Eric Cantor

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, While I am pleased that Congress has chosen to address the important issue of brownfields reform, I am concerned that the House has not chosen to fully address liability protection for all brownfields sites. While H.R. 2869 is a first step in addressing brownfields reform, the legislation lacks a critical component that will prevent the clean up and redevelopment of brownfields on a meaningful scale. H.R. 2869 does not include federal liability protections for the clean up of petroleum-contaminated sites under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. By not addressing petroleum liability, half of the brownfields sites in this country have the potential to remain undeveloped under H.R. 2869. EPA has estimated that 200,000 of the 500,000 brownfields sites in the country are petroleum based. It is probably safe to say that almost every congressional district has an abandoned gas station that could be remediated and redeveloped. However, developers will not likely tackle these projects. Redevelopment of brownfields presents an opportunity to combine Smart Growth principals with economic development. many brownfields, especially petroleum-based sites, are located in urban areas, like my district, or close-in suburbs where whole communities stand to be revitalized through new building and the economic activity it will stimulate. Further, petroleum-contaminated sites are obvious targets for redevelopment because of the well-known and cost-effective remediation technologies currently available for petroleum contamination. Without liability protections developers will not be willing to take the risk of cleaning up these sites and legislation will fail to meet its goal. Congress needs to address liability protections for petroleum-based sites if we are to achieve meaningful, effective brownfields reform.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable woman. Edna Butrimowitz Ipson was born in a small town outside Kovno, Lithuania in 1911. The youngest of six children, she is a survivor--a survivor of hunger, of hardship, of sacrifice. Mrs. Ipson survived the Holocaust. When her husband could no longer practice law and opened a motorcycle business in their home, Mrs. Ipson turned her talents to the family business. She may not have been able to ride a motorcycle, but she certainly could sell them. Often times, she had been known to say, ``When my busband comes home, you'll see. If this motorcycle isn't everything I said it was, you don't have to buy it.'' She and her son, Jay, were in line with the rest of her family to be taken to the Riga Latvia concentration camp when they were pulled out of line by a guard who had known her husband. While the rest of her family did not survive the concentration camps, she was sent to the airport where she worked endless days as a slave laborer, loading and unloading coal cars. In 1943, the Ipsons escaped from the ghetto to a small farm in Trakai where a Polish Catholic farmer risked his life to save her and her family. For nine months, they lived in a hole in the ground, escaping detection. Yet even after liberation, their lives were not easy. While her husband sought ways of escaping, Mrs. Ipson took sole responsibility for providing for their family. She risked her life, traveling through Russian Military lines to illegal procure food from the black market. If caught, she would have been jailed and severely punished. However, she persevered and kept their family alive. Her family finally escaped using Mrs. Ipson's maiden name, Butrimowitz, and forged Polish papers through Poland to the American- Zone in Berlin. Finally, after being sponsored by Mrs. Ipson's uncle Abraham Brown, they immigrated to America. Once in America, her phenomenal will and fortitude continued to serve her family. Mrs. Ipson became the first female service station attendant. She would wash the windshield and check the oil of the service station customers--a very unusual sight in those days. Yet, she was one of the best salespeople in the area. While servicing the vehicles, she would bring out Like New car wax, shine a spot and convince the driver he needed the wax to make his car look ``like new.'' Her service station sold more car wax than any other in the area. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Ipson has led an amazing life of joy, sorrow and unending sacrifice. In fact, she often sacrificed celebrating her own birthday, protesting that Hanukah and her December Wedding anniversary were more important then her birthday. This year, her son, Jay, is honoring her life and celebrating her 90th birthday. Although I cannot be there in person, Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in honoring this remarkable woman and in wishing her the happiest of birthdays.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3005, the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority and encourage its overwhelming passage. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim that trade promotion authority will result in a diminished quality of life while creating low paying jobs in countries around the world. This could not be further from the truth and our trade with Mexico is the perfect example to illustrate this point. Since NAFTA, wages in Mexico increased at an average annual rate of 10.3 percent from 1995-2000. The standard of living in Mexico between 1993-1999 increased at an average annual rate of 8 percent. Approximately 1.7 million jobs have been created in Mexico since mid- 1995, according to Mexican government figures. Moreover unemployment in Mexico fell from nearly 6.3 percent in 1995 to just over 2.5 percent in 1999. In the year 2000, U.S. companies have had direct investment worth $35 million in Mexico, up from $17 billion in 1994. Not only is NAFTA raising the standard of living and creating jobs in Mexico, but it is doing so in the United States as well. NAFTA allowed U.S. exports to Canada and Mexico to rise by $149 billion, leading to new sales that helped create nearly three million jobs. Export-related jobs pay on average 13-16 percent more than comparable domestic jobs. United States trade interests will continue to suffer if we do not grant the President trade promotion authority. In an editorial that appeared in the Wall Street Journal, European Union commissioner for trade, Pascal Lamy, was quoted as saying that, ``If the United States does not get this mandate quickly, then no one will negotiate.'' Brazilian Ambassador Rubens Barbosa has warned that a TPA failure would all but sink talks for a new 34-country Free Trade Area of the Americas. In Chile, United States exports are being displaced as Chilean buyers switch away from United States made products and increasingly buy goods from suppliers in countries with which Chile has a free trade agreement. The United States has lost 6 percentage points of the Chilean import market since 1997, resulting in the loss of more than $800 million annually in exports to Chile. This represents a loss of more than 10,000 American Jobs. The point is clear. Increased international trade and investments will create opportunities for American companies and American workers, lifting the world's standard of living and creating even more demand for American goods and services. I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 280; and I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the chairman; the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member; and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) for bringing this measure to the floor so quickly. As was stated earlier, this past weekend we witnessed some of the bloodiest and most gruesome terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens by Palestinian terrorist organizations. These terrorist attacks are just another reminder that Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat and his closest confidants continue to be the largest obstacle to peace in the Middle East by contributing to the reign of terror. Each and every day Israelis and now Americans face disruptions to our normal civilized daily lives by the constant threat and now reality of suicide bombers and terrorist attacks. I commend President Bush for his actions yesterday in freezing the assets of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which poses as a charitable organization but, in fact, funnels millions of dollars annually to Hamas. In response to an earlier speaker who asked, when are we going to start acting in the U.S. interests, I pose and ask, are not we acting in the interests when we shut down organizations as that who are operating within our borders? Those organizations are using our laws to operate to raise money for terrorist activities which can just as easily take place in Israel and as we saw on 9/11 here in America. We in America, under the leadership of President Bush, have set out to make Americans and freedom-loving people safer against the terrorists. As stated in the Bush doctrine, there is no distinction between the terrorists and those who harbor them. Just as al-Qaida receives support and sanctuary from the Taliban, Hamas, Palestinian, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and others are provided a sanctuary and with land to operate and with support from Mr. Arafat and his confidants. Mr. Speaker, the time has come for the United States to stop talking about waiting for Arafat to fulfill certain conditions. How many times will we demand he reign in the terror and stop the killing? How many U.S. taxpayer dollars must we spend and entrust to Arafat and his Palestinian Authority as they continue to harbor the terrorists? Mr. Speaker, the United States and Israel share common values and freedom of choice, and I believe this resolution signals what should be the end of the road for American patience with Mr. Arafat.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his eloquent remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Otter).

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Otter) for that very well thought out and impassioned plea for the passage of the President's Trade Promotion Authority. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk).

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk), my good friend, and join with him in that heartfelt statement of support for the Trade Promotion Act of 2001, which we are poised to vote on here in this House this week, on Thursday. Mr. Speaker, the economists have announced what many Americans have known for months. America is officially in recession, and granting the President Trade Promotion Authority will allow him to negotiate trade treaties that will create jobs and deliver a much-needed boost to our economy. The real cost to American business of not granting the President Trade Promotion Authority is that other countries will continue to negotiate free trade agreements to the exclusion of the United States and its interests, putting American businesses at a competitive disadvantage. Two vital sectors of America's economy that have suffered greatly during the recent economic downturn here in this country will benefit most from Trade Promotion Authority, and those are the sectors that we are focusing on tonight and that have been spoken to on the part of my colleagues, and they are the agricultural and high-tech sectors. Mr. Speaker, I would like for a minute to focus on the Commonwealth of Virginia and how it benefits from increased trade. My district, the southern district, and the Commonwealth of Virginia as a whole, strongly benefit from America's current trade activity. We, like America, benefit from a vibrant international trade environment. Last year, Virginia sold more than $10.5 billion of exports to nearly 200 overseas markets. Virginia exported more than $9.2 billion of manufactured items such as machinery, transportation equipment, computers, and electronics, fabricated metal products, and beverage and tobacco products. The number of Virginia companies exporting increased 62 percent from 1992 to 1998. Demand is growing for the top five agricultural products exported from Virginia, including tobacco leaf, poultry products, live animals and red meats, wheat products and soybean products. Here are some of the benefits that we stand to gain from increased trade in Virginia. Nearly 60,000 manufacturing jobs are tied to exports. Roughly 6,000 Virginia citizens hold jobs related to agricultural exporters. Jobs supported by exports in Virginia are 13 to 18 percent better paying than the national average. In 1997, an estimated 42,000 Virginia jobs depended on or were indirectly related to manufactured exports, and 1 in every 7 of the manufacturing jobs in Virginia is tied to exports. Mr. Speaker, no doubt that one of the tremendous engines for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Nation as a whole and our economy has been the high technology sector. This industry is particularly affected by the absence of Presidential Trade Promotion Authority, and it is this industry which also will stand to benefit most in terms of job creation and increased productivity across this land. Firms in the United States face many obstacles in the global market such as high tariffs and regulatory burdens. These facts inhibit the competitiveness of American firms. Such obstacles, if not removed, will ultimately lead to the loss of American jobs to our foreign competitors, adding fuel to the fire of the already stalled American economy and associated job layoffs. Obstacles exist such as the soaring tariffs. These tariffs on American information technology products, scientific instruments, and medical equipment being sold in countries with which the United States does not have trade agreements reduces American competitiveness with the indigenous goods produced in that target country and our foreign competitors. Second, American companies face regulatory barriers on trade of information technology and communications products that are in place without trade agreements. Absence of Trade Promotion Authority, make no mistake, results in countries being unwilling to negotiate trade agreements with the United States. And why would they agree to negotiate with us if a deal as struck is not really a deal? As was stated before by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence), I think our President, Mr. Bush, has earned the confidence of the American people and we must confer upon him Trade Promotion Authority to make sure that our American businesses stay competitive in the global marketplace. Mr. Speaker, to give my colleagues an example of a free trade agreement, most trade between Brazil and Argentina is now tariff free, while U.S. firms still face an average tariff of more than 14 percent on exports to those Western Hemisphere countries and neighbors of ours. Foreign Ministers from both Brazil and Argentina have suggested that they cannot negotiate trade agreements with the United States until the President has Fast Track authority. Granting the President Trade Promotion Authority will allow him to negotiate trade treaties that create access to new markets for the high-tech industry. Access to new markets will be a major force behind the success of our technological community and the job growth therein. This success will be obtained by allowing companies to expand their markets and their sales in developing countries in order to continue the rapid expansion of the high-tech industries here at home. As an example of how important opening up foreign markets is to American companies, this is a staggering statistic: 58 percent, that is, nearly 60 percent of Microsoft's revenues, is derived from international sales. Passage of TPA will allow companies like Microsoft to continue to increase their revenues in the global marketplace, and at the same time we are opening up new markets we are growing the job base here in America. Trade agreements could also help establish the framework for additional e-commerce by American firms between those businesses and their customers abroad. High-tech products from America will be available at lower costs as these markets continue to open. If we have the ability to enter into more bilateral trade agreements, American goods and equipment will begin to show up in more countries and more markets, in much greater numbers and at much more competitive prices. Recently, President George W. Bush addressed a meeting of leaders in the high-tech industry. The President expressed his vision of a world with increased free trade and described trade's benefits for the U.S. economy. And he said, ``Ours is an administration dedicated to free trade. I hope that Congress gives me Trade Promotion Authority as soon as possible so I can negotiate free trade agreements. We should not try to build a wall around our Nation and encourage others not to do so. We ought to be tearing these walls down. Free trade is good for America and it will be good for your industry as well.'' Mr. Speaker, another aspect within the international trade environment which is providing obstacles, especially in the area of the high-tech sector, is the issue of piracy. Piracy is currently costing the high-tech sector in America a tremendous amount of revenues. The protection of American know-how is another benefit and an essential part of TPA. For example, 58 percent of business software applications used in Latin America were pirated in the year 2000, costing the software industry in our country nearly $869 million in licensing revenues. In 1998, Latin America's software market generated approximately $3.5 billion and is expected to grow by 18 percent annually. Latin America is currently considered a region where a free trade agreement could occur fairly quickly with the United States. This is a region that provides a huge opportunity for the U.S. software industry. TPA will allow the President to negotiate trade treaties that will combat piracy by making intellectual property protection a fundamental condition of membership in multilateral and bilateral trade alliances. It will also open wide this natural growth market to the south for all American businesses, thereby increasing the job base in America. Singapore is also a natural destination for the President and his team of negotiators to engage in talks and produce a bilateral trade agreement to open up markets to United States business. Intellectual property reforms in Singapore and cooperation in that country with policymakers have created an environment prepared for increased high- tech trade. We must allow President Bush to take advantage of this conducive environment and lock in the opportunities for American businesses in that country with a bilateral trade agreement with Singapore. The issue of privacy is certainly linked and has as its pillar the protection of intellectual property owned by American businesses. If America's copyright industries are to continue to be successful in the world markets, the President must be able to effectively negotiate trade agreements that reduce barriers to creative works in America. Trade agreements are the vehicle to license and insure the continued growth of the industry in America. That is why the International Intellectual Property Alliance supports Trade Promotion Authority. A recent report indicates that the copyright industries, including computer software makers, music, computer hardware, and many more, they employed more than 7.6 million Americans in 1999. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues before me have stated the many benefits that NAFTA has conferred upon this country. Eight years ago last month, the House of Representatives debated and passed the North American Free Trade Agreement. It has produced a tremendous growth in trade for the United States and our two partners, Mexico and Canada. Trade with our NAFTA partners is growing twice as fast as U.S. trade with the rest of the world and accounts for approximately one-third of all U.S. merchandise trade. NAFTA trade exceeds trade with both the European Union and Japan combined, approximately $1.8 billion a day, as was pointed out earlier. NAFTA has kept Mexico on track to sustain internal economic reform, which in turn has helped the United States. NAFTA has resulted in reduced tariffs for American goods, benefiting American companies and American workers. Under NAFTA, Mexico eliminated its 15 percent tariff on live slaughter cattle, its 20 percent tariff on chilled beef, and its 25 percent tariff on frozen beef. Mexico has been the fastest-growing market for U.S. beef. U.S. beef exports to Mexico rose from the 1993 pre-NAFTA level of 39,000 tons valued at $116 million, to 179,000 tons valued at $531 million in 2000. In the year 2000, 73 percent of Mexican imports were products from the United States: capital goods, from road-building equipment to hospital instruments; consumer goods from Mexico's emergent middle class; everything from blue jeans to compact disks and food. NAFTA led to a stronger economy, which led to improved living standards for Americans. Examples in my home State of Virginia: the Jones Group International, based in Fairfax, illustrates how an increasing number of American small service companies are competing in world markets. This firm provides consulting services for developing countries. The Regional African Satellite Communications Organization contacted the company in 1999 to develop two detailed documents, one for technology transfer and the other for know-how and an assistance program. Millicom International Cellular. This Arlington, Virginia-based telecommunications company announced in 1998 that SENTELgsm, a 75 percent Millicom-owned company, has been awarded a nationwide global systems for a mobile communications license for the Republic of Senegal. The company plans to embark on a rapid development program to build and launch a GSM mobile network to initially launch service in Dakar, with plans to expand coverage to all the regional capitals. The license award is for a period of 20 years, renewable every 5 years thereafter. The firm reports that this significant investment will result in nearly $10 million in U.S. exports and will create or retain more than 100 U.S. jobs. In a recent speech, Commerce Secretary Don Evans summed up the benefits of Trade Promotion Authority: ``The President is also committed to keeping electronic commerce free of roadblocks, ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights, and the strict enforcement of our trade agreements. But to achieve these goals in a successful trade policy that serves the interests of American business and American workers, the President needs Trade Promotion Authority.'' Without TPA, other nations will continue to refuse to negotiate treaties with the United States. Mr. Speaker, it is vital for our economic interest and security that the United States set the trade agenda for the world market.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bipartisan trade promotion Act of 2001 and encourage my colleagues in the House to support its passage when we take that crucial vote this week. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to my colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Schrock).

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence).

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley), chairman of the full committee; the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Baker), chairman of the subcommittee; and the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), ranking minority member, for bringing this most critical, critical bill to the floor. As has been said before, on September 11, thousands of innocent Americans were killed in a savage terrorist attack that no one could ever have imagined. This catastrophe, though, also has left the American economy and American businesses with an insurance crisis. Seventy percent of insurance contracts in this country expire at year's end. As a small businessperson, I know that there are millions of individuals out there now receiving expiration notices not knowing what to do come year-end. If we look at it, if there is no insurance, business owners across America, both small and large, may all be in default of loan covenants which require collateral to be insured against terrorist strikes. Without this bill, there will be no such insurance. Some individuals may fear the worst and close or put a halt to expansion plans. We can forget about growth in our cities and towns. What bank will loan money to build a shopping center or an office building without insurance to protect their investments in such a project? And then where will the jobs be without those projects? H.R. 3210 addresses this impending crisis not by an industry bailout but by extending credit to cover claims associated with terrorist strikes akin to those on 9-11. Such loans will be repaid through industry assessments so that American taxpayers will remain whole. Mr. Speaker, I also commend both Chairman Oxley and Chairman Baker on the very innovative way that this bill tries to provide a resolution to this impending crisis. It does provide a fix. And I would say we ought to support this bill because of the substance. There are no mandates on terrorism coverage, so, therefore, if there is a small business owner, let us say in Orange, Virginia, who has a small ice cream shop and chooses not to pay for that particular coverage because of the cost, that business owner ought not be made to do so. Yet the bill also provides for protection against those who may seek compensation in lawsuits against a terrorist strike. Let us not put the bill on the American people; let us put the bill on the terrorists. It is the terrorists who were responsible for the strikes on 9-11 and will be responsible if it occurs in the future. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act and its renewal and enhancement of the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA). Additional trade spurs innovations and the development of better products while fostering competition. The Act, with its explicit ``Trade Goods--Not Drugs'' message has fostered legitimate trade based economic relations between the U.S. and the Andean region and has stimulated legitimate economic alternatives to narcotics production and trafficking. Trade between the U.S. and the Andean region has nearly doubled over the last decade to $18 billion to the mutual benefit of U.S. and Andean businesses. In my home state of Virginia, we export over $50 million in products to the region. Further progress will require an enhancement of the current programs to include an expanded range of Andean products. It has been the policy of the United States to support the Andean Countries with foreign assistance. However, removing barriers to trade with the U.S. is arguably more important to reviving the economic prospects of the region while helping to eradicate the narcotics menace terrorizing both the Andean Countries and the United States. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the Act.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the House-passed economic security package that will help American families and revive economic growth in our country. I have always believed that the private sector is the true engine of opportunity in our country. Increased Federal spending will not improve the fundamentals of our economy. In these difficult economic times, the role of Congress should be to create an environment of opportunity for America's families. It is the hard work and sheer determination of individuals, families, and small business entrepreneurs that make this country what it is today. It will be these same qualities that will revitalize the American economy after the September 11 attacks. The House legislation offers tax cuts for middle class families and provides incentives for businesses to invest in capital and human resources, thereby creating jobs and opportunity. Congress must act now. The House has acted by passing this strong package to ensure economic security. The President has called on Congress to send him a bill that he can sign into law this month, and I urge Congress to heed his call.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable service of Mark Broxmeyer. On Monday, November 12, 2001, Mr. Broxmeyer will be honored at the Holocaust Memorial and the Educational Center of Nassau County's 9th Annual Tribute Dinner. He will receive the distinguished ``Community Service Award.'' I have had the pleasure of working with Mark through his role as Chairman of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA). Mark has worked tirelessly to provide timely, critical information to the Administration, Congress and the media on the national security of the United States and the important role of Israel in bolstering democracy in the Middle East. Israel is unique in the Middle East because it shares our values of democracy and freedom. Mark has been a vocal advocate of standing with our allies against terrorists, remaining strong in our resolve to work together to defeat them. However, Mark's service is not limited by his dedication to defense and security issues. He continues his global service on the Board of Directors of the United Nation's Economic Development Corporation and works tirelessly for national causes including being named ``Man of the Year'' by the United Cerebral Palsy Association. Yet service begins at home and he serves the health and well-being of his community through his work as a trustee of the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System Foundation. He is also a member of the Board of Hofstra University. Mr. Speaker, Mark Broxmeyer understands the importance of community service. The Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County have chosen well in recognizing Mark. He has dedicated himself to reaching out to the global, national and local communities, truly making a difference. I hope you will join me in congratulating Mark on this remarkable achievement and in wishing him well as he continues his good work.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2910, the Norman Sisisky Post Office Building Designation Act, I am honored today to pay tribute to Norman Sisisky, who was a colleague and a familiar figure in Virginia politics for many years. It is fitting and proper that we should honor Norman today on the floor of this House where he acted so honorably as a public servant since he was elected to Congress in 1982 until his death earlier this year. Norman Sisisky spent a lifetime serving Virginia and the United States, and we are all deeply indebted to this distinguished Virginia gentleman. Norman first displayed his love for this country when he enlisted in the Navy as a young man during World War II. His time 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 the military. At the conclusion of the war, he became a successful businessman and well known throughout the business community for transforming a small bottling company into a highly successful soft drink distributor. His business background and creative thinking proved invaluable when he later decided to enter elective politics. Norman served 'in the Virginia 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. Norman was particularly effective in building coalitions in support for key programs and reaching across the aisle on matters of importance to Virginians. From ensuring adequate funding for aircraft carriers and submarines to modernizing our weapons systems, he was an ardent voice on the Armed Services Committee and an ally of every person who wears the uniform of the United States. In his District, and throughout Virginia, his reputation as an outstanding Member of Congress was unparalleled. 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 benefitted from his dedicated service and at this time of national crisis his military mind and Congressional experience are sorely missed. Norman was successful in every aspect of his life and we rightly dedicate this post office in his memory today.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, in my years of service I have met and worked with many people. Of these people, I have found few who equal my chief of staff, Kimberly Luger. Kim has been with me since the beginning, serving the people of Virginia as my aide in the General Assembly and coming to Washington to open and lead my congressional offices. With an inexhaustible knowledge of the people and issues of the Seventh District of Virginia, Kim serves with a professionalism, dedication, and enthusiasm that is exemplary. She rises to every challenge and with her loyalty and commitment meets or exceeds every goal. Although she is an invaluable asset to me and to the people of Virginia, Kim has decided to leave the world of congressional affairs. In December, Kim and her husband, Charles Luger, are expecting their first child. After her years of service, Kim will turn her inexhaustible talents toward her family. Mr. Speaker, Kim and Charles will be wonderful parents, and I hope you will join me and my family in wishing them the best on this exciting new chapter of their lives and thanking Kim for her contributions to the people of the Seventh District of Virginia.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2910, the Norman Sisisky Post Office Building Designation Act. I am honored today to pay tribute to Norman Sisisky, who was a colleague and familiar figure in Virginia politics for many years. It is fitting and proper that we should honor Norman today on the floor of this House where he acted so honorably as a public servant since he was elected to Congress in 1982 until his death earlier this year. Norman Sisisky spent a lifetime serving Virginia and the United States, and we are all deeply indebted to this distinguished Virginia gentleman. Norman first displayed his love for this country when he enlisted in the Navy as a young man during World War II. His time 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 the military. At the conclusion of the war, he became a successful businessman and well known throughout the business community for transforming a small bottling company into a highly successful soft drink distributor. His business background and creative thinking proved invaluable when he later decided to enter elective politics. Norman served in the Virginia 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. Norman was particularly effective in building coalitions in support for key programs and reaching across the aisle on matters of importance to Virginians. From ensuring adequate funding for aircraft carriers and submarines to modernizing our weapons systems, he was an ardent voice on the Armed Services Committee and an ally of every person who wears the uniform of the United States. In his District, and throughout Virginia, his reputation as an outstanding Member of Congress was unparalleled. 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 at this time of national crisis his military mind and Congressional experience are sorely missed. Norman was successful in every aspect of his life and we rightly dedicate this post office in his memory today.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 409 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable woman, Melanie Kerneklian. I have known Melanie for many years and have come to value her as a tireless advocate for the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia and a friend. Melanie is dedicated to Virginia. She is known as a vocal and effective leader in the community, but is most known for her advocacy on behalf of the Armenian community. Melanie is recognized as a leading expert on the issues of import to the Armenian-American community and has worked on local, state and federal levels to promote awareness. On October 12, 2001, Melanie celebrates her 60th birthday. Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in wishing Melanie well on her birthday and to thank her for her service to so many people.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, recently, Armenia celebrated its 10th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. This anniversary reminds us of the strong bond that the people of the United States and Armenia share. As we grieve for the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, so do the Armenian people. The Armenian people have expressed their solidarity with the American people. Armenian President Robert Kocharian has offered rescue aid to help in the recovery efforts. Moreover, Armenia has joined with the United States and the world in the fight against terrorism. Earlier this year in a House Resolution, I joined with the people of Armenia, the Armenian Church in America, and His Holiness Karekin II in celebrating the ideals and values they share with the people of the United States. These values are essential to the continued stability and economic prosperity in the region. In a letter to President Kocharian of Armenia, President George W. Bush echoed these ideals. President Bush states, ``our countries continue to work together to achieve our common goal of establishing peace and stability and seeing Armenia prosper. Peace in this region will provide Armenia with great opportunities to ensure the economic prosperity and security of future generations.'' Traces of Armenian heritage are evident in the United States and worldwide. Throughout the United States, and in my state of Virginia, there are multiple monuments, towns, and mountains celebrating Armenian heritage. One of Virginia's own search and rescue teams aided the Armenian people during the unfortunate earthquake of 1988. The close bonds between Armenia and the United States are constantly being strengthened. I am confident that the people of Armenia and America will flourish together in the spirit of freedom and democracy.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in response to a series of recent news reports indicating that the State Department is developing a plan to pressure Israel to make territorial concessions to Yasser Arafat. The latest indications point to Israel even having to give up part of Jerusalem. Mr. Speaker, such a proposal is utterly unacceptable. I find it hard to believe that anyone would choose now as the time to put pressure on our only democratic friend in the Middle East, a friend that has been at the mercy of terrorists for decades. According to a recent poll, the vast majority of Palestinians oppose the American air strikes against Afghanistan, and one in four believes terrorism against the United States is okay. Terrorism is terrorism wherever it occurs: New York, Washington, Jerusalem, or Tel Aviv. Until Yasser Arafat rids himself of his ties to terrorism, he should not be rewarded with statehood.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Special Agent Gil Amoroso and Special Agent Emir Benitez. Agent Amoroso provided a great service for Richmond, Virginia, during his time with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Agent Benitez served America's communities, as well, through the DEA, sacrificing his life on duty. These two individuals greatly sacrificed to help fight America's war on drugs. The DEA is an essential law-enforcement agency, contributing to the safety and well-being of our schools, our playgrounds, and the streets in our communities. Each of us can recall an individual, either an acquaintance or a public figure, whose life has been ravaged by drugs. In America, drugs have become a very destructive force affecting our children. Now, each of us who is a parent knows the importance of sitting down with our children and warning them about the danger of drugs. But men and women, like Amoroso and Benitez, who serve in the DEA, help our nation to curb the drug problem at its source. They work to keep illegal substances out of our country and investigate the culprits who are making illegal drugs available to our children, our communities, and even our workplaces. In addition to their personal efforts to curb drug offenses, Amoroso and Benitez have left a legacy. They both have family members who fight the war on drugs today in Richmond. Drug enforcement efforts have heightened in importance in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in Washington and New York. As confirmed by DEA Administrator Hutchinson, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that the ruling Taliban regime in Afghanistan receives financial benefit from the drug trade. This fuels the terrorist attacks on the civilized world. DEA efforts to target international drug trafficking are critical to America's war against terrorism. The fight against drugs is essential to the security of our homes and of our country. Thank you for your service. Thank you, Mrs. Amoroso and Mrs. LaRosa, for your ongoing efforts on behalf of our country. May God continue to bless America.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity today to pay tribute to Alysia C. Basmajian. Alysia Basmajian was twenty-three years of age. She was a graduate of Godwin High School and the College of William and Mary, and was just beginning her career as an accountant at the World Trade Center. Alysia's life was brutally taken from her by the hand of terrorists-- radical extremists who are seeking to destroy the ideas embodied by America and her people. Alysia was a symbol of the American dream-- working hard for herself, her family and her country. Henrico, and the entire Richmond area, has experienced a great loss. Our entire community mourns along with Alysia Basmajian's parents and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and two-year-old daughter. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, a precious life was ripped from our midst. Alysia Basmajian represented the bright future of America. Working in the world's economic capital, Alysia was a hard worker and a true leader. On September 11, Alysia Basmajian reported to work in the World Trade Center in New York City. Alysia began her day conducting the nation's business, when terror struck, taking her life and thousands of others. Because Alysia represented American freedom, she was attacked. We owe Alysia Basmajian for paying the price of freedom with her life, and we will always remember her sacrifice. Let us honor her memory.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity today to pay tribute to Douglas D. Ketcham. Douglas Ketcham was 27 years of age. He was a graduate of University of Virginia and was beginning his career as a bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald Securities in the World Trade Center. Douglas Ketcham's life brutally ended when he was a target of terrorist aggression, by a radical extremist group that declared a religious crusade against America and her people. The terrorists sought to end the very things that Douglas' life embodied: liberty, individualism, and opportunity. Midlothian and the Richmond area, and even our entire nation, has experienced the loss of a friend and patriot. Douglas Ketcham's parents and his loved ones do not mourn alone for him; a whole country joins their sorrow. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, a precious life was ripped from our midst. Douglas Ketcham set himself in the heart of America's business center. He represented the American dream: Hard work and dedication in pursuit of success for himself, his family and community. On September IIth, Douglas Ketcham reported for work on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center. This day of infamy will remain in American hearts forever--while Douglas Ketcham and many others were conducting the nation's business, terrorists ruthlessly took their lives. Because Mr. Ketcham lived as a symbol of America, he was targeted by those who plot the demise of freedom and democracy. We owe Douglas Ketcham for paying the price with his life for our freedom, and we will always remember his sacrifice. Let us honor his memory.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity today to pay tribute to Martin Stewart Niederer. Martin Niederer was young, he was a hard worker, a loyal citizen, and represented the bright, young future of America--the next generation. Martin's life was robbed from him, and from us, by the hand of terrorists--radical extremists, seeking to rule the world by instilling fear and spreading hatred. Henrico, and indeed the entire Richmond area, has experienced a great loss. Our entire community mourn along with Martin Niederer's parents and his loved ones. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, a precious life was ripped from our midst. Martin Niederer forged his way as a leader--in his case, a leader in the center of the world's economic capital. Sadly, Martin Niederer reported for work on September 11, as he always did, to Cantor Fitzgerald at the World Trade Center--only on that day, America was to become victim to a set of horrific terrorist atrocities. Martin was conducting the nation's economic business, when he and the World Trade Center were attacked. Because Mr. Niederer lived as a symbol of American greatness and success, he was attacked. Not because he, as an individual, was hated, but because he stood with his colleagues as a symbol of America's prosperity and our democracy. We owe Martin Niederer for paying our price for freedom. We must forever honor his memory. Mr. Niederer's memory will be honored as America secures its future, fights against a maniacal hatred of freedom and human rights, and continues to demonstrate strength.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity today to pay tribute to Jennifer and Kenneth Lewis. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the lives of a husband and wife from Culpeper, Virginia, were tragically wrenched from us. Jennifer and Kenneth Lewis, attendants on Flight 77, will be greatly missed by their family, their friends, and their community. Rest assured that the people of Culpeper and across the Commonwealth mourn this great loss in unity. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are two of the courageous souls who paid the price on Tuesday for American's freedom. America was chosen as a target because it is the brightest beacon for freedom and democracy this world has ever known. Jennifer and Kenneth stood on the anvil of America's greatness and suffered as the representatives of our freedom and the values that have made America the strongest nation in the world. Consequently, their memory will remain with us. Their memory will guide us as America rebuilds and grows stronger in the wake of Tuesday's tragedy. The great loss of Jennifer and Kenneth will serve as a reminder to us of the precious value of each life and will draw us closer together as a community. America must not forget Jennifer and Kenneth and those who perished with them, for their memory will motivate us to protect our families, our communities, and our Nation from future tragedy. It is fitting that the Lewises were together on their final day--a demonstration of their unity and their strength as a family. They have helped America to unify. We will now care more for our neighbor and treasure every day more dearly, in their honor. God bless America. Our loss is not in vain. My prayers and those of my wife, Diana, remain with the family and friends of Jennifer and Kenneth Lewis and with the community of Culpeper.