John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to rise in support of H. Res. 550, which congratulates the people of Ethiopia as they celebrate their second millennium. This commends Ethiopia's contribution to peace and stability on the African continent and recognizes the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and the United States. While much of the world celebrated the dawn of the second millennium in January of 2000, Ethiopia recognizes the Coptic calendar, which falls 7 years behind our own. This practice is in keeping with Ethiopia's long and rich cultural heritage. Ethiopia is the only country on the African continent never to have been colonized and, in fact, played an important role in the liberation struggles of numerous other African countries during the colonial period. It continues to play an important role in promoting peace across the continent, both as a major supporter of peacekeeping efforts and the home of the African Union. Ethiopia has served as a model of religious toleration in the region, a place where Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have co-existed peacefully for centuries. Ethiopia also is home to countless historical artifacts and world heritage sites, including the earliest known hominid, Lucy; and the medieval rock churches of Lalibela, which have been recognized as a wonder of the world. All of these facts have contributed to the strong sense of pride and nationalism that Ethiopians enjoy today. And while Ethiopia continues to face significant challenges in terms of security and democratic and economic development, this is a country that has served as one of the strongest allies of the United States in the region. The value of our relationship should not be taken lightly. I was particularly pleased to learn that Prime Minister Meles, Ethiopia's Prime Minister, kicked off the celebrations in September by granting amnesty to thousands of political prisoners, including a number of opposition leaders. It is my hope that the spirit of rebirth and reconciliation engendered in the celebration will continue to take root as Ethiopia embarks on a second millennium. So I rise to congratulate our friends in Ethiopia on this joyous occasion, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure. With that, Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of Congressman Dreier's resolution. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the author of this resolution, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) such time as he may consume. (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let's take a moment to recognize an ally whose relationship with the United States certainly exceeds its size. Completely surrounded by Italy, the European microstate of San Marino has the smallest population of all the members of the Council of Europe. Yet, San Marino has made a strong ally of the United States, most notably within a number of international institutions, including the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund. In fact, the U.S. and San Marino have collaborated closely on several key issues such as combating international terrorist financing and protecting intellectual property rights. Moreover, San Marino has been a leader in promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue within the European Union. The value of our relationship was marked earlier this year by the first exchange of ambassadors between the U.S. and San Marino. I, therefore, ask my colleagues to join me in supporting Ranking Member Dreier's H. Con. Res. 236, recognizing our close relationship with the Republic of San Marino.

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I welcome the focus this bill places on the growing influence of Iran in Latin America. Because Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism, we dare not lose sight of its increasing presence and activities in the region, nor can we forget its past transgressions. One year ago, Argentina's State Prosecutor concluded that the horrific 1994 AMIA bombing was ``decided and organized by the highest leaders of the former government of Iran.'' Yet, somehow the leader of Iran continues to be warmly received by many in the hemisphere. In fact, he has found much strength in his friendship formed with Hugo Chavez, Ahmadinejad's key ally in the region. The implications of Iran's presence in Latin America are disconcerting in themselves. When partnered with the power of Venezuela's petroleum, it is truly a cause for alarm and concern. Ahmadinejad has capitalized on his relationship with Chavez to inject his influence throughout the hemisphere, recently signing a cooperation agreement worth $1 billion with Bolivia, and is reportedly making plans to establish an embassy for the first time in Quito, Ecuador. Furthermore, the disturbing alliance between Venezuela, Iran and Cuba cannot be ignored. The radical efforts of Ahmadinejad, Chavez and Castro to stir anti-U.S. resentment in the region and support for anti- American regimes across the hemisphere are an increasing and undeniable threat to our security. For this reason, we must remain vigilant in our attention to the hemisphere and be sincere in our efforts to strengthen our relationships with the nations of Latin America. I commend the efforts being taken by the U.S. and our partners in Latin America to combat terrorist activities. However, we must recognize that if the U.S. is to support the efforts of our friends in the region, we must support them wholeheartedly. We cannot continue to send mixed signals. Denying free trade agreements with Colombia, while calling for increased cooperation on any front is not good, fair or effective policy. I thank my colleague for introducing this measure and look forward to additional efforts by Congress to comprehensively support our security in the Western Hemisphere. Again, I have one more speaker, Mr. Engel.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he would like to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier).

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, having no further speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) as much time as he may consume.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The great nation of France and the United States of America have a shared heritage of commitment to freedom and independence. From time to time, of course, we have made different choices or followed different paths in our commitment to the rule of law, human rights and democracy, but we in the United States are always grateful to have France's collaboration in advancing important foreign policy and security objectives. The newly elected President of France, Mr. Nicholas Sarkozy, is this week paying an official visit to Washington and will address a joint meeting of this Congress during his visit. His visit prompts us to recall some of the expressions of support Mr. Sarkozy has offered to our country and some of the concrete steps he has, indeed, taken to join with the United States in addressing key issues of our day. On the eve of the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, then-French Interior Minister Nicholas Sarkozy traveled to New York City to demonstrate solidarity with the American people on that occasion. During his visit, Mr. Sarkozy paid tribute to New York City's Police and Fire Departments as part of the commemoration of the anniversary and noted as part of his remarks the following: ``One thing is sure in the history of our two peoples, each time we faced a challenge, France was able to count on the United States of America.'' He then presented to the New York Fire Department the French Medal of Honor, the very first time that the medal, the highest award for French firefighters, has been awarded to foreigners. By taking such actions, as both Minister of the Interior and now as the President of France, Mr. Sarkozy has won the appreciation of the American people. I note that his attitude regarding the necessity of preventing Iran from achieving its nuclear ambitions, his expressed support for the nation of Israel and his praise for the United States as a land of opportunity are very much appreciated as well. Mr. Speaker, we are glad to have France as an ally, and we hope to deepen the friendship and partnership that the United States and France have enjoyed so many times in the history of our two countries. As the cochair of the Congressional French Caucus, I believe that the resolution before us today helps send a message of continued friendship with the people of France while congratulating President Sarkozy on his election and welcoming him to the United States. I ask all of my colleagues to join in supporting this very timely resolution. I have one additional speaker.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Eurasia Foundation has reportedly done some good work over the past few years of the region of the former Soviet Union. Because the aid programs for the countries of that region from which the foundation has received its funding are now closing down, the issue before us is whether that foundation should be authorized to continue to receive funds directly from the U.S. in order to continue its democracy promotion work independently. I suspect that for many of us in this House the answer would be yes. Just as we have had an Asia foundation, it is possible to see the work of funding this kind of foundation to do democracy promotion in Eurasia. The passage of this bill, H.R. 2949, would help ensure that funding. At the request of Members from our side of the aisle and the Foreign Affairs Committee, this bill has been amended in committee to try to address a significant problem that is not directly related to the Eurasia Foundation but that is an issue of importance to the wise use of our United States Government funds if they are appropriated to the foundation under this bill in the future. Independent of the Eurasia Foundation, our United States Government- funded Enterprise Fund in Russia, the major state of that region, is closing down and is seeking to use the hundreds of millions of dollars from the sale of its assets to fund democracy promotion, civil society and rule- of-law programs in Russia, as well as economic reform efforts. At the same time, we have democracy promotion programs under way across Russia and the rest of the region, through the National Endowment for Democracy, the National Democratic Institute, and the International Republican Institute. So there is obviously a possibility that duplications of efforts will take place unless this Congress finds ways to ensure that it doesn't. We don't want to see U.S. Government-funded organizations compete to do the same kinds of activities if that leads to duplication and waste, and the democracy promotion in that region is too important to see money wasted at a time when Russian President Putin and others are forcing their own brand of authoritarian government on their nations. This measure has been amended in a way that seeks to mandate that any successor to the U.S. Government-funded Enterprise Fund in Russia has to reach an agreement with the Eurasia Foundation before it engages in any democracy promotion efforts in that country. Hopefully, that will eliminate duplication to some degree. The bill, as amended, does not go as far as some of us would like, I must note. It does not address the similar situation that will arise in the Ukraine in the next few years when our U.S. Government-funded Enterprise Fund there closes down and seeks to set up its own successor foundation that may, once again, end up duplicating the work done by the Eurasia Foundation in the Ukraine. It also does not address a completely separate question about how the assets of such U.S. Government-funded Enterprise Funds in Russia and Ukraine will be disposed of, an issue that involves hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. taxpayer funds. It has been the practice to ensure that the taxpayers get back at least 50 percent of the funds held by such funds when they close down their operations. There is an effort in the House-passed fiscal year 2008 foreign aid appropriations bill, however, to allow our fund in Russia not to turn back to our Treasury half of its assets. That would mean that the taxpayers would lose $160 million, or perhaps even more than that, depending on the value of the assets sold in the case of the Russia fund alone. Those are monies that might otherwise go to help fund other worthwhile programs. Perhaps this is not the bill in which to debate that issue, and our efforts in committee to address it in this measure were unsuccessful. But I take this opportunity to point out that issue in the hopes that the administration will be supported by Congress in its efforts to follow current practice and ensure that our Treasury gets back that very significant sum of money.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I come here today to continue my call on the leadership to move the Veterans appropriations bill forward. As of today, we have gone 138 days in this Chamber with no action, no plan of action, and more importantly, no veterans bill. I am concerned that we have a $4.4 billion increase in veterans health care collecting dust on someone's desk in this very building. I suspect that there are many people here today and watching at home who are also troubled as well. I'm proud that the veterans issues are not partisan. They never should be. I am also proud to be a member of a bipartisan Veterans Committee. I am not proud, however, that we have gone this long into the year without a single appropriations bill. I call on the leadership of the House to get on the stick, get past whatever reason or strategy that is holding this important bill up, and get a clean bill to the President so we can deliver this money to these heroes to whom we owe so much.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time having no further speakers.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 2728, introduced by Representative Darrell Issa of California, designates the station of the United States Border Patrol located at 25762 Madison Avenue in Murrieta, California, as the Theodore L. Newton, Jr., and George F. Azrak Border Patrol Station. Forty years ago, Theodore Newton and George Azrak were tragically killed in the line of duty. The deaths of these two agents shook the foundations of the agency. The two young Border Patrol agents were working the graveyard shift at a remote checkpoint when they were kidnapped from their post by drug smugglers. They were found murdered and handcuffed to a stove in an abandoned mountain shack. These two agents, just like agents on the front line today, put themselves in harm's way to uphold the tradition of honor, integrity, and service in securing our Nation's borders. Over 100 employees of the Border Patrol have died in the line of duty since it was formed in 1924. The Newton-Azrak Award, the Border Patrol's highest award, pays tribute to those who show courage and heroism in the face of grave danger. This bill recognizes the ultimate sacrifice these men made, giving their lives in the service of their country. I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, having no further speakers, again, I think this is a very fitting tribute and honor and something that we should all very much support. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2671, introduced by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), designates the United States courthouse located at 301 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida, as the C. Clyde Atkins United States Courthouse. The bill recognizes Judge Atkins's dedication to the law and his fairness on the bench. In 1914, Judge Atkins was born in Washington, D.C. He received his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law in 1936 and began his career in the private practice of law in Stuart, Florida. Judge Atkins's service to his community in the legal profession includes serving as president of the Dade County Bar Association, president of the Florida Bar Association, trustee of the Mercy Hospital, and trustee of Biscayne College. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Judge Atkins to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Judge Atkins served as chief justice on the district court from 1977 to 1982 when he assumed senior status. Judge Atkins's tenure on the bench ended with his passing at the age of 84 on March 11, 1999. This legislation is a fitting tribute to Judge Atkins's service to equal justice. I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3224 amends the National Dam Safety Program Act to establish a program to provide grant assistance to States for the rehabilitation and repair of deficient dams. I would like to commend Congressman Randy Kuhl for his steadfast leadership on this issue. He was the original sponsor of similar legislation this year, and he was instrumental in the reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program last year. I would also like to thank Mr. Salazar, again, for his leadership in this issue also. This bill would authorize a program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding for repairs to publicly owned dams that would pose a direct risk to human life if they failed. The number of unsafe dams has risen by 80 percent since 1998 to more than 3,200. This grant program would fund repairs of the most critical dams, which the Association of State Dam Safety officials estimates is a $10 billion need over the next 12 years. Dams require ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and rehabilitation. Many States are unable to fund necessary repairs to publicly owned dams without assistance from the Federal Government. This new program will provide assistance up to 65 percent of the cost of the repairs. H.R. 3224 authorizes the program for 5 years at $200 million. Mr. Speaker, this is an important issue throughout the country in areas with numerous old and abandoned dams. Too often, the 19th century companies that built the dams no longer exist and local governments are left with orphaned dams in their jurisdiction. These downstream communities have a responsibility to protect their population, but they rarely have the tax base or revenue to repair the failing dams. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun).

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I take great pleasure in urging my colleagues to support House Resolution 237, urging all of America to make a special effort to honor America's veterans on November 11, introduced by a veteran of the Vietnam War, the Honorable Joe Baca. This resolution reminds each of us of the debt we owe to those whose sacrifices have made America the beacon of freedom throughout the world. America's holidays remind us of important events and persons in our Nation's history. It is significant that veterans are honored with two holidays that recognize the important role of those who wear the uniform. Veterans have assaulted heavily defended beaches, jumped from aircraft under heavy fire, shivered in frozen foxholes, slogged through malaria-ridden jungles, and endured horrible abuses as prisoners of war. Veterans have survived incredible hardships, they have suffered wounds, and far too many have paid the ultimate price of freedom. They have often experienced long separations from families, and they serve in the outposts of freedom while their fellow citizens enjoy the fruits of everyday life in America. Each of them, from the Army or Marine infantrymen on patrol, to the sailor deep in the bowels of an aircraft carrier, to the airmen miles above the ground sets an example for the rest of us. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to recall how Veterans Day came to be. In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the City of Washington became the focal point of reverence for America's veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France where an unknown soldier was buried in each of the nation's highest place of honor, in England West Minster Abby, in France the Arc de Triomphe. These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The day became known as Armistice Day. The first celebration using the term ``Veterans Day'' occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized National Veterans Day, which included a parade and other festivities to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Weeks' local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide. Mr. Speaker, I again suggest this most fitting of resolutions is worthy of unanimous support for my colleagues. As Mr. Filner said in the previous bill, we need to go further. Mr. Speaker, there is no better way to honor our veterans on Veterans Day than to ensure funding for their medical care and other benefits. That is why I call on my friends on the other side of the aisle to appoint conferees for the Military Construction and VA appropriations bill. We are almost a month into the new fiscal year and there is no practical reason that this bill cannot pass and become law. It won't be long before this apparent political ploy will begin to affect the care our Nation's warriors receive. Let's appoint conferees and ensure that the VA can continue to give our veterans the excellent care that they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I know that all of us look forward to passing this very important resolution. I want to thank Judge Carter for bringing it forward. And then also a special thanks to Mr. Filner, chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Ranking Member Buyer, in expediting it and getting it on the floor. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).