Nathan Deal

Mr. DEAL of Georgia

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), my colleague.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House will consider H. Con. Res. 30. This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States has changed dramatically over the past 2 decades. In 1981 when patients were first diagnosed with AIDS, they typically only survived a few months. Today, new treatments prolong life for HIV/AIDS patients and can even prevent transmission of the virus from mother to child. Research and development activities at the National Institutes of Health, in addition to significant investments in the private sector, have transformed how we treat this disease. As the newly appointed chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, I look forward to working with Members on both sides of the aisle to continue the progress we have made in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. That includes examining programs to ensure that we are adequately responding to this epidemic, especially in communities disproportionately affected by the disease. Too many Americans are still infected with this deadly disease, when we know there are proven ways to prevent its transmission. One project that I intend to work on will be the reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act programs. Congress invests approximately $2 billion in Ryan White CARE Act programs. Before reauthorizing these programs, we will evaluate how program dollars are allocated so that taxpayer resources are indeed providing critical treatment services to those areas with the greatest needs. Legislation we advance will incorporate changes to strengthen these programs so that better results are achieved. As we recognize and encourage others to participate in the activities this week to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, I would also like to draw special attention to President Bush for his efforts to address the HIV/ AIDS epidemic, both in the United States and around the world. President Bush has proven time and again his commitment to improving the lives of those impacted by HIV/AIDS and deserves our support for these endeavors. I encourage my colleagues to adopt this resolution Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this legislation.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res 30) supporting the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, as amended.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon).

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns) and that he may control that time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns) for his handling of the resolution on the floor today. I urge adoption of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, we are here today because on September 11, 2001, 19 men, all of whom either entered our country illegally, overstayed their visas or obtained fraudulent visas, boarded four airplanes and used them as bombs to kill thousands of our citizens. The primary identification document that allowed them to board those airplanes were State drivers' licenses. Nothing in this bill would prevent those hijackers from using those same drivers' licenses to board those same airplanes and to repeat the events of 9/ 11. If we do everything else to tighten our security and do not close this loophole, we have intentionally ignored the event that brings us to this day. Some will say let us deal with it next year. I ask, Why not now? Why not simply be honest with the American people and tell them we just do not have the political will to take those drivers' licenses out of the hands of would-be terrorists? Do we think terrorists are going to play fair? Do we think terrorists do not know they will continue to be able to obtain drivers' licenses without proving lawful entry into this country? Instead of getting tough on terrorists, this bill actually has some built-in rewards. Yes, if you illegally enter this country, we cannot deport you based on the same evidence that would have denied your entry into this country if you asked us for permission to come in. What is the reverse logic of that? It is like telling a burglar we are not going to open our door and let you in our house, but if you break in, we are going to give you free room and board. Some say this is a bill that is tough on terrorists, even though the death penalty has been removed as a punishment, even if they use an atomic weapon or release the smallpox virus. Maybe the logic of that is that terrorists do not really fear death, so why subject them to the death penalty for their acts. And, if they happen to have qualified for Federal benefits, they can still draw their Social Security while they are serving their Federal prison term. Mr. Speaker, the next time Members are standing in a line with other American citizens at the airport as they are going through a body search or somebody rifling through their baggage, just hope they do not ask you if the associates of Osama bin Laden could still get on an airplane using those same fraudulent drivers' licenses, because the answer is yes. Do Members really feel more secure?

Mr. DEAL of Georgia

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as we conclude this debate on this resolution, I again thank my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), for introducing the resolution as we honor our native son, a man that the State of Georgia is indeed proud of, our 39th President, and truly wish to President Carter and his family the best wishes of this body. I urge my colleagues to adopt and support H. Res. 798.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution which wishes President Jimmy Carter a happy 80th birthday. Our 39th President was born on October 1, 1924, some 80 years ago last Friday, in Plains, Georgia. In his 4 years in the White House, President Carter worked to make the Federal Government more competent and compassionate and more responsive to the American people. But perhaps President Carter's most significant accomplishment in office was his coordination of the signing of the Camp David Accord between Israel and Egypt. This achievement ushered in an important new beginning for these two Middle East countries. The President continues to this day to be active in world affairs. For his efforts across the globe, he was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. President Carter has always been a very compassionate and tremendously principled man who has based his leadership on his deep Baptist faith. Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for all Members when I wish President Carter and his family the very best on the occasion of his 80th birthday. My distinguished colleague from my home State of Georgia (Mr. Lewis) deserves commendation from all Members for extending these birthday wishes to President Carter on behalf of the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material as it relates to this resolution.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 798) honoring former President James Earl (Jimmy) Carter on the occasion of his 80th birthday, as amended.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would say, if the gentleman would come to Lake Lanier in north Georgia, we have some fish big enough to ride in Lake Lanier. We will provide the saddles. Fishing rodeos are big business, and they attract a lot of people to the sport of fishing. On August 14, we will celebrate the third annual National Marina Day. This annual celebration promotes the United States' 12,000 marinas and strives to educate all of us, politicians, civic leaders and the public, about the important roles that marinas play in the waterfront communities across America. During the first year, 80 marinas in 23 States participated in National Marina Day. Last year, the celebration spread to 150 marinas in 25 States. This year again marks another significant opportunity to recognize marina operators and their industry's role and contributions to America's water recreation. National Marina Day offers local marina operators the opportunity to host events to bring tens of thousands of people to our country's marinas. These marinas are gateways to boating and help maintain the natural environments that we enjoy. In my district, Lake Lanier is home to 10 marinas, and I am proud to recognize Kirby Cay Scheimann of the Aqualand Marina in Flowery Branch, Georgia, as the National Marina Day chairman. The marinas in my district, like other marinas throughout the country, provide an economic investment in the lake, boat storage, boat events, and a wealth of local knowledge for visitors to the lake. These marinas serve in our State as the area's gateway to Georgia's Great Lake. This resolution supports the goals of National Marina Day and recognizes the value marinas play as gateways to boating and as stewards of the environment. This resolution commends marinas as places where Americans can visit with family and friends and come together for recreation, rest, and relaxation. Congress and all of us as Members of Congress are in a unique position to support these goals. When the National Association of Engine and Boat Manufacturers first used the word ``marina'' in 1928, it was defined simply as a recreational boating facility. Today, however, marinas are much more. They have become an integral part not only of American recreation, but also of American life. They are strong, vibrant communities of families and friends united by a shared passion for the water. I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder). (Mr. SOUDER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. I will tell the chairman I am prepared to withdraw the amendment. I will, however, say that even though I do support our efforts to interdict drugs overseas, that until those governments recognize that when someone comes into our country either legally or illegally, kills a law enforcement officer or any other citizen, or engages in major drug trafficking in our own country that under the provisions of their own laws or constitutions it prohibits them from being prosecuted for it that they have to understand if they want to be a partner in these efforts, that is the first step they should begin to take to show their good faith. I would suggest if they want to show good faith, they should allow the murderer of Officer March to be brought to justice in the United States. I do thank the gentleman for his indulgence. I would urge him to press this issue forward as we go forward with further funding issues. And I, quite frankly, would urge our administration to reexamine the extradition treaty not only with Mexico but with any other country that throws up these impediments. It is a double insult to the American public to have someone come into our country, kill our law enforcement officers or our citizens, and then be able to escape back to their own country and not be brought to justice. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time is left on my side.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman would continue to yield, I am sure there are arguments that can be made that it does some good, but Mexico continues to be the main source of illegal drugs into this country. And if we are doing something, it has not been as effective as it should have been.

Mr. DEAL of Georgia. In response to the gentleman's inquiry, I think it is certainly an appropriate inquiry. I would suggest that if we really want to stop the flow of drugs from Mexico, rather than sending that $40 million there, we could use it on our border to beef up our DEA, our Customs and others to try to stop it here. The real irony of the argument that we cannot deal with the lack of extradition is that, first of all, if we really want to deal with Mexican drug problems, under the current status of affairs if a Mexican drug dealer comes to our country and in the process of his illegal activity of selling drugs in our country he kills either an officer or a private citizen and then returns back to his own country, a drug dealer cannot be brought to justice because Mexico will not allow it. That to me is the greatest irony of all. I would suggest that if we really want to do something about the Mexican drug traffic, I understand their cartels are the leading distributors and manufacturers of drugs in our own country. So I would suggest that we can use the money better here at home.