Floor Statements

Offered By: Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia

Amendment No. 7: Page 48, line 15, insert after the dollar

amount the following: ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.

Page 48, line 17, insert after the dollar amount the

following: ``(increased by $334,000)''.

Page 48, line 19, insert after the dollar amount the

following: ``(increased by $333,000)''.

Page 48, line 22, insert after the dollar amount the

following: ``(increased by $333,000)''.

Page 78, line 19, insert after the dollar amount the

following: ``(reduced by $1,000,000)''.

Offered By: Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia

Amendment No. 10: Strike section 104 (page 49, beginning at

line 21).

Offered By: Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia

Amendment No. 11: Strike section 105 (page 50, beginning at

line 4).

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my strong support for this amendment.

U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Multi-National Force Commander General David Petraeus will provide an assessment of Iraq this fall.

The assessment will include the military, economic and political situation in Iraq.

The assessment will be a key determinant for future U.S. involvement.

The debate over what to do in Iraq will continue and the Crocker- Petraeus assessment will be challenged.

If the report is positive Crocker and Petraeus must provide specific signs of progress and lay out in detail how long and how many troops will be needed in Iraq.

If the report is negative then Crocker and Petraeus should provide definitive steps on a phased withdrawal plan that reduces the number of lives lost.

Whatever the outcome of the Crocker-Petraeus assessment we need an independent validation of the assessment.

This is why I am supporting Mr. Shays' amendment to reconstitute the Iraq Study Group.

This bipartisan group, that provided observations and recommendations to the President last December concerning the situation in Iraq would be reengaged and provide the American people a bipartisan perspective of what we can expect for the future of Iraq.

With all the partisan debate we witness week in and week out in Washington, we must reconstitute this nonpartisan group, which has as its only goal, moving forward American interests.

Mr. Chairman, it is time we come together and support this amendment to provide a bipartisan assessment of the situation in Iraq.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to strongly object to the reduction in assistance to Colombia and the significant redirection of funding for counternarcotic programs in this legislation.

Now is not the time to turn our backs on one of our most important democratic allies in the Western Hemisphere. We need to reaffirm, not dismantle, our commitment to these programs, to the people of Colombia, and to American citizens.

The drug trade in Colombia is a major factor in the instability in Latin America; it is killing Americans every day, and is a source of funding for terrorism in the hemisphere.

I have traveled to Colombia several times over the past few years and can say firsthand our significant investment is beginning to pay dividends. Under the leadership of President Uribe, Colombia has experienced success in fighting narcoterrorism and bringing democratic stability to the country.

Now is not the time to cut funding--when progress is being made.

We must recognize the difficult work of President Uribe and the challenges he faces with guerillas, paramilitary groups, drug traffickers, and terrorists.

Despite these difficulties, Uribe has rescued his country from a near-failed-state status and has reestablished state presence in areas of the country that for decades lacked it. Drug traffickers are being captured and extradited to the U.S. for prosecution, kidnapping rates have decreased significantly, and the Colombian people finally feel safe traveling within their own country.

We are also seeing tremendous results in illegal crop eradication, and Plan Colombia's efforts have produced record reductions in coca cultivation and in the destruction of drug labs. Each week brings news of new seizures of cocaine and heroin--interdictions that are usually the result of U.S. supplied intelligence.

Of course obstacles remain, and progress may be slower than my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would like it to be.

But now is not the time to turn our backs on this battle which is so intrinsically tied to our war on terrorism and the scourge of illegal drug use. The Uribe administration is committed to this war but it needs U.S. assistance to improve mobility, intelligence, and training.

Congress must continue to provide sustained funding for Plan Colombia and Andean Counterdrug Initiative programs and approve a free trade agreement.

The administration requested $589 million for promoting development and fighting drugs in Colombia.

Full funding of programs coupled with a free trade agreement is critical to sustaining our success in Colombia, fostering development and investment, and protecting our interests in Latin America.

It's simple, Mr. Chairman, we cannot win this war on drugs and drug- supported terrorism without the proper tools and resources.

Colombia is a key ally in an increasingly anti-American region--we must do everything we can to ensure it remains a political and economic partner.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment barring funding in this bill to be used to designate any area as a ``national interest electric transmission corridor,'' or a NIET. NIET designation and the corresponding authority that has been given to FERC blatantly usurps States rights to designate and site transmission lines in accordance with what is best for its citizenry. There is a well-established successful history of States executing this authority, and there is no real reason to take it away.

I understand there needs to be a holistic approach to our energy policy, but absent clear and definitive reasons to grant this authority to FERC, why are we allowing this Federal entity to circumvent State siting decisions, State comprehensive energy plans, and State efforts to promote energy efficiency and independence? It is clear more analysis and consideration is needed.

This amendment would not strike this provision forever. Rather, it would allow us more time to have debate, oversight, and public comment on the issue. When this provision was passed in the last Congress by the Senate and signed into law, it was a small piece of a broad energy overhaul. It received no debate on this floor and no vote in this body. Now, with the prospect of towering transmission lines running through 214 counties in 11 States across our Nation, and that is just the first chapter, we must take a time out to reexamine this provision.

What will you tell your constituents when these towering lines are denied by your State regulators, but mandated by FERC? You had your vote today and you need to vote for this amendment.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Vote ``yes'' to allow us to give needed consideration to the broad ramifications of proposed NIET corridors and ensure that the rights of States are not unduly trampled.

Offered By: Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia

Amendment No. 32: At the end of the bill, before the short

title, insert the following new section:

Sec. 503. Of the amount made available for electricity

delivery and energy reliability activities of the Department

of Energy, $2,000,000 shall be for carrying out the

authorities provided in section 646(g) of the Department of

Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7256).

Offered By: Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia

Amendment No. 33: Page 17, line 3, insert ``, of which

$2,000,000 shall be used to study the feasibility of

establishing Energy-Advanced Research Project Agency to

target acceleration of energy-related research; development

of resultant techniques, processes, and technologies, and

related testing and evaluation; and demonstration and

commercial application of promising technologies and research

applications'' after ``until expended''.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judith Mehal for over 28 years of dedicated service in the public education system.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Cynthia Siegel for over 30 years of educational service to students in Virginia, New York, and Germany.

Originally from Long Island, Mrs. Siegel began her career in education in New York, teaching for six years on the high school level and two years for an education program at CitiBank. Mrs. Siegel's calling as a teacher didn't leave her because of a geographic location. As the spouse of an Army officer, she found herself in Germany and confronted with a base that lacked a teacher for the military school there. She gladly stepped up and filled that need. Upon her return to the U.S., Mrs. Siegel worked for six years at the Washington Business School of Northern Virginia. She joined Fairfax County Public Schools in 1989, piloting the Technology Tools class for Lanier Middle School in Fairfax, Virginia. Mrs. Siegel has been a dedicated educator at Lanier for the past 21 years.

Teaching students for over three decades and on two continents, she has demonstrated her unequivocal passion for education. Over her career, Mrs. Siegel found opportunities to actively serve in different educational systems in Virginia, New York and Europe. A proud mother and grandmother, Mrs. Siegel will continue her service to young people during her retirement. She has fondly exclaimed, ``my role as an educator will remain, only my title will officially shift from Mrs. Siegel to grandma.''

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Mrs. Cynthia Siegel for her enduring service as a teacher in Fairfax County and abroad. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Cynthia Siegel for her efforts and wishing her many happy years in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Edward Niziolek for a remarkable 41 years of faithful service to the students of Fairfax, VA.

Mr. Niziolek began his career as an educator in 1964 after graduating from the California State Teachers College with a major in mathematics. Mr. Niziolek joined Fairfax County Public Schools as a mathematics teacher at Glasgow Middle School in Alexandria, VA. After serving for five years at Glasgow, Mr. Niziolek joined the faculty at Lanier Middle School where he quickly made his mark on both the character and academic development of its students. He sponsored the Lanier Math Team, which frequently finished as one of the top performing teams in the area, including a 2nd Place finish in Mr. Niziolek's final school year. Mr. Niziolek has demonstrated his dedication to education year round, teaching an astonishing 36 summer school sessions.

Mr. Niziolek dutifully served for over four decades and demonstrated a passion for service in a school system with students from a wide array of backgrounds. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an interest in his students, a desire to help them succeed, and the ability to achieve outstanding results. All students, faculty and parents who have been in one of his classrooms have expressed an appreciation for his dedicated service to our Nation's youth.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Mr. Edward Niziolek for his tireless service and contributions as a mathematics teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools. His legacy of success is found in each student who has traveled into his classrooms, taken his tests, and who have moved on to become productive members of the community. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Edward A. Niziolek for his service and wishing him the best in a well deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Geoffrey Seffens for 32 years of dedicated service to the Fairfax County Public School system.

After graduating from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music in Ohio, Mr. Seffens began his career as an elementary band teacher in Northern Virginia. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Mr. Seffens spent his first 4 years as a teacher engaging students from five different schools. Not only did he rise to this challenge but he pushed himself even further, teaching more than 400 students from nine schools over the course of the next 2 years. Mr. Seffens's hard work was recognized in 1979 when he was selected as the new band director at Lanier Middle School. Ever since joining the faculty at Lanier, Mr. Seffens has continued to guide students towards musical achievement while becoming an indispensable member of the school's community.

As a native of Northern Virginia and a product of the Fairfax County Public School system himself, Mr. Seffens and his successful teaching career stand as a testament to the region's firm commitment to academic excellence. Upon his retirement after years of commendable work, Mr. Seffens will certainly be missed by students and faculty alike.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Mr. Seffens's steadfast devotion to raising the standard of musical education and personally thank him for his dedication to the Fairfax County Public

School system. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Geoffrey Steffens for his service to our Nation and wishing him the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 295.

This resolution recognizes the tremendous alliance that the United States shares with the Republic of Korea. Korea has been one of this country's strongest allies, both in the international war on terror, as well as in expanding free trade. Korea stands as a shining example of democracy in action.

In the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, I represent a growing and vigorous Korean American population. Korean Americans thrive in areas such as business, medicine, law, art and athletics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Korean Americans own and operate over 130,000 businesses and employ over 333,000 individuals. These are prime examples of their importance in the United States and to the growth of our economy. It is clear to me that the strong alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea can be seen everyday in the neighborhoods and workplaces right here in the Washington, D.C. area.

The Republic of Korea's strong belief in upholding individual rights and liberties serves as an example for the entire Korean peninsula, as well as beyond. Korea's 2,300 troops deployed in Iraq and 200 troops deployed in Afghanistan indicate not only Korea's support of our efforts in ending terrorism abroad, but also illustrate Korea's strong commitment to spreading democracy throughout the world. Indeed, Korea has been one of our most ardent and unfailing allies abroad.

I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. George E. Stepp for 38 years of dedicated service to the youth of Fairfax, VA.

Mr. Stepp began his career in 1969 as a social studies teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools. He quickly and eagerly made the transition to the administrative side when he was promoted to become assistant principal at Falls Church High School. Mr. Stepp went on to serve as principal at West Springfield High School for 6 years and Lake Braddock Secondary School for 3 years. In 1989, he became the superintendent of schools for area IV in the Fairfax County Public School system. He served in this position until he retired to become superintendent of schools for the city of Fairfax.

Over his career, Mr. Stepp has demonstrated an interest in his students, a desire to help them succeed, and the ability to put these aspirations into policies that create positive tangible outcomes. All students, faculty and parents who have been through one of his school's have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the tireless work he has undertaken on their behalf.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate Mr. George E. Stepp for all of his accomplishments. His legacy of success is found in each and every student who has traveled through his halls, taken his tests, and is now a contributing member of our community. While he will be greatly missed, his retirement is well deserved. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding George for these past accomplishments and in wishing him continued success in the years to come.