Chris Cannon

Mr. CANNON

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, today the United States needs true friends like the Republic of Kazakhstan as never before and we should encourage and welcome their achievements for the simple reason that by strengthening themselves they strengthen us. I have followed the development of a young Kazakhstan with great interest and I should note that since gaining its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, this country has undergone tremendous political and economic transformation. Reforming a former totalitarian society is not an easy task. Of course, there were some mistakes and drawbacks. However, one should acknowledge the fact that Kazakhstan is dynamically moving forward and is moving in the right direction. We should keep in mind that we are talking about a country which achieved democracy and personal freedoms through tremendous suffering. A great deal of credit for Kazakhstan's coming of age should go to its leader, President Nursultan Nazarbayev. I fully share the position of the leadership of Kazakhstan that any reforms make sense only if they serve the people. Many have criticized Kazakhstan for initially choosing a course of economic liberalization while putting deep political reforms on the backburner. However, the time has proven this course right. I praise the political foresight of President Nazarbayev, an architect of Kazakhstan's success, who, in spite of criticism, has managed to bring his country into the fold of economically strong nations and has now embarked on an even bolder set of political reforms. Recently, Kazakhstan's leader has called for a massive transformation of the county's political life and the strengthening of Kazakhstan's leadership by building a democracy. The major step in this direction will be a significant strengthening of the role of the national Parliament. President Nazarbayev has proposed to increase the numbers of deputies in both houses of Parliament and to develop a new system of forming the Government through the mechanism of a Parliamentary majority. I believe decisions to decentralize state management and pursue aggressive fights against corruption are also crucial. Moreover, according to the President, the judiciary system will undergo serious reforms. Jury trials will be introduced, more power will be given to defense attorneys in criminal litigation. All this, to me, is a true sign of Kazakhstan's maturity. I agree with President Nazarbayev, that ``You can't just declare democracy. You can only build it through hard work.'' As a nation that has been building its democracy for more than 200 years, we should value the words of a leader of a young democracy. I would like to wish the people and government of Kazakhstan success in their efforts. Future successes of a democratic and free Republic of Kazakhstan directly benefit the United States, as it will help ensure stability and prosperity of Central Asia, a region extremely important in our fight against international terrorism. I have no doubt that the United States and Kazakhstan will continue to closely cooperate in ensuring stability and security in the world, and our cooperation, which has tremendous potential, will deepen and bring about fruitful interaction in an international situation that is increasingly complex. The U.S. Congress should play a key role in this endeavor. Mr. Speaker, I believe we are at an important juncture in the relationship between the United States and Kazakhstan. We have an opportunity to remain engaged in the region. I strongly believe that we should acknowledge Kazakhstan's achievements and support them in their efforts to continue with reforms.

Mr. CANNON

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. The hour is late. I would like to begin just by associating myself with the comments by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) about where he spoke about the additional lands that we are acquiring and why we do not need that until we can take care of the lands that we have. I would also like to associate myself with the comments by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop), who was speaking about counties that I have represented in the past, and I personally know the problems that those counties have. I would also like to associate myself with the words of the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson) who spoke eloquently about some of these issues. I want to also thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor). I recognize the need for him to oppose this on the basis of what the offsets are. I think the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) was fairly articulate about how we can solve that problem in conference. I urge the Members of this body to do so. I must say I was really offended by the personal attack of the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) on the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) here. This is not a personal matter. This is a matter that relates intensely to the needs of our people. Let me just point out that if we look at the West, we have done a study in the State of Utah, Marty Stephens is the Speaker of our House, and he has taken a massive amount of statistical data and shown that we in the public lands area of the United States tax more. Mr. Chairman, this is a matter of fairness. In the West, we tax more than we tax in the East. We still pay a lower amount per student in educational expenses because and only because we are dominated by Federal ownership of land. That means California and every west coast State, every intermountain State, all of us, tax more and spend less. It is not fair, and this body needs to redress that. I hope that the Members of this body will vote in favor of the increase in PILT; and as a big fan of the Smithsonian myself, let us hope we can solve the problem in conference. But we need to give more money to our western counties who are fighting fires because of the negligence of the Federal Government who are suffering with educational costs that we cannot meet because the Federal Government owns our land and we are not getting any of the other benefits that should come from that public land. We have an obligation, and I urge this body to meet that obligation by voting for the Flake amendment to increase PILT.

Mr. CANNON

Mr. CANNON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Brigham Young University men's volley ball team for winning the 2004 NCAA Division I-II men's volleyball championship. As you may know, Brigham Young University is located in the 3rd district of Utah, and it has been my pleasure to represent the University and its student body for the past 8 years. This is the third national championship in men's volleyball that BYU has won in 6 years by overcoming a 10-6 deficit in game 5 to defeat Long Beach State University. The team achieved a 29-4 overall record for the season, marking the second highest single season win total in BYU volleyball history. I would especially like to congratulate the Cougars head coach, Tom Peterson, who became the first men's volleyball coach in NCAA history to win a national championship with 2 different schools. The entire team deserves recognition for winning the national championship, but I would like to take a moment and recognize a few players whose abilities have garnered extra honors. Seniors Fernando Pessoa and Joe Hillman received first and second team All-American honors, respectively, and sophomore Victor Batista also received second-team honors. Junior Carlos Moreno earned the distinction of being selected the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Year, the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I-II National Player of the Year, the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament Most Valuable Player, and the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Madam Speaker, I again congratulate the BYU Men's Volleyball team on its championship.

Mr. CANNON

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of President Ronald Reagan. First, let me extend my condolences to Nancy Reagan and the entire Reagan family for this tremendous loss. But let me also thank Nancy and her family for taking care of the President for all these years. Rest assured the nation mourns with you today. When I think of President Reagan the feeling that stirs within me is hard to put in words. In reflecting on what to say I realized the best way for me to explain my feelings is to explain who I am. Simply, I am a Reaganite! Being a Reaganite provided me the wonderful opportunity to come to Washington and work in the Reagan Administration. I did not come to Washington for a job but I came to Washington to be a foot solider in the Reagan Revolution. I had the opportunity to trade in the walking of precincts to walking the halls of his Administration. And for this I am forever grateful. This opportunity allowed me to play a small part in President Reagan's goal of giving America back to America. As a result of his leadership, we did not hang our heads any longer but rather we raised them up and remembered our moral standing in the world. Through his leadership, a nation was motivated. At the time President Reagan was elected to office, the country was losing faith and confidence in its being. In 1980, the Soviets had invaded Afghanistan, inflation was in double-digits, homeownership was near impossible and optimism was nonexistent. By the time his Administration ended, the Soviet empire crumbled, inflation's back was broken, homeownership soared and morning dawned in America. With a set of principles, one man who wanted to make a difference set out and changed the world. But to see President Reagan's legacy, as George Will stated, one has to see what no longer exists. We no longer see Soviet expansion and aggression, we no longer see the Berlin Wall and we no longer see devastating economic plight. These are testaments to his courage and his ability to communicate his resolve to the nation. President Reagan realized another decade of detente would not protect America and another decade of stagnant economic policies would not free the individual. Through his force of personality and conviction he set about changing our future. And he relegated our worries to the ash heap of history. President Reagan pursued policies that resulted in derision and loathing from some. But he had no hesitation in pursuing his goals because he knew what was right. His beliefs were steadfast and unwavering. He set his course and plowed through the skeptics. He was not Teflon. He was Iron. Being a Reaganite is not solely relegated to a certain place and time or a certain individual. Instead, it is set a set of beliefs. A set of beliefs imbued in many Members of Congress, their staffs and individuals throughout this country. It is a longing to assert and maintain America's rightful place in the world, as the shining city on the hill. President Reagan, thank you for restoring hope in America. It has been Morning In America since your Presidency.

Mr. CANNON

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of a group of women from Utah's Third Congressional District for their dedication to helping children that have been victims of abuse. On Wednesday, May 5, 2004, the Pleasant View Relief Society will be honored at the National Children's Alliance annual luncheon with the Volunteer Group Leadership Award of 2004. Working with the Utah County Children's Justice Center, this group, now affectionately known as the ``Teddy Bear Ladies,'' has created over 10,000 handmade teddy bears for distribution to children receiving social services as a result of severe abuse. What started as a simple service project has now turned into a labor of love for these giving women. Not only do the Teddy Bear Ladies donate their time and money to this worthy project, but they also help give these children a fresh start after years of abuse. What is remarkable about these ladies is not just their work, but also the ladies themselves. These dedicated volunteers range in age from the early 20s to mid 90s. Some of the younger volunteers thread needles for the older members of the group. Not even illness can stop the Teddy Bear Ladies from their work. One woman continued to sew teddy bears while suffering from severe headaches as a result from a brain tumor. The Teddy Bear Ladies from Utah County represent what all Americans should strive to be: caring, dedicated, giving and compassionate. Through volunteering their time and talents, they are making a real difference in one Utah community.

Mr. CANNON

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I want to thank the gentleman from Texas for his comments, commend him for his significant work in promoting financial literacy, and associate myself with his comments about the importance of training especially children in financial literacy. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), one of the most financially astute Members of the House.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H. Res. 578, the bill under consideration.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 578) supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month, and for other purposes.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 578 supports the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month. The National Council on Economic Education, its State Councils and Centers for Economic Education and the JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy have deemed April to be Financial Literacy Month. Along with my colleagues, especially the sponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), I am pleased to be highlighting this designation and the important cause of financial literacy. This resolution aims to increase awareness of the significance of thoughtful and well-planned personal financial management. It can be overwhelming for people of any age to manage money, credit and debt, but learning simple financial principles can help protect you against severe family illness, short-term losses of employment, economic downturns, and other aspects of life that most of us will experience at one time or another. Mr. Speaker, the resolution cites the fact that over the last 20 years personal savings have decreased from 7.5 percent of personal income to just over 2 percent today. This reality means more Americans have just a small cushion on which to fall back on when financial times become difficult. We all need to take steps to learn economic fundamentals and teach our children these principles as well. All of us can enjoy big returns on our investments in financial literacy. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), my friend and distinguished Member from Illinois, for her work on H. Res. 578. I urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), the sponsor of H. Res. 578.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The prior speaker, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), referred to the financial services products that we have available. I would just like to remind us all that we now have a new product in that array, that is, the health savings account which we passed in the recent Medicare package. It is good for all Americans. It is one of the elements of financial awareness that I hope is advanced through this financial literacy approach that we are taking here today. I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and also the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) for their support of this bill and bringing it to the floor today. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). It is always a pleasure to work with him on projects like this. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 578.

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

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

Mr. CANNON

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3942) to redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7 Commercial Boulevard in Middletown, Rhode Island, as the ``Rhode Island Veterans Post Office Building''.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I rise in support of H.R. 3942. This legislation redesignates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 7 Commercial Boulevard in Middletown, Rhode Island, as the Rhode Island Veterans Post Office Building. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's Armed Forces are comprised of dedicated, skilled, and courageous individuals from all 50 States and every territory. Today, I am pleased to take time along with my colleagues to honor those who have served our Nation from the State of Rhode Island. According to the 2000 census data, over 102,000 veterans live in Rhode Island, comprising 13 percent of the adult population of the State. This post office designation in Middletown is intended as a tribute to those 102,000 Rhode Islanders. As we all know, U.S. military men and women remain engaged today in the war on terror in faraway places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Here at home we can never give too much back to our brave active duty personnel or our veterans to whom we owe our Nation's freedom. That is why I am pleased that the House is considering H.R. 3942 today. I ask all Members to support its swift passage. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy) for his work to honor our Nation's military service veterans from the great State of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I support the passage of H.R. 3942. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CANNON

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 399) honoring the life and legacy of Melvin Jones and recognizing the contributions of Lions Clubs International.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 399.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 399 recognizes the remarkable global contributions of Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world. Lions Clubs work to aid communities in 190 different countries with all sorts of humanity's problems. From collecting five million pairs of used eyeglasses each year to give to those with vision loss, to collecting thousands of books for hospitals and schools in need, and to establishing disease prevention programs, the Lions Clubs consistently live up to their long-stated mission, ``We serve.'' Mr. Speaker, the resolution also honors Melvin Jones, the founder of the Lions Clubs. Jones grew up in Chicago and worked in the insurance industry as a young adult at the turn of the 20th century. He became affiliated with the business group known as The Business Circle, but was dismayed that the group focused only on improving the financial status of its members. Jones sought a business club that asked for more from its members. On June 17, 1917, Jones pulled together leaders of business clubs from all over the U.S. to discuss a new business-oriented organization that also would be committed to community service. The nascent group was called the Association of Lions Clubs, and it has grown into the largest service club organization on Earth with 1.4 million members worldwide today. This year is the 125th anniversary of Melvin Jones' birth and, therefore, a fitting time to pay tribute to his commitment to volunteerism and service. Mr. Speaker, the Lions Clubs International are truly worthy of commendation by this House, and I would encourage anyone interested in volunteer opportunities to think about contacting a nearby Lions Club chapter. I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy) for his work to honor Melvin Jones and the Lions Clubs. I know the gentleman from Minnesota has been a Lions Club member for many years. I congratulate the gentleman for advancing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the mellifluous gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for his contribution to the Lions Club in his area. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy), the distinguished sponsor of this legislation.

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

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

Mr. CANNON

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