Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the Government Accountability Office is in the border crossing business. Like the illegals, drug dealers, smugglers that cross both our southern and northern borders at will, GAO investigators recently crossed undetected from Canada into the United States in three different areas with, get this, red duffel bags of radioactive material, detonators and narcotics. They crossed with no problem, and no border agent was anywhere in sight.

On the 5,000-mile Canadian border, there are no more than 250 border agents on duty at any given time according to a deputy chief of the Border Patrol. It sounds easy to slip back and forth unnoticed across the border.

A GAO investigator said that ``there were substantial vulnerabilities on the northern border to terrorists and criminals entering the United States undetected''. While America's watching the front door to illegal crossing at the southern border, the back door is wide open to unwanted illegal guests on the northern border.

Homeland Security needs to get serious about homeland security and shut the open doors to our homeland.

And that's just the way it is.

Thank you, Dr. Burgess. And thank you, Judge Green, for sponsoring this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Michael DeBakey's life motto is ``strive for nothing less than excellence,'' and he has achieved excellence in all of his 99 years.

He will be 100 years old next year, and he has made remarkable and valuable contributions to surgery and to the entire world in the area of heart surgery.

When he was only 23 years old, Dr. DeBakey reported the roller pump for blood transfusions, which was later used in the heart-lung machine used in the first successful open heart surgery. When he volunteered for the Army during World War II, his experience in the Surgeon General's staff taught him that more needed to be done for veterans and for the wounded that are on the battlefield. He recommended massive changes in the management of war wounds. And as Judge Green mentioned, he invented the mobile army surgical hospital, or the MASH units, as Americans know them. We have all watched MASH on television and its satire, but MASH has served a tremendous purpose for those who are wounded on the battlefield.

Once the MASH units came into play, Americans wounded during battle at war and were taken to these units, the survival rate increased tremendously. In previous wars when Americans were wounded, most of them died. Now, when they're wounded and taken to a MASH unit, most of them survive.

He created the medical follow-ups for veterans. We call that the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. And in 1948, Dr. DeBakey joined the Baylor University College of Medicine staff. He launched the first surgical residency program in Houston, and now Baylor Medical School is one of the Nation's most respected health science centers in the world.

He developed innovative treatments for aneurysms, performed the first successful coronary bypass, successfully used a partial artificial heart to help a patient wean off a heart-lung machine after open heart surgery, and he supervised the first successful multiorgan transplant.

Dr. DeBakey could be, Mr. Speaker, the finest heart surgeon that has ever lived in the world. He deserves this Nation's greatest honor. And we're forever grateful for his contributions, his vision, his leadership and his big heart for others.

Winston Churchill said, ``We live by what we get, but we judge our life by what we give.'' Dr. DeBakey has given hearts to thousands of people throughout the world.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 635, which recognizes the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and expresses respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion.

Regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan signifies a time of deep reflection for the 1.5 billion Muslims across the globe. During this month, special emphasis is put on prayer, giving to charity, daylight fasting, and self-examination and improvement.

It is tragic that radical Islamists have used selective interpretations of Islam to justify and encourage hate, injustice, oppression, violence, and terror. They have indoctrinated many young Muslims to hate and target for violence America, Israel, the West, other Muslims, and non-Muslims.

Worse still, some have exploited the month of Ramadan, which should be devoted to spirituality and self-perfection, to stoke the fires of fanaticism and destruction.

It is important to note that a growing number of Muslims, including many in America, are rejecting radical Islam and its culture of death. Instead, they are articulating interpretations of Islam that embrace the values of human life, liberty, and democracy.

Indeed, today we are seeing a clash within Islamic civilization between those who wish to step into the light of progress and those who wish to return the entire world to the dark ages.

Given the threat that radical Islam poses worldwide, the clash within Islamic civilization affects everyone throughout the world. That is why this House should take the opportunity to pass H. Res. 635. This resolution commends Muslims who reject interpretations of Islam that justify and encourage hatred, violence, and terror.

May Ramadan this year truly be a time when Muslims and people of all faiths embrace freedom and tolerance for all, and reject violence and extremism.

I thank my friend and distinguished colleague from Texas, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson, for introducing this resolution; and I urge its adoption.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, we have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support today of H. Res. 564 and join my colleagues in recognizing the efforts taken by the United States and seven Central American countries to confront gang violence in Central America.

The tragic nature of gang violence in Central America threatens the peace and stability of its neighbors to the north and to the south. Geographically located between the world's largest drug-producing and drug-consuming countries, Central America faces a seemingly insurmountable problem when forced to counter gang violence on its own.

For this reason, I was pleased to see that earlier this year, the United States and seven Central American countries took the first step towards finding an international solution to the growing level of violence in Central America by holding the first-ever dialogue on democratic security in Guatemala City.

As the transnational nature of gangs causes crime and violence in Central America to bleed into the United States, this resolution recognizes the importance of a continuing United States involvement and commitment of funds towards dealing with youth gangs in Central America.

Gangs have become more organized, more violent, and affect North America, Central America and South America. It also encourages Central America and U.S. officials to meet on a regular basis for further cooperation in combating crime and violence and commends these countries for taking the first step in the struggle for security by developing the United States' strategy to combat criminal gangs from Central America and Mexico.

While I am pleased to see the progress made this year, I also recognize the grave importance of sustaining these efforts while increasing our understanding of the roots of this epidemic. I look forward to our continued cooperation with our neighbors to the south and once again applaud the efforts already taken to counter this increasing threat to peace and security in our region.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Mr. Engel, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of this measure, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk).

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran.

During the past 2 years, the already brutal regime in Tehran has increased its repression of its own citizens, cracking down on religious and ethnic minorities, human rights and pro democracy activists, even university students, and now the labor movement.

Like many supposedly revolutionary governments, this regime has been particularly harsh to workers and their representatives who have dared to protest the injustices that pervade the present system in Iran.

On April 9 this year, Iranian agents arrested Mahmoud Salehi, the founder of an independent bakery workers association. And then on three separate occasions since 2005, this same Iranian regime has arrested and imprisoned Mansour Osanloo, the president of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, an independent labor association of transportation workers.

Most recently then, on July 10, 2007, reports indicate that plainclothes Iranian agents kidnapped, assaulted and imprisoned Mr. Osanloo.

When transport workers have attempted to strike in order to protest their lack of rights and the arrest of their representatives, the Iranian regime has beaten them and compelled them to return to work. Iran's deplorable behavior violates its own legal obligations under its own Constitution.

Article 26 of the Iranian Constitution permits, and I quote, ``the formation of parties, societies, political or professional associations,'' and Iran's labor law recognizes that ``it is prohibited to force a person to perform work against their will.'' So much for following their Constitution.

Mr. Speaker, while Iranian thug-in-chief Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke freely at the United Nations last week, labor representatives Mahmoud Salehi and Mansour Osanloo, both of whom suffer from medical conditions and medical problems, languished in Iran's infamous prisons without access to any medical attention. This current situation is intolerable.

The Iranian regime must stop its persecution of its own workers and systematic human rights abuses, release all the imprisoned labor representatives and fulfill its obligations in ensuring the right of Iranians to work freely and to organize freely.

I want to thank Mr. Kirk of Illinois and Mr. Andrews of New Jersey for introducing this resolution, and also labor unions in the United States for bringing this issue to the forefront.

This resolution condemns the Iranian regime for the arrest and imprisonment of Iranian labor leaders and demands their release. It also sends a simple but yet powerful message. As the people of Iran struggle to live freely and exercise their basic human rights, Congress and the United States stands with those people.

I urge my colleagues to adopt this legislation.

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

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

I rise in support of House Resolution 676, a resolution reiterating that it is the policy of the United States to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary for its self- defense.

At the outset, I want to thank Chairman Lantos and the gentlewoman from Florida, the author of this resolution; Mr. Lantos being the cosponsor; as well as many other members from the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Taiwan Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, this is a very straightforward resolution. It simply says that the executive branch should follow the law, in this case the Taiwan Relations Act, TRA, of 1979, and make available to our friends in that vibrant democracy such defense articles as may be necessary for their self-defense.

While the Chinese Air Force and Navy continue to be upgraded with modern Russian-made combat aircraft, Taiwan's Air Force is literally falling from the sky. In fact, some 17 obsolete F-5 fighters have crashed in the last 10 years, including one this May which killed a number of Singaporean servicemen.

Yet despite Taiwan's clearly compelling needs and the fact that Taipei has not only increased defense spending but also has budgeted and appropriated for the F-16s, the United States is refusing to respond to Taiwan's entirely legitimate request for military sales. In so doing, the clear intent of Congress and the law of the land as articulated in the TRA is obviously being ignored.

In this regard, section 3(b) of TRA stipulates that both the President and the Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of such defense articles and services based solely upon their judgment of the needs of Taiwan.

In life there are times when you can outthink yourself by overanalyzing issues and events, hoping to find that perfect moment to make a major decision. This is one of those times. Given China's ongoing and notorious military buildup, as well as its ceaseless efforts to isolate and belittle Taiwan, there will never be an ideal time for the United States to make defense sales to this island. The ideal time, obviously, is when the time is right, which is now.

The reality is that any major U.S. sale at any time will be objected to by the Chinese Communist regime. Should that affect our commitment to the stability of the Taiwan Strait? Mr. Speaker, are we timid because of China? Likewise, should our defense commitment to Taiwan be held hostage to a clash of personalities, the political season in Taiwan, or Washington's desire to accommodate Beijing?

In conclusion, this commonsense resolution simply says that consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the TRA, the United States should make decisions about prospective arms sales to this island based upon Taiwan's legitimate self-defense needs and our assessment of the relative balance of power in the Western Pacific.

I urge the adoption of this resolution.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, on August 7, 1998, American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania were the target of almost simultaneous terrorist bombings, killing hundreds and wounding thousands of people.

Among those killed were 12 American Embassy employees and dozens of foreign service nationals. These public servants paid with their lives while performing their duties, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their families receive proper compensation.

I strongly support H.R. 2828, introduced by my distinguished colleagues Congressman Jackson and our Republican whip, Roy Blunt, which provides compensation to the families of the United States Embassy employees who perished due to acts of international terrorism.

This bill increases the death gratuity for foreign service officers and foreign national employees. It also authorizes additional compensation to family members of foreign service employees or government executive branch employees killed as a result of an act of international terrorism. It also requires the Secretary of State to provide compensation to foreign service employees killed in an act of international terrorism that occurred from 1998 to the date of the enactment of this act, including the victims of the Nairobi bombing.

I urge all my colleagues to support this bill and provide proper compensation to the families of the United States Embassy employees killed by brutal acts of international terrorism.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished minority whip, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the original cosponsor of this legislation.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, as the poet Maya Angelo once said, ``History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.'' I find these words fitting as we consider H.R. 3432 today.

For over 200 years, countless Africans died in brutal conditions during the so-called Middle Passage, the overseas voyage of their lives to enslavement in America. The United States formally prohibited the importation of slaves nearly 200 years ago, although the institution of slavery persisted in this country for another 50 years afterwards.

This bill will establish a commission to ensure that this important anniversary is appropriately commemorated within the United States and also abroad. In essence, the bill seeks to ensure that all Americans, no matter their age, race, gender, culture, or even religion, are afforded the opportunity to learn more about the institution of slavery and its vestiges so that we may understand this tragic aspect of history.

While we cannot unlive our past, it is hoped that this commission will promote greater tolerance and understanding among all Americans, while shedding light on the fact that slavery still exists in the modern world. Yes, even 200 years after the transatlantic slave trade was abolished, slavery still goes on. It exists through human trafficking and wherever any group of people is systematically robbed of its fundamental human rights.

So I stand in support of H.R. 3432, in the hopes that this commission will help Americans confront the past with honesty, while committing themselves to the eradication of modern-day slavery in all of its forms, no matter where it may be found.

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

Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize a longtime community leader in southeast Texas. Ms. Fabiola Small has worn many distinguished hats throughout her lifetime, including co-chair of the Port Arthur Weed and Seed; founder of Love People, Inc.; founder of the Port Arthur, Texas Juneteenth Pageant; president of Woodmen of the World, Lodge 6192 and Youth Lodge 4640; president of Texas Senior Citizens Association; and board member of Tekoa Academy Charter School.

``Ms. Fab'' selflessly volunteers her time at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Sports Section, and delivers meals to the young and the elderly. She has received countless awards, including the 2006 Woodmen of the World Insurance Society; 2006 Fraternalist of the Year; MVP of the National Fraternal Congress of America; 2006 Women's History, Builders of Communities & Dreams; 2007 MVP of the U.S. Congress, and 2007 Juneteenth Trailblazer.

Ms. Small is the first African American to be recognized as the National and International Fraternalist of the Year. An award presented to fraternalists who provide outstanding volunteer service in his or her community, and excellent leadership in his or her local chapter throughout the past year. Ms. Small's volunteerism even caught the attention of Southern Living Magazine, who will feature her in an upcoming issue.

Ms. Small has dedicated her time and energy to the Golden Triangle for most of her life. Her selfless acts of kindness, devotion, and compassion for others are a true testament to her character. With 4 children, 18 children that she has taken under her wings, 22 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, ``Ms. Fab'' is an inspiration to others, setting a great example for all to follow.

On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I applaud Ms. Fabiola Small on her outstanding achievements. She has helped make our world a better place to live, and I applaud her unwavering service and dedication to the community.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, the Texas State University System (TSUS) recently announced the establishment of the TSUS Regents' Professor Award to honor outstanding performance and contributions of its professors.

These ``stars of academia'' bring attention to their campuses through their distinguished teaching, accomplishments in research, scholarly activities, service at the local, state, and national levels, and commitment to their colleges and universities.

On August 16, 2007, Dr. Thomas C. Ho, a Lamar University Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department was one of six outstanding faculty members to be recognized as the first recipients of the Regents' Professor Award.

Dr. Ho has had a 25-year long teaching career at Lamar University. He, shapes his students through his unique and challenging

teaching methods and projects. His exceptional student evaluations attest to his commitment to their success, and their appreciation of his efforts.

As a member of the AIChE Fluidization Committee, and ASME Industrial Waste Committee, Dr. Ho has received numerous teaching awards, including the Amoco Teaching Excellence Award, the Lamar University Teaching Bonus Award, and the Certificate of Recognition awarded by the International Incineration Conference.

With expertise in thermal treatment of hazardous and industrial wastes, fluidization and fluidized bed combustion & incineration, metals and sulfur emission control, mercury sorption and desorption on sorbents, it is obvious why he received the International Incineration Conference's Outstanding Service Award four times.

Dr. Ho currently has active research projects in metal capture by sorbents during fluidized bed technology for metal emissions control; development of two-state fluidized bed technology for metal emissions control; sorbent technology for multipollutant air emissions control; and statistical study of PM-10, PM-2.5, and PM-1.0

Dr. Ho also has illustrative papers and presentations on metal capture during fluidized bed incineration wastes contaminated with lead chloride; metal behavior during fluidized bed thermal treatment of soil; and adsorption and desorption of mercury on sorbents at elevated temperatures.

Dr. Ho's passion for students, his research projects and publications, and contributions to professional societies earned him this top honor. I am proud to recognize his contributions in the Second Congressional District.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, Oakland Airport officials might as well put a sign: ``Welcome to Oakland, but no U.S. military allowed here.''

It seems that over 200 marines from the combat fields of Iraq flew into Oakland, California, and were not allowed to deplane into the airport. They were forced off the plane between two runways and had to sit in the grass for 3 hours while waiting to fly to Hawaii. The troops had flown from Iraq via Kuwait, Germany, and JFK Airport. They had already been completely screened by Customs and TSA at JFK, but the officials at Oakland Airport wouldn't let them into the terminal.

One marine said no explanation was ever given. Interestingly enough, reports say this not the first time Oakland banned the U.S. military from its airport.

Most airports welcome our returning troops with patriotism, cheers, flags and enthusiastic applause. But not in Oakland. They should be ashamed. They should apologize to each marine, and Congress needs to find out why the marines were treated so poorly and even consider prohibiting Federal funds from going to this airport if it is shown that the airport is antimilitary.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, under the bright sun and blue sky of the Texas Sunday afternoon, American flags flew in the silent breeze over thousands of quiet marble uniform tombstones in the Houston National Cemetery. This is where Texans bury their war dead, men and women who go off to war for America.

In the center of the immaculately kept cemetery, a tribute of sacrifice was being made to the living: Those mothers who lost their children in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mothers of Texas who gave their children that died in their youth so the rest of us could live in safety were honored on this Gold Star Mothers' Day.

I was present along with Congressman Gene Green and Congressman Nick Lampson and Congressman Kevin Brady to honor these special ladies. We, like those present, were emotionally affected.

Gold Star Moms are what we call them, is a mother who lost a child in combat. This concept started in World War II when Grace Seibold learned on Christmas Eve 1918 that her aviator son was killed in aerial combat in France. Grace Seibold directed her grief and sorrow to helping wounded doughboys in local D.C. hospitals. She formed the Gold Star Mothers to give support for other such moms.

During World War I, if a son had gone off to war in the War to End All Wars, as it was called, a banner was hung in front of the home in the window for each son in the military. This banner had a blue star in the center of it. If the son was killed, a gold star was superimposed over the blue one.

During World War II, my Grandmother Poe hung such a banner with a blue star in the front window of her home in the country. My dad went off to war when he was just 18. When my grandmother died, it was one of the few items she had saved. That banner never had to have a gold star placed on it because my dad returned safely.

Madam Speaker, here is a banner of a Gold Star Mother. It has the name of the soldier that was killed, William

Amundson, Jr. He was killed in Afghanistan. He was from Woodlands, Texas. He was a corporal in the United States Army.

The blue star banners are very similar to this except in the middle there is a blue star rather than a gold star. And when that son or daughter is killed in combat, the gold star is superimposed over the blue one. These banners have been carried throughout all of America's wars since World War I and applies to sons and daughters killed in war.

So yesterday these mothers of the fallen were there. And standing guard around them were the Patriot Guard motorcycle members, rugged Vietnam veterans who escort the fallen to this cemetery for burial. There was a 21-gun salute. Then after all of the speeches, these women were given yellow roses from Texas and the buglers played Taps for the fallen.

Madam Speaker, as a father of four, I can think of nothing worse than to lose one of my own kids. No parent wants their son or daughter killed in unknown foreign lands. No parent wants their child to predecease them, and no parent wants their child to die in their youth. But it happens, and the grief can only be understood by other such parents.

As Congressman Green said yesterday, ``Even the greatest heart surgeon in the world, Dr. Michael DeBakey, cannot repair such a broken heart of a mother like this.''

Mothers are special, especially the mothers of those who wear the American uniform. Those who keep statistics on the last words of soldiers say more often than not that the dying words of many soldiers in combat is, ``Mother, mother.''

It seems to me the strongest bond in all of creation is the bond between a mother and her child. The good Lord made it that way on purpose, and when that bond is broken by the loss of a child, that wound just never heals.

Madam Speaker, one out of every nine people in the military is from the State of Texas, and about 400 Texans, 10 percent of the total killed of 4,000, have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet sons and daughters throughout America continue to join our military knowing that they will no doubt go into the desert of the sun and the valley of the gun, and they leave behind their parents, their mothers.

So as we show honor and respect to America's children who serve, let us show American compassion and ultimate gratitude for the mothers of those troops who display the Gold Star sacrifice from their windows. And the next time we pass a house with one of these gold stars, one of these 4,000 throughout the United States, and they are being displayed in the window, maybe we should stop and say a prayer and say ``thank you'' because of that special mother who gave that child for the rest of us.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, Yvette Cade is an inspiring survivor of domestic violence. The justice system failed her. In 2005, Yvette sought protection from her estranged husband. Already a victim of domestic violence, Yvette had a restraining order against her estranged husband, but it was set to expire. Yvette turned to the courts for help. She personally asked District Judge Richard Palumbo to extend the restraining order. Judge Palumbo said no; he refused to extend the order. Judge Palumbo went so far as to make fun of Yvette for seeking a protective order. When Yvette, who represented herself without a lawyer, told Palumbo that she wanted ``an immediate, absolute divorce,'' Judge Palumbo replied, ``I'd like to be six-foot-five, but that's not what we do here.'' Judge Palumbo likened other domestic violence victims to buses that come along every 10 minutes. Judge Palumbo then dismissed Yvette's assault case against her estranged husband. Two weeks later, Yvette's fears of further abuse were realized when her estranged husband walked into her workplace, doused her with gasoline, struck a match, and set her on fire.

Yvette Cade survived the third-degree burns across sixty-percent of her body. She underwent several surgeries and still has more surgeries in her future. As a victim, survivor, and advocate, Yvette Cade is an inspiring voice for all domestic violence victims. She is a reminder of the staggering statistics on domestic violence victims in America and the injustices that victims face on an all too-often basis.

Yvette Cade triumphed over tragedy. To recognize her remarkable spirit and advocacy work on behalf of other victims, the Victims' Rights Caucus awarded Yvette the Eva Murillo ``Unsung Hero'' Award in April.

Domestic violence victims need a voice so that they too can become survivors. That is why I sponsored H. Res. 590 to declare October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is appropriate that this House pass this legislation unanimously.

With more awareness of domestic violence, more action can be taken. We owe it to good people like Yvette Cade. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Bruce Hammond came to Washington, DC yesterday. He traveled here with the Twilight Wish Foundation to have his lifetime desire to see the World War II Memorial granted.

Bruce Hammond was an 18-year-old drafted right out of high school in 1944. He served honorably in the United States Army in Europe. Hammond, from Cleveland, Texas, had his wish fulfilled through the Twilight Wish Foundation. The mission of this foundation is to demonstrate care and respect for seniors in America. It grants wishes for seniors on fixed incomes who are below the poverty level. Some wishes are as simple as supplying a hearing aid.

Hammond wanted to see our country's tribute to World War II veterans. Corporal Hammond spent most of yesterday at the Memorial with his sons in solemn tribute and reflection of his buddies back in World War II.

I commend the Twilight Foundation for working to honor our seniors, and we shall always remember our Greatest Generation and their sacrifice and service to this country.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Americans have a right to a public trial. This right dates back to the founding of this Nation, and it is based on our values of fairness and impartiality. The more open and public a trial is, the more likely that justice will occur. That's why in this country we don't have the secret STAR Chamber. This is a right reserved for defendants, but the public also sees it as their right to be informed. Cameras enhance the concept of fairness and openness.

Any American could walk into a courtroom and observe that proceeding. But if a person does not physically sit inside that courtroom, that person is denied the ability to see and observe the proceedings. This doesn't make any sense.

Placing a camera in a courtroom would allow the trial to be more public, more just, just like a trial is supposed to be. While Federal court hearings are open to the public, not everyone can actually attend Federal hearings. This is certainly true of appellate and Supreme Court hearings. And because of the impact that the United States Supreme Court and its rulings have on all Americans, those proceedings especially should be filmed. It is time to allow cameras in our Federal courts, at the discretion of the Federal judge.

I personally know how important it is to make courtroom proceedings in trials accessible by camera to the public because I did it. For 22 years I served as a State felony court judge in Houston, Texas. I heard over 25,000 cases and presided over 1,000 jury trials. I was one of the first judges in the United States to allow cameras in the courtroom. I tried violent cases, corruption cases, murder cases, undercover drug cases, and numerous gang cases.

I had certain rules in place when a camera filmed in my courtroom. The media also always followed the rules that were ordered. Court TV even successfully aired an entire capital murder trial that was conducted in my courtroom. My rules were simple: No filming of sexual assault victims or children or the jury or certain witnesses such as informants. The unobtrusive camera filmed what the jury saw and what the jury heard. Nothing else.

After the trial juries even commented and liked the camera inside the courtroom because they, too, wanted the public to know what they heard instead of waiting to hear a 30-second sound bite from a newscaster, who may or may not have gotten the facts straight.

Those who oppose cameras in the courtroom argue that lawyers will play to the camera. No, Mr. Speaker, trial lawyers don't play to the camera. Lawyers play to the jury. They always have done so and always will whether a camera is present or not. I know. I played to the jury in my 8 years as a trial prosecutor.

Those who oppose cameras in the courtroom argue that it would infringe on a defendant's rights, but based on my experience, the opposite is actually true. Cameras in the courtroom actually benefit a defendant because a public trial ensures fairness. It ensures professionalism by the attorneys and the judge. A camera in the courtroom protects a defendant's right to that public trial.

And some members of the bar and judges may not want the public to see what is going on inside the courtroom because, frankly, they don't want the public to know what they are actually doing in the courtroom. Maybe these people shouldn't be doing what they are doing if they don't want the public to know by seeing their actions through a camera. A camera reveals the action of all participants in a trial.

If a judge fears that any trial participant's safety is in jeopardy or that the identity of an undercover agent or security personnel will be revealed by filming, the judge can refuse to have that camera in the courtroom and film that trial. I know how it is when you have certain undercover agents such as the DEA and informants testify. I had them testify in my courtroom, and we took the precautions to secure their identity.

Mr. Speaker, I am no law school academic, but I have 30 years experience as a trial prosecutor and a trial judge. And based on those real experiences, cameras should be allowed in our courts.

The public has a right to watch courtroom proceedings and trials in person. America should not be deprived of this right to know just because they cannot physically sit inside the courtroom during those trials.

We have the best justice system in the world. We should not hide it. Many times citizens wonder why certain things happen in courts and why the results turned out the way they did. Openness, transparency, and cameras will help educate and inform a public that still continues to be enthralled with the greatest court system in the world.

And that's just the way it is.