Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to say thank you to one of my hometown schools, Lewisville High School North located in Lewisville, Texas. The students of Lewisville High School North enthusiastically participated in a card giving program for the victims of the Beslan school tragedy. Before departing for my mission to Russia, I asked several local schools if they would like to create, draw, color or write greeting cards to the survivors and grieving families. The response was overwhelming. I was honored to be able to present hundreds of colorful cards to patients and families. During my time in Russia, I had the opportunity to visit survivors recuperating at two hospitals. The visits were moving and tearful, but you could see the hearts of American students truly shining in the eyes of the Russian children. I was truly privileged to represent the United States, and especially grateful to be able to share wonderful cards full of encouragement and joy. Again, thank you, the students of Lewisville High School North and to Sasha Watson for the fifty personalized cards containing Russian phrases and for your kindheartedness and thoughtfulness. Your words strongly conveyed the spirit of the American people and our commitment to build relations with countries dedicated to combating global terrorism.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to say thank you to one of my hometown schools, Rockbrook Elementary School located in Lewisville, Texas. The students of Rockbrook enthusiastically participated in a card giving program for the victims of the Beslan school tragedy. Before departing for my mission to Russia, I asked several local schools if they would like to create, draw, color or write greeting cards to the survivors and grieving families. The response was overwhelming. I was honored to be able to present hundreds of colorful cards to patients and families. During my time in Russia, I had the opportunity to visit survivors recuperating at two hospitals. The visits were moving and tearful, but you could see the hearts of American students truly shining in the eyes of the Russian children. I was truly privileged to represent the United States, and especially grateful to be able to share wonderful cards full of encouragement and joy. Again, thank you, the students of Rockbrook Elementary for your kindheartedness and thoughtfulness. Your words strongly conveyed the spirit of the American people and our commitment to build relations with countries dedicated to combating global terrorism.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to say thank you to one of my hometown schools, Florence Elementary School in Southlake, Texas. The students of Florence enthusiastically participated in a card giving program for the victims of the Beslan school tragedy. Before departing for my mission to Russia, I asked several local schools if they would like to create, draw, color or write greeting cards to the survivors and grieving families. The response was overwhelming. I was honored to be able to present hundreds of colorful cards to patients and families. During my time in Russia, I had the opportunity to visit survivors recuperating at two hospitals. The visits were moving and tearful, but you could see the hearts of American students truly shining in the eyes of the Russian children. I was truly privileged to represent the United States, and especially grateful to be able to share wonderful cards full of encouragement and joy. Again, thank you, the students of Florence Elementary School for your kindheartedness and thoughtfulness. Your words strongly conveyed the spirit of the American people and our commitment to build relations with countries dedicated to combating global terrorism.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. William Souder, retiring Mayor of Hurst, Texas, for his outstanding service to the local community for the past 32 years. Mayor Souder is a lifelong resident of Hurst and a direct-descendant of the city's founder, William L. Hurst. Like his relative, Mayor Souder has taken a decisive role in shaping the direction of the community for well over a quarter century. Mr. Souder, a former banker, served as the first Postmaster to the city of Hurst. Prior to becoming Mayor he devoted 5 years serving as a city councilman. In 1980, Mr. Souder was elected Mayor of Hurst and has since served an impressive 12 consecutive terms. As Mayor, Mr. William Souder has improved the lives of those living and working within the community. Under his leadership, 90 percent of the Hurst's facilities have been constructed or remodeled in a manner that allowed the city to incur zero debt. He has also played important roles in a whole host of progressive projects including the Northeast Mall renovation which has secured the city's financial security for many years into the future. Mayor William Souder's positive impact has extended well beyond the immediate Hurst area through his involvement in the National League of Cities, Texas Municipal League, and U.S. Conference of Mayors. It has been my distinguished honor to work alongside Mayor Souder for the improvement and development of Hurst, Texas. His leadership and kind heartedness will be missed. Bill, his wife Dodie, and the entire Souder family have my best wishes and prayers for the future.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lance Corporal Jacob Raul Lugo, who was killed while defending our Nation on August 24, 2004 in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. For the past year, Lance Corporal Lugo has rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable services to the U.S. Marine Corps and to the United States of America. Lance Corporal Lugo will be remembered for his commendable service and dedication to this great Nation. Lance Corporal Lugo was a native of Flower Mound, Texas and a recent graduate of Marcus High School. At Marcus High the future Marine was an exceptional student, participating in both the Marching and Symphonic Bands and excelling academically as a member of the Spanish Honor Society. In 2001, Mr. Lugo decided to join the Marines, where he served exceptionally in his career. He honored our great country and defended freedom as a member of the Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Weapons Platoon where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Second Award and the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Lance Corporal Lugo was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this young American hero.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pvt Ryan Michael McCauley, who was killed while defending our Nation on September 5, 2004 in Sadr City, Iraq. For the past year, Private McCauley has rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable services to the U.S. Army and to the United States of America. Private McCauley will be remembered for his commendable service and dedication to this great Nation. Private McCauley was a native of Lewisville, TX and a recent graduate of Lewisville High School. At Lewisville High the future soldier was an amiable and trustworthy student, who left behind many close friends. On September 11, family, friends, students, and school administration attended a ceremony at the school in tribute to their former classmate and fallen soldier. Private McCauley joined the Army after graduating in 2002 where he faithfully served our Nation in the 2nd Battalion, 5th Calvary regiment, 1st Calvary Division. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this young American hero.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, just a few hours ago in this House, we were addressed by the Prime Minister of the country of Iraq, Dr. Allawi. Dr. Allawi came to this body to speak to us here. He wanted to deliver a message. He wanted to deliver a message of success that we are indeed succeeding in the country of Iraq. He came here to enumerate three principles. He wanted to tell America thank you, thank you for giving us our country back. He wanted us to know that Iraqis knew that the world indeed is better off with the regime change that occurred in Iraq and that America did the right thing. He also wanted us to know that they were working and would continue to work to make certain that they, the government of Iraq, got it right on the ground in Iraq. It has not been easy. It has not been without a price; and Dr. Allawi allowed that as America has mourned its losses, they have mourned their losses in Iraq as well. But this is the cost of freedom. As Harry Truman once said, If you want peace, you better be ready to fight for it. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Allawi also talked about elements of defeatism that creep into conversation and how pernicious that defeatism is. He pointed out that within the past year's time, within the country of Iraq a Constitution has been adopted, a Constitution that provides for majority rule but respects the rights of the minority. He pointed out how the handover occurred at the end of June as it was scheduled to. It, in fact, occurred 2 days early and sovereignty was returned to the country of Iraq. He also pointed out that the Iraqi assembly met in that country and over 25 percent of the participants of that assembly were women, an event that was unprecedented prior. He pointed out that the elections will be held in January of next year, and with that, the completion, the turnover to sovereignty will be complete. Mr. Speaker, he also pointed out that indeed, Iraq currently is the battlegrounds for those who are opposed to freedom. But, of course, Iraq is not the only battleground as we know all too well in this country. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Moscow. The purpose of that visit with some other Members of Congress to visit with the children in the Federal Pediatric Hospital in Moscow. Children who had been present in the Beslan School Number One on the first day of school of this year. This is Alan standing here with me. Alan is 11 years old and attended school that day only to find that there were people in the world who were capable of such an astonishing degree of hatred and cruelty that it left the rest of the world speechless. In fact, it is not known how many died in the gymnasium that day in Beslan, Russia, 300, perhaps more, over half of them children. And that has not been the only story in the country of Russia during this past month. They have lost two planes and they had the bombing of a metro station in downtown Moscow. All in all, 500 deaths or more in the last 4 weeks in the country of Russia. But, Mr. Speaker, what really moved me, what really tore at me was, again, the astonishing cruelty of these people who would direct their hatred towards an innocent individual like young Alan. Mr. Speaker, Alan's mother called me back into his hospitals room after we took this picture and said, I want you to see what they pulled out of my son's chest. And here, Mr. Speaker, is a piece of metal that Alan had surgically removed after he came to the hospital in Moscow. It is of junk. It is a piece of metal that came from a landfill or a junkyard, but it is a small piece of metal as you can see. And these mines were packed full of metal this size so they would get maximum dispersion and cause maximum injury, inflict maximum pain on the most innocent members of society. Mr. Speaker, let us not forget what we are up against. Let us not forget what the cost is in this global war that we are engaged in at this time. Let us not forget what we are fighting for. We are fighting for the innocents. The innocent in Iraq. The innocents in this country and, indeed, the innocents in Russia.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, this morning, the House heard from the prime minister of Iraq, Dr. Allawi, and I think it is important to come and underscore some of the things that he told us this morning. The overriding message that Dr. Allawi gave this House is we are succeeding in the country of Iraq. He said he had three messages for America. He first wanted to say thank you. He secondly pointed out that the world at large was better off because of the action taken by the United States of America. And finally, he wanted the world to know that they would get it right on the ground in Iraq. He talked about the cost of freedom. In fact, he reminded us of what Harry Truman said a couple of generations ago, ``If you want peace, you better be prepared to fight for it.'' He told us that they have mourned, as we have mourned here at home. Iraq is the battleground for those who oppose freedom. It is their last chance, and they will not succeed. He did warn us that defeatism contributes to more violence on the ground in Iraq, and I think that is a message that we all can take home with us and remember these 40 days remaining before the election.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker).

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond to the previous speaker's comments. My son was on active duty when I announced my run for office. He finished his tour of duty in June of 2002, shortly after I won my primary; and he signed up for the Air National Guard about 3 months later, and he continues to serve with the Guard. He is trying to complete his college. He does not know whether he will be called up or not. So I wish the speakers on the other side would show some sensitivity. Perhaps we should circulate a notice of who has sons or daughters or wives or husbands on active duty or in the Guard, but I suspect it is more than one or two people in this House. I was not in this House when the vote was taken to go into the country of Iraq, but I certainly support the President's efforts, and I understand what the President is trying to do. And I believe that the world will be a different place in 20 or 30 years' time because of our activities in that country than we would have had had we finished out Saddam Hussein's term and then allowed his sons to be the logical heirs to that reign of terror that he was perpetuating on his people. But I did not come here tonight to talk about that. The previous speaker talked about how loved ones and innocent folks may be in harm's way, and that is a very real phenomenon. I want to introduce this House to a young man named Alan that I met this past weekend at the Federal Pediatric Hospital in Moscow, Russia. Alan is 11 years old and is a bright young boy. Alan was in the hospital because he is recovering from surgery. He had surgery 2 weeks ago to remove a piece of metal from his chest, a piece of metal that sunk deep into his chest on Alan's first day of school in Beslan. This piece of metal was placed in a mine that was created under the direction of a man named Skhmeel Masaif. Now, little Alan is healing now, but little Alan was perhaps lucky. More than 300 dead, over half of those children, were killed when those bombs went off in the gymnasium in Beslan. A quote from the newspaper that I read over the weekend from a townsperson there in Beslan said, ``We bury and bury and we still have not finished the job.'' More than 300 people died in that attack; but, in fact, Skhmeel Masaif is probably responsible for over 500 deaths in the past 3 or 4 weeks in Russia. Two airplanes lost simultaneously over Russian air space and a bomb attack outside a Russian metro station, not that much different than Metro stations that we have here in Washington, D.C., all under the direction of Skhmeel Masaif. I want the House to look at the piece of metal that was removed from little Alan's chest. His mother is holding it here in her hands. And you look at it and you think, well, what is that? That is just a piece of junk. That is a little piece of metallic shrapnel that was recovered from a junk yard or a landfill or somewhere. It was placed into that bomb. Those small pieces of metal were placed into that bomb so they would have the maximum dispersal when the bomb went off. That is, they could ensure the maximum number of innocent persons could be harmed when that bomb went off. This bomb-maker built the bomb under the direction of Skhmeel Masaif. It was designed to hurt. It was designed to kill. It was designed to inflict pain and suffering on the most innocent, the most innocent citizens on this Earth, 10, 11, 12 year olds, on their first day of school in Beslan, Russia. Mr. Speaker, it is not wrong to identify evil when we see evil, and it is not wrong to call it by its proper name, which is evil. And whether it is the school children in Public School No. 1 in Beslan, whether it is the innocent victims on the two airplanes in Russia, the victims outside the metro station, the victims of improvised explosive devices in the country of Iraq or whether it is our victims here in 9/ 11, these are victims of people who hate the United States, people who are evil; and we must not rest until they are reduced to their natural subatomic particles and removed from the Earth.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today to recognize the Town of Pilot Point, Texas as a Preserve America Community. Pilot Point, located in my North Texas District, was one of 26 Texas cities to receive this prestigious designation. The Preserve America Community program recognizes communities for their dedication to protecting and celebrating America's cultural heritage; for using their historic assets for increased economic growth and community revitalization; and for promoting history education and historical tourism. The Preserve America Community program is part of the White House's Preserve America Initiative. This initiative is dedicated to preserving our country's heritage, increasing awareness of what as well as who we are as a nation, and keeping our legacy enhanced, and intact, for future generations. Since the formation of the program, First Lady Laura Bush has recognized more than 100 communities with the Preserve America honor. Other components of the program include a History Teacher of the Year Award, educational outreach, and grants to assist communities in preserving their cultural and natural resources. I would like to commend Mayor Jerry Alford and the City Council, as well as all those who participated in the Main Street project, for this distinction.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate one of my hometown school districts for its outstanding achievements and recently being named the 2004 Texas Honor School Board by the Texas Association of School Administrators. Among the factors that resulted in the recognition of the Lewisville School Board were its vision, commitment, and leadership as policy makers; commitment to the improvement of student performance and evidence of academic achievement; evidence of strong community support for the district; cooperation among board members and the superintendent; and evidence of successful school-business partnerships. Congratulations to the following members of the Lewisville district school board: Mark Shaw, Fred Placke, Carol Kyer, Anita Nelson, Tom Kim, Mike McDaniel, and Tom Ferguson for the honor. I am delighted that your award-winning performance has garnered you this recognition. Your work is greatly appreciated. The Lewisville school district has a history of outstanding distinction throughout the state of Texas and continues to pursue educational excellence. Every member is vital to the overall goal and performance of the board.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partners located in the 26th District of Texas: China Star of Lewisville, East Ocean of Flower Mound, Four Seasons Dry Cleaners of Carrollton, Judy L. Kelly PC/ Wellness Plus of Carrollton, Main Street Car Wash and Lube of Lewisville, Mike's Hobby Hanger of Carrollton, and Oishi Japanese Restaurant of Lewisville. The EPA's Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to use green power as a part of best-practice environmental management. Today, the EPA recognized these Green Power Partners in Texas for their commitment to renewable energy. Green power is beneficial renewable energy generated from natural resources; these resources are chosen due to their low environmental impact and abundant availability. Green Power Partners include commercial, industrial and community organizations that guarantee green power use as part of their yearly energy consumption. I am proud that Texas is the national leader in the number of Green Power Partners. Renewable energy should be a part of our comprehensive national energy policy. I appreciate the important contribution that renewable energy sources make to our national energy supply, while at the same time minimizing environmental impact. Again, I would like to commend the seven businesses located in the 26th District, as well as all of the businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Green Power Partnership for their dedication to environmentally friendly electricity.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate one of my hometown school districts for its outstanding achievements and recently being named a 2004 Texas Honor School Board by the Texas Association of School Administrators. Among the factors that resulted in the recognition of the Lewisville School Board were its vision, commitment, and leadership as policy makers; commitment to the improvement of student performance and evidence of academic achievement; evidence of strong community support for the district; cooperation among board members and the superintendent; and evidence of successful school-business partnerships. Congratulations to the following members of the Lewisville district school board: Mark Shaw, Fred Placke, Carol Kyer, Anita Nelson, Tom Kim, Mike McDaniel, and Tom Ferguson for the honor. I am delighted that your award-winning performance has garnered you this recognition. Your work is greatly appreciated. The Lewisville school district has a history of outstanding distinction throughout the State of Texas and continues to pursue educational excellence. Every member is vital to the overall goal and performance of the board.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, tonight I would like to speak on the issue of the 17 percent increase in the Medicare monthly premium for the part B of Medicare. This is an increase of $11.60 on the monthly part B premium, which places it from $66.60 up to $78.20 a month. The reason, Mr. Speaker, this was necessary is under a formula, by law, the part B premium has to cover at least 25 percent of the cost of medical providers, and in fact, with medical inflation and with an increase in reimbursement to medical providers that we gave last year in the Medicare Modernization Act, this increase in premium was necessary. It reflects medical inflation; and more importantly, it reflects that slight provider increase that was included in the act. There is no question that this increase is significant for some beneficiaries. Mr. Speaker, I have done probably 60 town halls in my district in the 18 or 20 months I have been in Congress; and, yes, when I go into my district, people will complain about the cost of the prescription drugs and point out to me the difficulties they have in meeting the obligation of paying for their prescriptions. But what I heard at virtually every town hall, without exception, was seniors who had turned 65 and asked me, how come when I now turn 65, I lose my doctor. The reason they lose their doctor is because doctors are dropping out of providing for the Medicare program because they cannot keep up with the costs that are required to keep their offices open, and as a consequence, we gave a very small increase in Medicare provider fees during the Medicare Modernization Act. If those same patients who now see a slight fee increase in the Medicare part B premium, if the increase had not happened, in all likelihood there would have been fewer and fewer providers for them to actually see. The fact of the matter is, Mr. Speaker, some of my colleagues quickly forget that the medical profession was facing another significant cut when we passed the Medicare Modernization Act last December, and how quickly they forget that it was necessary to ensure that seniors have access, timely access, to doctors and other Medicare providers. The problem is that taking this out of context, the opponents of the Medicare Modernization Act, and there are many, they are only seeking to inflame the passions of people who are perhaps uneasy about their medical care anyway. But, really, what do these changes mean for seniors? What do they represent? They represent a secured access to a provider network by providing a 2-year 1\1/2\ percent reimbursement rate increase. That is a 1\1/2\ percent rate increase for providers, not a significant amount when we consider the overall cost-of-living increases and the fact that medical inflation itself has gone up by 2.5 percent over the past 6 months. Seniors also get preventive screenings to begin in 2005 for new beneficiaries; and in fact, these screenings will save the patients themselves and the Medicare program at large thousands of dollars. New diabetes screenings will begin that will save beneficiaries thousands of dollars; and to top it all off, in 2006 a prescription drug benefit does begin that will save seniors money and improve their quality of life. But I must point out, the rate increase that was announced last week, in no way is the prescription drug benefit responsible for that rate increase. That was purely to cover the 25 percent cost that, by law, our part B premium has to cover of the provider reimbursement. It is important for us in this body to be honest about the changes in the Medicare Modernization Act and not use instances like the premium increase to scare seniors away from Medicare; and, Mr. Speaker, I will even go a little bit further. It is also important to bear in mind that, once again, we have not done liability reform, which is one of the things that I really looked forward to when we began this session of Congress in January of 2003. The embedded cost of defensive medicine in our Medicare system, from a Stanford University study done in 1996, so these are 1996 dollars, $50 billion a year is spent on defensive medicine in this country because of the unfairness of the medical justice system. We have had an opportunity to fix that. In fact, we passed that twice in the House of Representatives with caps on noneconomic damages. It still awaits activity over 400 yards on the other side of the Capitol. I would like to think we could get that done this year. It does not seem that it will happen. It is of critical importance that we tackle that and get that done next year.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize five communities within my district for being acknowledged as among the ``Top Ten Suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth Area,'' by D Magazine, a regional monthly publication. Top honors went to Southlake, Colleyville, Highland Village, Flower Mound, and Coppell based on these communities' excellent schools, affordability, and low crime rates. Every two years, the magazine ranks some 50 plus suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the State of Texas' largest metropolitan area. Highland Village was ranked number seven on this year's top ten after receiving top marks for its prime location on Lake Lewisville. D Magazine also noted that the city was ranked by the FBI as North Texas' Safest City two years running. Highland Village residents enjoy spending time around the lake and walking around the 12 foot wide walking trail that traverses the community. I applaud Mayor Bill Lawrence and the City Council of Highland Village for building the City of Highland Village into a distinguished community. I was a long-time resident of Highland Village, and I am proud to represent such a vibrant city.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize five communities within my district for being acknowledged as among the ``Top Ten Suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth Area,'' by D Magazine, a regional monthly magazine. Top honors went to Southlake, Colleyville, Highland Village, Flower Mound, and Coppell based on these communities' excellent schools, affordability, and low crime rates. Every two years, the magazine ranks some fifty plus suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the State of Texas' largest metropolitan area. Coppell was ranked number nine on this year's top ten after receiving top marks for its diversity. D Magazine also noted the city's predominantly younger residents and made specific mention of the Coppell Community Garden. Started in 1998, the Coppell Community Garden seeks to promote community ``cohesiveness'' through volunteer gardening. The Community Garden operates in conjunction with Coppell's Share the Harvest program to provide fresh produce to local food pantries. I applaud Mayor Doug Stover and the City Council of Coppell for building the City of Coppell into a distinguished community. I am proud to represent such a vibrant city.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize five communities within my district for being acknowledged as among the ``Top Ten Suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth Area,'' by D Magazine, a regional monthly publication. Top honors went to Southlake, Colleyville, Highland Village, Flower Mound, and Coppell based on these communities' excellent schools, affordability, and low crime rates. Every two years, the magazine ranks some fifty plus suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the State of Texas' largest metropolitan area. Colleyville was ranked number five on this year's top ten after receiving top marks as a ``laid back'' community. D Magazine also noted the city's recognition for being a national ``Kid Friendly City,'' ``Tree City U.S.A.'' and ``Texas' Safest City.'' I applaud Mayor Joe Hocutt and the City Council of Colleyville for building the City of Colleyville into a distinguished community. I am proud to represent such a vibrant city.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize five communities within my district for being acknowledged as among the ``Top Ten Suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth Area,'' by D Magazine, a regional monthly publication. Top honors went to Southlake, Colleyville, Highland Village, Flower Mound, and Coppell based on these communities' excellent schools, affordability, and low crime rates. Every two years, the magazine ranks some fifty plus suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the State of Texas' largest metropolitan area. Southlake was ranked number three on this year's top ten after receiving top marks as a community dedicated to its school's athletics and music. D Magazine also noted the city's efforts to encourage resident involvement through SPIN (Southlake Program for the Involvement of Neighborhoods), which ``helps residents communicate with the city government.'' As a congressman, I appreciate Southlake's efforts to encourage civic engagement because constituent communication is essential to improving our communities. I applaud Mayor Andy Wambsganss and the City Council of Southlake for building the City of Southlake into a distinguished community. I am proud to represent such a vibrant city.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize five communities within my district for being acknowledged as among the ``Top Ten Suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth Area,'' by D Magazine, a regional monthly publication. Top honors went to Southlake, Colleyville, Highland Village, Flower Mound, and Coppell based on these communities' excellent schools, affordability, and low crime rates. Every two years, the magazine ranks some 50 plus suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the State of Texas' largest metropolitan area. The Town of Flower Mound received the number eight spot on the list and was recognized for its ability to ``maintain a balance between city luxuries and country simplicities.'' With a population of 59,350 people and an annual growth rate of 20 percent, Flower Mound is the largest suburb to make the Top Ten. Because of its astonishing growth rate in recent decades, the Town has implemented two highly effective programs seeking to enhance quality of life for its residents. Flower Mound's SMARTGrowth plan has successfully preserved the area's natural beauty without compromising growth. The Progressive Capital Improvements Program has been important in addressing the needs of residents from roads to recreation. I am proud to say that I am a resident of Flower Mound, and I would like to offer my congratulations to the Town of Flower Mound and Mayor Jody Smith.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today to recognize the Town of Pilot Point, Texas as a Preserve America Community. Pilot Point, located in my North Texas District, was one of 26 Texas cities to receive this prestigious designation. The Preserve America Community program recognizes communities for their dedication to protecting and celebrating America's cultural heritage; for using their historic assets for increased economic growth and community revitalization; and for promoting history education and historical tourism. The Preserve America Community program is part of the White House's Preserve America Initiative. This initiative is dedicated to preserving our country's heritage, increasing awareness of what as well as who we are as a nation, and keeping our legacy enhanced, and intact, for future generations. Since the formation of the program, First Lady Laura Bush has recognized more than 100 communities with the Preserve America honor. Other components of the program include a History Teacher of the Year Award, educational outreach, and grants to assist communities in preserving their cultural and natural resources. I would like to commend Mayor Jerry Alford and the City Council, as well as all those who participated in the Main Street project, for this distinction.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 647, which expresses Congress's support of the goals of National Marina Day. I would also like to recognize Mr. Marshall Funk of Marinas International for his work with Pier 121 Marina on Lake Lewisville, Scott's Landing Marina and Silver Lake Marina in Grapevine, and Twin Coves Marina in Flower Mound, located in my Congressional District. National Marina Day will be celebrated this year on August 14. This annual celebration promotes the United States' marinas and recognizes the importance of marinas across the country. National Marina Day focuses on two central themes: the important role that marinas play as family-friendly and environmentally-friendly gateways to the water. There are more than 12,000 marinas nationwide, which employ over 140,000 people. Marinas provide the public with a safe way to enjoy outdoor activities like sailing, cruising, and fishing. I've spent many enjoyable hours boating with my family and, as a member of the Congressional Boating Caucus, I am glad to support House Resolution 647.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Marsha M. Cobb for her recent recognition by the Texas Council for the Social Studies as ``Elementary Teacher of the Year'' for 2004. Mrs. Cobb is a second-grade teacher at Polser Elementary School in Lewisville, Texas, located in my Congressional District. She is now up for consideration as the national Social Studies Teacher of the Year award, given by the National Council for the Social Studies. Mrs. Cobb has 16 years of experience in the classroom. Mrs. Cobb employs a ``hands on'' educational philosophy and strives to educate her students through experience rather than text books. If you were to walk in her classroom, you would most likely see her students roaming the room looking at various interactive displays rather than with their heads buried in textbooks. Mrs. Cobb is not the only recognized distinguished teacher in the Lewisville School District. This is the third consecutive year a Lewisville teacher has won the Texas Council for Social Studies Elementary Teacher of the Year award. Last year, Linda Krause, a fifth- grade teacher at Wellington Elementary School in Flower Mound received the award. And in 2002, Janet Davis, a second-grade teacher at Heritage Elementary in Highland Village, earned the award. I would like to commend Marsha Cobb, as well as Linda Krause and Janet Davis, for receiving this distinguished award.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I would just point out in the gentleman from Washington's comments, Sandy Berger is not the issue. Why was he fired by the Kerry campaign? I am really here this morning to talk about H.R. 3313, the Marriage Protection Act, and I wanted to bring to the House's attention an article that appeared in one of my hometown papers, the Fort Worth-Star Telegram earlier this month. This article dealt with a polygamy sect that is taking over the town of Eldorado, Texas, and their lawyer Rodney Parker disputes the allegation of abuse, saying that detractors had taken beliefs out of context. He went on to say marriages of 16-year-olds and occasionally younger happen, but they are not commonplace, his words. None of these girls is being held prisoner. He went on to say, I think polygamy is constitutionally permitted. He said all manner of sexual relationships are now permitted. To somehow single this one out and say it is illegal does not make sense. Mr. Speaker, I would submit that our efforts today to protect the Defense of Marriage Act that was passed in 1996 are right on target and worthy of the support of everyone in this House. I will include the article I referred to earlier for the Record at this point. [From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, July 6, 2004] Eldorado.--First it was going to be a hunting lodge. Then a retreat. But as each new dormitory-style building goes up, residents here become a little more apprehensive as a secretive polygamist sect prepares to occupy a ranch four miles outside Eldorado. Locals say they have good reasons for feeling uneasy about their new neighbors. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, based in Arizona and Utah, is believed to be the largest polygamist group in the country. The 10,000-member church openly promotes plural marriage and has been subject to allegations of forced marriages, abusing the welfare system and wife swapping. If large numbers of the polygamist church's followers do end up in Eldorado, residents fear the group could dominate the town of 1,955 about 45 miles south of San Angelo. ``They could easily come in here, bring in several thousand followers and take over the hospital board and other elected positions if they wanted to,'' said Randy Matkin, editor of the Eldorado Success and head of the Schleicher County Hospital District board. ``That is what concerns us.'' Locals note that the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints initially tried to hide its purchase of the 1,691-acre ranch last year. And the scale of the construction there leads many to question whether church elders were truthful when they said the ranch will be used as a retreat for 200 members. As part of their beliefs, church members interact with the outside world as little as possible. Followers could not be reached for comment for this article, but their lawyer, Rodney Parker, said the allegations are nothing more than religious persecution. Polygamist towns--The twin cities of Colorado City, Ariz., and Hildale, Utah, where the church is based, are dominated by the polygamist group. The church owns the houses and controls the police and the schools, even though most children of its members are home-schooled. The group believes that the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strayed from its true beliefs when it renounced plural marriage in 1890. The fundamentalists broke away from the church and have defiantly practiced polygamy ever since. Eldorado residents became upset in March when they learned that the group had bought the property. One City Council member even suggested the devil had come to town. The Alarm has largely subsided, replaced by apprehension. Residents still grab copies of the Success as soon as they're placed in the racks and call the sheriff when they see large trucks headed to the church compound. From Country Road 300, a two- lane road that surrounds the ranch, the construction is largely out of view. The only evidence of the budding community is a no-trespassing sign and guard shack. The top of a cement batch plant tower is the only visible structure. But it's a different picture from the air. Five buildings, including three large structures, that appear to be living quarters, have been erected in a matter of months. Workers laid another large foundation in mid-June. Getting a clear picture of what this activity means is difficult. Warren Jeffs took over leadership of the church after his father, Rulon Jeffs, died in 2002. This year Jeffs purged about 20 church elders, including several rivals, leading some observers to think that the move to Texas is a search for greener pastures. The church already has a community in Bountiful, British Columbia, and there are rumors of another outpost in Mexico. One author and former member says the group has changed since Warren Jeffs became the leader. ``The biggest thing I've noticed since Warren Jeffs took over is the wife swapping--taking wives from one man and giving them to another,'' said Benjamin Bistline, who wrote The Polygamists: A History of Colorado City, Arizona, a nonfiction account of the church's history published by Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Agreka Books. Under Jeffs, the group has changed some of its beliefs, said Bistline, who left the church in 1980. ``I've always defended the polygamists,'' Bistline said. ``They're very moral people. But now, since he has taken over, there is more corruption, more abuse of women.'' Bistline, who lives just outside Colorado City, said he believes that some young women are forced into marriage to keep them in the fold. Moving to Texas may increase the hold on them, he said. ``I think as isolated as it is down there, it will be much harder for the young people to escape,'' Bistline said. Religious persecution. Rodney Parker, the church's lawyer, disputes allegations of abuse and forced marriages, saying that detractors take the group's beliefs out of context. ``With regard to the marriage issue, it's very messy, very complicated,'' Parker said. ``There are marriages between the ages of 16 and 18, and occasionally younger, but they're not commonplace. They're being used by critics to imply that's what the church is about and nothing else. It's grossly inaccurate, a deliberate falsehood. None of these girls are being held prisoner.'' Parker also argues that attempts to prosecute polygamists will not withstand legal challenges. ``I think polygamy is constitutionally permitted,'' he said. ``All manner of sexual relationships are now being permitted. To somehow single out this one and say it's illegal doesn't make any sense.'' Schleicher County Sheriff David Doran, who has visited Colorado City and the Eldorado property, has been trying to learn about the group and calm locals' concerns. ``They have very different beliefs, but they have a nice town up there in Colorado City, and they let me see everything,'' Doran said. ``I talked to women and young children, and everyone was open and polite. I'm trying to do everything in my power to keep a line of communication open to them.'' Yet Doran agrees that the group will do whatever Jeff asks. ``If he gives them an order, whatever it is, I'm sure they'll follow it,'' Doran said. Flora Jessup, a Phoenix woman who grew up in the fundamentalist church, has been a vocal critic of the sect. It was she who alerted Eldorado residents that the church had bought the ranch. ``They're very good at putting on a face to the public,'' said Jessup. ``They're told to `keep sweet.' It is a mask that is portrayed by the community. If you do not portray it right, there is punishment.'' She said Eldorado residents shouldn't let their guard down. ``You never get a clear picture of what is going on in these communities,'' Jessup said. ``What you see in public and what is happening in private are two totally different things.'' A closed society. In Colorado City, the incorporated town is run as a closed society, said Buster Johnson, a Mohave County, Ariz., supervisor from Lake Havasu City. ``They won't be coming into town and kidnapping children or causing any problems,'' Johnson said. ``But they will try and get every bit of government assistance that they can.'' Johnson noted that 66 percent of Hildale residents receive Medicaid. The average in Utah is 6.5 percent, he said. Some critics have referred to the tactic as ``bleeding the beast,'' a method by which the sect siphons financial resources from nonbelievers. Parker, the group's attorney, said that's false. ``That doesn't mean, however, that they don't take advantage of what they're legally entitled to,'' he said. Parker said the ranch will be ``a new place to get away from the pressure here in Utah. In that sense, it's a place of refuge, but I think that's about as specific as I can get.'' The group is already at odds with the state of Texas over environmental permits. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued cease and desist orders to the group in May for failure to obtain permits for a rock crusher, concrete plant and sewage treatment facilities, and for lacking a storm water runoff plan. When a Star-Telegram reporter and photographer flew over the compound in June, the concrete plant appeared to be in operation. ``I think we'll be out there within a week,'' John Steib, the commission's deputy director of the office of compliance and enforcement, said Thursday. If there are violations, the agency could impose fines of $10,000 a day. As for local residents, many say they will tolerate the church as long as no one is harmed. ``The only time we're ever going to know is if someone comes in and swears up a complaint,'' said Justice of the Peace Jimmy Doyle. ``If they keep it locked up, I don't know if anyone can get out of an 8-foot, deerproof fence.''

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4065, The Man-Portable Surface-to-Air Missiles Defense Act. In response to the September 11, 2001, attacks, Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) to ensure the safety of airline passengers. This legislation expanded the federal air marshal program, required that all cockpit doors be strengthened, armed pilots, increased screening of passengers and required increased screening of passenger baggage using explosive detection systems. Congressional efforts have, in large part, focused on in-flight safety and airport security, but an important vulnerability still exists. Commercial airliners are vulnerable to attacks from man- portable surface-to-air missiles during each takeoff and landing. Man-portable surface-to-air missiles are unfortunately accessible and relatively inexpensive; on the black market, the systems can be purchased for less than $100,000. Thousands of man-portable surface-to- air missiles exist around the world, many in the hands of guerrilla and terrorist groups. These groups have already demonstrated their intent to use man-portable surface-to-air missiles on civilian aircraft on more than one occasion. The Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, which is the sixth largest airport in the country, is located in my congressional district. Millions of airline passengers travel through DFW airport each year, and I am concerned about this vulnerability. That is why I am a proud cosponsor of Chairman Mica's Commercial Aviation Man Portable Surface-to-Air Missiles Defense Act of 2004. This legislation will help to protect airline passengers and crew from the man-portable surface-to-air missiles threat. H.R. 4065 requires the FAA to expedite airworthiness certification of the missile defense systems for commercial aircraft. Additionally, it requires that the Department of Homeland Security report to Congress about the vulnerability assessment reports they are conducting at U.S. airports. DHS is also directed to report any recommendations that are issued regarding ground-based defense policies or procedures. The Man-Portable Surface-to-Air Missiles Defense Act urges the President to continue working with our international diplomatic partners to reduce or eliminate the availability of man-portable surface-to-air missiles worldwide. Again, I would like to reiterate my support for the Man-Portable Surface-to-Air Missiles Defense Act and urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.