Tom DeLay

Mr. DeLAY

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, this week the House will begin moving into the end game for the legislative session, and we will do so with the wind at our backs. Thanks to our passage of President Bush's Jobs and Growth agenda, jobless claims are down, and corporate profits and economic growth are way up. Last week, we even learned the Federal deficit has come in much lower than anticipated, as Republicans predicted it would. In other words, the Bush economy and the Federal Government are recovering with a vengeance from the ``bin Laden'' slump. The faster the economy grows, the sooner we can balance the budget, all the while maintaining our commitment to our national priorities. Of course, the war remains our Nation's defining objective. Without victory over international terror and the security and prosperity victory will bring, no other item on any agenda is even possible. The reconstruction and democracy-building now underway in Iraq is a central component of that war, as a stable Iraq will be an invaluable ally in our fight against terror. To highlight the progress we are making over there and to draw the public's and the media's attention to the good being done, we have created FREEDOM.GOV. On the FREEDOM.GOV Web site, citizens can find articles and features from Members of Congress who have been to liberated Iraq and reported back on what they have seen and our need to finish the job there. Further, with our economy roaring to life in recent months, we are now even better able to keep our commitment to strengthen and improve health care services for America's seniors. We expect a Medicare bill to do just that, and it will be ready for passage before we adjourn. And, finally, Congress will soon be able to pass a comprehensive energy bill which will lower gas prices, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. To put Congress's work this year in perspective, Mr. Speaker, consider: We are winning the war on terror and securing Iraq. We are cutting the deficit and balancing the budget through fiscal discipline. We are growing the economy and creating jobs, and we are meeting the health care needs of American seniors. This is the agenda we ran on, promised, and in just another few weeks will have delivered for the American people.

Mr. DeLAY

Mr. DeLAY. If the gentleman will yield further, this is a very difficult thing to predict with any level of certainty. It does appear that the more likely candidates for conference reports are the four appropriation bills that are now in conference. Off the top of my head, I think they are Labor-HHS, Military Construction, Energy and Interior. The other body has not passed six of their remaining appropriations bills.

Mr. DeLAY. If the gentleman will yield, I am not advised as to any meetings that are going on. I am sure I can convey the gentleman's interest in going to meetings. I know of his love for meetings. But we have encouraged the Committee on Appropriations to get these conference reports done. All we can do on our side: our Members are ready to go. The other body has their own problems that I cannot discuss here, but as soon as we can get the two sides together, hopefully, they will have those meetings and the gentleman will be invited.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Maryland yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, the House will convene on Monday at 12:30 p.m. for morning hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business. We will consider several measures under suspension of the rules. A final list of those bills will be sent to Members' offices by the end of today. On Tuesday, the House will convene at 9 a.m. for morning hour and 10 a.m. for legislative business. We may consider additional legislation under suspension of the rules. We also hope to have the conference report on H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003, ready for consideration. In addition to that, there is a chance that we could consider a number of appropriations conference reports, as well as the Department of Defense authorization conference report. Members should also be aware that we will likely move a continuing resolution next week, as the current one expires on October 31. Finally, I would like to make all Members aware that we may be working into the late evening on Tuesday as we work to complete these important pieces of legislation. I urge Members to plan accordingly. Mr. Speaker, I will be happy to answer any questions the gentleman may have.

Mr. DeLAY. That is correct.

Mr. DeLAY. That is correct.

Mr. DeLAY. If the gentleman will yield further, we have not consulted with everyone yet, and certainly we will consult with the minority, but in talking to the other body, our goal would be to complete the first session by November 7. So, hopefully, the continuing resolution would match that timetable.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding further. We are talking to the committee now, and really have not decided what that would be. I would assume that, at the very least, the CR would be until November 7, but there may be other CRs under consideration.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I believe the other body is prepared to complete consideration of their bill, hopefully, this afternoon; and assuming they finish and request a conference, I would expect us to be able to appoint our conferees when we return next week.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, from all of the numerous meetings that have been held, it is my indication that progress on that bill has been very encouraging. A lot of hard work has been done on the Energy Policy Act, and we have every expectation that we could consider that bill next week. If the gentleman will further yield, I would just point out to the gentleman, as the gentleman knows and the other Members, but especially to the new Members to this body, when we get into an end-of-the-session like this, these things are very hard to predict. Once a decision is made on a bill, it could usually come straight to the body for a vote, but sometimes these bills take quite a bit of time to work out the differences between the two Houses.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman's concern is duly noted. And as the gentleman knows, at the end of a session like this, there are conferences and meetings going all over the place trying to get these bills wrapped up for the end of the session, and formal notices and appropriate notices will go out in a timely fashion so that Members will have time to understand what is in these bills before they vote on them.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, is the gentleman asking me if the Clear Skies initiative is going to be in the energy conference report?

Mr. DeLAY. If the gentleman will yield.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I have no knowledge and have not been advised as to what is in the conference report that has not been completed. So when I know, the gentleman will probably know.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding. On the Medicare conference, a lot of meetings have been held. Progress is being made. But as the gentleman knows, this is a very, very complicated issue with a whole lot of different, moving parts; and it is a very difficult issue to bring together. But even with the time frame that we have and have laid out, as far as timing as to when we might be able to finish that, I really cannot tell the gentleman with any degree of, any level of certainty. Work is going on. Those that want a bill are working very hard to get one, and we just hope that they can get it done before the end of this session.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield, the Members will have every one of their rights protected when it is time for the conference to formally act on a bill. Certainly they will be included. As the gentleman knows, around here, the meetings that are being held in different areas and in different subsets of Members are being held with Members that want a bill and are trying to get a bill done, rather than to obstruct a bill. And Members' rights are always protected whenever they want to change a bill, substitute it, or whatever; and in the formal meetings of a conference, they can do so. But it wastes everybody's time, quite frankly; the reason for a conference committee is to be small with just a few Members so that we can work it out and get it done in an expedited manner. So those meetings are being held with Members who want to get a bill to the floor and to the President.

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

Mr. DeLAY. I would just remind the gentleman, again, that formal conferences are held. When the formal work of the House, through its conference committees are to be done, at that particular time, Members that oppose the bill will have all of their rights protected, and they can go to those meetings and participate in the conference process. But in order to get a bill, particularly a bill as complicated as an energy bill or the Medicare bill, it has never been, even when the gentleman's party was in the majority, it has never been the practice of having big, huge conference meetings and debates on a daily basis or a regular basis. These things are worked out with those who want a bill and then presented to the full conference in the light of day so that people can express themselves, and it is brought to this floor for further debate.

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman yield? I just remind the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) in that particular case the gentleman is absolutely right. But everyone sitting at that table, at the time, wants a bill. And they work hard to get the bill rather than try to kill a bill. So, it is very easy to work in that configuration as the appropriators usually do. And when everybody comes together and everybody knows that they are trying to get a bill and want a bill to be brought to the House, they are included. And it is no different than any other conference.

Mr. DeLAY

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday next.

Mr. DeLAY

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday next for morning hour debates.

Mr. DeLAY

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I really appreciate the gentleman bringing this to the floor and conducting what I think is one of the most important debates in the country and in our careers. It has been a good debate. I hope Members of this House would pay attention to the statement by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha). As I sat in this Chamber listening to the gentleman from Pennsylvania speak, I was looking at a gentleman that I have the utmost respect for but mostly because he knows what he is talking about. If the Members back in their offices did not see the gentleman from Pennsylvania's comments, I would hope that they would get the transcript and read it. Because when he says that the reconstruction money is as important as the money to go to the troops, he is absolutely right, and it is part of the war on terror. Mr. Chairman, this debate, for all the time and energy that it has consumed, really comes down to one question: Are we at war with international terrorism or are we not? And with this vote, every Member of the House will tell the world how seriously they take the war on terror. Let us put an end to the sleight-of-hand rhetoric some of the war's opponents have used of late. To those who have feigned offense about their patriotism being questioned, this is not about your patriotism. It is about your judgment. While I am on it, let me just say that that old debating tactic of ``I support the troops, but'' is just not going to cut it this time. If you support the war and you support the troops, you must vote for this bill. The war that we are fighting cannot be won without a safe and secure Iraq. It cannot be won without the reconstruction funding in this bill. It is just that simple. Everyone in this building and everyone in this country has the right to oppose this war and oppose this war supplemental, but that opposition and the weak and indecisive foreign policy that it represents has consequences. A ``no'' vote on this bill is a ``no'' vote on the war on terror and will serve to undermine our coalition. If you oppose the war, feel free to vote ``no.'' But at that moment, the American people will know for sure who is working to win the war on terror. This bill does not just fund the war, it funds the overall strategy of the war on terror. That means, Mr. Chairman, that the reconstruction money is defense spending; it is war spending; and it is homeland security spending. These priorities are one and the same, because they serve the same strategy and combat the same enemy. And that enemy, I would remind my colleagues, is not each other but the enemy is the terrorists. This is life and death, Mr. Chairman, not politics. And if we are serious about winning this war, we must pass this bill. Since we took on this fight 2 years ago, two oppressed nations have been liberated. Terrorist networks around the world have been destroyed or forced into hiding. And the brotherhood of human freedom has been expanded by 50 million Iraqis and Afghanis. This is all because the American people have once again decided, Mr. Chairman, in the face of an unthinkable evil to stand and fight. I urge my colleagues to stand and fight with them today and vote for this bill.

Mr. DeLAY

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time; and, actually, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for offering this amendment and in prompting this debate. The gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) is a brave and thoughtful leader, and every time he steps on the floor of this House, he brings honesty, courage, and dignity with him. He is a true mensch, and I am proud to call him my friend. But, Mr. Chairman, I must oppose, strongly oppose this amendment for it flies in the face of our mission in Iraq and everything the war on terror stands for. Of course we want our money back. But the reconstruction of Iraq is not about $20 billion in roads and sewers halfway around the world. It is about freedom: ours, the Iraqis', and all of humanity's. The moment our Coalition crossed into Iraqi airspace to remove Saddam Hussein from power, we sent a message to the world, friends and foes alike, that the nexus of outlaw regimes, weapons of mass destruction, and international terrorism would no longer be tolerated. We will pay any price and bear any burden to advance the cause of human liberty. And after the shock and awe of major combat, the price and burden of human hope shift from the battlefield to the town hall and the town market. That hope, Mr. Chairman, cannot come in the form of a promissory note. It is our fight, and now it is our job. Putting aside the practical shortcomings of this specific proposal, it neither stipulates who would receive the loans nor suggests who might be responsible for paying them back. This is a vote about the broader question of the United States' moral responsibility, moral authority in the war on terror. Choking off economic development in Iraq will not foster democracy, prosperity, or security. It will only serve to benefit those who have sought to undermine the very idea of a free Iraq all along. We did not start this war, but history and providence have called upon us to finish it. And before September 11, if we had debated $20 billion to build a free and independent democracy in Iraq, I would have asked, Given the cost, how could we possibly afford to do it? But, Mr. Chairman, today, 2 years after 3,000 of our countrymen were lost, as we debate that very thing, I ask all of my colleagues, Given the cost, how could we possibly afford not to?

Mr. DeLAY

Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding me this time and for her leadership on this issue. I also want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) for sponsoring this legislation and, as always, thank my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for his leadership and advocacy for peace and security in the Middle East. I should also, by the way, on behalf of the House thank my predecessor, Dick Armey, for initially proposing the Syrian Accountability Act in the last Congress before his retirement. It is a good bill, one that I am proud to sponsor and support; and it is a critical addition to America's diplomatic arsenal in the war on terror. Mr. Speaker, Syria's hostility to the United States and our allies is no secret. Neither is its weapons of mass destruction program or its sponsorship of Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other terrorist networks. And least secret of all, Mr. Speaker, is Syria's active support of terrorists seeking safe passage into Iraq to kill Americans. According to Ambassador Bremer, of the 276 terrorists detained in Iraq since the end of major combat there, 123 are from Syria. The current Syrian regime is not a friend, and it is not a misunderstood bystander. It is a government at war with the values of the civilized world and a violent threat to free nations and free men everywhere. It is a textbook example of a terrorist state and poses a clear and present danger to American soldiers, diplomats, and civilians in the Middle East. President Bush made the terms of the war on terror very clear: ``You are either with us or you are with the terrorists.'' And since then, we have tried everything, and the President has tried everything. But despite every olive branch and carrot that we have offered, Syria has chosen to side with the terrorists. Therefore, we in the House have no choice but to begin identifying ways to change their leaders' minds, and this legislation will empower the President to pressure Syria in several ways from economic sanctions and travel restrictions to diplomatic isolation. But, Mr. Speaker, this bill is about more than its substantive penalties. After all, international sanctions have been levied against Syria for years, and Syria's regime has only scoffed at them. But times have changed, and the heightened sanctions in this bill are just the beginning. Congress will be watching Syria's every move and responding accordingly. And by passing this bill today, we will start that process. We will send a very clear message to President Asad and his fellow travelers along the Axis of Evil. The United States will not tolerate terrorism, its perpetrators, or its sponsors; and our warnings are not to be ignored. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill, send that message, and enlighten the Syrian regime as to America's resolve in the war on terror.