Eric Cantor

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I recognize her leadership and her staff as well as that of the gentleman from California in bringing this resolution forward, and congratulate them on that. Very briefly in response to my good friend from Texas and his view and addressing so many different issues, I would just like to say this clearly is not a conflict, I think, that Israel finds itself in by its own making or its asking. As the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) indicated, Israel was once again attacked. It was forced by its enemies, who wished to see it wiped off the map, to respond. The actions taken by Hezbollah and Hamas are tantamount to nothing less than an act of war against a sovereign country. Israel has the right to use every military tool in its arsenal to protect its citizens from this invasion and to incapacitate its enemy to prevent future attacks. This latest conflict of the waging war against the terrorists in the Middle East is evidence again that we cannot hope to win that war against the Islamic fascists if we ignore their state sponsors. Make no mistake about it, Syria and Iran are to blame for the outbreak of war in the region, and they must be held accountable. They support Hezbollah and Hamas both financially and militarily. The line of terror and violence occurring in Israel today and in Lebanon today runs straight back to Damascus and Tehran. These state sponsors of terror must know that their actions are unacceptable and that the free world will no longer ignore or tolerate their actions. Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution and stand beside our ally Israel as it fights the terrorists. This is a battle the free world cannot afford to lose.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I rise in opposition to the amendment and in support of the amended Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act. In America we continue to gamble our economic future through dependence on foreign sources of energy. The time to stop this is now. The most effective and sure way to secure our energy future is to utilize the fossil fuel resources we have here at home. The underlying bill will allow Virginia to choose exploration off its coast. Virginia's deep ocean production will help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and provide a revenue source to fund the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay. Energy security depends first on a reliable supply through exploration of domestic oil and gas reserves while we encourage the development of alternative sources of energy. This bill, Mr. Chairman, and I recognize the leadership and the gentleman of California in bringing this bill forward, is a necessary part of ensuring American energy security, and I am proud to support it.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Legislative Line Item Veto Act. This bill will give Congress and the President a powerful tool to restore fiscal sanity to Washington. This bill is an important step toward reforming the Budget Act of 1974, which stripped the President of impoundment authority--effectively hobbling a vital check on the system to limit wasteful spending. Presidents Jefferson through Nixon used impoundment authority to withhold funding for wasteful spending. In 1821 Thomas Jefferson said: ``The multiplication of public offices, increase of expense beyond income, growth and entailment of a public debt, are indications soliciting the employment of the pruning knife.'' The legislative line item veto is the pruning knife that Jefferson envisioned. The legislative Line Item Veto will further hold Congress accountable to the taxpayers and ensures that we continue to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, today we are considering a bill that would move us a step closer to full repeal of the death tax, a goal which I fully support. The death tax is one of the most egregious taxes in our system today and should be fully repealed. This tax is a punishment for people who have worked hard all their lives, who have built successful small businesses and who have succeeded in living the American dream. It does not stand to reason that the United States, the most successful economy in the world, should punish its citizens with such a regressive tax. The United States has the second highest estate tax in the world at 46 percent, second only to Japan at 70 percent. This tax penalizes farmers, ranchers and small business owners. These are people who work hard day in and day out to keep their businesses running and meet payroll deadlines. These are the businesses that produce jobs and provide healthcare for many Americans. When we cripple small businesses with inheritance taxes that force them to close, we not only punish the owner for being successful, we punish their employees as well. Some of my colleagues on the other side of aisle don't want to pass this tax relief on to the American people. They would rather fund their special interest give aways than let Americans keep their own money. This is not the Government's money. Washington has already taxed these earnings once, twice even three times. Do we really need to go back for more when you die? Isn't death punishment enough? Mr. Speaker, this tax is shameful, it is greedy and it is offensive and I support the efforts we are making here today to move towards a full repeal of the death tax.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, the members of this House have had a lengthy and passionate debate today. When these hours of debate are over, I think the American people need a clear understanding of what the Democrats propose to do. Lets look at the Democrats' blueprint, the Murtha Plan. The Murtha Plan proposes to have our forces ``redeployed at the earliest practicable date'' with no details about what that means. Meanwhile, the Iraqi leadership only days ago requested for our forces to continue their side-by-side work with Iraqi forces. The Democrats' plan advocates redeployment before the job is done, which is nothing short of retreat. The Murtha Plan calls for the creation of a ``quick-reaction force'' and an ``over-the-horizon presence of U.S. Marines'' with, again, no details about what exactly that means. The Democrats continue to advocate retreat, while our President has stated time and time again that our commanders on the ground will determine the tactical plans, not politicians in Washington. The Murtha Plan calls for America to ``pursue security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy.'' Are Democrats suggesting that we can negotiate with terrorists? This is a war unlike any other. If we leave this front now, the terrorists will come after us somewhere else. This is not about territory or conquest. This is a fight for the future of the free world. The Murtha Plan supported by the Democrats is nothing more than an enormous step backwards in the fight against the Islamic fascists. It is a rehash of the same old policies of appeasement and retreat that contributed greatly to our lack of preparedness for the 9/11 attacks. The policy of appeasement and non-engagement has only emboldened terrorists in the past. Thankfully, our President has charted a new course to take the fight to the terrorists so we do not have to fight them here at home. We must aggressively keep our resolve in this decades-old war with the terrorists.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment and insist, again, that in order to deny economic resources to the Castro regime, it is imperative that we maintain the sanction and travel restrictions that are in place, and encourage the ordinary citizens of Cuba, and enable them the benefit of our sanctions that are aimed at trying to free the people of Cuba and end their oppression, end the oppression that they suffer under. Again, I quote from the administration, ``Lifting the sanctions now or limiting our ability to enforce them, would provide assistance to a repressive regime at the expense of the ordinary Cuban people.''

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia, and Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman for his meticulous research in recounting the numerous incidents of terrorist acts against American citizens over the last several decades, and I think that the gentleman makes a point that will really be the focal point, the central point of the debate of the floor of this House on Thursday, and that is, that the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan and all of the other incidents that the gentleman speaks of is part of a greater war against terrorists. I want to respond to a statement that was made earlier from a colleague from the other side of the aisle. He ended his remarks by mentioning the war in Iraq and portraying it as a vicious war we should never have been in anyway. I think, Mr. Speaker, that the gentleman from Georgia has just laid out the facts as they are. We did not ask for this war. The terrorists started this war. We must respond in order to secure our citizenry, in order to secure America. I would, however, like to pick up from where the gentleman left off and the fact that we have experienced some victories over the last week, one in which we saw the killing of Zarqawi who was a leader in a terrorist activity in Iraq against American citizens and others, and it demonstrated, Mr. Speaker, that we are making progress, that we are able to penetrate and begin to dismantle this terrorist infrastructure that frankly has identified Iraq as the front in their war against America. I would also like to call the House's attention, Mr. Speaker, to another victory that we experienced last week. On June 8, which was Thursday, Mr. Speaker, the guided missile destroyer USS Cole joined two Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group on their way to the Middle East. This marked the USS Cole's first return to Middle Eastern waters since the October 12, 2000, surprise terrorist attack on the ship while it refueled in Aden Harbor, Yemen. On a somber note, this viscous, unprovoked terrorist attack by al Qaeda terrorists on this U.S. warship claimed the lives of 17 U.S. sailors. Among these brave sailors was Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Kenneth Eugene Clodfelter who was a constituent of mine. His loss will forever be felt and his service never forgotten by any of us, by the citizens of his home county, Hanover County, Virginia, and in fact, the entire Nation. It is a fitting tribute that the ship on which Kenneth served and gave his life returns to those same waters, reborn, resilient and again ready to bring the fight to the enemy, the Islamic fascist terrorists who seek only death and oppression. Mr. Speaker, I believe this statement by the USS Cole's newest commanding officer, Commander Bradley Roberson, says it best, and Commander Roberson said: ``We draw strength from this being a very stout and resolute hull. The crew reflects that and the fighting spirit of the navy. I think the ship symbolizes America, its determination, its fortitude and the resolve that we will be around no matter what.'' Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take a moment to commend and honor the thousands of Virginian National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have served in our struggle to rid the world of Islamic-fascist terror. As we speak, more than 1,000 brave men and women in dozens of Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air National Guard units from central Virginia continue in this struggle. So, Mr. Speaker, I would again like to thank the gentleman from Georgia for his leadership, not only on the Official Truth Squad, but on this very, very important topic of the war against the terrorists, a war against an enemy that frankly harbors a view of the world very different from those of us in this country and one in which we will not stand down.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of increasing government efficiency in considering new refinery applications in the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act. Gas prices have risen as supplies have been stretched thin and U.S. refineries have struggled to refine all of the oil we need. This bill streamlines the cumbersome government processes that delay and discourage new development and production, paving the way for construction of new oil or biofuel refineries. Domestic energy security depends on reliable supply through exploration of oil and gas reserves on the outer continental shelf, bolstering our refining capacity, and investigating alternative sources of energy. This bill is an important piece of ensuring American energy security and I am proud to support it.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, sacrifice is a common virtue of the U.S. Armed Forces and this Memorial Day we will pause to honor our fallen men and women in uniform. Throughout history, members of the Armed Forces have lost their lives to preserve our freedoms. Sixty- three years ago, Father John Washington, Reverend Clark Poling, Rabbi Alexander Goode and Reverend George Fox died aboard the USS (USAT) Dorchester on February 3, 1943, as a result of a torpedo attack by a German U-Boat. In the mayhem after the attack, the Four Chaplains provided comfort to fallen soldiers and handed out life vests to the survivors. After the life vests ran out, they removed their own life vests, gave them to needy soldiers, and stood arm-in-arm together praying for the comfort of the soldiers. Eighteen minutes after the attack, the USS (USAT) Dorchester sunk with the Four Chaplains aboard. John Koenig, a resident of the 7th District of Virginia wrote of their sacrifice in a letter saying ``By putting others in front of themselves without regard to race, creed, or color, thus in making the ultimate sacrifice costing each his life so that others might live, they exemplified the finest in saintly virtues.'' On behalf of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Midlothian, Virginia, and the following members of the vestry: Alison Althouse-- Senior Warden; Margaret Stevens --Registrar; Reverend Stephen Cowardin--Rector; Reverend Kathryn Jenkins; Rose O'Toole; Stewart Dendtler; Leonard Vance; John Flikeid; Jo Anne Simpkins; Matthew Whitworth; Betsy Collins; Lois Thompson; Stefani Ross; Jennifer Wester; and William White, I am honored to recognize the sacrifices of the Immortal Four Chaplains of the USS (USAT) Dorchester.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of you. This June, you will become the longest-serving Republican Speaker in history. Your leadership has guided our Nation through times of great tragedy and great joy. You have led our country with a selfless dedication to our Founding Fathers' beliefs in the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Our country, this Congress, our party, owes you a great debt, and I wanted to rise today to thank you for your service during this time you are being maligned through irresponsible leaks by an unaccountable bureaucrat. Thank you always for remaining above the fray.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Made Energy and Good Jobs Act. Exploring for energy in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would be a major step toward energy independence for America. Energy markets are uncertain and American consumers feel the pinch at the pump whenever there is the slightest market disruption. American families should not have to risk their energy future on the whims of foreign dictators, rebel forces, and regimes that do not have America's interests in mind. From Venezuela, to Nigeria, to Saudi Arabia, America continues to gamble its economic future through dependence on foreign oil. The time to stop this is now. The way to stop this is by increasing domestic production of oil. The Energy Information Administration estimates that ANWR is capable of producing more than 1.5 million barrels of oil a day, more than U.S. imports from Saudi Arabia, or Venezuela on any given day. This effort should not stop with ANWR. We must also explore the reserves that lie off of our shores in the Outer Continental Shelf. The only way to secure our energy future is to utilize the resources we have here at home.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act. For more then 10 years, Congress has taken unprecedented steps to support our veterans and the families. The American veteran is the model of integrity. They have given this Nation so much and ask for so little in return. They symbolize all that is great about America. Since 1995, Congress has increased the Department of Veterans Affairs' healthcare budget by 80 percent, drastically increased coverage and benefits, and taken great steps to better the lives of families left behind. This legislation continues to help our veterans, and it is my privilege to cast a vote in favor of our veterans. Today, Congress takes another step in our on-going effort to better the lives and well being our Nation's veterans and their families. This legislation will increase the availabilty and amount of coverage for life insurance, assist in stabilizing low mortgage rates, require educational outreach by the VA to better inform our veterans of services available to them. As our brave service men and women continue to serve in harm's way, it is important that we always honor their sacrifices and support their families. They return home as veterans and join the ranks of many who have selflessly served our Nation. These brave men and women have given so much so that the American people and our values would remain safe. As they faithfully upheld their duty to defend our flag and all that it stands for--now we have a duty to stand strong for them. I urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to salute the gentlelady from Florida on her unbelievable leadership in bringing this bill to the floor and her tireless efforts in the promotion of freedom and the rejection of terror around the world. I thank her for that. I also would like to salute and thank Chairman Hyde for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor, and certainly the gentleman from California for his dedication to the rejection of terror and the promotion of freedom in such a tireless way and such an articulate manner here on the House floor. I thank the gentleman as well. Mr. Speaker, I do rise today in strong support of H.R. 4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act. The policy behind this piece of legislation is identical to that which undergirds the Bush doctrine. It is simple: Terrorism is evil and will not be tolerated. Murderous acts carried out by the terrorists must be stopped, and those who perpetuate this evil deserve nothing less than condemnation and destruction. That is why this legislation must pass. Israel has been fighting a war on terror for more than 60 years. Presently, Israel finds itself in the unique position of facing a terrorist organization that is hiding behind the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority. Some have chosen to recognize Hamas, a terrorist organization, as a legitimate governing body for the Palestinian Authority. We in the United States Congress find this unacceptable. Hamas believes that terrorism is a legitimate tool of political negotiation. Hamas does not hide from its endorsement of homicide bombings or its desire to use this tactic to achieve its goal of destroying Israel. Make no mistake about it: Hamas kills. It murders. It maims. It orphans, and it robs. It blunts the future of innocence. It takes away the happiness of children, and it tears apart families. Hamas believes that this behavior is somehow acceptable. Today, we must send a message to Hamas and President Abbas that the free nations of the world reject their desire to be recognized as legitimate leaders of their people. Both Hamas and Fatah's al-Aksa Martyrs Brigade have a record of terror and their leaders have a demonstrated lack of humanity by allowing these murderous activities. Mr. Speaker, today the United States House of Representatives sends a strong message that our government does not and will not deal with terrorists, nor in this Congress should we or will we allow American taxpayer dollars to fund the terrorist activities. Israel is engaged in a war on terror. It is a war that is part of that which is worldwide and in which we find ourselves engaged as well. Make no mistake about it, the very freedoms that we hold dear are at stake, and we must never stop fighting this war until the last terrorist on Earth is in a cell or a cemetery. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I stand before you as the violence and pain of Palestinian terror was felt by my family. As Mr. Lantos, the gentleman from California has said, last week, Daniel Wultz died of wounds he suffered in a homicide bombing in Tel Aviv in April. Daniel was my cousin. He and his family were visiting Israel celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover. Daniel and his father were eating lunch at a cafe in Tel Aviv, when a homicide bomber blew himself up at the restaurant. For 27 days Daniel fought for his life, but last Sunday he died as a result of his wounds. Daniel was passionate about his family, friends and the community around him. He was an excellent student and a member of the varsity basketball team at the David Posnack Hebrew Day School in Plantation, Florida. He was active in the Chabad Lubavitch of Weston and hoped to pursue his religious studies further after high school. He was a handsome, witty and compassionate young man, and did not hesitate to speak out against any injustice he encountered in his daily life. He was devoted to the laws and teachings of Judaism and Tikun Olam, the Jewish ideal that we must work to make the world a better place. Daniel was a young man with a bright future. Now he is gone, robbed of his bright and promising future. Daniel is survived by his parents, Sheryl and Tuly Wultz, and his sister, Amanda. I join my colleagues in sending our deepest sympathies. Mr. Speaker, I want to again salute the gentlewoman from Florida and her efforts on this bill and want to say that I wholeheartedly supported her bill in its original form as well. Mr. Speaker, I would draw the House's attention to page 8 of the bill and section 2 in which we speak about the exceptions to the prohibition of assistance in the Palestinian Authority, especially to section 620K of the law in which the bill provides for an exception to fund the President of the Palestinian Authority for nonsecurity expenses. It is this provision, Mr. Speaker, that I hope that we will be able to limit and remove in the conference with the Senate. Hamas must renounce terrorism, destroy all terrorist organizations that are allowed to operate in the Palestinian Territory, and it must recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Hamas and the Palestinian President, Mr. Abbas, must understand that we in the United States Congress are serious about this policy. We must make it clear to the world that the U.S. does not see terrorism as a viable tool for negotiations. This is a first step in the process. And I would like to bring to the attention of the House that I strongly disagree with one of the speakers from the opposition who stated that this bill does not provide for humanitarian efforts for emergency aid for the people in the Palestinian Authority. It does. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with the gentlewoman, to working with Chairman Hyde and the gentleman from California to strengthen this bill. I urge passage of this bill, and note that we all must stand for the absolute rejection of terrorism and absolutely no U.S. taxpayer dollar being spent for terrorist activities.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Richmond, Virginia, native and American Idol contestant Elliott Yamin for pursuing his dream while sharing his powerful voice with all of us. Elliott is returning home a star; a man with an extraordinary gift who dared to put his talent on display and achieved great success. Elliott's personality and amazing ability won over the judges and the viewers to earn him national recognition as a final contestant on the most popular show on television. Elliott will be returning home to Richmond, having inspired and entertained millions with his extraordinary singing voice and charisma. I join Elliott's community, family and friends in proud recognition of his fantastic achievement and undoubtedly bright future.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would first like to recognize the leadership of Chairman Nussle on the underlying budget and the terrific job that he has done in compiling a budget that really reflects the will of the majority of this House in making those tough choices. I want to commend him on that. But I rise today in support of this budget substitute because I believe it really reflects the awesome responsibility that we have here, the responsibility to care for our children, to lead this country and to be concerned about what our future holds. This budget proposal will save $358 billion from autopilot spending and provide $392 billion in net deficit reduction over the next 5 years. It will balance the Federal budget by 2011. Mr. Chairman, Thomas Jefferson said in 1821: ``The multiplication of public offices, increase of expense beyond income, growth and entailment of a public debt are indications soliciting the employment of the pruning knife.'' These words offer great insight today. It is time for us to spend more time spending less and to focus on finding ways to achieve savings and accomplish reform for the American people.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the chairman for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. It is a monumental task, and I want to congratulate him on its completion. I rise in support of the Tax Relief Extension and Reconciliation Act of 2005. And there is no question that today is a great day for American families, and despite how much Republican policies translate into a stronger economy, what we hear today from our friends on the other side of the aisle is continued talk of the tired language of tax and spend and their insistence on engaging in class warfare. But let's take a look at the facts: 5.4 million jobs have been created since the enactment of these rate cuts; unemployment is at $4.7 percent. These cuts have spurred spectacular economic growth. And as far as the assertion that we are aggravating the debt limit, the facts are, revenues are up 14 percent this year and receipts this year have far outstripped the growth in outlays. And what about those, and who are they, that benefit from these rate cuts? Sixty percent of American families who benefit from these cuts make under $100,000 a year. So clearly, the assertion that there is some type of unfairness or a class-based argument is simply absurd. Wage payers and wage earners alike have benefited from these rate cuts. And I would like to respond to one of the speakers on the other side who says, how dare Americans want to stuff their pockets with tax cuts. I would ask, Mr. Speaker, whose money is it anyway? It is the taxpayers' money. It is their money that goes into their pockets. We must act now, Mr. Speaker. We must not leave American families in limbo wondering whether their taxes will go up. Delaying the extension of these cuts only serves to punish taxpayers who count on us to provide certainty in fiscal policy and to respect the temptation to engage in class warfare.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5037, the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act. Throughout the history of our country, countless Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live freely. We owe these fallen heroes a debt of gratitude, and we should guarantee the fallen and their families a peaceful journey to their final resting place. Mr. Speaker, our military cemeteries are hallowed grounds. During the Gettysburg Address, I believe President Abraham Lincoln said it best: We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that the nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate--we can not consecrate--we can not hallow--this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. For these reasons, I am greatly troubled that groups exploit the sacrifice of so many Americans. These groups trespass on the memories and hallowed ground of our heroes. Demonstrations at cemeteries disrespect those who have fallen and the loved ones they leave behind. As they held their lines--we must do the same. This bill strikes a proper balance between the liberties they defended and the respect earned. I urge the passage of this bill for we must support their loved ones and honor their sacrifice.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution congratulating Israel on the occasion of its 58 years of independence. On May 14, 1948, facing overwhelming odds and almost assured destruction by its Arab neighbors, Jews living in their ancestral homeland, survivors of the Holocaust and Jewish refugees from around the world gathered in a small room in Tel Aviv to announce the creation the Jewish state of Israel. In the shadow of the murderous genocide of the Holocaust, the state of Israel was created so that Jews around the world would always have safe refuge from oppression and annihilation. In 1948, years of Zionists' dreams culminated as David Ben Gurion announced to the world that once again Israel was to be a free and independent state. founded on principles of freedom and democracy, the new state of Israel was quickly recognized by the United States as a welcome ally in the Middle East. unfortunately, within hours of this historic declaration, the neighboring Arab nations attacked and sent Israel into its first war as an independent nation. Despite conventional wisdom, and the great surprise of many around the world, Israel survived the attack but at a heavy cost to the young nation. Today, 58 years after the creation of the state, Israel still struggles with an enemy who wishes to destroy it. In addition, just last January, the Palestinian people freely elected Hamas, a terrorist organization that strives for the destruction of the state of Israel, to run its government. Israel is a thriving democracy and one of the United States' strongest allies in the global war on terror. Israel has demonstrated to the world that democracy can thrive in the Middle East and that freedom of religion, freedom of the press and basic human rights can work in a region that is otherwise dominated by terror and oppression. I stand today to congratulate Israel on its strong dedication to freedom and democracy throughout its 58 years of existence. I look forward to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and continuing to celebrate Israel's independence in years to come.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana. I too rise today in strong support of the Iran Freedom Support Act, and I would like to also commend the leadership of Chairman Ros- Lehtinen for her leadership on this bill and all those that she continues to fight for in the defense of freedom around the world. The world is clearly at a critical juncture. We are in the midst of waging a global war on terrorism to defend the free world from terrorists who seek not only to kill us, but to destroy our way of life. Make no mistake about it; the very essence of the rights and freedoms for which our forefathers fought are at stake. This bill that stands before us today is a key component of our war on terror. Iran is one of the largest state sponsors of terror in the world. They have funneled money and arms to terrorist cells throughout the Middle East, and have American blood on their hands. Iran, without a doubt, is one of the most dangerous threats to our national security and to world stability. Now Iran stands on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon, yet another tool in its arsenal of terror and violence. Iran's President Ahmadinejad is a maniacal dictator who thrives on his hatred for the United States and its desire to destroy our freedom. The world cannot and will not tolerate a nuclear Iran. It is not only the United States which is at risk, but our allies as well. President Ahmadinejad has made clear his intentions to wipe off the map Israel, our longest-standing democratic ally in the Middle East. This week, Madam Speaker, we commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day. We remember with great reverence and respect the victims of another maniacal dictator who threatened to wipe an entire people off the map and who wanted to impose his theory of a perfect society on the rest of the world. We must learn from our mistakes of the past to take these threats seriously and act hastily. The Iran Freedom Support Act is an important step in neutralizing the threat Iran poses to the world. I must stress, however, that passage of this bill should be the first step, not the last. God forbid we stand on this floor 60 years from now memorializing the victims of yet another Holocaust. Let us fulfill our pledge to never forget. Let us learn from the lessons of our history and continue to strengthen our tools to fight this global war on terror and preserve our freedoms.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006. As America continues to prosper, cell phones are becoming increasingly central to our everyday lives. We use this technology to keep in closer contact with our families, manage our livelihoods, and stay in touch with friends. We trust that the records of private conversations remain safe. Law enforcement must have the tools necessary to ensure the privacy of our cell phone records and prosecute those who invade our lives. Today, criminals can use our cell phone records to expose a government informant, steal our personal information, or commit other forms of fraud. This bill takes strong action to protect the privacy of American's cell phone records. By providing tough new protections, we can better ensure the privacy of confidential cell phone records. Law enforcement and prosecutors can impose serious criminal penalties on those who unlawfully invade and use our cell phone records. Congress has a duty to protect all Americans and their confidential cell phone records.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Yom Hashoa, Holocaust Memorial Day. Yom Hashoa is a day set aside on the Jewish calendar to recall with great reverence and respect the lives of the millions of victims of the Holocaust. More than 60 years ago, a maniacal dictator rose to power in Europe, and darkness fell upon the earth. Through a doctrine of hatred and destruction, he slew blameless, pure and innocent, men, women and children. The Nazis were intent on performing a systematic annihilation of the Jewish people. Their brutal endeavor to commit genocide was no more evident than in their zeal for murdering children. It is a heinous crime to destroy a people's past and to annihilate their future. One can only imagine the contributions to the world lost by this act of genocide, not only for our generation but for the future generations that will now never exist. For the survivors, the Holocaust did not end with liberation. Like the marks on their arms, their lives were forever marked by this atrocity. Those who survived faced the enormous challenge of rebuilding their lives. Many succeeded, others did not, but all would remember the horror of the crimes that were perpetrated against them. Survivors who suffered this hell are a living testament to the depths of evil to which man can fall. We must never again allow such a monstrous crime by man to be committed again. We read in Sefer Yeshayahu, the book of Isaiah: In my house and within my walls, I shall give them a Yad Vashem--a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; an eternal, imperishable name will I give them. On Thursday, in the United States Capitol Rotunda, we will observe Yom Hashoa. Through our observance, we create a human monument assuring that these innocent victims will not be forgotten. We here in the United States, the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King, are privileged to enjoy the greatest freedom known to man. We must never allow ourselves to take these freedoms for granted. We must never forget the genocide and human rights abuses that have occurred and, sadly, continue to occur around the world. We must not remain silent. We must dedicate ourselves to continuing to educate people around the globe about the horrors of the Holocaust. We must be eternally vigilant that such intolerance never happens again. God full of mercy who dwells on high Grant perfect rest on the wings of Your Divine Presence In the lofty heights of the holy and pure who shine as the brightness of the heavens to the souls of the men, women and children who were slaughtered, burned and murdered during the Holocaust for the sanctification of your name, who have gone to their eternal rest let us pray for the elevation of their souls. May their resting place be in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, the Master of mercy will care for them under the protection of His wings for all time And bind their souls in the bond of everlasting life. God is their inheritance and may they rest in peace and let us say Amen.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman. I thank the gentlewoman from Tennessee who has joined us, and I appreciate her dedication to this issue and so many others that reflect her desire to achieve transparency in so much of what we do here in this body and on behalf of the constituents that we represent. The gentleman is right, next week will be the opportunity for all of us to set partisanship aside, to speak up for the American people, and to essentially allow all Americans the access to the political process that right now only the super-wealthy have through their use of 527s. So we will look forward to hopefully having a bipartisan vote next week in closing the loophole, in upholding the principles of McCain- Feingold, which were to get soft money out of politics. We have often heard that that is what McCain-Feingold was about. This is what we were trying to do was to get rid of this so-called ``dirty soft money.'' Well, it would seem to me that anyone who voted for McCain-Feingold several years ago, in order to be consistent, should vote for the measure that will be on the floor next week because, otherwise, I would think an individual would open themselves up to allegations of hypocrisy, because, in fact, it was the aftermath of McCain-Feingold, the regulation process at the FEC, that produced the flourishing of the 527s; and as the gentleman, gentlewoman and also the congressman from North Carolina has shown, this is nothing but a ruse on the American people. There is an awfully powerful voice out there in many, many areas of the country involved in electioneering, a voice that no one knows who really is speaking, and that really is not what this country was about. That is not what the voters expect of us.

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman and I commend him on really a tremendous job in heading up the Official Truth Squad of House Republicans, because it is about transparency. You have done a great job at laying out the record here in the House of who votes for what and sort of comparing that to the rhetoric that often swirls around this place, certainly in the press and in other corners. I would also like to commend the gentleman from North Carolina for his leadership on this and many other issues. But I would like to, as the gentleman from Georgia indicated, talk just a minute about the issue of transparency in elections. See, I come from the Commonwealth of Virginia. In Virginia, we have an election law that allows for open and often disclosure. We have a campaign finance regime that allows for pretty much anyone to step up and exercise his or her first amendment right without any restriction so far as there is full and quick disclosure. That is really what we are all about, I think, here in this country, is we are about ventilating what goes on in this body, what goes on in elections. And so when this body passed the McCain-Feingold legislation, when it passed what we otherwise now call BCRA, somehow the Federal Election Commission in its promulgation of regulations created a loophole that was unintended, because again I think the primary goal of any campaign finance reform should be transparency. We should trust the voters and trust the citizens of this country to be able to make decisions for themselves as long as they have full disclosure of the information. Well, McCain-Feingold produced this loophole and the loophole was the 527 entities that were created, or really that flourished, after the passage of the McCain-Feingold legislation. As both gentlemen have pointed out, this loophole allows the super-rich to impact elections and it allows them to impact elections with very little to no accountability to the voters. As was said earlier, when any Federal candidate runs for office, they are required to disclose their contributions, their expenditures to the FEC, all of it done now electronically and online for their constituents and for the entire country to see. That is the difference here with 527s. They simply are not disclosing who their donors are in a timely fashion and are not disclosing what type of expenditures they are making. In fact, the Center For Public Integrity reported that section 527 political organizations raised approximately $535 million during the last Federal election cycle in 2004. That was up from the prior cycle of $268 million that was raised then. Reports that were released by public interest groups and various media sources during 2004 indicated that these 527 groups were not reporting all their contributions and expenditures to the IRS. In fact, the IRS did a study. In that study, it was estimated that 527 political organizations received nearly $27 million in contributions prior to filing the necessary disclosure forms, and consequently may be subject to over $17 million in unpaid taxes and penalties. So it almost seems as if 527s may be averting the law to get away with hidden contributions, hidden activities, shady activities. We all know and we have read the reports about the type of activities that these organizations have engaged in. For instance, one of these 527s hired dozens of felons as voter canvassers in Missouri, Ohio and Florida, including people convicted of crimes such as burglary, forgery, drug dealing, assault and sex offenses. Again, if there were not this loophole that instead would require 527s to abide by the same kind of disclosure laws that any Federal office or any Federal campaign committee was required to comply with, we would have known about that. In fact, these organizations, my contention would be, would not have hired felons and would have been much more careful in their activities. But the list goes on about the type of activities that these entities are engaged in across the country. That is what we are here today to talk about and that the Truth Squad has come to deliberate upon because frankly the American people expect better. The American people do expect that those who engage in political activity do so in the sunshine, do so with the ability for voters to access information and for the political process frankly not be commandeered by these groups that operate in the dark. I appreciate the manner in which the gentlemen from Georgia and North Carolina approach this subject and look forward to continuing to debate and discuss these important issues that face Americans frankly this election cycle.

Mr. CANTOR. The gentleman is exactly right. I think the three of us and probably most of our colleagues would adhere to a philosophy that allows for free and open participation in the political process, but again, with the stipulation that that participation brings an obligation for full disclosure; and that is in fact what we are about here in 527 reform. I anticipate and look forward to the debate on this House floor next week on the issue of 527 reform. We have got to allow the average American the same ability to get involved in the political process that, frankly, the super-rich have. As we see in the gentleman from Georgia's charts, over $78 million, nearly $79 million was contributed and put into the political process by four super-wealthy donors. Now, I know that most, if not all, of our constituents do not have the ability to participate in that manner, to participate in these 527s. The gentleman from Georgia mentioned what is a 527. And Congressman McHenry, you indicated, well, they are the ones that are paying for these calls that may be interrupting your dinner at home, that may be coming and knocking on your door inquiring about your allegiance, inquiring about your political affiliation. 527 groups are groups that have involved themselves in the political process. They have become omnipresent in many places in this country because they can get involved in a political campaign really under the radar screen, unbeknownst to a candidate, unbeknownst to perhaps both candidates in a race. They do so because they are not properly disclosing who their donors are. Frankly, we do not have the proper enforcement mechanisms in place. Mechanisms that should be in place belong at the FEC just like they are for any other election campaign.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman and I would like to commend her, too, on her leadership in bringing this amendment forward along with the gentleman from New Jersey as well as the Rules Chairman from California. I think it is important to note that there is a cry of unison here that we all must stand for the continued expansion of our American economy, the continued leadership of this country. It is my opinion we should hold as a goal that we should double this economy of ours in the next 10 years. The way to do that is to promote math and science education. We have all seen the evidence of the fact that our competition is leaping ahead of us in terms of graduating math and science PhDs and other graduate students. We have got to get back in the game. This amendment will allow us to do just that. It will strengthen our ability to compete in the 24-7 global economy. I am glad to hear the other side, and the gentleman from New Jersey indicate that this will increase the level of discourse and discussion in the classroom by the participation of adjunct faculty. This amendment does not create a new program. Rather, it is an innovative, fiscally responsible approach that overhauls and updates an existing program. Over time, it will increase the number of science, technology, engineering and math graduates in America. I commend the gentlewoman for her leadership.