Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a truly great American, influential leader and dear friend--Mr. Bill Hartley, Chairman of the Board and President and CEO of Southside Bank. On October 23, 2003, Texas College, in Tyler, Texas, honored Mr. Hartley for his dedicated service as a member of their Board of Trustees, and as his friend and fellow member of the Board, I honor him with this tribute today.

Bill G. Hartley was born in Mount Pleasant, Texas and attended Mount Pleasant High School. He entered the Texas National Guard in 1948 and concluded his service in 1956 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Mr. Hartley has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the banking industry, working first at the Guaranty Bond State Bank in Mount Pleasant, then at the Texas Banking Department in Austin, Texas. He presently serves as Chairman of the Board and CEO of the company he founded in 1960--Southside Bancshares, Inc., Southside Bank in Tyler, Texas. As Southside's, CEO--Bill expressed his support of education-- and those who sought knowledge--by approving and making student loans in huge numbers--while other institutions were reluctant to do so.

Mr. Hartley is married to Billie Boyd, formerly of Chandler, Texas, and they were blessed with two children, Jane Hartley Coker and Patrick Hartley. Their hearts were broken when Patrick died. He will always be loved and remembered. Bill is affiliated with Marvin United Methodist Church and is an active participant on the Church's Administrative Committee.

Among his many professional and civic responsibilities and memberships are his positions as State Membership Chairman for the American Bankers Association, Chairman of the Texas Bankers Insurance Services Company in Austin, Texas, and Claims and Underwriting Committee Member for Banclnsure in Oklahoma City. At the local level, he serves as Director and Past President of the Tyler, Texas Chamber of Commerce, a Trustee for the R.W Fair Foundation, Director and Executive Committee Member for the University of Texas at Tyler, Development and Council Member at the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, Trustee and Executive Committee Member for the Texas Chest Foundation, and a Development Council Member for Tyler Junior College Foundation.

Additionally, Mr. Hartley gives his time as Director of the East Texas Medical Center Regional Health Facilities and the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, Director and Past President of the Texas Rose Festival in Tyler, Texas, an Advisory Council Member for the Patent Service Center, Inc., Director of the Smith County Industrial Development Corporation, and as Director for the Tyler-Smith County Library Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Hartley is involved with numerous philanthropic deeds, but among these, his exemplary service as a trustee and member of the executive committee of the Texas College Board of Trustees is being recognized today. He has been instrumental in bringing major gifts to the College during a very critical fundraising period, and in 1996 alone, Mr. Hartley secured more than $600,000 for Texas College's retirement debt. It is generous efforts like these that warranted his receipt of the T.B. Butler Award--Tyler's Most Outstanding Citizen award in 1992.

Sometimes when an individual is so noted, has such a high community, state, and national profile, is sought out for support from everyone who makes a precinct race--on up to our own fine President George W. Bush--their human traits are lost in the hustle and bustle of guiding a huge and successful financial empire, serving on Boards and Committees, traversing our nation for speeches, meetings, and organizations-- sometimes we miss out on the human aspect of a great one among us. Bill Hartley has always taken the time, and still takes the time, to put family first. He is a kind and loving Father to Jane, her husband Michael, and his grandson Hartley. He spent unending days and hours with Patrick during his lifetime--giving of himself, with Billie--and remembers Patrick's lifetime by organizing and supporting a trust fund in Patrick's memory. You will never say ``Bill Hartley did so and so''--you always say ``Bill and Billie did so and so.''

As we near the end of this Congressional year--let us adjourn in honor of and in appreciation of one who fits the overused term--he's a ``giver'' and not a ``taker.'' God Bless Bill Hartley and those he holds dear.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to a talented and endearing man who contributed so much to the community of Bonham, Texas, and to the Sam Rayburn Library in Bonham for the past quarter of a century--McPhelan Reese, who passed away this past summer at the age of 97.

Mac Reese was a fixture in Bonham as the writer-in-residence at the Sam Rayburn Library from 1975 until his retirement in 2001. He was the oldest full-time employee in The University of Texas System. Mac wrote the introduction to each chapter of Sam Rayburn's autobiography, Speak, Mister Speaker, and wrote the preface to the Library's collection of political cartoons, Impressions of Mister Sam. He was the author of two books of poetry, Showdown and other Poems and Gullible's Travails and was working on this third volume, All About Us, a tribute to his beloved Bonham, when failing health forced him to stop.

Born in Bonham, Mac was raised by his mother, Victoria Phelan Reese, an actress and teacher who instilled in him a love of the arts, and his grandfather, Leonidas Reese. Mac pursued singing at the Kidd-Key Conservatory in Sherman and then at the Fine Arts Academy in Cincinnati. While in Cincinnati he also trained to be a boxer at Speedy Bishop's Gym, where many of the Midwest's fighters worked out. Mac simultaneously pursued singing and boxing careers before facial injuries brought both efforts to an end. He then spent some time in Hollywood, where he played small roles in the movies and worked as a writer.

Eventually Mac moved back to Texas--first to Houston, where he worked as a master painter. In the 1970s he moved to Bonham, his hometown, following the death of his first wife, Pan Carr Reese, and his marriage to Ila Rogers Carr. In 1975 he began working at the Sam Rayburn Library as a writer-in-residence and the unofficial poet laureate of Fannin County. He delighted in telling stories and was considered by many to be Bonham's greatest storyteller. Even after retirement, he continued to come to the Library and entertain children and visitors with his many delightful stories.

Mac was a beloved and much appreciated fixture in the community and at the Sam Rayburn Library. Generations of schoolchildren and visitors to the Library will remember him with fondness, and through him they will remember and appreciate so many stories associated with Bonham. 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 beloved and colorful Texan--McPhelan Reese.

Mr. Speaker, the grim realities of the war in Iraq came home to the Fourth District this week with the death of Private First Class Stephen E. Wyatt, 19, of Kilgore, Texas. Stephen died on October 13 in Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was in a convoy that was hit by an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to C Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma and had been in Iraq since April.

Stephen enlisted in the Army on his 18th birthday, having expressed his desire to join the military at an early age. He looked forward to the opportunity to serve his country, to travel and broaden his horizons, and to pursue a higher education degree through the Army. Stephen was a 2002 graduate of Kilgore High School, where his teachers described him as hard working, determined, and likeable. He returned to his high school for a visit in the spring before being deployed to Iraq. While there, he spoke to a government class about how well he liked the military, and he encouraged students to sign up if they were interested.

Stephen was described as an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. His ultimate goal would have been to pursue his interest in wildlife preservation. Those aspirations ended on October 13 on the battle front in Iraq.

Our prayers go out to his family and friends. His wife, Kelly Wyatt, is a service member stationed in Hawaii. They were married on Thanksgiving, 2002. His father, Charles Wyatt, and stepmother Lilmah reside in Kilgore. His mother is deceased. Friends and residents of Kilgore responded to his death with an outpouring of sympathy. Mayor Joe Parker signed a proclamation honoring Stephen, asking that flags in Kilgore be flown at half-staff for a week.

Stephen's death is a tragic loss to his family and friends--and to all of us who mourn the loss of one so young who gave his life in defense of our Nation. We owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid to Stephen and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, generation after generation, in defense of the freedoms that we enjoy today. Without their service, and their willingness to place themselves in the line of fire, America would not be the great Nation that we know today.

Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today in the House of Representatives, let us do so by honoring Stephen E. Wyatt and extending our deepest condolences to his family and friends. America is free today because of the sacrifices of such young American heroes. Stephen Wyatt is one of those heroes, and we will never forget him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly great American, great leader and dear friend--A.W. ``Dub'' Riter of Tyler, Texas--whose passing on September 23, was mourned by friends and admirers from East Texas to the White House. Dub was admired and respected not only for his many civic contributions and professional success but also for his goodness, compassion and humility. Dub truly cared about people and wanted to make life better for everyone. He gave selflessly of his time, talent and financial backing to countless civic, business and educational causes locally, statewide and nationally, and in doing so he sought to help others--not call attention to himself.

Dub was my dear friend and advisor for many years. He was a highly recognized and successful banker, retiring from his 50-year banking career as senior chairman of the Board of NCNB in Tyler (now Bank of America) in 1988. Throughout his career and after his retirement, he was tirelessly devoted to a host of community and State activities and organizations.

Education was particularly important to Dub. In 1997 Gov. George W. Bush appointed him to serve as a member of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System for a six-year term ending Feb. 1, 2003. Gov. Rick Perry then asked him to extend his term through the legislative session this year. He was a vice chairman of the board and a member of the Finance and Planning Committee, Facilities Planning and Construction Committee and the Student, Faculty and Staff Campus Life Committee. Dub was currently serving as a member of the Governor's Select Task Force on Public Education.

Dub and his wife, Betty Jo, also were devoted to The University of Texas at Tyler, where Dub served as chairman of the development board. Dr. Rodney Mabry, UT Tyler President, said that Dub was the ``heart and soul'' of the university the past several years. Dub and Betty Jo donated a $1.35 million gift to UT Tyler to create the Dub and B.J. Riter Millennium Carillon Tower and Plaza and were involved in many activities at the university.

Dub also served as chairman of the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler Development Board and was a past president of the

UT Tyler Educational Foundation, Inc., and the Texas Chest Foundation. At one time he served as president of the East Texas State Fair Association, East Texas Hospital Foundation, East Texas Symphony Association, Mother Frances Hospital Foundation, Texas Rose Festival Foundation, Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, Tyler Economic Development Council, Tyler Industrial Foundation and United Way. He was a board member of the East Texas Communities Foundation, East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, Regional East Texas Food Bank, Salvation Army and Tyler Junior College Foundation.

As a testament to his lifetime of service, he received the W.C. Windsor Award as Tyler's Most Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1958 and the T.B. Butler Award as Tyler's Most Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1968. In 1987 he received the Patriot of the Year award from UT Tyler, and in 1994 he and his wife received the All Saints Episcopal School Flame of Excellence award. This year he received the Business Hall of Fame honor from Junior Achievement of Greater Tyler, of which he was a charter member.

At the State level, Dub was a life board member of the Texas Research League, serving as treasurer for six years, and served two terms as president of the Texas Association of Taxpayers. He was a past board member of the Texas Chamber of Commerce, which named him East Texan of the year in 1992. In 1989 Gov. Bill Clements appointed him to the Texas Growth Fund Board of Trustees, and in 1990 he was appointed to the Teacher Retirement System Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Governor's Business Council Executive Committee and the Executive Committee of the Chancellor's Council for The University of Texas System.

This legacy of outstanding achievement speaks to the dedication and leadership of this incredible man--and underlying his remarkable lifetime of service was his basic goodness and kindness. His gentle spirit, positive attitude and belief in others were evident in all that he did. Dub inspired, guided and served as a mentor to so many. He had an abiding faith in God and was a leader in the First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, where he served as elder, trustee, deacon and Sunday School teacher.

There was an outpouring of sympathy following Dub's death. The President and Mrs. Bush sent their condolences. National, State and local dignitaries attended his memorial service, and hundreds in the community expressed their love and support to his family--his beloved wife of 53 years, Betty Jo; son A.W. ``Whit'' Riter III and daughter- in-law Cynthia; daughter Melinda Shoemake and son-in-law Tom, six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Dub touched and enriched so many lives, and in his absence there will be a void that will be difficult to fill. But Dub also leaves a powerful legacy of service and selflessness that will be felt for years to come. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us join his family and many friends in celebrating and honoring the life of this great Texan and great American--A.W. ``Dub'' Riter--whose exemplary life we will remember and cherish.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Space Shuttle Independent Oversight Act of 2003'', legislation that will help the Space Shuttle fly more safely once it resumes its operations.

As the Congress reviews the implications of the Columbia Shuttle accident for NASA's Space Shuttle program, we acknowledge the excellent report of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), chaired by Admiral Hal Gehman. Released six weeks ago, the CAIB report clearly laid out what NASA needs to do before the Space Shuttle can be safety returned to flight, probably within the next year. Equally importantly, the report contains

many recommendations and observations on what NASA should do to keep the Shuttle flying safely over the remainder of its operational lifetime, which may extend another decade or more.

NASA has already put in place an external task force, co-chaired by Tom Stafford and Dick Covey, to oversee its implementation of the CAIB's ``return-to-flight'' recommendations--those recommendations that must be met before the next Shuttle launch. Over the coming months, the Congress will be monitoring the task force's assessment of NASA's plans closely to assure ourselves and the American public that the next flight is as safe as is humanly possible.

However, a long-term oversight problem remains. The Stafford-Covey task force will conclude its activities when the Shuttle resumes flying, or even earlier. Admiral Gehman has repeatedly registered his concern that once the Shuttle is flying again, there may be no effective oversight mechanism to ensure that NASA follows through on the long-term CAIB recommendations--those designed to keep the Shuttle flying safely over the next decade. I share his concern.

My bill will establish an external, independent, and technically competent committee to monitor NASA's implementation of the CAIB's recommendations. The committee will be selected and run by the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering and will provide its timely assessments to both the Congress and NASA. Following the 1986 loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger, the National Academies provided a similar function in overseeing the re-design of the Shuttle's solid rocket motors (SRM), as well as reviewing other post- Challenger Shuttle modifications. History shows that the National Academies served a vital role in providing high-quality, independent advice and assessments to NASA during that difficult time. They were tough--rejecting several redesigns and test plans before approving the final design--but they were fair, and there have been no problems with the SRMs since Challenger.

Why can't the Congressionally established Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) monitor the long-term CAIB recommendations? Because a week ago--on September 22--all nine ASAP members tendered their resignation, a distress signal that we in Congress should be taking very seriously. In interviews with the press, ASAP members have noted both their lack of independence from NASA and the discouraging fact that NASA has regularly dismissed the ASAP's safety recommendations. The oversight Committees, including the Science Committee, on which I serve as Ranking Member, need to get to the bottom of the ASAP situation. Perhaps the ASAP will need to be re-constituted legislatively to provide it with greater independence and resources.

At the same time, however, we need to establish a dedicated group that can effectively oversee NASA's implementation of the CAIB's longterm recommendations. I recognize that there may be many ways to reach this goal, and I call on the leaders of the relevant oversight Committees to convene hearings promptly to examine the various options. The strengths of my legislation are that it gives the Shuttle oversight group complete independence and it follows a model that has been proven to work effectively in the past. It also ties the oversight body to standing institutions--the National Academies--that can provide it with the support and stability it needs for the long run.

I offer this legislation with the goal of helping the NASA Administrator to promote safety in the human space flight program. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and to speed its enactment into law.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pay tribute today to a distinguished officer and an outstanding citizen, the late Bryce W. McIntyre of Bonham, TX, who passed away last year at the age of 85.

Bryce McIntyre, the son of John and Lois Whitney McIntyre, was born on September 15, 1917, in San Diego, California. In 1938 he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a fighter pilot during World War II. Shot down over Germany, he was a Prisoner of War from September 1944 to May 1945. He served again as a pilot in the Berlin Airlift and Korean War, and later with the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Japan. During his distinguished 23-year military career, he was awarded the Purple Heart and four Oak Leaf Clusters. Upon his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force in 1960, Mr. McIntyre and his family made their home in Bonham, where he was an active member of the community.

He served as manager of the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce, followed by a career with the Bonham State Bank. He served with the Fannin County Fair Board, the Boy Scouts of America and Bonham Boys Baseball. He was an active member of the Bonham Kiwanis Club and the Bonham Golden K Kiwanis Club and established the fireworks display for the Fourth of July celebration at Lake Bonham as well as the popular Fannin County Trade Days. He also served as a leader of the Friends of Willow Wild, Inc.

Mr. McIntyre is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dorothy Castle McIntyre; his children Dr. Lorraine Mitchell and husband Raymond of Cumby, Bryce McIntyre, Jr. and wife Jenny of Bonham, Alice Truitt and husband Dale of Commerce, and Dr. Mike McIntyre of Santa Cruz, CA; his twin brother Bruce McIntyre of Bonham; sister Beryl Riley of Descanso, CA; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and other family members.

Bryce McIntyre was a beloved and respected member of the Bonham community. His integrity, compassion and sense of service were evident in his love for his family and fellow citizens--and he served as a wonderful role model for all who knew him. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize such an outstanding American and to extend my sympathies to his family and many friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved friend, outstanding community leader and longtime Congressional aide, the late E.T. ``Mike'' Allen of Whitesboro, Texas, who passed away on March 14 of this year at the age of 83. Mike served as District Assistant for my predecessor, the late Congressman Ray Roberts, from 1969 to 1980, and as my district assistant from 1980 to 1995. He also served as a member of my screening board for U.S. Military Academies and was my trusted friend and associate.

Mike was knowledgeable about the legislative process--and was so understanding and helpful with constituents who sought assistance with their concerns and problems. He knew the Congressional District from top to bottom, and in addition to being knowledgeable, was always punctual and available. He was always a gentleman and always kind in everything he did.

Mike truly enjoyed people and lived a life of service--both in the workplace and in his community and church. In all that he did--and with all whom he met--Mike brought an abiding sense of optimism and a smile that was his trademark. His favorite saying was ``Always keep a happy heart.'' He loved people. He loved his family. He had a deep and abiding faith in God. I know of no one who knew Mike who did not consider him a friend. He was a man of honor, integrity and a generous nature.

Mike was distinguished in all walks of life. He was a well-liked and well-respected community leader in Whitesboro and Sherman. He served as mayor of Whitesboro for five terms--the last of which he was elected by write-in votes. Among his many civic activities, he served as president of the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce, president of the local Rotary Club, president of the Quarterback Club, Master of Masonic Lodge #263 and Post Commander of the American Legion Post #398.

Mike was also president of the Grayson County Development Council, a member of the original committee that secured the site for Grayson County College, chairman of the Parent's Committee for the 125th Anniversary Commission, a Council board member of the Boy Scouts of America and an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Whitesboro. He served on the Wilson N. Jones Foundation Board of Directors and was a board member of the Grayson County Campfire Girls of America, the Old Settlers Park Association in Sherman and the Grayson County Child Welfare.

Mike also was a frequent visitor of the local domino hall and a good player in his own right. Playing dominoes was a cherished tradition that facilitated comradery and friendship and served as an unofficial repository of historic and humorous events in the life of Whitesboro.

It comes as no surprise that Mike was named Outstanding Citizen of Whitesboro twice--in 1970 and 1998.

Mike was born in Whitesboro on December 31, 1919, the son of E.T. Allen Sr. and Mary Anderson Allen. He graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1936 and from North Texas State University in Denton. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1942, where he became a first lieutenant. On returning to Whitesboro, he entered into private business with his father for 23 years before joining Congressman Roberts' staff.

In 1946 he married his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Roberts Allen, a graduate of Texas Woman's University of Denton. They had a special marriage--and they have a devoted family that includes their son, Michael Allen of Tyler and daughter-in-law Carol and granddaughters Lindsay and Carly; daughter Marcy Allen Brown of Greenville and son-in-law Jon and children Leigh and Ben; sister and brother-in-law Lucille and R.B. Head, Jr., and two nieces.

Mr. Speaker, those of us who knew and loved Mike Allen miss him dearly--but his presence continues to be felt in Whitesboro, in Sherman and in the hearts of his family and many friends. He leaves behind such a remarkable legacy of caring and service. America is blessed to have citizens like my good friend Mike Allen, who answered the call to service for his country and his community throughout his exemplary and noble life. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this great man and great American--E.T. ``Mike'' Allen.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the citizens of Tyler, Texas, lost one of their dearest and most influential members, Billie Lou ``Peaches'' Parker Brookshire, who passed away at the age of 72 following a lengthy illness.

The Brookshire family has long been known in the Tyler area for their many contributions to East Texas--with Peaches being a central figure in their philanthropy. Peaches was actively involved in numerous worthy causes, including the Salvation Army Center of Hope, Junior League of Tyler, Tyler Junior Garden Club, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, Green Acres Baptist Church, All Saints Episcopal School, Grace Community School and Hospice of East Texas. In all that she did and with all whom she met, she brought enthusiasm, compassion, a positive attitude and a legendary sense of humor. Peaches also was an accomplished artist. Several of her paintings were recently donated to the Tyler Cancer Center to encourage patients receiving treatment there.

Above all Peaches was a devoted wife to her husband and partner of 53 years, Bruce, whom she met while attending the University of Texas at Austin, and a loving and loyal mother and mother-in-law to Tim and Michelle and to Britt and Sunni. She was known endearingly as ``honey'' to her nine grandhildren: Amy, Clint, Garnett, Blake, Chad, Ross, Caroline, Emma and Bruce, Jr. Clint Brookshire ably served as my Congressional Assistant in Washington, D.C., and later as District Assistant in my Rockwall, TX, office, before pursuing another career in Dallas. He was a valued and well-liked member of my staff and remains my good friend. Peaches maintained a close relationship with Decie Brookshire, mother of Clint and the two other eldest grandchildren. She also leaves behind her two dear sisters and their husbands, Kay and Darrold Cannon Jr. and Judy and Ray Clymer Jr. of Wichita Falls; her mother-in-law and lifelong friend, Mrs. Louise Brookshire of Tyler; numerous nieces and nephews; and caregivers Jeanell and Jesse Richardson of Tyler.

Peaches was the daughter of William Garnett Parker and Opal Louise Parker of Wichita Falls. She attended Midwestern State University and the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Her grandfather, C.H. Parker, opened Parker Food Stores in Wichita Falls in the 1920s, the same time that her father-in- law, W.T. Brookshire, was opening his first Brookshire's Grocery Store in Tyler.

I have known Peaches and Bruce and their family for many years and have loved and admired them for their ability to so ably balance work, family and community commitments. They are one of the outstanding families in the Fourth Congressional District--and their efforts have helped so many in their community. In recognition of their many significant contributions, Peaches and Bruce were named the recipients of the 2002 Isadore Roosth Outstanding Philanthropist Award in Tyler.

Peaches was devoted to her family, her faith, and her community--and was a model of grace, goodness, and good humor. She was a friend and an inspiration to so many--and she will be fondly remembered by all those who knew her and loved her. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege today for me to pay tribute to an exemplary woman and outstanding citizen of East Texas who made an indelible impression on all those who met her-- Peaches Parker Brookshire. She will be dearly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the world's minister here. He is my neighbor in Rockwall, Texas. Rockwall is the smallest county of 254 counties in Texas, and he is my neighbor, he is my friend, and, as I say, he is the world's pastor.

Dr. Shibley has spent his life dedicated to the spreading of the Gospel throughout the world. Through his work and through private donations, he has afforded on-site training for over 193,000 pastors and church leaders in 53 nations and has equipped them with books and ministry resources in 13 languages.

Today, as we worry about the Nation and worry about the men and women overseas and we pray for our President, we may have the strongest intercontinental ballistic missile system and the best military hardware of anyone in the world, but we know today the greatest power we have and the power we need is the power of prayer.

Thank you, Dr. Shibley, for your prayer.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman I yield myself such time as I may consume.

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

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Walsh and Ranking Member Mollohan. I am offering an amendment to the NASA portion of the bill. That issue is the safety of the astronauts who fly the Space Shuttle.

Mr. Chairman, the amendment that I am offering today would start NASA down the path to developing a new crew escape system for the entire Space Shuttle crew, not just the pilot and the copilot. My amendment is focusing on increasing the safety of the Space Shuttle astronauts through the development of concepts for crew escape in the event of an accident. It is that simple.

Mr. Chairman, I am offering an amendment to the NASA portion of the bill. It concerns an issue that I feel as strongly about as anything I have fought during my time in Congress. That issue is the safety of the astronauts who fly the space shuttle.

These brave young men and women risk their lives to advance our knowledge and to help this Nation explore space. They know that space travel involves risk. However, I'm not sure that the rest of us fully comprehend how risky it can be until we are confronted with a tragedy like last February's loss the space shuttle Columbia and its crew. Yet the fact that space travel involves risk doesn't mean that we shouldn't be taking all prudent measures possible to reduce that risk--which brings me to the objective of my amendment.

The sad reality is that 17 years after the space shuttle Challenger accident, the loss of a space shuttle almost inevitably means the loss of its crew. I don't think that is right, and I don't think it has to be that way. And I'm not alone in that belief. For years, the independent Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) and others have argued that NASA needs to pay more attention to improving space shuttle crew survivability in the event of an accident. For example, in its March 2002 report to the NASA Administrator, the ASAP expressed its concern that: ``there is no in-flight crew escape system for the [Space Shuttle] Orbiter other than for abort below 20,000 feet during a controlled glide'', and it strongly recommended that NASA: ``complete the ongoing studies of crew escape design options and implement and improved system as soon as possible.''

Moreover, in their meeting with the NASA Administrator earlier this year, ASAP members were vocal in their belief that NASA needed to give serious attention to the development and installation of a space shuttle crew escape system.

I agree with the ASAP members. I think that if we are going to fly the shuttle for an extended period--which I believe we are--then NASA needs to develop and install a crew escape system on the remaining Orbiters in the space shuttle fleet as soon as practicable. And we need to size it so that we are able to fly enough astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) annually to allow a permanent ISS crew of seven.

The amendment that I am offering today would start NASA down the path to developing a crew escape system for the entire space shuttle crew-- not just the pilot and co-pilot.

My amendment would use $15 million from the as yet unallocated funds in the fiscal year 2004 Space Shuttle Life Extension Program ``Future Projects'' account to solicit the best concepts from the aerospace industry and elsewhere for significantly improving shuttle crew survivability. Those concepts, including estimates of their costs and impacts on shuttle performance, would be independently so that Congress and NASA will know what the best options care. We can then make an informed decision on what to do next. I would hope that the solicitation and independent assessment could be completed expeditiously, certainly in less than a year.

Now I know that some at NASA would agree that it can't be done at a reasonable cost or without a big negative impact on shuttle performance. My reply is that I don't believe that the combined talents of the aerospace industry and NASA aren't capable of rising to the challenge of developing a viable space shuttle crew escape system and dramatically improving shuttle crew survivability. I may be wrong, but I don't think so.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment is a modest first step toward achieving my goal of significantly improving the odds for our brave astronauts when they fly the space shuttle. It is only one step. I intend to keep pressing for the development of a capable space shuttle crew escape system if the nation decides to continue to flying the shuttle.

While my amendment may be only a first step, I believe it is an important role. I hope Members will join me in support of this amendment.

Offered By: Mr. Hall

Amendment No. 11: In title III, in the item relating to

``National Aeronautics and Space Administration; space flight

capabilities'', insert ``of which $15,000,000 of amounts for

the Space Shuttle Life Extension Program shall be for the

development and independent assessment of concepts to

increase Space Shuttle crew survivability for crew sizes of 4

to 7 astronauts by at least a factor of 20 relative to the

demonstrated crew survival rate of the Space Shuttle to date,

and'' after ``September 30, 2005,''.

Mr. Chairman, with the House scheduled to consider the interior appropriations bill for 2004, I wanted to take a minute to urge my colleagues to consider for a moment the important research and development programs administered by the Department of Energy that are funded in this bill.

R&D in areas such as clean coal technology, fuel cells, highly- efficient gas turbines, and integrated gasification combined cycle power plants ensure that power plants can run cleaner and more efficiently, allowing us to meet ever-increasing demands on power generators. Equally important are enhanced recovery technologies for oil and natural gas which enable us to continue to fuel our cars and heat our homes.

Mr. Chairman, I believe that dollar for dollar, these programs may be the very best investment this country can

make to sustain and strengthen our Nation's economy, bar none. As the ranking member of the Committee on Science, I congratulate the Subcommittee on the Interior and Related Agencies for increasing the fossil energy funding by $99 million over the President's request. However, as much as this increase is, it is still below the levels appropriated last year. I remain concerned about the folks at OMB. I urge my colleagues to support the bill as reported out of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill because I am for a bill. I want to see a bill passed. I want a bill that can pass this House. I want a bill that can get to the conference committee. I want a bill that we can consider along with the Senate bill and get

the best of both bills for the best people of this country.

Almost 40 years ago when I was in the Texas senate, Members of this Congress came to Texas, came to the Texas house and the senate, touting two great programs that they were going to introduce and pass. They named them Medicare and Medicaid. And they said by 1990, Medicare could cost $9 billion a year. And as I remember, they said Medicaid could cost almost $1 billion a year. They told us that we really needed to monitor the program closely or the costs could double.

Well, my colleagues know what has happened to the cost, what has happened to Medicaid and Medicare. There is an awful lot to do, and we need to be doing it.

There is no doubt that Medicare has helped millions of seniors escape dire poverty and live fuller lives. There is also no doubt that medical costs have far outstripped inflation due to a number of factors, including expansion of benefits, increased use, and coverage of the disabled population. Our seniors are staring into their pocketbooks to find the money they need for their care. We desperately need to do something to save a great program for people in their golden years.

Mr. Speaker, Medicare needs to be modernized to include a meaningful provision for drug coverage. In my lifetime, we have seen how prescription drugs have greatly improved and extended the lives of Americans. We have also seen how the cost of those life-providing drugs can trouble families every day. Unfortunately, Congress has almost been timid in seeking parity between the prices drug companies have charged domestic dispensers compared to the nondomestic dispensers just across our borders.

While American drug companies need added alliance for research and development, and I am willing to give them that, for 10 key drugs for seniors, Americans pay an average of 150 percent more for the drugs than Canadians. This is unacceptable. I do not like price controls. The marketplace provides the competition necessary to deliver the best price for the people in need. We have to lower the cost of prescription drugs, and my hope is that we can all work together, including drug companies, to come up with new, better, and more creative ways to achieve affordable prescription drugs.

As we look at introducing new competition among providers for services, we should consider provisions that respect the choices available to current Medicare beneficiaries. These seniors and the disabled have paid for and have come to expect a traditional Medicare system and the safety net that it provides them, and they should be able to retain their current plans if they continue to be pleased with them. The Senate improved upon this provision, and I hope that is included in the final bill.

The Senate and the House bills have good provisions to achieve our goal. Like many people, I am not completely satisfied with this bill, but I am very hopeful that we can pass a bill.

I am particularly pleased that we are introducing long-overdue Medicare reforms that will bring health care into the 21st century; namely--regulatory reforms and provider reimbursement issues. We are all aware that providers nationwide, including our rural providers, have been diminishing in the face of increasing costs and decreasing reimbursement. We simply must confront this issue because without access, the rest of the program is meaningless.

Like many people,I am not completely satisfied with this bill, but I am also not satisfied to see this program collapse. We are closer than we have ever been to making some meaningful reforms and providing a prescription drug benefit to seniors. I am hopeful that we will improve this bill in the conference committee as we seek to find a bipartisan solution to our common problem. This is just a first step in an ongoing process of reform to ensure that our seniors get the care that they deserve. Congress, through its oversight and yearly appropriations process, will continue to monitor the program--making necessary changes and improvements to guarantee healthy years for our Medicare population.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved friend, outstanding community leader and longtime Congressional

aide, the late E.T. ``Mike'' Allen of Whitesboro, Texas, who passed away on March 14 of this year at the age of 83. Mike served as District Assistant for my predecessor, the late Congressman Ray Roberts, from 1969 to 1980, and as my district assistant from 1980 to 1995. He also served as a member of my screening board for U.S. Military Academies and was my trusted friend and associate.

Mike was knowledgeable about the legislative process--and was so understanding and helpful with constituents who sought assistance with their concerns and problems. He knew the Congressional District from top to bottom, and in addition to being knowledgeable, was always punctual and available. He was always a gentleman and always kind in everything he did.

Mike truly enjoyed people and lived a life of service--both in the workplace and in his community and church. In all that he did--and with all whom he met--Mike brought an abiding sense of optimism and a smile that was his trademark. His favorite saying was ``Always keep a happy heart.'' He loved people. He loved his family. He had a deep and abiding faith in God. I know of no one who knew Mike who did not consider him a friend. He was a man of honor, integrity and a generous nature.

Mike was distinguished in all walks of life. He was a well-liked and well-respected community leader in Whitesboro and Sherman. He served as mayor of Whitesboro for five terms--the last of which he was elected by write-in votes. Among his many civic activities, he served as president of the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce, president of the local Rotary Club, president of the Quarterback Club, Master of Masonic Lodge #263 and Post Commander of the American Legion Post #398.

Mike was also president of the Grayson County Development Council, a member of the original committee that secured the site for Grayson County College, chairman of the Parent's Committee for the 125th Anniversary Commission, a Council board member of the Boy Scouts of America and an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Whitesboro. He served on the Wilson N. Jones Foundation Board of Directors and was a board member of the Grayson County Campfire Girls of America, the Old Settlers Park Association in Sherman and the Grayson County Child Welfare.

Mike also was a frequent visitor of the local domino hall and a good player in his own right. Playing dominoes was a cherished tradition that facilitated comradery and friendship and served as an unofficial repository of historic and humorous events in the life of Whitesboro.

It comes as no surprise that Mike was named Outstanding Citizen of Whitesboro twice--in 1970 and 1998.

Mike was born in Whitesboro on December 31, 1919, the son of E.T. Allen Sr. and Mary Anderson Allen. He graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1936 and from North Texas State University in Denton. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1942, where he became a first lieutenant. On returning to Whitesboro, he entered into private business with his father for 23 years before joining Congressman Roberts' staff.

In 1946 he married his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Roberts Allen, a graduate of Texas Woman's University of Denton. They had a special marriage--and they have a devoted family that includes their son, Michael Allen of Tyler and daughter-in-law Carol and granddaughters Lindsay and Carly; daughter Marcy Allen Brown of Greenville and son-in-law Jon and children Leigh and Ben; sister and brother-in-law Lucille and R.B. Head, Jr., and two nieces.

Mr. Speaker, those of us who knew and loved Mike Allen miss him dearly--but his presence continues to be felt in Whitesboro and in Sherman and in the hearts of his family and many friends. He leaves behind such wonderful memories of such an outstanding man and citizen-- and such a remarkable legacy of caring and service that will be felt for many years to come.

As we approach Memorial Day and remember all those who gave their lives in service to their Nation, one of those that I will remember is my good friend Mike Allen, a man who answered the call to duty in World War II and who continued to answer the call to service to his community, his family, and his country throughout his exemplary and noble life. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this great man and great American--E.T. ``Mike'' Allen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of America's veterans. As a veteran myself, I am saddened to see how this country is turning its back on those who answered the call of duty time after time in this country's history. My district, the 4th District of Texas, has the second highest veteran population in the State, and I am proud to stand up for these courageous men and women who have given so much for their country.

Recently, this Congress was faced with structuring a budget. The House Republican Budget severely cut veterans expectations, while the Democratic Budget, containing less harmful, but more expensive language, was more favorable to veterans. I supported the Democratic substitute which would have left the desperately needed money to support the growing needs of our veterans, including veterans health care, vocational rehabilitation, disability compensation, pension, education and survivors benefits. The Democratic Budget was defeated, and in as much as we had to pass a budget, I voted to send the Republican Budget to the Senate--knowing that it had to be moved along to reach the House and Senate conference committee, where the bill will be rewritten. I will work to ensure that our veterans' benefits will be restored in the final budget.

Sixty two years ago, our country was attacked at Pearl Harbor. The commanding officer in the Japanese fleet was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who is quoted as saying, ``I fear we have woken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve.'' Some historians write that he said ``I fear that we have awakened a sleeping tiger.'' Unless Congress rectifies these spending cuts for our veterans, I feel that we will once again ``awaken a sleeping tiger.'' Our veterans will not--and should not--

stand for what is being done to them. The need for added medical care is at its highest for our remaining World War II veterans. As each day passes, there are fewer and fewer who are still able to tell their heroic stories of sacrifice, duty, and honor. This also applies to those who fought in the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and other wars since. If this injustice is not addressed and rectified soon, the same outcome will one day apply to those who have so bravely fought, and are currently fighting terrorism in the Middle East.

We must rethink and correct the cuts that have recently been made and which are extremely harmful to the well being of those who have made it possible for us to enjoy the very freedom we experience today. Congressional inaction could result in American veterans--some in their 80s--marching on Washington, as World War I veterans did in the late 1920s. Thomas Jefferson said, ``Eternal vigilance is the price we pay for FREEDOM.'' The vigilance he spoke of was vigilance against the British, the Indians, and the vicissitudes of nature such as drought, floods, hurricanes, and disease. Our vigilance today must be to demand that the House and Senate conference committee provide adequate funding for those who kept the fires of freedom burning brightly and deliver a veterans appropriation that will maintain the healthcare and the dignity that the greatest generation spawned long ago.