Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate The Women's Center of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC on the 20th anniversary of its Annual Leadership Conference.

The Women's Center has been a resource for women in the workplace from its beginnings. The first Conference in 1985 was titled ``On the Job Issues for Working Women.'' Held at the Vienna Community Center, the conference addressed four related areas of professional development: career strategy; development of management skills; networking and mentoring; and work relationships. It was at this event that the Center's hallmark program, The Information and Career Advisory Network (ICAN) was introduced. ICAN makes a customized network of professionals available to each of its participants. As the number of women in management positions grew, so, too, did the scope of the Annual Conference. Recent titles included ``The Global Community of Women,'' ``The Economic Equity of Women,'' ``Caregiving in a Time of Change,'' and ``Women Leaders, Changing the Dynamic.'' With this year's Conference, ``Women in Leadership: Your Success Portfolio,'' the Women's Center continues its legacy of relevance and diversity by addressing the multiple definitions of and opportunities for leadership now available to women.

As the scope and size of the Annual Leadership Conference grew, so did the services of The Women's Center. Founded as a counseling and educational organization in 1974, the Center now offers a wide range of services and programs addressing the psychological, career, financial and legal issues of women and families. Counseling services, including group therapy and support groups, are now offered to women, couples, families and children. The Center's Information and Referral Service, which acts as a resource gateway for local human service issues, handles about 25,000 calls a year.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate The Women's Center on its comprehensive range of services and unique contribution to the

community. On the occasion of this 20th Annual Leadership Conference, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging this outstanding and distinguished organization.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Dennis W. Rowe for receiving the Black Engineer of the Year Award for professional achievement.

Dr. Rowe has mentored many children through the Reach For Tomorrow, Inc. (RFT) program. In 2000, Dr. Rowe took initiative to establish the RFT program in Prince William County, Virginia. Since the program's inception, he has worked diligently with county officials in order to obtain necessary funding for their efforts.

Through the RFT program, Dr. Rowe enables students to realize the practical applications of the subjects they are learning as well as the impact of scholastic achievement. Students spend a week in the summer focusing on career exploration, which includes time at college campuses where students are given ``hands on'' experiences in the areas of science and engineering.

Dr. Rowe encourages students to improve in three specific areas: attitude, achievement and attendance. As a result of their RTF experience, most students show a significant shift in their attitudes toward education. Dr. Rowe also encourages students to develop a resume during their high school years which highlights their participation in extracurricular activities. In addition, he encourages students to give back to their surrounding community.

Dr. Rowe has touched the lives of numerous students and educators. He should be honored and commended for his dedication to the RFT program and the surrounding community. Through his instruction and guidance, Dr. Rowe has enabled students to realize their potential and become successful adults.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rowe for his years of service and dedication to the Northern Virginia community. His contributions and efforts are noted and greatly appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, in mid January China and Taiwan agreed to allow direct flights between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan during this year's Lunar New Year holidays. This agreement was considered to be a small but important step toward a peaceful, diplomatic resolution. In this vein, it is important that the United States continue to lend help to maintain the crucial balance in relations between China and Taiwan.

In December 2004, China unveiled its plan to introduce legislation that, under certain circumstances, would permit China to legally take military action against Taiwan. Chinese officials claimed the measure was defensive in nature, and that it was in response to radical pro- independence forces in Taiwan that have reached the point of no return. Critics, however, speculate the hard line Taiwanese independence movement that China laments gets much of its oxygen from China's confrontational fervor. Additionally, Beijing denied charges of unilaterally changing the status quo and underscored the measure as an ``anti-secession law'', as opposed to a ``unification law''.

Ironically, Beijing's move seems to be breeding a popular clamor within Taiwan spawning a reactionary law in retaliation. Taipei has already begun drafting an ``anti-annexation'' law, which will likely include an immediate declaration of formal independence and mandate a referendum on any move by China to change the status quo. This type of back-and-forth exchange has the potential to yield grim ramifications on the vision of a peaceful diplomatic resolve.

While this provision may be well intentioned, I am concerned about the adverse effects it could have on the fundamental balance of relations between Taipei and Beijing. Many Taiwanese citizens perceive this law as China using its iron fist to promote its ``one country, two systems'' vision. Additionally, they have voiced their concern over the unknown particulars in the measure. For instance, how will the anti- secession law define secession? Will it simply be against a formal declaration of independence? These concerns, along with gauging the necessity of such a law, have formed a deep sense of suspicion and reluctance within the Taiwanese.

Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to accentuate my concern over the ball of yarn this ``anti-secession'' law could end up unraveling. It is important for the United States to help maintain the balance in cross-strait relations and to discourage against actions that may muddy the proverbial waters. I urge my colleagues to closely examine Beijing's initiative along with the unintended implications it could pose in severely dampening the region's stability.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wolf, and I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. As many may know, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes individuals who have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety with the prestigious Valor Award. Several members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have earned this highest honor that Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety officials.

There are several types of Valor Awards that are awarded to a public safety officer: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal of Valor. During the 27th Annual Awards Ceremony, 61 men and women from the Office of the Sheriff, Fire and Rescue Department, and the Police Department received one of the aforementioned honors for their bravery and heroism.

It is with great pride that we enter into the record the names of the recipients of the 2005 Valor Awards in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Receiving the Bronze Medal: Hazardous Materials Technician Ronald G. Bauserman II; Captain I Steven D. Clark; Hazardous Materials Technician William L. Franklin; Firefighter Rudy Iturrino; the Lifesaving Award: Captain I John E. Hart; Technician Richard N. Mitchell; Captain I Gary D. Pemberton; Public Safety Communicator III Scott N. Pierpoint; Master Technician Virgil J. Weber Jr.; the Certificate of Valor: Volunteer Captain II Thomas K. Warnock.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of the Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wolf and I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. As many may know, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes individuals who have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety with the prestigious Valor Award. Several members of the Fairfax County Police Department have earned this highest honor that Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety officials.

There are several types of Valor Awards that are awarded to a public safety officer: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal of Valor. During the 27th Annual Awards Ceremony, 61 men and women from the Office of the Sheriff, Fire and Rescue Department, and the Police Department received one of the aforementioned honors for their bravery and heroism.

It is with great pride that we enter into the Record the names of the recipients of the 2005 Valor Awards in the Fairfax County Police Department. Receiving the Lifesaving Award: Charles F. Angle; Police Officer First Class Paul A. Basham; Detective Tina L. Brook; Police Officer First Class Douglas E. Coulter; Police Officer First Class Christopher W. Edmunds; Police Officer First Class Thea M. Haddix; Police Officer First Class James F. Kirk; Sergeant Shawn C. Martin; Master Police Officer Scott F. Moskowitz; Sergeant Trafton C. Parr; Police Officer First Class Louis A. Robinson Jr., Police Officer First Class Rimothy B. Schilling; Police Officer First Class Keith W. Shook; Police Officer First Class Mark J. Smith; the Bronze Medal: Lieutenant Roger E. Arnn; Police Officer First Class Richard W. Buisch; Detective Lincoln Kieffer; Police Officer First Class Kristi D. Kiernan; Police Officer First Class Carlos M. Lama; Police Officer First Class Kirk A. McNickle; Police Officer First Class Kenyatta L. Momon; Officer Mohammed S. Oluwa; Police Officer First Class David A. Parker; Police Officer First Class Michael A. Wheeler; the Certificate of Valor: Second Lieutenant Christopher C. Cochrane; Officer Lance A. Hamilton; Police Officer First Class Jason C. Herbert; Public Safety Communicator I Kathy A. Kaehler; Sergeant Paul J. Norton III; Officer Dana L. Robinson; Police Officer First Class Vincent M. Scianna; the Silver Medal: Police Officer First Class Mark J. Kracun; Sergeant Justin P. Palenscar.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wolf and I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. As many may know, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes individuals who have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety with the prestigious Valor Award. Several members of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office have earned this highest honor that Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety officials.

There are several types of Valor Awards that are awarded to a public safety officer: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal of Valor. During the 27th Annual Awards Ceremony, 61 men and women from the Office of the Sheriff, Fire and Rescue Department, and the Police Department received one of the aforementioned honors for their bravery and heroism.

It is with great honor that we enter into the Record the names of the recipients of the 2005 Valor Awards in the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. Receiving the Certificate of Valor: Officer Dwayne Archer; Private First Class Duane A. Cohenour; the Life Saving Award: Private First Class Sharon L. Douglas; Master Deputy Sheriff Andrew B. Duvall; Private First Class Peter J. Fox; Private First Class Timothy A. Haynes; Private First Class Amy K. Lewis; Deputy Anthony A. McGhie; Private First Class Leslie A. Sheehan; Private First Class Jamilah Suarez.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 80, which recognizes the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association on the occasion of its 75th anniversary and commends the Virginia Fire Chief's Association for being an annual sponsor of the Mid-Atlantic Expo and Symposium.

Fire chiefs throughout the Nation provide decisive leadership that is key to the success of America's firefighters and first responders. The fire chief's associations in each State play a critical role in coordinating this important effort. Their members are literally on the front lines of the homeland security effort, ready to

respond in a moment's notice to crisis situations anywhere in America.

I have been able to witness the firm dedication and guidance the fire chiefs in my congressional district have provided. Unfortunately, their selfless efforts largely go unnoticed, which is why I am pleased the House is taking this opportunity to recognize the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association for their great achievements today.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Congressman Virgil Goode of my home State of Virginia for introducing this important resolution and urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)2 of Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, I hereby submit the rules of the Committee on Government Reform for the 109th Congress for publication in the Congressional Record. These rules were adopted by voice vote on February 9, 2005 at an open meeting of the Committee.

The Rules of the Committee on Government Reform

Rule 1. Application of Rules

Except where the terms ``full committee'' and

``subcommittee'' are specifically referred to, the following

rules shall apply to the Committee on Government Reform and

its subcommittees as well as to the respective chairmen.

Rule 2. Meetings

The regular meetings of the full committee shall be held on

the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., when the House

is in session. The chairman is authorized to dispense with a

regular meeting or to change the date thereof, and to call

and convene additional meetings, when circumstances warrant.

A special meeting of the committee may be requested by

members of the committee following the provisions of House

Rule XI, clause 2(c)(2). Subcommittees shall meet at the call

of the subcommittee chairmen. Every member of the committee

or the appropriate subcommittee, unless prevented by unusual

circumstances, shall be provided with a memorandum at least 3

calendar days before each meeting or hearing explaining (1)

the purpose of the meeting or hearing; and (2) the names,

titles, background and reasons for appearance of any

witnesses. The ranking minority member shall be responsible

for providing the same information on witnesses whom the

minority may request.

Rule 3. Quorums

(a) A majority of the members of the committee shall form a

quorum, except that two members shall constitute a quorum for

taking testimony and receiving evidence, and one-third of the

members shall form a quorum for taking any action other than

the reporting of a measure or recommendation. If the chairman

is not present at any meeting of the committee or

subcommittee, the ranking member of the majority party on the

committee or subcommittee who is present shall preside at

that meeting.

(b) The Chairman of the committee may, at the request of a

subcommittee chairman, make a temporary assignment of any

member of the committee to such subcommittee for the purpose

of constituting a quorum at and participating in any public

hearing by such subcommittee to be held outside of

Washington, DC. Members appointed to such temporary positions

shall not be voting members. The Chairman shall give

reasonable notice of such temporary assignment to the ranking

members of the committee and subcommittee.

Rule 4. Committee Reports

Bills and resolutions approved by the committee shall be

reported by the chairman following House Rule XIII, clauses 2

and 4.

A proposed report shall not be considered in subcommittee

or full committee unless the proposed report has been

available to the members of such subcommittee or full

committee for at least 3 calendar days (excluding Saturdays,

Sundays, and legal holidays, unless the House is in session

on such days) before consideration of such proposed report in

subcommittee or full committee. Any report will be considered

as read if available to the members at least 24 hours before

consideration, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal

holidays unless the House is in session on such days. If

hearings have been held on the matter reported upon, every

reasonable effort shall be made to have such hearings

available to the members of the subcommittee or

full committee before the consideration of the proposed

report in such subcommittee or full committee. Every

investigative report shall be approved by a majority vote

of the committee at a meeting at which a quorum is

present.

Supplemental, minority, or additional views may be filed

following House Rule XI, clause 2(1) and Rule XIII, clause

3(a)(1). The time allowed for filing such views shall be 3

calendar days, beginning on the day of notice, but excluding

Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays (unless the House is

in session on such a day), unless the committee agrees to a

different time, but agreement on a shorter time shall require

the concurrence of each member seeking to file such views.

An investigative or oversight report may be filed after

sine die adjournment of the last regular session of Congress,

provided that if a member gives timely notice of intention to

file supplemental, minority or additional views, that member

shall be entitled to not less than 7 calendar days in which

to submit such views for inclusion with the report.

Only those reports approved by a majority vote of the

committee may be ordered printed, unless otherwise required

by the Rules of the House of Representatives.

Rule 5. Proxy Votes

In accordance with the Rules of the House of

Representatives, members may not vote by proxy on any measure

or matter before the committee or any subcommittee.

Rule 6. Record Votes

A record vote of the members may be had upon the request of

any member upon approval of a one-fifth vote of the members

present.

Rule 7. Record of Committee Actions

The committee staff shall maintain in the committee offices

a complete record of committee actions from the current

Congress including a record of the roll call votes taken at

committee business meetings. The original records, or true

copies thereof, as appropriate, shall be available for public

inspection whenever the committee offices are open for public

business. The staff shall assure that such original records

are preserved with no unauthorized alteration, additions, or

defacement.

Rule 8. Subcommittees; Referrals

(a) There shall be seven standing subcommittees with

appropriate party ratios. The Chairman shall assign members

to subcommittees. Minority party assignments shall be made

only with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member. The

subcommittees shall have the following fixed jurisdictions:

(i) Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats,

and International Relations--All matters relating to the

oversight of national security, emerging threats, veterans

affairs, homeland security, and international relations,

including anti-terrorism efforts, both foreign and domestic,

and international trade.

(ii) Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and

Human Resources--All matters relating to the criminal justice

system, the Nation's counter-narcotics programs, both foreign

and domestic, and food and drug safety; all matters relating

to the oversight of the Judiciary, public health and welfare,

education, arts, the humanities, publicly sponsored media,

and the National Parks.

(iii) Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance, and

Accountability--All matters relating to financial management

of executive departments and agencies, excluding acquisition;

all matters relating to governmental accounting measures; all

matters relating to the overall efficiency and management of

government operations including program assessment and review

and excluding Federal property; all matters relating to

public records, including presidential records, the public

access to records, advisory committees, and the Archives; and

all matters relating to the oversight of financial services,

government-sponsored enterprises, and the nation's economic

growth.

(iv) Subcommittee on and Regulatory Affairs--All matters

relating to regulatory reform, Congressional review, the

costs of regulation, and paperwork reduction measures; and

all matters relating to the oversight of tax policy.

(v) Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census--All matters

relating to inter-governmental relations and aid to the

States and localities, including unfunded mandates, grant

management reform, brownfields clean-up and redevelopment,

and infrastructure; all matters relating to population and

demography generally, including the Census, and the Bureau of

Economic Analysis. All matters relating to the oversight of

housing and urban development.

(vi) Subcommittee on Energy and Resources--All matters

related to the oversight of environmental policy, natural

resources, and federal land; and all matters related to the

oversight of energy policy, commerce, housing, and urban

development.

(vii) Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce and Agency

Organization--All matters relating to the federal civil

service, including personnel, compensation, employment

benefits and employee relations; all matters relating to

reorganizations of the executive branch including the study

of redundancy; and all matters relating to the oversight of

workforce, retirement, and health policy.

(b) The full committee shall retain jurisdiction over

federal acquisition policy, federal property, information

management, technology policy, the Postal Service, and the

District of Columbia.

(c) Bills, resolutions, and other matters shall be

expeditiously referred by the Chairman to subcommittees for

consideration or investigation in accordance with their fixed

jurisdictions. Where the subject matter of the referral

involves the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee or

does not fall within any previously assigned jurisdiction,

the chairman shall refer the matter as he may deem advisable.

Bills, resolutions, and other matters referred to

subcommittees may be reassigned by the Chairman when, in his

judgment, the subcommittee is not able to complete its work

or cannot reach agreement therein. In a subcommittee having

an even number of members, if there is a tie vote with all

members voting on any measure, the measure shall be placed on

the agenda for full committee consideration as if it had been

ordered reported by the subcommittee without recommendation.

This provision shall not preclude further action on the

measure by the subcommittee.

Rule 9. Ex Officio Members

The chairman and the ranking minority member of the

committee shall be ex officio members of all subcommittees.

They are authorized to vote on subcommittee matters; but,

unless they are regular members of the subcommittee, they

shall not be counted in determining a subcommittee quorum

other than a quorum for taking testimony.

Rule 10. Staff

Except as otherwise provided by House Rule X, clauses 6, 7

and 9, the chairman of the full committee shall have the

authority to hire and discharge employees of the professional

and clerical staff of the full committee and of

subcommittees.

Rule 11. Staff Direction

Except as otherwise provided by House Rule X, clauses 6, 7

and 9, the staff of the committee shall be subject to the

direction of the chairman of the full committee and shall

perform such duties as he may assign.

Rule 12. Hearing Dates and Witnesses

(a) Each subcommittee of the Committee is authorized to

meet, hold hearings, receive testimony, mark up legislation,

and report to the full Committee on any measure or matter

referred to it.

(b) No subcommittee of the Committee may meet or hold a

hearing at the same time as a meeting or hearing of the

Committee.

(c) The chairman of each subcommittee shall set hearing and

meeting dates only with the approval of the Chairman with a

view toward assuring the availability of meeting rooms and

avoiding simultaneous scheduling of Committee and

subcommittee meetings or hearings.

(d) Each subcommittee chairman shall notify the Chairman of

any hearing plans at least two weeks before the date of

commencement of hearings, including the date, place, subject

matter, and the names of witnesses, willing and unwilling,

who would be called to testify, including, to the extent he

is advised thereof, witnesses whom the minority members may

request.

(e) Witnesses appearing before the committee shall so far

as practicable, submit written statements at least 24 hours

before their appearance and, when appearing in a non

governmental capacity, provide a curriculum vitae and a

listing of any Federal Government grants and contracts

received in the previous fiscal year.

Rule 13. Open Meetings

Meetings for the transaction of business and hearings of

the committee shall be open to the public or closed in

accordance with Rule XI of the House of Representatives.

Rule 14. Five-Minute Rule

(a) A committee member may question a witness only when

recognized by the chairman for that purpose. In accordance

with House Rule XI, clause 2(j)(2), each committee member may

request up to five minutes to question a witness until each

member who so desires has had such opportunity. Until all

such requests have been satisfied, the chairman shall, so far

as practicable, recognize alternately based on seniority of

those majority and minority members present at the time the

hearing was called to order and others based on their arrival

at the hearing. After that, additional time may be extended

at the direction of the chairman.

(b) The chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking

minority member, or the committee by motion, may permit an

equal number of majority and minority members to question a

witness for a specified, total period that is equal for each

side and not longer than thirty minutes for each side.

(c) The chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking

minority member, or the committee by motion, may permit

committee staff of the majority and minority to question a

witness for a specified, total period that is equal for each

side and not longer than thirty minutes for each side.

(d) Nothing in paragraph (b) or (c) affects the rights of a

Member (other than a Member designated under paragraph (b))

to question a witness for 5 minutes in accordance with

paragraph (a) after the questioning permitted under paragraph

(b) or (c). In any extended questioning permitted under

paragraph (b) or (c), the chairman shall determine how to

allocate the time permitted for extended questioning by

majority members or majority committee staff and the ranking

minority member shall determine how to allocate the time

permitted for extended questioning by minority members or

minority committee staff. The chairman or the ranking

minority member, as applicable, may allocate the time for

any extended questioning permitted to staff under

paragraph (c) to members.

Rule 15. Investigative Hearing Procedures

Investigative hearings shall be conducted according to the

procedures in House Rule XI, clause 2(k). All questions put

to witnesses before the committee shall be relevant to the

subject matter before the committee for consideration, and

the chairman shall rule on the relevance of any questions put

to the witnesses.

Rule 16. Stenographic Record

A stenographic record of all testimony shall be kept of

public hearings and shall be made available on such

conditions as the chairman may prescribe.

Rule 17. Audio and Visual Coverage of Committee Proceedings

(a) An open meeting or hearing of the committee or a

subcommittee may be covered, in whole or in part, by

television broadcast, radio broadcast, Internet broadcast,

and still photography, unless closed subject to the

provisions of House Rule XI, clause 2(g). Any such coverage

shall conform with the provisions of House Rule XI, clause 4.

(b) Use of the Committee Broadcast System shall be fair and

nonpartisan, and in accordance with House Rule XI, clause

4(b), and all other applicable rules of the House of

Representatives and the Committee on Government Reform.

Members of the committee shall have prompt access to a copy

of coverage by the Committee Broadcast System, to the extent

that such coverage is maintained.

(c) Personnel providing coverage of an open meeting or

hearing of the committee or a subcommittee by Internet

broadcast, other than through the Committee Broadcast System,

shall be currently accredited to the Radio and Television

Correspondents' Galleries.

Rule 18. Additional Duties and Authorities of Chairman

The chairman of the full committee shall:

(a) Make available to other committees the findings and

recommendations resulting from the investigations of the

committee or its subcommittees as required by House Rule X,

clause 4(c)(2);

(b) Direct such review and studies on the impact or

probable impact of tax policies affecting subjects within the

committee's jurisdiction as required by House Rule X, clause

2(c);

(c) Submit to the Committee on the Budget views and

estimates required by House Rule X, clause 4(f), and to file

reports with the House as required by the Congressional

Budget Act;

(d) Authorize and issue subpoenas as provided in House Rule

XI, clause 2(m), in the conduct of any investigation or

activity or series of investigations or activities within the

jurisdiction of the committee;

(e) Prepare, after consultation with subcommittee chairmen

and the minority, a budget for the committee, which shall

include an adequate budget for the subcommittees to discharge

their responsibilities;

(f) Make any necessary technical and conforming changes to

legislation reported by the committee upon unanimous consent;

and

(g) Designate a vice chairman from the majority party.

(h) The Chairman is directed to offer a motion under clause

1 of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House whenever the

Chairman considers it appropriate.

Rule 19. Subjects of Stamps

The committee has adopted the policy that the determination

of the subject matter of commemorative stamps and new semi-

postal issues is properly for consideration by the Postmaster

General and that the committee will not give consideration to

legislative proposals specifying the subject matter of

commemorative stamps and new semi-postal issues. It is

suggested that recommendations for the subject matter of

stamps be submitted to the Postmaster General.

Rule 20. Panels and Task Forces

(a) The chairman of the committee is authorized to appoint

panels or task forces to carry out the duties and functions

of the committee.

(b) The chairman and ranking minority member of the

committee may serve as ex-officio members of each panel or

task force.

(c) The chairman of any panel or task force shall be

appointed by the chairman of the committee. The ranking

minority member shall select a ranking minority member for

each panel or task force.

(d) The House and committee rules applicable to

subcommittee meetings, hearings, recommendations and reports

shall apply to the meetings, hearings, recommendations and

reports of panels and task forces.

(e) No panel or task force so appointed shall continue in

existence for more than six months. A panel or task force so

appointed may, upon the expiration of six months, be

reappointed by the chairman.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 418. I want to thank my colleague from Wisconsin for his leadership and tireless efforts to secure our Nation's borders.

Last year, the Congress passed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, enacting into law many of the recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission.

Unfortunately, not all of the recommendations were included in the

first round of legislation, which is why we are here today. The gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) and I committed to working together to make sure that one of the first orders of business considered by the House in the 109th Congress would be to address some of the recommendations in our jurisdictions that the Congress failed to address last year.

I want to use my time today to discuss the provisions contained in H.R. 418 that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Government Reform which I chair: security measures for Federal acceptance of state-issued driver's licenses and personal identification cards, commonly referred to as identity security.

Last year's 9/11 Commission report identified a number of gaps and weaknesses in our Nation's intelligence and homeland security systems, providing recommendations for Congress to consider in fixing these problems. One of the most pressing recommendations proposed by the commission and one that fell within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Government Reform appears on page 390 of the 9/11 Commission report. It is the following:

Secure identification should begin in the United States.

The Federal Government should set standards for the issuance

of birth certificates and sources of identification, such as

driver's licenses. Fraud in identity documents is no longer

just a problem of theft. At many entry points to vulnerable

facilities, including gates for boarding aircraft, sources of

identification are the last opportunity to ensure that people

are who they say they are and to check whether they are

terrorists.

For terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons. The 9/ 11 hijackers relied on a wide variety of fraudulent documents. We know that the 19 hijackers held 63 driver's licenses or ID cards.

Based upon guidelines proposed by State motor vehicle administrators and adopted by a number of States throughout the country, our committee worked with other interested stakeholders to craft legislation that would establish minimum standards to be accepted of state-issued identification that could be used for Federal purposes. These important provisions were overwhelmingly passed by the House as part of H.R. 10 and heralded by the 9/11 victims' families.

Unfortunately, the House-passed provisions critical to strengthening identity security were dropped from the bill in conference. Instead, language was included that would set up a general framework for a Federal role in this area, but the language was filled with so many loopholes and opt-out clauses for States that it really only made matters worse.

We find ourselves here today to correct these mistakes and to again enact meaningful reform. H.R. 418 provides the Congress with this opportunity.

Our approach is very straightforward. Our legislation would set forth minimum document and issuance standards for Federal acceptance of driver's licenses and state-issued personal identification cards. The legislation would provide 3 years for States to come into compliance with these standards if their driver's licenses are to be recognized for Federal Government purposes and their documents as proof of an individual's identity.

As the 9/11 Commission concluded, fraud in identity documents is no longer just a problem of theft. As we continue to strengthen our intelligence function to better identify and track terrorists, those individuals will be forced to find ways to conceal their identity in order to avoid detection.

We know that the 9/11 hijackers used the United States as their staging area for training and preparation in the year prior to the attacks, traveling into and out of and around the country with little fear of capture. In fact, several of the hijackers lived less than 15 miles away from this building while making final preparations for their attack. We are dedicated to making sure we do not provide such a hospitable environment in the future.

As chairman of the committee that oversees federalism issues, I am mindful of concerns about the Federal Government imposing burdens on States, so-called unfunded mandates. My response is threefold. One is that this is a national security issue that requires a unified national response rather than 50 separate responses. Secondly, the legislation authorizes grants to States to conform to the minimum standards set forth in the act. Third, I am confident that these minimum standards will not be a heavy lift for a majority of the States in our Nation. It is the handful of States that continue to have lax security standards more than 3 years after 9/11 that may have the most work to do.

It is crucial that we do everything we can to enhance the security of the American people, and this important legislation takes a significant step in frustrating terrorists' attempts to integrate into our society. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 418 and strengthen identity security.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller), a former Secretary of State of the State of Michigan, which issues driver's licenses in Michigan, and someone who has been very helpful in crafting this bill.

Mr. Chairman, may I inquire of the time on each side.

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

Before I recognize the next chairman, I wish to respond to the gentlewoman's question of why are we doing this. We are doing this because the 9/11 Commission Report asked that we do it. They made it a priority. We are doing it because our committee, the committee the gentlewoman sits on, the one I chair, authorized this last year and the House overwhelmingly passed this last year.

The 9/11 victims' families have a letter that also requests this. And we are doing it because when I get on an airplane and somebody shows an ID to get on the airplane, I would like to know they are who they say they are. I think every other American would like to have that assurance in safety as well.

And by the way, we do not tell the States what to do. They can issue a license to whoever they want to issue a license to. But if they want to use that State license for Federal purposes, like getting on an airplane, they are going to have to be able to show that the people are who they said they were.

Also, Mr. Chairman, we worked with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators in crafting this legislation, and 3 years is ample time.

Mr. Chairman, I submit for the Record, the letter of the victims' families, which I just referred to:

9/11 Families for a

Secure America,

New York, NY, October 19, 2004.

Hon. Tom Davis,

Chairman, Committee on Government Reform, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Davis: 9/11 Families for a Secure America,

comprised of the families of hundreds of the victims of the

September 11 terrorist attacks, are writing to express the

support of our members for the provisions in H.R. 10, the 9/

11 Recommendations Implementation Act, to establish minimum

document and issuance standards for federal acceptance of

state-issued driver's licenses and birth certificates. As the

Conference Committee on the intelligence reform bills begins

to consider the identity management security provisions

contained in S. 2845 and H.R. 10, we plead with the conferees

to remember our murdered loved ones and adopt the language of

the House-passed bill.

These provisions would go a long way toward closing the

loopholes that allowed 19 terrorists--all of whom had

violated our immigration laws in one way or another--to

obtain sixty-three authentic state driver's licenses, which

allowed them to live here unnoticed while they honed their

plot to murder our loved ones. To us, who have suffered

horrific grief, loss and rage, it is beyond belief that even

one Member of Congress would oppose a law that will stop the

next Mohammed Atta from obtaining the ``valid ID'' that will

allow him to board an airplane.

The state-issued driver's license has become the preferred

identification document in America. It allows the holder to

cash a check, rent a car or truck, board an airplane,

purchase a firearm, enter a federal or state building,

register to vote, and obtain other federally-issued

documents. Despite the vast benefits simple possession of a

driver's license now confers on its holder, it is one of the

easiest documents to obtain, whether by citizen or illegal

alien, friend or enemy.

Recognizing this fact, the 9/11 Commission recommended

that, ``The federal government should set standards for the

issuance of birth certificates and sources of identification,

such as drivers licenses.'' We commend the House for taking

the necessary and appropriate action on this important issue.

Supporters of the Senate position have argued that a

negotiated rulemaking process is the appropriate action to

take in order to establish minimum standards. We could not

disagree more strongly, knowing that inevitably the final

rules will lack any teeth. The standards included in H.R. 10

come directly from the State Administrators of these programs

and from law enforcement, developed since the terrorist

attacks on our nation and founded on long-standing principles

and best practices.

We believe it is perfectly appropriate for Congress to

establish baseline standards and give authority to the

Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of

Transportation to work with the States and issue regulations

on how individual States can come into compliance. This is

particularly true because experience in many States has shown

that implementation of these standards involve minuscule

financial costs. Also, states' rights issues are in no way

infringed since H.R. 10 only affects federal non-recognition

for federal purposes of licenses from nonconforming states.

Congress has promised us repeatedly that they would honor

our loved ones who were murdered three years ago by enacting

reforms to ensure that Americans will never again face the

same horror. The House provisions on identity management

security are vital in this effort, and we urge you to oppose

the Senate language, which will protect a status quo that

aided the murderers who tore apart our families on September

11, 2001.

In the names of our dead and ourselves we ask you: how much

longer will you permit terrorists to obtain drivers'

licenses? For what reasons can you possibly oppose such an

essential law?

And to those of you who are opposed: are you prepared to

accept the responsibility for the next 9/11 terrorists who

utilize US-issued drivers licenses?

Sincerely,

Peter Gadiel & Jan Gadiel, Parents of James, age 23, WTC,

North Tower 103rd Floor.

Al Regenhard, Det. Sgt. (retired) NYPD, Parents of

firefighter Christian Regenhard.

Joan Molinaro, Mother of Firefighter Carl Molinaro, age 32.

Grace Godshalk, Mother of William R. Godshalk, age 35, WTC,

South Tower, 89th Floor.

Colette Lafuente, Wife of Juan Lafuente, WTC visitor.

Wil Sekzer, Detective Sergeant (Retired) NYPD, Father of

Jason, age 31, WTC, North Tower, 105th floor.

Bruce DeCell (NYPD, Retired), Father in law of Mark

Petrocelli, age 29, WTC, North Tower, 105th floor.

Lynn Faulkner, Husband of Wendy Faulkner, South Tower.

Bill Doyle, Father of Joseph, age 24, WTC, North Tower.

April Gallop, Pentagon Survivor.

Diana Stewart, Only wife of Michael Stewart.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), the deputy whip, who has been so active on this issue, and introduced the first legislation in this House that would have tied visa expiration to a driver's license date.

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

I note on page 390 of the 9/11 Commission Report, it recommends secure identification should begin in the United States. The Federal Government should set standards for the issuance of birth certificates and sources of identification such as driver's licenses.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. Chairman, I look forward to working with the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) on this issue as we move forward.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays), the chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security.

Mr. Chairman, I am happy to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner), the former mayor of Dayton and chairman of our Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from San Diego, California (Mr. Cunningham).

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

Let me just sum up and say this does not require anything from the States as far as driver's licenses go. States do not have to do anything under this for their driver's licenses. They can issue driver's licenses to whomever they want. But if they intend to use those

licenses for Federal purposes, we have a right to say what the criteria should be and under those circumstances, they are going to have to show legal presence. It is not anti-immigrant. In fact, this allows the States to issue two different sets: one for illegal immigrants, one for everyone else. It takes the national security issue away from the argument there.

Finally, the opt-out provisions in the current legislation that was passed just a few months ago are disastrous. We were worse with the 9/ 11 response that passed this Congress than we were without it. This rectifies that. It closes that loophole.

Out of respect for the victims, the families, the work of the 9/11 Commission, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sandra Bates for over 36 years of dedicated service to the Federal Government.

Sandra Bates has finished off an illustrious career in the Federal Government. She started out in 1969 as intern with the General Services Administration. She worked her way up as an agency liaison for telecommunications and automatic data processing acquisitions on the original governmentwide long distance services program, FTS, before moving on to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1979. While at NASA, she served in various telecommunications positions until 1993 when she was named chief of communications with responsibility for all NASA operational, command, and control networks worldwide.

She returned to GSA in 1996 and assumed the positions of assistant commissioner for service and delivery and deputy commissioner in the Federal Technology Service before taking over the role of commissioner of the Federal Technology Service in April 2000. As commissioner, she has, among other things, successfully guided the Federal Technology Service through the most recent edition of the governmentwide telecommunications program, FTS 2001.

Throughout her career as a civil servant, Sandra Bates has been active in the federal technology community, serving in leadership roles with a number of government and industry councils and associations. She has received numerous awards, including NASA's Exceptional Service Medal, the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Service, the Government Information Technology Award, the Fed 100 Award, 3 separate years, the Industry Advisory Council's Outstanding Individual Government Communicator Award, and the American Council for Technology's John J. Franke Award for Extraordinary Contributions to Long Term Federal Service. She leaves behind a long list of accomplishments in her distinguished career of service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my best wishes to Ms. Bates on her retirement as commissioner of the Federal Technology Service. While I know that she will be greatly missed, her retirement is well deserved. I call upon my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Bates and in wishing her the best of luck in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Fairfax County Health Department Adult Day Health Care Program as it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The Fairfax County Adult Day Health Care centers provide a safe, fun and therapeutic environment for the frail, the elderly and adults who need supervision during the day due to cognitive and/or physical impairments. Each center has a registered nurse who monitors the health status of each participant; a therapeutic recreation specialist who designs daily activities to enhance cognitive and physical function and to offer opportunities for socialization; and several program assistants who

lead the daily activities and provide personal care to the participants. In addition, the program is designed to provide respite, education, and support to family caregivers.

The first Fairfax County Adult Day Health Care Program center opened its doors in Annandale on January 3, 1980. The Annandale center was the first public nonprofit elderly daycare facility in Fairfax County. This program was an exemplary example of inter-agency collaboration, a visionary approach to providing long-term care services, and innovative use of county resources. Over the next 22 years, four additional centers were opened including: the Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care center in June 1985, the Lincolnia Adult Day Health Care center in January 1990, the Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care center in July 1990 and finally the Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care center in June 2000. In 2006 the county is planning to open a sixth adult day health care center in Fairfax City.

In 1986, the Annandale and Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care centers were the recipients of the National Achievement Award given by the National Association of Counties. The centers were recognized for their new and innovative programs.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the Fairfax County Health Department Adult Day Health Care Program for the immeasurable contributions they have made to the community by taking care of the sick and elderly. I congratulate the program on its successes over the last 25 years and wish for continued success in the future. I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding this outstanding and distinguished institution.

Mr.Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in offering my warm congratulations to the Iraqi people for the successful elections they held on January 30, 2005.

It is truly amazing to see the Iraqi people take their first steps toward democracy. To see a people who were once slaughtered and tormented under a brutal dictatorship take a stand and declare that enough is enough, shows their unwavering determination in deciding their own fate by the ballot instead of the bullet.

Despite the predictions of widespread terrorist attacks on election day in Iraq, 60 percent of the registered voters turned out. Moreover, the physical courage of the Iraqi people to leave their houses, walk to the polls and cast ballots under this specter of violence speaks to the power of democracy and their passion for freedom.

Sometimes in America, we take the right to vote for granted. No one who watched the moving images of Iraqi men and women proudly showing their purple-stained fingers will ever make that mistake again.

It is also important to pay homage to the thousands of brave American soldiers, some of who lost their lives, who held the line. Let

us not forget the bold sacrifices these courageous men and women made to liberate the Iraqi people. It is all of our hopes that this election marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Iraqi people, one in which they enjoy the sweet taste of the fruits of freedom, democracy and sovereignty.

Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to commend the sponsors and leadership for bringing this important resolution to the floor and I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, for the past two years John Landers has served with utmost distinction as a professional staff member of our Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization.

Anticipating an active agenda on Federal workforce issues and oversight when I assumed the Chairmanship of the Government Reform Committee in January of 2003, I requested the loan of a subject expert on civil service law and regulation from the Office of Personnel Management.

The person selected by OPM for this assignment was John Landers. I expected John to be technically competent, but with over 30 years of experience in Federal personnel issues John brought with him an encyclopedic recall of pertinent statutes, regulations, court cases, and precedent that proved invaluable to our Committee's work.

John began his career at the U.S. Civil Service Commission as a retirement claims examiner in 1972. He quickly progressed through the benefits programs to lead the Retirement Policy Division and eventually became a Senior Advisor. As a legislative and policy analyst, John wrote Government-wide regulations as well as legislative proposals on the retirement, health, and life insurance programs. Having learned these programs from the inside out, John took over OPM's Technical Analysis Branch in 1984 and the Retirement Policy Division in 1987, where he helped develop and implement the Government's new retirement system known as ``FERS.''

In 1998, John became a Senior Advisor to OPM's Associate Director for Retirement and Insurance, and in 2001 became a Special Assistant to the Director of OPM. In these positions John assisted in shaping broad Federal

workforce policy, including introduction of pre-tax benefits as a component of compensation, and personnel elements written into the legislation creating the new Department of Homeland Security. For his contributions John received the Director's Award for Excellence in October 2002.

John retired from OPM in January 2003, but his newly won status was short-lived when he was approached by the Director as her choice to represent the agency with our Committee. I am very grateful that John placed his dedication to public service above his own well-earned interests by accepting the appointment. During the past two years his expertise contributed directly to our key initiatives including establishing the new National Security Personnel System for the Department of Defense, improving benefits for Federal employees and retirees, and providing diligent oversight of personnel management across the Government.

On January 7 of this year, John completed his last day of service with the Committee and resumed his status as ``retired.'' I believe John really means it this time, and we promise not to further interrupt his plans. On behalf of our entire Committee, I express deep appreciation to John for his superb service to our Nation, and I wish him many happy and healthy years ahead to enjoy with his wife Rita and their family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

The acts performed at Auschwitz 60 years ago represent the darkest chapter of human history. I am often struck by the stark contrast the concentration camps provide juxtaposed with the enlightenment, scientific advancement and progress made by mankind in the 20th century. They serve as a chilling reminder of the evil man is capable of, especially toward those perceived to be different or apart.

Kosovo, Rwanda and the Sudan unfortunately highlight the fact that genocide is an issue that still troubles our world. It is therefore all the more important to remember Auschwitz and reaffirm our global commitment to forever end such wicked practices.

I was very pleased to hear on Monday, January 24, 2005, that the United Nations General Assembly convened in a special session to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the death camps. This was the first time the UN General Assembly has ever met to commemorate the Holocaust, and the first time that the General Assembly convened a special session at Israel's request.

Madam Speaker, in closing I would like to commend the sponsors and leadership for bringing this important resolution to the floor and I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph Hills, Virginia's 2005 Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Hills, a social studies teacher at Lake Braddock Secondary School, was named Virginia's 2005 Teacher of the Year and will represent Virginia in the National Teacher of the Year program. He was also awarded Fairfax County Public Schools 2004 Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Hills received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and a Master of Arts degree in Education from the College of St. Thomas, Minnesota. He began his career with Fairfax County Public Schools in 1960 as a history teacher at Fairfax High School. He then moved to Marshall High School and later to Langley High School, where he worked as a teacher and social studies department chair. In 1973, Mr. Hills came to Lake Braddock Secondary School where he still serves.

He is a member of numerous education associations including the National Council of Social Studies, the Virginia Council of Social Studies, and is active in various Parent Teacher Associations. Mr. Hills has received the Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award, as well as outstanding teacher awards from the University of Chicago and Smith College.

Colleagues describe Mr. Hills as ``the embodiment of a dedicated teacher who is energized by his students and at the same time energizes those in his classroom.'' Former students praise Mr. Hills for making history come alive by telling stories and inspiring them to become teachers or earn graduate degrees in history. He is known for his use of the Socratic Method, spurring students to ``think deeply and differently.''

Our students are our number one resource. Mr. Hills has dedicated his life to ensuring that they are given the opportunity to achieve success. Over the past 44 years, he has made a lasting impact on thousands of students.

I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Joseph Hills and congratulating him on this distinguished achievement.