Tom Davis

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing a bill that would name a portion of the U.S. courthouse located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Alexandria, Virginia, as the ``Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building.'' On August 31, 2003, Assistant United States Attorney Justin W. Williams, Chief of the Criminal Division in the Eastern District of Virginia, died tragically at the age of 61 from a heart attack as he jogged along the Potomac River in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Williams's untimely death marked the end of a career of a truly remarkable public servant who was loved and respected by all of his colleagues and those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Mr. Williams's distinguished career as a federal prosecutor began on May 11, 1970. During the ensuing 33 years he was either directly involved in or supervised every major federal prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia, including the prosecutions of Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, both of whom were convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. During his career, Mr. Williams was appointed Acting United States Attorney on two occasions, June 1979 to November 1981 and January 1986 to June 1986, during which time he served with distinction. He was also at various times First Assistant United States Attorney, Senior Litigation Counsel, and for most of his illustrious career Chief of the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. His many accomplishments and awards, far too numerous to list, included the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Furthering the Interest of the United States National Security (2002), as well as three Director's Awards for Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney. Mr. Williams was a mentor and role model for all those who served in the U.S. Attorney's Office during his tenure, as well as those in law enforcement who worked with him. His illustrious career was a testimonial to courage, conviction, fairness, and decency. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Williams, and their two children, Andrew Grant Williams and Caitlin Grey Williams. He is also survived by his mother, Edith Williams. I urge all of my colleagues to support this fitting tribute to a truly remarkable public servant.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 409, and to join my colleagues in repudiating Dr. Mahathir Mohamad for his recent comments made to the Organization of the Islamic Conference. It is distressing to me that an individual such as Dr. Mohamad--often portrayed as a moderate Muslim leader--would feel the need to issue what I view as a call to arms to the Muslim world. In doing so, his characterization of Jews as vast cabal that ``rules the world by proxy'' serves no constructive purpose whatsoever. Rather, it merely perpetuates hateful and destructive millennia-old sterotypes that have long made Jewish people scapegoats for any number of societal ills. I call upon my colleagues to join me in condemning the anti-Semitic comments of Dr. Mohamad, and I echo the language of H. Res. 409 in calling on the European Union to also repudiate these remarks. I thank Mr. Blunt for his leadership in bringing this timely resolution to the floor, and urge my fellow members to give it their full support.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, S. 926, the Federal Employee Student Loan Assistance Act, would raise the annual and aggregate amounts that federal agencies can offer a qualified employee to assist in repaying a student loan. This legislation would raise the annual repayment amount for an employee from $6,000 to $10,000, and the aggregate repayment amount from $40,000 to $60,000. The purpose of raising the annual and aggregate repayment caps is two-fold. First, higher education tuition costs have increased dramatically in recent years and are considerably higher than they were when the original statute was passed on November 5, 1990. Second, as the federal government works to recruit and retain the best and the brightest, an attractive student loan repayment program should be an effective recruitment tool to help government agencies compete with the private sector. I would like to commend the Senate sponsors of this legislation for introducing this important legislation, and I would also like to commend the House Civil Service Subcommittee Chairwoman for introducing companion legislation in the House. I urge all Members to support S. 926.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my respect and gratitude to Mr. Thomas N. Kuhn for 44 years of military and civilian service to his country. Mr. Kuhn enlisted in the United States Army on July 22, 1959, and served on active duty for over 25 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. While on active duty, he served overseas in Germany, Vietnam, Korea, and Italy, and in the United States at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Monroe, Virginia; Fort Lee, Virginia; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Mr. Kuhn retired from active duty in October 1984. Upon retiring, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Field Artillery Proponency Office at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he previously had served as Sergeant Major. In January 1986, Mr. Kuhn then joined the Department of the Army Personnel Command Task Force in Alexandria, Virginia. Next, he became Branch Chief of the Combat Service Support Branch of the Army Occupational Survey Division in the Soldier Support Center--National Capitol Region. Mr. Kuhn continued civilian support for his country nearly 20 years, holding numerous leadership positions such as: Deputy Chief of Staff for Operation, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command; Deputy Director, Casualty and Memorial Affairs Operations Center; Adjutant General Directorate, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command; and Acting Director. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kuhn has been recognized with both military and civilian honors. For his military service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal with Eight Awards. For his civilian service, he was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award and the Commanders Award. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor Mr. Kuhn's exceptional dedication to his country. I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Mr. Kuhn on 44 years of military and civilian service to the United States.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the 20th anniversary of Paul VI Catholic High School on October 12, 2003. Since opening in September 1983, Paul VI has been committed to graduating well-educated, responsible, and moral young adults. The Diocese of Arlington purchased the old 1934 Fairfax High School building to be administered by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales according to the teachings of the Gospel of St. Francis de Sales. Paul VI quickly established an excellent academic reputation, helping it grow to its 1,200-student capacity; yet it is especially important to note that the school's mission extends far beyond academia. Faith, outreach, and extracurricular activity also have helped make Paul VI a unique, popular, and admired school community. Spiritually, students are supported by an active Campus Ministry program which offers Masses, liturgies, and retreats, as well as opportunities for students to meet in healthy social situations. As many as 100 students a year have signed up to be part of the Campus Ministry Team, known for planning activities such as World Hunger Day in order to better empathize with others. Service plays an equally large role at Paul VI. In 1999, the school was recognized as one of only three Virginia Service Learning Leader Schools. Freshmen and sophomores are required to donate time to helping their school, parish, or community. Juniors and seniors must choose a volunteer project of direct service to the poor, homeless, elderly, or dispossessed. In addition, senior government classes encourage students to volunteer for political candidates and become responsible American citizens. Paul VI also has taken a leading role nationally as one of the first three Catholic schools in the nation with a program of modified inclusion for developmentally disabled high school students. Through another unique program, Paul VI students became the first high school students ever allowed to work with hospice patients in the Washington, DC, area. In a pilot program run by Hospice of Northern Virginia, seniors taking the Paul VI Death and Dying class are paired with Hospice patients to establish relationships and compile life histories for patients and their families. Many clubs, sports teams and student organizations add yet another dimension to life at Paul VI. The school newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine are rated in top categories among scholastic publications. Paul VI offers a successful athletic program with a number of sports teams and an extensive intramural program. Both girls and boys cross-country teams have won state championships; girls volleyball won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championships the past 4 years, and boys basketball won the WCAC title in 2003. Students at Paul VI also select a different charity each year to support. Their pledges greatly have helped organizations such as the Hospice of Northern Virginia, the Northern Virginia Training Center, and the American Heart Association. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Paul VI Catholic High School on 20 years of excellence. With its alumni spanning the far comers of the world involved in the Peace Corps and armed services and holding a variety of other noble positions, Paul VI seems to be living out the words of its patron, Saint Francis de Sales, ``Do Ordinary Things Extraordinarily Well.'' I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the Paul VI and its dedicated administration, faculty, staff, and students.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the 50th anniversary of Garfield Elementary School on October 16, 2003. Garfield Elementary School, located in the heart of Springfield, currently serves approximately 335 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. In 1952, the Garfield School was established to meet the educational needs of the rapidly emerging Springfield area of Fairfax County. First staffed with only seven teachers, Garfield conducted classes on the grounds of Franconia Elementary School under the supervision of then Franconia principal, Mr. James Robinson. The following year, in September 1953, Garfield opened its own school on Old Keen Mill Road, staffed with 18 faculty members and with Mr. Robinson as its first principal. Since then, Garfield School has been renovated twice in order to better meet the needs of its students. First, in 1967-68 the library was refurbished, administrative offices were added, kindergarten and primary classes were created and a gymnasium was built. Later in 1989, a fresh look was added to the front of the building. And most recently in 2001, new state of the art windows were installed to help reduce the noise created by the ever-widening Old Keene Mill Road. For the past 50 years Garfield has demonstrated great commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment for the students of Springfield. By placing emphasis on literacy, hands-on experience, critical thinking, cooperation, and cultural sensitivity, Garfield has exceeded all standards set by the Virginia Department of Education. Today, Garfield embraces a richly diverse cultural population and is known statewide for its language arts program. From humble beginnings, Garfield most certainly has emerged as an exemplary elementary school. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Garfield Elementary School on their 50th anniversary and wish them continued success for the future. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding their dedication to excellence in the field of education.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me say to my friend that this amendment strikes a very critical provision in this supplemental that provides for congressional notification 7 days before a determination is made under the procurement laws. Understand that we are dealing with a situation in Iraq where there is no electronic inventory system for supplies. We are basically dealing with carbon paper inventory. Consequently, there is often no warning when supplies are depleted, where we need to act in a very fast manner. Under the gentleman's amendment, we would not be able to go out and procure something that is needed without going out and finding additional bidders or waiting 7 days. Sometimes the situation does not allow for that. Recently, it was discovered that the stock of baby formula in the country was gone, and it was not available anywhere in the country. Under the gentleman's provision, we would have had to wait 7 days before we could go out sole source, or we would have had to source it which could take up to a week or an even longer time than that. In this particular case under the exemption, they would have been allowed to move ahead as they did, a contract was awarded using the exemption to the supplier who could provide immediate delivery. In the meantime, you would go out and source this and compete it for any longer period of time. This would be only for an emergency situation. We had another situation where 2 days before the scheduled distribution of the new currency was to take effect, it was found there were not enough trucks or security to accomplish the distribution. You ask, how were we faced with that? Again, we are dealing not with an electronic inventory system in the country, but a carbon copy inventory. A contract was awarded very quickly using the urgency exemption to a company that could supply immediately the needed trucks and security guards for a limited, finite period. Only in those most exceptional cases should we allow sole sourcing. That is why we have agreed in our committee to a 7-day preaward notification for Congress in all but the most exceptional circumstances. But I think we are dealing with a wartime situation. There are times when you have to act and do not have time to go out and competitively compete for all the necessities you may need to fight a war. It is only in the most dire situations that we would allow this. The gentleman's amendment strikes even our ability to do that. That is why I oppose the gentleman's amendment, although, in principle, I think we are in agreement. I think it is critical that the unusual and compelling urgency exemption in current law operate as intended in Iraq of all places where the situation is fraught with danger, and circumstances seem to change by the minute. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1828, a resolution that calls for an end to Syria's support for terrorism and an end to its occupation of Lebanon. In his 2003 State of the Union address, President Bush stated that the gravest danger facing the United States in the war on terrorism is the acquisition by other countries of weapons of mass destruction, and that we must confront this danger. A senior Administration official recently testified before the Committee on International Relations that Syria remains a security concern as a supporter of international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction proliferation. I commend the Administration's efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Syria. President Bush has consistently called on Syria to close its terrorist camps and to expel terrorist organizations. Secretary Powell has worked diligently with the Syrian government towards ending its occupation of Lebanon. Since 1990, the U.S. Congress has passed seven resolutions calling on the withdrawal of Syrian armed forces from Lebanon. Many members of Congress--including myself--have been to Syria and urged the Syrian government to work with the United States in the war against terrorism. And despite our diplomatic efforts, Syria has not fulfilled its pledge to work with us. Mr. Speaker, we know that Syria continues to offer protection to terrorist groups such as Hizballah, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Recently, Syria conducted efforts to acquire technology that could be applied to a nuclear weapons program. Syria has also undermined coalition efforts to bring stability to Iraq by allowing volunteers to cross the border and fight our service members. And as we all know, Syria has ignored numerous United Nations resolutions calling on Syria to end its occupation of Lebanon, a sovereign nation. H.R. 1828 would hold Syria accountable for the serious international security problems it has caused in the Middle East. This resolution would instruct the President to impose economic sanctions on Syria until the Department of State determines that Syria ceases to provide support to international terrorist groups, ceases the development and deployment of weapons, and withdraws all military forces from Lebanon. Mr. Speaker, despite our many attempts to reach a diplomatic solution, Syria continues to obstruct our efforts in the war against terrorism. I support H.R. 1828 and encourage my colleagues in the House to vote in favor of this important resolution.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I yield back any remaining time I have.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3054, the District of Columbia Military Retirement Equity Act of 2003 is bipartisan legislation that will allow current and former police officers, firefighters, U.S. Park Police officers, and United States Secret Service employees in the District of Columbia to essentially buy back military service time to avoid costly reductions in their monthly benefit payment. Under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the Department of the Treasury and the District of Columbia share responsibility for the D.C. police officers and firefighters retirement plan. In conjunction with the District, the Treasury Department proceeded to audit the program and discovered a mistake in which individuals were concurrently receiving credit for their post-1956 military service while being eligible for Social Security. Treasury was then forced to reduce hundreds of annuitants' monthly benefits. Through no fault of their own, hundreds of retirees find themselves in the precarious position of having to buy back the military time or have a dramatic reduction in their annuity. This reality is clearly unfair, was unintended, and must be corrected. I believe this House has an obligation to right this wrong for the benefit of those who selflessly protect our Nation's capital city, and this legislation gives us an opportunity to do just that. The D.C. Military Retirement Equity Act provides a fair mechanism for active duty retirees and retirees to buy back their military service time while it preserves their planned monthly annuity. This legislation parallels the Civil Service Retirement Act. Federal employees who retired under the Civil Service Retirement Act were made aware of the post-1956 law and were permitted to buy the service credit by making payments equal to 7 percent of the military basic pay for the period in question. If the employee elected to buy back the service credit, it continued to be counted after the employee became eligible for Social Security. The current and former officers covered under this bill who have served our country not once but twice deserve the same opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 3054. I thank and congratulate my colleagues, the distinguished cosponsors of this legislation, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), for their efforts on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) for his leadership and again the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), who is a cosponsor with me, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), of course our distinguished Delegate from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton). We thank all of them for helping to put this together as we hopefully pass this today, send this to the other body for what we hope will be fast consideration and a signature on the President's desk.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my friend for his remarks. Let me say that even today, our police officers and firefighters in the District of Columbia, our Secret Service agents put their lives on the line and one never knows what is around the corner in a job like this. It is difficult recruiting and retaining the best and the brightest for these positions; and to some extent, they look at how we treat current retirees when they decide to sign up and for retention or to join the Department in the first place. In this particular case, a grave mistake was made at the time of the Balanced Budget Act. It had ramifications of basically taking thousands of dollars away from people who over the last generation laid their lives on the line for the safety of the citizens who run our Nation's capital, our law makers and government institutions. This legislation is, I think, a modest attempt to try to right that wrong, and I hope that current officers and those that are thinking of going into this understand the high regard in which this Congress holds these individuals and honors the service that they gave this city and this government during their tenure. That is what this equity act is all about. That is why it has strong bipartisan support, and that is why I urge our colleagues in the House to support this legislation today. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers at this point, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3054) to amend the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act to permit military service previously performed by members and former members of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, the United States Park Police, and the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division to count as creditable service for purposes of calculating retirement annuities payable to such members upon payment of a contribution by such members, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3054.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3159) to require Federal agencies to develop and implement plans to protect the security and privacy of government computer systems from the risks posed by peer-to-peer file sharing, as amended.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3159.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3159, the Government Network Security Act of 2003 closes a loophole in the Federal Government's efforts to protect the security and privacy of its computers. It requires executive branch departments and agencies to take steps to protect government computers and information from the risks that are posed by the use of peer-to- peer file sharing programs. Peer-to-peer file sharing programs are Internet applications that allow users to download and directly share electronic files from users on the same network. These programs are surging in popularity with millions of people trading music, images and documents over these networks at any given time. While most of the news coverage on file sharing focuses on the abilities of users to illegally trade copyrighted music, movies and videos, another less-publicized dark side to this technology is the risk it poses to the security of computers and the privacy of electronic information. Few people recognize these risks. At a hearing held by the Committee on Government Reform in May, members heard from computer security experts who discussed the privacy and security risks created by these programs. And through a couple of simple searches on one file-sharing program, committee staff easily obtained completed tax returns, medical records, confidential legal documents and business files. We learned that using these programs can be similar to giving a complete stranger access to your personal file cabinet. Consequently, file sharing programs can create a number of risks for Federal departments at agencies if they are installed on government computers. The Federal Government uses and stores a wide variety of classified and sensitive information, including information vital to national security, vital to public health and the personal and financial records of U.S. citizens and businesses. Installing these programs on government computers can cause this sensitive information to be exposed to the public. Because files are shared anonymously on peer-to-peer networks, there is also the risk of the spread of viruses worms and other malicious computer files. Mr. Speaker, both the House and the Senate have successfully taken steps to protect congressional computers through both technical and nontechnical means including firewalls and employee training. Unlike Congress, however, executive branch departments and agencies do not have similar policies. This legislation requires agencies to develop and implement such policies to protect government information and computers. File-sharing technology is not inherently bad and it may turn out to have a variety of beneficial implications. H.R. 3159 recognizes this by protecting the ability of Federal agencies to pursue innovations of peer-to-peer technology on government networks, as long as they do not put government information or computers at risk. This bill takes a common sense approach to protect the computers and networks of the Federal Government and the valuable information they contain. I want to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), the distinguished ranking member on the Committee on Government Reform, and his staff for their work on this bill, setting up the hearing, and really calling this to our attention. I also want to recognize all the 28 members of the Committee on Government Reform who have cosponsored this legislation. This bill is an excellent follow-up to the committee's bipartisan investigations into the risk of using file sharing programs. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 3159. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 234, a resolution that calls for the condemnation of prejudice and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian- Americans, and Sikh-Americans, and which recognizes the contributions that these groups have made to American society. The resolution also calls upon Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies to work to prevent bias-motivated crimes and to investigate and prosecute such crimes vigorously. Shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, I introduced a similar resolution with Congressman David Bonior. H. Con. Res. 227 condemned bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim- Americans, and South Asian-Americans, and declared that the civil liberties of these and all other Americans should be protected during our efforts to bring the perpetrators and sponsors of the terrorist acts to justice. I commend Representative Darrell Issa for introducing H. Res. 234. This resolution sends a strong and clear message that we will not condone prejudiced and violent crimes against any Americans. We must remember that many individuals in the Arab, Muslim, South Asian and Sikh-American communities came to the United States seeking freedom and democracy, and they fled oppressive regimes that lack freedom of speech and religion and in some cases support terrorism. I am pleased that the House of Representatives is once again taking a firm stand on this issue, which is so important to all Americans. I strongly support H. Res. 234 and encourage my colleagues in the House to vote in favor of this important resolution.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to acknowledge Westminster at Lake Ridge Retirement Community as they celebrate ten years of community service on September 19, 2003. The vision for Westminster started over 25 years ago when the late Myles Golbranson led a group of Presbyterians in creating a life-care community. Several years later, in 1989, Westminster was established and in January of 1993 it opened its doors as a continuing care community, making this vision a reality. Since then, Westminster has remained dedicated to its mission: to provide a continuum of housing, healthcare and related services to older adults that promote independence, dignity and personal fulfillment. Westminster is a major Prince William County employer and provides a wealth of volunteer opportunities. The residents of Westminster have committed thousands of volunteer hours to local schools, hospitals, and civic and cultural events. For example, the Flying Fingers knit hundreds of caps and blankets each year for newborn babies at Potomac Hospital. Prince William County residents also give back to Westminster; Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and church groups make regular visits. Today Westminster has grown to house 400 residents, and opens its doors to countless others involved in the Rotary Club, business networking meetings, support groups, community groups, and local Chamber of Commerce groups. Westminster also holds numerous special events including countywide blood drives, health fairs, and political forums. For ten years, Westminster, in cooperation with the adult community of River Ridge, has provided invaluable living, volunteer, political and charity opportunities to the Prince William County community. In doing so, Westminster most certainly has fulfilled its mission. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank Westminster at Lake Ridge Retirement Community as they celebrate their 10th anniversary. They have provided a quality retirement lifestyle for active senior citizens, and contributed greatly to the community at large. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating ten years of caring, volunteerism, and activism.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3034, the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry Reauthorization Act. Today we are able to prolong hope for so many individuals waiting for a match to their bone marrow by reauthorizing the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry for another five years. For many people waiting for a transplant due to various illnesses, the task of finding a donor is a long and costly process. Each year two-thirds of patients awaiting bone marrow transplants are unsuccessful in finding a match within their family. This is why the establishment of a national registry was crucial. About seventy percent of leukemia and other blood disorder patients do not find a match within their family. A match would be someone with certain white blood cells, called antigens, which are similar or identical to the patient's. These transplants enable patients the opportunity to live a full life, whereas without the transplant they would have little or no chance of survival. From the organization of a donor registry through the United States Navy in 1986 to this current extension of the National Registry, it is clear that Congress takes this issue to heart. Each member of this House has someone in their district who has been touched by one of the debilitating diseases that need a bone marrow transplant, often as a last option. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank Chairman Young for his leadership on the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry Reauthorization Act. Because of his family's own experience with the seriousness of bone marrow transplants, he has emerged as a leader in the issue and is committed to the cause. I urge all my colleagues to support this important reauthorization.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to acknowledge the achievements of Joanne Amos, the President of Reflections Photography, as she celebrates 25 years in business. Reflections, a photography firm that was founded in 1978 in Lexington, Kentucky, originally only catered to social events at nearby universities and the thoroughbred industry. Joanne Amos took the initiative to explore the possibility of expanding the business to begin covering political and corporate events. Since that decision, business has flourished and Reflections has risen to the top of the photography industry. Over the years Reflections achieved many significant benchmarks, including serving as an official photographer for President Ronald Reagan's second inaugural ceremonies. Other major clients have included the National Governors Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. In addition, Reflections has been chosen to provide photographic coverage at every National Convention since 1984. Reflections has grown to cover over 400 events a year, including proceedings with governors, members of Congress, and the administration. While much of their business is related to politics, they also boast a clientele list that includes a host of Fortune 500 companies and celebrities, such as the Washington Redskins, Sylvester Stallone, and even the Queen of England. As the firm grew they opened an office in Washington, D.C. and in 1992 the headquarters was relocated here. Joanne Amos now resides in the 11th district of Virginia; from this base she will be providing event photography for the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign. This contract was won on the sheer quality of Reflection's reputation and will grant them the opportunity to show they can coordinate nationwide media coverage. Reflections will make full use of their extensive network of photographers and web-based technology to keep pace with the aggressive schedule set by the President's campaign. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to applaud Joanne Amos on her outstanding guidance and leadership of Reflections photography. I call upon my colleagues to celebrate the success of this remarkable businesswoman and to wish Reflections Photography continued success.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Reverend Won Sang Lee as he retires after 26 years as the Senior Pastor of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia. He has taken a lead role in providing a spiritual center for the Korean-American community in the 11th district of Virginia. Reverend Lee has demonstrated the importance of education with his extensive studies, which began at KeiMyung University in Korea where he received a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy. He went on to complete three Master's degrees, first in Philosophy from KyungBook University, Korea, next in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and finally in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from KeiMyung University, Korea. During Reverend Lee's career, his focus has been community outreach, both local and international. The Reverend has made an impact globally by serving as the President of Seed International, which is a mission agency that provides support for missionary activities both home and abroad, and by holding a leadership position in the Korean World Mission Council for Christ. On a national scale, Reverend Lee has served as the Moderator for the Coalition of the Korean Churches in the Presbyterian Church in America, and as Chairman of the Korean-American Food for the Hungry. Locally, Reverend Lee has been very involved in providing a bright future for children as Chairman of the Washington Youth Foundation. He also directed the Metro-Washington Council of Korean Churches as its President. In November 2001, the Reverend's life long commitment to his fellow human beings was recognized when he received the Virginia Governor's Award for Outstanding Religious Institution. This award was granted in honor of his work in the Korean Central Senior Center, where he has served as the Chairman of the Board of Director's since 1994. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to applaud the efforts of Reverend Lee who has provided spiritual guidance to citizens all across the globe, and more importantly right here at home. I ask all my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this great humanitarian.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me thank the gentleman from Indiana (Chairman Souder) for his leadership on this issue, as he has made a career of this since he came to Congress, and to his ranking member, (Mr. Cummings) of Maryland. I appreciate them working together. To my ranking member on the full committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), we appreciate his input here to reach this compromise we have here today. Since its inception in 1988, the Office of National Drug Control Policy has been the cornerstone of drug policy in America, improving the lives of all Americans by reducing the presence of drugs in our society. This office has been producing the results our Nation needs: Teen drug use is on the decline, and that is just one of many positive advancements which have been made by ONDCP in the last couple of years. The many positive signs and trends that Director Walters reported in this year's National Drug Control Strategy clearly demonstrate the difference the office can make when strong and effective leadership is merged with sound policy. Drug use and abuse is a national crisis that affects the health of our citizens and, in turn, our country. To win the war on drugs, we need to address the problem of drugs in our society from every angle. This legislation gives ONDCP the appropriate resources to stop drug use before it starts, to heal drug users, and disrupt drug markets. We all know that drugs affect people from all walks of life. Rich, poor, whatever race, addiction does not discriminate. A strong national drug policy is in the interests of every American. Mr. Speaker, the bill we bring to the floor today is bipartisan in the best sense of the word. It is the product of careful negotiation and strong bipartisan agreement. In crafting this important piece of legislation, we aimed to provide the best possible support for the administration and Director Walters in implementing the President's strategy. We sought to make ONDCP more efficient by reducing outdated reporting and structural requirements that are in the current law. We also gave significant attention to reforms of the Media Campaign and the HIDTA program to ensure that they are effective and true to their original aims. Both of these programs have grown in ways that were not originally intended, and the bill reflects the desire to ensure that the programs remain accountable and dedicated to their core purposes. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana (Chairman Souder) and the subcommittee ranking member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), and my full committee counterpart, the gentleman from California (Ranking Member Waxman) for their leadership, dedication, and hard work on this authorization legislation. I am happy that we could reach a bipartisan agreement on this bill. It is too important to play politics with, and there is no place for partisanship in protecting our children against drugs. This bipartisanship was reflected in the unanimous vote to pass the bill out of our committee. Mr. Speaker, I am confident that we have put together a cohesive, effective piece of legislation to maintain and provide ONDCP with the necessary tools to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, and drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.