Eric Cantor

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution. On Tuesday, unspeakable acts of violence were committed against innocent Americans. As we mourn the loss of these Americans, we stand united behind our President. I send my condolences to the families that are suffering. I am inspired by those who have given of themselves to assist the victims of this attack. Civilized society has long sought to end the use of violence, but the perpetrators of terrorism and states that harbor them are the enemies of civilized society. They only understand the use of force, and the time has come to speak to them on their terms. Today we will authorize the United States to strike out against this enemy. It will be a determined effort, sustained over time with the full support and resources of this Nation. Let our enemies know that we stand together, one Nation under God, prepared to pay the price to bring terrorism to its knees, the price of freedom.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a dark day that will be remembered for its unique horror and tragic loss of life. I ask for continued prayers for the families of the victims, President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and members of our armed services as they lead America in this time of crisis. The attacks yesterday are an act of war, and retribution must be swift, sure, and overwhelming. But retribution is not enough. Our ultimate goal must be to identify and destroy the state-sponsored international infrastructure supporting these terrorists who have attacked the U.S. and its citizens. On Ronald Reagan's first day in office, he told a relieved Nation, upon news that American hostages were released after 444 days of captivity, ``The price of freedom at times has been high, but we will never be unwilling to pay that price.'' We must continue to rally behind President Bush. The price of freedom is high for Americans, but a price we pay as defenders of the brightest beacon of freedom and opportunity this world has ever known.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc.'s Golden Anniversary. The Rescue Squad began serving Orange County, Virginia in June 1951 and was officially chartered September 1, 1951. The Orange County Rescue Squad's 50 years of service is a remarkable accomplishment. Many dedicated men and women of Orange County have volunteered their time over the past 50 years to provide critical care to the citizens of the county. The Rescue Squad's generous service is invaluable and something for which we are all extremely grateful. I am honored that such a remarkable organization resides in the seventh district of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc. for its 50 years of service.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable young man and his contributions to the seventh district of Virginia. Andrew Woodson has been a servant of the people, tackling any challenge handed him during his service in my Washington, DC office. Andrew cares about the people of the district, and it shows in his dedication and perseverance. Mr. Speaker, Andrew has been a remarkable addition to the office and his service is appreciated. Andrew will be leaving Capitol Hill to pursue his law degree at the University of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in wishing Andrew Woodson luck at UVA and to thank him for his hard work and dedication during his service to the seventh district.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department, which has faithfully protected and served its community since 1951. Throughout its five decades, this organization has served as a true testament to the spirit of volunteerism that makes America such a uniquely compassionate country. After receiving its charter in February, 1951, the department started off by obtaining a single fire truck through the generosity of the neighboring town of Culpeper. Over the course of the next two years, numerous dinners, dances, and bake sales held in order to raise enough money to finance the building of its first fire station in 1953. Although it does receive a small portion of its budget from Culpeper County, the department still operates primarily on the donations of its members and the Brandy Station community. In the year 2000 alone, the volunteers were able to answer seven hundred and twenty-three calls, which included everything from auto accidents and house fires to plane crashes and hazardous chemical spills. Even while answering this extremely high number of calls, they were still able to keep their response time to an incredible low average of 4\1/2\ minutes. This is truly an exemplary group of individuals because of their outstanding commitment to the protection of Brandy Station and its citizens. Mr. Speaker and members of the House, my words here do not do justice to the service of the men and women of the Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department, but I ask that you join me in honoring their 50th Anniversary and wish them fifty more years of success.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Markey-Johnson amendment. Mr. Chairman, I am against the amendment to ban drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve. Don Young has said, ``Oil exploration on Alaska's North slope is already the safest, cleanest, most environmentally responsible production in the world. If we say no to exploration in ANWR, we are saying yes to destructive methods that occur in other countries.'' I have been in this body for only seven months but I have worked with Don Young and know he is a man of his word. We should respect his views on important matters within his district. Failure to increase energy exploration in the United States will strengthen the OPEC cartel and taxes our constituents with higher fuel bills. We must work together to control our nation's destiny when it comes to meeting the future energy needs of our country. U.S. demand for world oil is large, and we presently import over 50 percent of our oil. That is outrageous. One way to avoid this crippling dependence is to explore new domestic resources. As the Democrat Governor of Alaska has stated, ``Opening [ANWR] for responsible oil and gas development is vital to the economic well being of Alaska and the nation.'' According to an analysis prepared by the Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates, ANWR development would create 735,000 new jobs, including 19,000 in my home state of Virginia. I urge defeat of the amendment.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2603, which, in a comprehensive fashion, eliminates barriers to bilateral trade in goods and services between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. I would posit that this agreement does bring us together by providing a positive structure for dealing with trade violations, rather than controversial and potentially ineffective sanctions. Economic prosperity, stability, and religious tolerance form the foundation of our foreign policy in the Middle East. In a region where daily violence has almost become a fact of life, the establishment of economic cooperation is a vitally important aspect of creating an environment where the nations of the Middle East can exist in peace and with prosperity. This agreement will enable the United States to have a productive economic exchange with a valuable trading partner that has been a stabilizing factor in that region. The spirit of bilateral economic cooperation between these two countries will be beneficial to both our nations, and sends a signal to the world that nations that share our values and desire for peace will prosper. Jordan has been a steadfast partner for promoting peace and fighting terrorism, and I welcome this agreement. I commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) for his leadership on the issue and again urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, this body is on the verge of a very important vote today, a vote that at its essence is really a vote on whether or not to uphold the constitutional right Americans have to free speech. The restrictions in the Shays-Meehan bill are an affront to the Jeffersonian values of individual liberty and freedom that form the foundation of our country and its rule of law. Individuals, organizations, and businesses in our great land should be able to support the viewpoint and the party of their choice. If we place burdensome restrictions on how citizens are allowed to participate in our electoral process, we begin to undermine the basis of our Government by the people, a government to which citizens must be able to contribute freely. As we cast our vote today on campaign finance reform, I urge my colleagues to remember the most essential reform is to ensure that everyone in America has the right to decide how to contribute to our system of democracy.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise to extend my congratulations from the Commonwealth of Virginia to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam) and Melissa Putnam on the birth of their baby and wish them much strength through the next couple of months of interrupted sleep.

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

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my support for H. Con. Res. 163, entitled ``Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and expressing the sense of Congress that history be regarded as a means of understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future'' introduced by Mr. Watts of Oklahoma and Mr. Davis of Illinois. For two and a half years, Texas slaves were held in bondage after the Emancipation Proclamation became official. Only after Major General Gordon Granger and his soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, were African-American slaves set free. Juneteenth celebrates this triumphant occasion, when Major General Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation and began to enforce President Abraham Lincoln's executive order. We must never forget how precious our freedom is to all Americans; the thousands of men and women who died fighting for our freedom; or the struggles of past generations as they demanded a true equality, regardless of their race, sex, or religion. I can think of no better way to move forward than to celebrate the defeat of slavery. Juneteenth Independence Day is a celebration where all Americans, of all races, can join together to celebrate our independence and our freedom. Just this past weekend, Richmond, Virginia, celebrated ``Juneteenth, an Emancipation Celebration.'' Festivities took place at the Manchester Dock, which served as a port of entry for Africans being brought into America to be sold as slaves. Later in the evening, individuals walked along the same trail marched by slaves from Manchester Dock. I would like to thank the City of Richmond Slave Trail Commission, Senator Henry Marsh's Unity Day Committee, and the Elegba Folklore Society for hosting ``Juneteenth, an Emancipation Celebration.'' Madam Speaker, I hope you join me in reflecting upon the struggles of our African-American brothers and sisters and celebrate with me and Americans all across the United States the Emancipation Proclamation. Madam Speaker, please support H. Con. Res. 163. Thank you.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the proposed substitute and in strong favor of the underlying bill. I would like to commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) for his leadership on the bill and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) for bringing this bill forward. I think it has been said before, the basic notion behind this bill is a fee for service and, in this case, Depression-era Federal securities laws imposed various user fees on investors and market participants so that the regulated community paid for the costs of their regulation. Here we have a case where the fee has been far in excess of the need for operating the regulatory agency, and ultimately the fee has turned into a back-door hidden tax increase for all Americans who choose to invest their hard-earned money in the capital markets. The impact of these provisions can be felt by every American at every income level as an estimated 80 million Americans own stocks directly or indirectly through mutual funds, pension funds or college savings plans. These investment vehicles provide access to wealth, security and retirement and the ability for families to pay for a college education. Fees for registration, merger, tender offers and transactions all add costs to these beneficial programs. The tax levied upon the American people by securities fees are detrimental to the creation of capital, thereby impeding job creation, economic opportunity and growth. Providing immediate relief from these excessive fees will benefit all investors of all types at every income level, including individuals and small businesses, providing a much needed boost to our slowing national economy. American investors suffer as these costs are consistently passed on to individuals while excess fee revenues are deposited into the U.S. Treasury to be spent on unrelated government programs. Mr. Speaker, the situation is unfair and the time has come to correct this injustice. The proposed substitute does not represent a fair return of this hidden tax. Mr. Speaker, I again express my strong support for the underlying bill and its attempt to provide truth in fees and transparency for all Americans, and I urge defeat of the substitute and adoption of the underlying bill.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I would like to again to salute the chairman of the Committee on International Relations (Mr. Royce) and the subcommittees, as well as the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tancredo) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) and, of course, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, for the fine work they have done in bringing this measure to the floor. Mr. Chairman, I rise today also in support of the Sudan Peace Act. Sudan has been ravaged by civil war for over 30 years. And an estimated 2 million people have died; and as has been said before, millions more displaced due to war-related causes. As my colleague, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tancredo), has said, there is no greater human tragedy being played out on the Earth today, and thus we turn our attention to Sudan. As if this is not bad enough, as if the famine, the slavery, and the death is not bad enough, there is a particularly troubling situation in the evidence of religious persecution that prevails in Sudan today. Unfortunately, we know all too well the results of religious persecution just looking back to last century with Nazi Germany. The Sudanese government policies promote Islam as the state religion and make non-Muslims unwelcome. According to a State Department report on International Religious Freedom for 2000, the status of respect for religious freedom has not changed fundamentally in recent years, and particularly in the South, the government continues to enforce numerous restrictions. Authorities continue to restrict the activities of Christians, followers of traditional indigenous beliefs and other non-Muslims. Though the government says it respects all religions, the 1994 Societies Registration Act gives churches more freedom, Islam influences all laws and policies. According to the State Department, the Government of Sudan denies permission to build churches, and there have been claims of harassment and arrest of citizens because of their religious beliefs and practices. The law prevents the building of new churches or proselytizing by non-Muslims. Missionaries claim to be harassed continually and prevented from doing the work. The atrocities in Sudan cannot and should not be tolerated. The individual freedoms familiar to us in America embodied in the Jeffersonian principles of religious freedom and individual dignity must be restored to the Sudanese people. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for the Sudan Peace Act.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on International Relations be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 139) welcoming His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on his visit to the United States and commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the acceptance of Christianity in Armenia, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Camp) for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Hope for Children Act. This is an important measure that encourages adoption and provides tax relief at the same time. One of the biggest blessings is to have someone to call mom and dad. I am in full support of this measure that would help provide loving families and parents to children who are without a permanent place to call home. The Hope for Children Act will enable more American families to adopt, and as a Congress we should do all we can to promote adoption. As others have said before me, my predecessor Tom Bliley was the original cosponsor of the Hope for Children Act, he worked tirelessly to garner 280 cosponsors for this legislation last year. The Hope for Children Act was included in major tax legislation passed by the House, but unfortunately did not become law. I applaud the efforts of those who have brought this legislation to the floor, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, as well as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. DeMint), the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus), the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar). As a cofounder of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Tom Bliley sponsored over one dozen different adoption bills. As chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Mr. Bliley played a major role in the Foster Care Independence Act, the Adoption and Safe Families Act, and the Adoption Awareness Act. In addition to promoting adoption domestically, he secured aid for displaced orphans overseas while working to enact the Hague Intercountry Adoption Act. Tom Bliley truly stood up for children without a voice, and his leadership on adoption issues is much appreciated by a grateful Nation. His efforts have helped children in need of loving homes and families find happiness. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues in helping more of those children in need by supporting the Hope for Children Act.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment prohibiting the IMET funding for the Lebanese Armed Forces in response to Lebanon's failure to keep its border with Israel free of Hezbollah terrorists. One year ago, Israel unilaterally withdrew from southern Lebanon. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan certified Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanon and its full compliance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 425. This is the same resolution that commits Lebanon to deploy its security forces in order to secure its border with Israel. However, Lebanon has not lived up to its obligation. Israel continues to face attacks, kidnappings and the prospect of rocket attacks from the north. Today, hundreds of thousands of Israelis live within range of Hezbollah Katusha rockets. This amendment sends a very important message. If we are to treat Lebanon as a sovereign nation, it must fulfill its obligations. Lebanon must deploy its army to the Israeli border and fill the vacuum that is currently being filled by Hezbollah terrorists. The Lebanese-Israeli border should be more stable, not less stable, since Israel's withdrawal. Hezbollah terrorists continue to operate in southern Lebanon because the government of Lebanon refuses to assert its effective authority in the area. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Flake amendment. In a gesture of interfaith reconciliation, Pope John Paul II recently undertook the first-ever visit by a Pope to Syria where he visited a mosque. I commend the Pope for these historic actions that are in keeping with the finest teachings of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Despite these generous acts, Pope John Paul II was subjected to a primitive anti- Jewish outburst by Syrian President Bashar Assad. President Assad attacked the Jews as a people ``who try to kill the principles of all religions with the same mentality with which they betrayed Jesus Christ, and in the same way they tried to commit treachery against the Prophet Muhammad.'' Later, Pope John Paul II was subjected to a second bigoted tirade, this time by the Syrian Religious Affairs minister, who railed against ``what the enemies of God and malicious Zionism conspire to commit against Christianity and Islam.'' On the second day of the Pope's visit to Syria, a front page editorial in the official government newspaper called Israelis ``the enemies of God and faith.'' These expresses must have been particularly painful to the Pope, in view of the fact that he has worked so long and hard to further increase understanding between Christians and Jews and people of all faiths. The religious bigotry expressed by Syria's president is contrary to America's values of religious tolerance and undermines the chance for peace and poisons relations between people of different faiths. There have been reports that the Syrian government hopes to improve its relationship with the United States in order to qualify for American financial aid. Such anti-Semitic rhetoric is not a positive step and merely fans the flames of violence. The Flake amendment would shed light on the actions and statements of high-ranking Syrian government officials and emphasizes the concern of the United States about the negative impact such remarks make on the prospects for Middle East peace. Congress must speak up and act to condemn this hatred. Accordingly, I strongly urge all Members to support this amendment.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Hyde-Smith amendment to reinstate Ronald Reagan's Mexico City policy prohibiting American taxpayer dollars to go to groups which violate foreign abortion laws. Mr. Chairman, clearly, by claiming that organizations performing abortions and receiving funds for lobbying activities are not using Federal funds in support of abortion is to engage in a shell game. Currently 100 countries restrict abortion, and it should not be the policy of the United States to undermine the laws of those countries. Critics of the Mexico City policy argue that the pursuit of such policy results in the denial of first amendment rights to free speech. However, the first amendment does not give anyone a constitutional right to receive Federal money. This bill is not about religious tolerance. It is about the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars. If one thinks taxpayer dollars should go to fund organizations that are going to try to overturn pro-life laws in foreign countries, then they should oppose the amendment. If my colleagues think this is an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds provided by our hard-working American families, then vote for the amendment and stand with President Bush.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the American Servicemembers' Protection Act as an amendment to H.R. 1646. The International Criminal Court is the wrong solution to a real and pressing problem and would affect a revolution in international law. The ICC would transform the current international system based on equal independent self-governing states to a system where the ultimate power to judge the legality of state action is vested in a new and unaccountable bureaucracy. The ICC would be fundamentally inconsistent with the most basic principles of sovereignty. Mr. Chairman, I would also like to emphasize the potential threat the ICC poses to many of our allies, specifically Israel, our only Democratic ally in the Middle East. When the most recent violence broke out last fall, Israel's enemies sought to use the threat of U.N. prosecution to pressure the Jewish state. Under the broad and unclear jurisdiction of the ICC, any action undertaken by Israel in the West Bank and Gaza could be subject to review and interpreted as a war crime. The ICC serves as a danger to the security of Israel because of some members of the international community's stated opposition to the legitimacy of that state. Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge the passage of this amendment. The creation of a permanent, supranational court with the independent power to judge and punish elected leaders represents a decisive break with fundamental American ideals of self-government and sovereignty. It would constitute the transference of authority to judge the actions of U.S. officials, away from Americans to an unelected and unaccountable international bureaucracy. Certain United Nations' members have a long history of anti-Israeli rhetoric and activity. In October of 2000, for example, the U.N. Commission on Human Rights condemned Israel for supposedly causing the recent violence in the Middle East, going so far as to accuse it of ``war crimes'' and ``crimes against humanity.'' It is possible, perhaps likely, that these same countries would use the ICC to further their own anti-Israel agenda. I strongly urge the passage of the American Servicemembers' Protection Act amendment to protect the notion of National sovereignty in America and around the world.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1646, and I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for their leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor. This legislation would authorize $8.2 billion for the State Department and among other important items provides for the enhancement of embassy security, significantly reduces the U.S. share of dues paid annually to the United Nations, and states that Congress maintain its commitment to relocate the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. In addition, the measure increases funding for U.S. broadcast services and requires the United States to oppose nations seeking membership on the United Nations Human Rights Commission that fail to permit monitoring of human rights in their own territory. In particular, I would like to highlight a provision of this bill that authorizes $15 million for the Middle East Radio Network. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for his leadership and guidance in securing this funding and commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) for their efforts on behalf of this bipartisan provision. Currently, Voice of America Arabic only reaches about 2 percent of the population in this region, far behind the British Broadcasting Company and other major international networks. The Middle East Radio Network initiative will serve to broaden the opportunity for open discussion and individual freedom to a region where antidemocratic rhetoric is strong. This measure will authorize the resources for Middle East Radio Network programming that will be a combination of news, music, talk, and interaction with listeners. Featuring reliable news and discussion of issues relevant to the audience, the Middle East Radio Network will appeal to young adults and to news seekers of all ages. Constant program themes will be individual choice and respect for others. The MRN is a worthwhile program to promote Jeffersonian ideals and democratic principles. I would again like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for his support on this issue and Kristen Gilley of the committee staff for her assistance in drafting this provision. Unfortunately, I remain concerned about several provisions in the bill that were approved during the committee markup for this legislation. Specifically, I opposed the Lee amendment overturning the Mexico City policy that prohibits the use of American tax dollars to fund foreign organizations that perform or actively promote abortion overseas. Under no circumstances should American taxpayers underwrite abortion activities in foreign countries. In addition, I remain opposed to the Kyoto Protocol and UNESCO provisions, and I urge my colleagues to support elimination of these provisions from the bill.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 10, the Comprehensive Retirement Security and Pension Reform Act and commend Messrs. Portman and Cardin for introducing this important legislation. Financial security in retirement is the cornerstone of the American dream and a critical component of ensuring the health and well-being of our society for generations to come. Long-term financial planning provides vast benefits to our national economy, and all hard-working Americans deserve to retire in comfort without worrying about whether they will become a burden to their families or reliant upon the Federal Government for health care and daily subsistence. H.R. 10 would allow Americans to make a greater investment in their own retirement plans through expanded individual retirement accounts and 401(k)s. This provision alone would permit Americans to accumulate more wealth as they work toward retirement and would have an immediate beneficial impact upon our slowing economy. In addition, this bill contains a special catch-up contribution for those age 50 and older who perhaps were unable to save for retirement to the maximum extent possible early in their careers. Another important aspect of this measure is that it would greatly enhance pension portability, so that workers who change jobs can take their pension benefits with them. This common sense provision is long overdue and enjoys overwhelming support among working men and women across the United States. Finally, the bill includes provisions that would make it easier for our Nation's small businesses to start retirement plans, helping bring new pension coverage to millions of small business workers. Mr. Speaker, the time has come to enact this bipartisan legislation into law. No longer can we discuss Social Security and Medicare reform, the rising costs of health care for our senior citizens, and their inability to meet daily living expenses on a fixed income without enabling them to adequately plan and save for their retirement. I join the overwhelming majority of my colleagues in the House in support of H.R. 10 and urge the immediate adoption of this important legislation.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to one of our nation's most distinguished women. Maggie Walker, a native of Richmond, Virginia, will be recognized for her vast accomplishments as the country's first African American female bank president on April 26, when she will be inducted into the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame. Maggie Walker was born in 1867 and grew up in a rented house in downtown Richmond. Her stepfather died when she was a young girl, leaving her mother to raise two children, and Ms. Walker helped support the family by taking in laundry. In describing her childhood, Walker once said: ``I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but instead, with a clothes basket almost upon my head.'' At the age of 14, Ms. Walker joined the Independent Order of St. Luke, a fraternal insurance society created for African Americans to help the sick, bury the dead, and promote humanitarian causes during the post-Civil War period. She quickly moved up through the Order's ranks, and by 1899 she held a national leadership position in the organization. Ms. Walker greatly contributed to the success of the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank and by 1920, the bank had financed 645 African American homes. Ms. Walker eventually became the President of the St. Luke's Penny Savings Bank, a post she held for almost 30 years until poor health led to her retirement in 1932. Ms. Walker's bank later merged with two others to become the Consolidated Bank and Trust Company. This bank still operates in Richmond and is the oldest continually operating African American bank in the country. The bank carries on some of Walker's goals by teaching children the value of money and providing loans to African Americans for home ownership. Throughout her life, Walker worked closely with other groups and organizations to benefit women and her race. She was a member of the Virginia State Federation of Colored Women's Club and the Executive Committee of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She helped organize the Richmond Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and participated on its National Board of Directors. She was also affiliated with Virginia Union University, the National Negro Business League, the Richmond Community Hospital, and the Commission on Interracial Cooperation. This year Maggie Walker will be inducted into the National Business Hall of Fame. The Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame was established in 1975 to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to free enterprise and society. The criteria for selection includes a demonstration of business excellence, courageous thinking and acting, inspired leadership and community mindedness. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has welcomed 195 laureates. Their achievements are honored in a permanent exhibit in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. Mr. Speaker, Maggie Walker was able to achieve unparalleled success in a society that was governed by prejudice, in a business dominated by men, and in a poor community where poverty was accepted. Her efforts improved the lives of countless Americans, helped revitalize an impoverished community, and allowed many people to realize the American dream of home ownership. She truly embodied the spirit of the American entrepreneur and I commend Junior Achievement for their recognition of this distinguished Virginian.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to cast my vote on rollcall Nos. 85 and 86. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 85, a motion to instruct conferees with respect to House Concurrent Resolution 83, and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 86, H.R. 428, Concerning the Participation of Taiwan in the World Health Organization.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our former colleague, Norm Sisisky. It is with great sadness that I join my colleagues in honoring one of Virginia's great public servants. While I only recently came to Congress, Norman has been a familiar figure in Virginia politics for many years. Norman spent a lifetime serving Virginia and the United States and we are all deeply indebted to this distinguished gentleman. He was a true patriot. He enlisted in the Navy as a young man during World War II. His time spent in the Navy, though short, left a lasting impression and he never forgot that we must diligently tend to the needs of the men and women serving in our military. At the conclusion of the war, he became a successful businessman and transformed a small Pepsi bottling company in Petersburg into a highly successful distributor of soft drinks throughout Southside Virginia. Norman's background in the business community proved invaluable as he later decided to enter politics. Norm served in Virginia's general assembly for several years before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1982. Here in Washington, Norman was known as a staunch defender of our national security and worked tirelessly on behalf of the men and women who serve our Nation in the military. His booming voice echoed in the halls of Congress, and his light-hearted personality endeared him to his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Norman was particularly effective at building coalitions in support of key programs and reaching across the aisle on matters of importance to all Virginians. From ensuring adequate funding for aircraft carriers and submarines to modernizing our weapons systems, he was an ardent voice on the Committee on Armed Services and an ally of every person who wears the uniform of the United States. Back home, his reputation as an outstanding politician was unparalleled in the Commonwealth. His legacy of constituent service, consensus building and selfless service is a model for all Members of Congress. The people of the fourth district, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of America have truly benefited from his dedicated service; and he will be sorely missed. Norman was successful in every endeavor, public or private; and we rightly celebrate his memory today. At this time I send my sincerest condolences to Rhoda and the entire Sisisky family.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, the Henrico County Division of Police has lost one of its best. Steven S. Caudle was suddenly taken from his wife, Susan, and two daughters, Kristen, 19, and Jamie, 15 when the car in which he was riding veered off the road on January 26, 2001. A Richmond native, Mr. Caudle was a 21-year veteran of the Henrico County Division of Police. Upon graduating from Highland Springs High School, he served four years in the army as a military policeman. He then returned home to Henrico County and began his law enforcement career. He worked for a number of years in the Street Crimes Unit before moving to a job providing technical support on narcotics investigations. Eventually, he returned to his roots and served an additional four years with the Uniform Division. Described by friends and family as a soft-spoken southern gentleman with a great sense of humor and an incredible laugh, Mr. Caudle was an enthusiastic collector of Civil War artifacts. During his free time he liked to play pool, go fishing for rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay, and spend time with his daughters skiing and tubing on the Pamunkey River. Those who knew him best lauded his skills as an officer, a person, and most importantly as a father. According to Sgt. J.J. Riani, ``the thing that came most naturally to him was being his daughters' father.'' His wife of nearly 25 years described Mr. Caudle as ``the best detective there ever was. If there was a crime out there, he could solve it. He lived life to its fullest. He didn't waste a moment of living. He was always there for his friends, willing to help anybody at anytime for anything.'' Perhaps Mr. Caudle's legacy can best be described by his children. Daughter Jamie, 15, said, ``I think my dad was like probably the coolest parent ever. I could tell him anything. He was not only my father but my best friend. I loved him and he loved me and I know I made him proud.'' Older daughter Kristen, 19, said, ``Daddies are supposed to be heroes. They're supposed to be strong. They're not supposed to die.'' Today we remember a true hero. Steve Caudle put service before self and family ahead of all others. Steve will be missed not only by the people who knew him, but by those in the community that he served with dignity, respect and true heroism.