John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to Mr. Roskam of Illinois.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to Mr. David Davis of Tennessee.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Ms. Fallin).

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown), one of the gentlemen working with Mr. Holt that was able to bring this resolution forward.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The resolution before us today is identical to H. Con. Res. 125, passed by the House in the 109th Congress on July 24, 2006. I want to thank Congressman Holt and Congressman Brown for bringing forward this very, very important resolution. Vince Lombardi said: ``The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.'' Maybe that is why the men and women on the front lines today, who have sacrificed the most to achieve a success, remain dedicated to achieving victory in the face of adversity. And it is this determination and dedication that make our veterans such outstanding employees when they return to civilian life. American veterans, especially those who serve the Nation during challenging times, understand the value of work. When these men and women return to civilian life, they only ask that the Nation, through her employers, recognize the value of their experience as members of our Armed Forces. Today, our Nation is honored by the service of millions of volunteer service men and women, including hundreds of thousands who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. By putting these veterans to work in our factories, our offices, construction sites, and all types of industries, we give them the opportunity to continue contributing to the Nation they have so honorably defended in uniform. Today, diversity is a common goal of employers. I would offer that one facet of diversity can only be provided by a veteran, that 1 percent of society that protects and defends the other 99 percent. I also want to thank those businesses who are proactively working to hire veterans today. I am working with many Arkansas-based businesses. In fact, in my situation and Congresswoman Herseth's situation, we are working with businesses all over the country, both large and small, to encourage additional veterans outreach. I urge my colleagues to take the initiative in reaching out to businesses in your communities as well. To the Nation's employers, large and small, I say hire a veteran. You will get an employee who understands honor and commitment, who is skilled and drug free and loyal. You can't do any better than that. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my thanks to the honorable Lane Evans and urge passage of this bill to name a U.S. post office in his hometown of Rock Island, Illinois, in his honor. Lane's service to America and its veterans began with his enlistment in the Marine Corps in the Vietnam War. Lane began his congressional career by winning election for the 17th District in Illinois in 1982 and promptly became a staunch advocate for veterans. He kept this commitment through the 109th Congress. This bill will provide a small but important recognition of Lane's service and commitment. He championed issues such as agent orange, women's health care, spina bifida benefits and many others. We hear a lot about bipartisanship in this body, and truly I had the opportunity to win a special election, came up, and one of the first people that I met as a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee was Lane Evans. As soon as he realized that I was certainly willing and wanted to help veterans, then nobody could have been any nicer. Nobody could have extended any more help than Lane Evans. It is sad, sad and not sad, I have mixed emotions, certainly, about Democrats taking control of the House, but it is sad that with his retirement his picture will not be on the wall. Because of his hard work, he certainly very much deserves that sort of honor. On the other hand, like I say, nobody, nobody has worked any harder and done a better job for our Nation's veterans. I certainly urge passage of this bill.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to congratulate Mr. Buyer and thank him and thank the staff on both sides, the chairman, Ranking Member Evans, Acting Ranking Member Filner, and again all of the staff for your hard work in getting this bill together. It is a very, very good bill. The bill before the House makes improvements in nearly every major area of veterans programs. I am especially proud of the provisions that originally passed the House in H.R. 3082. That bill, and now S. 3421, contains significant changes to how the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service meet the small business and employment needs of America's veterans. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government has fallen woefully short in meeting the disabled veteran-owned small business contracting goals set forth in Public Law 106-50 and Presidential Executive Order 13360. Since the law and directive took effect, only one major Federal agency has met the 3 percent goal for disabled veteran-owned small businesses. This is certainly a very, very poor record. This bill provides the Department of Veterans Affairs with the tools and requisite authorities to not only meet the goal but to exceed the goal. The bill also makes several important improvements in the delivery of employment services to veterans. As a result, State workforce agency employees funded by the Veterans Employment and Training Service will be better trained in their duties. The Secretary of Labor will have additional authority to hold States accountable for job placement results. The bill also makes it easier for servicemembers transitioning to civilian life by authorizing a pilot program to break down barriers to qualifying for State licenses based on military training, education, and experience. Mr. Speaker, again, this is an excellent bill. I want to again thank you for all of the hard work on both sides for the effort that was done and very much support the passage of this bill.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great Arkansan, a giant of American business who passed away yesterday morning, J.B. Hunt of Springdale, Arkansas. He built a billion-dollar trucking business from humble beginnings, and in the span of a lifetime went from a sharecropper's son to the employer of over 16,000 people and a major force in shaping the economy of the Third District of Arkansas. He donated to charities, he was very, very active in his church, and was known to carry $100 bills in case he ran across somebody who needed help immediately. When asked why, he explained, I was hungry once, a lesson we can all learn from. I knew him when I was a young man, when he had absolutely no idea who I was; and I knew him when I was a young professional in my community, and later on as his Congressman. He was the kind of man that treated me the same in regard to all of those stations in life. He was a wonderful man, and certainly our prayers are with him, his wife Johnelle, his family, and his company which lives the American Dream every day

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Dennis Douglass, who will retire on January 3, 2007, after 30 years of service to our Nation's veterans. Over the last 7 years Mr. Douglass has served with distinction as the Deputy Director for the Education Service at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was a consummate professional with unquestioned integrity, who consistently exhibited management and leadership qualities that put him among VA's top performers. I first had the privilege of meeting Mr. Douglass when I became chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity at the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and began working on legislation to improve education benefits for servicemembers and veterans. Mr. Douglass has always made himself available to Congress when needed and served on behalf of the Secretary with honesty and sincerity. He has been the VA's institutional memory on education benefits and his contributions will truly be missed. Mr. Douglass began his Federal career in 1976 as a Veterans Claims Examiner at the VA regional office in Detroit, Michigan. In 1982 he transferred to VA Headquarters in Washington, DC, to work in Education Service. Since his arrival, he has written procedural guidance for education claims processing, assisted in systems design, performed quality assurance reviews, conducted regional office appraisal visits, and served as Budget Analyst and Staff Assistant to the Director of Education Service. In 1999 the Secretary of Veterans Affairs appointed him Deputy Director in Education Service. When asked, staff at VA describe him as an avid golfer with a penchant for corny jokes. Many remarked on his priceless collection of bad ties from the 70's and 80's. Overall, Mr. Douglass is known as one of the nicest persons that any of them have had the privilege to work with at VA. His colleagues state that his understanding of veteran's needs and his dedication to the job will be sorely missed by all, including the veterans he dedicated his career to serve. Mr. Douglass was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1969 through 1971. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1974 and did graduate work at Wayne State University. He resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his wife JoAnn, son Daryl, and daughter Alison.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the NATO--Parliamentary Assembly, I traveled to Quebec, Canada, from Sunday, November 12 to November 15, 2006 to participate in the assembly meetings. Due to the timing of the meetings and return travel, I was unable to participate in votes on Monday and Tuesday, November 13-14. I am requesting my absence for this date. I would also like you to note that, should I have been present, I would have voted in the following manner: ``Aye.'' H.R. 3085--Amending the National Trails System Act (Roll no. 517). ``Aye.'' S. 819--Reallocation of funds for the Pactola Dam (Roll no. 518). ``Aye.'' H.R. 5602--Authorizing the Extension of Nondiscriminatory Treatment to the Products of Vietnam (Roll no. 519). ``Aye.'' H.R. 6314--Extending provisions within the Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance Program (Roll no. 520). ``Aye.'' H.R. 864--Sober Truth in Preventing Underage Drinking Act (Roll no. 521). ``Aye.'' H.R. 5585--Financial Netting Improvements Act (Roll no. 522). ``Aye.'' H. Res. 1078--Congratulations to 2006 World Series Champions (Roll no. 523).

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I want to congratulate you for your leadership and really appreciate all the hard work. This has been a difficult thing to get to the floor. Also I want to thank Mr. Filner and Ms. Herseth and again the staffs on both sides that have worked so very, very hard to, like I say, get this thing done. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5835, and I would like to highlight section 7 of the bill. This section would create a scholarship and debt reduction program at VA to encourage recruitment of new personnel with Ph.D.s in information security, computer engineering or electrical engineering from an accredited institution of higher learning. This is so we can attract and secure the best talent possible at the VA's IT department. This section would allow the Secretary to award scholarships or repayment of education debts to future VA employees. The scholarships would not exceed $200,000, or $50,000 per year, per person. Debt reduction payments would not exceed $82,500 over a total of 5 years of participation, or $16,500 per year in the program. The recipients would also be required to agree to a period of obligated service at the Department of not less than 2 years for every 1 year of tuition paid. This is a great way to attract talented people at the VA. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5835.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincerest appreciation and thanks to Vivian Moeglein whose tenure as my legislative director comes to an end this Friday. Vivian will be leaving my office at the end of this week after serving the Third District of Arkansas for 10 years. Her passion for the legislative process, devotion to the people of Arkansas, and her cheerful personality have made her a pleasure to work with, and I am fortunate to have had her on my staff. Vivian began her service here on Capitol Hill as an intern for Congressman Asa Hutchinson while completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland. Since that time, she has worked her way through the ranks as a staff assistant, office manager, legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, and finally as legislative director. I was fortunate enough to keep her on the staff when I entered Congress in 2001 in a special election when she carefully steered me through the learning process each new Member of Congress must master. Mr. Speaker, my staff and I will miss Vivian greatly, as will the Third Congressional District of Arkansas. We are extremely grateful for her tireless efforts on behalf of Arkansas and wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the sacrifice made by PFC Derek Plowman of Everton, Arkansas. On July 20 he died from a gunshot wound while serving with the Arkansas Army National Guard's 142nd Fires Brigade in Iraq. Friends and family say that Derek was passionate about everything that he did. He was known to be a selfless man that was always more worried about other people than himself. Last year he had just returned from basic training when he learned that his unit was being mobilized, but he commented that ``he had a job to do,'' and willingly deployed to Iraq with his fellow Arkansans. Derek comes from a large family with nine brothers and sisters. He had dreams of becoming a psychiatrist, and joined the National Guard during his senior year at Valley Springs High School to earn money for college. Mr. Speaker, at the young age of 20, Derek made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep Derek's family in their thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of this outstanding young man.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin, Chairman Petri, for yielding me this time. I would like to thank Congressman Lane Evans for his leadership on this matter. Congressman Evans and I serve together on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and he is a tireless advocate for all veterans. I also want to thank Chairman Petri for his leadership and support of the legislation. H. Con. Res. 235 proposes that all States require that candidates for driver's licenses demonstrate the knowledge to use increased caution when driving in the vicinity of what may be a visually impaired individual. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I appreciate all the hard work the Blinded Veterans Association has done to support this legislation. The Blinded Veterans Association has received hundreds of letters and e-mails concerning individuals who have had their white canes hit or have been hit themselves in crosswalks by drivers who are unaware of what a white cane or guide dog indicated. As an optometrist, I know firsthand that many people with visual impairments live normal, independent lives. They too should be able to travel without fear. Unfortunately, many States do not require people who are applying for driver's licenses to indicate awareness in regards to recognition of visually impaired pedestrians. Simple education can greatly increase the much-needed protection for visually impaired fellow citizens. Again, I would like to thank Congressman Evans for his leadership on this matter, and I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 235.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in support legislation that I introduced, H.R. 3082, the Veteran Small Business and Memorial Affairs Act of 2006. This is an important piece of legislation that will improve veterans' benefits programs. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the provisions that would enhance small business and employment opportunities for veterans. This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to give priority to small businesses owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans when awarding contracts, even when contracting officers choose to use another set aside authority such as 8(a) or HUBZones. Madam Speaker, there have been previous attempts to promote veteran- owned small businesses to the Federal agencies. Public Laws 106-50 and 108-183 set goals and set aside opportunities for federal agencies. Additionally, Executive Order 13360 encouraged Federal agencies to meet the goals for veteran-owned businesses. Unfortunately, agencies have not been successful in meeting the goals. It is truly regrettable that according to Small Business Administration data that only three of eighty-one Federal departments and agencies have met the three percent goal currently in law for service-disabled veteran-owned business. VA was not one of those three, I feel VA must set an example for the rest of the government. I want to make it plain that the intent of this bill is to put veteran-owned businesses, especially service-disabled veteran-owned businesses at the front of the line for set aside opportunities at the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is a small way for the nation to show its appreciation for not only the service these men and women have rendered to the nation, but also for their entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy. Many servicemembers, upon leaving the Armed Forces, seek employment within a field similar to their occupational specialties. However, there are several barriers that veterans may face when trying to be certified in these fields in their home states. When we marked up this legislation in the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, of which I chair, I inserted in my Chairman's Amendment, a provision that would require states to develop a licensing and certification program as a condition of receiving a grant from the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS). The states will have 2 years after the date enactment to do this. It is also important for the people assisting veterans with employment to have the proper qualifications and training to meet the needs of veterans. Therefore, my Chairman's Amendment also included a provision that would require VETS to establish guidelines for non- mandatory professional qualifications for Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS) and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs). This bill would also require that all DVOPS and LVERs successfully complete training by the National Veterans' Training Institute. Madam Speaker, veterans as a group is one of this nation's largest assets. Their small businesses are very successful and they have proven to be excellent employees. The employment and entrepreneurial tools within H.R. 3082 would give our veterans the ``leg-up'' that they deserve. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3082, as amended.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent the Committee on International Relations may have until midnight, July 21 to file a report on H.R. 5682, the United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor today to support this legislation that will preserve America's Pledge of Allegiance. This Congress is working to strengthen America to taking steps to continue job creation, keeping our economy growing, providing the tools that we need to fight the war on terrorism and address the problems that are leading to high energy prices. However, we also have a responsibility to take a few minutes today to reinforce the spirit and unity of the American people by protecting our Pledge. The Pledge of Allegiance is not just a statement that our kids rehearse in schools, it is an expression of we as Americans. The American people are united by devotion, not just to our flag but to our country. Our devotion is not just to our public, but to our principles, including liberty and justice for all. Our shared Pledge of Allegiance should not be rewritten on a whim by a few judges against the will of the overwhelming majority of American public. That is why this legislation is so important, and I appreciate Mr. Blunt's and Mr. Akin's leadership on this issue. The Pledge Protection Act, which has 197 cosponsors, passed the House in the 108th Congress by a wide margin. Article III of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to pass this legislation. We should use this authority with restraint. But when it comes to protecting America's Pledge of Allegiance, we should take these thoughtful steps to exercise the will of the American people.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues from Arkansas today. The State of Arkansas has lost one of its greatest citizens and role models this week. Lieutenant Governor Win Rockefeller dedicated his life to public service and to the people of our State. As Lieutenant Governor, Governor Rockefeller focused on economic development, education and literacy. Let me give you just an example of the many great contributions that Lieutenant Governor Rockefeller made, not just as an elected official, but as a citizen. The Lieutenant Governor created a program called ``Books in the Attic'' where Boy Scouts collected used children's books to distribute to needy families. This was a little thing, but Lieutenant Governor Rockefeller was always willing to use his resources to do good, but more importantly he wanted to get other people involved in doing good as well. The passing of Lieutenant Governor Rockefeller is a great loss for the State of Arkansas. We will all be grateful that he chose to make Arkansas his home. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends who loved him so much.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes today, July 17, 2006, due to a delay in my flight back to Washington, DC. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: H.R. 3085-- ``yea''; H.R. 3496--``nay''; H.R. 3729--``yea''.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Gerald ``Jerry'' Braun who passed away on July 7, 2006, at his home in Maryland. Over the last 3 years Dr. Braun has served with distinction as the Deputy Director for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was a consummate professional with unquestioned integrity, who consistently met or exceeded the goals of the vocational rehabitation and employment program. I first had the privilege of meeting Dr. Braun when he testified before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity at the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which I Chair. I always found him to be an honest, sincere witness who possessed a great knowledge of veterans programs and always exhibited the utmost concern for the veterans enrolled in vocational rehabilitation and employment. He was the VA's institutional memory on the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and his contributions will truly be missed. Dr. Braun began serving our Nation's veterans in 1972 as a vocational rehabilitation specialist for the blind and visually impaired in St. Paul, MN. He later worked for VA facilities in Chicago and Reno as a counseling psychologist and in Indianapolis as the vocational rehabilitation and employment officer, before finally coming to Washington to serve in the Department's Central Office In addition to his service as a VA counselor, Dr. Braun was a member of the American Legion and the National Rehabilitation Association. He earned Certificates of Appreciation from Vice President Gore, from the Greater Sierra Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for Lifetime Contribution, and from the State of Nevada Governor for his contributions to the Governor's Committee of Employment of People with Disabilities. Dr. Braun was born in Red Wing, MN and graduated from St. Cloud Minnesota State University in 1968 with a degree in Sociology. Upon graduation, he joined the Army and served his country from October 1968 to May 1970. His service included a thirteen month tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon returning, Dr. Braun earned both a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling and a doctorate of education in counseling and guidance. Dr. Braun is survived by his wife, Debora and his four children, Eric, Kirsten, Rebecca, and Joanna. His family and friends will remember him for his intelligence, wisdom, sense of humor, and generous heart. To his wife and children, we are thankful for his 35 years of service to the Nation, especially to its veterans and to each of them for the support they gave him during what was a rewarding life

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life the J.E. Dunlap who passed away yesterday morning. J.E. was an icon in the community of Harrison, Arkansas. As a young ambitious teenager, he was hired as a stringer for the statewide newspaper. After seeing action in World War II, J.E. returned to Harrison where he spent 50 years running the city's daily newspaper. J.E. was an accomplished newsman who won numerous accolades during his career, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. A man of character and integrity, J.E. was always a fair newsman, but also one who was not afraid to tell you what was really on his mind. His energy level, enthusiasm and commitment to his community remained with him throughout his life. After retiring from the day-to-day management of the paper, J.E. continued to write three columns a week. That dedication earned him Arkansas' Older Worker of the Year Award in 2002. Mr. Speaker, the people of Harrison will greatly miss J.E. His work ethic and devotion to community truly is representative of the Greatest Generation. The weekday coffee klatch at Coffee and More won't be the same without him.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the amendment. As a member of the medical community, I understand the importance of effectively treating and preventing pain. However, the medical use of smoked marijuana has been rejected by the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society and other leading health care organizations. The concern is that marijuana smokers are exposing themselves to a crude and harmful drug delivery system. Marijuana smoke contains a variety of toxic chemicals that can cause damage and may even exacerbate the underlying medical condition. The Federal Government has provided money for research into the medicinal use of THC, which is believed to be the primary chemical component responsible for marijuana's psycho-pharmacological effects. I support that approach. As a result of such research, synthetic forms of THC have been available as an oral prescription for 20 years. Ultimately, inhaling marijuana smoke and tar are not effective treatments for medical conditions. For these reasons and primarily because of the opposition of leading health care organizations, I must rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Economic Opportunities Subcommittee under the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I traveled to South Dakota on Sunday, June 18, 2006, to hold a field hearing. Due to the timing of the hearing and return travel, I was unable to participate in votes on Monday, June 19, 2006. I am requesting my absence for this date. I would also like you to note that, should I have been present, I would have voted in the following manner: H.R. 5540--Sergeant Jacob Dan Dones Post Office Designation Act, ``yes''; H.R. 5504--Larry Winn, Jr. Post Office Building Designation Act, ``yes''; and H. Res. 826--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established, ``yes.''

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give strong support to H. Res. 861. For more than three years, the man Osama bin Laden called ``the prince of al-Qaeda'' orchestrated terror attacks that killed thousands of Iraqis, American troops and coalition forces. Now, thanks to hard work and dedication of the U.S. military and our coalition partners, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's reign of terror is over. Since the U.S. and our coalition partners liberated Iraq, bin Laden has sought to defeat the efforts of the people of Iraq to transform their nation into a peace-loving democracy so he can turn it into a radical Islamic state where al-Qaeda calls the shots. The air strike that killed Zarqawi has dealt bin Laden's organization a crucial blow by eliminating the man he trusted to wage his jihad in Iraq. It is a major victory in the War on Terror. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the House VA Economic Opportunities Subcommittee, I feel strongly about coming to the floor today to honor our brave servicemen and women who are defending our homeland in the Global War on Terror. They have fought valiantly since the vicious unprovoked attacks of 9/11. They liberated the people of Afghanistan from the Taliban, an abusive regime that once harbored Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda leadership. The terrorists no longer have a safe haven and are on the run. Their hopes of creating a new Taliban-like state in Iraq has suffered a major setback with our military's latest success in getting Zarqawi. Since the end of the initial operation in Iraq, many of my Democratic colleagues have called for a full withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. When the attacks on U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians intensified, so did their calls for us to pull out. If we had heeded those calls and not allowed our military to complete their mission, Zarqawi would still be alive and be making further strides toward turning Iraq into al-Qaeda's new home base. Whether or not you supported the initial operation in Iraq, the fact of the matter is we have to see this through. Our troops deserve our support and all the resources they need to get the job done. And I am committed to giving them both. Since the liberation of Afghanistan and Iraq, we have captured or killed thousands of suspected terrorists. Our servicemen and women have rooted terrorists out of hiding all over the globe. They deserve our utmost support and praise for keeping us safe and making the world a better place as they continue to fight the global war on terror.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment violates clause 3 of rule XXI. It reduces obligation authority and associated outlays below the levels provided in Public Law 109-59 in violation of rule XXI, clause 3.