Duke Cunningham

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, it is correct that it is wrong to use the term directed to another as a ``liar'' on the House floor, and, if so, I wish the gentleman's words to be taken down.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, many of us, when we came to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I came off the authorization committee for education and got on appropriations, I had concern when John Porter retired. I did not know who on the Republican side could fill the shoes of John Porter, one of the most caring individuals that I have ever known as far as education, medical research and the issues that we have in this bill today. Well, I want to tell you something. The gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Regula), and I think the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) would agree, has more than filled those shoes. He cares deeply about those programs, education, medical research and the other issues, and he has done everything he can to bring this bill forth that helps people. If you vote against this bill, there is an increase in IDEA, you are going to vote against that. If you vote against this bill, there is an increase in Pell grants. You are going to vote against those increases. Maybe not as much as you want, but there is an increase, and you will vote against it. Be partisan if you want. This bill has got a lot of good things. None of it has the things that all of us want. I would like to see, under a different economy, more into education. And I think if you take the ``tax rate for the rich'' argument, if tax relief was static, then they would be right. But it is not. President Kennedy, former President Bush, this President Bush know that when you stimulate the economy and you have more revenue coming in to the Treasury, you will have more money for the economy and for education. That is what we believe, not that we are giving money away to ``the rich.'' My friends on the other side will say, well, they drug the Republicans kicking and screaming for education. Well, no skid marks. And I want to tell you, on this chart, if they drug us through the muck to raise education funding, look at 1995 and prior and where they funded education. I will submit these charts for the record. But they sure did not drag their own party to increase education, because look at the level at which the increase in education was and what it is now. My colleagues on the other side know there is a regular process. The other body, that many of us call the House of Lords, no matter what figure we put in for any one of the 13 appropriations bills, they will load it with pork. Traditionally, the Democrats did so, too, when they were in the majority, and that is, I think, a little bit of these figures that go into that as well. But they knew in conference there was a negotiation, and this bill will be negotiated in the conference as well. I think if you look at the number of increases, Republicans did not do it all by ourselves. The gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) over there, I laud what he did in working with the President, and we did that in a bipartisan way. I think we can get through this bill the same way. If you take a look at IDEA, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) yesterday said they increased IDEA 7 percent every year. That is true. But when you increase IDEA from 2 percent of funding or 3 percent of current level, it is not very much, and the maximum was 6 percent. We are up to like 18 percent now in the last 5 years. That is a significant increase. Did Republicans do that alone? Absolutely not. We did it with the help of the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), we did it with the help of our Speaker and with the Members of the other body. Unfortunately, on the floor today there is more partisan wrangling for an election coming up than there is sitting down and really wanting to work on these bills, and that is disconcerting. I have brought forward that my real concern is that we are increasing a lot of these funds for Title I, and we did in the previous years, too, with the help of my friend the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) as well. But in California, Governor Davis, for example, Title I, the extra money we got in the formula fight and increases in funding, he has taken that money and is putting it into county mental health. IDEA, which we fight for, my sister-in-law is head of IDEA for Alan Bersin, Superintendent of city schools, who was working under President Clinton, and I am supporting him. He is a good guy trying to do the right thing. But Governor Davis is cutting the State money and using the Federal money to drive the engine of IDEA and cutting a lot of people out. There is never enough money there that we can put in to solve all of these problems. I would say all the way from Pell Grants to Impact Aid, all of these programs are being cut. My concern is the State of California and the lack of leadership of Governor Davis. He is crucifying the education programs. Let me go to another area. The gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) could really ping on me on this if he wanted to, because when I came here as a freshman, I did not support the National Endowment for the Arts or NIH. I still do not support the National Endowment for the Arts. I thought they were a waste of money. Then Speaker Gingrich came to me and said, Duke, look at it fiscally. Look at a child with diabetes. If we can get in with early detection and intervention and healthy living, we can stop kidney dialysis, the child going blind, amputation, re-hospital visits, and those dollars we will have to apply to Medicare more. Then I went back and trumped Speaker Gingrich, who is controversial on your side, but he really had his heart in the right direction as far as NIH. I went back with John Porter and said it should be a Republican policy to double medical research, because it is the one thing that we can do to give back. You converted me, and we have done that. In this bill, do we keep adding the money for NIH? No. We have doubled it, and now we want a COLA to maintain. If you take out construction, which can be delayed, it actually increases it 6 percent. And we did not get here alone. The gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) and Speaker Gingrich and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), all of us have worked on this. I just wish I would hear a little less partisan wrangling on the floor and more coming together, because I know, my friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), we have done that before. I would like to continue to do that. Mr. Chairman, I include the following for the Record: [Charts not reproducible in the Record.] Special Education For too long, America has measured success in special education by money and regulations--not by whether disabled children are learning. The bill provides record funding of $9.9 billion to help the states. That means more than $1,400 per special education student. This year, a new authorization will focus on instruction methods, curricula, teacher training, and education strategies, that help identify early and accurately as well as treat swiftly the needs of disabled children. New Solutions for Teaching Disabled Children Better There are many challenges facing special education. For some parents, special education laws and regulations can be a morass of bureaucracy and unmet needs leading to frustrating conferences, meetings, even court rooms. But for the vast majority of parents (67%), they rate their schools as ``good'' or ``excellent.'' As a recent survey of members of the National Schools Boards Association noted, almost 9 in 10 (88%) identified special education as an issue of ``moderate'' or ``significant concern.'' For special ed teachers, special education laws and regulations can mean reams of paperwork that keep them out of the classroom. For some educators, special education laws mean extra class work as a nurse, a psychologist, or a social worker when trying to help a student while teaching a full class. For school officials, special education can mean tough choices about resources and other students' needs, pitting some programs against others. No Child Left Behind applies to every student--including those with disabilities. Under the bipartisan law, every state must set clear and high standards for what students in each grade should know and be able to do in the core academic subjects of reading, math, and science. States will measure each student's progress toward those standards with tests aligned with those higher standards. The law requires that all schools be held accountable for the learning of every student. We have to identify special needs early and accurately . . . Of the 6.5 million children in special education, half of those who are in special education are identified as having a``specific learning disability.'' In fact, this group has grown over 300% since 1976. Of those with ``specific learning disabilities,'' 80% are there simply because they haven't learned how to read. We must change that by promoting solid curricula, good teachers and involved parents. Children of minority status are overrepresented in some categories of special education. The fact is African-American children are twice as likely as white children to be labeled as having mental retardation and placed in special education. . . . and get children help swiftly and surely. By focusing on scientifically tested, evidence-based research we can end the fads that force many children into special education. By focusing on programs that work we can find the best ways to teach children including how to meet unique learning needs. To this end, No Child Left Behind funds only scientifically based teaching materials. And, through the President's Early Reading and Reading First initiatives, reading programs will be supported that use proven methods, equip teachers to intervene when problems arise, and allow educators to build on strengths and target learning needs. We must move from a culture of compliance to a culture of accountability and results. This year Congress has the opportunity to resolve these issues. The Individual with Disabilities Education Act is set for reauthorization. Now is the time for reform. The Education of the Handicapped Act of 1975 (now IDEA) requires that every child with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education in the public schools. Millions of children have benefited. But too many fail to catch up. Congress has poured billions of dollars into special education. It's time to measure progress not dollar signs. We must heed the plea of families and make the system simpler. We must heed the plea of teachers and reduce the paperwork and increase their time in the classroom. A tree should not fall every time a child enters special education. Special education money must yield results--not encourage districts to put children in special education to get more federal money. The percentage of children in special education has soared from 8% in 1976 to 13% in 1997. Politics should stop at the schoolhouse door. That's why President Bush appointed experienced educators to a special commission to find out how to best serve children with disabilities. The Commission on Excellence in Special Education looked at ways to make sure lesson plans, textbooks, and teaching methods are scientifically proven to get results so that early classroom experiences help not exacerbate learning difficulties. The Commission also looked at the current effectiveness of teacher training and professional development not just for special educators, but also for all educators who work with students with disabilities. The president believes in funding with reform. For three straight years, President Bush has asked for three $1 billion increases in federal funding for IDEA. In contrast, President Clinton asked for total increases equaling $1.7 billion during his entire eight years in office. This year's request is the largest of any president in history; $9.5 billion dollars. That means the federal government will be spending an $1,400 for every child with a disability. The highest funding ever. A majority of parents with children in special education (52%) agree that ``better programs and policies, not more money, is the best way to improve special education.'' Critics have attacked the issue of ``fully funding'' special education. But this is a twenty-five year-old attack. Special education should not be treated as a separate cost system, and evaluations of spending must be based on all of the expenditures for the child, including the funds from general education. As the President's Commission put it, ``Funding arrangements should not create an incentive for special education identification or become an option for isolating children with learning and behavior problems. Each special education need must be met using a school's comprehensive resources, not by relegating students to a separately funded program. Flexibility in the use of all educational funds, including those provided through IDEA, is essential.''

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I commend my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. Special education is a very critical and very difficult issue to deal with, both with the schools and the parent groups themselves. I would tell the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) that Alan Bursin is the Superintendent of San Diego City Schools, and the number one issue and number one problem for him is the cottage organization of lawyers that have browbeaten the schools and take the money out of it. I capped lawyer fees in the D.C. committee. In one year we saved $12 million. That is here in Washington, D.C. That is $12 million that went into special education, went to help teachers, went into buy technology, instead of going into lawyers' pockets. That is an area we can work together to enhance this. At no time have we ever financed or appropriated 40 percent of the total dollars. You know what it would cost. It is a political issue, but it is difficult. We went from 6 up to 18, almost 19 percent currently, and we need to put more in there. Another issue that we have in California, Governor Davis has taken our IDEA money and is spending the State money and using the Federal money to drive the engine. Instead of an enhanced program, it is lower. It is an area we can work strongly together in that I think all of us are dedicated toward, but it is difficult.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I reluctantly stand opposed to this amendment, but I understand why my colleagues want it. I do not think there is a thing in there I would support if asked to support, but I will say that I have hundreds of doctors and hospitals come to me every single day and ask me to direct NIH to do this or that. I personally believe that things and discoveries should be left up to NIH, that when something is close to helping, we should allow them to do that. But once we get into politicians, which we all are, directing what NIH does, it is not what you are trying to eliminate, it is the whole broad perspective of what we could do in the long run. In the past, many of the diseases were politicized, and funding was taken totally away from others, and I want to stay away from that. I think it is a bad precedent, not on the gentleman's issue, but on the precedent of directing NIH. I reluctantly oppose the amendment.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 339, the Gingrey amendment to H.R. 2211, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' (Mr. ABERCROMBIE asked and was given permission to speak out of order for 1 minute.) Casting of Votes

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, it is almost laughable. The gentlewoman from California talks about Republicans cutting education. Well, we have increased education higher than they ever did. Mr. Speaker, they cannot stand it. The Republicans have taken over the issue of education and prescription drugs, and they just cannot stand it. It is killing them. The gentlewoman talks about the poor military. In 1993, the gentlewoman from California voted to cut military COLAs when they were on food stamps. She voted to cut veterans' COLAs. She voted to increase the tax on Social Security and take the money out of the Social Security Trust Fund. The gentlewoman from California's highest rating on defense is 36 percent. Her average is 16 percent. Sixteen percent. I would say to the gentlewoman from California, if she is so interested in helping the military, two-thirds of a military bill is pay and allowances.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula) and what we have done. These are considerable tough times, and it is not due to a tax break ``for the rich'' that the left on every bill states, but you can never spend enough money; but I think we have done a pretty good job. If we take a look at, for example, IDEA was mentioned. I was a subcommittee chairman, and we authorized IDEA when we were in the minority. The maximum was 6 percent funding that the Democrats ever put forth for IDEA, 6 percent. We are up to over 18 percent since we have taken the majority. Title I, we have increased the funding for title I; and Mr. Speaker, I sorely resent comments from the left that state that the only thing we want to do is help the rich. I am dedicated on education and medical research; and I work very, very hard in that direction. What I am upset at, the money that we raise for California not only in formula but for the additional funds that we are sending California for title I, Governor Gray Davis is taking the additional money that we sent to California and putting it in county mental health. He has taken away the money. When they talk about tax rates for the rich, in 1993, when they had the majority, they taxed the middle class when they said they would not, and they said well, only Democrats voted for that, no Republicans. Why did Republicans not vote for that tax increase? They cut military COLAs, which they demagogue every day on this floor. They cut veterans COLAs, which they demagogue. They increased the tax on Social Security, and they took every dime out of the Social Security trust fund, and they taxed the middle class the highest tax ever, which also hurt the military. There is no occasion they want tax relief. They always want a tax increase for additional spending and big government programs. New York cost $200 billion just to rebuild. That does not include $83 billion just in lost revenue; and then we look at the airline industry, we look at the hotel industry, we look at the stock market and what has happened. Yes, there is depreciation of funds along with the war on terrorism. Maybe we can take the money back from New York and fund all these programs. I do not want to do that because they needed that money, but for that other side and the left to come out and say that Republicans only care about the rich, it hurts because they know it is not true, but it is political gamesmanship before an election.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, the maximum amount that the Democrats, when we were in the minority, ever funded IDEA was 6 percent. Regardless of the percentage that they increased it, the total amount was 6 percent. We are up to 18 percent. Do not try and rewrite history.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize I-Safe and the Home Depot for announcing June 2003 as National Internet Safety Month. I-Safe and the Home Depot have teamed up to combat victimization of America's youth on the internet. They have chosen the month of June because it marks the beginning of summer when children spend the most time without supervision and the most time online. I know that we are all aware of the dangers the internet potentially holds, not only to us, but to our families and children as well. This is why I support educating America's citizens about the internet. Each month, forty- eight million children in the United States go online to chat with their friends, play, and/or do research. These children spend a combined five billion hours online each year and the numbers continue to increase. With children spending more time online, predators are presented with more opportunity. One in five children who use chat rooms has received an unwanted solicitation online and this is unacceptable. We must teach our kids about the serious threats they can face on- line. Recent studies have shown that forty percent of students do not understand the danger of exchanging pictures with strangers they have met on the internet and sixty percent do not understand the danger of meeting a stranger they have met online in person. Often times, parents do not know their children are meeting strangers on-line and this contributes to the problem. Seventy-five percent of parents say they know when their children spend time online, but the majority of teenagers log on right after school, before their parents arrive home. Also, most children who are harassed online do not usually reveal the harassment to their parents because they are afraid their parents may ban computer usage. Many tend to think that harm on the internet extends only to children, however this is a false assumption. Most adults do not realize their identity can also be easily stolen on the internet. According to the FBI, identity theft has become the fastest growing financial crime in America, simply because a person can be identified based on three things: their date of birth, gender, and zip code. Most importantly, during this turbulent time in our nation's history, education is key to protecting not only personal security, but also national security. Our critical e-infrastructure must be protected from hacking, net vandalism, and virus proliferation. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss internet safety. I urge other Members to become involved on this issue. The internet has vastly improved our lives and opened the door to a world of opportunity, but with these technological advances comes a great deal of responsibility. Unfortunately, there are people out there who seek to exploit this new medium in communication. I applaud I-Safe's effort to educate children and adults on the internet and will continue to work with this organization to promote internet safety. Thank you.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The UCSD Cancer Center Luau and Longboard Invitational. This event brings together surfing legends from around the world, celebrities, and corporate executives to benefit cancer treatment and research at the Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center. It features a friendly surfing competition between sponsored teams, a Polynesian-themed party featuring food, entertainment, live and silent auctions of surf memorabilia, and a brief ceremony to honor the winner of the Rell Sunn--Queen of Makaha Award. This award recognizes an individual for his or her efforts to fight cancer and dedication to helping others in ways that embody the true ``aloha'' spirit. Since its founding in 1994, the Luau has raised more than $1 million for the center. Much of these funds have been used as ``seed money'' that finances the initial stages of promising cancer research projects and helps them qualify for additional funding from federal or other sources. The Luau also has earned a worldwide reputation as one of the finest and most soulful surfing-themed philanthropic events anywhere. It is organized by a passionate grassroots network of local volunteers (many of whom are cancer survivors), and is generously supported by a diverse collection of prominent, community-minded companies, organizations and individuals. This year's event promises to be extra special, as it is the 10th anniversary of the UCSD Cancer Center Luau. This event is especially meaningful to me because in the summer of 1998, I am one of thousands of men who was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a simple prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. During my annual examination in the summer of 1998, my doctor noted a slight elevation in my PSA test. He followed up with a sonogram and an MRI, neither of which revealed the disease. It was only after a prostate biopsy that it was determined that I had cancer. Following the diagnosis, in consultation with my family, I decided to pursue surgery as my treatment option. I am fortunate--early detection saved my life. My doctor was familiar with PSA results, and I had healthcare coverage for my treatments. As a cancer survivor, I personally understand the hope that the groundbreaking research provides to individuals who are suffering, or who have a loved one who is battling a disease. I understand the importance of finding better ways to diagnose and treat this disease which affects so many people in our nation. I am proud to support the UCSD Cancer Center, and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Luau and Longboard Invitational. This event will help to ensure that the Cancer Center is able to continue to provide quality services to those facing cancer, and to develop new lifesaving treatments.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I had pneumonia about 5 years ago, and I went to pick up the prescription drug and I looked at it. It was 120 bucks. As I picked it up, I sat there and I thought, how does a family with three or four children afford 120 bucks per bottle of Augmentin to help them with the flu or with other antibiotics? It is a real fact. It is hard. But Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), does he know the cost of my prescription drug? It cost me $17. Because my wife worked with the Encinitas school district and she had insurance. That is what we want, is a private-public partnership for those people that cannot afford prescription drugs to help them. Over 1.4 million people in California will have no copay, no cost whatsoever. But it will help them in our bill. I think that your bill, with its costs, is devastating in the long run. It will not help. If Democrats can demonize pharmaceutical companies, then what is left? The government. If you can demonize insurance companies, what is left for health care? Government-controlled health care. We rejected that in 1993 when the then First Lady offered it. I oppose government- controlled health care, and maybe that is the difference in us, because it will drive this country in debt. I talked to some people from Canada. Do my colleagues know where they go to get their health care? They come clear down to Buffalo, New York to get it, because it is so bad with their government-controlled health care. Let us defeat the Democratic substitute and support the primary bill.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read the essay of Michelle Wilkinson, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican Club. ``The Republican Party embraces many noteworthy values, including personal responsibility, service, and integrity. Throughout my life, I have been taught to follow these principles. As a student in an AP Government class and as a member of the Teenage Republican Club, I have come to realize how these values have influenced my life. A major Republican value is personal responsibility. From a political view, this means that the government should only do what individuals can not do by themselves. To me, personal responsibility is a way of living so that I am a contributing member of society rather than a burden. In my life, I have taken the accountability for my studies and other extracurricular activities. Because I know that I am responsible for my own actions, I have been able to excel in school, and have been accepted to the school of my choice. I have tried to make the most of my opportunity to attend school and believe that my efforts have been rewarding and worthwhile. As a Republican, I hope to be able to elect officers who believe in personal responsibility and strive to create laws that promote self-reliance in American citizens. I plan to major in History Education, and, as a teacher, I want my students to know how important this ideal was to our founding fathers. I will personally teach my children and my students to be conscientious and charitable members of the community in which they live. People who have cultivated an independent lifestyle are better able to give service to others. Service to others is an integral part of the Republican ideal. When individuals voluntarily give their time and means, resources are used efficiently where they are truly needed. Government entitlements are not conducive to a strong work ethic and should only be depended upon for true emergencies, not as a planned lifestyle. Some of my service experiences include: registering voters, organizing a concert for an elderly care center, quilting blankets for a women's shelter, and organizing a dance for mentally and physically handicapped adults. Although no one expected or demanded my service, they were all very grateful for my time and talents, which I give freely because of the joy I receive in return. I know that I will continue to give my time and resources how and when I choose. I believe that I should be able to choose how my resources are used so that I know they are being used wisely and effectively. When we are compelled to give our resources through high taxes, we are deprived of the feelings of generosity and benevolence. I will continue to use my influence and my vote to elect Republicans who share this ideal. Finally, integrity is a vital Republican value. We must elect officials who will do what they believe is right even if it is not popular or easy. Karl G. Maeser, an educator, once said, I have been asked what I mean by my word of honor . . . Place me behind prison walls . . . there is a possibility that in some way or another I may be able to escape, but stand me on that floor and draw a chalk line around me and have me give my world of honor never to cross it. Can I get out? No, never! I'd die first! We need public officials who will abide by their word of honor, not the shifting of polls and public opinion. I have sought to be honest with all people, even if it is not to my advantage. The reward of integrity is trust, which is broken much easier than it is built. Our country has suffered from the lack of integrity in our leaders, I hope that we can find leaders who can restore honor and integrity to public offices. As a mother and a teacher, I will instill the value of honesty into my children and students. I will teach them that their word of honor defines their character. I know that there are many problems with our current system of government. I also believe, however, that they can be reformed if the ideals of responsibility, service, and integrity, are utilized. Despite imperfections, I know that our country is the best in the world. I am grateful and proud to be an American.''

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read the essay of Laura Mendoza, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican Club. Like every Friday morning, my mother had snuggled into bed with me; soon I was to get up and go to school. Only, on this morning, I was quite lazy and pleaded with my mom so that she would allow me to stay home. Like any other day she simply gave me a ``no.'' It had been worth a shot! As we laid in bed she said to me, ``Laura, you must strive for your goals and never allow anyone to prohibit you from following them. Take advantage of every moment and savor it, for you do not know what may lie ahead.'' What could possibly make her think I would understand her words at the age of eleven? Now, I'm seventeen and I understand what she was implying. Throughout the years I have learned about my mother. My mother was unable to go to school due to many reasons, none that she could control. To begin with there wasn't a school in sight for about 20 miles and she had no transportation to get there. By the time there was a school that was somewhat near she was eight and her father was very unsupportive. He once told her not to worry about getting an education, instead she was to stay home and help in the fields and with the animals. ``Besides'' he said, ``you don't need to worry about being educated because you're going to end up married to some guy who will provide for you and your family. All you need to worry about is taking care of the house and children.'' I can see that my mother was denied a natural part of life. My mother was brought up in Mexico, where education is nothing big. It's like a luxury; if you have the time, then you can go to school; if not, you must stay home and attend to the responsibilities there. Education in Mexico has not changed much over the years, only four of my cousins go to school, and they're all boys. The females in my family are either married or living at home, helping out their parents. I appreciate the many sacrifices my parents have done for my siblings and me. They have done everything possible and impossible so that we can receive a good education and so that one day we don't have to go through the same things and our own families will succeed. My parents are my inspiration. I know for a fact that if my parents had decided to stay in Mexico, all that I have achieved would have been unrealized. This is why education is so sacred to me. In my opinion, education is the key to my goals and I know that my parents weren't wrong when they saw something special in this land of opportunity. That is why they decided to bring our family here. I will not let my parents' sacrifice or the opportunity given to me go to waste. I now understand my mother's words and will live by them for the rest of my life.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read the essay of Heather MacPhee, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican Club. ``As a sophomore at Valley Center High School, I had a basic idea of where I stood in the world. Despite my lack of experience and knowledge, I knew that I valued being a conservative woman in a time of uncertainty and compromise. I was confident in my beliefs, but could not effectively defend or even explain my reasoning. That was the year I became involved with the Teenage Republican Club, and now I have no doubts that I have the knowledge to proudly register as a Republican voter. Two seniors I admired and looked up to introduced me to the Teenage Republican Club. Melissa Hill and Nicolete Lawrence were smart young women that I respected very much. I hoped to be like them when I was a senior and was extremely flattered when they recommended me for the 2-1 Federation for Republican Women Advocacy Workshop. While at the Advocacy, I was exposed to the true enthusiasm of the Republican Party. During the short two days in Sacramento, I learned from party members, including state legislators, where Republican stood on big issues and the little known issues. I learned from first hand experience how our state government operates and the importance of individuals in our society. Since the Advocacy, I have done my best to be involved in my political surroundings. T.A.R.S. has given me the opportunity to fulfill my desires to play an active role in local government. Until last week, I was unable to vote, but through T.A.R.S. I assisted other people in taking advantage of their right to vote. I have registered voters at North County Fair and encouraged seniors around me to cast their votes. I have also assisted with the Federated Republican Women's Club fundraiser so that they could adequately publicize, encourage, educate, and spread Republican ideals. I personally feel the most satisfaction from being a leader, I know that the biggest impact I will make will be through my actions and not my words. With this in mind, I attempt to live each day in accordance to my faith and values which are inherently Republican. The best expression of my thoughts happens to be from the Republican Oath: ``I believe that Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and pride, and at the same time, share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world. Finally, I believe that the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.'' As I grow older, my appreciation for the freedoms of this country and the enthusiasm behind my beliefs will only become greater. I hope to take advantage of all opportunities to vote and never lose sight of the direction of our government. I will continue to serve our nation through my career and participation in the political process. I will also continue to proudly support the Grand Old Party.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read the essay of Patrick Anabaldi, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican Club. He is currently a senior at Valley Center High School. ``As an active Teenage Republican Club (TARS) member for the past two years, I have come to realize what the Republican tenets are all about. The Republican Party has been around for quite a while now proving that it can stand the test of time. Over these years the GOP has also shown that it's economic and social policy are fully capable of leading this country into times of economic expansion and much needed ethical revival. Some of the events that have aided in my political education include TARS meeting, the advocacy workshop, Advanced Placement (AP) Government class, and AP macroeconomics class. Because of the truth that the republican principles hold I have firmly established them into my own life. One of the most politically education functions I have ever participated in was the Advocacy workshop, which took place in our state capital Sacramento. This was a TARS function supported by the charitable Federated Republican Women of Valley Center. During this trip I not only got to meet some powerful political leaders in today's world, but was also taught some key issues that separate us as republicans. For instance, I discovered why we hold to our economic ideals though the whole scandal that involved Gray Davis, electricity and our horrendous deficit here in California. At this point I began to see that Republicans have great solutions for our state and nation's numerous problems. At the conclusion of this trip I took advantage of the opportunity to tell the whole Valley Center Federated Republican Women's group what I had learned and how it had impacted my life. This was a clear milestone in the maturing of my political life. I was acting like a Republican not only by standing up and publicly proclaiming what I had leaned about the GOP, but also what I now believe. I have earned the reputation of an accomplished scholar at VCHS by taking the hardest courses and excelling in them. AP government and AP Macroeconomics are the two current classes of mine that deal with politics. In these classes there is much debate about heated political issues, and this is another part of my life that reveals my sincerity to the republican values. I am known by my peers to thrive in this kind of environment not only because I know what I believe in as a republican, but also because I have a vehement passion to prove it right. I have revealed my opinion in class on countless issues. Some of these issues have dealt with fiscal policy, the role of our government bureaucracy, the office of the President, war and abortion. Not once has my view been contrary to that of the GOP, I am a proud member of the Republican Party! Next year I will be attending a California University. These days Californian schools tend to be incredibly liberal. We've seen this in the news through `war protests' and `pro-choice rallies'. As a right- wing Republican it will be quite a task attending college. But I will persevere despite the obstacles in my path because of how deeply rooted the values are in my life.''

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read the essay of Daniel Zajda, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican Club. ``As a T.A.R.S. member, I have worked hard for the Republican Party and have accepted the Republican values. These values have affected me in many ways and believe that they will stay positive in the future. For the past three years I have been an active supporter and beneficiary of the Teen Age Republicans at Valley Center High School. I have held many positions of office, including being a main contributor in the efforts of gaining an official club charter. As a Vice president in my sophomore year, I helped moderate the agenda and served as a stand in for the President, however, I didn't know much about the difference between conservatives and liberals, but all that eventually changed when I got the privilege to attend the Republican Advocacy Workshop in our state capitol. This particular journey opened my eyes to many of the problems that our state has burdened itself with, due to the incompetence of our governing office. After experience first hand what goes on at the capitol building, I realized the power of politics and eventually realized that I would lead a moral and conservative life as a Republican Party member. The following year I was elected as President of the T.A.R.S. club and donated much of my time to the development and expansion of our organization. I can recall spending countless hours in hope of registering voters and urging people to get out and vote. But now our country is dealing with different issues and right now is a great time for our nation to show their support and back our President. And that's exactly what the Republican Party is doing and I am proud to be a part of it.''

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read the essay of Elizabeth Hernandez, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican Club: For many years people from Mexico have been coming to this country for a better opportunity, better life and a future for their children and family, the most common reason why they choose to come here, is because America gives them a chance to start a new life. They have special programs from which they can benefit, so they can progress in life and have something they can call their own. The economy has a great influence in this too. Mexico has many states that are very poor. Economic issues are a strong reason why America is a good target for them. Mexico has many states that are poor and do not have the sufficient resources that a person should have during this century. Most towns are still without electricity, water pumps, and telephones. This makes daily life more difficult. They always hear that in America all of this is not an issue; that you can practically go everywhere and all of these resources are given to you. In Mexico, jobs are everywhere but they don't get enough money to have an average life. The cost of food constantly increases but the wages stay the same. That makes it harder to buy or afford anything. Here in America, we don't see that problem because if food or the daily necessity goes up, so does the minimum wage for every job. In Mexico, there is not a law that tells companies how much they have to pay their employees. Most of the time they pay a small amount of money for the amount of time they work. Some occasions they work up to sixteen hours straight a day for five or six days a week. Here in America you can't do that, the hours you can work is a maximum of forty hours a week; after that they have to pay you over time. When this happens in Mexico, parents can't afford to feed their children because they are not paid overtime. That is why they choose to come to America so they can have food on their table every night and a few other luxuries. For that same reason, their education is affected. Most parents make their children work so they can get more money to be able to buy food and clothing. Usually the children drop out of school at an early age, some of them just complete the fifth grade. Children that keep on going to school usually have money or they live in the city. People that don't live in a major city don't have the same opportunity. In America there is always a public school minutes away from where you live even if you don't live in a major city. You are guaranteed a free education all the way until high school and after that you can also get a college education in a community college that is less expensive than a University. That is why the people of Mexico come to America so they can put food on their table and their children are guaranteed an education regardless from what country they originate. That is why the ``American Dream'' is the way they refer to America.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read the essay of Kelly Shinn, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican Club. Being a part of the Teenage Republican club and working for the Republican Party means I have accepted the republican values. By accepting these values I have so far been affected by the party's efforts to keep public schools excellent and accountable. These values will also affect me in the future. The value of ensuring affordable and accessible health care for children, families, and seniors has already affected my life. Without affordable health care I would not have been able to receive the medical assistance I needed to treat my Irritable Bowel Syndrome and get rid of a stomach parasite. These values will also affect my future and the future of my family. When I start a family of my own I will need affordable health care to keep my husband and children healthy and safe. Also the value to ensure excellent and accountable public schools for children has already affected and will continue to affect me later in life. I have always attended public schools and because of the Republican Party's fight to keep the public school districts accountable, I have received a wonderful education. My education has given me the confidence I need to continue learning after high school. Keeping schools accountable and excellent will also affect my children. I want to give my children the same opportunity to receive a solid education and the only way to do this is to support the Republican Party. All of the values that are held by the Republican Party will help secure a government that exists to protect the freedom of each individual. And this means that America will continue to be the home of the brave.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I would like to first thank not only the chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), but he ranking member, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman). Our committee is a bipartisan committee. The defense committee that I sit on is also, with the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) and people like that; and it is really a pleasure to work on. When there is a pressure put on the ranking member to force political gain on weapons of mass destruction, it is a sign of true leadership and bipartisanship to not do that and to work with the chairman to come about and perform a bill like this, and we should all be proud of that, the Members, and I want to personally thank the gentlewoman from California. The weapons of mass destruction, we cannot say too much about them, but the chairman and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman) also made something in order that has not been done before, and that is for every single Member to be able to look at the information. I am convinced that if anyone on this floor looks at that information, they only have one conclusion. There are weapons of mass destruction still there. If we take a vial this big, the size of an eye dropper and have two seeds in it and in 2 days a person can whip up a batch to kill every man, woman and child in New York City and then try and find that with deceit, a system that was designed to hide it on deceit or destroy it if people get close, and the one thing I can say is we were told there would be absolutely no way possible for Hans Blix and the U.N. to find such things, especially with Saddam Hussein still there trying to hide it. So that was a bogus issue. I would also tell them that the committee does not just deal with terrorism, the war on drugs, local crime and the one thing that I could say before we ever did a pre-9/11 look was that we did not fund the folks enough. We need to change some laws. The Phoenix report, we knew there were terrorists in Arizona, but our intelligence agencies were afraid to act because they would be sued because it would be racial profiling, and these guys put out papers supporting Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda, and we could not touch them under the first amendment and that is wrong. There is the same type of people there in Arizona today. One guy was so stupid he went to navigator school. He failed that. Do my colleagues know what he is in today? Airport security, and we cannot touch him. So I think we need to go further and change some of our laws to protect American citizens, and I know there is a fine line in protecting rights and the other, but by golly, I know where I stand and I know where the committee stands, and I am proud of them.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, on May 10, 1972 I flew my 300th mission over North Vietnam. I shot down three MIGs that day to become the first Ace of the Vietnam War. Shortly after my third kill, I was hit by enemy fire and forced to eject along with my backseat, Willie Driscoll. As we parachuted down into enemy territory, I did not know whether I was going to live, die, or possibly be taken as a prisoner of war. It was indeed the scariest moment in my life--until the day my doctor looked me in the eye and told me that I had cancer. I am one of thousands of men who was diagnosed following a simple prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. During my annual examination in the summer of 1998, my doctor noted a slight elevation in my PSA test. He followed up with a sonogram and an MRI, neither of which revealed the disease. It was only after a prostate biopsy that it was determined that I had cancer. Following the diagnosis, in consultation with my family, I decided to pursue surgery as my treatment option. I am fortunate--early detection saved my life. My doctor was familiar with PSA results, and I had healthcare coverage for my treatments. Early detection and treatment meant the difference between life and death. This year, 198,100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 31,500 will die from this terrible disease. But prostate cancer is only a small component of the men's health crisis: Men have a higher death rate than women do for every single one of the ten leading causes of death in this country. We're twice as likely to die of heart disease-- the number one killer--and 40 percent more likely to die of cancer. Life expectancy has been longer for women than for men for several decades. Sadly, the largest part of the problem is that men do not take particularly good care of themselves. Only one-half of all men have received preventative health care services in the past year. I am proud to work with the Men's Health Network to raise awareness regarding the need for regular health screenings, and it is an honor for me to host the annual men's health screenings on Capitol Hill. I urge my colleagues to visit the screenings, and to help me raise awareness about the fact that screenings like these can save lives.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate PacifiCare Health Systems on their 25th anniversary as one of the nation's largest consumer health organizations. PacifiCare's primary operations include health insurance products for employer groups and Medicare beneficiaries in eight states and Guam. Currently, PacifiCare has approximately $11 billion in annual revenues, and serves more than 3 million health plan members and over 9 million specialty company members nationwide with dental, vision, behavioral health and pharmacy benefit management services. PacifiCare Health Systems also operates a nonprofit organization, called the PacifiCare Foundation, that is devoted to charitable and educational causes that enhance the health, wellness and welfare of individuals, families, and the public at large. On June 16, 2003, PacifiCare will celebrate its 25th anniversary as one of the nation's largest consumer health organizations, offering individuals, employers, and Medicare beneficiaries the best in consumer-driven health care and insurance products. PacifiCare Health Systems is also celebrating another important milestone--the 10th anniversary of the PacifiCare Foundation. The PacifiCare Foundation has donated more than 17 million dollars during the past 10 years to charitable and educational causes, with a focus on specific community needs in several areas, including: Health Promotion, Human/Social Service Programs; Senior Programs; Education Programs and Child/Youth Programs. I take great pleasure in congratulating PacifiCare and its 7,500 employees on the occasion of its 25th anniversary of service to its beneficiaries, and I commend PacifiCare for its outstanding record of contributions to the health and welfare of the people of California.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my wholehearted support for those struggling for freedom and democracy in Burma and to condemn Burma's ruling military junta for their premeditated and cowardly attack on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi--whose whereabouts and condition are still unknown--and members of her National League for Democracy this past weekend. Although they won an overwhelming victory over the military junta in Burma's 1990 election and are the legitimate, elected government of Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD's mandate to rule has been ignored by the junta for 13 years and one week as of today. While Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD are committed to working with the junta in order to reach a non-violent political solution to restore democracy in Burma, the junta has shown their utter contempt for such civilities and has resorted to violence as every scared, impotent dictatorship does when it feels threatened. In this case, the evil-doers did not stop at a brutal assault, they followed up their premeditated attack by putting the nobel laureate and her top officials in so-called ``protective custody,'' then proceeded to shut down their party offices around the country, tear down their party flags, cut party members' phone lines and place top members under house arrest. So afraid of the power and will of their people and especially the youth of their country, the junta went so far as to shut down all universities the day after the attack. Mr. Speaker, the United States stands for freedom and we have always shared the goals of others around the world who strive for democracy. These cowardly attacks are an assault on free people everywhere, and we must act now to condemn them and immediately increase pressure on this evil regime. I urge my colleagues to join with me in condemning these despicable attacks. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi once said, ``Please use your liberty to promote our's (Burma's).'' I believe I just did. I encourage others to heed this plea as well.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks back, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman) came to me with an idea for this resolution. It was not my idea, Mr. Speaker; I am just flying wing on the gentlewoman from California at this time, and I thank her for her foresight in bringing this forward. Many of the words that the gentlewoman and myself placed in it are supported both by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) in this resolution, and I thank them both. The gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) spent his life supporting our troops, and what better person to bring a resolution. His father was a Marine, he was a combat veteran in Vietnam, and his young son is in the United States Marine Corps. And, Mr. Speaker, I owe great homage to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton). I served on the authorization committee and learned to love and support him. When we were in the minority at one time, I was just hotter than a hatter because the majority was stopping me from an amendment, and I was about ready to go to battle stations. The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) pulled me aside and he sat me there in that third row chair and started talking to me about his heritage as a descendant of Daniel Boone. After 30 minutes of speaking and calming me down, he said, ``Duke, are you settled down now?'' It was his way of saying ``Ease up, Duke,'' and I will never forget that. But many of us have tears in the well. It is difficult to send men and women to combat. And the most difficult thing is that we may have to do it again; that as long as we have an al-Qaeda, a Mujahedin, a Hamas, a Hezbollah, and people that want to hurt not only us overseas but even in our own homeland, it is a difficult choice. I know that the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) flew out to the U.S.S. Constellation, and then I heard the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) the other day say that he also flew out to the carrier that pulled into the East Coast, and the troops really appreciate that. I know there was a lot of heyday made when the President flew out to a carrier, but I was with Major Dan ``Knuckles'' Shipley, this weekend when he flew in off the Connie. And he said, ``Duke, tell the President that we love him. We know that he supports us.'' Many of us criticized President Clinton at times, and sometimes I think we were wrong. I never did it after we got into conflict. But you need to stand behind the President, especially at a time of war, whether it is Bill Clinton or President George W. Bush. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) for this resolution.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, my friend on the other side mentioned a gentleman from the Tuskegee Airmen, a very honored group. As a matter of fact, there is a chapter in San Diego. I spoke to them about this resolution in San Diego years ago. They support this resolution. They are good friends of mine. These are the men that fought against racism and flew P-51s in WWII. Not a single bomber was lost while the Tuskegee Airmen escorted them. Opponents say that this is frivolous, that we are offering a frivolous amendment. In the Tuskegee Airmen letter, it said that this for the first time was denying first amendment rights. It is not. For 200 years-plus, this was tradition in our country. Abraham Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, yes, and even Betsy Ross knew the threads that held this country together. During the Civil War, it was a death penalty to desecrate the flag. No one is asking us to do this. As a matter of fact, this vote today only gives the States the right to ratify this resolution. Even if we pass this here today, if the States say ``no,'' it will not pass. The gentleman from New York said, do we know democracy? Fifty State resolutions say that they will ratify this. That to me is democracy. Two hundred years of tradition wiped away by a 5 to 4 Supreme Court vote. That is democracy. Eighty percent of the American people support this bill. To me that is democracy. Two hundred Members of this House and one vote short in the other body on these resolutions. That is democracy. Even the dissenters of the Supreme Court, and I quote, noted that ``In times of national crisis, the flag inspires and motivates the average citizen to make personal sacrifices in order to achieve societal goals of importance.'' Not just during war, but maybe there is an earthquake or a fire. It inspires people. So what do you think on the other side it does to these same people when you desecrate that symbol that lifts them up? And that is why this is important, Mr. Speaker. This is 200 years of tradition. What is patriotism? I told you in the rule vote about a young Hispanic, that other Hispanics were desecrating the flag and he grabbed the flag and he was beaten, and he stood up and said, ``That is why I immigrated to this country. This flag represents the traditions, the freedoms, the liberty that I stand for.'' And he did not let them burn it. I mentioned about ``Glory,'' African Americans that picked up the flag when one of their fellow soldiers fell, knowing that they would die. Ask those African American soldiers that charged that fort what they would think of you today rationalizing against this vote that it is a First Amendment vote. It is not. You have all kinds of actions. You can swear, you can yell, you can protest, you can hold up signs, but just do not desecrate the American flag. I have a story that I have, a friend that was a prisoner of war for 6\1/2\ years. It took him 6 years to gather bits of thread to knit an American flag on the inside of his shirt. And that was fine, until the Vietnamese guards broke in, and they saw the POW with a flag that he hung above on the wall when they were able to get together. They saw the flag. They ripped it to shreds. They dragged the POW out and they beat him unconscious, so bad that the other prisoners did not think he would survive. And they comforted him as much as they could. He went back in the corner, and a few minutes later they looked and saw this broken-body POW drag himself to the center of the floor and started gathering those bits of thread to knit another American flag. That is action. Patriotism takes action, and it is action that is unfinished business at all times. This is not frivolous to us. I was shot down on my 300th mission over Vietnam. The actors that protested the war, that was their right under the First Amendment. I may disagree with them, but it was their right. Protest in any way you want, just do not burn the American flag. Vote yes on this resolution.