential library at Texas A&M University and earning his U.S. Army parachutist wings. He had trained to make a solo jump, but wind and cloud conditions required that it be a tandem jump. With a practice jump made earlier Sunday, Mr. Bush has now made five jumps, earning the parachutist badge. One of those jumps was a solo skydive on his 75th birthday, and we can only assume that he is likely to consider another solo jump in the future.

This ability to rise to any challenge--fearlessly and with a sense of determination--characterizes the life of our Forty-first President, who dedicated a lifetime to public service and probably brought to the Nation's highest office the greatest portfolio of any President since Thomas Jefferson.

His service began during World War II, when he enlisted in the armed forces on his 18th birthday and was the youngest pilot in the Navy when he received his wings. He flew 58 combat missions and was shot down by Japanese anti-aircraft fire and rescued by a United States submarine, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

His service to his country continued as a Unites States Representative from Texas for

two terms. Thereafter he served as Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the United States Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

From 1980 through 1988, he served President Ronald Reagan and our Nation with distinction as Vice President, with responsibility for multiple areas of government. His eloquent tribute to Mr. Reagan at the National Cathedral last Friday reflected his great friendship and working relationship with President Reagan as well as the late President's values and sense of humor.

In 1988 George H.W. Bush won the Republican nomination for President and was elected as the Forty-First President of the United States. His Administration was marked by a magnitude of historic change as well as challenge. During his Presidency, building on the policies and achievements of President Reagan and previous Administrations, the Communist empire dissolved, the Soviet Union ceased to exist, and the Berlin Wall fell.

During his Presidency, American troops overthrew the corrupt regime of General Manuel Noriega. And during his Administration President Bush launched what would become one of the most successful military campaigns of the late 20th century--Operation Desert Storm. President Bush rallied the United States, Congress, and the United Nations in a campaign that would defeat Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's million-man army which invaded Kuwait and threatened to move into Saudi Arabia. Over 500,000 American military personnel were joined by 200,000 military and other personnel from allied nations, and the cost of the war was shared by many nations who participated.

I remember this time well, not only for what it meant to our Nation, but because it also occurred during a time of personal challenge for my family. On the day that President Bush announced Desert Storm--just before he went on national television to announce the campaign--he took time from the immense pressures of the day to call and extend his best wishes to my family who were gathered at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This gesture speaks volumes about his character and the compassion he demonstrated in countless ways and in his Points of Light vision for the country. It is one of the most poignant moments in my family's life and one for which I will be eternally grateful.

George H.W. Bush has been my friend for many years. We were both Navy pilots, and we are from the same generation and close to the same age. He has been an inspiration to me and to so many, as he gave so much of himself to his country--and at the same time also was a devoted husband to Barbara and a great father to his children, our current President George W. Bush, the Honorable Jeb Bush, Neil Bush, Marvin Bush, Dorothy Bush Koch, and for a brief but precious time to his little girl, Robin, who died tragically in early childhood.

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to join my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to former President George H.W. Bush for his lifetime of service on behalf of our Nation and to honor him on the occasion of his 80th birthday. May God continue to bless him and his family--and may he be blessed with the opportunity to make another solo jump.

Mr. Speaker, I came to the United States Congress in 1981, the same year President Reagan was sworn in as our President. I examined the brochures that he ran on and looked at the brochures that I ran on, and I found them to be almost identical: jobs and security, and jobs meant dignity; a strong military; a concern for the unborn; strong second amendment rights. All of those things we totally agreed upon. At that time I was a Democrat. I was a member of the Boll Weevils and the Conservative Democratic Forum.

We have heard others speak here before us tonight and know of the respect and admiration that we all had for President Reagan. I had the pleasure of going out to Camp David with him and spent times and hours, and had the opportunity for discussions, and we discussed everything from the problems of the day to his times in the movies. He was a good, down-to-Earth guy that you could talk to.

I just know that he knew of our needs. He knew that our military had atrophied away. He knew that we needed to have an injection there, and that United Airlines could employ one of our pilots the minute they graduated and had spent their time. He knew that the enlisted men, 35 percent of them were eligible for food stamps, and he knew something had to be done there. I think he is responsible for the strong position that we have, the strong financial position we have, the strong geopolitical position we have in the world.

I know that I have had a lot of occasions to visit with him. Jim Baker was in his Cabinet at that time, and Jim and I had been longtime friends when I was 10 years in the Texas Senate. I knew Jim Baker, Hines Baker, Rex Baker and all of his folks. That gave me access to President Reagan. George Bush, I had been a Navy pilot with George Bush. He was his Vice President, so I had access to the President, and I enjoyed that access, enjoyed visits with him over there.

One time I went in and the President said, Congressman Hall, what would it take to get you to vote for my budget cuts? I said, well, Mr. President, I have a brother that always wanted to be a Federal judge. He said, well, that should not be any problem. He turned to George Bush and he turned to Jim Baker and said, can you get one of Ralph's brothers, can you get him approved by the Senate and go through confirmation there? They said, I think we can. I said, well, wait just a minute, Mr. President; he is not a lawyer. And the President got a big kick out of that. He never really forgot that. Any time he would see me out in a group, he would come shake hands with me. But he liked me. Sometimes he really could not think of my name, but he would say, how is your brother. He liked my brother because he was not a lawyer.

I just think that this country is stronger today and this country is great today because of the gifts of Ronald Reagan, for the time he gave us, for the honesty that he brought to the office, for the common man background that he had, that he understood frailty of men and women and their need for help.

I am honored to have known him. I am very lucky to have been a friend of Ronald Reagan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Vision for Space Exploration. Since 1969, America has led the world into space and it is time to renew that vision. Our ventures into space not only keep America at the forefront of exploration and innovation, but they also are vital to our economy and our national security. This new National Vision sets America on a course toward the Moon and Mars, and we should embrace this dream and work to make it a reality.

In my mind, the first step of this new journey back to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, is to return the space shuttle to flight. I say this for several important reasons. First, our country made a commitment to our international partners that we would complete the construction of the International Space Station. Only the space shuttle is capable of completing this all-important task. Second, as the preeminent leader in human space flight, we cannot afford to sit idle and let other nations reap the rewards of our hard work, research, and sacrifice. We know that the People's Republic of China has developed a human space flight program that encompasses everything from low earth orbit to exploring the Moon and Mars. To let our space shuttle fleet, the most sophisticated and advanced space craft the world has ever seen, sit idle while other nations pass us by would be counter-productive to our space program. We must, however temper this thrust to Mars with economic realism. While people are more interested today in being able to make a trip to the grocery store than go to Mars--we agree that this is the time to initiate a sensible, stepping-stone, approach to investment in planning and carrying out our long-term mission.

It is, however, incumbent on us to do all we can to return astronauts to space safely. Last year's Columbia disaster underscored the sad reality that we have not done enough to ensure crew safety. I authored an amendment that was included in last year's NASA funding bill that calls for $15 million to be used to solicit the best concepts from the aerospace industry and elsewhere to improve shuttle crew survivability. It is critical that the Space Shuttle Program continue to improve survivability for its remaining service life--including making modifications for the crew, such as cabin thermal/structural hardening, improved flight suits, and search and rescue capability.

Meanwhile, as NASA develops the new crew exploration vehicle for human space flight, we need to make sure that a viable crew escape system for our astronauts is incorporated into the design of the spacecraft. I would suggest that if NASA can find the money for a multibillion-dollar probe to Jupiter, then it can find the funds to make crew survivability a priority. As we implement the new space vision, I will work to ensure that NASA fulfills this priority and minimizes the risks for our brave men and women who fly our space missions. Our hopes and dreams ride with them, and we must do all we can, at whatever cost is necessary, to ensure their safety.

America's space program continues to be an engine for our national economy. Exploration brings jobs and technological growth to America. Last year, space exploration brought over $3.7 billion in funds to universities and businesses in Texas alone. Nearly every State in the union benefits from the development of technologies needed to propel our space mission. At a time when we are all concerned about jobs leaving the United States, supporting NASA makes sense because we are providing good jobs for Americans.

The money that we put into NASA grows exponentially when we consider the scientific and technological spinoffs that space exploration provides. Experiments conducted on the space shuttle and International Space Station expand health research and move us toward cures for some of our most threatening diseases. Microgravity experiments in the 1990s led to advances in antibiotics to fight infections. These experiments also unlocked secrets to protein growth that produced medicines to treat patients who have suffered from strokes and to prepare them for open-heart surgery. Americans suffering from osteoporosis also benefit from bone-density experiments conducted on the International Space Station in microgravity environments. These tests accelerated the clinical trials of a drug that is expected to be on the market soon. From the development of MRI technology to microchips, the scientific partnerships between NASA and American universities and companies ensure our Nation's viability, increase our Nation's competitiveness, and help drive our economy.

On January 14, 2004, we were pointed toward a new vision for space exploration and a renewed commitment to the American dream of reaching for new frontiers. For the first time in 40 years, our Nation once again has a vision. We owe it to future generations of Americans and the men and women who have kept the space mission alive for four decades to continue to forge ahead. Congress should approve the modest 5.6-percent increase in NASA funds this year so that we can continue this journey, secure our national interest, and fulfill America's destiny in space.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize the Rockwall County Library's Reading for Adults program.

Three years ago, the library began a literacy program to help community adults develop essential skills through reading. The Reading for Adults program is affiliated with the ``Dallas Reads'' initiative and ``Literacy Pro,'' a worldwide venture. What started with two students and five tutors has grown into a program that instructs 158 students and relies on the services of 75 volunteer tutors. Classes, which are held at the Rockwall County Library and in nearby Royse City, range from one-on-one instruction to small classes of 15-20 students.

The Reading for Adults program has already been a big success. Students have earned their GED and some have completed citizenship requirements. Students also report that they are able to function more effectively from day to day. For example, after working with tutors, parents can more clearly express their concerns to teachers and doctors. The program offers us a wonderful example of how innovative, caring, and committed people can help positively shape communities throughout America.

The Reading for Adults initiative relies on the generosity of the entire community. The Friends of the Library donate their time and money. The library also organizes an annual Rock and Read event to raise money to buy books and materials. Recently, IBM awarded the library four computers with sound recognition software to help students learn to speak and read. Without these valuable resources, programs like Reading for Adults simply wouldn't exist.

On behalf of the students, tutors, organizers, and community of Rockwall, I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to salute the Reading for Adults program.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to an esteemed physician and administrator from the Fourth Congressional District of Texas, Dr. James E. Hayes, who died recently at the young age of 49 of multiple myeloma. Dr. Hayes was nationally renowned as an effective and innovative emergency room physician and administrator during his twenty-two year career.

Jim Hayes was born in Sherman, Texas, and graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1972 and Grayson County College in 1973. He received his bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University in 1976, graduating summa cum laude, and received his medical degree from Southwestern Medical School 4 years later.

Jim dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of the citizens of North Texas. He began as a staff emergency physician in 1981 at Methodist Medical Center, where he was named associate medical director of emergency services. In 1991, while at Methodist, he was named medical director for CareFlite Dallas.

He left Methodist in 1992 to become chairman of the emergency medicine division of the department of surgery at UT Southwestern. At the same time he served as director of the Poison Control Center and director of emergency services at Parkland Memorial Hospital. In 1997, in recognition of his years of outstanding leadership and service, he was named to the Riggs Family Chair in Emergency Medicine at UT Southwestern.

In 1999 Jim joined EMCare, a Dallas-based emergency department management company, as the chief of medical affairs and served in that capacity until September, 2003, when he left EMCare for medical reasons. In October, as a testament to his many contributions to his profession, he received the James D. Mills Award for Outstanding Contributions to Emergency Medicine from the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Dr. Jim Hayes will be long remembered as a dedicated physician, talented administrator and emergency room innovator. The citizens of North Texas have lost a valuable asset and a good friend, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family--mother, Helen Acker Hayes of Whitesboro; brother, Bill Hayes of Whitesboro; and sister, Diane Hayes Gibson of Sherman.

I have lost a great personal friend--one I could always rely on for advice and direction regarding any pending health issues. He was a kind and valuable friend--and the world is better off because he walked this way. Jim had unquestioned ethics, determined loyalty to his patients, and was pure class in all of his dealings with those of us who loved and admired him.

Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to pay our respects to this dedicated physician, esteemed citizen and my good friend--Dr. James E. Hayes.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor a dedicated and successful woman from Van Alstyne, Texas--Billie Erline Thornton, who passed away on March 17, 2004.

Billie was a successful businesswoman. After graduating from Anna High School and attending Draughn's Business College, she worked for the First National Bank in Dallas and the First National Bank in Anna. She finished her career as the manager of the Hurricane Creek Country Club, where she worked for nineteen years.

While she was a dedicated businesswoman, she was also a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to her husband, Bob Thornton, for fifty-eight years and she helped raise their three daughters. She is survived by her husband, her daughters and their husbands, Sheryl and Walt Priest of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Brenda and Wayne Baggett of Friendswood, Texas, and Linda and David Wood of Van Alstyne, Texas. She was also the proud grandmother of Brian Priest and his wife Amanda, Stewart Priest, Emily Baggett and her husband James, Trevor Wood, and Tyler Wood. She also had one great-grandchild, Gabriella Hess. Her son, Bryan Norwood Thornton, preceded her in death, as did her parents, Bernie Reed and Effie Smith Bryan, one sister, Jimmie Wolfenson, and one brother, Richard Bryan.

Billie's warm smile and good heart will be missed throughout the community of Van Alstyne. On behalf of her family and friends, I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to pay our last respects to this beloved woman--Billie Erline Thornton.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res. 409, a resolution in recognition of the veterans of World War II and celebrate the completion of the National World War II Memorial.

As one of the 12 Members of Congress who is a veteran of World War II, I am proud and pleased that our Nation will be dedicating this World War II memorial on May 29. The memorial is a beautiful and solemn tribute to the 16 million men and women who served, the 400,000 Americans who died, and the millions who supported the war effort at home.

Ours has been called the Greatest Generation, but in reality our parents were the great ones because they survived two wars and a depression, and understood the importance of work and sacrifice. They instilled in the World War II generation a sense of duty that mobilized our country into action and ultimate victory.

While we are engaged in wars overseas, it is fitting I think to pause and remember the selfless sacrifice and the courage of the members of the United States armed services. Like the men and women currently serving, soldiers' valiant efforts in World War II helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today and secured America's leadership throughout the world.

This will be a monument not only for the World War II generation, but also for our children and our grandchildren. I am hopeful that Americans will visit this site for years to come and take time to honor those throughout the ages who answered the call to duty. They did not seek war, but rather yearned for peace and for liberty.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, Dr. Barbara Montgomery, noted educator, world traveler and lecturer, and leader in the local, State, and national Democratic Party, suffered the loss of her second child, Melinda Montgomery Strong. Melinda passed away in Watsonville, California on February 4th. Melinda's twin, Melody Montgomery Law, and her father, James Kenneth Montgomery, pre-deceased her.

As a special tribute, and following a traditional Indian farewell, Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee Nation was quoted at Melinda's final rites. It is a beautiful and appropriate guideline for all of us--and especially for the beautiful Melinda Montgomery Strong:

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter

your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect

others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in

your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the

service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the

day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or

a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a

stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people

and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks

for the food and for the joy of living. Sing your death song

and die like a hero going home.

As a longtime friend and admirer of Dr. Montgomery, I ask that Congress adjourn today in memory of this beautiful life--and that we collectively send our condolences and our prayers to Dr. Barbara Montgomery.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant, a wonderful family man, and good friend who devoted so much time and energy to the community of Tyler, Texas--Judge Harry Loftis, who died on December 9, 2003.

Judge Loftis spent thirteen years as a district attorney and county judge. Raised in Tyler, Texas, he earned degrees at Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the Army Air Corps during World War II, and flew glider missions in France, England, and Italy. His bravery earned him several medals and citations. The Library of Congress is privileged to have his wartime accounts on file as part of the World War II veterans project.

Judge Loftis was also a longtime supporter of area institutions of higher education. He was a devoted trustee of Tyler Junior College, and was recognized throughout his term in office with several accolades including the T.B. Butler Award, the Outstanding Ex-Student Award, and the Earl Story Award. He was also a leading advocate for the creation of Texas Eastern University (now the University of Texas at Tyler).

While Judge Loftis's work in higher education was impressive, he was also a tireless community booster. He was a president or board member of the Tyler Jaycees, Texas Junior Bar Association, Smith County Red Cross, Tyler YMCA, Kiwanis Club, Strutters, Mother Francis Advisory Board, Tuberculosis Association, Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Rose Festival Association. He was also a lieutenant governor of Kiwanis International and served on the Board of Stewards at Marvin United Methodist Church.

Judge Loftis is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Ann Loftis; sons and daughters-in-law, Harry Lee and Charisa Loftis, Michael George and Jenny Loftis; daughter and son-in-law Mollie Ann and Robert Halpin; and ten grandchildren.

Judge Loftis will be long remembered as a devoted public servant, and the community of Tyler will miss his unwavering commitment to serve others. On behalf of his many friends and fans, I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to pay our last respects to this dedicated public servant and outstanding American--Judge Harry Loftis.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize the Gainesville Leopards for winning the Class 3A Division I state football championship on December 13, 2003.

The Leopards' marquee season was one for the record books. The team finished the season with a perfect 15-0 record, becoming the first Gainesville High School team to ever win a state football championship. They achieved this victory by defeating the No. 1-ranked Burnet High School Bulldogs--a team that boasted the state's top passer and receiver. Led by first-year coach Jeff Cordell, the Leopards fought off a formidable team with a blistering offense to win the game by a score of 35-24.

The game was punctuated by Gainesville's impressive rushing offense. Running back Terrius Purvey led the team with 26 carries for 232 yards, and quarterback Chris Brown scored two touchdowns late in the game. But the win was a team effort, as it had been throughout the season. The 22 seniors, 5 juniors, and 6 sophomores followed the lead of the 11 Leopard's coaches and overcame a season of challenges.

For the town of Gainesville, Texas, the mighty Leopard team brought the community together like never before. After a special sendoff in Gainesville, fans from all over north Texas traveled to Texas Stadium to cheer on the team. A supportive community that proudly displayed Leopard car flags and victory messages backed the united varsity team. On behalf of the players, coaches, and fans, I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to congratulate the new state champions--The Gainesville Leopards.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding East Texan and ardent supporter of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dolores M. ``Dolly'' Deibel of Tyler, Texas. Dolly has long been one of Tyler's philanthropic and civic leaders, and for the past two years, has chaired the ``Light up Tomorrow . . . for the Children'' benefit to raise funding and public awareness for the Pediatric Division at M.D. Anderson and the Children's Art Project. This year the event will be held on December 17 in Tyler.

Dolly has served as an Associate Member of the Membership Committee of The University Cancer Foundation Board of Visitors since September, 2000, and has been reappointed every year thereafter. Her efforts on behalf of M.D. Anderson are well-known, and the pediatric benefit has received strong community backing. This year the holiday gala enjoys the generous sponsorship of dozens of community leaders and supporters.

Mr. Speaker, I have a special appreciation for--and owe a debt of gratitude to--the dedicated staff and leadership at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Several years ago, my grandson Jay was stricken with cancer, and through the valiant efforts and superb treatment available at M.D. Anderson, Jay was one of those fortunate cancer patients who pulled through. I will be eternally grateful for the treatment that Jay and countless others have received there, and I appreciate Dolly's efforts in supporting the children of M.D. Anderson.

Dolly has been a longtime advocate in the fight to eradicate cancer. Last year, in recognition of her tireless efforts on behalf of The American Cancer Society over the past twenty-five years, the Deibel family joined with the American Cancer Society to name a room in her honor at the new building serving the Smith County Unit in Tyler. Over the years, Dolly has served the Smith County Unit of The American Cancer Society as Board member, public relations chairman, district chairman, committee member of Cattle Baron's Gala, Chili Rose Bowl and Great American Smokeout. She has served as a Board member of the State division of The American Cancer Society, including service on the Communications Committee, Great American Smokeout, Legislative Day at the Capital, and Women and Smoking Committee, among many other activities. She has received numerous awards for her many contributions.

Dolly also has been actively involved in countless philanthropic, civic, and political activities in Tyler, as so many look to her for leadership, inspiration, and support. She has devoted her time and talent to numerous causes, including the Women's Symphony League of Tyler, Tyler Rose Festival, Literacy Council of Tyler, Dallas Summer Musicals, Distinguished Lecture Series at The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler Museum of Art, YMCA and other worthy organizations.

Dolly's vivacious, wonderfully engaging personality, her intelligence, her genuine compassion for others, and her willingness to work hard and to accomplish difficult tasks enable her to succeed in any cause or event that she tackles. Tyler and the State of Texas have benefitted greatly from her dedication to improving the lives of others, and she and her husband, John, are one of the dynamic couples in Tyler who are making a difference in their community. As we adjourn today, I want to commend Dolly Deibel for her extraordinary efforts on behalf of others, and in particular her support of the children of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the fight against cancer. Best wishes to all those who are supporting the ``Light up Tomorrow . . . for the Children'' benefit in Tyler on December 17--and may the light of Christmas shine upon this event. God bless.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to mourn the sudden passing of Federal Judge John H. Hannah, Jr., chief judge for the U.S. Eastern District of Texas, who died this past Thursday while attending a judicial conference in Florida. John was 64.

Judge Hannah was an esteemed and respected jurist and public servant who served the State of Texas and his fellow citizens with distinction as an attorney, legislator, State official and finally U.S. Federal judge. His untimely death is being mourned by numerous friends and supporters and his passing leaves a tremendous void in the U.S. Eastern District of Texas.

President Bill Clinton appointed John to the Federal bench in 1994, and he had been chief judge for the Eastern District since 2001. Governor Ann Richards named him the Texas Secretary of State in January 1991 on the day she was inaugurated, and one of his projects was working on passage of a new ethics law for State officials.

John was elected to the Texas Legislature in 1966, representing Angelina, Trinity, San Jacinto and Polk counties for three terms. He attended South Texas College of Law while serving as a State lawmaker. He then served as district attorney for Angelina County from 1973 to 1975 and served as legal counsel for the public interest group, Common Cause. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter appointed him U.S. attorney for the Eastern District, a position he held until 1981.

John also served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years. He grew up in Diboll, graduated from Sam Houston State University and was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1993.

Judge Hannah's integrity and commitment to ethics are evident in his distinguished record of public service and in his many significant accomplishments on behalf of Texans. He was an accomplished jurist and statesman whose word was his bond and whose commitment to rendering fair decisions was well-known and highly respected. He leaves a powerful legacy for those in public service and in the practice of law to emulate.

John's wife, U.S. Magistrate Judith Guthrie of Tyler, is a respected jurist in her own right and was with him at the time of his death. Our hearts go out to her and to his father, John Hannah Sr.; son, John Hannah III; brother, James Hannah; and granddaughter, Rebecca. Their loss, though certainly more personal, is shared by all those who knew and admired Judge Hannah.

Mr. Speaker, as the House adjourns for business this year, let us do so by recognizing the remarkable contributions of this dedicated public servant, outstanding Texan and great American to whom we pay tribute and pay our last respects today--Judge John Hannah, Jr. May God bless his family in their time of sorrow.

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

Mr. Speaker, I, of course, rise in support of the Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, Senate 189, which as the chairman has so ably set forth, authorizes the National Nanotechnology Initiative as part of the President's budget request. This interagency research program is going to have enormous consequences for the future of our entire Nation.

S. 189 is a compromise measure worked out with the other body. It is largely based on H.R. 766 which passed the House in May by a vote of 405 to 19. The bipartisan House bill was introduced by Committee on Science chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) and cosponsored by Members from both sides of the aisle.

I want to acknowledge the leadership of the chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) in crafting the original version of the legislation. I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) for working cooperatively day in and day with Democratic Members in developing the bill and arriving at the final bicameral compromise.

I also want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) for his hard work on the bill. His efforts have led to a strengthening of the outside advisory mechanism for this research and also led to a process to help facilitate the transfer of research innovations to commercial applications.

The potential reach and impact of nanotechnology argues for careful attention to how it might affect society, and in particular, attention to potential downsides of the technology.

I believe it is important for the successful development of nanotechnology that problems be addressed from the beginning in a straightforward and open way.

Consequently, I am pleased that the bill imposes requirements to provide understanding of potential problems arising from the nanotechnology applications. I particularly want to compliment my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) and my colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bell) for championing provisions to address this issue, including annual reporting requirements to allow Congress to track the agencies' activities that are related to societal and ethical concerns.

This annual report will include a description of the nature of the activities being supported and how the activities relate to the overall objectives of the research initiative. An important goal of the bill is to integrate research on societal and ethical concerns with research and development efforts to advance nanotechnology.

The bill also addresses the need to open lines of communication between the research community and the public to make clear that potential safety risks of nanotechnology are being explored and not ignored.

I want to especially acknowledge the efforts of my colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) who introduced provisions that will provide for input from and outreach to the public from such mechanisms as citizen panels and consensus conferences.

Senate 189 authorizes appropriations over 4 years for nanotechnology research and development at five agencies: The National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, NASA, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and EPA. In addition to setting funding goals, the bill puts in place mechanisms for planning and coordinating and implementation of the interagency research program.

The bill also includes provisions for outside, expert advice to help guide the research program and ensure its relevance to emerging technological opportunities and to the industry. The advisory committee required by the bill is charged to review the goals, content, implementation and administration of the nanotechnology initiative.

Mr. Speaker, we now stand at the threshold of an age in which materials and devices can be fashioned atom by atom. The capability will have enormous consequences for the information industry, for manufacturing, and for medicine and health. Indeed, the scope of this technology is so broad as to leave virtually no product untouched.

The measure before us will help ensure that the Nation maintains a vigorous research effort in a technology area that is emerging as increasingly important for the economy and also for national security. It enjoys widespread support from the research community and industry. I urge my colleagues to support its final passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), the ranking member on Subcommittee on Research.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), who is an original Democratic cosponsor of the House bill.

(Mr. HONDA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren), a long-time leader in high-tech issues from the Silicon Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, when I arrived at the Capitol today, I was handed the floor schedule that indicated that Senate bill 1720 had been placed on the Suspension Calendar. We have not had a lot of time to try to work out the details, but I am grateful to a lot of people for their assurance that we are going to keep the agreement that has been made between the two courts.

First, I want to thank, of course, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner), Debby Lehman, Sam Garg, Blain Merritt, and Phil Kiko for their good work and for their support. I thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), of the Committee on the Judiciary and Perry Applebaum. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), my friend and ranking member on the subcommittee, and Shanna Winters and Alec French. They have all worked hard during the course of the day to work out assurance, and with the gentleman from Texas's (Mr. Johnson) support of assurance that this will be a 50-50 division.

I have never opposed Plano having a court. It is a huge city. It is a great city. It is a growing city. And as we move along with this 50-50 agreement and Plano grows, as it surely will, they will need more judges and more courts there. I certainly hope to help them.

For several years, efforts have been made to hold court proceedings in Plano, Texas where they have had no

court proceedings. I have no objection to such, and I only want to continue holding court in Sherman, Texas. Agreements have been made to hold 50 percent of the cases in Plano and 50 percent in Sherman, adding some counties to the Sherman district. I only want this agreement to be part of the proceedings, and I will be asking for a colloquy in a little bit with the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner). I have conferred with Judge McGraw of Grayson County. I have received petitions from Judge McGraw and many of the major cities in and around Grayson County. I represent them. If I do not represent them, they will not be represented in this matter, and I want to be recorded here and now that we want an agreement of a 50-50 division of litigation to be committed to writing, both here and in the Senate.

I have spoken with Senator John Cornyn then of the Committee on the Judiciary, and I have spoken with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, subcommittee chairman, and they too want this documentation. There has been a difference of opinion as to whether or not it would be codified into the statute itself, and while this will not have that codification, there will be report language that will be with this bill, and I think will be evidence to people within the next 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 years that we still want a court in Sherman, Texas in Grayson County.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn want Grayson County protected on the 50-50 agreement and, accordingly, they are placing proper report language in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary report to be placed with the passage of Senate bill 1720.

So Mr. Speaker, first, let me place in the Record the statement of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the ranking member on the Committee on the Judiciary.

I also want to engage in a colloquy with my colleague, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner). I again thank the chairman on S. 1720, a bill to provide for the Federal court proceedings in Plano, Texas.

It is my understanding that we have reached an agreement with Members on both sides of the aisle and with Senators Cornyn and Hutchison that the passage of this legislation shall be accompanied by the following report language in the Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations bill that would indicate a sense of Congress as follows: ``Both Sherman and Plano shall have a resident United States District Judge. Fifty percent of the cases filed in or transferred to the Sherman Division of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas shall be assigned for trial and tried in Sherman by either the resident United States District Judge sitting in Sherman or another United States District Judge assigned to hold court in Sherman. The remaining 50 percent of the cases shall be assigned for trial and tried in Plano by either the resident United States District Judge sitting in Plano or another United States District Judge assigned to hold court in Plano. If the resident judge in Sherman or Plano retires or dies, 50 percent of the cases shall continue to be tried in Sherman and 50 percent tried in Plano while a new resident judge is being assigned. This provision shall not prevent the transfer of a case to another judge or division of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas or another United States District Court for trial, if such transfer is permitted by applicable law.''

Mr. Speaker, I have long expressed my support and I have no objection to a Plano district court. The people in Plano are entitled to a court and, likewise, the people of Sherman are entitled to an assurance that an addition of a Plano court will not diminish or otherwise imperil the court in Sherman. The folks in Plano are happy with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), and they should be. I want the people in Grayson County to be happy with this transaction also. I think this report language gives clarity to this amendment and would ensure the viability of both courts for the next 50 years.

I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, we have Senator Cornyn and Senator Hutchison who will place this in the report language in the Senate judiciary bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me this time.

I am pleased that the conference has included the Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Onshore Natural Gas Research and Development program in the conference report to accompany H.R. 6. This important provision would establish a new research and development program for these technically challenged regions to help the U.S. to meet its midterm gas demand with domestic resources.

As the original author in the last Congress and as coauthor this year, I am also pleased that the language in the report generally follows the intent and substance of the provision as reported from the Committee on Science.

Mr. Speaker, natural gas prices have eased somewhat as we enter this fall, but we should not be complacent about the need to invest in securing future supplies of natural gas. The Energy Information Administration says demand for natural gas will rise by over 50 percent in the next 2 decades. Let us be clear about our options for supply. The United States is not running out of natural gas. We have nearly 1,500 trillion cubic feet of technically-recoverable reserves, more than a 50-year supply.

Let us also be clear about the nature of these remaining reserves. Many of them are on Federal lands and are off limits to production by virtue of rules, regulations, and other things. These legal access restrictions are addressed elsewhere in H.R. 6, but almost all of these regions, with the exception of the shallow and deepwater regions under various moratoria, are subject to access restrictions; and without investment in research and development, physical access to these technically challenged regions will not produce a single cubic foot of natural gas.

We have this opportunity to address this problem through the ultra- deepwater program in H.R. 6. The program will establish a unique partnership between government and industry to help ensure its objectives to meet midterm gas demand through development of these two technically challenged, but potentially prolific, provinces. Further, the program would pay for itself.

Mr. Speaker, too often government research programs are limited by size and scope and vagaries of the budget cycle and lack of incentives, but this type of focus and deadline will encourage the kind of ruthless execution we will need to meet the U.S. gas demand over the next decade.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the conference has included the Ultra- deepwater and Unconventional Onshore Natural Gas Research and Development Program in the conference repro to accompany H.R. 6. This important provision would establish a new research and development program for these technically challenged regions to help the US to meet its midterm gas demand with domestic resources.

As the original author in the last Congress and coauthor with chairman Boehlert this year, we are also pleased that the language of the report generally follows the intent and substance of the provision as reported from the Science Committee.

Mr. Speaker, natural gas prices have eased somewhat as we enter the fall. But we should not be complacent about the need to invest in securing future supplies of natural gas. The Energy Information Administration says demand for natural gas will rise by over 50 percent in the next two decades. Let's be clear about our options for supply. The United States is not running out of natural gas. We have nearly 1,500 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable reserves--more than a 50-year supply.

Let's also be clear about the nature of these remaining reserves. Many of them are on Federal lands and are off limits to production by virtue of rules, regulations and outright moratoria. These legal access restrictions are addressed elsewhere in H.R. 6.

But almost all of these regions--with the exception of the shallow and deepwater regions under various moratoria--are subject to access restrictions of the ``technological variety.'' Without investment in research and development, physical access to these technically challenged regions with not produce a single cubic foot of natural gas.

We have this opportunity to address this problem through the Ultra- deepwater and Unconventional Onshore Natural Gas Supply Research and Development program in H.R. 6. The program would establish a unique partnership between government and industry to help ensure its objectives--to meet midterm gas demand through development of these two technically challenged but potentially prolific provinces. Further, the program would pay for itself. The increased production as a result of this R&D will mean significant increases in royalties to the Federal Treasury. A healthy royalty stream is critical to the future of other programs that rely on royalty funding such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Finally, this new program would address the inadequacy of current research models, particularly in the applied energy R&D area. Too often, government research programs are limited by size and scope, the vagaries of the budget cycle, and the lack of incentives for public/ private partnerships. In the energy arena especially, industry leadership and input is critical to success. Further, the program is terminated after 10 years. This type of focus and deadline will encourage the kind of ``ruthless execution'' we will need to meet U.S. gas demand over the next decade.

Permit me to make several points on specific congressional intent relative to the program. The program has two large subparts: the Ultra- deepwater Program and the Unconventional Onshore Program.

It has always been the intent of the authors that the Ultra-deepwater Program would be managed through a program consortium of academia, industry and research institutions, selected through a competitive solicitation managed by the Department of Energy. The expertise in the ultra-deepwater resides with academia, researchers and industry, not with the government; this knowledge and experience is critical to the success of the program. We further intend that the program consortium should, to the maximum extent possible, manage this program through large research consortia that will drive toward high-level production and royalty revenue goals.

The Unconventional Onshore R&D program would be managed by the Department of Energy, which has previous experience in managing such programs. It is our clear intent however, that DOE manage this program through substantial research consortia that are resource-based--as opposed to regionally based--and that are large enough, in both funding and participation, to make a substantial difference in gas and other petroleum production. A historic example of successful research consortia is found in the industry/academia/Gas Research Institute effort on coalbed methane that after roughly 10 years and a $140 million investment, transformed coalbed methane from a hazard into approximately 8 percent of our domestic gas production.

It is our responsibility in Congress to do everything we can to ensure consumers and businesses that energy supplies will be abundant, affordable, and reliable, as well as produced and consumed in ways that minimize environmental impacts. It's also our responsibility to make certain that every Federal dollar is spent wisely as we provide for the public good.

The importance of natural gas was abundantly clear this year when the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing to emphasize just how critical natural gas is to our economy and the Nation's energy supply. The Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Gas Supply R&D provisions in H.R. 6 will add new natural gas supplies quickly to help ensure our Nation's energy security. I thank my colleagues for working with us in the development of this program and urge their support in the adoption of the Conference Report.