Max Burns

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an explanation for my absence during votes yesterday evening. During yesterday's votes, I was traveling back to Washington from a Congressional Delegation trip to Iraq. I appreciate the opportunity to visit our troops serving overseas and to witness firsthand the situation in Iraq. Our delegation arrived into the Washington area after votes had concluded.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the mental health community of southeast Georgia celebrated a victory. After the outgoing Human Resources commissioner proposed the closure of Georgia Regional Hospital in Savannah last month, the Georgia Board of Resources voted yesterday to keep this important hospital open. Last month, I wrote the Governor with my concerns over the closure of Georgia Regional. I was deeply concerned that the decision to close the facility was made by only looking at the direct cost savings and did not include the services that this facility provides to southeast Georgia. I was concerned about the additional costs that the region would incur due to the closure, as well as the difficulties that people with psychiatric and developmental disabilities and their families would endure. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Georgia Board of Human Resources for agreeing to keep this necessary facility open in Savannah, Georgia.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my support for the Pence amendment to the supplemental appropriations bill. Representative Pence has offered a reasonable amendment with a balanced approach to financing post-war operations in Iraq. This approach is fiscally responsible, as it withholds fifty percent of funding until certain conditions are met. It encourages Iraq to establish a democratically-elected government. It requires that fifty percent of funds be depleted before the remaining fifty percent may be tapped. And it requires the administration to report to the House and Senate on the use and success of funding dispersed of the initial fifty percent. I support the President and his initiative in the rebuilding of Iraq, and I also believe that we must do it in a balanced manner. A combination of loans and grants is in the best interest of the American taxpayer, and also in bringing other nations to the table in the rebuilding efforts of Iraq. Mr. Chairman, I support the supplemental appropriations bill because it is an investment. We must build on the accomplishments we have made in Iraq and help bring forth a democratic way of life for the Iraqi people.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Medical College of Georgia, the U.S. Army Signal Center and the Southeast Regional Army Medical Command at Fort Gordon have joined together to train military and civilian personnel in disaster response, emergency medical response and emergency response coordination. I commend them for their efforts to develop the Training Center for Disaster Medicine Preparedness and a Disaster Response Simulation Center. These three organizations combine to include world-class medical education facilities, faculty and advanced communications infrastructure, ensuring well-trained and prepared personnel in the event of a natural disaster or a terrorist attack serving not only east Georgia but indeed the entire Nation. Mr. Speaker, I commend MCG and the Fort Gordon community for their efforts on behalf of our Nation.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for a bill that will be on the floor later this afternoon, H.R. 1276, the American Dream Down Payment Act. Good quality housing is crucial to the strength of our communities and our Nation. Today more Americans own their homes than ever before; yet despite this success, the lack of homeownership in some of our low-income communities has become a crisis. For everyone to be able to live the American dream, we should look at providing programs that address the unique housing needs of all people. The goal of H.R. 1276 is to increase the ownership rate among minorities and to revitalize and stabilize our communities. For many low-income households, the down payment is one of the major barriers to homeownership. The American Dream Down Payment Act will benefit these families by helping them realize the American dream of homeownership. I urge my colleagues to provide hope by supporting the gentlewoman from Florida's (Ms. Harris) bill on the floor today. Support H.R. 1276, the American Dream Down Payment Act.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my dismay with the recent remarks made by Presidential candidate Howard Dean. His remarks related to the U.S. role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dr. Dean said that it is ``not our place to take sides,'' in this conflict. He could not be more wrong. We must as Americans support the only democracy in the region that deals with the ongoing battle of terror. I was in Israel just last month, and I saw firsthand the death and destruction of Hamas and the suicide bombers. They continue to inflict this tragedy on the country of Israel. Edmond Burke said that ``all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'' Dr. Dean would have us do nothing and allow evil to triumph over our friends and our allies. His comments are out of touch and uninformed. I call on all of my colleagues in this body from both sides of the aisle to denounce his thoughtless words. Truly good men recognize that what he has said is simply wrong and that he should be reminded that it is always the place of the United States to take the side against terror.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent from Augusta, Georgia. Joe Edwards, Jr., is an astronaut, an aviator, and a test pilot. He was awarded the United States Navy's only peacetime Distinguished Flying Cross for landing an open-cockpit F-14 Tomcat on his aircraft carrier with a broken arm and a blinded right eye in a feat described as ``the most daring feat of flying seen in peacetime or war.'' Mr. Edwards has an extensive career centered on military affairs and the execution of foreign policy. While there are many admirable accomplishments of Mr. Edwards, what is arguably the most significant part of his life is that he has taken his expertise and skill to improve the quality of science and mathematics education in America. Mr. Edwards serves as the chairman and CEO of the National Science Center in Augusta, which has a unique partnership with the United States Army. The primary mission of the center is to improve technical literacy and to encourage an interest in math and science careers. Joe Edwards is a role model for students; Joe Edwards is a role model for us all. He has taken his passion for learning and is encouraging students to enrich their lives.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding. I join with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) and the entire Georgia delegation in honoring J.C. Lewis, Jr., by the naming of the post office on Abercorn Street in the 12th District of Georgia. As the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) pointed out, Mr. Lewis seeks no recognition. A humble man, a servant of our community for decades, he was born in Savannah, Georgia; and throughout his life he has served Savannah and the low country and the rest of our State, his community, his country, and his God. He went to public schools in Chatham County and attended and graduated from the University of Georgia with honors. J.C. Lewis, Jr. is a true Bulldog. He later received the school's outstanding award as an alum. I am sure that was one of the proudest moments in his life. After his university education, he acknowledged his patriotic duty. He served in the United States Navy. He continued to remain devoted to the U.S. military in his actions. One of the most significant things that he has done for our community is serve as chairman of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. He has also served as president of the Association of the United States Army and is a member of the Navy League. After his education he returned to his childhood home in Savannah and, with his wife, Nancy Nelson Lewis, and their children, made it his home and his dream and his passion. He became the first Republican Governor in Georgia since reconstruction when he was elected as mayor of the city of Savannah. He is a successful businessman, serving as President and CEO of J.C. Lewis Enterprises. He is a devoted family man, a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Savannah. But I think probably most notably that when most other Americans Mr. Lewis's age were retiring, he was just getting started. He was concerned about the rising problem of homelessness in the city of Savannah. He approached the Board of the Union Mission in 1985, nearly 20 years ago. He then purchased and donated facilities that provide for the care of both homeless men and women, and shelters are located there. He also funded a cancer program for the homeless, the J.C. Lewis Health Center, and he serves continuously as the honorary chairman of Union Mission's capital campaign as they seek in their mission to end homelessness in the city of Savannah, Georgia. Throughout his life, J.C. Lewis has been a physically and personally devoted individual to helping and serving mankind, and I join the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) and the rest of the Georgia delegation in supporting H.R. 2533 as just a very small way that we can thank Mr. Lewis for his service to Savannah, Georgia and to the 12th District.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for America's museums and libraries. Libraries are the fundamental part of our society. In Georgia, 26.5 million patrons visited public libraries in 2002. They visited these libraries to check out materials, to use public access computers, access word processors, or the Internet, perhaps to attend free and fun learning activities with their families. Later today, we are going to consider the Museum and Library Services Act. This bill will maintain the Congress's support for museums and libraries across our country. Georgia's public libraries need this legislation and the funding to continue to provide the best possible library services to meet the needs of local communities and to continue working toward a more educated Georgia. I urge my colleagues to support the Museum and Library Services Act later today.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an explanation for my absence during three votes yesterday evening. During yesterday's votes of roll Nos. 460, 461, and 462, I was en route to the Capitol from Savannah due to weather delays in the Washington area. Had I been present, I would have voted in the affirmative for each.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true patriot. Yesterday America lost a man who will always be remembered as a hero. General Ray Davis lived a life of service and devotion to his country. Graduating from Georgia Tech as a naval officer candidate, General Davis served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam before retiring as a four-star general in 1972. General Davis earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his leadership in the Korean War, in which he led a daring battle against an enemy which vastly outnumbered his Marines. General Davis and his men rescued two regiments that had been trapped for 5 days and then fought their way across 14 miles of enemy territory over 3 days to return to safety. His heroism earned him medals, but it is his devotion to his country, the military, and his fellow veterans that we will remember most. General Davis was instrumental in the establishment of the Korean War Memorial and stayed involved in issues important to veterans and current military personnel. On behalf of all Georgians in the Twelfth District, I offer my deepest sympathy to General Davis' family. He was indeed a true American hero.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Georgia's Third Infantry Division proudly led the way to Baghdad. The road to Baghdad, however, presented substantial challenges and, unfortunately, some of these brave soldiers will not return. Today, I acknowledge this Congress' deep appreciation for lives that were dedicated to the safety and security of our citizens. The soldiers epitomized the best of our country through courage, selfless service, and honor. Their lives will be remembered by family and friends; their service will be appreciated by us all. I pay tribute to Mrs. Chanel Pedersen and her daughter of Savannah, Georgia, who lost her husband Sergeant Michael F. Pedersen in the Iraqi conflict. I pay tribute to Mrs. Meighan Adamouski of Savannah, Georgia, who lost her husband Captain James F. Adamouski in the Iraqi conflict. I pay tribute to Mrs. Maria Forey-Aitken of Savannah, Georgia, who lost her husband Captain Tristan N. Aitken in the Iraqi conflict. I pay tribute to Ms. Annette Hale of Savannah, Georgia, who lost her stepson Captain Edward J. Korn in the Iraqi conflict. I pay tribute to Mrs. Jenna Cosbey Kaylor of Savannah, Georgia, who lost her husband Second Lieutenant Jeffrey J. Kaylor in the Iraqi conflict. I pay tribute to the stepchildren and niece of Sergeant Keman Mitchell, who live in Hephzibah, Georgia, and lost their father and uncle in the Iraqi conflict. Mr. Speaker, many families and friends mourn the loss of these and other lives lost during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I express my condolences to their families and friends and thank them for their dedication to a grateful Nation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 38th anniversary of Medicare. Medicare has faithfully provided health care to nearly 40 million Americans. However, as Medicare nears its 40th year it is in a terrible crisis; a crisis of confidence, a crisis of finance, and a crisis of direction. You see, Mr. Speaker, medical care is not the same today that it was 38 years ago. That is why I supported H.R. 1, legislation that will finally grant America's seniors the health care choice and prescription drug benefits that they have waited almost 4 decades to enjoy. It is time for action. I urge my colleagues to join with me in protecting, preserving, and enhancing Medicare.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my home State of Georgia, which was selected this week as the site for the 2004 meeting of the eight major industrial democracies. This will be the largest single event that Georgia has hosted since its 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta. The Sea Island summit will be held on June 8 through 10 of next year and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase coastal Georgia to the world. The economic impact alone to the State is estimated to be nearly $200 million, and the preparations will bring jobs and opportunity to the entire area. I would like to thank President Bush, Governor Perdue, and all the elected officials who worked hard to bring this event to Georgia. The beautiful cities of Savannah and Brunswick will welcome members of the media and all of the government officials with our special hospitality. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to welcoming the democratic powers of the world to my home State next year for a memorable Southern summit.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our Nation's police officers. They champion homeland security every day, and quite often they stand in the line of fire. Between 1992 and 2001, 594 police officers were shot in the line of duty. Of those officers, half were not wearing body armor. Their agency could not afford it. They were not wearing the bulletproof vest that could have saved their lives. Thanks to the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant program, 700,000 more officers are wearing life-saving body armor today than just 4 years ago. This initiative provides police officers an additional degree of safety in their job that they deserve. I ask my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 1708 to help us continue this vital program and keep our police officers protected as they protect us.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), and the author, my good friend, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey), for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor today. Paine College and Savanna State University are two Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the 12th district of Georgia. Both of these institutions do a wonderful job of preparing young professionals for lives in the working world. With these two institutions and the many minority-serving institutions across this country, it is imperative that we increase opportunities for Americans of all educational, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds to become highly qualified teachers. I was proud to sponsor an amendment that will allow grants to be competitively awarded to highly qualified teacher-training programs for eligible institutions. These institutions can include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. I would like to especially thank my good colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) for their cosponsorship of this amendment in committee and then ultimately its successful adoption and strong bipartisan support we have received. I would also like to thank the United Negro College Fund and the Hispanic Education Coalition for the help they provided and the inspiration for this amendment that strengthened this bill. The purposes of this provision are to increase our teacher recruitment at minority-serving institutions and to make institutional improvements to teacher-preparation programs at minority-serving institutions. Specifically, we are looking for funds here that will allow these universities and colleges to be awarded grants to produce highly qualified minority teachers. We need more strong, high-quality teachers from all backgrounds, both current and future. I urge my colleagues to support the Ready to Teach Act. H.R. 2211 will result in more highly qualified teachers, and this will increase the academic achievement of America's students.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr., and to extend condolences to the family, friends, and business associates of the untimely death of an extraordinary man who changed the way the world sees the City of Atlanta. Mr. Jackson loved Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and its people. He worked endlessly to create a city that many refer to as the ``Mecca of the South.'' Because of his tireless devotion, Atlanta's growth and development has gained national prominence. A savvy politician and businessman, Mr. Jackson was the first African-American to be elected mayor of a major southern city. A great champion for diversity, inclusion, and fairness, he built bridges between racial, economic, and social lines that brought a sense of togetherness to the City of Atlanta and its citizens. Mr. Jackson's dynamic leadership was the driving force in the design, development and expansion of one of the nation's busiest airports, Atlanta's Hartsfield International. In addition, his legacy includes programs that empowered neighborhoods and a department that oversees cultural affairs. He worked tirelessly as an advocate of affirmative action and laid the foundation that brought the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta. Mr. Jackson was a successful politician and businessman who had a passion for public service. The death of this remarkable man creates a great void for the City of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the entire nation.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the chairman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, we have a bill before us tonight that will improve and it will preserve Medicare. This bill will continue to provide seniors with fundamental health care they so desperately need but provide something more. It provides something that my constituents want and need in affordable prescription drug plan for all Americans and seniors. Mr. Speaker, I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 1 for one simple reason: Because seniors in my home State of Georgia must have an improved Medicare system. They must have prescription drug coverage. They do not want excuses. They want action. They want it now. The time for stale ideas and old systems and gimmickry are over. H.R. 1 is legislation we can support because it preserves a system our seniors know and love, while it addresses the issues of increased coverage and solvency of a program for baby boom generations. Make no mistake, we are far from finished in our efforts to fix our Nation's health care challenges, but this is the first step into a new world of advanced health care. Through H.R. 1, seniors in Georgia can decide the coverage plan that best fits their needs. Seniors in Georgia will be able to decide which prescription drug plan through Medicare is the best option. For those who have no coverage and pay exorbitant prices for their drugs out of their own pocket, these benefits are real. We are providing them with real savings and real choices. Mr. Speaker, it is time for Congress to step up to the plate and ensure Medicare's future for all Americans.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, the debate rages over health care in this country. I rise in support of improved health care for our Nation's seniors, and I think it has to be done through Medicare. I believe that Congress can truly improve the seniors' standard of living through preventative care and alternative treatment. The proposed Medicare reform legislation will move us in the right direction. I am encouraged by the prospects of shifting Medicare from a system that manages seniors when they are already sick into a system that is designed to prevent them from becoming sick in the first place. Preventative care is a part of the Medicare reform. Preventative care is truly the best form of care that we can and we should provide for our America's seniors.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, while the House is in the midst of debate that will improve Medicare for millions of seniors, we must ensure both the quality of care and the solvency of the Medicare system for all of our seniors. Mr. Speaker, the prescription drug benefit we institute must be coupled with meaningful reforms within Medicare. We must provide meaningful prescription drug coverage and reforms to Medicare for seniors, both today and tomorrow.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make note of how I cast my vote on roll number 293 on Thursday, June 19, 2003. As the record illustrates, I was present and cast my vote on roll number 292 at 1:44 p.m.; on roll number 293 recorded at 1:51 p.m., however, I was present but my vote was not recorded. While I cast my vote on roll number 293, technical difficulties prevented my vote from being recorded. My vote on roll number 293 as cast was in the affirmative.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, the House is in the midst of debate that will improve Medicare for millions of seniors. We will provide a prescription drug benefit. We will construct a fairer, consumer-oriented and better managed system for seniors to receive health care. Mr. Speaker, a prescription drug benefit is the next logical step in the construction of an improved Medicare system for our seniors. Not only will we incorporate a prescription drug benefit, but we will work to ensure the solvency of the Medicare system for future generations. I call on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to come together in the spirit of bipartisanship, work together to pass meaningful reform to Medicare now, and to provide a prescription drug benefit for our seniors.