Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of recently-retired Arizona Congressman Bob Stump. Bob was not only a senior statesman and a great patriot, but he was a good friend.

Bob was tough and hard working, always willing to do more than his share. The day after his sixteenth birthday, he enlisted in the Navy and later joined American forces in the World War II liberation of the Philippines and the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, he came home to attend Arizona State University and try his hand at cotton farming. His work ethic and humble nature served him well in politics.

Bob's long and distinguished career of public service spanned 40 years beginning with the Arizona State House of Representatives and Senate and ending as a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Despite becoming the ``dean'' of Arizona congressional delegation and chairing the House Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services Committees, Bob preferred a low-key style. He was often seen opening constituent mail and answering the phone.

Nevertheless, Bob was effective. No member of the House Armed Services Committee could have performed as well as he in shepherding critical funding increases for our military after nearly a decade of neglect by the Clinton Administration. The 2003 defense budget appropriately bore his name: ``The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act.''

One of the highlights of my career was serving as the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations while Bob was full chairman of the House VA Committee. Under his watch, we made great strides in overseeing the protection and well-being of the nation's 26 million veterans.

Bob was not afraid to take a stand when he knew it was in the nation's best interest. I'm reminded of the time he took to the floor to sternly defend the American flag in the face of court protection of desecration. ``Anyone who burns a flag will have to deal with me,'' he warned.

As someone who regularly joined Bob for dinner, I was aware that he was suffering health problems which led to his retirement decision last year. I, and many others in the House, will miss his friendship. My condolences go out to Bob's family, friends, and former constituents.

Mr. Speaker, it's my privilege to pay tribute today to an outstanding Army officer who is retiring this month. Brigadier General Randy Tieszen has served in various positions of responsibility throughout his 31 years of service in the United States military culminating as the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, in my congressional district.

Upon his arrival at Fort Rucker on August 7, 2001, Brigadier General Tieszen immediately immersed himself in planning, developing and resourcing Flight School XXI, the keystone of Army Aviation transformation and divesture of legacy aircraft.

The Flight School XXI program will send more qualified aviators to the field units to form their war-time mission, enhancing the effectiveness of our nation's defense and the ability of the Army to act as the vanguard of freedom. His actions have ensured that Army Aviation is ready to meet any challenges laid before it.

Brigadier General Tieszen and his wife, Kathy, have been active and highly regarded members of the local community who are leaving a lasting legacy of civic involvement and a wide circle of friends who will miss them both.

I am pleased to count myself as one of Brigadier General Tieszen's friends and, on behalf of the Congress of the United States and the people of Alabama, wish him well in the next stage of life's journey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to this motion to concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1298, the U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria Act of 2003. Although the intentions of this legislation are well placed to help stem the tide of these highly infectious diseases, I am deeply concerned about the management of these scarce Federal dollars by the UN Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Past practices of this organization leave me with little hope that these monies will be spent wisely to curtail these deadly diseases.

Notwithstanding my opposition to this bill, I hope that USAID will work closely with the Global Fund to ensure that these funds are managed properly. In the event products are needed to be procured to prevent the spread of these diseases, I strongly encourage that the U.S. Buy America Act be employed. The expenditure of Federal, taxpayer dollars should support American companies whenever possible.

Mr. Chairman, the bill reported out by the committee supports the administration's objectives while making significant improvements to the budget request. The recent conflict in Iraq dramatically demonstrated the effectiveness of emerging military technologies and at the same time validated the requirement to sustain and upgrade the Legacy Force. The committee's report strikes a balance between future investments and near-term priorities.

In the area of missile defense, the committee's bipartisan recommendation provides the full $9.1 billion requested by the administration, but shifts $282 million from longer-term and less well- defined objectives to nearer-term priorities, particularly in the area of theater missile defense. Notably, it provides $20 million for improved Patriot IFF, identification, friend or foe, to address friendly fire incidents in Iraq. It also supports the President's program to achieve an initial defensive operational capability in fiscal year 2004 by expanding the Pacific missile defense test bed.

In the area of military space, the committee's recommendation accelerates the next generation of satellite communications and navigation capabilities which have so recently allowed our military forces to act with unprecedented speed and precision. It also provides additional funds for operationally responsive space launch to shorten launch preparation times from months and years to days and weeks. Given the increasing importance of space to both the United States and potential adversaries, the committee recommends increased funding for space surveillance activities. The committee's recommendation provides for the sustainment and life extension of our strategic nuclear deterrent, which will remain a cornerstone of our national security posture for years to come.

It provides the funds necessary to ensure the Nation's enduring stockpile remains safe and reliable even as the weapons in that stockpile age well beyond their designed service lives. The committee's recommendation also funds at the budget request several programs of special interest. Specifically, this includes the robust nuclear Earth penetrator, the advanced concepts initiative, and the enhanced test readiness program. The report also contains a provision that would repeal the prohibition on low yield nuclear weapons research. These actions will allow the defense nuclear complex to better respond to new and future military requirements.

To quickly shift gears to an issue close to my heart, I am pleased to say that the committee was able to include an additional $147 million for Army aviation training to fully fund the Army's Flight School XXI program. Flight School XXI incorporates a new training syllabus derived from lessons learned from Kosovo's Task Force Hawk. Aviation students were being sent to operational units undertrained. To address this dilemma, Flight School XXI provides students with more flying hours in their ``go to war'' aircraft and calls for greater utilization of modern, state-of-the-art training simulators. Improved pilot and crew training is needed, and I firmly believe that Flight School XXI will better prepare Army aviators for real-world flying situations.

I would also like to pay tribute to my ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), for the great work he has done on these complex issues and to both the majority and the minority staffs for their long hours and hard work they put in on the issues before the subcommittee.

Mr. Chairman, the committee's recommendation addresses administration objectives, Defense Department unfunded requirements, and Member priorities. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), a member of the committee.

Mr. Chairman, how much time remains on this side?

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), a very learned member of this committee who has great knowledge on this subject.

(Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Chairman, I understand that this side has the right to close?

How much time remains on each side?

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

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

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

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

Mr. Chairman, what has not been mentioned is this takes $6 million away from the Advanced Concepts Initiative, one of our few remaining weapon systems with designers with actual test experience left. Keeping this money in there will give them time to train a new generation of designers before they retire.

Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry).

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, but I will not oppose the amendment. We will accept the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve my time.

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

Mr. Chairman, I would just simply point out, as the gentleman from Pennsylvania recognized in his statement, that the treaty does not require this actual dismantling to take place, only that they are removed from deployment.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee in saying farewell to an old friend and statesman, retiring Congressman Larry Combest of Texas.

I've known Larry since I first came to Congress and joined the Agriculture Committee in 1993 and I have the utmost respect for his continual dedication to the Nation and our farmers and ranchers.

Larry Combest's long and distinguished career has included the chairmanships of the

House Intelligence and Agriculture committees. I had the pleasure of working side by side with Chairman Combest as he forged the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.

From holding ten historic nationwide Agriculture Committee field hearings, one of which he conducted in my state of Alabama, to personally securing a $73.5 billion funding commitment from the House leadership for the new Farm Bill, Larry Combest was largely responsible for the successful passage of the landmark legislation for farmers and ranchers.

Chairman Combest's determination made it possible for the Committee to write a bipartisan, effective bill in a relatively short time and ensure its ultimate passage into law. This legislation restored a much- needed safety net to production agriculture that has been missing for too long. And when agriculture funding was under attack earlier this year, Larry Combest once again stood up for farmers by standing fast against harmful proposed budget cuts.

As we in the House say goodbye to Larry, I thank him for his service to America and wish he and his wife Sharon the very best as they pursue a future life outside of Washington.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation to improve pension security for American workers. However, I come to the floor today to express my serious concerns about the actions of some corporate decision makers, which has resulted in the sometimes criminal raiding and robbing of pension funds. I fear that we have not seen the last of the corporate malfeasance exhibited by the Enrons, Worldcoms, Global Crossings and HealthSouths. It is clear to me that consumer confidence in the American economy will not improve until corporate governance in America changes.

I am concerned about what appears to be a growing number of executives in America who do not feel they should be accountable to their shareholders or employees. Moreover, some of these same corporate executives have been walking the halls of Congress looking for a taxpayer bailout for their failing industries. The sad fact is some continue to demand and receive outrageous salaries and perks while their companies flounder and, in some cases, face civil and criminal investigations for fraud and corruption.

One of the most disturbing facts of these misguided or criminal actions by corporate leaders is that their employees see their hard- earned profit sharing plans disappear. The corporate ``rock star'' rides off with his guaranteed benefits package intact, while the workers and shareholders take it on the chin. Their investments and savings, tied to corporate growth and built up over the years, have vanished. Plans of retirement are halted, either permanently or indefinitely; and many workers find themselves forced to work in their golden years.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will do much to improve the security of private pension funds, but until the actions of corporate boardrooms reflect a new sense of responsibility and accountability to their employees and investors, consumer confidence in our economy will be a long time in coming.

Mr. Chairman, the Energy Policy Act of 2003 (H.R. 6) if a comprehensive package that balances conservation and efficiency, domestic production, research, and tax credits and incentives to promote increased development of traditional and alternative fuel sources.

The exploration for oil and natural gas in ANWR is a matter that has been hotly debated for the last two decades. However, this issue has come to the forefront due to recent high energy and gas prices, which have dramatically raised consumer concern.

This debate centers on whether the United States' interest in having a viable domestic supply of oil is worth the environmental risk of drilling in the refuge. The information we know so far is that far less than 1 percent of the 19 million acre refuge would be used for oil and gas development. In addition, improved technologies would be available, such as horizontal drilling, which allows oil to be extracted from miles around from a single point without any additional disturbance to the surface. Experts also predict that this could be the second largest supply of natural gas in America. In reference to reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil, it is predicted that the output from this field could equal thirty years of imports from Saudi Arabia or sixty years from Iraq. As a result, our national security could be strengthened and the U.S. could have more control over its vital energy supplies. As you may know, the U.S. currently spends approximately $300 million per day from petroleum from overseas, which results in roughly $100 billion per year being sent overseas and thus helping to grow economies in those countries instead of ours.

H.R. 6 represents a well balanced and long overdue national energy policy that will help our country secure the energy it needs and ensure a healthy economy into the 21st century. This measure will reduce our dependence on overseas sources of oil and create jobs here at home, while protecting our environment for future generations. I look forward to seeing this bill approved by the House and a final version signed into law so the American consumer can begin to realized the benefits.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to honor the career and the ultimate sacrifice made by my constituent, Thomas John Janis, who was killed near Florencia, Colombia on February 13th, while serving to defend his country in the war on narco-terrorism.

Thomas Janis, a native of Chicago, Illinois, was born on November 23, 1946. Tom's distinguished military career began in 1966 when he entered the Army and served as a military policeman. While serving in Korea, Tom became interested in Army Aviation, and by 1969, he graduated from the Warrant Flight Officer Program.

Tom Janis' tours of duty included serving in Vietnam, Panama, Germany, and several installations in the United States in aviation billets. Tom was an accomplished aviator with over 12,000 flight hours and had several assignments as an Instructor Pilot. After 32 years in active service to the country, Tom Janis retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 with numerous decorations for valor and service to his credit, including the Bronze Star, four Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Medal with valor, and numerous other commendations.

After leaving the U.S. military, Tom continued his service as a pilot contributing to our nation's drug interdiction and counter-terrorism efforts in South America. On February 13, Tom was piloting a Cessna Caravan on a counternarcotics mission over southern Colombia. His aircraft experienced engine failure, yet he skillfully brought it to the ground without loss of life of any brave men on board his aircraft. Tragically, the crash site was in the center of a zone controlled by FARC narco-terrorists. While seeking to reach a safe area, Tom and a Colombian military colleague were deliberately killed by FARC narco- terrorists. Tom's murder will not go unpunished and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. Appropriately, Tom was buried with full military honors earlier this week at Arlington National Cemetery.

Tom married his hometown sweetheart, Judith G. Gibaszek. As Tom's career progressed, the Janises raised four children--Christopher, Greer, Michael, and Jonathan. Tom's legacy of service lives on as two of his children are also Servicemen--Christopher is an Army Aviator, and Michael is in the Army Reserves. We all grieve Tom's loss and the entire Janis family will be in our prayers through these difficult days. Tom was one of Alabama's best and we shall truly miss him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an American hero, Chief Warrant Officer Mark S. O'Steen, of Ozark, Alabama, in my congressional district. An Army Special Forces helicopter pilot, he recently gave his life in service to our nation during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On January 30, while piloting a training mission flight in an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Mark O'Steen and three of his comrades lost their lives when their aircraft went down east of Bagram Air Force Base. Their sacrifices were not in vain.

Mark O'Steen was and remains an inspiration to all of us, living his life for God and country. Highly motivated and talented, he followed in the footsteps of his late father and older brothers in pursing a military career.

An excellent athlete, linguist, military pilot, husband, father, and son, Mark O'Steen embodied the best of Alabama and our nation. He was proud of his work and did not let the ever-present risk inherent in military service worry him.

I join our Commander-in-Chief in offering the nation's gratitude for Mark's service and

sacrifice to protect and preserve our freedoms. I also pass along my heartfelt condolences to Mark's family. This nation will be forever grateful to you.

Mr. Speaker, I will be unable to vote during the following rollcall votes this afternoon because I am departing on the Speaker's CODEL to visit our troops in the Middle East. However, if I had been present, I would have voted as indicated below.

Rollcall No. 29 (Motion to recommit H.R. 4, the Personal Responsibility, Work and Family Promotion Act of 2003, with instructions)--``nay''; rollcall No. 30 (Final Passage of H.R. 4)-- ``yea''; rollcall No. 31 (Motion to recommit H.J. Res. 2, Making Further Continuing Appropriations For The Fiscal Year 2003)--``nay''; rollcall No. 32 (Final Passage of H.J. Res. 2)--``yea''.

Mr. Speaker, I join with the whole nation and the world in mourning the loss of the seven-member crew of the space shuttle Columbia (STS-107).

My condolences go out to the families of Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William McCool, Mission Specialists David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson, Laura Clark, and Payload Special Ilan Ramon.

The flight of STS-107, seen as routine by many at its beginning, ended in tragedy on February first with the loss of the crew upon Columbia's re-entry in the earth's atmosphere as the shuttle was headed for home.

All loss of life is tragic, but it is especially painful when those who represent our best and brightest are suddenly take from us. The crew of Columbia gave their lives doing what they loved most--pushing back the boundaries of the unknown while striving to better all humankind. For certain, their mission was not in vain.

America is not finished with space. Indeed, our exploration beyond the veil of our home planet has only just begun. We owe it to the crew of Columbia, Challenger, Apollo 1, and all those who despite the risks dared to dream, to continue the beneficial programs of space exploration and experimentation.

We live in an age when the ego and excess of pampered athletes and pop idols underservedly garner the lion's share of national attention. Yet there are plenty of suitable role models for America's youth. Those who wear the uniform of this great Nation in far away lands or while orbiting hundreds of miles above our earth are ``real'' heroes.

Those who rushed the cockpit of United Airlines Flight 93 to save our Nation's Capitol from certain terrorist destruction are heroes, as are the tireless firefighters and emergency workers who labored in the wake of 9/11 to save lives and inspire our land.

Today we say farewell to seven more heroes--the men and women of space shuttle Columbia. Their contributions and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to pay tribute today to a very special American and citizen of my congressional district in Alabama. Captain Maureen A. Allen of the United States Air Force Reserve.

Captain Allen is an Air Reserve Technician Evaluator Flight Nurse assigned to the 908th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

When President Bush called our nation to join the battle against terrorism in response to the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001, Captain Allen responded. As part of her 908th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, she volunteered for a 120-day overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

As the senior medical member of her three-person crew, Captain Allen served in the position of Medical Crew Director, transporting combat and non-combat casualties resulting from operations conducted in the Afghanistan battle theater. She performed her duty of diagnosing and supervising the treating of military patients with the highest level of professionalism and skill, often in challenging environments both in the air and on the ground.

Captain Allen's patients included U.S. combat troops, Special Operations Forces, coalition and friendly forces, as well as civilian casualties and enemy prisoners of war. To be sure, it was not easy work as she and her crew lived in tented facilities and were often called upon to relocate in response to hostile threat or medical necessity.

Captain Allen, whose uncommon service to her nation has resulted in her receiving both the Air Force and Army Commendation medals, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Air Force Training Ribbon, has not escaped the notice of our President.

President Bush requested that Captain Allen sit with the First Lady during tonight's State of the Union Address here in this Chamber. Personally, I believe the President made a fine choice in honoring Captain Allen for her patriotism. I joined the rest of Alabama in expressing pride in her service beyond the call of duty to America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the service and memory of a great American and a remarkable citizen of my State of Alabama, Dr. Martha C. Myers.

On December 30, Dr. Myers and two others, William E. Koehn of Texas and Kathleen A. Gariety of Wisconsin, lost their lives in a terror attack aimed at them simply because they were American missionaries. All three were in Jibla, Yemen serving in a hospital for the poor run by the Southern Baptist Church.

Like her colleagues, Dr. Myers was thoroughly devoted to serving the Lord and believed that her life should be spent doing His work regardless of personal risk. She loved treating and caring for the poor and labored in Yemen for 24 years before she lost her life.

Americans and Christians are both a rarity in that remote Arab nation which has long been known for its lawlessness. Dr. Myers knew the danger that awaited her each day while serving in Yemen and yet she looked forward to her work as each day brought her closer to the Lord.

Last weekend, a large memorial service was held at her home church, Dalraida Baptist, in Montgomery in my congressional district. So many family, friends and fellow Alabamians turned out to honor the testimony of this remarkable Christian. Perhaps the most striking example of Dr. Myer's walk for Christ was the attendance of Yemenis at another memorial service held for her last week in Jibla, a place she loved so much that she chose to be buried there.

The Alabama Baptist newspaper reported that no less than 40,000 gathered at the missionary hospital and lined the street to pay their respects for Dr. Myers and her colleagues. ``In a country where professing faith in Jesus Christ could result in death, mourners sang `He is Lord' in Arabic and recited the Lord's Prayer,'' the paper wrote.

Our prayers go out to the families of Dr. Myers and her colleagues who died in service to their fellow man. They are a powerful example of true courage and sacrifice no matter what the cost to themselves.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.