Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the distinguished minority whip to engage in a colloquy.

I thank the gentleman for his concern regarding this important issue. The digital transition will have many consequences, some unintended, such as the situation the gentleman described in Missouri.

I look forward to working with the minority whip, the chairman, and the FCC to bring resolution to this issue over the next few months and prior to the enactment of this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the chairman of the subcommittee.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

I yield to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rehberg), a member of the subcommittee.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I agree with the gentleman that the Office of Inspector General at the GSA needs adequate funds to operate. But, Chairman Serrano's mark provided a level of funds that is both responsible and sufficient for the OIG.

In the fiscal year 2007 continuing resolution, the Congress provided $6 million in additional funds to the OIG. They were not able to spend these funds in the fiscal year, and have asked for the authority to assess them in fiscal year 2008. This authority has been granted by the committee.

Chairman Serrano has made funding the Office of Inspector General and the other oversight offices one of his highest priorities in this bill. I commend him for his work, and oppose this attempt to change the committee mark.

I question the ability of the OIG to spend these additional funds this year, and I reiterate the fact that this was taken care of in the previous legislation. Therefore, I urge the defeat of this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I just want to quote from former President Clinton in a 1994 letter to Congress, where he said, and I agree: ``Maintaining the Selective Service provides a hedge against unforeseen threats.''

And I also agree with the gentleman from Wisconsin that this is not the time, and I certainly urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, I oppose the gentleman's amendment. I am not going to call for a vote. I think this is something that needs to be studied a little more, and would anticipate that in conference we would try to address the problem. This Executive Order is relatively new. I am not sure what the impact of that would be nor what the impact of this amendment would be.

For the record, tonight I oppose it. As I say, I am not going to call for a vote on it, but I think the chairman and I ought to take a second look at it and decide whether we want to address the issue in conference.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.

On this side we are ready to accept it also.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett).

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney).

I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Reclaiming my time, and I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney).

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, with great sorrow I rise to pay tribute and recognize a dedicated soldier and citizen from my district. On Saturday, June 9, 2007, Army Sergeant Cory Endlich lost his life during hostile fire while patrolling an area northwest of Baghdad.

A 2003 graduate of Massillon Washington High School, Sergeant Endlich was a 4-year member of the Massillon Tiger Swing Band as well as a 2- year member of the cross country team. While many of his friends dreamed about becoming professional athletes, he dreamed of becoming a paratrooper for the United States Army. He was also a devoted citizen, helping in missions at home, including the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina before his deployment to Iraq.

This outstanding young man showed courage and a commitment to protect those who could not protect themselves. He had requested in his last letter to his mother for her to send coloring books, crayons and hard candy for Iraqi children he had befriended. Sergeant Endlich is a true hero and a reminder of the dedication evidenced by all the men and women all over the world fighting the war on terror. We must reflect on this great life and all the good that is being done in Iraq.

Army Sergeant Endlich and his family will be forever in our hearts and prayers. May we keep them in mind as they struggle through this difficult period of mourning.

Madam Speaker, with great sorrow I rise today to recognize Specialist Zachary Grass, an Ohio citizen from my district, who gave his life fighting for our country. On Saturday, June 16, 2007 in Iraq, Army soldier Zachary Grass was killed by a roadside bomb.

As a 2003 graduate of Fairless High School, he was a member of both the varsity basketball and baseball teams. From his athletic involvement in high school to becoming a soldier in the Army he showed great leadership. More importantly he was happy to be serving his country.

This outstanding young man showed courage and dedication during his tour of duty. Zachary is a true hero and reminds us of the dedication evidenced by all the men and women all over the world fighting the war on terror. We must reflect on this great life and the sacrifice he made to defend our freedom and security.

Zachary Grass and his family will be forever in our hearts and prayers. May we keep them in mind as they struggle through this difficult period of mourning.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a hero from my district, Staff Sgt. Matthew Kuglics. Matthew was one of two airmen who died in Kirkuk, Iraq when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. He had just celebrated his 25th birthday. I ask the House of Representatives to honor this courageous young man who died in service to his country. Matthew grew up in North Canton and graduated from Green High School where he played soccer. His family, friends and loved ones fondly recall his sense of humor and contagious smile. After graduation he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and was on his second tour of Iraq as an agent within the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his mother and father, Donna and Les Kuglics, his sister Emily and all of his family and friends who mourn the loss of this incredible young man. The day they had to say farewell to Matthew was probably the hardest day the family has faced and my thoughts and prayers go out to them. Matthew was laid to rest on Wednesday, June 13, 2007. I thank Matthew for the sacrifice he made by answering the call to fight for our freedom and security.

Madam Speaker, a native of Michigan, Ron Johnson attended Malone College in 1960 and went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in physics from Eastern Michigan University in 1963. He received a master's degree in radiation biophysics from the University of Kansas in 1967 and the doctorate in radiation biophysics, also from the University of Kansas, in 1970. Dr. Johnson returned to Malone College in 1970 to serve as assistant professor of physics, and was subsequently promoted to associate professor in 1974 and full professor in 1979. In 1981, he accepted the post of chief academic officer. His title was changed to provost in 1991 to more accurately describe his expanded duties and role at the College. He was named president in November 1994. At his inauguration in March of 1995 he announced the theme that would characterize his presidency--The Next Level of Excellence.

Throughout Dr. Johnson's 25 years of administrative leadership, Malone College has experienced unprecedented growth and development in academics, the number of students in attendance, and physical plant. Since 1981, the number of full-time faculty has increased from 33 to 111. In addition during his presidency, the percentage of faculty holding a terminal degree has increased from 48 percent to 71 percent. Enrollment has soared nearly 200 percent from 770 to 2300. Dr. Johnson has overseen the development of numerous academic programs, including the bachelor of science in nursing; two baccalaureate degree-completion programs in management and nursing; as well as graduate programs awarding master's degrees in education, counseling, Christian ministries, business administration, and nursing.

During his tenure Malone also has developed innovative academic programs in zoo biology, forensic chemistry, sports/youth ministry, commercial music technology, and community health education, to name only a few of the more than 90 programs of study. Also of note--it is within Dr. Johnson's presidency that Malone has been honored with 2 more prestigious distinctions: recognition by the Templeton Foundation as a national leader in character development, and ranking among the top colleges and universities in the Midwest under the category Universities--Master's according to U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2006 and again in 2007. Dr. Johnson's experience and leadership have been instrumental during 3 of the Higher Learning Council of the North Central Association's decadal reaccreditations, including the most recent in the spring of 2004. During Johnson's presidency the College's endowment has grown nearly 500 percent from $3.1 million to approximately $18 million.

Appearances of such record growth are also evident in the physical changes that continue to take place on the campus. Dr. Johnson supervised the completion of Malone's newest structures--the Brehme Centennial Center, the Ewing Varsity Center, Mitchell Hall, and Haviland Hall, the School of Nursing building addition, Wellness Center, and the purchase/renovation of the Johnson Center for Worship and the Fine Arts (formerly First Christian Church). Other campus renovations under Dr. Johnson's guidance include the attractively landscaped Herbert W. Hoover Courtyard; the Marjorie Johnson Memory Garden, named in honor of Malone's beloved, late first lady; and the newly completed dining facility and entranceway to the Brehme Centennial Center.

A leader in Christian higher education, Dr. Johnson is a member of the board of directors of the Christian College Consortium and its Fund, the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, Council of Presidents. At the state level he is vice-chair elect and a member of the executive committee of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. His service in the Evangelical Friends Church--Eastern Region has included serving as presiding clerk of the Yearly Meeting for 11 years and currently as a member of the executive board and the board of directors of Barclay Press. Locally, Dr. Johnson is a member of the Stark Development Board and the P-16 Compact. He has served the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and was chairman in 2000. He has served on the boards of Leadership Stark County and the Medical Education Foundation of the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, and been involved with United Way of Stark County.

He is father to 2 married children, Mark and Kristin, and grandfather to Cameron. He attends Jackson Friends Church, where he serves as an elder and Sunday school teacher.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Glenn, a fellow Buckeye, on the 45th anniversary of becoming the first astronaut to orbit the earth.

John Glenn is a pioneer in the field of space exploration and science, and his achievements serve as an inspiration for students studying math, engineering, science and technology.

His landmark journey propelled other missions and projects such as the first moon landing, NASA'S Hubble Space Telescope, and the International Space Station. Our economic prosperity depends increasingly on science and technology, and it is because of explorers like John Glenn that America remains on the cutting edge of science and technology research and discovery.

I would also add that John's wife, Annie, has always been a wonderful, supportive partner in the success of John's endeavors. She also deserves our appreciation.

Madam Speaker, I have a little bit different approach to this. I have been introducing a bill in several sessions which would provide for retrocession of the city of Washington, D.C. minus the Federal portion

to the State of Maryland. This would give the people who reside in Washington, D.C. a chance to vote on Senators. It would give them a chance to vote on legislators. It would give the people who live here a chance to participate in the university system, the highway system, economic development. A lot of things would accrue to the benefit of the people if we would have retrocession of the city minus the Federal portion.

There is precedent for this in the fact that originally we had a portion of it retrocede to Virginia, and I think retroceding the balance to Maryland would make a lot of sense for the people. It would give them what they are seeking, which would be a vote not just for Congress but for Senators, for the legislators, and it would be a way in which they could more effectively participate.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this legislation. I want to be clear, however, that I have long been an advocate of voting rights for the residents of the District of Columbia. Beginning with my service on the DC Appropriations Subcommittee in 1987, I have been keenly aware of this unfair situation within our democracy. Virtually every Congress since then I have introduced legislation that would give the District of Columbia residents representation in Congress. Voting is a privilege that our founding fathers intended every American to have, and giving this right to DC residents is a matter of doing what is right. Yet 200 years have passed since DC residents lost their voting rights and they continue to express dissatisfaction over their lack of voting representation in Congress.

Because of this frustrating situation and the numerous failed attempts to grant DC either statehood or a voting representative, I have advocated for a simple, sound and proven process to give DC residents voting rights. This process is known as retrocession or reunion. Through this process, the District, barring a small Federal enclave, would be returned to the State of Maryland, which originally ceded the land in 1790.

Retrocession would be beneficial for both the District and Maryland. The voting rights issue would be resolved, as DC residents would gain not only a voting representative in the House of Representatives but also two in the United States Senate. The residents also would gain new representation on the State level and enjoy access to Maryland's State infrastructure, facilities and assistance programs. On a very local level, Washington, as a city in a state, would regain the local decision-making authority it has been seeking for so long.

Conversely, by gaining the District's nearly 600,000 residents, Maryland would gain a seat in the House and extend its influence in Congress. With the Nation's 2nd highest per capita income, District residents would enhance Maryland's tax base and help create the 4th largest regional market in the country.

Canada offers a prime example of how this proposal could work. Its capital, Ottawa, lies in the province of Ontario and sends representatives to the provincial parliament in Toronto as well as the federal parliament as part of the Ontario delegation. Also, in 1790, Alexandria, Virginia was in a similar position to DC. Alexandria was included in the area chosen by George Washington to become the District of Columbia. A portion of the City of Alexandria and all of today's Arlington County share the distinction of having been originally in Virginia, ceded to the U.S. Government to form the District of Columbia, and later retroceded to Virginia by the Federal Government in 1846, when the District was reduced in size to exclude the portion south of the Potomac River.

I believe this framework is the most logical and constitutionally sound way to give DC residents the voting rights they deserve. Additionally, as I mentioned previously, the precedent already exists. Let's pursue a realistic solution to restore the rights of District residents and provide them with a better future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with regret to express my opposition to this supplemental appropriations bill. I oppose this bill because rather than the bill before us, we need a bill that cleanly has as its objective providing support for our troops, not a bill that is saddled with all kinds of extraneous programs, programs that should stand on their own merits, not be used to gain support. We need a bill that will have as its goal stability in Iraq, that will enable the Iraqi people to take responsibility for the future of their country.

The Iraq Study Group report has one recommendation that summarized the need for a clean supplemental that will provide the funds necessary to achieve the goals we all want for the future of our forces in this conflict, and I quote from this report: ``If the Iraqi Government demonstrates political will and makes substantial progress towards the achievement of milestones on national reconciliation, security and governance, the United States should make clear its willingness to continue training, assistance and support for Iraq's security forces and to continue political, military and economic support for the Iraq Government.'' And this is important: ``As Iraq becomes more capable of governing, defending and sustaining itself, the U.S. military and civilian presence in Iraq can be reduced.''

That is really what the goal of this supplemental is. I think it is vitally important that we have a clean bill that makes clear our goal of success in Iraq, that will reflect honorably on the sacrifices that have been made by the Armed Forces of our Nation, that is part of securing for the people of our

country freedom from terrorist threats.

I urge my colleagues to vote against this collection of unrelated expenditures. Vote instead for a clean bill to support our troops.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from California for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 103, congratulating the Mount Union College Purple Raiders on their 2006 Division III Football National Championship.

As you know, Ohio is quite a football State; and while most people think of teams like Ohio State when they think of Ohio football, the team with the most amazing winning record is actually Mount Union College and its Purple Raiders. In December they beat the Wisconsin- Whitewater Warhawks in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.

The Purple Raiders from Mount Union College in Alliance have been a perpetually dominant team under the reign of Head Coach Larry Kehres and staff, winning an astounding nine NCAA Division III Football Championships. The players who have come and gone through the Mount Union football program should also be honored for their superior work ethic on the football field and in the classroom. As an alumnus of Mount Union College, I take special pride that the students that remain in the football program all 4 years have an incredible 98 percent graduation rate. That is astounding, I think, everything considered in what we hear and so on. Such phenomenal scholastic and athletic achievement should not go unnoticed. These graduation rates are impressive for any higher education institution and are especially remarkable for college athletes.

The most recent NCAA victory comes as no surprise to those who have followed the Purple Raiders over the past two decades. They have had the two longest winning streaks in all of college football, with 54 consecutive victories from 1996 to 1999 and 55 victories from 2000 to 2003. The Purple Raiders also currently hold the second longest winning streak in all of college football, with 23 consecutive victories. With winning streaks like these, it is no shock that Larry Kehres has the best career winning percentage in any division level of college football ever, with a remarkable record of 246 wins, 20 losses, and 3 ties. That is a remarkable record.

Along with such incredible regular season records, the Purple Raiders have also won nine NCAA Division III championships, 17 Ohio Athletic Conference titles to go along with 15 perfect seasons. These statistics have all been achieved under the excellent coaching of Larry Kehres. His record has earned him the American Football Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year a record eight times. Coach Kehres can certainly take great pride in the dexterity and proficiency he has instilled in the young athletes that have walked the halls of Mount Union College.

This year's players have yet again risen to the occasion and proved to be the best of Division III. The Purple Raiders finished first nationally in Division III football in total offense and second in total defense, which can only give a slight indication as to the work ethic of this team. The national title they achieved in 2006 was well earned by these athletes, coaches, and staff.

I would like to congratulate Mount Union College President Richard Giese; Coach Larry Kehres; his coaches; the faculty and staff; as well as the terrific and enthusiastic fans, and we have them, but especially all of the players for yet another undefeated year and national championship.

Mr. Speaker, 2006 was a great season, and I am sure it will not be the last for these Purple Raiders. As the great coach Vince Lombardi once said, ``Being a champion means you are willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.'' The current Purple Raiders team and those of prior seasons, along with Coach Kehres, have proven the wisdom of this statement time and time again.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, like many Americans I am frustrated and dissatisfied with the situation in Iraq. I did not take my vote lightly when Congress authorized the President to use force. Every day I think about the patriotism and sacrifice of our brave men and women who are serving courageously in harm's way.

Mistakes and the complexity of events along the way have led us to the place we are today. Sectarian violence has increased, and Iraq is mired in a civil war, making it difficult for the new government to take hold.

While our role in this conflict has become a divisive issue, there is no denying the significant consequences Iraq's future will have for national and international security and stability.

So I must ask, how do we move forward in a way that honors the commitment and tremendous sacrifices our Nation and its troops have made? We can do so neither by cutting off funding for the troops nor by providing the President with a blank check.

Instead of political posturing, we must insist on a surge in diplomacy. I believe we need to follow closely the recommendations made by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group to bring about the best possible outcome. The Iraq Study Group report states, and I quote:

The United States should immediately launch a new diplomatic offensive to build an international consensus for stability in Iraq and the region.

This diplomatic effort should include every country that has an interest in avoiding a chaotic Iraq, including all of Iraq's neighbors. Given the ability of Iran and Syria to influence events

within Iraq, the United States should try to engage them constructively.

By doing so, it would help marginalize extremists and terrorists, promote U.S. values and interests, and improve America's global image. States included within the diplomatic offensives can play a major role in reinforcing national reconciliation efforts between Iraq, Iraqi Sunnis and Shia. Such reinforcement would contribute substantially to legitimatizing of the political process in Iraq.

Iraq's leaders may not be able to come together unless they receive the necessary signals and support from abroad. This backing will not materialize of its own accord, and it must be encouraged urgently by the United States. We should make it clear to the Iraqi leadership that the additional troops are solely for the purpose of achieving stability, and that this deployment is a precursor to our leading the future of this Nation to the Iraqi people. And I would emphasize this is the important process.

Troop increases alone will not solve the fundamental cause of violence in Iraq if its government is not committed to a national reconciliation process.

However, as we lead a surge in diplomacy, and the Iraqi Government accelerates its efforts at national reconciliation, the Iraq Study Group report makes clear, and I quote, ``The United States should significantly increase the number of U.S. military personnel, including combat troops, embedded in and supporting Iraqi Army units. As these actions proceed, we could begin to move combat forces out of Iraq.''

Denying additional troops, as requested by our military leadership, could put our troops that are there at greater risk and delay their return to their loved ones. I hear from my constituents who want our troops home immediately and from those who want us to remain there so we don't have to fight the terrorists on our own soil.

What I do know is that the challenges in Iraq are complex, and the consequences of immediate withdrawal would be devastating. The Iraq Study Group report goes on to say ``The global standing of the United States could be diminished.'' Our Nation has sacrificed far too much to allow our credibility and values to be weakened.

I cannot, in good faith, support this nonbinding resolution. We also support the troops, and we all want to bring the troops home as quickly as possible.

Let us instead urge the President to increase diplomatic efforts and to follow the recommendations made by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group to work on many fronts to solve the challenges in Iraq.

Madam Speaker, I would like to comment on the life and legacy of President Gerald Ford.

I served with him in the House of Representatives and had the pleasure of working with him when he served both as Vice President and President of the United States. I will always think fondly on President Ford as a humble, genuine President and good friend.

The people of Ohio will always be extremely grateful for his leadership in creating Ohio's Cuyahoga National Park, one of the most visited in the 388 National Parks and other sites administered by the National Park Service.

President Ford's leadership and service to the Nation is well described in the title of his book ``A Time to Heal.''

His wife Betty in her role as First Lady also was a wonderful role model for millions of American women, particularly her devotion to helping people in establishing the Betty Ford Clinic to help individuals with challenging personal problems.

Our Nation was enormously enriched by the leadership of President Ford and his wife Betty.

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Ford family. I pray that you are comforted by the kind words and admiration the country has shown for President Ford.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to submit statements for the Record on the retirement of Michael G. Oxley, a Member from Ohio.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to my friend and colleague of the Ohio delegation, Mike Oxley, as he concludes 25 years of service to the constituents of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, this House and the people of this Nation. Many of Mike's colleagues will be submitting statements today or tomorrow to pay tribute to Mike, or during the week. So I will limit my remarks in order to allow each of them the opportunity to speak if they should so desire.

Mike has been a member of our Ohio delegation in this House since 1981. He has served with distinction for these past 25 years. He has put in the hard work required to learn the issues that have come before him within the committee jurisdictions of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and, most recently, the House Financial Services Committee. As chairman of the Financial Services Committee, he is the author of the Sarbanes-Oxley

Act, a historic corporate accountability bill.

In addition to his commitment to the serious work of this body, Mike's friendly, outgoing personality and his love of sports, particularly baseball, helped to bring a positive atmosphere both in his committee and here in the House. We will miss Mike very much and wish him and his wonderful wife, Pat, well in their future pursuits.

Mike Oxley is completing a twenty-five-year career in the

U.S. Congress and a career in public life of over thirty

years.

Mike was born in Findlay, Ohio, on February 11, 1944, to

Maxine and Garver Oxley. He attended public schools there

through his graduation from Findlay High School. Mike earned

his B.A. from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) in 1966, where

he was student body president, and his law degree from The

Ohio State University College of Law in 1969. He worked on

the staffs of U.S. Representative Jackson Betts, Attorney

General William B. Saxbe, Lieutenant Governor John W. Brown,

and Cleveland Mayor Ralph Perk. After law school graduation,

he became a special agent of the Federal Bureau of

Investigation based in Boston and New York, where he met

Patricia Pluguez. Mike and Pat were married in November 1971,

and are the parents of a son, Chadd. The Oxleys moved to

Findlay, where Mike joined his father's law firm: Oxley,

Malone, Fitzgerald, and Hollister. He was elected to the Ohio

General Assembly in 1972. He represented the 82nd Ohio

District until he won a special election in July of 1981 that

sent him to Washington to serve in the U.S. House of

Representatives.

In a lifetime of representing his districts in rural and

small-town Ohio, Oxley has dedicated himself to promoting the

values and policy goals he shares with his constituents:

economic prosperity, family, lean government, low taxes, a

strong defense and intelligence capability, free trade,

competition, and the U.S. as the leader of the free world.

District Accomplishments:

Transportation and Economic Development

Joint Systems Manufacturing Center-Lima

Ohio Air National Guard 179th Airlift Wing

Marathon Oil

University of Findlay Center for Terrorism Preparedness

River Valley Schools

Public Safety

Agriculture

Health and Environment

Housing

Reagan-Bush I Era:

Economic Recovery Tax Act (1981)

Tax Reform Act (1986)

Rebuilding the U.S. Military

MX Missiles and the Nuclear Freeze

A Strong Foreign Policy

Gulf War Resolution (1990)

Improving Economic Competitiveness

Curbing Entitlements and Wasteful Government Spending

Energy and Environment

Social Security Reform (1983)

The Republican Majority Era:

Contract with America

Protecting America's National Security

Restoring the National Defense

Tax Relief and Economic Growth

Fiscal Responsibility

Regulatory and Tort Reform

Open Markets and International Trade

Welfare Reform

Health Care

Moral Values

Personal Legislative Achievements:

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002)

PATRIOT Act (2001)

Financial Services Modernization

Telecommunications Reform

Trade and Economic Opportunity

Energy and Environment

Decency in the Internet Age

Muhammad Ali Boxing Safety Act

Public Safety

Defending American Values

A Legacy of Leadership Financial Services:

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002)

The Common Cents Stock Pricing Act (1999)

The Investor and Capital Markets Fee Relief Act (2001)

PATRIOT Act (2001)

Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (2002)

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (1999)

Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (2003)

Check 21 Act (2002)

Deposit Insurance Modernization (2006)

American Dream Downpayment Act (2003)

Mike Oxley's credo has always been ``play hard, but play

fair.'' He was guided by that philosophy both in the halls of

Congress and on the athletic field. Oxley played in the

Congressional Baseball Game for Charity for 16 years, manning

every position except pitcher and catcher. He managed the

Republican team for the last eight years, compiling a 7-1

managerial record and raising more than a half million

dollars for charitable causes.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with both sorrow and pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated Marine and citizen from my district in Ohio who gave his life defending our country while serving in Iraq.

Marine PVT Heath D. Warner was killed on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces in Haqlaniyah, in Al Anbar province. He was 19 years old. With his entire life before him, Heath risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway round the world.

Heath was a gunner on a Humvee when he, LCpl James Davenport, 20, of Danville, Indiana, and LCpl Joshua Alonzo, 21, of Dumas, Texas, were killed while conducting combat operations. The three were part of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and were based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

He was born on Friday, January 2, 1987, in Massillon, and was a lifetime resident of Canton. He was a 2005 graduate of McKinley High School. He had been a Boy Scout, taught break dancing at Living Fountain Dance Company, and was a member of the McKinley Young Republican Club. He enjoyed reading, martial arts, and was teaching himself Japanese and Arabic.

Even at the young age of 5, Heath dreamed of someday serving in the military. Following his high school graduation, Heath's dream of joining the Marines became a reality. His father, Scott, shared memories of Heath with the Canton Repository, recounting that his son was committed to the Marines, and had been intent on joining since childhood, even more so since September 11, 2001.

``He always had a desire to serve,'' he said. ``I was from a family with the core values of `God, family and country.' I instilled that in Heath. It was natural that he would join the service.''

Heath was known for his deep faith, his dedication to his family, and his love of country. Today and always, Heath will be remembered by family members, friends, and fellow Ohioans as a true American hero, and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.

It is my honor to enter the name of Heath D. Warner in the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. As I search for words to do justice in honoring Heath's sacrifice, I am reminded of the words of Jesus when He was comforting his disciples:

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust

also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were

not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a

place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I

will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may

be where I am.

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be with all of you, as I know He is with Heath. Our Nation extends its heartfelt condolences to his family.

To his father, Scott, his mother, Melissa, and his brothers, Chandler and Ashton, we extend our profound gratitude for sharing this outstanding Marine with us, and we offer our prayers and support.