Ander Crenshaw

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 491, a bill that promotes mentoring as a very worthwhile and much needed cause. This measure recognizes that mentors serve as a guiding light, a benchmark, and a valuable asset for the many young people in America who might not otherwise have access to such a role model. For many young people, mentors set an example of civility and stability. Mentors promote education and community respect. Mentors teach young people that there are many benefits to contributing to selfless efforts such as charity drives, neighborhood cleanups, and serving in soup kitchens. In my congressional district of northeast Florida, there are a great many volunteers that selflessly give guidance, time, and resources to young people. This resolution thanks those people who currently serve as mentors, and places a special focus on tapping into the vast pool of potential mentors. My hope is that this resolution will motivate more adults to take action to help America's young people. This House resolution recognizes numerous studies documenting that mentors help young people to augment social skills, enhance emotional well being, improve cognitive skills, and to plan for the future. It also recognizes that for some children, having a caring adult mentor to turn to for guidance and encouragement can make the crucial difference between success and failure in life. As a mentor, I personally know the satisfaction it brings to offer advice and guidance to a young person. I have known my mentor, Derek Williams, for many years. Over that period we have become good friends. Today I am proud to say that he is in college, furthering his education, and building a strong foundation for his future. This measure does more than encourage mentoring; it gives thanks to those who already participate in mentoring programs. We should shower these people with praise because their actions do a lot to benefit society. That is why during the 107th session of Congress, I introduced a bill establishing American Youth Day, a measure encouraging communities all across the Nation to set aside one day each year to honor organizations and individuals that take the time to help young people. For all its wealth and prosperity, in recent years America has been suffering from what I call problems of the soul, where courts and Congress do not have any jurisdiction. So many of our neighbors have lost their moral compass and need help finding their way again when it comes to moral values. This is most true when it comes to our young people. There no longer seems to be a period in young people's lives when kids can just be kids. Mr. Speaker, it makes no difference what their race, their gender, their ethnicity. These negative images and influences make no distinction and no prejudices; all young people are fair game. So it is incumbent on each and every one of us to offer our time and energy and love to children to provide positive role models and influences to young people to give them guidance and hope. Currently, 17.6 million young people, nearly half the youth population, want or need mentors to help them reach their full potential. Only 2\1/2\ million youth are in formal mentoring relationships, leaving 15 million young people still in need of mentors. This resolution is a call to action, designating January 2004 as National Mentoring Month. It is my hope that this month-long celebration of mentoring will encourage more adults to volunteer their time as mentors for young people and enlist the involvement of nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, faith communities, and government agencies in the mentoring movement. As President Bush noted last night in his state of the Union address, America's young people face dangers. Young people face negative cultural influences that glorify and glamorize those things that can hurt them most. Mentoring is focused on providing young people the best our society can offer--hope, stability, guidance, and understanding.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1516-- because it keeps a commitment, a sacred commitment to the men and women of our military. As a country we honor our veterans for their service, their commitment, their sacrifice. Our veterans did not serve to become heroes. They did not fight because they enjoyed battle. They went to war because this country asked them to go to war. They served to defend our freedom. This supreme dedication deserves supreme recognition. Mr. Speaker, Florida has almost 2 million veterans and only four veterans cemeteries. One is full. One only accepts cremated remains. The other two are at least half a state away from my district. This leaves no option for Northeast Floridians who served without question. Veterans want this cemetery. Veterans need this cemetery. Veterans deserve this cemetery. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this House is acting.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time. I rise in support of House bill 1516 because it keeps a commitment, a sacred commitment to the men and women of our military. Our country has chosen to honor our veterans because of their sacrifice and because of their service. Our veterans did not serve to become heroes. They did not fight because they loved battle. Our veterans went to war because our country asked them to go to war. They fought to defend our freedom. Such supreme dedication demands supreme recognition, and that is what this bill does. In Florida, we have over 2 million veterans, but only four veterans cemeteries. One is completely full, one accepts only cremated remains, and two are over half a State away from my district in northeast Florida. This bill provides that a veterans cemetery will be built in northeast Florida. Our veterans want the cemetery. Our veterans need the cemetery, and most of all, our veterans deserve a cemetery. I urge the passage of this legislation.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Chairman, it's not always easy to do what is right. Doing what's right sometimes means going against expectations. In regards to Iraq, the United States is doing the right thing; the reconstruction, granting the money, and building a relationship with a new Iraq is all part of staying committed to winning the war on terror. The price is high, the undertaking is huge, but we cannot afford to fail. Winning the war means more than capturing terrorists, it means capturing the hearts and minds of Iraqis. During the U.S.-led invasion, Iraqis saw that we didn't target their homes, we targeted an evil regime. After the major combat, Iraqis saw the United States take a stance for stability and security. In the wake of recent deadly attacks, Iraqis see it is the U.S. rebuilding their schools and hospitals, not terrorists from neighboring countries whose only aim is to rip apart the beginnings of a democracy. In Iraq, citizens know we invaded their country in pursuit of Saddam Hussein. They know we did not invade for oil or other profit. Upon that premise, we are building a foundation of trust. That foundation will breed civility not hate, understanding not undermining, and prosperity instead of chaos. What Iraqis didn't expect was a reassuring hand after the smoke cleared. What Iraqis won't respect is an invader who forces them to sign loan papers. We are getting something for our investment--an historic beginning to Middle East stability. In exchange for rebuilding their infrastructure, we are asking Iraqis to reject thirty years of an evil regime. We are asking that they consider democracy instead of anti-American hate. We are asking Iraqi citizens to hold structure over chaos and not become a breeding ground for terrorist training camps. We are not handing Iraqis money and a simple request. We are asking them to reject everything Saddam Hussein stood for, and build anew. The sole reason we entered Iraq was to protect national security. We must continue on that course. More than 30 countries are working with the United States to stabilize Iraq and enable the Iraqi people to achieve self-governance. And just this week, the Japanese government committed $1.5 billion to Iraqi reconstruction. The cost of reconstructing Iraq is high but we would pay a higher cost if we burden Iraqis with a multibillion-dollar debt. After all, history shows us what a tyrant can do when a country is burdened by war debt. Repeating the mistakes of the past could open the door for another Saddam Hussein, or another Adolph Hitler.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I just want to rise in strong support of this legislation. I want to highlight a charitable organization in my community, Jacksonville, Florida, called the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. Last year they gave away about $13.5 million. They gave it to over 300 different organizations, everything from the Boys Clubs to the Girls Clubs to the United Way. What this legislation does is encourages foundations like the duPont Fund and other charitable organizations, it gives them technical advice, it gives them guidance, and, more than anything, maybe holds them to public accountability. The bottom line, Mr. Speaker, is this kind of legislation encourages people to be good stewards in their own community. America is great because America is about people helping people; and any time that people want to give money, in terms of charity, we ought to do everything we can to pave the way. So I urge support of this legislation.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, on this second September since the terrorist attacks of 2001, I think it is important to focus on what has kept our Nation strong. In the darkest hours of September 11, many of us reached out to our loved ones. We did not understand why we were being attacked but we did know to reach for those people important to us. Let this be the reason why we gather today and remember September 11, 2001. Those that harmed us on that day were attempting to steal from us our freedom. They did not succeed. They will not succeed. They will never take our spirit. That day 2 years ago, marks many things for many people. It is images of horror. It is feelings of sadness. It brings striking appreciation for the precious fragility that is life. For many of us, time will not wash away the hurt of that horrific moment. Though these things happened in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania, it was an attack on America. Through prayer and the support of our spouses and children, we survive. We move on. We persevere. Today let our prayers remain with the victims, their souls, and their families during this time of immeasurable sadness. Our Nation grieves with you. There are truly few moments in history when a Nation can agree the events of a day changed the world. September 11 is one of those days. Let us honor the people who gave their lives on September 11 and those both here and abroad who continue to work diligently to watch over us as we continue to go about our normal business. God bless America.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday the nation lost a man who lived his entire life as a public servant. Charles Edward Bennett was a lawyer, a soldier, an author, and a legislator. He will be remembered for representing the views of his constituents, his impeccable voting record, his admirable ethics, and for creating an environmental legacy in Northeast Florida to be treasured by past, present, and future generations. Charlie Bennett began his public career in the Florida State House of Representatives in 1941. After serving only one term in office, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the infantry during World War II. He courageously led over 1,000 guerillas in the Philippines and was awarded the Silver Star and the Philippines Legion of Honor for gallantry in action. It was also during his military service that he contracted polio. Throughout his life, Mr. Bennett never let the debilitating disease prevent him from his duties as a lawmaker. In 1948, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served 22 consecutive terms. Voting over 18,000 times during his career, Charlie Bennett missed only a handful of procedural votes and became known for not missing a single legislative vote between June 4, 1951, and January 3, 1993. Widely regarded as one of Jacksonville's most trusted public servants, Mr. Bennett was nicknamed ``Mr. Clean'' for sponsoring legislation to create the House Ethics Committee. Once asked to list the most important legislation he sponsored, Bennett named the making of ``In God We Trust'' as the U.S. motto and requiring it be included on all coins and currency; creating an ethics code for government service; cosponsorship of the bill enacting the Americans With Disabilities Act; and legislation providing federal assistance toward school construction. Also notable were his roles in creating the Interstate Highway System and the placing of Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida. For his interest in preserving North Florida's natural environment, Charlie Bennett became known as Mr. St. Johns River. As Florida's longest serving congressman and one of the longest serving members of Congress in this nation's history, Mr. Bennett led efforts to clean up and restore the St. Johns River and preserve its cultural and historical significance for future generations. He worked to conserve and enhance wetlands and was instrumental in the creation of the Fort Caroline Memorial and the Timucuan Preserve near Jacksonville. Mr. Bennett was a member of the Jacksonville Historical Society and wrote several books on Northeast Florida's environment and early history. I am fortunate to have known Charlie Bennett throughout my life, He was a good family friend. Mr. Bennett and my father practiced law together and served in the Army during World War II. It was when my father was stationed in Texas and my mother was about to give birth to my brother that Charlie sent my parents a box of Florida sand. Charlie said he wanted the baby born over Florida soil. That was vintage Charlie Bennett. Charlie Bennett was well known and respected. He served in Congress with honor and dedication. He set an example we can all recall as we ponder what it means to be a public servant. Mr. Bennett demonstrated his convictions and those values that enable people to place faith in their government. Charlie Bennett was a good man. He was an institution. Charlie Bennett's life is a model for lawmakers everywhere and at every level of government. He will be missed.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the school administrators, teachers, and students at Paxon High School in Jacksonville, Florida for their outstanding achievement in providing, guiding, and demonstrating a quality education. Paxon High School was recently highlighted by Newsweek magazine (The Best 100 High Schools in America, May 26, 2003), as the third best school in the nation, as measured by the Challenge Index. This index takes the number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests taken by all of the students at a school in 2002 and divides them by the number of graduating seniors. The editors of Newsweek said they used participation in the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests as benchmarks because ``these tests are more likely to stretch young minds--which should be the fundamental purpose of education.'' Paxon High School is clearly providing the curricula, support, and leadership in learning that is so very important to our young people. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in applauding Paxon High School and all of those schools that strive to prepare their students for higher education and thusly, a higher quality of life. Moreover, I would like to commend the school administrators, superintendents, teachers, and all of the students who have committed themselves to a quality education. As John F. Kennedy once stated, leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. It is my privilege to recognize Paxon High School for its outstanding achievements.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the school administrators, teachers, and students at Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, FL, for their outstanding achievement in providing, guiding, and demonstrating a quality education. Stanton College Preparatory School was recently highlighted by Newsweek magazine (The Best 100 High Schools in America, May 26, 2003), as the second best school in the nation, as measured by the Challenge Index. This index takes the number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests taken by all of the students at a school in 2002 and divides them by the number of graduating seniors. The editors of Newsweek said they used participation in the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests as benchmarks because ``these tests are more likely to stretch young minds--which should be the fundamental purpose of education.'' Stanton College Preparatory School is clearly providing the curricula, support, and leadership in learning that is so very important to our young people. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in applauding Stanton College Preparatory School and all of those schools that strive to prepare their students for higher education and thusly, a higher quality of life. Moreover, I would like to commend the school administrators, superintendents, teachers, and all of the students who have committed themselves to a quality education. As John F. Kennedy once stated, leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. It is my privilege to recognize Stanton College Preparatory School for its outstanding achievements.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to laud the accomplishments of a group of young men from my congressional district that attend Providence School in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Speaker, in just the sixth year of this school's existence, their baseball team has won the Class A state baseball championship. This is no small feat in the state of Florida, for ours is a state known for great baseball and baseball greats such as Fred McGriff, Alex Rodriquez, and Chipper Jones. This year the state of Florida had 50 men on Major League Baseball spring training rosters. This group of fourteen young men and five coaches compiled a 26-2 record on the way to their state championship, and along the way won the American Plumbing Classic in Jacksonville, the district, and regional championships. For some on this team, these winning ways are nothing new as Providence was District champion and Regional runner-up in 2001 and made the State Final Four in 2002. Mr. Speaker, while the crowning moment of this team's season came at the end of a 7-2 win over Orangewood Christian at Tampa's Legend's Field, it was more than just 28 games that went into this championship. For most of these young men, this championship started at age 5 or 6 and has continued through many spring and summer league games since. This championship came with the help and sacrifices of family, friends and multiple coaches, many of whom are volunteers. This victory came at the expense of free time, other school functions, and even some blood, sweat, and a few tears. It takes a lot to be a champion and this team, their family, friends, and coaches have all shown they know what it takes. I wish continued success to all fourteen of these young men who make up the Providence School's baseball team: Kellyn Townsend, Joshua Maxwell, Kyle Wilson, Austin Heilig, Travis Martin, Jordan Bowser, Tim Aldridge, Connor Hodges, Steven Turner, Hunter Robinson, Ryan Kramer, Blake Gerber, Tim Brown, and Robert Hardee. I also wish continued success to Head Coach Billy Bell and his four assistants: Mark Aldridge, Greg Larrick, Jim Martin, and Mac Mackiewitz.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, the way the other side shapes this debate, you'd think keeping money in Washington is going to boost the economy, create jobs, and give business owners the incentive to hire more workers. Nothing could be further from reality. But that's where this debate has gone. ``We can't afford it,'' they say. ``It's too much money,'' they argue. ``Deficits until the cows come home,'' they claim. The reality is that taxes are the leg irons on economic growth. That's the big picture. We are in a situation where economic growth has plodded along at a snail's pace since 1999. Then we were hit by a number of circumstances beyond our control--but each with a huge impact on the economy. So what do we propose? Well, the best way to create jobs is to kick- start our economy. The best way to improve our economy is to let people keep more of their money. The vehicle that will get us there is H.R. 2, the Jobs and Growth package. H.R. 2 will empower consumers, encourage investment, and enhance the retirement of our senior citizens. The Jobs and Growth package is $550 billion in job creation. It lets families keep more of the money they've earned creating opportunities for every American who wants to work. On that note: Every American who wants to work, ought to have an opportunity. Who are we to stand in the way of growth and prosperity? You simply can't keep pooling the money here in Washington and expect the economy to grow. This package creates 1.2 million new jobs this year, 45,000 of those in my home State of Florida. H.R. 2 is pro job, pro family, and pro economy. This package creates work opportunities, and accelerates real relief for real families this year. This package increases the child tax credit to $1,000. This package reduces the marriage tax penalty. This bill will allow a family to buy a new washing machine this year, save for their child's education next year, and buy a new car the year after that. This package lets 27 million taxpayers benefit from the increased child tax credit. Two-thirds of this package goes to individuals. This plan provides some relief to 10 million senior citizens who currently pay the wrong and immoral double taxation of dividends. This will relieve at least some of their worry that they'll outlive their retirement nest egg. This plan gives the backbone of our economy--small business owners-- the freedom to invest in their business, hire more employees, and create more taxpayers. The federal government is not going to spend us out of a slowdown. That is not an option. You want to increase the tax rolls? Then increase the opportunities for work. You do that by empowering consumers, employing workers, growing the economy. This is the taxpayer's money, not the federal government's. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill. H.R. 2 is the kick-start this economy needs.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained earlier today. I respectfully request the Record to reflect that, had I been here, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll No. 127 on agreeing to the conference report on S. 151. I would have also voted ``yea'' on roll No. 128 and 129 on the motions to suspend the rules and agree to the House Resolutions 141 and 165.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, the United States of America is the proud home to the best trained, most versatile, and most committed voluntary military force in the world. The men and women of our armed forces defend our lives, our freedom, and our loved ones at a moment's notice, without question. This incredible commitment provides an incalculable benefit to the citizens of the United States of America; for this, I rise today on behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida to say thank you. There is a tremendous sense of patriotism among those in the military. These men and women answer a call to duty that often means the difference between life and death. The men and women of our armed forces are the first sent to confront the unknown; they face danger until the last threat is gone. This unwavering commitment to defending our freedom extends beyond asking our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines for their duty; this commitment includes asking their parents, their spouses, and their children to stay strong while they are fighting for freedom on a foreign shore. To the men and women of our Armed Forces, thank you. Your sacrifice is priceless. Your dedication is greatly appreciated.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Chairman, You can tell a lot about a family by looking at their checkbook. The same is true of our nation. This budget reflects our priorities by investing in Defense, Homeland Security, the economy, and programs supporting our most vulnerable populations. The number one responsibility of the federal government is to protect American lives. Under this budget, our military men and women will have the best and most modern equipment, better pay, better housing, and better Veterans Benefits--$62 billion dollars. That's $4 billion more than the previous year. In my district of Jacksonville, the USS John F. Kennedy is undergoing an extensive maintenance rehabilitation period. There are many other aging ships within our fleet that require this type of depot level maintenance. This budget provides $5.3 billion for intermediation and depot level ship maintenance--an additional $500 million over last year's levels. This budget is a responsible investment in Jacksonville as a national security asset. Included in the 2004 Military Construction request is $115.7 million for the acquisition of Blount Island. The Marines operate their maritime pre-positioning force from this location. Sixteen ships loaded with a brigades worth of equipment from light armored vehicles to the Meals Ready to Eat are maintained on a routine basis at this location. The Maritime Pre-positioning Force floats in certain geographical locations around the world to reduce time required to deploy Marine forces. Currently 11 of these 16 ships have off-loaded their Jacksonville maintained equipment in Kuwait for the Marines use in the liberation of Iraq. Under this budget, the federal government is on a 9-year-track toward balance and we remove tax code obstacles that stand in the way of growing our economy. I urge my colleagues to vote for this budget resolution, not just because it protects Americans, not just because it restrains spending, not just because it targets waste, fraud, and abuse, not just because it removes barriers to economic growth . . . Vote for it because somewhere in my hometown of Jacksonville, there's a family that will sit around their kitchen table tonight, and they will talk about how much money is in the checking account and they will talk about when their bills are due. They are making responsible decisions and expect nothing less from us. This budget blueprint will protect that family, it will let that family keep a little more money to pay a bill, buy new clothes, or save for their children's education. Vote for this budget because it's what's right for America.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of the crew of the space shuttle Columbia. The loss of the space shuttle Columbia is a tragedy of tremendous proportion. The seven Columbia astronauts possessed an unquenchable passion to explore and push the boundaries of science and technology. Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, Rick Husband, William McCool and Ilan Ramon were not names familiar to most Americans until Saturday's catastrophe. But as the pain of the loss of these seven brave explorers ebbs with time, the resolve to keep their work ongoing must remain ever vigilant. I, like many Americans, remember huddling with classmates in excitement as Alan Shepard blasted off in the first American manned space flight in May 1961. Ever since then, I followed both the highs and lows of the space program. From the outset of our manned space program, it was known that lives could be lost exploring space--just as when man explored previous frontiers. Despite the recent tragedy, there are schoolchildren throughout the world that will be inspired by the Columbia seven. As the nation grieves over its terrible loss of this past Saturday, we must also strengthen our resolve to press forward. Those who died did so as heroes. We must not let them die in vain. I know all Americans share in the sadness brought about by this event. One measure of mankind is the amount of risk taken for the greater good. These astronauts are clearly heroes whose acts we will remember for all of history. My thoughts and prayers are with the crew of Columbia and their families.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an event that took place in my district yesterday, and to welcome the Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul to Jacksonville and the United States. The Rotary Clubs of Greater Jacksonville are dedicated and respected members of the large international humanitarian service organization. The Rotary Clubs of Greater Jacksonville are comprised of business and professional leaders who practice ethical standards in relationships in the community. The many members of the Rotary Clubs of Greater Jacksonville dedicate their time, skills, expertise and other resources to help improve the lives of others in developing countries by supporting the Rotary Foundation and by working to eradicate polio worldwide; and consistently promote truth, fairness, and try to improve relations among the citizens of northeast Florida. The Rotary Clubs of Greater Jacksonville provide friendship and fellowship to its members and visiting Rotarians. These dedicated men and women are some of the most active local citizens who motivate and influence community leaders through their efforts on a regular basis. But more importantly, the members of the Rotary Clubs of Greater Jacksonville are citizens of the World who live each day with the goal of ``Service Above Self.'' It was an honor for me to join the fine men and women of the Rotary Clubs of Greater Jacksonville on January 6, 2003, to welcome Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul and thank him for his many efforts and his service on behalf of all Rotarians in Jacksonville, the Nation, and the World.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. No person of common sense wants war. Rational people agree that war should be the last resort. But there is a real, dangerous, and deadly threat posed by Iraq; and we must face this challenge head on or suffer the consequences of inaction. Saddam Hussein ignores repeated demands to stop accumulating weapons of mass destruction. These are not our demands, they are the demands of the world. In an ideal world, Saddam Hussein would disarm immediately. In an ideal world, Saddam Hussein would stop manufacturing, stockpiling, and pursuing weapons of mass destruction. In an ideal world, Saddam Hussein would tell us what happened to Captain Scott Speicher, a young man, a Navy pilot from my hometown of Jacksonville, who was the first man shot down behind enemy lines during the Gulf War. In an ideal world, Iraq would honor the 16 United Nations resolutions that he has thumbed his nose at for the last 11 years. But we do not live in an ideal world. The reality demands that we act. We must act because the danger is grave and growing. We must act because Saddam Hussein is a man with no moral limits. He is uniquely evil, and the only ruler in power today, and the only one since Hitler, to commit a campaign of chemical genocide against his own people. We must act because the worst thing we could do is turn our heads and pretend that Saddam Hussein does not exist. We must not allow this dictator to arm himself with nuclear capabilities and position himself further as the world's bully, blackmailing those within his nuclear grasp, blindsiding regional stability, and threatening our national security through his dealings with terrorists. There is nothing desirable about breaching the bounds of civility to forge peace. Even so, I believe there are situations that cause a nation to rise with certainty and defend itself. I urge my colleagues to send a clear message to Saddam Hussein: disarm, or face the consequences. There is no middle ground.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, sports have been traditional vehicles for teaching important life lessons, but today, sport, at its highest levels, is played in an atmosphere where we have a preponderance of athletes who deny they have responsibility to be role models, let alone idols of the young. There is, however, a sport that not only continues to teach positive live lessons, but also depends on an adherence to them for its very existence. That sport, of course, is golf. For that reason, I rise today in support of the efforts of the First Tee initiative. This 2-year old program has as its mission to impact the lives of young people around the world by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities to primarily serve those who have not previously had exposure to the game and its positive values. The core values this program strives to instill are confidence, courtesy, honesty, integrity, judgment, perseverance, respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship. Further, while these kids are learning these important life management skills and enjoying the outdoors, they are not engaged in mischievous, delinquent activities. On August 27, 2000, with 129 facilities in development in 38 states and 1 in Canada, First Tee surpassed their initial goal of having 100 golf-learning facilities in development. Since that time, the First Tee has redefined its goals for the long term by pledging to impact the lives of 500,000 youth by 2005. The program is overseen and has the active support of a committee comprised of members representing the Ladies Professional Golf Association, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association and the Augusta National Golf Club. In addition, former President George Bush serves as Honorary Chairman. Mr. Speaker, First Tee will not only have a positive impact on our society today, but will for years to come.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that the Pledge of Allegiance is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. The Court stated that the Pledge ``impermissibly takes a position with respect to the purely religious question of the existence and identity of God.'' Furthermore, the Court concluded that the Pledge places children in the ``untenable position of choosing between participating in an exercise with religious content or protesting.'' I vehemently disagree with the Court and rise in strong support of H. Res. 459, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that this case was erroneously decided. The Court's ruling is contrary to the vast weight of Supreme Court authority recognizing that the mere mention of God in a public setting is not contrary to any reasonable reading of the First Amendment. The Pledge of Allegiance is not a religious service or a prayer, but it is a statement of historical beliefs. The Pledge represents everything that unites us. It is a reminder of the ideals that we all share--patriotism, loyalty, and love of country. While I firmly believe in the separation of church and state, I also believe that the Constitution was not designed to drive religious expression out of public sight. Our people are part of a culture where many believe in God and value the fact that religion played an important role in the founding of this great nation. The United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is firmly out of touch with what is good and right in America and with the vast majority of this country's people and I trust that this fundamentally flawed decision will be quickly overturned. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I added my name as a cosponsor to this resolution and I urge my colleagues to join me and send a strong message to all Americans that they should be proud of the religious heritage of America by supporting H. Res. 459.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support House Concurrent Resolution 416 and congratulate the Navy League of the United States for 100 years of outstanding service. The Navy League is a civilian organization that provides a valuable service to military communities across the United States. Their programs, such as the Naval Sea Cadet and the Navy Junior ROTC programs, are dedicated to increasing the educational and life experiences of this country's youth. Each year, many deserving high school students are the beneficiaries of generous Navy League scholarships and awards. I am fortunate enough to have 2 separate Navy Leagues in my district, the Jacksonville Navy League and the Mayport Navy League. The members of both of these organizations dedicate their time, skills, expertise and other resources to help improve the lives of the men and women of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines and their families. The Mayport League has sponsored commissioning of local new ships, most recently the USS Roosevelt; and both leagues have honored local Navy, Coast Guard and Marine personnel through the Sailor of the Year luncheon and the annual Midway Memorial Dinner. This resolution allows Congress to honor the commitment to this nation by the Navy League and its dedicated members. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride today that I say happy 100th birthday to the Navy League, especially the local Jacksonville and Mayport councils.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to share some thoughts with you today as the nation pauses to honor the men and women who fought and died to preserve our freedom. It is an especially meaningful Memorial Day as we so recently were reminded of the great country that we live in and the burden that goes with protecting our freedoms. Today, our military is fighting a new kind of war. A war not against a country but against an ideology that would try to destroy the liberties that we have come to enjoy. It is a war fought differently. It is a war fought with new technology in a land that is very old world. It is a war that has Forward Air Controllers riding horseback and calling in strikes from laptop computers. It is a war being fought from our ships stationed 700 miles from targets. It is a war that utilizes B-52s for precision targeting, but it is also a war that calls for our troops to go from cave to cave to seek out the enemy. It is a war whose enemy is difficult to identify. It may be a different kind of war, but war always brings casualties--and this war is no exception. September 11, 2001, gave us a wake-up call on our own soil not felt since Pearl Harbor. This time the victims were not just sailors and other military personnel. This time the victims were secretaries, clerks, stockbrokers, office workers, and, lots and lots of firefighters. These victims, like our military troops, were fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, aunts and uncles. Some died while performing heroic acts, but most were just ordinary people who perished during a brutal act of war. So this year, as we remember our war heroes, let us say a prayer for our newest casualties. Let us make room in our hearts for these new recruits to the battle for freedom and peace. But make no mistake; it will be the military that will shoulder the responsibility of trying to protect us against another attack. It will be our uniformed troops who will serve in distant lands, who will miss their children's graduations and birthdays, who will not be home for Christmas. And, as in the past, they will go into harm's way unafraid and with the determination that draws strength from those who fought and died before them. I thank you for your service to our country and to your fellow comrades, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I thank you for the leadership you have shown as you have lived your lives as stalwart soldiers in America's role as freedom's beacon. The young men and women serving today are fighting a new kind of war. But it will take the same type of soldier America has always produced--a soldier, like you, who is willing to put aside self interests for the good of the country. A soldier, like those we honor today, who is willing to die for those ideals. Thank you for all that you have done for your country and for the memory of those who are no longer with us.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, last year this Congress passed the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, which reduced tax rates on individuals, married couples and estates. When the House considered this legislation, it was our intent to permanently enact these cuts. In an effort to circumvent a Senate procedural roadblock, the House compromised with ``the other body'' and our conferees settled on the legislation with an expiration after 10 years. It is now time to revisit the intent of the peoples' House and make this relief permanent. Unless these cuts are made permanent, the American people will face the largest single tax increase in history when the cuts expire on January 1, 2011. On that date, the Marriage penalty will return-- penalizing millions of married couples who file their taxes jointly. The child tax credit will be cut in half. The Death Tax will be reinstated--undermining estate planning for family owned farms and small businesses. Estates that would have no tax liability on December 31, 2010 could experience a 55 percent tax liability on January 1, 2011. Furthersome without a permanent fix, Americans will experience a major shift in their ability to save for retirement. Contribution limits for IRA's will drop from $5,000 to $2,000. Contributions to 401k plans will be cut by one-third from $15,000 to $10,000 annually. Parents saving for college will only be able to set aside 40 percent of what they could save the day before in their children's education savings accounts. Congress needs to finish the job we started of promoting long-term economic growth by making these cuts permanent. Without it, economic growth, job creation and individual taxpayers' ability to save will be thwarted. I am proud to have supported legislation that is allowing Florida's First Coast families to keep more of their hard earned money. For many families, the advance payments that were sent out last year as part of the relief package arrived just in time to pay for school clothes and school supplies. Family expenses like these are not one-time-expenses however, Mr. Speaker. We need to look down the road to make sure that the family with a child currently in elementary school is not hit with an increased tax burden just as they are getting ready to pay that first tuition bill. Mr. Speaker, we need to let those planning their retirement know that they will be able to contribute to their retirement accounts at current or higher levels in the future without the fear of more of their income being diverted to pay for an increase in income tax rates instead of supporting them in their golden years. We should never underestimate the good that can be accomplished when families are able to keep more of their money and make spending decisions based on their needs. Let's do what is right for the American economy and America's families and make the tax relief contained in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 permanent.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Chairman, I would like to just highlight two areas that demonstrate what a sound budget this is in dealing with national defense and homeland security. First of all, there is $3 billion here for what I call ``force security.'' That is to make sure that we protect our men and women in uniform and their families, whether they are here or whether they are abroad anywhere in the world. A lot of that money is going to go for physical assets that you can see and touch, just, for instance, to reinforce an entrance gate to a military installation, to provide fencing to make sure it is off limits, to make sure unauthorized vessels cannot enter our military ports. And then there is $3.5 billion that goes to FEMA, that will go down to State and local governments, to let the State and local government spend the money as they see fit to equip or train or to hire more policemen, more firemen, more rescue workers, whatever they think is best. Maybe it is to use the money for increased, enhanced communications that we found we needed after a terrorist attack. But I think these are two points that make this a very sound budget. I urge my colleagues to adopt it.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3699, which I introduced to correct a simple clerical error and will not cost any additional funding. Without the fix my legislation provides, numerous homeless outreach providers in Northeast Florida will be subjected to profound and unintended consequences. In May 2001, The Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition of Jacksonville submitted a consolidated Continuum of Care Application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requesting a maximum grant of $3.5 million. The intent of this application, consistent with HUD's responsibilities under the SuperNOFA program, was to compete for and obtain funding for a total of 11 Jacksonville homeless outreach projects. Due to a technical error in the way the grant was submitted, the full funding for all 11 projects in Jacksonville was inadvertently granted to one agency--Liberty Center. Unfortunately, due to an interpretation of the HUD Reform Act, HUD personnel cannot make the needed corrections to remedy the technical error--thus requiring this legislative proposal before us today. As a result, many of the programs listed on the application will cease to exist due to a lack of funding. One of these projects, the ``Quest'' program, operated by the Jacksonville Mental Health Resource Center, requested $293,979 and provides psychiatric medication case management to approximately 200 clients and case management services to several hundred others. There are 5 full-time and 2 part-time employees who will be cut. Without this program, these individuals will not have continuous case management basis and other public service facilities will have to deal with these individuals on a crisis basis. This type of problem will ripple through the region and disrupt years of quality service to these patients. Mr. Speaker, without action today, another program, Goodwill Industries, will be forced to close its Job Options program, a $431,707 renewal in the continuum. Goodwill run out of funding for this project on February 28, which will result in termination of 9 employees. This is a job training program which puts homeless or near homeless clients into paying jobs and off the dole. This past year there were 852 homeless participants enrolled in the program, of which 534 were placed in employment earning an average of $7.95 per hour. It is a very effective program and saves substantial government dollars, which would otherwise have to be spent in support of these clients, were they unable to obtain jobs. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3699 simply corrects an administrative and clerical error in a grant application. My legislation corrects a horrible wrong that would inadvertently de-fund numerous projects. The legislation simply turns back the clock to the date the eleven members of the Coalition sat down together and submitted a consolidated Continuum of Care Application to help Jacksonville's homeless outreach projects. The bill does not authorize any additional funding; it only restores the original intent of the Homeless Coalitions Continuum of Care Application, allowing funding to be restored to all existing projects and to begin funding for the new projects. The Liberty Center would keep $459,600 of the grant and the remaining funds of just over $3 million would be dispersed to the other 10 projects in the priority order they were listed on the grant application. This legislation will not cost the taxpayers any additional funds, and it will not change the original grant award amount of $3,484,778. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, Ms. Brown for joining me as an original cosponsor of this legislation and urge all my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 3699.

Mr. CRENSHAW

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3699. As has been stated, it simply corrects an administrative and clerical error in a grant application. This legislation corrects a horrible wrong that would inadvertently defund numerous projects in Jacksonville, Florida. This legislation simply turns back the clock to the date that the 11 members of the coalition sat down together and submitted a consolidated continuum-of-care application to help Jacksonville's homeless outreach projects. It does not authorize any additional funding. It only restores the original intent of the homeless coalition's continuum-of-care application allowing funding to be restored to all existing projects and to begin funding for new projects. Let me again repeat, this legislation will not cost the taxpayers any additional funds; and it will not change the original grant award amount. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown) for joining me as an original cosponsor of this legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 3699.