G.K. Butterfield

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for considering this resolution today, and let me commend my chairman (Mr. Hunter) and my ranking member (Mr. Skelton) for their quick and decisive work on this issue. Mr. Speaker, aircraft carriers are the backbone of our naval forces. We have seen their profound impact and flexibility in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and during tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia, and in other locations. The bulk of our carrier force is comprised of nuclear carriers which must be refueled and refitted every 25 years. This process takes approximately 2 years, and carriers are refitted back to back. With that said, Mr. Speaker, the minority has reviewed this bill, and I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4326. This bill is necessary because this Congress, the House and Senate both, have as of yet been unable to finish either the defense appropriations bill or the defense authorization bill. I regret to inform the House, Mr. Speaker, that today, a full 47 days after the start of the current fiscal year, we have left the Department of Defense without a budget and without an authorization from Congress. This occurs even as the men and women of our military are deployed at numerous locations around the world fighting a war. I mention these facts, Mr. Speaker, because the bill we consider today is intended to correct just one of the thousands of problems created by our inability to complete our work. The United States Navy has long planned to begin the process of refueling the USS Carl Vinson this week. The Vinson is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier which has served this Nation with great distinction since she was commissioned back in 1982. She is named for a fine Member of this body, a Democrat, I might say, from the State of Georgia, who chaired the House Armed Services Committee. Possibly the Vinson's finest hour came on October 7 of 2001 when she launched the first U.S. air attacks in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the next 72 days, the Vinson launched over 4,000 combat sorties in support of U.S. and Northern Alliance forces in Afghanistan. It goes without saying, Mr. Speaker, that these air strikes led directly, directly to a very successful outcome. Today, however, the Navy finds itself in a peculiar bind. It cannot proceed to refuel this ship, which will allow it to operate for another 25 years in defense of this country, without an authorization from Congress. What does this mean? Mr. Speaker, it means that up to 1,700 workers at the Newport News shipyard in Virginia could be laid off as early as next week. To give these workers pink slips would be an utter travesty, Mr. Speaker; and for this reason, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. It must be said, however, that the passage of this bill is an entirely inadequate substitute for passage of the fiscal year 2006 defense authorization and defense appropriations bills. As I mentioned, there are literally thousands of military programs affected in ways, both large and small, by the fact that Congress has not completed its work. While I am pleased that we can save many good jobs in Virginia today by passing this bill, I cannot be satisfied. At a time of war, we owe it to all of the members of our military and we owe it to the Department of Defense to see the defense authorization and appropriations bills completed. Mr. Speaker, as I travel to visit our troops next week, I would like to visit our warfighters with the satisfaction of knowing that we have passed the 2006 defense budget. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 500, introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw). This resolution recognizes the 60th anniversary of the disappearance of the five naval Avenger torpedo bombers of Flight 19 and the naval Mariner rescue aircraft sent to search for Flight 19, and it honors the memory of those 27 Navy airmen lost in the disappearance. As the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) said a moment ago, on December 5, 1945, at approximately 2:10 p.m. a squadron of TBM Avenger torpedo bombers departed from Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale in Florida on the first leg of a routine exercise. The five-plane formation turned east and headed out over the Atlantic Ocean and subsequently disappeared off the coast of Florida. A 13-man crew of a PBM Mariner was sent out to search for the men of Flight 19, and they too never returned from the area commonly known as the Bermuda Triangle. The disappearance of the five Avengers and the Mariner resulted in one of the largest air and sea searches in history. Hundreds of ships and aircraft combed 200,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, while search parties on land looked for evidence on the off chance that the aircraft may have gone down undetected. Nothing was ever found. No wreckage, no evidence was left of the fate of these six airplanes. Flight 19, Mr. Speaker, became the Lost Patrol and has been associated with myths of mysterious disappearances of ships and airplanes with the legendary Bermuda Triangle. According to the official board of inquiry, the mission was an overwater navigation training hop composed of an instructor, four naval aviators undergoing advanced training, and nine enlisted aircrew, except for one, who were all undergoing advanced combat aircrew training. The flight, Mr. Speaker, was entitled Navigation Problem Number 1, which departed Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale on a triangular route with a brief stop for some glide bombing practice on the first leg out. The weather for the area was described as favorable. The planes were thoroughly pre-flighted. All survival gear was intact. Fuel tanks were full. Instruments were checked, but none of the aircraft had a clock. While Flight 19 remains one of America's most enduring, unsolved mysteries, some facts are known. Flight 19's departure from Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale was led by one of the students. At some point the instructor, Fox Tare, 28, took the lead after the flight turned north on the second leg, thinking that his students were on the wrong heading. While the instructor was familiar with the Florida Keys, with both compasses out and with evidently no concept of time, he could have mistaken the cays of the Northern Bahamas for the Keys and the water beyond for the Gulf of Mexico. Toward that end, the favorable weather of low ceiling and daytime 10- mile visibility were replaced by rain squalls and by turbulence and darkness of winter night. Terrific winds were encountered, and the calm sea now ran rough. Although no one can officially say what truly happened to Flight 19, former TBM pilots have expressed the opinion that an Avenger attempting to ditch at night in a heavy sea would almost certainly not survive the crash. Recently, Mr. Speaker, there has been a renewed focus on solving this continuing mystery. Hopefully, this new investigation into the events on December 5, 1945, will result in concrete evidence as to the fate of Flight 19 and the PBM Mariner and will bring closure to the families who lost their loved ones on that fateful day. Mr. Speaker, I again want to commend my colleague on this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my most senior constituents, Mrs. Blanche Sparrow Rivers, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on November 15, 2005. Mrs. Rivers, is the third of five children born to Henry Clay and Hattie Brown Sparrow. Since the New Bern school system only offered 2 years of high school, Mrs. Rivers' father sent her to Durham, North Carolina, to the National Religious Training School where she matriculated to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1927, Mrs. Rivers received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Shaw University. She went on to teach English in the New Bern public school system for 24 years until her retirement in 1951. Mr. Speaker, I am certain that Mrs. Rivers can take credit for shaping many young minds and is responsible for directing the paths of many of my constituents who have grown into productive upstanding citizens. In June 1932, Blanche Sparrow married Mr. Bishop Singleton Rivers, and in July 1935, Barbara Lucille Rivers was born. Mrs. Rivers is a charter member of the Theta Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is also a faithful member of the St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, which her father helped build. She continues to serve as a Captain for the Annual Fundraising Team. Mrs. Rivers has five grandchildren, Michael, Lisa, Leander, Gary, and Marc, and five great-grandchildren, Morgan, Kristen, Marissa, Kaci and Kori--listed in order of the most senior. She is a beloved member of the community and church. Mrs. Rivers still resides in New Bern with her daughter, Barbara. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Congressional Colleagues and the more than 660,000 constituents whom I represent, I extend my very best wishes to Mrs. Blanche Sparrow Rivers as she celebrates this tremendous milestone. I ask my Colleagues to rise and join me in wishing Mrs. Blanche Sparrow Rivers a Happy 100th Birthday.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 4011.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 562, had I been present I would have voted ``nay.'' On rollcall No. 563, had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me in offering a well deserved tribute to an exemplary citizen, Mrs. Janet Wilkinson, who has dedicated 37 years of her adult life as an employee with the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency. I am particularly proud that Mrs. Wilkinson was born in my home town, Wilson, NC. As if to forecast her future with the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency, Mrs. Wilkinson started out at a very young age working on a tenant farm where she experienced first hand the lifestyle and the many ups and downs farmers endure from day to day. After graduating from Rock Ridge High School in 1969, Mrs. Wilkinson learned of a job opportunity at the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service. She applied for the position and was hired. The story that Mrs. Wilkinson tells is all too familiar in public servant circles. She indicated that she ``came in with the intentions of working and going to school part time.'' She added, ``but the work was so involved that I just kept on working, and I enjoyed it.'' And here we are 37 years later. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Wilkinson has worked under five directors of the Farm Service Agency and has taken the helm three times as interim director. In 2003, for her outstanding service and loyalty to the Farm Service Agency and the agriculture industry, she was presented with the North Carolina Distinguished Service Award. After 37 dedicated years, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Wilkinson deserves to retire with many other ovations and well wishes from those whose lives she touched in a very special way. Mr. Speaker, I offer congratulations on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture of the United States House of Representatives, my congressional colleagues and the more than 660,000 constituents whom I represent. It is my wish that Mrs. Wilkinson will continue to find much challenge and reward in all of her future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Wilkinson for her service to the State of North Carolina.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary efforts of our Coast Guard in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Coast Guard again demonstrated just how well they live up to their Latin motto, which means: ``Always Ready.'' Several days before Katrina made landfall, the Coast Guard activated emergency response plans, while maintaining communications with both the Atlantic and Pacific commands and headquarters in Washington. As the disaster drew near, if something did not work, the Coast Guard modified its plans to meet the needs. The first images we as Americans saw on television depicting this disaster were those of Coast Guard helicopters rescuing stranded citizens from rooftops amid rising flood waters. In the face of high winds and flying debris, daytime temperatures nearing 100 degrees and downed utility lines, our brave men and women heeded the call of duty to perform selfless acts of courage. During around-the-clock flight operations over a 7-day period, our Coast Guard helicopters operating over New Orleans saved an astonishing 6,470 lives. They also helped to save thousands of other victims by delivering tons of food and water to those who could not be evacuated immediately. In all, the Coast Guard rescued 33,500 people in its response to Katrina, six times the number of people it rescued in all of 2004. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of the Coast Guard air crew rescue swimmers, many of whom trained at the Coast Guard Aquatic Training Facility, located in my congressional district at the Coast Guard station in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The Coast Guard rescue swimmers faced some very adverse conditions, including flooded houses and buildings, steep slippery roofs, foul and contaminated water, and the need to hack through attics with axes or break out windows to free the survivors. Despite these obstacles, these brave men and women saved many American lives. The Coast Guard's responses to Katrina and Rita should serve as a model for our governmental agencies and our first responders in the face of future disasters. These brave men and women succeeded in keeping these devastating events from becoming even greater tragedies. I thank the Coast Guard for their dedicated service, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them and supporting my future efforts to upgrade their training facility in my congressional district.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be celebrating its National Day this October 10, and I wish to express my congratulations to Taiwan President Chen Shuibian and the people of Taiwan. Over the years, Taiwan and the United States have enjoyed strong trading relations. Trade between our two countries have been growing steadily. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I notice that Taiwan is one of our best buyers of agricultural products and services. Last month, Taiwan sent an agricultural goodwill mission to the United States and it pledged to purchase more than three billions dollars worth of U.S. corn, wheat, soybeans and hide in the next two years. I will encourage farmers in my home state of North Carolina to take advantage of Taiwan's ``Buy American'' program. Also, as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I am hopeful that there will be permanent peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in the very near future. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to praise the good work of Taiwan Representative David Tawei Lee. He is a fine diplomat who has kept us informed and well briefed on all of the latest developments in Taiwan. Happy Birthday to Taiwan.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to speak on the importance of reauthorizing the Ryan White CARE Act. This act has been so valuable in providing services to those persons infected with HIV/ AIDS. I want to thank the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) for her passion and her work and her advocacy on this issue. Her work has been unparalleled in this Congress. Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage my colleagues to reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act at $3.1 billion to ensure that today's health care needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families are adequately and consistently met. Today, unlike the past, those most likely to be infected with HIV are people of color, women, and our youths. This act directly funds medical and support services for approximately 533,000 individuals and their families living with HIV/AIDS each year. Persons of color represent 88 percent, 88 percent of the clients that are being served. HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. Great strides in medical technology have slowed the progression from HIV to AIDS, allowing people with HIV to live longer, to live healthier and more productive lives. This act should be authorized in a manner that allows it to fully respond to the needs for underserved and uninsured populations living with HIV/AIDS. Mr. Speaker, African Americans in this country are disproportionately affected with HIV/AIDS. In 2000, African Americans made up 12.3 percent of the U.S. population, but they account for 40 percent of the diagnosed AIDS cases. In North Carolina, my home State, the total number of new AIDS cases in 2003 was 1,083; 724 of these cases were found among African Americans. In fiscal year 2005, this act was funded at $2.073 billion, but that is not enough. Funding should not be shifted from one region of the country to another based on perceived severity of need. Instead, the act should be adequately funded so that it can ensure progress in regions where HIV infections have slowed while targeting regions that are being hard hit by the epidemic. By increasing the reauthorization level to $3.1 billion, the CARE Act will be able to provide services to both urban and rural areas, which will put an end to the competition between health care providers whose clients are desperately needing funding.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday September 6 through Thursday September 8, I was unable to attend for vote Nos. 456 through 464 due to a death in my family. Had I been present on rollcall vote No. 456, I would have voted, ``aye''; on rollcall vote No. 457, I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall vote No. 458, I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall vote No. 459, I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall vote No. 460, I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall vote No. 461, I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall vote No. 462, I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall vote No. 463, I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall vote No. 464, I would have voted ``aye.'' I ask that the appropriate mentions be made in the Record.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on July 12, 2005 I read a poem on this Floor entitled ``A Soldier's Reflections.'' At that time, I inadvertently gave credit to the wrong author. I apologize to its author Mr. George L. Skypeck and ask that the Congressional Record be amended and the appropriate correction be made to credit the author.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon in support of the supplemental appropriation. It is with great sadness that we are being called upon today to address this issue. Let me begin my remarks by first commending those great Americans who are engaged in the rescue efforts down in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. They are great Americans. This tragedy today brings back unpleasant memories. It was my district in eastern North Carolina that was devastated in 1999 by Hurricane Floyd; and so we know so well, so well, the pain of those people who are displaced. So on behalf of the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, we offer our prayers and sincere concern for their welfare. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned about the absence of an adequate plan to cope with the damage done by this hurricane. Hurricane Katrina has triggered a nightmare, a nightmare, for thousands of our citizens. Many thousands at this very moment are in harm's way. They are displaced, they are hungry, they need medical assistance. They need every resource that this government has available, and that includes FEMA's assistance, transportation and housing assistance from the military and other humanitarian assistance. These displaced families must be extricated from the danger that surrounds them; and we have the capacity, we have the capacity to do it, and we must accelerate our efforts. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that several military bases are willing and able to provide immediate housing for these victims. Space is available. There is substantial housing resources on our bases, and we must use them. As a member of the Committee on Armed Services, I encourage us to use our military resources to the fullest. There are many, many communities across the South and across this country who are eager to provide housing and health care and education for these victims. In Columbia, South Carolina, for example, those great Americans want to care for these victims; and they are conferencing right now with the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn). In my State of North Carolina, Laurinburg Institute is eager to provide space and educational opportunities for up to 200 school-age children. We must begin to move these families to loving American communities. Mr. Speaker, we must also protect communities. We must protect communities who open their resources to displaced families. We must guarantee to them that the cost of care for these families will be provided. We must also guarantee that they will not incur any legal liability as a result of their efforts. So I want to encourage FEMA to quickly secure trailer homes needed for temporary housing. My constituents in 1999 were required to wait, in our opinion, an unreasonable time before trailers were erected. I know it cannot be done with the snap of a finger, but the process must be expedited. FEMA must execute a comprehensive plan that will not result in the dumping of these displaced families when the FEMA specialists complete their work. This was a problem in 1999. These specialists must provide one message, and they must stay on site until every issue is resolved. It is important, Mr. Speaker, that the Federal Government provide full financial assistance to these displaced families, and that includes housing and health care for those who choose to decline FEMA housing and elect to stay with their family and their friends. They too, they too deserve an assistance stipend. The distinguished gentleman from California, the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, stated a few minutes ago, actually it was a couple of hours ago now, that money will not make the difference in the final analysis. Well, I understand the import of that statement, but I want to emphasize that adequate money resources will make life better, will make life better for these Americans. We should not suggest otherwise. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Federal Government does not and cannot act with precision in these types of disasters, but we must insist that FEMA and the military and the National Guard and other rescue efforts engage in coordinated efforts, and we must provide the resources. I applaud and support the minority leader's suggestion of a select hurricane task force. I support the idea.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian on the occasion of his First Anniversary in office. He was elected to a second presidential term last year. For more that 50 years, Taiwan and the United States have enjoyed a close relationship with each other economically and politically. Taiwan is our 8th largest trading partner and we are Taiwan's largest trading partner. We look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship. Further, we are committed to the Taiwan Relations Act and believe in a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue. Mr. Speaker, I have been informed that in recent days, Taiwan's two major opposition leaders visited China and were well received by Chinese leaders. I am pleased to see that Taiwan President Chen has been deft in his handling of the current cross-strait relations. Continued peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in every nation's best interest. I join many of my colleagues in thanking Taiwan President Chen and his people for their total support of the United States, especially in the area of combating global terrorism. In the wake of 9/11, the government of Taiwan gave a million dollars to the Twin Towers Fund of New York. Two months ago, Taiwan gave another million dollars to the Pentagon Memorial Fund. To help fight terrorism, Taiwan has joined the United States and other international organizations through participation in anti-money laundering campaigns, the proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and the Container Security Initiative (CSI). Taiwan Representative David Tawei Lee said it well, ``Only by standing together will we succeed in making the world a safer place.'' Mr. Speaker, Taiwan Representative David Tawei Lee came to Washington, DC, last July, and since then he has made many friends on the Hill. We are very impressed with his intelligence and industry. Taiwan couldn't find a better diplomat than Dr. David Tawei Lee in representing Taiwan's interest in the United States. I wish to express my congratulations to the people of Taiwan on the occasion of their President's First Anniversary in office. I hope that high ranking officials from Taiwan, such as President of Taiwan, the Foreign Minister, and the Defense Minister will be able to come to Washington, DC, to communicate directly with members and administration officials on issues of mutual concern.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise and ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Dr. Boisey O. Barnes who will be honored by the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. in conjunction with the National Medical Association on Friday, July 22, 2005 at the Sheraton New York Hotel. Dr. Barnes is being honored for his outstanding contributions to cardiology as an acclaimed physician, researcher, educator, humanitarian and spokesman. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Barnes is a native of my hometown of Wilson, North Carolina. His parents were Dr. B.O. Barnes and Flossie Howard Barnes. He graduated from Charles H. Darden High School in 1960, Johnson C. Smith University in 1964, and the Howard University School of Medicine in 1968. While in high school, Dr. Barnes distinguished himself as a scholar and an outstanding quarterback on the football team. Dr. Barnes' father practiced medicine in our hometown for many years prior to his untimely death in 1956. His patients were the poor and disadvantaged minority citizens of the county who basically could not afford health care but he provided it without reservation. One of the local elementary schools in our community is named ``B.O. Barnes Elementary School.'' Mr. Speaker, it was this family background of public service that has laid the foundation for the great work of Dr. Barnes. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Barnes has held a number of significant positions over the years including that of Founding Member of the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc; developer of the Echocardiography, Laboratory at Howard University Hospital; Lead Investigator for ARIES, the first national cholesterol study in African Americans; and recipient of the Favorite Doctor in D.C. Award. However, it is not the work for which he has already been honored that is most impressive nor is it the numerous accolades he has received from such notables as the D.C. Medical Society, Providence Hospital and President Bill Clinton. Rather it is the work that has received no recognition that makes Dr. Barnes a truly special individual. Over the last 30 years, Dr. Barnes has acted as a dedicated servant to one of our nation's most disadvantaged communities. As the only Board Certified Cardiologist in Anacostia, Dr. Barnes has devoted his career, his talents and his long list of credentials to fighting the number one killer in our nation, heart disease. Over three decades, Dr. Barnes has stood for dedication, service and compassion in an environment that rarely affords either. For his steadfast work through adversity and breakthrough accomplishments in the field of cardiology, I call upon my colleagues to join me today in rising to honor this truly great man and praise not simply his individual deeds but the body of his work. Dr. Barnes is a remarkable physician and a credit to his field; I thank him for his service, and thank his lovely wife of decades, Bernadine and their two precious daughters, Tamera and Bridget, for sharing Dr. Barnes with us.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on June 1, 2005, U.S. Army Corporal Phillip Charles Edmundson of my home community of Wilson, North Carolina, became the first war casualty since Vietnam. I rise today to remember his bravery by reading a poem he wrote just prior to his death, ``A Soldier's Reflections'': ``I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness . . . Should I fail, I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained, and hoped . . . But most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least some day I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was . . . `a soldier.' ''

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember U.S. Army CPL Phillip Charles Edmundson, of my hometown of Wilson, NC, for serving our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Corporal Edmundson made the ultimate sacrifice for our country when he died on June 1, 2005 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO. He was just 22 years old. Corporal Edmundson was the first person from my community to die in combat since Vietnam. While we are saddened at this great loss, we are so honored to claim Corporal Edmundson as the product of our community. Corporal Edmundson had re-enlisted while in Iraq and was scheduled to be promoted to sergeant. During his funeral service, Corporal Edmundson was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart posthumously for his bravery and dedicated service. It was my honor to represent U.S. Army CPL Phillip Charles Edmundson and to have a friendship with his parents, Robert Edmundson and Anne Edmundson. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and his service was greatly appreciated. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit for the Record a poem by CPL Phillip Charles Edmundson. A Soldier's Reflections I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness . . . Should I fail, I have seen the face of terror; Felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained, and hoped . . . but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was . . . ``A Soldier''. --CPL Phillip Charles Edmundson

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, first let me thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) for her extraordinary work on this issue. She is very effective, and I want to thank her very much for her work. Mr. Chairman, let me join the chorus of support for this amendment. This amendment will eliminate a provision of the bill that prohibits Amtrak from using funds to operate all 15 of the railroad's long- distance trains, some of which provide essential services to rural areas, such as my rural district in eastern North Carolina. This amendment will save our national passenger rail network by ensuring that 23 States, 258 local communities, and over 4 million rail passengers continue to benefit from Amtrak's service. Mr. Chairman, Amtrak has been there. Amtrak has stood the test of time, and it must be preserved. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, last week the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), majority leader, blamed House Democrats for the fact that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has still been unable to hear the case against him. Mr. Speaker, House Democrats are trying to abide by the rules that this House passed at the beginning of the year. It is the Republicans and the chairman who refuse to follow the rules. They want to appoint a partisan staff director to lead their efforts on the committee despite House rules that explicitly state staffers be nonpartisan professionals. The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct is supposed to be a place where Members can get straight, unbiased, trustworthy ethics guidance. How can Members who might have disagreements with the House leadership feel comfortable going to the committee for advice if they fear committee staff members are incapable of performing their official duties in a nonpartisan fashion? I wonder, Mr. Speaker, why the Republicans want to appoint partisan staffers to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Could it be that they like a partisan staffer in a room when decisions are made about certain Members of this House? We have to wonder.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, these attacks against the gentlewoman from California (Leader Pelosi) and Senator Durbin are nothing more than an attempt by the congressional Republicans to divert attention away from the war in Iraq to comments made by two of our Democratic colleagues. Republicans know that the war in Iraq is not going well right now. They have an administration that is clearly not leveling with the American people. Earlier this month, Vice President Cheney told a national audience that the insurgency in Iraq was in its last throes. Well, we all know that is not the case. I think Washington columnist Richard Cohen got it right this morning when he wrote that these partisan attacks are the latest in a series of attacks by Washington Republicans to silence the opposing views. Cohen wrote, ``The contempt the Bush administration has shown for world opinion and international law, not to mention American traditions of jurisprudence, is costing us plenty. We are not the Soviet Union, and we are not Nazi Germany, and Dick Durbin did not intend to say we are. His detractors have to know that. Their intention, however, is not to answer criticism, but to silence a critic.'' Democrats will not be silenced.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the chairman's resolution which commemorates the bravery of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who took part in Operation Eagle Claw 25 years ago. I want to thank my friend, the chairman from New Jersey, for his extraordinary leadership on this issue. Madam Speaker, the resolution also commends our Special Operations Forces who are risking their lives for our country today. On April 24, 1980, 8 patriots lost their lives in an effort to rescue hostages from the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The classified mission was noble in its purpose, yet difficult and risky. On November 4, 1979, terrorists stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took 66 American hostages. President Carter sought the hostages' release through diplomatic means but his efforts were to no avail. Ultimately, he approved a hostage rescue mission known as Operation Eagle Claw. On April 24, 1980 a task force of Army Special Operations Forces, Army Rangers, Air Force Special Operations Wing personnel, and U.S. Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots launched Operation Eagle Claw. They landed in a remote desert in Iran, 200 miles away from Tehran, and planned to execute the hostage rescue mission the following day. However, Madam Speaker, a series of mishaps forced Operation Eagle Claw to be aborted and led to the deaths of 5 brave airmen and 3 Marines. On January 20, 1981, after 444 days, the U.S. hostages were freed. Nevertheless, it was clear from the tragic deaths of those brave servicemembers during Operation Eagle Claw that our Special Operations Forces needed and deserved more and better resources to do their job. Congress created the U.S. Special Operations Command, or SOCOM, so that their needs would be met. Today SOCOM consists of more than 50,000 uniformed personnel, jointly integrated from the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force and the Marine Corps, all striving to support our Nation's national security interests. Operation Eagle Claw represented the best equipment and personnel available at the time. However, SOCOM has elevated crew-on-crew familiarity, team proficiency, and equipment interconnectivity to a new level of excellence. Madam Speaker, our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to the members of the Special Operations community, particularly those who have given their lives, such as those 8 service members who died during our Operation Eagle Claw. Our Special Operations Forces are truly, truly the quiet professionals committed to the concept of selfless service. So as we face the challenges of terrorists and weapons of mass destruction, Special Operations Forces provide a vital tool to defend our great Nation abroad. The resolution brought before us today recognizes this contribution. And I again want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton) for offering this resolution. I urge all of my colleagues to support its adoption. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Reverend David Lewis Moore for his important work in North Carolina. Reverend Moore was recently chosen as one of 10 national recipients of the 2005 Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Award. This honor includes a monetary award of $105,000 which Reverend Moore can utilize to assist him with his work in the community. Reverend Moore's efforts in rural Beaufort County, North Carolina have transformed the lives of hundreds of residents and provided health care to thousands struggling with poverty and illness. After attending Seminary and receiving a Master's Degree at Yale University, Rev. Moore became Pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Beaufort County and immediately set out to improve the quality of life of the region's low-income residents, most of whom are African-American. The county, which is also home to a small but significant number of Latino farm workers, has the highest rates of HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and heart disease in North Carolina; and we should commend Rev. Moore's diligent efforts over the years to combat these very serious and detrimental conditions. Rev. Moore founded Metropolitan Community Health Services in 1990. One of its core programs is the Agape Community Health Clinic which offers health care to some 4,000 low-income people every year. Initially, the clinic operated with little financial support, but it grew in size through grants that Rev. Moore obtained, including one that paid for a doublewide trailer to serve as the clinic's headquarters. Soon the clinic will expand to a renovated bowling alley, thanks to funds raised by Rev. Moore. Not stopping at improving health care for the region's poor, Rev. Moore also mobilized area churches from across the U.S. and Canada to assist in the reconstruction of homes following Hurricane Floyd. As a result, 43 new homes were constructed. Rev. Moore has also helped to develop more than 500 units of housing for families, single mothers, senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities and migrant workers. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Rev. David Lewis Moore on receiving this award and ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his work, past, present and future, on behalf of the people of North Carolina.