Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of the House and to the American people a disturbing situation involving a shortfall in Iraq aid pledges. This morning during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, I also brought this issue to the attention of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Admiral Michael Mullen.

On January 30, 2008, USA Today reported that allied countries have paid only $2.5 million of the more than $15.8 billion they pledged to help rebuild Iraq. The article further reports: ``The biggest shortfalls in pledges by 41 donor countries are from Iraq's oil-rich neighbors and U.S. allies, namely Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Madam Speaker, it is extremely troubling that some of the countries that may benefit most from a secure and stable Iraq, particularly its neighbors in the region, are not providing the money they pledged to help achieve that goal.

The United States, on the other hand, has already spent $29 billion to help rebuild Iraq, and Congress has approved an additional $16.5 billion. And unlike the United States, which is borrowing money from foreign governments to pay its bills, many of Iraq's neighbors are running record surpluses because of profits their governments receive from their national oil companies.

In 2001 a gallon of gasoline cost Americans $1.42. Today that same gallon costs us $3.36. In 2001 oil was $28 per barrel. Today that same barrel is almost $114. Many of the countries who are falling short on their pledges to Iraq are withholding oil production and causing gas prices to rise on the American consumer. These countries have the economic resources to meet their commitments to Iraq.

Madam Speaker, in a letter on February 8 of this year, I expressed these concerns to Secretary Rice. Since then I received a response from the Department of State. They say they share my concern that for some countries the pace of their assistance to Iraq has been too slow. The State Department also indicates that top officials continue to urge their government to follow through on their pledges, and with the increased successes, the department is working through multilateral forums to encourage donors to meet their pledges.

During this morning's hearing, Secretary Rice also pledged that she will redouble her efforts to encourage allies in the region to pay their way in Iraq. Madam Speaker, out of fairness to the American taxpayer, I am hopeful that these efforts will be successful. It is time for Arab countries that are running surpluses to start paying their share of the bills in Iraq.

Madam Speaker, I have said many times and said it today at the hearing that it's our men and women who are in Iraq losing their legs, being paralyzed for the rest of their life, and losing their life for this country. It is the least that these Arab countries can do that are making dollars every time we put gas in our cars. It is time that they meet their obligation to fulfill the $15.8 billion that they pledged to help rebuild Iraq.

With that, Madam Speaker, before I close, I ask God to continue to bless our men and women in uniform, and I ask God to continue to bless America.

Madam Speaker, today is day 453 of a terrible injustice in America. Two U.S. border agents, Agents Compean and Ramos, have been languishing in Federal prison since January 17 of 2007.

These men did their job to protect our Nation from an illegal alien, a Mexican drug smuggler who brought $1 million worth of marijuana across our border into Texas. Yet through a questionable prosecution, these two men were convicted for defending themselves and defending our border.

It is a sad day that such a travesty of justice could happen to two Hispanic Americans who loved America so much that they were willing to become law enforcement officers, and in this case Border Patrol agents, in order to protect America. Despite the efforts of the American people and Members of Congress, who have brought this to the attention of the White House, nothing, and I say nothing, has been done to reverse this injustice.

While outside groups and Members of Congress have filed court briefs to support these agents, we still anxiously await a decision in their appeal. The more time these men spend in prison and the longer it takes for a decision on their appeal, the more frustrated the American people become.

The American people have not forgotten agents Ramos and Compean. From time to time, I still hear from constituents who are frustrated that these men are still in prison. The only glimmer of hope for these agents and their families rests with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. During an oral argument on December 3, 2007, one of the judges considering the case, Judge E. Grady Jolly said, and I quote, Madam Speaker, and this is his quote, ``It does seem to me that the government overreacted here. For some reason, this one got out of hand.'' That is a Federal judge that made that comment.

A ruling on their appeal is now expected any day, and millions of Americans are hopeful that the Court of Appeals will reverse this terrible injustice.

Madam Speaker, I still call on Chairman John Conyers to hold a hearing to review this unjust prosecution some time before the end of the year. Chairman Conyers is a fair-minded person for whom I have great respect. Justice is crying out for his help.

And Madam Speaker, before I close, I want the Ramos and Compean family to know that there are those in both parties in this House of Representatives that are not going to sit back and wait until this injustice is corrected because these two border agents deserve nothing but praise for what they have done for this great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I am here to congratulate the Board of Trustees of The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) that works to educate the public about issues important to older Americans. The Senior Citizens League represents over 1 million members nationwide and over 2,500 in my congressional district.

Five retired enlisted association men work tirelessly as non-paid volunteers to help the plight of our most elderly and low income seniors: The Senior Citizens League Chairman Daniel O'Connell, Vice Chairman Nash Mines, Treasurer Marvin Stout, Secretary Thomas O'Connell, and PAC Treasurer Larry Hyland.

Chairman Daniel O'Connell spent a distinguished 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force including service as the Training NCO for the Queens College ROTC Program. Subsequently he served in protocol at the Air Force Space Command in Colorado Springs where he retired as Director of Protocol, an attribute that has come in handy when the chairman meets with dignitaries on Capitol Hill.

Vice Chairman Mines had a 23-year military career concluded by service as the Training NCO for Oklahoma State University's ROTC Program. Later, he worked as general services manager for a Colorado brokerage firm and for a Denver-based retirement investment company. His military experience as a senior master sergeant gave him the calm reasoned approach to problem-solving on the TSCL Board.

Treasurer Marvin Stout had a 26-year military career that concluded with medals for meritorious service. He has also worked as an owner of an income tax consultant firm bringing his expertise to use for the TSCL Board finances.

Secretary Thomas O'Connell served in the U.S. Army including service as Division Logistics NCO. And his experiences as a former high school teacher and librarian have facilitated his work as TSCL Secretary.

TSCL PAC Treasurer Larry Hyland retired from the U.S. Air Force as a senior master sergeant before launching a small business. He also re- entered the civil service overseas before returning to the states.

The organization's objectives are to encourage Congress to protect earned benefits of seniors (i.e., Social Security and Medicare), and to cosponsor bills that secure these promises to seniors and improve the quality of life for older Americans.

The TSCL Board of Trustee members visit Washington every quarter to personally meet with members of the U.S. House and Senate to consult with them about senior's issues including the Social Security Notch and cost-of-living adjustment, Medicare, drug importation, Alzheimer's research, and the Lock Box of Social Security Trust Funds.

The Senior Citizens League is a non-profit organization headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, that strives to educate millions of seniors via direct mail, e-alerts, senior faxes, and publications including a monthly newsletter The Advisor. On a day-to-day basis, TSCL operations are run by Executive Director Shannon Benton, with legislative activities guided by TSCL Legislative Consultants David and Betty Funderburk and Legislative Director Jamie McMillen.

Under the recent leadership of Chairman Dan O'Connell and Vice Chairman Nash Mines, TSCL has made significant progress in representing its seniors. The TSCL legislative team (with the Board of Trustee members on a quarterly basis) has met with over two-thirds of the Members of Congress and their chief staff members during the past 3\1/ 2\ years.

In the 110th Congress, a new Notch Resolution was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Norm Coleman with Sen. Richard Burr as an original cosponsor. This was the first such Notch resolution in almost 5 years.

Notably more Members of the House have cosponsored Representative Ralph Hall's (Social Security) Notch Fairness Act, H.R. 368, than ever before, setting a new record. It is a tribute to the continuing dedication of all of the TSCL Board members and to the leadership of its Chairman Dan O'Connell. The fact that more than 117 Members of Congress have already in this session of Congress cosponsored H.R. 368 proves the legitimacy and premise of the organization's fight for Notch victims. It reflects the fact that Chairman O'Connell has been dedicated and persistent in his desire to see TSCL have legislative success on the issues important to seniors.

In addition to support for the Social Security Trust Funds Lock Box and opposition to Social Security funds going to those who worked in the U.S. as ``illegals'' (via the U.S.-Mexico Totalization Agreement), TSCL has pledged to help promote Alzheimer's research.

It is a pleasure for me to pay tribute to the leadership of the Senior Citizens League, in particular its Chairman Daniel O'Connell, whose vision and determination to help the most worthy and needy of our citizens, are commendable.

I also thank each of these board members for their military service to our country. May God richly bless them for their continued contributions to seniors, to their communities and to our great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a public servant who has given a great deal not only to the State of North Carolina but to the country as a whole.

Since 1972, Mr. John Montgomery has served the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of our Nation's veterans. Later this month, he will retire from his position as director of the VA regional office in Winston-Salem in North Carolina.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1944, Mr. Montgomery is an Army veteran who served in an artillery unit in Vietnam from January 1969 to April of 1970. He earned a bachelor's degree from Brown University in 1967 and a law degree from Boston University in 1972. Mr. Montgomery began his VA career in Hartford, Connecticut regional office as a claims examiner in 1972. In 1975, he transferred to the VA central office in Washington, D.C. as a legal consultant, and 2 years later, he was

selected as the adjudication officer at the VA Medical and Regional Office Center in Togus, Maine. Mr. Montgomery was named director of the Providence, Rhode Island VA Regional Office in 1980.

In February of 1995, he traveled to North Carolina to begin work in his current position as director of the VA Regional Office in Winston- Salem, North Carolina. In this position, he has been responsible for administering federal benefits to 790,000 veterans and their families living in North Carolina. These services total more than $1.2 billion in annual benefit payments.

The Winston-Salem Regional Office provides benefits and services in all program areas to veterans, servicemembers, and reservists residing in North Carolina. These programs include compensation, pension, loan guarantee, and vocational rehabilitation.

From 1995 to 2007, Mr. Montgomery oversaw the growth of the Winston- Salem Office from 240 employees to 530 employees. During this period, the office grew to the second largest disability office in the United States.

In 2005, he was successful in having Winston-Salem selected as one of only two national benefits delivery at discharge sites at regional offices. This achievement created an additional 55 professional full- time positions and helped to ensure that the regional office would be a key player in the VA for many years to come.

As director, Mr. Montgomery has supported the veteran community in hiring practices as well as in claims disability work. Of the 516 employees hired at the regional offices in the last 10 years, 260 were veterans, and of that number, 127 were disabled veterans.

Each year, I visit the Winston-Salem Regional Office to learn about the work being done there and, more importantly, to personally thank the VA employees for all they do on behalf of our Nation's veterans. It was during one of these visits that I was struck by a letter I saw hanging on the wall of Mr. Montgomery's office. His family had received a letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt after losing a loved one in World War II. And I quote President Roosevelt's letter.

``He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow, and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives, in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.''

I am so grateful that my friendship with Mr. Montgomery led me to this wonderful quote, which I have since shared in my own letters to families who have lost a loved one in Afghanistan or Iraq.

During my visits, Mr. Montgomery has generously acted as my guide and has introduced me to employees and visiting veterans. I have witnessed firsthand all of the great work being done by Mr. Montgomery and his staff to take care of our Nation's veterans. They have excelled in their efforts to reduce the number of pending claims while still maintaining the accuracy of their case audits.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I wish to congratulate Mr. Montgomery on his retirement and his long and successful career of service with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through his work on behalf of our Nation's veterans, he has earned the respect of so many people, and I know he will be missed.

John Montgomery, thank you for a job well done. I wish you all the best for a long and happy retirement. May God bless you and your family in the years ahead, and may God bless our men and women in uniform, and may God bless America.

Madam Speaker, this Thursday, March 13, 2008, the International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight Subcommittee will conduct a hearing on ``War Powers for the 21st Century: The Congressional Perspective.'' I would like to thank Chairman Bill Delahunt and Ranking Member Dana Rohrabacher for scheduling this hearing. It is my understanding that Chairman Delahunt and Ranking Member Rohrabacher also plan to hold two additional war powers hearings during the month of April.

I am extremely grateful for their interest in this very important issue. Along with former Congressmen David Skaggs and Mickey Edwards, who are cochairmen of the Constitutional Projects War Powers Initiative, this Thursday I will testify on the legislation I introduced in October of 2007, the Constitutional War Powers Resolution, H.J. Res. 53.

Too many times this Congress has abdicated its constitutional duty by allowing Presidents to overstep their executive authority. Our Constitution states that while the Commander-in-Chief has the power to conduct wars, only Congress has the power to authorize war.

It is for this reason that in 1999 I joined 16 of my colleagues in Congress to file a suit against President Clinton for unconstitutionally conducting offensive military attacks against Yugoslavia without obtaining a declaration of war or other explicit authorizations from Congress.

Now, as threats to international peace and security continue to evolve, the Constitutional War Powers Resolution, H.J. Res. 53, rededicates Congress to its primary constitutional role of deciding when to use force abroad.

In 1793, James Madison said, `` . . . The power to declare war, including the power of judging the causes of war, is fully and exclusively vested in the legislature . . . the executive has no right, in any case, to decide the question, whether there is or is not cause for declaring war.''

The Framers of our Constitution sought to decentralize the war powers of the United States and construct a balance between the political branches.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 aimed to clarify the intent of the constitutional Framers and to ensure that Congress and the President share in the decision-making process in the event of armed conflict. Yet, since the enactment of the resolution, time and again Presidents have maintained that the resolution's consultation, reporting, and congressional authorization requirements are unconstitutional obstacles to executive authority.

By more fully clarifying the war powers of the President and the Congress, the legislation I've introduced, H.J. Res. 53, the Constitutional War Powers Resolution, improves upon the War Powers Resolution of 1973 in a number of ways. It clearly spells out the powers that the Congress and the President must exercise collectively, as well as the defensive measures the Commander in Chief may exercise without congressional approval. It also provides a more robust reporting requirement that would enable Congress to be more informed and to have greater oversight. And it protects and preserves the checks and balances the Framers intended in the decision to bring our Nation into war.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to congressional hearings on this critical issue. The time for Congress to meet its constitutional duty is long overdue.

And with that, Madam Speaker, I would like to ask God to continue to bless our men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq, and to ask God to continue to bless the families of our men and women in uniform.

Mr. Speaker, last night I spoke on the floor about my concern that allied countries have only paid $2.5 billion of the $15.8 billion they pledged to help rebuild Iraq. While many of Iraq's oil-rich neighbors are not making good on their promises, the United States has already spent $29 billion to help rebuild Iraq, and Congress has approved an additional $16.5 billion.

Unlike the United States, which is borrowing money from foreign governments to pay its bills, many of Iraq's neighbors are running record surpluses. While oil is at a record high of nearly $104 a barrel, American taxpayers are facing prices of more than $3 at the pump. Last night on the floor, I heard Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur talk about the possibility of gas going to $4 a gallon. And Congressman Todd Tiahrt spoke about the Air Force's recent decision to award a multibillion contract for a new tanker aircraft to a foreign firm. He made the point that our government is putting the United States at an economic disadvantage by awarding contracts for a French tanker built by Europeans rather than an American tanker built by an American company with American workers.

Mr. Speaker, all of these issues tie into my concern over America's economic future. Our national debt is growing by $1.4 billion a day and nearly $1 million by the minute. The total current debt is more than $9 trillion, which means almost $30,000 in debt for each man, woman, child, and infant in the United States. And as our debt climbs, we are borrowing money from foreign governments to pay our bills.

It is obvious that our current fiscal policies are not sustainable. On February 26, 2008, during a hearing of the Financial Services Committee, I had an opportunity to question a panel of top economists about when our country's current financial practices will get beyond a point of no return. Dr. Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com, responded that this point of no return will come ``once we get into the next President's term.'' He continued to say that if we're not successful in addressing the economic questions currently facing our Nation, ``we've got a significant problem.''

I've read a lot of history books, and most recently I read Pat Buchanan's book ``Day of Reckoning.'' I agree with his assessment that ``no world power has long survived the levels of debt and dependency America is incurring.''

If America does not get its priorities straight and get a handle on its spending, we will not be able to survive as a great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, because it is urgent that we turn our economic situation around, I hope that the Congress and the next President will take this issue seriously. Out of fairness to the American taxpayers and future generations, we can no longer delay the need to pay down our debt and work towards sounder economic policies.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will ask God to continue to bless our men and women in uniform and ask God to please bless their families and ask God to please continue to bless America.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of the House and to the American people a disturbing situation involving a shortfall in Iraq aid pledges. I also brought this issue to the attention of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, for whom I have great respect, during a hearing last month of the House Armed Services Committee.

On January 30 of 2008, USA Today reported that allied countries have paid only 16 percent of their pledge. Their pledge was $15.8 billion, and they have only paid $2.5 billion.

The article further reports, and I quote, ``The biggest shortfall in pledges by 41 donor countries are from Iraq's oil rich neighbors and U.S. allies,'' namely, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Yet, the United States has already spent $29 billion to help rebuild Iraq, and Congress has approved an additional $16.5 billion.

Mr. Speaker, it is troubling that some of the countries that may benefit from a secure and stable Iraq, particularly its neighbors in the region, are not providing the money they pledged to help achieve the goal to rebuild Iraq.

Unlike the United States, which is borrowing money from foreign governments to pay its bills, many of Iraq's neighbors are running record surpluses because of profits flowing into their government coffers by their national oil companies. These countries have the economic resources to meet their commitments.

In a letter on February 8, 2008, I expressed these concerns to Secretary Condoleezza Rice and to President Bush.

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, February 8, 2008.

Hon. Condoleezza Rice,

Secretary of State,

Washington, DC

Dear Madam Secretary: I am writing to express my concern

over information reported January 30, 2008, in the USA Today

article, ``Allies fall short on Iraq aid pledges.'' According

to the article, during and after an October 2003 conference

in Madrid, allied countries pledged $15.8 billion to help

rebuild Iraq. Now almost five years later, allied countries

have paid only 16%, or $2.5 billion, of those pledges. The

article also states: ``The biggest shortfalls in pledges by

41 donor countries are from Iraq's oil-rich neighbors and

U.S. allies.''

While the United States has spent $29 billion to help

rebuild Iraq, and Congress has approved an additional $16.5

billion, it is troubling that some of the countries that may

benefit the most from a secure and stable Iraq--particularly

its neighbors in the region--are not providing the money they

pledged to help achieve that goal. It's not as though these

nations lack the economic resources to meet their

commitments; in fact many of Iraq's neighbors are running

record surpluses as a result of the windfall profits flowing

into their government coffers via their national oil

companies.

Madam Secretary, I have no doubt that you and others in the

Administration are working to make sure those who promised

money to rebuild Iraq actually make good on those promises.

Therefore, I respectfully request that you provide me with a

written update of the Administration's efforts in this

regard. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Walter B. Jones,

Member of Congress.

I look forward to hearing the administration's response and an update on what steps they are taking to insure the Arab countries fulfill their pledges to aid Iraq. Our government should be working to make sure that those who promised money to help rebuild Iraq actually make good on those promises.

While oil is at a record high of near $104 a barrel, American taxpayers are facing prices of more than $3 at the pump.

Mr. Speaker, out of fairness to the American taxpayer, it is time that the administration tell these Arab countries that they are running record surpluses, that they need to pay their bills in Iraq. Again, they pledged $15.8 billion. They have only paid $2.5 billion. And the poor taxpayer of America is having to foot the bill to rebuild Iraq. It is not right, and it's time that we ask those rich Arab countries to meet their responsibilities.

Madam Speaker, today is day 404 of incarceration for two former United States Border Patrol agents. Agents Ramos and Compean were convicted in March of 2006 for shooting a Mexican drug smuggler who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across our border into Texas.

These two decorated Border Patrol agents who were doing their duty to protect the American people from an illegal alien drug smuggler have now served more than a year of their 11- and 12-year prison sentences.

On December 3, 2007, the Fifth United States Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans heard oral arguments for the agents' appeal. During the hearing, one of the three judges on the case, Judge E. Grady Jolly, said, ``It does seem to me that the government overreacted here. For some reason, this one got out of hand.'' A ruling on their appeal is now expected any day, and the American people are anxiously awaiting the result.

Many of us in Congress and millions of American citizens feel that the United States Attorney's Office in the Western District of Texas was not justified in indicting these agents.

Nothing can erase the suffering these agents have undergone and the many months they have spent in prison away from their families. However, a judgment in favor of Ramos and Compean in this appeal would be the first act of justice these agents have seen since their arrest.

Madam Speaker, the injustice of this case should not go unexamined. A number of days ago, I hand-delivered a letter to John Conyers, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a man I greatly respect, to request a hearing on this case. There have been many letters sent to the White House by Members of Congress and the American people calling on the President to pardon these agents. As of this time, the White House has not even responded to any of these calls from the American people. That is why it is critical that Chairman Conyers hold hearings to examine the injustice. The comments by the appeals judge are justification enough for the House Judiciary Committee to review this case to determine exactly why this case ``got out of hand.''

Madam Speaker, as the American people eagerly await a ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, my prayers are with the agents and their families. It is my hope that the judge's decision will rectify this gross miscarriage of justice, and faith in our judicial system may be restored.

Madam Speaker, before I close tonight, I would like to say to the families of Agents Ramos and Compean that many of us here in the House of Representatives of both parties have not forgotten this injustice that has befallen your families, and we promise to do our best to see the injustice become a justice for the Compean and Ramos families.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Benjamin Farmer, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 6, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Benjamin has been active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Benjamin has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. For his Eagle Scout Project, Benjamin renovated a room that now serves as a Sunday School Classroom at First Baptist Church in Kinston, NC.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Benjamin Farmer for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, on December 21, 2007, I had the privilege and honor to visit Marine Corps Base Albany, Georgia to witness firsthand the compassion of the United States Marine Corps.

I am extremely grateful to the United States Air Force for making it possible for me to take part in a visit that was so special, I can hardly describe it in words. On that day, the Jerome Lee family of Quitman, Mississippi, was able to adopt their son's canine partner, Lex, who was released from his duty as a military working dog.

Jerome and Rachel Lee's son, Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee, was a United States Marine Corps dog handler who was killed in action on March 21, 2007, in Fallujah, Iraq. Corporal Lee and his canine partner Lex, a 7- year-old German shepherd, were a highly trained explosive detection team. Lex, who was due for retirement after his combat tour in Iraq, suffered shrapnel wounds from the same enemy-fired rocket-propelled grenade that took Corporal Lee's life.

Following Corporal Lee's death, the Lee family began seeking to adopt their son's canine companion who was with their son during his last moments on Earth. However, after filing the necessary paperwork, the Lee family was told that Lex had been medically evaluated and, although injured, he was fit for duty and not yet eligible for adoption.

After learning their story, I spoke with Corporal Lee's father, Jerome Lee, by phone on several occasions. Mr. Lee continued to express the joy and comfort that caring for Lex would bring to him and his family, and he requested my assistance in securing their adoption of Lex.

I am so grateful to the United States Marine Corps and Commandant James

Conway for helping me ensure that the Lee family's request was granted. I am also very grateful to Brigadier General Michael Regner and Major General Robert Dickerson for their role in enabling this adoption to proceed. I know that Dustin is in heaven, and happy that his family now has Lex. Allowing the Lee family to adopt Lex was a fitting thank you to parents who gave the ultimate gift of their son for this country.

The United States Marine Corps has demonstrated its tremendous compassion and understanding by making this adoption a reality for the parents of one of our Nation's fallen heroes. Again I extend my deep condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, as well as all those in this country who have lost a loved one fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Although Lex will never replace their son, welcoming Lex into the Lee family and home will keep a big part of Corporal Lee's life alive for their family. Lex loved and protected Corporal Lee on the battlefield, and Corporal Lee's family is now able to love and protect Lex in the peaceful surroundings of their home in Mississippi.

May God bless the United States Marine Corps and all of our men and women in uniform, and may God continue to bless America.

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, a tragic incident took place along our Nation's southern border. On January 20, 2008, Border Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar was attempting to disable the vehicles of two suspected smugglers who entered this country illegally at the Southern California border. Agent Aguilar was struck and killed by one of the vehicles as it fled back to Mexico.

The tragic death of this border agent highlights the need for our government to get serious about defending our borders. As a key step in addressing this need, I recently introduced H.R. 4987, Defense By Date Certain Act. This legislation would mandate and fully fund the completion of a double-layered fence at designated locations on our southern border by June 30, 2009.

The fence alone cannot solve the illegal immigration crises, but it is an important step in securing our borders and regaining control of our Nation's sovereignty. The chaos and violence along our southern border is putting the lives of U.S. citizens and law enforcement officers at risk. Our Nation can no longer allow smugglers to cross our borders illegally, ignore our laws, carry guns, intimidate, and even murder our border agents.

Mr. Speaker, as Members of the House are well aware, two other victims of violence on our southern border have now served more than a year in Federal prison. Agents Ramos and Compean entered Federal prison on January 17, 2007, and are serving 11- and 12-year prison sentences. These agents were convicted in March of 2006 for shooting a Mexican drug smuggler who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across our border into Texas. Ramos and Compean were doing their duty to protect the American people from an illegal alien drug smuggler.

There is bipartisan agreement among Members of Congress that the overzealous prosecution of these agents, and their excessive prison sentences, is a tremendous miscarriage of justice. While our calls for a pardon have gone unanswered, these agents continue to languish in Federal prison away from their families and loved ones.

Again I call on Chairman John Conyers to schedule a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee to fully examine this case. I am hopeful that the committee will review the justification for the indictment of these agents, which I sincerely believe have no justification, and how this U.S. Attorney's Office proceeded in this case.

Mr. Speaker, when those who bravely defend our borders are prosecuted, it sends a terrible message to illegal aliens and drug smugglers. Our southern borders are threatened, and it is

time for our government to start defending its citizens from these who will cross our borders illegally and threaten the American people.

Madam Speaker, it has been 336 days since two United States Border Patrol agents entered Federal prison. Agents Ramos and Compean were convicted in March of 2006 for shooting a Mexican drug smuggler who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across our border into Texas. They're serving 11 and 12 years in prison.

Earlier this month, the White House released its list of 29 pardons which are traditionally granted around Christmastime. Among the list of pardons were those convicted of conspiring to import marijuana, possessing a stolen motor vehicle and distributing cocaine.

Madam Speaker, there are 7 days until Christmas, yet Agents Ramos and Compean, who were doing their duty to protect the American people from an illegal alien drug smuggler, are still in Federal prison, away from their families and loved ones.

There is bipartisan agreement among Members of Congress that the overzealous prosecution of these agents and their excessive prison sentence is a tremendous miscarriage of justice. In recent days, I was pleased to join Congressman Ed Royce and other House colleagues in writing the President to urge him to ensure that Agents Ramos and Compean are released from jail by Christmas. I was also happy to join Congressman Bill Delahunt and others in cosponsoring a resolution calling on the President to commute the agents' sentences to time already served.

A ruling on this case from the 5th United States Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is expected within weeks. Nothing can erase the suffering these agents and their families have undergone and the months they have spent in prison in solitary confinement away from their families; however, a judgment in favor of Ramos and Compean in this appeal would be an important victory and the first act of justice these agents have seen since their arrest.

During the appeal hearing, one of the three judges on this case, Judge E. Grady Jolly, said, ``It does seem to me that the government overreacted here. For some reason, this got way out of hand.''

Madam Speaker, in the eyes of many Americans, the prosecution of these border agents was not justified. An unbiased review of this case by Attorney General Mukasey, a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee and a Presidential pardon for these agents are all steps that can and should be taken to rectify this gross miscarriage of justice.

Through the efforts of this Congress and the American people, I am hopeful that justice will soon prevail for Ramos and Compean, that the nightmare of their imprisonment will end, and they will soon return home to their families and those they long to be with.

Madam Speaker, before I close, I want to ensure the families of Ramos and Compean that those of us in Congress will not forget this injustice until these men are released.

With that, Madam Speaker, I ask God to bless our men and women in uniform and their families, and ask God to continue to bless America.

I thank the gentleman from South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, in July, the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors reported that the Department of Defense was applying a rule that enlistees who leave the service early cannot receive their full enlistment bonus. The Commission was confident that this rule was not intended to apply to servicemen and women whose combat-related injuries forced them to leave the military. At that point, the Commission received assurances from the Department of Defense that this problem would be addressed. Today, the Congress will ensure that the problem is addressed by passing H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007.

As Americans, we should never break our promises to our veterans, especially in time of war. To promise a significant amount of money to a young American and then demand its return or refuse to continue distribution when the man or woman is injured in combat and subsequently discharged is unacceptable. In early October, I joined Congressmen Altmire, Stearns and Murphy to remedy this problem.

Today, over 270 of our colleagues and 36 veterans organizations have joined us to advance H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007. This legislation guarantees that no servicemember who dies or is retired or separated for disability will be required to repay or forfeit their bonus. We cannot thank our veterans enough for the sacrifices they have made for our country. When our men and women come home from war, the cost of an enlistment bonus is low compared to the sacrifice that is made by our soldiers and Marines.

I am certain this House will pass H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007.

Madam Speaker, due to a pre-existing commitment to visit wounded heroes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, I missed three rollcall votes this morning. I ask that the Record show that had I been present: For rollcall No. 1156--Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 869--I would have voted ``nay''; for rollcall No. 1157--Ordering the Previous Question H. Res. 859--I would have voted ``nay''; for rollcall No. 1158--Adoption of the Rule of consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2082--I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, too often during wartime, tragedy takes center stage and heart-warming stories never get told. Tonight I would like to share a truly touching story with my colleagues in the House and with the American people.

Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee was a United States Marine Corps working- dog handler who was killed in action on March 21, 2007, in Fallujah, Iraq. Corporal Lee and his canine partner, Lex, a 7-year-old German shepherd from Camp Lejeune were a highly trained explosives detection team. Lex, who was due for retirement after his combat tour in Iraq, suffered shrapnel wounds from the same enemy-fired rocket-propelled grenade that took Corporal Lee's life.

Following Corporal Lee's death, the Lee family began seeking to adopt their son's canine companion who was with their son during the last moments on Earth. However, after filing the necessary paperwork, contacts at Marine Corps Logistic Base Albany indicated that Lex had been medically evaluated and, although injured, was fit for duty and not yet eligible for adoption.

I first learned of the Lee family's situation by reading the short story, ``My Partner Dustin,'' written by John Burnam, author of ``Dog Tags of Courage.''

Madam Speaker, at this time I will submit the text of the story for the Congressional Record.

My Partner Dustin

(By John C. Burnam)

I'm a U.S. Marine and the primary element of a two-member

team trained to hunt and locate explosives. My partner and I

trained as a team for many months honing our expertise to

save American lives in the War on Terrorism in Iraq.

The date is March 21, 2007 and I was on the job in

Fallujah, Iraq when an enemy fired Rocket Propelled Grenade

(RPG) exploded in our midst. I was blasted to the ground. I'm

Stunned. My head is ringing and my body feels numb. My eyes

can't quite focus on anything.

My partner is lying next to me severely wounded and

bleeding. I move to him and touch him but he's not

responding. I feel sharp pains in my side and back. I'm

bleeding but deal with it and concentrate on comforting my

partner and protecting him from further harm.

Everything happened so fast that it caused disorientation

and confusion. My senses pick up the lingering smell of burnt

powder and smoke from the explosion. I hear lots of American

voices and heavy boot-steps hurrying all around us. They

reach our location and immediately attend to my partner. And

then they carry him away. I'm separated from my partner for

the first time. I'm not clear of thought and then I too am

carried way but to a different hospital.

I'm in a building lying on a table with lights above and

people talking. Still dazed and confused I hear a strange

voice say my name, ``Lex!'' I gesture a slight reflex of

acknowledgement. ``Lex! You are going to be okay buddy! Just

lay still. We are going to take care of your hurts, so stay

calm okay, Lex?'' My eyes dart around the room searching for

my partner, but he's not there and no one can interpret my

thoughts.

I'm released from the hospital and well enough to travel so

they transfer me from Iraq to a U.S. Marine Corp base in

Albany, Georgia. I really miss my partner, Dusty. I know

something has happened to him because he would never have

left me alone for so long.

Yes, my name is Lex. I'm a seven year old German shepherd

Military Working Dog. My master and loyal partner is Corporal

Dustin Jerome Lee, U.S. Marine Corps canine handler from

Mississippi. I'm well disciplined to

my master's commands and expertly trained to sniff out bombs

and explosives. Where's my master, Dusty? Where's Dusty, my

partner? No one can understand me but Dusty. Where's Dusty?

Iraq was to be my last combat tour before retirement. Dusty

talked to me all the time about going home and adopting me. I

sure do miss my Dusty. He is the best friend I've ever had. I

love that crazy Marine from Mississippi!

No one can measure the love and unconditional loyalty I

have for Dusty. I'd sacrifice my own life for him and he

knows it. I just wish I could have stopped that RPG or pushed

Dusty away from that powerful blast. It all happened in a

blink of an eye and I didn't see it coming until it was too

late. Now I sit alone in my kennel-run waiting for the day

Dusty shows up.

The U.S. Marines are treating me very well. I get enough

food and water and exercise each day. And the Veterinarian

comes by to examine my wounds on a regular basis. I just

can't sleep well at night. I wake up to every little noise

and I think about Dusty. Where can that Marine be?

The nights are long. The days turn into weeks. Still no

Dusty! My wounds are healing and the hair is growing back.

The pain still resides in my back but I can walk okay. I have

a piece of shrapnel near my spine that the Veterinarians

avoided removing for fear of further health complications.

I've been fortunate to be declared physically unable to

perform in a combat zone.

One of the dog handlers gave me a real good bath and

grooming. I felt so refreshed because I was on my way to meet

Dusty's family. Maybe Dusty will be there waiting for me.

When I arrived I sensed something was not quite right. Dusty

wasn't there and everyone was sad, but very happy to greet

me. I then realized that I was attending Dusty's funeral.

Everyone showed up to pay their respects.

Dusty is a real American hero and he was buried with full

military honors. I was so proud to have been his last best

friend and partner. At one particular moment of total silence

during the ceremony, I sniffed a slight scent in the air that

was very familiar. It smelled like Dusty. I figured he sent

me a signal that he knew I was there! I moaned a sigh of

grief that he would only hear and understand.

I was greeted by the Lee family with joy in their hearts.

The picture is of Dustin's mom, Rachel, and me in church. It

felt so warm and comfortable to be with my partner's loving

family. I wanted to stay but I was escorted away after the

funeral and back to Albany, Georgia. What is going to happen

to me now?

Wait a minute! I was due for retirement, right? Why did the

military take me to see Dusty's family and not leave me

there? I belong with them in Mississippi not here in Georgia.

There is something very wrong with this picture!

The Lee family adopting me would not be too much to ask

considering they will never again see their son, grandson,

brother, nephew and friend. Adopting me will keep a big part

of Dusty's life alive for them and for me too! I will enable

Dusty's family to experience what he already knew about me. I

loved and protected him everywhere we went and even on the

battlefield in Iraq. It's time the U.S. Marine Corps allowed

Dustin's family to adopt me. I'm not a young pup anymore, you

know! I'm of retirement age and I want to spend the rest of

my life with the Lee family. It's where I now belong!

After learning this story, I spoke with Corporal Lee's father, Jerome Lee, by phone on several occasions. Mr. Lee continued to express the joy and comfort that caring for Lex would bring to him and his family, and he requested my assistance in securing the adoption of Lex.

After speaking with Mr. Lee, I began contacting the United States Marine Corps to communicate and endorse their request. Recently, the Marine Corps confirmed to me that the request would be granted and the Lee family would be able to retrieve Lex from Marine Corps Logistic Base Albany within the next 2 weeks.

Allowing the Lee family to adopt Lex will not only help lessen the family's ongoing grief, but also serve as a fitting thank you to parents who gave the ultimate gift of their son for this country.

I am so grateful to the United States Marine Corps and Commandant James Conway for the tremendous gift they have chosen to bestow upon Jerome and Rachel Lee.

I am also very grateful to Brigadier General Michael Regner and Major General Robert Dickerson for their role in enabling the adoption to proceed.

Although Lex will never replace their son, caring for Lex will bring such joy and comfort to the Lee family, as well as to the dog himself. Welcoming Lex into the Lee family will keep a big part of Corporal Lee's life alive for their family.

Lex loved and protected Corporal Lee on the battlefield, and now Corporal Lee's family will have the opportunity to love and protect Lex in the peaceful surroundings of their home in Mississippi.

The United States Marine Corps has demonstrated its tremendous compassion and understanding by making this adoption a reality for the parents of one of our Nation's fallen heroes.

I close, Madam Speaker, by asking God to please bless the United States Marine Corps and all of our men and women in uniform, and may God continue to bless America.

I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi.

I appreciate the gentleman. And I will tell the gentleman, before he sits down, when I read this story it brought tears to my eyes. And I asked Mr. Burnam, who had been in Vietnam himself as a dog handler, What should I do, what could I do. He said, Do what your heart tells you to do. And my dear friend from Mississippi, I didn't even know where this man was in Mississippi. I just picked up the phone because Camp Lejeune was in my district. But thank you for what you said. And may God continue to bless America.