Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to join with 18 of my colleagues, including the entire congressional delegation of Alabama, in introducing legislation aimed at honoring the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform by greatly enhancing military combat death benefits. My legislation is also needed to ensure that military families are properly compensated in the event of the loss of a loved one in combat.

The nearly 170,000 American military personnel in harm's way in Afghanistan and Iraq are there to defend our nation's freedom and security. Their service is vital to the long term protection of our land and they must know that their government and fellow citizens are fully behind their efforts. I believe one of the best ways to demonstrate this support for our military is to provide them with the peace of mind that if they should lose their lives in combat their families will receive adequate death benefits.

The need to improve military combat death benefits is not new to Congress. In 2003 and 2004, enhancements were made to these benefits as part of the annual Defense Authorization bills. For example, the military combat death benefit was increased from $6,000 to $12,000 and Congress directed the Pentagon to study the feasibility of increasing Servicemen's Group Life Insurance maximum coverage to $350,000 with the military covering the first $100,000 of insurance for service members who purchase the maximum benefit. However, that's simply not generous enough.

I do not believe these benefits adequately compensate military families, nor do they send a strong enough message to our military personnel that their government will honor their sacrifice by providing proper benefits in the event of their death in combat.

My bill, known as the Honoring Every Requirement of Exemplary Service (HEROES) Act, would increase the military gratuity death benefit from the present $12,000 to $100,000. Furthermore, it would also increase the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance maximum coverage from the current $250,000 to $400,000 with the first $150,000 in coverage guaranteed by the Department of Defense once a soldier is deployed into combat.

What's more, the HEROES Act would make retroactive payments of $238,000 to the families of those military personnel who've already lost their lives in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. This amount is equal to the $88,000 increase in the death gratuity payment as well as the $150,000 insurance coverage benefit boost. These enhanced benefits would apply to military personnel losing their lives in combat as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

In closing, I would urge quick adoption of this measure in order to give our military personnel and their families greater comfort as they are called upon to defend America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Army PV2 Justin Ray Yoemans of Eufaula, Alabama, who lost his life November 6 while defending our nation.

Private Yoemans was manning his gun position when his Humvee encountered a roadside bomb during a street patrol of Baghdad, Iraq. According to military accounts, Private Yoemans gave his life to protect his fellow soldiers. His was posthumously awarded a total of five military medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Private Yoemans, who was assigned to the Fourth Battalion, Fifth Air Defense Artillery at Fort Hood, Texas, gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country at the age of 20. His family and friends describe him as a loving son and a patriot who was proud to serve in the military.

I cannot express the proper words to console his family at the loss of their beloved son. However, I do wish to convey that America shares in your grief as we struggle together to protect our homeland from terrorism.

Private Yoemans loved life and was described by his younger sister as ``a little boy inside a great man.'' America is fortunate to have such ``great men'' standing up for the cause of freedom. His valor and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Army PV2 Justin Ray Yoemans of Eufaula, Alabama, who lost his life November 6 while defending our Nation.

Private Yoemans was manning his gun position when his Humvee encountered a roadside bomb during a street patrol of Baghdad, Iraq. According to military accounts, Private Yoemans gave his life to protect his fellow soldiers. He was posthumously awarded a total of five military medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Private Yoemans, who was assigned to the Fourth Battalion, Fifth Air Defense Artillery at Fort Hood, Texas, gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country at the age of 20. His family and friends describe him as a loving son and a patriot who was proud to serve in the military.

I cannot express the proper words to console his family at the loss of their beloved son. However, I do wish to convey that America shares in your grief as we struggle together to protect our homeland from terrorism.

Private Yoemans loved life and was described by his younger sister as ``a little boy inside a great man.'' America is fortunate to have such ``great men'' standing up for the cause of freedom. His valor and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to shine the spotlight on an exemplary Alabamian and resident of the Second Congressional District, Mr. John H. Watson of Dothan, who is being inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame October 7th.

John Watson is well known in the Wiregrass of Southeast Alabama where his name is synonymous with hard work and business success. His life reads like a classic American success story. He started early his tradition of entrepreneurship by delivering ice and performing carpentry while still in grade school in the 1950's.

John was the first person in his family to attend college. He turned down a scholarship at the University of Alabama in order to avail himself of the superior engineering program at rival Auburn University. He graduated in 1960 with a degree in engineering, putting it to work almost immediately for Uncle Sam as a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He proudly served as a second lieutenant in 1961 and 1962 during the Berlin Crisis.

John returned to Dothan and civilian life with his wife, Gail, to set up their home. John quickly made a name for himself as self-starter by joining the staff of Smith's Incorporated of Dothan--the largest mechanical contracting firm in the area. As an engineer, John did what he always did by putting 200 percent into his work. Within four years, he became president of the company at the age of 28. Soon after, he and two fellow employees bought the company.

This success would crown many people's business careers, but not John's. He was just getting started. First, he continued to build and expand Smith's, Inc. to weather future market trends. He then labored to help build a number of other substantial firms including Engineered Systems, Inc., Higgins Electric, Inc., Aladan, Inc., USA Yeast, Inc., South Alabama Brick Company; Southeastern Commercial Financial, LLC, and Twitchell, Inc. He also serves on the board of directors of Regional Financial Corporation.

John's ability to lead is not limited to the business area as he was called to serve as a past member and Chairman of the Alabama Ethics Commission in addition to his many Southeast Alabama volunteer efforts.

I congratulate John in his induction and wish him the very best as he continues to create jobs, serve our community, and inspire future business leaders.

Mr. Speaker, on October 10, the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan celebrate their national day. I join with my colleagues here in the House in congratulating them on this solemn and happy occasion.

The United States and Taiwan have a long history of friendship and a tradition of democracy which bind our two nations. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Taiwan and America, our economic, political, and military ties are strong and continue to grow.

For decades, the freedom and individual rights afforded to Taiwan's citizens have shown as a beacon in the darkness to the millions of oppressed Chinese citizens across the Taiwan Straits. Taiwan is a model for the mainland on many fronts, from its growing democracy to its robust economy.

I am proud to say that the United States has always been an uncompromising partner with Taiwan, making sure that our ally has the means to defend its democracy in the event of attack from mainland China. While peace in the Taiwan Straits has been fragile at times, the people of Taiwan continue to stand tall and firmly committed to their freedom.

I salute their courage and strength and know that the American people join with them in celebrating this important anniversary of liberty and democracy in East Asia.

Mr. Speaker, on the two-year anniversary of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, it is worth noting that this country has seen an increase in consumer and investor confidence, and a significant market recovery. Corporate scandals and plunging stock prices forced Congress to pass the most sweeping regulation of corporate activity since the 1930s, when the SEC was created.

Many positive developments have resulted from the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley, however more can be done. I fear that we have not seen the last of the corporate abuse exhibited by the Enrons and Worldcoms of the world, especially with regard to the raiding of pension funds.

I am concerned about a growing number of corporate executives in America who are less than fully accountable to their shareholders or employees. Some continue to demand and receive outrageous salaries and perks while their companies flounder. In some cases, these executives face civil and criminal investigations for fraud and corruption.

The current environment under which Corporate America pays its executives allows for minimal, if any, input by the shareholders. Oftentimes their will is often suppressed, as was the case with Alcoa Inc. in 2003 when the board of directors rejected a proposal approved by the majority of shareholders that urged the board of directors to seek shareholder approval for future severance agreements with senior executives. Boards of directors continue to reward their executives with outrageous retirement packages regardless of the company's performance. Not only is the discrepancy between pay and performance a problem, but the fact that the disclosure to shareholders comes months after the payments is also troubling.

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. Yet, these corporate `rock stars' ride off with their 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.

Today, I have introduced legislation to require an advance disclosure to a company's shareholders upon the creation or increase in special retirement plans for executives. This could bring desperately needed transparency to the boardroom. Under current law, benefits payable under these plans are not considered reportable compensation, which is why this disclosure is necessary. This would allow shareholders to be proactive in determining whether or not their CEO deserves the millions he or she is getting paid.

I understand that this is a departure from the typical form of disclosure, however I believe the current environment under which Corporate America operates needs to change. We must improve investor confidence, and advance disclosure of excessive corporate compensation will move us in that direction.

Mr. Speaker, I want to also start by recognizing the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), our chairman, an old-time friend of mine and I think probably the most patient chairman I have ever served with in my 12 years in Congress. His skill in leading this committee has been outstanding.

And we have the contributions also of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton).

I rise in support of the conference report to accompany the fiscal year 2005 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation supports the administration's objective while making significant improvements to the budget request. The gentleman from California's (Chairman Hunter) theme of supporting the warfighter is retained throughout the entire measure. Moreover, our national security investment must continue the development of transformational capabilities of future systems, and this conference report meets that goal.

In the area of military space, the Department of Defense has embraced the benefits space provides to our warfighter. Unfortunately, DOD has experienced significant trouble on several high-priority programs. I look forward to working with DOD to correct areas of concern and ensure their success for the future.

However, I am equally concerned over our congressional actions that have cut Space-Based Radar and Transformational Communication Satellites to anemic levels. This cannot continue if we are to be serious about moving to the future and continuing the transformation of our combat operations.

Within Atomic Energy Defense Activities, the bill funds the National Nuclear Security Administration at the budget request. The conference report includes reductions for directed stockpile work, while adding $50 million for infrastructure upgrades, much needed I might add.

The conferees have fully funded cleanup activities at $6 billion for defense site cleanup. We have taken a significant step towards resolving the waste incidental to reprocessing matter, which will allow for further cleanup to go forward at several sites across the country.

The conference report also makes substantial changes to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program administered by the Department of Energy. Specifically, this program, designed to help sick former atomic weapons workers, has been shifted from the Department of Energy to the Department of Labor. In addition, the conference report establishes Federal compensation payments to resolve long-standing problems with the lack of a willing payer under existing State Workers' Compensation.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not recognize my ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) for his contribution, and the remainder of my Members on both sides of the aisle, staffs. I think we faced some of the most difficult policy decisions in the House Committee on Armed Services, and I want to express my appreciation for their hard work in protecting this Nation's security.

Mr. Chairman, the terrorist attacks on our homeland that occurred on September 11th, 2001 changed the world forever for all Americans. The collective national loss we felt on that day is no less painful today, and ranks as one of the darkest moments in our national history. In that solemn hour, our President was rightly resolved to take the fight to the terrorists and not to stop until justice prevailed and the threat was mitigated.

Today, 3 years later, we are still very much engaged in the war on terror. Since the release of the 9/11 Commission report in July, the national media and many politicians have called for the immediate adoption of all the report's 41 recommendations, which is the path being taken by the other body. Mr. Chairman, I fear that we are moving too fast to implement a solution that does not match the problem. Moreover, election year politics are driving us to address the shortfalls between foreign and domestic intelligence by unwisely tinkering with the military. This could prove to have grave and unintended consequences to our troops currently in battle and our future military operations.

Long before the 9/11 Commission report hit bookstores and the commissioners launched their book tours, this Republican-led Congress and the Bush Administration took many measures designed to enhance our Nation's homeland security. I feel it is important to highlight these accomplishments that clearly illustrate Congress's dedication to keep our Nation safe. At an August hearing held by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Lee Hamilton admitted that a lot of progress has been made in many areas, including hurting al Qaeda and inhibiting their ability to respond, while also beefing up security here at home. In fact, it has been disclosed that our security efforts have since prevented several post 9/11 terrorist incidents.

Furthermore, we have already taken action through Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraq Freedom to eliminate safe havens for terrorists in foreign lands--including Al Qaeda's top sanctuary, Afghanistan. Additionally, we have made progress in blocking sources of weapons of mass destruction from terrorists, including the elimination of the A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation network and Libya's WMD and long-range missile programs.

On a more positive note, this legislation does encompass many of the recommendations adopted by the Committees on Armed Services and Intelligence to improve intelligence operations. This measure reforms the

intelligence community consistent with the framework established by the 9/11 Commission by creating a National Intelligence Director (NID) with substantial budget and personnel authority as well as a National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).

Specifically, the NID will have expanded statutory, budgetary, and personnel powers over the National Intelligence Program (NIP). The NIP is composed of CIA, parts of the National Security Agency (NSA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Geospatial Agency (NGA), FBI, State, and Homeland Security. This excludes the Pentagon's joint military and tactical intelligence programs, which allows the Secretary of Defense to continue to directly support the joint and tactical requirements of military intelligence. The budget authorities given to the NID were carefully crafted to preserve the ability of the Secretary of Defense to rely on these agencies to provide the best military intelligence directly to combatant commanders, which in my view makes this superior to the other proposal adopted by the other body.

Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that the 9/11 Commission did not suggest that DoD management of intelligence agencies contributed to 9/11. In fact, when testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Mr. Hamilton suggested that the military intelligence system is not broken. As such, it is imperative that we preserve the intelligence lifeline to our troops by ensuring that more bureaucracy, distance and unnecessary obstacles do not come between our troops and strategic and tactical intelligence; an increasingly critical tool in today's battlefield. Specifically, Mr. Hamilton said, ``I think the committee has helped us in understanding the importance of tactical military intelligence. And I think some of our recommendations can be refined.'' He also added, ``I think the questions that are being asked here are helpful to us and causes me to think that we need to refine some of our thinking in this very important area, and we will try to do that.''

Mr. Chairman, there are 158,000 troops currently in theater and their combatant commanders need to know they can count on the military chain of command to quickly access critical intelligence resources. As has been said before, first do no harm. The balance maintained in this bill can be literally a matter of life and death for these brave men and women serving overseas. My support of this legislation is predicated upon my strong reservations about the measure adopted by the other body, and with the hope that the provisions of H.R. 10 that I outlined will prevail in conference.

Mr. Chairman, the terrorist attacks on our homeland that occurred on September 11th, 2001 changed the world forever for all Americans. The collective national loss we felt on that day is no less painful today, and ranks as one of the darkest moments in our national history. In that solemn hour, our President was rightly resolved to take the fight to the terrorists and not to stop until justice prevailed and the threat was mitigated.

Today, three years later, we are still very much engaged in the war on terror. Since the release of the 9/11 Commission report in July, the national media and many politicians have called for the immediate adoption of all the report's 41 recommendations, which is the tact being taken by the other body. Mr. Chairman I fear that we are moving too fast to implement a solution that does not match the problem. Moreover, election year politics are driving us to address the shortfalls between foreign and domestic intelligence by unwisely tinkering with the military. This could prove to have grave and unintended consequences to our troops currently in battle and our future military operations.

Long before the 9/11 Commission report hit bookstores and the commissioners launched their book tours, this Republican-led Congress and the Bush Administration took many measures designed to enhance our nation's homeland security. I feel it is important to highlight these accomplishments that clearly illustrates Congress' dedication to keep our nation safe. At an August hearing held by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Lee Hamilton admitted that a lot of progress has been made in many areas, including hurting Al

Qaeda and inhibiting their ability to respond, while also beefing up security here at home. In fact, it has been disclosed that our security efforts have since prevented several post 9/11 terrorist incidents.

Furthermore, we have already taken action through Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom to eliminate safe havens for terrorists in foreign lands--including Al Qaeda's top sanctuary, Afghanistan. Additionally, we have made progress in blocking sources of weapons of mass destruction from terrorists, including the elimination of the A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation network and Libya's WMD and long-range missile programs.

On a more positive note, this legislation does encompass many of the recommendations adopted by the Committees on Armed Services and Intelligence to improve intelligence operations. This measure reforms the intelligence community consistent with the framework established by the 9/11 Commission by creating a National Intelligence Director (NID) with substantial budget and personnel authority as well as a National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).

Specifically, the NID will have expanded statutory, budgetary, and personnel powers over the National Intelligence Program (NIP). The NIP is composed of CIA, parts of the National Security Agency (NSA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Geospatial Agency (NGA), FBI, State and Homeland Security. This excludes the Pentagon's joint military and tactical intelligence programs, which allows the Secretary of Defense to continue to directly support the joint and tactical requirements of military intelligence. The budget authorities given to the NID were carefully crafted to preserve the ability of the Secretary of Defense to rely on these agencies to the best military intelligence directly to combatant commanders, which in my view makes it superior to the other proposal adopted by the other body.

Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that the 9/11 Commission did not suggest that DoD management of intelligence agencies contributed to 9/11. In fact, when testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Mr. Hamilton suggested that the military intelligence support is not broken. As such, it is imperative that we preserve the intelligence lifeline to our troops by ensuring that more bureaucracy, distance and unnecessary obstacles do not come between our troops and strategic and tactical intelligence; an increasingly critical tool in today's battlefield. Specifically, Mr. Hamilton said, ``I think the committee has helped us in understanding the importance of tactical military intelligence. And I think some of our recommendations can be refined.'' He also added, ``I think the questions that are being asked here are helpful to us and causes me to think that we need to refine some of our thinking in this very important area, and we will try to do that.

Mr. Chairman, there are 158,000 troops currently in theater and their combatant commanders need to know they can count on the military chain of command to quickly access critical intelligence resources. As has been said before, first do no harm. The balance maintained in this bill can be literally a matter of life and death for these brave men and women serving overseas. My support of this legislation is predicated upon my strong reservations about the measure adopted by the other body and with the hope that the provisions of H.R. 10 that I outlined will prevail in conference.

Mr. Speaker, 3 years have passed since terrorists declared war on the United States by launching 4 horrific attacks on our homeland, murdering nearly 3,000 persons. Our Nation, under the leadership of a determined President and a united Congress, quickly summoned the courage to not only bring the terrorists to justice, but to make it tougher for them to attack us again.

The collective national loss we felt on September 11, 2001 is no less painful today. How can any American alive and old enough to grasp the tragedy as it unfolded 3 years ago ever forget the rapid fall of the World Trade Center towers, the smoke billowing out of the Pentagon, or the 4 civilian jetliners that were deliberately brought to their destruction?

In that solemn hour, our President rightly resolved to take the fight to the terrorists and not to stop until justice prevailed. Here we are, 3 years later and still very much in the war on terror. What is remarkable to me is not that America is still waging the battle to keep our communities safe from future terrorist attack, but that some politicians actually question our motives and even appear willing to lower our guard if given the chance. Such shortsightedness on their part is not only naive, but downright dangerous.

9/11 was not only an attack on America, but upon the free people of the world. In the months that followed, President Bush declared that terrorists and the countries that sponsored them would be considered our enemies and we would take military action against them if necessary. After the brutal Taliban regime of Afghanistan refused to turn over their Al Qaeda guests and close their training camps, the United States forced them from power and made Afghanistan an ally against terrorism.

Iraq's Saddam Hussein did not believe the United States was serious about holding his government accountable for its weapons deception and support of terrorism. He was wrong. He was also swept from power and his nation's capability to aid terrorism has been halted. Pakistan and Libya are also cooperating with the United States in ending the risk of weapons of mass destruction falling into terrorist hands.

Today, American troops remain in Afghanistan and Iraq where there is still work to be done before the new governments of these nations can assume total control of their own security. We are also on guard here at home, tightening security to reduce the likelihood that terrorists can again attack innocent civilians. For sure, terrorists have tried to conduct more attacks since 9/11, only to be stopped by measures already in place. More can and will be done to improve our homeland security.

The terrible events of 9/11 changed our world. Despite some politicians' refusal to accept it, these acts of terrorism were a declaration of war against our society by those who fear nothing but brute force. If we want our children to enjoy a safer life, we must be committed to stand up to terrorists and stop them before they can attack us. If we do otherwise, we will surely invite future 9/11s.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a community newspaper in my congressional district celebrating 75 years in business. The Eufaula Tribune recently marked its anniversary by announcing a new publisher, Jack Smith, who was the associate publisher, editor, and son of long-time publisher and owner, Joel P. Smith, Sr.

For three quarters of a century, The Tribune has consistently educated, challenged, and supported the community of Eufaula with weekly, professional reporting. In an age of mass media and corporate take-over, this family-owned paper has remained a cornerstone of its community and a refreshing splash of local color. In fact, the Tribune has not only garnered a loyal readership, but has netted 14 awards from the Alabama Press Association.

Since 1958, Joel Smith has devoted his time, energy, and verbal craftsmanship to the Tribune. At the same time, he and his wife, Ann, a columnist and reporter for the Tribune, have raised three boys, balancing healthy community life with critical reporting. Joel's 46 years of endurance and commitment to his paper and his hometown are worth commending.

Jack began working for the Tribune at age 10 and is now an experienced and educated writer, editor, and publisher. Succeeding as publisher while raising his own young family in Eufaula, Jack promises continued excellence for the family-oriented community newspaper, saying ``my goal is to become the best community newspaper in Alabama.''

Mr. Speaker, I have a special appreciation for the contributions and the difficulties of running a newspaper in a small town. I, myself, owned and published a few different community newspapers in Alabama for over 30 years. It is a challenging and rewarding business and one of the noblest callings in public service.

The Eufaula Tribune has kept Eufaula, Alabama a vibrant, thinking, and informed community for 75 years. I salute this outstanding achievement.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time.

I rise to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

For the past 3 years, the committee and Congress have supported funding for the Tri-States Joint Peanut Research project between Auburn University, the University of Florida, and the University of Georgia. In the past this project has focused on a sod-based rotation with peanuts, cotton, and other row crops.

This year the project was renamed the Tri-States Initiative to incorporate fruits, nut crops, and vegetables in the rotation. This created some confusion and was unfortunately viewed as a new start and subsequently received no funding. As the gentleman is aware, producers in southern States face the problem of compacted soils, which can be greatly improved with the use of proper crop rotation. This research would allow southeastern producers to make informed decisions on how to diversify their operations while increasing farm profitability and improving soil characteristics.

The Tri-States Initiative is a reasonable extension of a previously funded project. Since the project was viewed as a new start, I ask the chairman to be supportive of restoring the fiscal year 2004 funding for the project in conference.

I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the chairman for his response, and I appreciate his willingness to work with me in conference to restore this important program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a distinguished citizen and friend to many in my Congressional District, Mr. Clifford Barnett Crowley, who passed away on July 6 of an extended illness at the age of 92.

Mr. Crowley was a native of Houston County, Alabama where he and his wife, Donnie Vernell Wilkinson, established a family farm. Crowley was well known for his ingenuity and keen ability to adjust to change in agriculture. This skill earned him state wide distinction as Alabama Peanut Farmer of the Year in 1969 and 1970.

Crowley was an active member of Pine Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Dothan, serving as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and trustee. He was also much beloved for his participation in a local musical group which entertained fellow seniors, family and friends.

I offer my condolences to Mr. Crowley's wife and extended family. We have lost a valued and much respected member of our community.

Mr. Chairman. I rise today in support of this legislation, but as chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee on Armed Services, I must express my concerns about some of the funding levels for important National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) programs that are authorized within my subcommittee. The Fiscal Year 2005 Energy and Water Appropriations bill provides no funds for the robust nuclear earth penetrator (RNEP), advanced concepts, modern pit facility, nor enhanced test readiness. The Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization bill, which passed this House overwhelmingly just weeks ago, fully funded the President's request for these important initiatives. Furthermore, this elimination of funding for these programs jeopardizes our country's ability to respond to future national security threats, as pointed out in the Statement of Administration Policy. I now include that complete Statement of Administration in this Record.

Of particular concern to me is the $27.6 million authorized in the House-passed bill for RNEP would support the Air Force-led study concerning the feasibility of modifying an existing nuclear weapon to destroy what are known as hardened and deeply buried targets. It has long been recognized that these hardened targets are increasingly being used by potential adversaries to conceal and protect leadership, command and control, weapons of mass destruction, and ballistic missiles. I believe it is imperative that we finish this review as part of a larger effort to ensure that we further our technological edge.

Critics of RNEP say that they are not convinced that this money will only fund a study. This simply is not the case. This funding does not authorize the production of any weapons. In fact, Section 3117 of Fiscal Year 2004 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 108- 136) clearly states and I quote, ``The Secretary of Energy may not commence the engineering development phase (phase 6.3) of the nuclear weapons development process, or any subsequent phase, of a Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator weapon unless specifically authorized by Congress.''

Opponents also point to the NNSA Future Years Security Plan inclusion of $484.7 million for RNEP in the future. This budget estimation is required by congressional direction, and represents a placeholder should Congress and the President decide to go any further than a study. Without the placeholders by both NNSA and the Department of Defense (DoD) in the out year budgets, if authorized, the start of the RNEP's next phase would be delayed until funding was appropriated. This would nullify the schedule and cost estimates and require the costing and schedule to be redone causing additional taxpayer cost. Moreover, by the statute cited earlier, these funds could not be used for anything other than basic research without subsequent approval by Congress.

Although I plan to support this legislation, as chairman of the subcommittee of jurisdiction, I felt it necessary to set the record straight concerning this program, and I am hopeful that the House/ Senate conference will provide a reasonable level of funding for these programs.

Statement of Administration Policy

The Administration supports House passage of the FY 2005

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.

The President supports a discretionary spending total of

not more than $819 billion, in addition to the $2.5 billion

in advance appropriations for Project BioShield, consistent

with his FY 2005 Budget. The President's Budget

responsibility holds the growth in total discretionary

spending to less than four percent and the growth in non-

security spending to less than one percent, while providing

the critical resources needed for our Nation's highest

priorities: fighting the War on Terror, strengthening our

homeland defenses, and sustaining the momentum of our

economic recovery.

Consistent with the need for responsible spending

restraint, the Administration urges the Congress to fully

fund unavoidable obligations and not to include any emergency

funding, including contingent emergencies, unless mutually

agreed upon in advance by both the Congress and the

Administration. Within this context, the Administration urges

the House to fully fund Presidential priorities, such as the

Nuclear Waste Repository at Yucca Mountain, NV and the

Hydrogen Fuel initiative.

The Administration is pleased that the Committee-reported

bill is consistent with the overall $819 billion

discretionary total and looks forward to working with the

House to address the following concerns.

administration priorities

Nuclear Waste Repository. It is vital to secure nuclear

waste now scattered at 126 sites in 39 States in one

appropriate underground facility. Further delay increases the

costs and security risk of storing materials at these various

sites. Therefore, it is imperative that the Department of

Energy (DOE) have the necessary resources for licensing and

constructing the repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The

President's Budget contains a proposal to facilitate the

long-term financing for this project and the Energy and

Commerce Committee has reported a bill consistent with the

proposal. We strongly urge the House to adopt this financing

proposal and will continue to work with the Congress to

ensure its enactment.

Hydrogen Fuel Initiative. The Administration strongly urges

the House to fund the President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative,

which will reduce the Nation's dependence on foreign oil and

provide cleaner air. The Committee's $31 million reduction

for fuel cell technologies should be restored by redirecting

funds from the Corps of Engineers, which is funded well above

the President's request.

National Security. The Administration strongly opposes the

elimination of funding for the Advanced Concepts Initiative,

the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator study, and planning for

the Modern Pit Facility. These reductions, if sustained,

would diminish the Nation's ability to respond to future

national security threats. Once again, this reduction could

be restored by redirecting some of the funds from the Corps

of Engineers or DOE's nuclear energy research and development

program.

army corps of engineers--civil works

The Administration commends the Committee for focusing the

Civil Works program on completing projects already under

construction and limiting new starts. These efforts are

consistent with the Administration's policy to reduce the

backlog of ongoing civil works construction projects. We urge

the House to eliminate funding and cancel balances for

projects that have low estimated economic or environmental

returns or

that are outside the Corps main mission, as requested.

We urge the House to restore funding that is necessary to

sustain operations on four nationally significant Corps

projects: $18 million for Columbia River fish recovery to

comply with a biological opinion pursuant to the Endangered

Species Act (ESA); $12 million to revitalize the side

channels of the Upper Mississippi River; $8 million for

Everglades Restoration; and $51 million to improve Missouri

River habitat and support continued operation of the river in

compliance with the ESA. We also request that the House

restore $10 million to the Regulatory Program to avoid delays

in the permitting process and ensure effective enforcement.

Department of Energy

The Administration strongly opposes reductions to the

National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA)

Nonproliferation programs to eliminate weapons-grade

plutonium production in Russia and to dispose of 68 metric

tons of surplus weapons-usable plutonium in the Russian

Federation and the United States. The proposed reductions

could delay the programs and escalate their costs, thereby

damaging critical components of the Nation's comprehensive

nonproliferation strategy.

The Administration objects to the bill's reductions to

important nuclear stockpile stewardship programs, such as the

Life Extension Programs, Directed Stockpile Work, and the

science and engineering campaigns. Furthermore, the

Committee's restrictive funding controls for the complex

Inertial Confinement Fusion National Ignition Facility

program may prevent NNSA from achieving the milestones the

Congress has directed for the program.

The Administration is concerned with the $76 million

reduction to the high-level waste proposal. The Defense

Nuclear Facilities Safety Board has recently communicated to

DOE its view that the safety consequences of delaying

radioactive waste disposition activities at the Savannah

River site are unacceptable. Moreover, the Administration and

the State of South Carolina have reached agreement on

radioactive waste disposal and underground storage tank

closure at DOE's Savannah River site. While we share the

Committee's preference for a legislative solution that

extends beyond the Savannah River site and are continuing to

pursue a consensus with all affected States on such

legislation, the funds are crucial to allowing the clean up

of the Savannah River tanks.

The Administration rejects the Committee's suggestion to

reduce spending on the International Thermonuclear

Experimental Reactor in FY 2005, as well as its shift in

funding for the Gridwise and Gridworks programs from the

Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution (OETD) to

the Office of Energy Assurance. OETD was established to

provide a single, focused organization to strengthen Federal

leadership on electricity reliability.

While we understand the need to restrain expenses for

departmental overhead, the funding reductions to the

Department Administration account in the House bill would

hinder the Secretary's ability to manage the Department.

bureau of reclamation and the central utah project

The Administration appreciates the Committee's support for

fully funding the Water 2025 Initiative and for directly

funding the Utah mitigation and conservation activities

through the Central Utah Project rather than indirectly

through the Western Area Power Administration. However, we

urge the House to include the Administration's proposal to

make a corresponding transfer of authority for project

mitigation from the Secretary of Energy to the Secretary of

the Interior.

tennessee valley authority (TVA)

The Administration is disappointed that the Committee did

not provide, as the Subcommittee did, the requested

appropriation of $9 million for TVA's Office of Inspector

General (OIG) to be derived from the TVA Fund. This proposal

would allow the OIG to conduct its duties in a more

independent manner, similar to the Inspectors General of

other Federal agencies.

constitutional concerns

Section 501 of the bill purports to limit the use of

appropriated funds by the Executive Branch in communicating

with the Congress. To the extent this provision would

preclude the President or his subordinates from initiating

communications with the Congress, it would interfere with the

Executive Branch's ability to influence congressional action

and would violate the Recommendations Clause of the

Constitution. The Administration urges the House to remove

this provision or amend it to allow normal and necessary

Executive Branch communications.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4548. Am I the only one that finds it odd that my colleagues from the other side are in the position of saying, ``Well, you know, I voted for this thing before I voted against it''? Every one of them voted for it yesterday in the Defense appropriations bill.

Nevertheless, I am proud to serve as a member of this Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and it is a distinct privilege to serve as a crossover member on the House Committee on Armed Services. This bill takes the

lead in defense intelligence and fully supports the Secretary of Defense and his initiatives to transform the Department for the future. I think we have a large, but responsible, spending plan here, including the contingent emergency reserve fund; and the challenge will be to integrate these initiatives into baseline efforts for the purpose of fighting terrorism.

Mr. Chairman, I am disappointed, sincerely disappointed, that my friends on the other side did vote against this bill in committee. It is a sad departure from what we normally do in that committee. But it is a good bill. It properly supports intelligence.

I will submit my entire statement at this time in the Record.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4548. I am proud to serve as a member of the Intelligence Committee, and it is a distinct privilege to serve as a crossover-Member on the House Armed Services Committee. I would like to commend the Chairman, Mr. Goss, for bringing this bill to the floor at a time when it is needed most in our country's history.

H.R. 4548 addresses a critical need for the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense's architectural strategy, integration, and information sharing among classic intelligence activities (like SIGINT and IMINT) and innovative or dynamic disciplines such as Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT), and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) that is being increasingly relied on, in our current global conflicts.

This bill takes the lead in Defense Intelligence and fully supports the Secretary of Defense and his initiatives to transform the Department for the future. I think we have a large, but responsible spending plan here, including the Contingent Emergency Reserve Fund, and the challenge will be to integrate these initiatives into baseline efforts for the fight against terrorism.

Mr. Chairman, I would however, also like to express my sincere disappointment on the decision of the minority Membership of the Committee not to vote for this bill. This is a bad departure from the strong tradition of bipartisan support for this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that this bill properly supports the Intelligence Community, and provides our best and first line of defense for America. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4548.

Mr. Speaker, I insert at this point in the Record my celebration of President Ronald Reagan's life, truly a man that made a great difference in this country and this world.

Mr. Speaker, I join this House and all the American people in mourning the loss of former President Ronald Wilson Reagan. His passing is not only a sad time for America, but for all nations.

President Reagan gave hope and optimism to a world fearful of an uncertain future. He stirred forgotten emotions of patriotism at home while evoking courage in millions abroad struggling under the yolk of communism.

He helped to end the Cold War and his legacy is much in evidence today as once again a strong and patriotic America leads the world against the evil of tyranny.

Another legacy of President Reagan--one for which he was attacked by the shortsighted--was his vision of a strategic missile defense for our Nation and our allies. Thank God Ronald Reagan did not waiver in his resolve to pursue research into a missile defense for America. His unbridled determination to protect America from nuclear annihilation ultimately brought the Soviet Union to its knees.

Today, 20 years later, President Bush is leading the launch of a long-awaited missile defense system that will make America more secure from the threat of nuclear attack by a rogue nation or terrorist organization. The groundwork research and development of this

vital defense program, the Strategic Defense Initiative, was begun under President Reagan.

I am honored to chair the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces which has a direct role in the funding and oversight of this landmark missile defense system. And, I am proud to know that my subcommittee's efforts are the continuation of the promise made by Ronald Reagan to bring about a safer future for our families.

On a personal note, the people of the Second District of Alabama have a special love for Ronald Reagan. On July 10, 1986, Air Force One landed at Dothan Airport and President Reagan joined hundreds of our citizens of the Wiregrass for fried chicken and a discussion of his tax cut plan. His charm and conservative message were very warmly received. It was clear to everyone there that he hated to leave, and we hated to give him up.

Now Alabama and America must say a final farewell to our beloved former President. Frankly, I can't imagine an America without Ronald Reagan. He symbolized more completely than anyone else in modern history what we loved so much about our country. He made America `America' again and for that we will always be grateful.

On behalf of the people of the Second District of Alabama, I send my condolences to Nancy Reagan and her family. We join with the nation and the world in sharing in your grief.