Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today the Senate will vote on the $781 billion increase in the national debt, the fourth debt limit increase in 5 years.

And the Republican Party continues to push tax policies that will drive us even deeper into debt. In 5 years, the Washington Republicans have racked up more new debt, more than $3 trillion, than the entire debt amassed from 1789 to 1988. We are now borrowing more than $600,000 per minute, $218 billion this year alone.

In March 2001, President Bush promised, ``We will pay off $2 trillion of debt over the next decade. Future generations should not be forced pay back money that we have borrowed. We owe this kind of responsibility to our children and grandchildren.''

Promises made, promises broken, a $5 trillion mistake the President made.

Sadly, the administration and the Republican majority in this Congress continue to pursue their reckless, irresponsible, debt-creating policies.

How sad. How wrong. I tell the gentleman from North Carolina, it is not that we can do better, we did better.

Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Katrina crashed into the heart of the Gulf Coast on the morning of August 29, 2005, forever altering the landscape of New Orleans and the surrounding cities and towns, as well as the lives of those who called the region their home. It has taken the hands and efforts of many Americans of goodwill to help alleviate the hardships faced during this trying time.

Rebuilding the post-Katrina Gulf Coast has not been, and will not be, easy. Yet in the midst of one of the country's greatest natural disasters, countless selfless individuals have worked to create a sense of normalcy for those who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina.

Operation Mississippi Christmas was one such organized effort working out of St. Mary's County, Maryland, in my Congressional District. The members of Operation Mississippi Christmas volunteered their time and efforts in order to give the children of D'Iberville, Mississippi a much-deserved and enjoyable Christmas season. It is a privilege to be able to recognize the faith and determination of these men and women, as well as their dedication to such a worthwhile project.

Members of the St. Mary's Hurricane Relief Fund kicked off their efforts with a gift drive spanning the entirety of St. Mary's County. The generosity of the residents of St. Mary's County was uplifting; all but eight of more than a thousand boxes passed out for adoption of the younger children of D'Iberville were returned with gifts. This feat can only be attributed to the great sense of humanity shared by the residents of St. Mary's.

The original plan for transporting the gifts was to organize a C-130 air transport mission, but this plan was abandoned for lack of certainty of plane availability and impending inclement weather. Undaunted, the volunteers were able to obtain two tractor trailers generously donated by the Bailey family and the defense systems company BAE at the last minute, which allowed them to transfer even more supplies to D'Iberville than the original airlift would have.

The organizers of Operation Mississippi Christmas laid out plans for a December 12 delivery of the goods and stuck to this plan with such tenacity that there was never any doubt of their success. On December 10, the loaded tractor trailers set out for Mississippi, while a team of eight St. Mary's Hurricane Relief volunteers flew commercially to Jackson and then drove the remaining 170 miles to D'Iberville.

The volunteers then presented the gifts to local children during a celebration in the D'Iberville Elementary School gymnasium that included food and a special appearance from Santa. The younger children received the presents donated by St. Mary's County residents and the upper middle and high school students received gift cards.

In addition to gifts for the town's children, the St. Mary's volunteers were also able to donate supplies sorely needed by the city of D'Iberville, including school supplies, first aid kits, computer systems, and medical supplies.

Mr. Speaker, it is wonderful that the efforts of so few were able to bring such joy to so many, and these efforts would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication to public service exhibited by the St. Mary's Hurricane Relief Fund. Today I honor the amazing fortitude of these individuals and would like to thank them for their contribution towards bringing a much-needed sense of hope back to the Gulf Coast.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a great patriot as well as a great friend, Robert ``Bob'' E. Waxman. On March 1st, 2006, Bob retired as the Deputy for Aircraft Division operations for the Avionics Competency of the Navy Air Navigation Electronics Project (NANEP).

Bob has had a long and distinguished career in service to our nation. He graduated from Forest Park High School in 1942, and worked for the Army Air Corps from 1943-1946, where he trained as a Navigator in B- I7's and B-29's. Bob next attended the University of Maryland, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1950.

In 1951, Bob began working for the Electrical Test Division's Radio Communication Branch of the NANEP at Patuxent River. Two years later, he was promoted to the Supervisory Electrical Engineer for the organization. In 1958, Bob was promoted to the Technical Director of the NANEP, a leadership position he would hold for almost 48 years. One of Bob's major accomplishments as the Technical Director occurred when he oversaw NANEP's move to Webster Field in 1960. During the 1960s Bob earned his Master's of Science in Electrical Engineering Management from George Washington University. In 1994, Bob successfully led the transition of the Naval Electronic Systems Engineering Activity into NAV AIR, the Naval Air Systems Command.

Bob Waxman has guided Webster Field through an unprecedented period of growth and success. When he began his service, Webster Field had 57 employees and a $320,000 budget. Under Bob's leadership, Webster Field reached a peak of more than 2,800 employees and a budget of more than $368 million. Bob also achieved another milestone: Webster Field was supposed to have been closed on five separate occasions. On each of these occasions, however, Bob succeeded in saving the organization. These acts alone make him a great leader and a hero to many.

Throughout the past 25 years, Bob's achievements have been recognized time and again with myriad awards and honors. In 2002, Bob was honored as the first employee at Patuxent River to receive a 55-year Length of Service Certificate. Bob is the recipient of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Distinguished Civilian Service Award, and a Congressional Certificate of Appreciation. In 2001, the Air 4.5 Avionics Robert E. Waxman Leadership Award was established in Bob's name. Finally, Bob's expertise and leadership skills were recognized by his peers when Bob was elected President of the Society of Engineers and Scientists.

Mr. Speaker, throughout his dynamic career, Bob Waxman has been a positive influence on many lives. On behalf of the thousands of individuals that Bob has helped over the years, I would like to congratulate and thank Bob Waxman for his extraordinary contributions to not only our community, but to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this important Resolution offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), urging the Russian Federation to fully protect the freedoms of all religious communities without distinction, whether registered or unregistered, as stipulated by the Russian Constitution and international standards.

It is undoubtedly true that the Russian Federation has made democratic progress since the breakup of the former Soviet Union. However, there is legitimate cause for concern that Russia is backsliding on some of the most basic democratic values, including the fundamental and inalienable human right to worship God according to the dictates of one's own conscience.

As this Resolution points out, registration is critical for religious groups to fully enjoy their religious freedoms. In fact, many of the rights and privileges afforded to religious communities are contingent upon registration.

Yet, some religious communities have been unjustly denied registration or had their registration improperly terminated. Other religious communities refuse to seek registration on theological or other grounds. In addition, there have been arson attacks on unregistered Protestant churches, with little or no effective response to bring the perpetrators to justice. And, in some areas of the Russian Federation, law enforcement authorities have carried out violent actions against believers from unregistered communities peacefully practicing their faith.

These actions are counter to values that democratic society's embrace and they are simply unacceptable.

As the former Chair and Ranking Democrat on the Commission on Security and Cooperation and Europe, I am well aware of the history of religious persecution and discrimination in Russia. In fact, when I served as Chairman of the Commission, I frequently met with religious dissidents and their families in the former Soviet Union. For example, during a Congressional delegation trip in 1988, Congressman Smith and I met with Russian Baptists at the Hotel Pulkovo in Leningrad and with Father Gleb Yakunin at his apartment in Moscow. I also met with numerous Soviet Jewish refuseniks, some of whom were prosecuted for teaching Jewish traditions and history.

This Resolution, among other things, urges the Russian Federation to ensure full protection of freedoms for all religious communities without distinction, whether registered or unregistered, and to end the harassment of unregistered religious groups by the security apparatus and other government agencies. In addition, it urges the Russian Federation to vigorously investigate acts of violence against unregistered religious communities.

Mr. Speaker, I know there is sometimes a temptation to look upon Resolutions such as this one as mere words on paper without significant meaning. However, we know from experience that we must never under estimate the power of our democratic ideals and values.

The truth is, the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975--with its emphasis on respect for human rights--was instrumental in focusing attention on human rights abuses, including religious persecution, in the former Soviet Union. And, the attention on these abuses was such an embarrassment to the former Soviet government that it slowly, if grudgingly, began to address them.

Today, we must be no less vigilant in holding the Russian government to account for these on-going abuses.

I urge my colleagues to vote for this Resolution.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise, and I will be very brief, in support of the gentlewoman, the ranking Democrat on the House Administration Committee, which has jurisdiction over elections, who I understand will be offering an amendment which I offered in committee dealing with the challenges to the five-state region struck by Katrina and by Rita as it relates to the administration of elections.

As we know, New Orleans has an election coming up within the next 30 days. Other jurisdictions have elections. I tried to offer $5 million in the committee through the EAC. I want to say that the gentlewoman, I appreciate her leadership on this issue. I support her amendment. I hope it is made in order. I hope it is not objected to. And I hope that we can see it adopted.

I want to tell the gentlewoman as well that Mr. Knollenberg and I have been discussing this, because FEMA has said that they cannot spend, under the Stafford Act, certain expenditures which are required to administer the elections, particularly in New Orleans, because that is upon us, but in other jurisdictions as well. They did pay for the loss of machines. They did pay for the loss of ballot boxes and other paraphernalia necessary, but they have said under the Stafford Act they cannot pay for the election expenses in either Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana. The gentlewoman's amendment speaks to that and I would certainly be in support of it.

Mr. Chairman, I plan to vote for the emergency supplemental appropriations bill that we are considering today.

H.R. 4939 will pay for supplies and materiel that our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan desperately need to carry out their mission.

The supplemental will also provide much needed resources to Gulf-Area States that were ravaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

However, this bill is not perfect.

I am disappointed that the appropriations committee did not address a problem that has come to light in recent weeks with respect to voting in States that suffered the brunt of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

On August 29, 2005, residents in Gulf Coast States endured one of the most devastating

natural disasters in our nation's history. Tens of thousands of voters were displaced.

One month later, hurricane Rita caused additional widespread damage to voting infrastructure in Gulf-Area States.

An extraordinary amount of the Gulf region's election infrastructure--voting machines, polling places, and voting materials-- were destroyed or severely damaged by the destruction wrought by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In Louisiana alone, over 250 polling places in the State's coastal parishes were destroyed.

To make matters worse, tens of thousands of people were forced to temporarily resettle in cities and towns throughout the United States while their communities are rebuilt.

Many if not most of these displaced people have every intention of returning to their communities as soon as conditions allow.

In the meantime, they are determined to maintain as many ties to their communities as they can.

Understandably, they would like to participate in elections that will be held this year in their communities.

Unfortunately, FEMA has proven ineffective at delivering assistance to election officials in hurricane-stricken States who are busy mounting what may be the most extensive and expensive voter outreach, education, and absentee voting program in the Nation's history.

According to FEMA's narrow reading of the ``Robert T. Stafford Act,'' the agency is only empowered to make reimbursements to States to replace destroyed voting machines, but not for outreach to displaced voters.

In other words, FEMA can pay to replace damaged or destroyed voting machines, but it cannot pay to help States plan and execute the voter outreach and voter absentee programs that will be crucial to maintaining electoral continuity in 2006.

As a consequence, of the roughly $3.8 million in claims that the State of Louisiana has so far submitted for reimbursement, for example, only $1.2 million have been approved by FEMA.

During markup of this bill last week, I offered an amendment that would have provided funds to the election assistance commission to help States pay for the entire range of activities that are crucial to running fair, accurate, and secure elections in 2006.

I regret that my amendment was not accepted, and I regret that the bill before us today does not include a provision specifying that under the Stafford Act FEMA is authorized to reimburse States for a wider range of election activities than the agency insists.

Let me be clear: I do not blame this omission on partisanship because there is nothing partisan about the issue.

Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters in the Gulf States all endured last year's trauma.

However, I am very pleased that Chairman Knollenberg recognizes the significance of this issue and has agreed to work to address it in conference.

In the days ahead, I look forward to working with Chairman Knollenberg and his staff to ensure FEMA has the necessary authorities to reimburse the hurricane-stricken States for a much wider range of essential election activities than FEMA claims it has under current law.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my good friend, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the distinguished majority leader, for purposes of telling us what the schedule for the coming week is.

I thank the gentleman. From what you have said, it is my presumption then that the Online Freedom of Speech Act will be the last order of business?

And the emergency supplemental appropriation, you say Wednesday or Thursday?

So would that mean that we might consider the Internet bill prior to the supplemental? I yield to my friend.

With respect, Mr. Leader, to the budget, I know there was some talk about doing it prior to our break, but you had indicated last week it might roll over. Do you have a guess?

Obviously. Can you tell us when you think the budget might come before the House? I yield to my friend.

So in the latter part of March or third or fourth week in March?

I thank the gentleman for the information that he has given to us.

Mr. Speaker, I agree with the gentlewoman and the gentleman from Michigan, but I want to speak about the previous question, which the general public really does not understand.

But if we defeat the previous question, we get an opportunity to offer an amendment to this piece of legislation. Because so few pieces of legislation are passing this body, we have to take the opportunities you get, and I appreciate that the chairman of the Appropriations Committee Mr. Lewis has stated that he will insert language in the supplemental appropriation bill this afternoon, a supplemental for the war in Iraq and hurricane recovery, that will block the takeover of major American seaports by a Dubai company owned by the United Arab Emirates.

The Appropriations Committee will mark up that supplemental spending bill today, and it may be considered on the House floor next week, but the American people should harbor no illusions. We have absolutely no idea when the other body will take up this spending bill. Moreover, we have no idea of whether the Senate bill will even include a provision that addresses the vital national security issue of who owns our ports.

In fact, just today, Senator Stevens, who chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, is quoted as saying, ``I believe it ought to go through the 45-day review.'' So they are not going to take it up very soon.

Mr. Speaker, every Member of this House has the opportunity right now today to go on record as opposing the management of American seaports by a company owned by a foreign government. Now, it is not owning the seaports, but managing those seaports, and there is no excuse for not doing so. We have the opportunity.

If we defeat the previous question, that will be our intent, to offer an

amendment to this bill, send it to the Senate, which will preclude ownership of the management of the ports of America by the Dubai corporation owned by the state. I urge every Member, oppose the previous question on the rule in order to allow consideration of language blocking the port deal.

Furthermore, I urge the American people to not lose sight of the bigger issue. This administration and this Republican Congress have failed to do what is necessary to protect our homeland and our people from attack. Just last week Steven Flynn, a former Commander of the Coast Guard and an expert on homeland security, testified before the House Armed Services Committee, ``My assessment,'' this is the Commander of the Coast Guard, now retired, ``My assessment is that the security measures that are currently in place do not provide an effective deterrent for a determined terrorist organization intent on exploiting or targeting the maritime transportation system to strike at the United States.''

Five years after the catastrophic attacks of September 11, there is simply no excuse for these continuing vulnerabilities to our national security. Today, by voting ``no'' on the previous question, we have an opportunity to say no to the management of America's ports by government-owned entities. Vote ``no'' on the previous question.

Mr. Speaker, the month of March is a time for us to officially recognize the essential role the American Red Cross plays in our communities. 2006 is a special year for the Red Cross, as we commemorate its 125th year of making our country safer, healthier and more secure. In honoring the national organization of the Red Cross, we must also recognize the local chapters that work tirelessly to achieve these goals, such as the Red Cross of Southern Maryland, now in its 80th year of service.

The Southern Maryland Red Cross, and the Nation, faced new challenges in 2005. The deadly tsunami in late 2004 tested the character and will of the international community, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita uprooted families and communities. Throughout every trial we faced, the Red Cross was there to help ease suffering and aid recovery. These dedicated people were first in line to help families and individuals, friends and strangers.

The Southern Maryland Red Cross faced not only the national disasters of 2005, but ones that hit closer to home. The response they provided is a testament to the kindness of any American touched by tragedy. The citizens of Southern Maryland rolled up their sleeves to donate over 7,000 units of blood and gave donations to aid the victims of 200 house fires. They learned CPR, lifesaving skills, and first aid techniques. They volunteered their time, money and hearts to anyone who needed help. And they did not just aid their neighbors at home, but also those abroad, allowing over 200 military personnel to communicate with their families in Maryland.

Mr. Speaker, the people of the Southern Maryland Red Cross are no different from you or me. They have full time jobs, families, and responsibilities at home. What makes these Americans so extraordinary is that they have selflessly taken time out of their lives to help schools, workplaces, families, and any person who needs a hand. The Southern Maryland Chapter consists of 200 volunteers and donors, but it responds to the needs of a nation.

The Southern Maryland Red Cross brings aid and recovery, gives hope and comfort, and inspires Americans to reach out when help is needed. I feel assured knowing that the Southern Maryland Chapter is working every day to better the lives of my fellow Maryland residents. We must all do our part to recognize the vitality of the Red Cross and ensure that they are ready to help us respond to the challenges that lie ahead.

In honor of the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Red Cross, I would like to take this time to officially recognize March as American Red Cross Month. Whether it is a donation of time, money or courage, the American Red Cross is there for us. This March is a time to stand up and recognize their continued service.

I encourage all Americans to show their commitment to the Red Cross by donating money or volunteering their time at one of the many local chapters across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I will yield to my friend, Mr. Boehner, for the purposes of informing us of the schedule.

Reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman for that information.

Mr. Leader, as you know, we have been considering the rule for the food labeling bill. It is my understanding we are going to be limited to general debate.

It is also my understanding that the reason we are not completing the bill is the Rules Committee has had some issues with reference to exactly the way in which we are going to consider the bill and the amendments.

Mr. Leader, as you know, this bill has had no hearings. None. As you further know, there are States who are very concerned. As a matter of fact, I think I have gotten a letter indicating there are 36 attorneys general around the country, Republican and Democrat, who have concerns with this bill.

Mr. Leader, I would hope that the leadership on your side would convey to the Rules Committee the necessity to have, A, open debate, and hopefully, as well, significant possibility of amendment.

I do not know whether it would be an open rule or certainly, I hesitate to use this word, but a liberal rule which will allow significant amendments to be considered by this House, again, in light of the fact that it has had no hearings whatsoever as it comes to this floor.

I yield to my friend.

That word will do if it becomes realty. We appreciate your comments, Mr. Leader.

The PATRIOT Act, that was supposed to be on the calendar, we thought, this week. It is not on the calendar. I see you have not mentioned it in the work for next week.

Can you tell me whether we expect it to come before us next week as a suspension bill or under a rule?

I thank the gentleman for that comment. Let me move on, if I can, to the budget resolution.

Can you give us a sense at this point in time of the timing of the budget resolution? We know that there have been some concerns raised in the other body; obviously, some concerns raised here. We understand that it was the intention to bring that up prior to the St. Patrick's Day recess.

Can you tell me whether that is still the intent and when we might expect to see that bill on the floor?

Well, that will be a first, if I am the first to know.

This is a new era in which we are moving, and I cannot tell you how excited I am about that.

And how I stand here in anticipation of that fact. If the leader does not mind, I will hold him to that.

Thank you, sir.

On the supplemental appropriation, we know that the President has made a request. Can you tell us when the supplemental appropriation might be considered?

I see there is not a representation, however, that I will be the first to know on this one.

I appreciate that.

Last, these are all important and while we are being humorous to some degree about when we know about these, clearly we have a lot of important business to do, and we are now going into the third month of the year. Can you tell us what your expectations are on the tax reconciliation conference report? Obviously, that was a very contentious bill as it passed out of the House as you know, Mr. Leader; and we would like to be prepared for that bill when it comes back, when the conference committee comes back to the House.

I appreciate the leader's information.

Again, in closing, I would ask the leader if he would use his good offices on the food bill because there is substantial controversy around the country, as well as on the House floor, on that bill to provide for as full a consideration and amendatory process as possible. I appreciate the leader's attention to that.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to join Chairman Mel Watt and the entire Congressional Black Caucus in recognizing the importance of Black History Month. While Black History Month always provides us with an important opportunity to reflect on the vital accomplishments and contributions of African Americans, it has taken on a special meaning this year with the recent passing of both Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King.

Although they have passed on, Mrs. King and Mrs. Parks continue to inspire us to work towards the noble goal of equality for all. These two women were among a group of brave pioneers who led one of the greatest movements of our time--the Civil Rights Movement. I have great respect for all those who risked beatings and arrests, and were even willing to make the ultimate sacrifice--their lives--to stand up for a cause that is right and just.

My close friend and colleague, Representative John Lewis, stands among us as a giant of the Civil Rights Movement. During the legendary march that Representative Lewis led to Selma, Alabama, more than 40 years ago, countless peaceful, law-abiding Americans were beaten and arrested. This day came to be called ``Bloody Sunday,'' and it helped spur a nation to action to fight against the evils of discrimination and racism.

Mr. Speaker, I have had the great honor and privilege to accompany Representative Lewis and other civil rights leaders to Selma several times to commemorate the events of that fateful day by marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Each time, we are reminded of the impact that one single day can have on the course of history, and we celebrate those with the courage and determination to face down the worst so that all Americans might enjoy the freedom and equality that this nation stands for.

These pilgrimages to Selma vividly illustrate for us how far we have come in the quest for civil rights for all, yet also serve as a reminder that we must never be complacent in thinking that the battle is won.

The plight of those who are denied civil rights is a struggle that is far from over, and we must remain ever mindful of those whose rights are in danger of being denied. In the coming year, several provisions of the Voting Rights Act are scheduled for reauthorization. It is our duty to ensure that the march toward civil rights for all continues forward, rather than stalling or going backward.

The VRA is crucial in guaranteeing that the rights of all Americans remain protected, and, as such, should command broad, bipartisan support. It is a fitting tribute to Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, and to all those who have participated in the Civil Rights Movement in ways large and small, to renew the very Act that codified their long struggle for enfranchisement into law.

Our nation is deeply indebted to these men and women of courage and integrity. Their legacy will live on for generations.

Madam Speaker, the international community, not just America, is being challenged again by a dangerous, deceptive lawbreaker whose defiant pursuit of nuclear weapons threaten America's national security interests as well as international peace and security. Now, this is an obligation that the Iranians undertook freely and voluntarily. It was not imposed upon them.

I believe that this grave and gathering danger commands the collective attention, effort, and action of the entire international community. This time the nations of the world which are committed to peace, security, and the rule of law must embrace their responsibilities, not flinch from them, as, unfortunately, has been too often the case.

Through this resolution today, the House speaks with one voice in condemning in the strongest possible terms the many breaches and failures of the government of Iran to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations. In this resolution, we call on all responsible members of the international community to impose economic sanctions designed to deny Iran the ability to develop nuclear weapons and to encourage its people to get the government to change its dangerous and reckless policies.

We urge the members of the United Nations Security Council to take action in response to Iran's noncompliance with its international obligations.

Let no one harbor any illusions: The government of Iran, which is recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism,

believes it can exploit international irresolution, and it will prey on vacillation. The international community must stand as one against this lawbreaker, whose record leaves no doubt of its motivations.

Iran failed to properly disclose the existence of a fuel enrichment plant and facility at Natanz until both were revealed by opposition groups. It has failed to meet its obligations under its safeguard agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to report all nuclear material it has imported. It confirmed that it had conducted research on uranium conversion processes, but only after it denied doing so. On February 4, in response to a 27-3 vote by the International Atomic Energy Agency board to report Iran to the Security Council, Iran ended voluntary cooperation with the agency and announced it would start large-scale enrichment activities.

I suggest to us and to our international allies that standing silent, standing back, standing without action, is not an option. It goes without saying that an Iran armed with nuclear weapons constitutes a threat to the national security interests of the United States of America. Let me remind all of us, the gentleman from Texas indicated that they were not a threat to us. There are 250,000 Americans as we debate this resolution right now in range of Iranian weapons, so it is not just those who live in the Middle East who are put at risk, it is those of us who are there, and the security of the international community is put at risk.

Our concerns are only heightened by the inflammatory, irresponsible statements of the Iranian president, who has stated his hope for ``a world without America.'' That is the nation that stands on the doorstep of becoming a nuclear power. He has further stated his desire to ``wipe Israel off the map.'' The United States will not stand still for that. A regime that has the objective to have nuclear weapons will make the Middle East more dangerous in an extraordinary geometric way.

Madam Speaker, when the Security Council considers Iran's flagrant and deceptive abuse in March, I urge it to act as one. Today, I urge us to act as one in sending a very clear, very clear, unmistakable message: This will not stand.

Mr. Speaker, the first thing I want to say is to my good friend, John Boehner, congratulations on his election as majority leader. It is a great honor to be selected by your colleagues in the House, of course, but of your own party to be one of its leaders.

John Boehner has, of course, been a leader in his party for many years now, chairman of a major committee, sponsor of one of the hallmark pieces of legislation the Bush administration points to as a great success. He worked in a bipartisan fashion on that bill.

I look forward to working with him. I know our side of the aisle looks forward to working with him. I want to congratulate him on his election.

Mr. Leader, let me ask you about a couple of things, and I will mention the PATRIOT Act. I know you are not sure what that status is. There are a couple of pieces of legislation, three pieces of legislation, that we do anticipate in the relatively near future. I wonder if you might comment on them.

I know we are not meeting next week and will not be back until the 28th of February. The tax reconciliation conference report, I talked to Mr. Rangel about that this morning. His understanding is the conference is ongoing. Might you have any idea of when the tax reconciliation conference report, assuming it is approved, might come to the floor?

I yield to my friend.

Thank you for that information. Mr. Leader, in terms of the budget itself, the budget resolution for 2007, when is your expectation that that might be on the floor? We understand that it might be marked up in committee the first week in March. Would it be your expectation that it would be on the floor the second week in March?

I yield to my friend.

I thank the gentleman for that. You mentioned the supplemental appropriation. We understand it may be coming down today. Has it come down? It is supposed to arrive today. Do you have any information as to how quickly we would attempt to consider and move the supplemental appropriation bill?

I thank the leader for those comments.

I would say, Mr. Leader, not as a question but as an observation, as you know, there has been a great deal of concern on both sides of the aisle with reference to the PATRIOT Act, the provisions in the PATRIOT Act and to the extension of the PATRIOT Act. Obviously, the majority of the PATRIOT Act is in permanent law, but there are some portions that needed to be reauthorized.

I do not ask you a question because I know that this is still up in the air, but we are hopeful that as soon as the majority may have a better view of the scheduling of the PATRIOT Act, the sooner you could inform us of that would be better.

I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time. I will tell the majority leader that I will not ask you the question trying to predict the actions of the other House in the future. I thank him for his comments, and again congratulate the leader on his election.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, this resolution is an unequivocal statement of principle, a statement of our continuing support for our ally, the democratic State of Israel, as well as an explicit rejection of the hateful ideology that seeks her destruction. And I hope every Member will support it.

The resolution states quite simply that the United States should not provide direct assistance to the Palestinian Authority ``if any representative political party holding a majority of parliamentary seats within the Palestinian Authority maintains a position calling for the destruction of Israel,'' or, in fact, the destruction of another free country.

The resolution, of course, is necessitated by the electoral victory of Hamas, an internationally recognized terrorist organization that is publicly committed to the destruction of Israel. Anyone who questions this need only read the Charter of Allah, the platform of the Islamic Resistance Movement, otherwise known as Hamas.

Consider just one passage. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen has referred to some other statements incorporated in other documents, but this is their basic charter: ``In order to face the usurpation of Palestine by the Jews, we have no escape from raising the banner of jihad.'' Destruction of a people. Destruction of children, families, of a nation.

Mr. Speaker, the Palestinian people voted in January in what appears to be a free and fair election, and the democratic expression of the people will and should always be encouraged. It is clear, however, that this victory by Hamas is, in significant part, a reaction by Palestinian voters to the rampant corruption in the Fatah movement that began and continued under Yaser Arafat. However, the Palestinian side must recognize that the election of Hamas to a parliamentary majority will not change or alter the absolute, irrevocable precondition for peace, the dismantlement of the Palestinian terrorist infrastructure. In fact, I believe that the international community must now exert its collective will upon Hamas and insist that it renounce the tactics of terror and proactively dismantle that terrorist infrastructure.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me say to our friends in Israel that the United States-Israel relationship today is stronger than ever and we are fully committed to our ally's security, sovereignty, and success.

I urge my colleagues to vote for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I wish I had at least a half an hour to respond to my friend from Florida who just spoke.

We have run up $1.58 trillion of additional deficits in the last 60 months under your leadership. Last night, the President of the United States addressed the American people from this House Chamber. He demanded that we make his tax cuts permanent. Of course, he also urged new Federal spending, among other things for energy independence, a good objective; on education, math and science, a good objective; prevention and treatment for HIV/AIDS. All worthy endeavors of our great Nation.

But President Bush and this Republican Congress, which have had complete control of our Federal Government for 5 years, continue to refuse to answer the most basic, most obvious and most necessary question: How do we pay for these plans and proposals?

The plain truth is, they do not pay for them. The plain truth is, the President and this Republican Congress have pursued the most irresponsible fiscal policies in the history of our Nation, turning a projected $5.6 trillion surplus into a $4 trillion deficit today, a $9.6 trillion turnaround in 60 months.

Now President Bush and this Republican Congress want to enact tax cuts, even as we face record budget deficits and debt brought about by their policies, even as they prepare to ask for a $780 billion increase in the debt limit, the fourth time they have done so.

Today's budget bill is part and parcel of the Republican Party's free-lunch philosophy. Our Republican friends claim that they are going to cut $40 billion to ``restore fiscal discipline.'' Now, you inherited $5.6 trillion surplus. You followed an administration that had four budget surpluses in a row.

And you want to restore fiscal discipline to the extraordinary fiscal irresponsibility you have been pursuing for 5 years. A good objective, folks.

But the reality is they plan on cutting an additional $70 billion in taxes. Cut $40 billion in spending, cut $70 billion in taxes. You do not have to be much above the sixth grade to understand that is going to add to your deficit.

No, while the President called for increased funding for education last night, this Republican majority today wants to cut funds for students going to college. While the President recognized the need to make health insurance more affordable, this majority today intends to cut funding for Medicaid to the poorest of citizens.

Meanwhile, we now know that as the Republican budget axe fell on the poor and students, powerful special interests in the dark of night in the conference got $20 billion in cuts back, back. Half of all of the cuts they got back.

I urge my colleagues, vote against this irresponsible, mean-spirited, negative proposal, which is contrary to the interests of the American people and the product of Republican fiscal irresponsibility, and a pretense of support for priorities of education and health care, while at the same time cutting our investment in education of our children and the health of our people, and imposing upon our children and our grandchildren the extraordinary costs of our fiscal profligacy.

I would hope that a number of you would in fact be fiscally responsible and vote ``no'' on this bad package.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Diana Goldberg, one of my closest friends. Diana is stepping down as Chairman of the Board, a post that she has held since 2002, for the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC, one of the finest pediatric institutions in the Nation.

The leadership, work and generosity of Diana and her husband, Stephen, have helped to make our Nation's Capital a stronger, healthier community. Diana has been heavily involved with Children's Hospital for the past 20 years. She has served on the Child Health Center Board, of which she was president from 1994 to 1996, and the boards of Children's Hospital Foundation, of which she was chairman from 1999 to 2001, Children's Hospital, and, eventually, Children's National Medical Center. However, her dedication to the health of children in the Washington Metropolitan region extends far beyond her leadership positions. Diana has taken a hands-on approach to volunteering and given countless hours of her time to ensuring that the patients receive the care that they need, while Diana herself has continued to be personally involved with many of the organization's operations.

Furthermore, Diana has truly been a philanthropic leader in Washington, DC, especially for Children's where Children's School Services, a child health data lab, and Jazzmatazz, which is a major benefit to raise money for Children's, are among the programs and fundraising events that she has generously supported. However, Mr. Speaker, most laudatory are Diana's efforts to set up health centers across the city. In 2001, Diana and Stephen donated an astounding $25 million to Children's National Medical Center for the Diana L. and Stephen A. Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health. This significant gift allows the Center to maintain community-based health centers in Shaw, Adams Morgan, and Anacostia and three mobile vans. The Center provides immediate healthcare needs, with special attention given to primary care, HIV and AIDS, asthma, sickle cell disease, child abuse, childhood injuries, lead poisoning, and violence prevention. The Goldberg Center is also focused on the greater neighborhood by sponsoring programs like the Adolescent Employment Readiness Center, which prepares disabled adolescents and young adults to enter the workforce.

The Goldbergs' benevolence also includes work with the Edmund Burke School, the Black Student Fund, the Washington AIDS Partnership, a scholarship for the Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area, Arena Stage, and numerous other worthy causes and organizations. Notably, when the Centers for Disease Control, CDC, was forced to cut its funding for important HIV prevention programs in the District, Diana stepped in and made a sizeable financial gift to make up for the shortfall. Diana Goldberg is a shining model for the good that can be accomplished through the power of giving and a passionate dedication to public service.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the thousands of children that Diana has helped over the years as a member of the greater Washington community, I would like to congratulate and thank Diana Goldberg for her leadership as the Chairman of the Board of Children's National Medical Center and for all her projects. I look forward to seeing what exciting new challenges Diana will undertake next. Undoubtedly, she will continue to give back to the community and help make Washington, DC a better place for all its citizens.