Jo Ann Davis

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella). (Mr. Fossella asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci).

Mrs. JO ANN 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. Res. 172.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 172) honoring John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives in the course of duty as firefighters.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is a widely known fact that America is a Nation in need of energy solutions. We have all heard the statistics. Over the next 20 years, U.S. oil consumption is expected to increase by over 30 percent, natural gas consumption by more than 50 percent, and electricity usage will grow by an estimated 45 percent. Yet these facts are not new. This problem did not drop out of the sky one day. These statistics have been known for years, yet the Clinton administration failed to plan for the future. Now America faces a great energy challenge that can only be met through increased production and conservation. California's policy of strict conservation without production has not worked. Despite growing energy consumption, not one major power plant was added in the 1990s. Unfortunately, the people of California are suffering because of it. Mr. Speaker, President Bush has put forth plans emphasizing conservation while meeting production needs. We cannot look away like past administrations have, hoping that the problem will just go away, because it will not.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to note the recent decision of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the district court opinion that Virginia cannot limit out-of-State waste coming into its borders because such restrictions violate the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. This court decision makes the necessity of Congress passing interstate waste legislation all the more urgent and compelling. With the determination of the courts that State regulation of the interstate hauling of garbage violates the Commerce Clause, it is now time for Congress to specifically empower States to curb the amount of trash coming into landfills from outside the State. The natural beauty of Virginia should not be degraded by out-of-State trash so that out-of-State haulers and trucking companies can reap benefits. Virginians have spoken on this issue and legislation was consequently passed and signed by the Governor that restricted the entrance of interstate waste into the Commonwealth, but then was struck down by the Federal courts. Congress needs to act now to return this issue back to the States where the voices of the people can be heard.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, since its birth on June 14, 1775, the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American Nation. It won the new Republic's independence in an arduous 8-year struggle against Great Britain. The Army has repeatedly defended America against both internal and external threats, from the War of 1812 through the tremendous battles that finally rid the world of Nazi totalitarianism, Japanese imperialism, and communism. From the beginning, the U.S. Army has also been involved with internal improvements: natural disaster relief, economic assistance, domestic order, and a host of other contingencies. Our Army has a proud tradition and continues to draw great satisfaction from knowing that when the Nation was in need, it answered the call. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand here today and wish the men and women of the U.S. Army a very happy birthday.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a group of students from Virginia's First District who recently set international standards in demonstration of their creative problem-solving skills. Earlier this month, representatives from Poquoson High School joined with fellow students from around the globe to compete for international prestige in a contest of ingenuity. In exercising their talents, these Virginia students not only captured a first place world ranking, but also set a world record through their success at the Odyssey of the Mind's World Competition. In their rise to confront challenge, Mr. Speaker, these students demonstrated their ability to think critically, to work cooperatively, and to overcome obstacles. Their vigor and success distinguishes our education system in its ability to cultivate the talents of our youth. In this, it is my desire that these accomplishments of these students be recognized and thus be a testament to the positive role of education in preparing students as emerging leaders.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing the religious youth group, the Good News Club in Upstate New York, to conduct after-school meetings with children to pray and read the Bible. The Supreme Court ruled that the Good News Club has every right to enjoy the same privileges as other groups such as the Boy and Girl Scouts that take part in the school district's policy of allowing community use of its buildings after class for social, civic and recreational meetings. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, a person of faith and a parent, the fact that it takes the highest court in the land to realize that the concept of separation of church and State does not warrant the blatant disregard of the First Amendment disturbs me. The First Amendment requires the freedom of religion, not the freedom from religion. In a time of moral deprivation, we should embrace our young people's desires to study religion, not discourage them through actions deemed anti-religious.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, a constituent from Virginia's Northern Neck sent me a report on the work of his daughter, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Diarela, a remote village of approximately five hundred farmers near Mali's border with Ivory Coast, in Western Africa. Until the parents visited in Mali, they had difficulty answering their neighbors' standard question, ``What does she do there.'' There is no short, easy answer. She lives in a house built and furnished to Peace Corps specifications: a tin roof, mud walls and a concrete floor, a table and a chair. The nearest electricity and running water are hours away. She has a bicycle and some basic tools, and only a very small stipend. Where else are Americans asked to live and work with so little, and with the vaguely-implied imperative to do what you can in the best interests of the United States of America? The visiting parents of Ms. Kallus saw the intangible results of her efforts as a Peace Corp volunteer when she invited the men of the village to drink tea. At least forty came. They conversed about many subjects: from crops and weather to self respect and the brotherhood of races. Ms. Kallus skillfully translated from Bambra and French to English. Around midnight, one of the village farmers spoke up, saying, ``We trust you, Batoma.'' (That is the name they have given her.) ``You work hard and speak the truth. Because of you, we know and respect the United States.'' Americans can get no better return on their tax dollar than that.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind our citizens of the sacrifices made by our soldiers on June 6, 1944, D- Day. Mr. Speaker, on that day the war in Europe reached a dramatic turning point. The Americans and British invaded France from the air and sea. They brought with them a respect for the law, human rights, and democracy. Only through their sacrifice was France and later Europe freed from the grips of an evil tyrant. Mr. Speaker, it is a fitting tribute on the eve of D-Day's 57th anniversary that the President signed The Veterans Opportunities Act of 2001. I was honored to have my language included from H.R. 1015 to retroactively increase the maximum benefit for SGLI coverage, and I am grateful that on this day when so many soldiers gave their lives to secure freedom for Europe, that we were able to help the families of those killed in tragic accidents. Mr. Speaker, this would not have been possible without the critical support of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth).

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 801, the Veterans' Opportunities Act of 2001. As a cosponsor of this legislation, I am proud to be able to say that the committee referred a bill that has practical and immediate effects for many veterans and their loved ones. This legislation comprehensively addresses many issues associated with veterans and their dependents. What I would like to speak about today is one section of this legislation that I believe will have an immediate and practical effect for the surviving families of many of our recently deceased veterans. As you may know, I recently introduced a bill, H.R. 1015, the SGLI Adjustment Act. The substantive language of this bill was incorporated by the committee directly into H.R. 801. This legislation will directly and immediately help many of the families and beneficiaries of those killed since October 1, 2000. I am extremely pleased and grateful the Veterans Committee included my legislative language in the final version of H.R. 801. Mr. Speaker, I know you are aware that our military has recently suffered numerous tragedies: the bombing of the USS Cole, the crash of an Osprey, a Blackhawk, a National Guard airplane, and the accidental bombing of our own troops in Kuwait. All of these accidents were unforeseen, and all of these accidents resulted in the tragic loss of life. Recently, on November 1st of last year, the President signed a bill increasing this maximum benefit to 250,000 dollars. Unfortunately for those recently affected families, this increase in coverage does not take effect until April 1st of this year. By incorporating the substantive language of my bill, we will retroactively grant this increase to those families who had opted for the maximum benefit and subsequently lost a loved one in the performance of their duty. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not thank the committee and its staff for their hard work and dedication in seeing this bill brought to the floor. In particular, I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Smith, and the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Hayworth, and the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Crenshaw, for ensuring that my legislation was attached to this bill in the form of a friendly amendment. Commonwealth of Virginia, Office of the Governor, Richmond, VA, April 4, 2001. Hon. Jo Ann Davis, U.S. Representative, 1st Congressional District of Virginia, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congresswoman Davis: I would like to thank you for your support and concern for the members of the 203rd Red Horse Flight Virginia Air National Guard and their families as we all struggled to cope with their tragic loss. I appreciate your participation in the Memorial Service March 10th for our 18 Guardsmen who lost their lives while serving their country. While only time will heal the wounds, I take some solace in the knowledge that H.R. 1015 was, with your steadfast support, passed overwhelmingly and the members of the National Guard will enjoy increased benefits. Your thoughtfulness and consideration is much appreciated. Sincerely, Gary K. Aronhalt, Secretary of Public Safety.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday to pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. armed services. For the past 226 years, our military forces have repeatedly answered the Nation's call to protect the freedom we all cherish today. During our Nation's formative years, brave Americans fought to win freedom for all. World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf saw new generations of dedicated men and women fight to preserve the hard-earned freedom for our Nation and our allies abroad. Today Americans around the world enjoy the security that comes from knowing their freedom is protected by those currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand and recognize the honor, courage and commitment that has defined the men and women of our Nation's Armed Forces and to thank those who sacrificed their lives to ensure that future generations may enjoy the blessings of freedom.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 109, honoring the services and sacrifices of the United States Merchant Marine. At a time when America prepares to honor the men and women who have served their country in the armed forces, it is with great pride that I take this opportunity to recognize the United States Merchant Marine for their contribution to a grateful nation. Madam Speaker, the U.S. Merchant Marine has been critical to our military success dating back to the Revolutionary War. It served as the nation's first navy when we defeated the British Navy, helping to secure our independence. During World War II, the merchant marine fleet provided critical logistical support to the armed forces by transporting equipment, supplies, and personnel in support of the war effort. And today, as we face the challenges of an ever-changing world, the United States continues to rely on the merchant marine and the vital role it plays to ensure we remain ready to respond to any emergency threatening our national security. Madam Speaker, as I stand here today, the men and women of the merchant marine continue to prepare for the next time the nation calls. They have been entrusted to continue the legacy of those who have sailed the seas before them. Their role in transporting goods and services is the critical link required to support a global economy. It has been instrumental in securing the prosperity our nation enjoys today. And, at the same time, as the merchant marine makes such tremendous contributions to our nation's prosperity, they continue to strengthen their skills and remain ready to flex what President Roosevelt called the ``Forth Arm of Defense'' in time of crisis. Madam Speaker, as we approach this Memorial Day weekend, it is a privilege for me to honor and thank the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine. Their efforts and dedication have contributed to our nation from the beginning and they continue to be an important element in America's ability to maintain peace through strength. I urge support for House Concurrent Resolution 109 and encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 622, the Hope for Children Act. In the past quarter century, the number of children in foster care has grown much faster than the number of children adopted. Yet, despite the large number of children of adoptable age, the adoption rate is still significantly low. A primary reason for this is the costs of adoption which can require a family to spend, as my colleagues have heard, up to $30,000 to provide a child with a home. The average American family just does not have this kind of money. The Hope for Children Act seeks to remedy this problem by increasing the adoption tax credit to $10,000. There are more people who want to adopt than there are children who are eligible for adoption. This essential legislation will allow more children to be adopted by loving families who so desperately want them. These children deserve to be loved and deserve to be wanted. We need to help these families be joined together. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for the Hope for Children Act.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, once again we see the pro-abortion advocates attempting to override the reinstatement of the Mexico City policy by attempting to paint this policy as anti-family. Yet their objections to this policy have nothing to do with families. This current attempt to repeal President Bush's executive order banning U.S. Government aid for U.S. and foreign contraception groups that perform abortions overseas is another disturbing sign of the pro- abortion movement's contempt for the vast majority of Americans who oppose the spending of their tax dollars on abortions. The President's executive order protects the desires of millions of Americans who ethically and morally oppose Federal funding of abortion. The current misconception being spread that the Mexico City policy hurts family planning efforts overseas is simply not true. By withholding funds from groups that violate the Mexico City policy, the U.S. does not reduce the amount of foreign family assistance. In fact, the Mexico City policy increases family planning. From 1984 to 1993, when the Mexico City policy was in effect, U.S. family planning spending increased dramatically. This year, funding for U.S. international family planning is budgeted at $425 million, and reimplementation of the Mexico City policy will not reduce this. The only change that will take place under the Mexico City policy is that funding will be provided through representatives who are not in the abortion business. Mr. Chairman, abortion is not needed for family planning, and we must respect the views of millions of Americans who do not want their tax dollars spent overseas to promote abortion. The Mexico City policy continues family planning funding while respecting the views of millions who cherish life and oppose abortion.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today we say good-bye to a great lady of Virginia, my friend Jennifer Byler, a community leader and a dedicated wife and mother. Jennifer and her 9-year-old daughter Sarah perished in a tragic boating accident on the Chesapeake Bay this past weekend. The sailboat they were traveling in capsized in high winds and Jennifer, her daughter Sarah, and brother and sister-in-law John and Nan Curtis were left to the seas for nearly 15 hours. John and Nan are recovering and I thank them, especially John, for his valiant efforts to swim to shore with boat in tow. Jennifer Byler was a dedicated member of the Virginia Board of Education, fighting for the best interests of our children and working to improve public education in our area. She will be sorely missed. In this time of tragedy and loss, my prayers are with Jennifer's husband Gary, to her children, Georgia Cate, 7, Emma Grace, 6, and Jonathan Levi, 4, and the great Commonwealth of Virginia for our collective loss.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 112, recognizing the upcoming 100th anniversary of the 4-H Youth Development Program in 2002. Mr. Speaker, as you have heard, the four H's stand for head, heart, hands and health; and the program gives children and youth the opportunity to gain responsibility through hands-on involvement in challenging projects. 4-H began as an agricultural education program for youth, and clubs were formed with adult volunteers to encourage learning by doing. Mr. Speaker, I am personally familiar with 4-H as my youngest son spent most of his teen years in a 4-H club and showed quarter horses in local competitions and the State fair. The club developed his leadership skills and made him a more responsible and purposeful young man. As we recognize 4-H, I want to commend the dedicated volunteers and county extension agents that have given countless hours of their time to help children and youth develop their skills and learn, while having fun, and to thank them for the good times my son has enjoyed, and to wish the organization another productive century of service.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, despite the claims of my colleagues who oppose H.R. 503, this legislation before us today is not about abortion. It does not infringe on a woman's legal right to abort her child. It does not place legal limitations upon those in the medical profession who perform abortion. In fact, the only time this bill even mentions abortion is to protect the woman's legal right to have one, and the doctor's legal right to perform them. Yet, those who oppose this bill would like the American people to believe that this is an attempt to reverse Roe v. Wade. This leads me to ask my colleagues who oppose this bill, why the smoke screen? Why are they so fearful of protecting a pregnant woman and her unborn child? Why are they standing in the way of legislation which provides protection for a woman against violence? Recognizing the unborn child as a victim of crime does not affect the woman's legal right to abort the child. Mr. Speaker, the smoke screen of abortion used by those in opposition to this bill will not work. The majority of Congress and the American people know that a woman and her unborn child must be protected against criminal acts of violence. When a pregnant woman is assaulted and bodily harm is brought about to her unborn child, there are two victims, not one. This bill was not introduced to erode current abortion law. Let me tell my colleagues why this bill was introduced. Currently, under Federal law, if a criminal assaults or kills a woman who is pregnant and thereby causes the death or injury to that unborn child, the criminal faces no consequences for taking or injuring this unborn life. That is why this bill is introduced, and that is why it is a tragedy that this worthwhile piece of legislation is being muddled in abortion politics by those who instinctively reject any bill that deals with the child in the womb. It is unfortunate that those in opposition to this bill today believe that a victim such as Zachariah Marciniak, whose story has been described previously by my colleagues, was not a child or not a human being. I wonder how many of my colleagues would suggest that when planning for the miracle of a birth, in painting the nursery, attending baby showers, buying a crib and clothes, often name the child before he or she is delivered, all in preparation for a newborn, is not preparation for a life, a life that lives within. Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe, like the father who lost his wife in the Oklahoma City bombing, that the loss was even greater. He lost his wife and his unborn baby. In that awful tragedy, we as a nation lost not 168, but 171 people, as three of the women killed during that atrocity were with child. They were murdered along with their mothers. Consider also the fact that last year the House of Representatives passed the Innocent Child Protection Act by a vote of 417-0. This bill prohibited a State or Federal Government for executing a woman ``while she carries a child in utero.'' That bill, which again passed unanimously, defined ``child in utero'' the same way it is defined in the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. If the House is, without dissension, willing to protect unborn children from execution, why is it controversial to also protect unborn children from a deadly assault?

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the situation developing in the People's Republic of China with respect to our servicemen and women. On April 1, one of our Navy's EP-3s was involved in a midair collision with a Chinese fighter craft. Tragically, it seems that the life of the Chinese pilot was lost when his fighter crashed into the sea. Our plane was forced to make an emergency landing in the People's Republic of China. What could simply have been an accident has now spiraled into an international incident because of the PRC's unreasonableness. Mr. Speaker, international law dictates that the PRC should not have entered our plane as it constitutes sovereign territory. This was ignored. Even after offering our regrets for the loss of their pilot and explicitly offering our assistance in the search, the PRC demands an apology. Mr. Speaker, we have offered our regrets. We have continually, over the past 8 years, time and again, shown patience with unreasonable demands put forth by the PRC. The time has come when we, as a House, should stand firm with the President and support his actions with respect to the PRC. No longer should we shrink at the prospect of standing for what is right. Mr. Speaker, the Chinese still are in possession of our pilots. It is time that they must do what is right. The PRC must release our servicemen now, before they are perceived as hostages of a foreign nation, for that is what they will be if they are not returned in a timely manner. Should the PRC wish to engage in a timely dialogue in the future, it must take constructive actions now. It must return our plane and return our servicemen and women. Mr. Speaker, politics should stop at the water's edge. We need to support our President.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a patriot and true Virginia gentleman, our friend and colleague Norm Sisisky. The Commonwealth of Virginia lost a great American today with the passing of Norm Sisisky. I had the pleasure of getting to know him when I arrived here in Congress and soon established a friendship and a strong admiration for one of Virginia's most honorable public servants. Norm served Virginia with great integrity and honor and consistently put the interest of Virginia ahead of politics. With Norm, it was not a Republican or a Democrat issue. It was a Virginia issue. Norm Sisisky's leadership within the Virginia delegation will be sorely missed. His unyielding support of our Armed Forces served as an inspiration for all lawmakers who embraced the dedication and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Congressman Norm Sisisky will always be remembered for his service to Virginia and his devotion to the ideals that he held so dear. His family, staff and other loved ones will be in my prayers.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to draw attention to what I believe is a serious deficiency in the budget resolution for fiscal year 2002. Mr. Chairman, while I commend the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle) for his hard work on the budget resolution, I would be remiss if I did not speak to the yearly military budget shortfalls of between $50 billion and $100 billion per year. Mr. Chairman, if we do not address this reality now, we are facing a budgetary train wreck that is simply unavoidable. My concern is that this budget only allows for marginal improvements. Mr. Chairman, we must push beyond marginal improvements. This requires a dual-track approach. While we plan for the realities of the 21st century's many challenges, we must take care of the force that we are fielding today and ensure peace through strength. I do not believe that we adequately address this in the budget resolution; however, I intend to support this budget resolution and take it as a good-faith effort, but I do so with reservations. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to working with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) to address military funding shortfalls during the authorization process and with the Committee on Appropriations.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 801, the Veterans' Opportunity Act of 2001. As a cosponsor of this legislation, I am proud to be able to say that the committee referred a bill that has practical and immediate effects for many veterans and their loved ones. This legislation comprehensively addresses many issues associated with veterans and their dependents. However, Mr. Speaker, I will not delve into the details of this legislation. Suffice it to say our veterans have earned their benefits, often purchasing them with their own blood. What I would like to speak about today is one section of the legislation that I believe will have an immediate and practical effect for the surviving families of many of our recently deceased veterans. As my colleagues may know, I recently introduced a bill, H.R. 115, the SGLI Adjustment Act. The substantive language of this bill was incorporated by the committee directly into H.R. 801. This legislation will directly and immediately help many of the families and beneficiaries of those killed since October 1, 2000. Mr. Speaker, as I am sure my colleagues are aware, our military has recently suffered numerous tragedies. The bombing of the U.S.S. Cole, the crash of an Osprey, a Blackhawk, a National Guard airplane, and the accidental bombing of our own troops in Kuwait. All of these accidents were unforeseen, and all of these accidents resulted in the tragic loss of life. Mr. Speaker, thankfully, our Nation has seen fit to provide our servicemen with a program of insurance to allow the families and beneficiaries to have some protection in the event of untimely death. This insurance, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, otherwise known as SGLI, can be purchased at a low rate for a maximum benefit of up to $200,000. Recently, on November 1 of last year, the President signed a bill increasing this maximum benefit to $250,000. Unfortunately, for those recently affected families, this increase in coverage does not take effect until April 1 of this year. By incorporating the substantive language of my bill, we will retroactively grant this increase to those families who had opted for the maximum benefit and subsequently lost a loved one in the performance of their duty. Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that this provision is revenue- neutral and is funded from the SGLI Reserve Fund. It follows similar legislative precedent dating from the Gander, Newfoundland, crash and the death indemnity granted after the Gulf War. Additionally, this provision has the direct support and endorsement of several veterans' and servicemen's organizations. Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, tragedy struck locally in my own district in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Several constituents of mine perished in the Air National Guard crash. I attended their memorial service. However, that was the hardest thing I had to face. The families of these servicemen face much harder days ahead. Mr. Speaker, by passing the Veterans Opportunity Act of 2001, we will show the families and beneficiaries of these servicemen that we do, indeed, care. We take care of our own. Never let it be said that we do not. I ask that the other Members of the House support H.R. 801. In the long term, this is the only way in which we will be able to assist the families of those recently perished. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not thank the committee and its staff for their hard work and dedication in seeing this bill brought to the floor. In particular, I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw) for ensuring that my legislation was attached to this bill in the form of a friendly amendment. Mr. Speaker, now is the time. Now is the time for the other Members of the people's House to stand and support the families of our servicemen. Vote in support of passage of H.R. 801. Mr. Speaker, I include the following material for the Record: U.S. House of Representatives, March 20, 2001. Hon. Christopher H. Smith, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Smith: It is my understanding that you recently received a letter from several of our colleagues asking for your support for amending H.R. 801, the Veterans' Opportunities Act, to include the language of H.R. 1015. As a cosponsor of both H.R. 801 and H.R. 1015, and as a member of your Committee, I am writing to add my support for this proposal. As you know, Congress last year approved a $50,000 increase, to $250,000, in the maximum death benefits for families of military personnel through the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Though the legislation was signed into law on November 1, 2000, the effective date of this increase is not until April 1, 2001. Regrettably, for many of our servicemembers and their families--most notably, the 21 National Guard members killed in a plane crash earlier this month and the 17 sailors killed in the terrorist bombing of the USS Cole--this is too late. H.R. 1015 would make a modest change in law that would bring comfort and security to the families of these brave servicemembers by making the annuity increase retroactive to October 1, 2001. The Administration has announced its support for this legislation, and I know that you have voiced your support for it as well. I am hopeful that you will make it a part of your mark for tomorrow's mark-up session of H.R. 801. In the alternative, if offered as amendment, I am hopeful that you will support its adoption. I look forward to working with you on this and other measures to improve the lives of our veterans and servicemembers. Sincerely, Ander Crenshaw, Member of Congress.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, news came last week that the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island that has taken municipal waste from New York City is scheduled to be closed in a couple of weeks, a few months ahead of what was expected. Now that Fresh Kills will soon be closing, the problem of municipal waste being hauled interstate becomes all the more acute. Virginians are certainly not fond of the trash trucks coming down I- 95, bringing out-of-state garbage through their communities to dump sites in the State. Not only is the trash unwanted, but the added large-truck traffic has made many local rural roads unsafe. State legislative efforts to stem this invasion of garbage into the Commonwealth have been frustrated by Federal courts labeling trash as ``commerce,'' and thus subject to only Congress' regulation pursuant to the commerce clause of the Constitution. This morning I am urging my colleagues in Congress to pass tough legislation that will empower States to limit the amount of trash being brought within their borders. The closing of Fresh Kills makes this legislation all the more urgent, since New York is apparently counting on exporting even more of their trash. Virginians do not want this garbage coming into their communities, and I ask Congress' help in getting action on this problem.