Jo Ann Davis

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with grave concerns about our country's security. A report from the American Shipbuilding Association, the ASA, was recently released that gives alarming figures about our Navy's shrinking fleet and our vulnerability to China. The report shows that by 2010, China will have twice as many submarines as the United States. And that is not all. Assuming that we build six ships a year, the Chinese fleet will surpass the size of the U.S. fleet by 2015. Further, a Chinese general was quoted as saying the Chinese Navy is being designed with the direct objective of being able to ``neutralize'' a U.S. aircraft carrier. China's threat is real. And yet, just last month, the Navy submitted a proposal to the Secretary of Defense that dramatically reduces our shipbuilding program. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable. Further cuts will not only be devastating to our shipbuilding industry, they will make us vulnerable to threats like China. ASA's report says it best: ``Ignoring the Navy's requirement will serve as the precursor to the end of America's reign as a sovereign superpower.''

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, in 2007, as you have heard, the United States will commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown Settlement. As has been said, it was the capital of Virginia for 92 years. It was at Jamestown that numerous American values and ideals came into being. Representative government was first established, private land ownership was permitted, and the spirit of free enterprise was born. Local, State, and national organizations are currently preparing for what will be a year-long commemoration of the quadricentennial. Efforts are underway to restore and preserve the settlement and to promote national and international educational programs that increase understanding of the democratic principles that were born here. Madam Speaker, I introduced this legislation authorizing the sale of commemorative coins in honor of the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown Settlement to help offset the cost of this occasion. The proceeds from the sale of these coins will be used to preserve the legacy of this first permanent English settlement. Jamestown is an important part of our Nation's history, with profound effects on the United States, even to this date. Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent this historic Jamestown Settlement located in America's first district. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank all the Members of the committee and the chairman for bringing this bill forward. I would like to also thank the 299 of my colleagues who cosponsored this bill. I urge all my colleagues to support its passage.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to share my thoughts on this extremely important piece of legislation. H.R. 4613, the Fiscal Year 2005 (FY05) Defense Appropriations Act, provides for our national security interests, as well as for the men and women in uniform who are serving overseas and at home to preserve and protect those interests. I commend my distinguished colleagues from California and Pennsylvania, the Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, for the outstanding focus and effort they have obviously devoted to this bill. I also commend the Chairman and Ranking Member of the full committee for quickly delivering this necessary legislation to the floor. I would like to call attention to some aspects of the bill that are particularly noteworthy: H.R. 4613 fully funds the budget request for a 3.5 percent military pay raise. As importantly, it would reduce the average out-of-pocket housing expenses for military members from 3.5 percent to 0 (zero) in FY05; The bill provides $2.3 billion for force protection requirements, including Up-Armored HMMWVs (``Humvees''), that are absolutely vital to our men and women serving in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM; H.R. 4613 also fully funds the Administration's request for operational training, such as flying hours, ship steaming days, and ground forces exercises, that are essential for the readiness of our forces; The bill includes funding for personnel costs related to the Army and Marine Corps end strength increase for FY05 found in H.R. 4200, the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act that passed the full House last month; With respect to combat and tactical vehicles used by the Army and Marine Corps, the bill provides $2.2 billion above the budget request. I am pleased that $330 million of this amount would support Guard and Reserve vehicle needs; H.R. 4613 also provides more than a quarter- billion dollars above the budget request for shipbuilding. I am pleased that the bill fully funds the Administration's request for Virginia-class submarine procurement and CVN-21 aircraft carrier research and development, two programs that must stay on track if our Navy is to maintain its supremacy on and beneath the seas into the 21st Century. I am also pleased that the bill's support for procurement of an additional Burke-class destroyer (DDG-51) in the FY06-07 window shows the committee's awareness of the perils associated with any production gap between the end of DDG-51 construction and the start of DD(X) construction, which threatens our domestic shipbuilding capability. I am reassured that the report language confirms the committee's concern with the threat to our national security associated with erosion of our unique shipbuilding skill sets, which are a must-have if we are to ensure that our warships are built at home and not overseas. Furthermore, with respect to the strength of naval force structure, which I hope we all agree is an inimitable part of our national defense today and tomorrow, the observation in the report language that ``operational requirements of the Navy necessitate the construction of at least one more DDG-51'' is a very positive and welcome sign. However, I must state my serious concern with the $248 million reduction in development of DD(X), the next-generation, multi-mission destroyer. I am concerned that delaying construction by one year will significantly hurt development of this program, which is a vital requirement for the fleet. The Chief of Naval Operations commented last month on DD(X): ``This program will form the cornerstone of our Nation's future Surface Navy. It provides war fighting capabilities that our Navy needs now, plus it brings important shipbuilding growth and opportunities for our industrial base. . . . I am confident that we are . . . being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar, and producing much needed capabilities that will ensure our Navy/Marine Corps team remains preeminent well into the next century. I ask that you reconsider and fully restore funding for DD(X).'' It is imperative that Congress help the Navy by funding DD(X) sufficiently to keep the program on schedule. I want to thank the Chairman for his hard work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to remember the importance of this program to our Navy and to our national security.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3751, a bill to require the Office of Personnel Management to study and recommend options for enhancing the dental, vision and hearing benefits available to Federal employees. As the Federal Government strives to recruit top talent around the Nation, this issue plays a significant strategic role in attracting and retaining the very best to serve our country. Currently, the dental, vision and hearing offerings available to those covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) can be described as inadequate at best. The Government's employees are often without proper dental care as part of their health insurance coverage. In fact, most plans in the FEHBP either do not offer dental and vision care, or cover only very minimal, basic procedures. While some plans do offer a supplemental dental package, they come at the cost of a very high premium. By contract, dental and vision benefits offered to many employees in the private sector are more generous. A 2002 study by the Society for Human Resource Management determined that 96 percent of private sector firms offered dental coverage benefits. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these private plans usually cover 100 percent of routine procedures and 50-80 percent of more expensive procedures. According to the Office of Personal Management, Federal employees and retirees cite improved dental coverage as their most desired benefit enhancement. With these benefits so widely available in the private sector, the Federal Government cannot afford to ignore this issue, or it will lose the war for talent more often than it will win. The Government depends greatly on its competitive benefits packages to attract well-qualified candidates, and should explore the possibility of enhancing such benefits. Putting more money into the system is not necessarily the answer, and this bill does not call for that. It simply requires the Federal Government's personnel experts, OPM, to study how to resolve this problem. Whatever it reveals, the goal of the report is to recommend options for improving the availability of dental, vision and hearing benefits to employees in a way that fits within the current budgetary constraints. I urge all members to support H.R. 3751.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule and for the underlying bill, the Child Credit Preservation and Expansion Act. If we do not pass this bill, the child tax credit, which is currently $1,000, will go down to $700 next year and then fall to $500 in 2011. In other words, if we do not act on this bill, taxes will increase for 30 million taxpayers. This bill makes the $1,000 tax credit permanent and raises the eligibility limits for those who can claim the credit to include more middle-income parents so that more people can keep more of their own money. Americans deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money. For many families, $1,000 goes a very long way. Parents could invest the money for their child's education. This bill also helps more of our men and women in uniform become eligible to receive the child tax credit. It would allow nontaxable combat pay to be taken into account when calculating the refundable portion of the tax credit. Currently, combat pay is excluded from calculating eligibility for the credit. This bill would allow low- income families to receive more of the child tax credit and to keep more of their own money. I wholeheartedly support tax credits; however, I think we all need to remember whose money it is in the first place. It is not the government giving back its money to the people. It is the American taxpayers' money and they should be able to keep more of it, whether it is in the form of a tax credit or lower taxes. Mr. Speaker, we have all seen firsthand in the past few years how much tax cuts have stimulated the economy. The American economy grew at a strong annual pace of 4.2 percent during the first quarter of 2004, well above the historical average. In fact, economic growth over the last three quarters has grown the fastest in nearly 20 years. Tax relief has helped drive the economic recovery forward, putting more money in the pockets of America's families and creating more jobs. Mr. Speaker, as a former businesswoman and realtor before I came to Congress, I know firsthand the impact that tax cuts have on businesses. And as a mother, I know how far $1,000 can go towards a child's education or for immediate needs like food, diapers, clothing, et cetera. I urge all of my colleagues to support America's families and vote ``yes'' on the rule and on the underlying bill.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I stand in strong support of the BRAC provision in the committee report, and I oppose the Kennedy amendment because it is the wrong time. It sends the wrong message to our men and women in uniform to close bases at a time when we are at war. When this round of BRAC was signed, Congress had no idea that we would be fighting a war against terrorism, and our Armed Forces need our support now more than ever. My colleagues who offered this amendment have said we need it to save money. But the estimated cost to implement BRAC is somewhere between 10 and $20 billion, and any savings would not be seen until after 2011. We are at war right now. Our men and women need the money now. And we are not even sure what those savings would be. The GAO report completed on Monday on the need for a BRAC found that while the potential exists for substantial savings from the upcoming round, it is difficult to conclusively project the expected magnitude of the savings because there are too many unknowns at this time. I urge my colleagues to do the right thing and to support our men and women in uniform today. Vote ``no'' on the Kennedy amendment.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, for the last 8 years, without fail, this body has voted against funding abortions in DoD medical treatment facilities, and I trust today that we will make that 9. Mr. Chairman, American taxpayer dollars should not be used to pay for abortions directly or indirectly, wherever they occur. Supporters of this amendment claim that taxpayer dollars would not actually pay for abortions. However, I want to point out that this is simply not true. Taxpayers would be paying for these abortions by subsidizing the cost of the physician services and the abortion equipment. Our current law protects against this, and I urge my colleagues to keep this commonsense policy intact. As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I am strongly committed to our national defense. I am also strongly committed to preserving life in all its stages. I urge my colleagues to choose life and oppose the Davis amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the amendment offered by my colleague from California. For the last 8 years, without fail, this body has voted against funding abortions in DOD medical treatment facilities. I trust that today we will make that 9. Military physicians and personnel are tasked to provide life saving and nurturing care to our men and women of the armed services. By requiring them to conduct elective abortions, we are asking them to facilitate in the exact opposite of their mission. Particularly at a time when their resources are devoted to addressing the needs of service members suffering from wounds and trauma sustained in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, we must continue to support the doctors and nurses of the military in their effort to save and sustain life. Mr. Chairman, American taxpayer dollars should not be used to pay for abortions, directly or indirectly, wherever they occur. Supporters of this amendment claim that taxpayer dollars would not actually pay for abortions, however I would point out that this is simply not true. Taxpayers would be paying for these abortions by subsidizing the costs of the physician services and the abortion equipment. Our current law protects against this, and I urge my colleagues to keep this common sense policy intact. As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I am strongly committed to our national defense. I am also strongly committed to preserving life in all its stages. I urge my colleagues to choose life and oppose the Davis amendment.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 577 noting the 50th Anniversary of formal relations between the United States and the European Union. Fifty years ago the United States government sent its first diplomatic representatives to what was then the European Coal and Steel Community because the U.S. Government was fully supportive of the integration of Europe's economic systems as a way to help rebuild a war-torn continent. One year later, in 1954, the High Representative of the Coal and Steel Community opened an office here in Washington. In November, the United States Mission in Brussels held a ceremony marking the beginning of the anniversary. Last week, a similar ceremony was held at the State Department to continue the celebration. H. Res. 577 reminds us that over these past five decades, we and Europe have worked to develop a common bond based on values, shared views of the need to promote democracy and market reform and a commitment to stability and peace throughout the world. As our Europe Subcommittee Chairman has said, the relationship has not always been easy or friendly. We have had some serious disagreements. Nevertheless, it should be clear to this House that a strong and mature transatlantic relationship is critical to the long-term political, economic and security interests of the United States. It is also clear that one of the central ingredients to a successful transatlantic partnership is a stable, integrated and dynamic Europe. Recently, I traveled to Europe with a delegation of our House Colleagues to participate in the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue. Our meetings with our Colleagues from the European Parliament were frank, but cordial. It reaffirmed the need for continuous dialogue and understanding of how we each view those common challenges which face us and how we should respond. I appreciate the fact that H. Res. 577 notes that the TLD is an important aspect of this U.S.-EU relationship. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I want to remind my Colleagues that on Saturday, May 1st, we witnessed yet another historic event in the evolution of the European Union. On that day 10 new nations of Europe joined the European Union. What began just fifty-three years ago as a Union of 6 has now become a Union of 25. As the U.S. Chairman of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue, I look forward to meeting and working with the Parliamentarians of these newest members who soon take their seats in the European Parliament and who will be part of the next fifty years of U.S.-UE relations. I urge adoption of this Resolution. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this symbolic and commemorative resolution that speaks to our commitment to the establishment of continued and ever-growing ties with the European Union (E.U.). Especially given the dangers that plague the international community as a whole, it is important that we do everything we can to break bread with our international partners to form alliances against those who threaten to do our families harm. The European Union and the United States are the two largest economies in the world and jointly account for about half the entire world economy. The E.U. and the U.S. have also the largest bi-lateral trading and investment relationship. Transatlantic trade and investment amount to around $1 billion a day, and jointly, our global trade accounts for almost 40 percent of world trade. By working together, the U.S. and the E.U. can promote their common goals and interests in the world much more effectively. According to information gathered by the European Community's Trade Directorate General, the United States and the European Union have had the most prolific commercial relationship in the world and have been each other's largest trade and investment partners. In 2002, E.U. exports to the United States were estimated at $227.9 billion, representing 24.1 percent of total E.U. exports. E.U. imports from the United States totaled $166.1 billion, representing 17.7 percent of total E.U. imports. Investment of E.U. firms in U.S. markets has been growing consistently. In fact, direct investments in the U.S. amounted to $863 billion in 2002. Together, both nations employ about 4 million respectively. In a similar trend, American investment in the E.U. totaled $700 billion in 2002. The initiation of the Economic and Monetary Union on January 1, 1999 improved and facilitated American investment by providing a maturing Single Market. The relationship between the E.U. and the U.S. exists even on a nation-to-state level. In December 2001, the European Union Center, one of 15 such Centers in the entire U.S., was established at Texas A&M University and was supported by funding from the European Commission to form a Network of European Union Centers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched its Container Security Initiative (CSI) in the area of maritime security after the attacks of 9/11. Our main concern was the possibility of containers being used for terrorist attacks either against ports of the United States or against a participant in maritime transport. As a first step, the U.S. has invited about twenty mega-ports worldwide to join this initiative. As a Member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, I applaud the fact that the U.S. has signed declarations of principle (bi-lateral agreements) on the application of its Container Security Initiative (CSI) in individual ports with eight E.U. Member States--the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and Sweden. These bilateral agreements propose to shortly involve the stationing of U.S. customs officials in many of the ports that have significant container traffic to the United States. In terms of formal agreements between the E.U. and the U.S., the two have executed the Transatlantic Declaration, the New Transatlantic Agenda, and the Transatlantic Economic Partnership. The Transatlantic Declaration was adopted by the U.S. and the E.U. in 1990. This document set forth principles for greater E.U.-U.S. cooperation and consultation in economy, education, science, and culture. In 1995, the New Transatlantic Agenda (NTA) and the E.U.-U.S. Joint Action Plan were adopted. The NTA and the Joint Action Plan stimulated partnership and cooperation under four areas: promoting peace and stability, democracy and development around the world; responding to global changes; contributing to the expansion of world trade and fostering closer ties; and building bridges across the Atlantic. The Transatlantic Economic Partnership (TEP) was executed at the London summit in May 1998. The TEP is an extension of the spirit and premise behind the NTA. It includes both multilateral and bilateral elements. Bilaterally the purpose is to tackle technical barriers to trade. The purpose of the second part is to stimulate further multilateral liberalization--by joining forces on international trade issues. An innovative aspect of the proposal is to integrate labor, business, environmental and consumer issues into the process. It is, however, too early to say what will come out of this partnership. Mutual commitment to ``full and equal partnership'' in economic, political, and security matters was the hallmark of the Bonn Declaration adopted by both nations at the 21 June 1999 E.U.-U.S. summit held in June 1999 in Bonn. The Bonn Declaration outlines how the E.U. and the U.S. want to shape their relationship over the next decade and is embedded in the NTA process. The record of joint efforts to strengthen the economic, social, and diplomatic ties between the European Union and the United States demonstrates that we can do even better. I commend my colleague Mr. Bereuter for his efforts and leadership in bringing this important resolution to the Floor. It will help to improve our record even more through its representation of the voice of Congress.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution, and I want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter) for bringing it to the floor. First, I want to stress my unwavering support for our men and women in uniform. I am absolutely convinced that recent reports of prisoner abuses are in no way representative of the majority of those who serve in our armed services. Our fellow Americans who are in Iraq are some of the most dedicated and honorable people in our whole country. It is a rare thing these days to find them with such strong commitment to the values that have made this Nation so great. Our military is known throughout the entire world for upholding and fighting for human rights, and that is why the American people are so shocked at the recent reports of prisoner abuse and torture. I, too, am shocked, and it is unfortunate that a few soldiers have harmed the reputation of our entire military. There is no excuse for abusing and torturing any human being. We are there to restore dignity to the Iraqi people, not to demean and humiliate them. It absolutely cannot and should not be tolerated. We would not want American POWs abused, and we should not abuse those who we hold as prisoners of war. The United States has always held very strictly to the standards of the humane treatment of POWs that are universally accepted as international law. We should hold those standards now more than ever. As the world's superpower, we are an example to every Nation and are viewed as the defenders of life and liberty. One of the reasons we are in Iraq is because we wanted to liberate the Iraqi people from the torture and abuse of Saddam Hussein's regime. What kind of message do these very few soldiers send to the people of Iraq and to the entire Middle East by now abusing the people that we once rescued? There is absolutely no excuse. The vast majority of Iraqi people have been treated with respect and dignity by our service members, and I know will continue to be treated properly. Our men and women in uniform know they have a moral and legal obligation to treat prisoners of war humanely and with decency. These very few individuals who have not acted in this upright tradition should be quickly brought to justice. Already, the Army has placed a new unit leadership at this facility. As of April 1, we now have one single person responsible for all the detainee activities in Iraq. Additional training on the Geneva convention and the rules of engagement have been given to all new units going into these facilities. A mobile training team of corrections and legal experts is on the ground working to help train soldiers to improve operations at the facilities. I am encouraged and I applaud the quick response by our military leaders. I hope this incident, which involved just a very small group of individuals, will not overshadow the integrity of our soldiers. The 138,000 Americans in uniform in the Iraqi theater are some of the most dedicated and honorable people, and they are doing a tremendous job. Because of the sacrifices that they are making, our Nation is more secure, and Iraq is on the path to becoming a free and prosperous Nation. May God bless America and may God bless our men and women in uniform.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, last week, several Members of this body issued statements criticizing Presidential adviser Karen Hughes, demanding an apology for comments she made on April 25, 2004. Unfortunately, my colleagues have distorted her remarks into a misrepresentation of her actual sentiment, which I fully support. In a live interview on CNN on April 25, Ms. Hughes is quoted as saying, ``I think after September 11 the American people are valuing life more and realizing that we need policies to value the dignity and worth of every life. ``And President Bush has worked to say, let's be reasonable, let's work to value life, let's try to reduce the number of abortions, let's increase adoptions.'' She goes on to say, ``Unfortunately our enemies in the terror network, as we're seeing repeatedly in the headlines these days, don't value any life, not even the innocent and not even their own.'' That was on CNN ``Late Edition,'' April 25, 2004. In response to her words, some of my colleagues have accused Hughes of equating those who support abortion with terrorists. They have requested an apology for this alleged use of ``cheap and distasteful politics.'' I find this gross misrepresentation of Ms. Hughes' comments disgusting and firmly stand behind her words. Mr. Speaker, this demand for an apology is simply a political ploy designed to damage the pro-life movement and to promote the abortion industry and their pursuit of increased abortions. Abortion is a money- making business, and the pro-abortion movement will take any chance they can to derail those who promote life. Planned Parenthood's budget for fiscal year ending June of 2002 showed total revenue of $692.5 million, and they had a profit of $12.2 million for that 1-year period alone. Personally, I would like to thank Karen Hughes for her words because she was right; and, no, I will not apologize. Although Mrs. Hughes did not insinuate that these groups were terrorists, I find it amazing that these pro-abortion groups, like Planned Parenthood, have the gall to claim that they are ``offended'' at this accusation. Offended? Let me read to you some of the signs that were displayed at the pro-abortion rally in DC a few weeks ago. These were signs that did not make it to the mainstream newspaper. From World Magazine, May 8 edition, their signs read, ``Abort Bush. We are pro-choice and we riot. Keep Bush's hands out of my pants.'' Offended? I am personally offended as every American should be. And these groups claim to speak for all women. It is these very same groups that have repeatedly called pro-life groups like Concerned Women for American ``terrorists.'' Yes, Planned Parenthood likes to use the word ``terrorist'' any time they deem it politically useful. Recently, I saw on Planned Parenthood Federation's Web site a page entitled ``Eye on Extremism,'' and under the heading titled ``Terrorists and Extremist Organizations'' was a detailed listing of 14 leading pro-life organizations. I am familiar with the majority over these groups and it is clear that Planned Parenthood is simply working on a smear campaign. So I have a question for Planned Parenthood: How can such a claim be made against Hughes, an unsubstantiated claim I might add, when groups advocating family and pro-life policies are branded as extremists and terrorists? Planned Parenthood, are you going to apologize for these groups for, as you put it, ``cheap and distasteful politics.'' A national Right to Life poll has indicated growing opposition to abortion; 56 percent of women, 62 percent of African Americans, 79 percent of Hispanics, 61 percent of 18 to 29 year olds reject abortion in most circumstances. Americans recognize the value of life. As Mrs. Hughes stated, in the post-9-11 world, we as Americans have placed a greater emphasis on the value of life. We grieve for the loss of every soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan, cling tighter to our close friends and family, and are more conscientious of our personal and national security. Additionally, we celebrate the birth of every baby and adoption of every child into a loving family because we value each life. Mrs. Hughes' comments in the April 25th interview were right on target. The demand for an apology is absurd, and I would like to know if Planned Parenthood is going to apologize to the groups that they list as terrorists on their Web site. I doubt it, because each child saved from an abortion is money that the abortion industry will not get. And that, unfortunately, is what this is all about.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, May 1, we will witness yet another historic event in the evolution of the European Union. On that day 10 new nations of Europe will enter the European Union. This enlargement will represent the largest expansion ever undertaken by the EU. It is clear that a strong and mature transatlantic relationship is critical to the long-term political, economic and security interests of the United States. It is also clear that one of the central ingredients to a successful transatlantic partnership is a stable, integrated and dynamic Europe. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the 10 newest members of the European Union. I hope that the addition of these new members will help continue to strengthen our enduring friendship and critical partnership with the countries of Europe and the European Union. As the U.S. chairperson of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue, I look forward to meeting and working with the Parliamentarians of these newest members who will soon take their seats in the European Parliament.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I want today to express in the strongest possible way my support for our Nation's ongoing missions to sow the seeds of liberty, security and prosperity in Iraq, and as you know and as you said, you have been through my district and you know that I represent an area in Virginia where thousands upon thousands of service members live and train, and those service members I represent and their families and all of our men and women in the military and their families. I want to say right now how much I thank them for everything that they are doing and that they are sacrificing for our country. It is one of the most honorable things that anybody could do, and most Americans have absolutely no idea how much dedication and commitment it truly takes to do what they do, and for that I and so many of our Members of Congress are truly grateful, as I know all the members on our Committee on Armed Services are. Mr. Speaker, I feel very strongly that Congress and the administration cannot afford to lose sight of how important it is that our mission succeeds in Iraq. Failure is not an option, and the gravity of the implications for the broader war on terror and the security of so many things is so enormous, and I would like to talk a little bit now about our Marines operating in Fallujah and the nobility and the goodness of their brave devotion to duty under fire from a largely faceless enemy. Their courage, their competence and commitment are the hallmark of everything that is and ever will be great about America. Our duty under Article I, section 8 of the Constitution, not to mention our own constitutional oath, absolutely compels us to make difficult choices in staying the course, regardless of the prevailing political winds at home and overseas. Anything else would dishonor the service of our Marines, our soldiers, sailors and airmen and all others who are supporting our effort, as well as the legacy and the memory of brave generations of all who have gone before them. Mr. Speaker, I will insert the full text of an April 25, 2004, article from the Los Angeles Times, which I am going to make reference to, with my statement in the record, and I would like to call my colleagues' attention to that article entitled: ``Keeping Spirits Up While They Hunker Down; Humor and a Lid on Emotions Help Echo Company's Marines Stay Focused in Fallouja.'' Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to say that I know a friend and Naval Academy classmate of the commander of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, the unit profiled in this story. The enthusiasm of the Echo Company commander that is referenced in this story is, as I can tell you firsthand, an absolutely contagious thing. It is vivid in friends of the company commander halfway around the world, and I trust and pray that it is also in the young Marines under his charge in Echo Company. We should consider ourselves blessed that we have this quality of leadership so abundantly present in our young officers who are on the tip of the spear in Fallujah and places like it. Captain Doug Zembiec, the leader of Echo Company, embodies everything that we envision in the young American officers with whom we entrust the lives of our young men and women. I would like to read an excerpt from the article that I referenced before. It reads: ``Just as the chaplain Saturday started to lead a group of Marines in song, a Marine sniper on the roof let loose several thunderous rifle blasts at armed insurgents moving into position for a possible attack. If the Marines in the room below took any notice, they didn't show it. Instead, they launched into 'Lord, we lift Your name on high.' ``For the young men of Echo Company of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment of the 1st Marine Division, the sound of sniper fire, or mortar rounds, rockets or bursts from automatic weapons is hardly noticeable anymore. ``Other companies and other battalions have done their share of fighting in Fallujah, but none have done more than Echo Company of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division,'' and I am still quoting from the article. ``All military groups take on the personality of their commander. For Echo Company, that's Captain Douglas Zembiec, 31, of Albuquerque, a balding, gregarious man who, in glasses, looks like a high school science teacher but was a former wrestler at the Naval Academy. ``Zembiec believes in leading from the front. He led the charge into hostile fire that started the Marine assault April 6 on the neighborhood and has been known to disregard his own safety to get a clear radio transmission during combat. ``His admiration for his troops is hard to contain. `` `They're fired up, they're motivated,' he said while filling out forms requesting medals for bravery for several of his men. `These are young men who grew up wanting to be defenders. What other kind of job has this kind of honor and danger?' ``Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Jonas, 35, of San Diego, who served in Operation Desert Storm and Kosovo, said Zembiec's enthusiasm and his policy of giving authority to enlisted Marines have helped sustain morale. `` `This is a very close company,' he said. ``There are, inevitably, strong bonds formed from facing danger and from their mutual dependence. `` `We're out here for each other,' said Private First Class Bernard Boykin, 21, of Eugene, Oregon. `I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.' ``And what will the men of Echo Company remember when it is over? `` `I'll always remember the good times, the jokes, the stories,' said Lance Corporal Chris Hankins, 19, of Kansas City, Missouri. `But the bad things, the dead bodies, seeing my friends bleeding and being carried away, I hope to forget that.' '' Mr. Speaker, it is beyond me how any American could read this article's capsule of a leader's laser-like vision of his mission, the resolve of those under his charge, and the mutual esteem and faith that they are driven by and not be deeply moved and humbled. It should remind us to the depths of our being how fortunate we are to be Americans. It is the service of Echo Company and their contemporaries that we cannot dishonor by failing to stabilize Iraq. Regardless of one's view on what led us there, our vision of the need to stay the course there absolutely must be a common one. As you have said, Mr. Speaker, we have got to remain steady, and that is the one thing that is the message that we have got to send to the American people, we have got to send to our troops who are over there fighting for us. Before closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Colonel Michael Shupp, our former Marine House liaison director who will shortly be assuming command of the 1st Marine Regiment in Iraq. Colonel Shupp took me on my first CODEL to Afghanistan, and I have watched him as he has been readying to change and to go over to Iraq to command the 1st Marine Regiment in Iraq. And I have seen the excitement and the grin on his face that you cannot keep him from showing when he is ready to leave to go over and do his duty. That is what our Marines are like. That is what every one of our men and women in uniform are like. That is why we have to stay steady on this course. Colonel Shupp, who is a proud graduate of VMI, has been a treasured friend to all of us, and I know I speak for all 434 of my colleagues. We will sorely miss him, but I know that our country needs people like Captain Zembiec, that I referenced, and Michael Shupp if we are to succeed in filling our oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from California and all the members of the House Committee on Armed Services who have fought so diligently to fight and protect and give our men and women in the military what they need so that we can stay the course and stay steady. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record the Los Angeles Times article I referred to earlier. [From the Los Angeles Times, Apr. 25, 2004] The World; Keeping Spirits Up While They Hunker Down; Humor and a Lid on Emotions Help Echo Company's Marines Stay Focused in Fallouja (By Tony Perry) Fallouja, Iraq.--Just as the chaplain Saturday started to lead a group of Marines in song, a Marine sniper on the roof let loose several thunderous rifle blasts at armed insurgents moving into position for a possible attack. If the Marines in the room below took any notice, they didn't show it. Instead, they launched into ``Lord, we lift your name on high.'' For the young men of Echo Company of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment of the 1st Marine Division, the sound of sniper fire--or mortar rounds, rockets or bursts from automatic weapons--is hardly noticeable anymore. Other companies and other battalions have done their share of fighting in Fallouja, but none have done more than Echo company of the 2/1. Hunkered down in several adjoining two-story homes in an abandoned, bullet-ridden neighborhood in the northwestern corner of the city, the Marines of Echo Company have engaged in skirmishes with insurgents nearly every day for three weeks. And if the order comes for a full-out assault on the city center, there is no doubt that Echo Company will be a major part of the operation. ``This is what Marines do,'' said Sgt. Casey Olson, 26, of Fargo, N.D. ``They fight.'' They also laugh, grieve and bottle up their emotions to stay focused on the heavily armed insurgents who lie only a few hundred yards away. Despite a cease-fire agreement and a call for the people of Fallouja to relinquish their heavy weapons, arranged with the help of Iraqi mediators, the troops of Echo Company, and the battalion's other companies, Fox and Golf, have been attacked daily. Last week, Echo Company fought a five-hour battle with insurgents, leaving three Marines wounded and scores of insurgents dead or injured. The notion of a cease-fire has brought a kind of sarcastic battlefield humor. The insurgents aren't really firing mortar rounds at the Marines, they're only trying to turn in their mortars one shell at a time, the troops joke. And those insurgents running between houses with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades? They are actually running to a Marine checkpoint to give up their weaponry. The floors of the homes occupied by Echo Company are a jumble of weapons, sleeping bags, magazines, DVDs, MRE rations, cartridge belts, letters from home. Concrete walls have been knocked down between rooms and between houses to keep the Marines from having to venture into alleys. The Marines cordoned off the city five days after four U.S. civilian security contractors were slain and their bodies mutilated. Marines sleep 10 or more to a room. Snipers are on the roofs, streets are blocked with concertina wire, and houses are barricaded with sandbags. The formerly vibrant, middle- class neighborhood has become a ghost town after residents fled the fighting. There is no water or electricity; the sewer system has stopped functioning. Resupply convoys arrive under heavy protection. The wind carries dust storms down the streets and the sound and sight of mortar rounds and rockets fill the evening darkness. The insurgents, several hundred yards away, have been using mosques as rallying spots. The minaret of one mosque offers a direct view of the alley between the homes occupied by the Marines, a perfect vantage point for insurgent snipers. Two weeks ago, two members of Echo Company were killed and seven wounded during an attack by insurgents. The painful memory lingers. ``It was the worst night of my life,'' said Navy medical corpsman Jason Duty, 20, of New London, Conn. ``You take classes, symposiums, training on mass casualties, but it slaps you in the face when you see nine guys bleeding, screaming.'' A small memorial with a tiny American flag has been erected for the two Marines killed: Lance Cpl. Robert Zurheide of Tucson and Lance Cpl. Brad Shuder of El Dorado Hills, Calif. ``You just can't think about it, you can't,'' said Lance Cpl. Christopher Rodriguez, 19, of Des Moines. ``You just keep pushing forward.'' Rodriguez says he notices things that lift his spirits when he is on patrol and entering other abandoned houses looking for insurgents. ``You see things--like baby pictures and a Barbie doll, maybe some toys,'' Rodriguez said. ``You realize these are people who want a good life. And we can help them have it.'' Lt. Ben Wagner, 27, of San Diego said the Marines of Echo Company have had to build ``an emotional wall'' to block out things that could distract them. ``It's not easy or fun. But as platoon commander, if I'm sad or upset, it affects other people,'' Wagner said. ``The same is true of the other Marines. You have to stay focused on the job, even if it's hard.'' ``Two-thirds of the company served in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 that toppled Saddam Hussein's regime. Now, its members say, it's more difficult, more confusing, more tragic. ``It's worse this time,'' said Cpl. Joshua Hill, 22, of Huntsville, Texas. ``Last time, we fought the Iraqi army and they surrendered. This time, it's like we're fighting the Iraqi people and they don't understand we're trying to help them.'' Olson agreed that ``they seem more determined this time. We're going to be beat them, but they seem more determined.'' All military groups take on the personality of their commander. For Echo Company, that's Capt. Douglas Zembiec, 31, of Albuquerque, a balding, gregarious man who, in glasses, looks like a high school science teacher but was a former wrestler at the Naval Academy. Zembiec believes in leading from the front. He led the charge into hostile fire that started the Marine assault April 6 on the neighborhood and has been known to disregard his own safety to get a clear radio transmission during combat. His admiration for his troops is hard to contain. ``They're fired up, they're motivated,'' he said while filling out forms requesting medals for bravery for several of his men. ``These are young men who grew up wanting to be defenders. . . . What other kind of job has this kind of honor and danger? Asked what kind of day his Marines are having, Zembiec said, ``A terrific day. We just whacked two [insurgents] running down an alley with AK-47s.'' Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Jonas, 35, of San Diego, who served in Operation Desert Storm and Kosovo, said Zembiec's enthusiasm and his policy of giving authority to enlisted Marines have helped sustain morale. ``This is a very close company,'' Jonas said. There are, inevitably, strong bonds formed from facing danger and from their mutual dependence. ``We're out here for each other,'' said Pfc. Bernard Boykin, 21, of Eugene, Ore. ``I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.'' And what will the men of Echo Company remember when it is over? ``I'll always remember the good times, the jokes, the stories,'' said Lance Cpl. Chris Hankins, 19, of Kansas City, Mo. ``But the bad things, the dead bodies, seeing my friends bleeding and being carried away, I hope to forget that. ``I never want to think about that again.''

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredible American statesman and native of Virginia's First District, which I have the privilege of representing in this House. James Monroe was born this day in 1758 in Westmoreland County, Virginia, and spent much of his life in what is now Virginia's First Congressional District. He attended the College of William and Mary and practiced law in Fredericksburg before becoming a U.S. Senator, Minister to France, negotiator of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and ultimately our Nation's fifth President. James Monroe is perhaps best remembered for his December 2, 1823 message to Congress that is now known as the Monroe Doctrine. James Monroe forged an independent American foreign policy and signaled the end of Old World colonization of the Americas. James Monroe will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of all Americans, but he will always have a special place for citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Americans suffering from a rare and debilitating disease known as Cushing's syndrome. Named after Dr. Harvey Williams Cushing, the early 20th century surgeon who discovered the disease, Cushing's is a hormonal disorder that affects only 5 to 10 adults for every million each year. Symptoms range from obesity to high blood pressure, and if left untreated may result in infertility and even death. Unfortunately, like most other rare illnesses, Cushing's patients are often mis-diagnosed, delaying important treatment options. This was the plight of my constituent, Jayne Kerns of Spotsylvania, Virginia. Suffering from many of the typical symptoms of the disease, Mrs. Kerns went undiagnosed through frequent physician visits and medical testing for over a year until an educated medical observation brought appropriate treatment. I bring Mrs. Kerns' story to your attention, Mr. Speaker, to raise public and medical awareness about the Cushing's syndrome, a serious and often elusive disease. Educating Americans about Cushing's, its symptoms and treatment options, is an opportunity to save lives.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Resolution, offered by my colleague from Virginia, Virgil Goode. His amendment was offered in the Rules Committee today, but unfortunately, the Rules Committee did not allow it to be offered on the floor of the House. Nonetheless, I want to clear my support for his amendment, had it been offered. The Goode Amendment would cut foreign aid funds by $8 billion, and use that money to pay down the deficit and take care of our veterans. From the $8 billion cut from foreign aid spending, $5 billion would be put towards the deficit and $3 billion would be put towards veterans' health care. I would have voted for this amendment, with the clarification that the $8 billion cut from foreign aid spending would not be taken from U.S. aid for Israel. Israel is our most-valued ally, and we need to do everything we can to support her. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is commensense. It takes away money from foreign aid, and gives it back to the hard-working Americans who earned the money in the first place. $5 billion would be used to put down the deficit, something we have got to start doing more. We cannot spend taxpayer dollars recklessly without thinking about our national debt, which is now up to $7.1 trillion. We owe it to our future generations to spend taxpayer money wisely so that the important programs our government provides are still around for our children and grandchildren. Also, $3 billion would be used towards veterans' health care. Mr. Chairman, since I was elected to Congress, I have done everything I possibly could for our Nation's veterans. They have done more for our country than most people will ever be asked to do, and it is important to make sure they have adequate health care. This additional $3 billion for veterans' health care funding is a step in the right direction. Again, I commend Mr. Goode for offering this worthy amendment, and I wish it could have been offered on the House floor.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of this important resolution. It has been almost a year now since our brave men and women in uniform liberated the Iraqi people from the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. In doing so, our Armed Forces brought individual freedom to a people who have for decades only known persecution. Now they are proving just as impressive at rebuilding the country. Mr. Speaker, several of the previous speakers have said that the Bush administration falsely claimed that the threat posed by Iraq was imminent. The threat was not imminent. The administration made no such claim. The threat was it needed to be dealt with before the issue became imminent. Saddam's regime continued to try to kill our American and British air crews patrolling the no fly zone, people like the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk), who flew those missions as a naval reservist. The United States could not keep a potential invasion force on station near Iraq indefinitely, nor would we want our soldiers to have to fight at the height of the summer. With the ousting of Hussein from power, we have discovered the true horror and atrocities of this regime. As we look at the unearthed mass graves and reflect on the countless human rights abuses, how can we possibly question the legitimacy of this decision? The world is a safer place with the liberation of Iraq, particularly for the 25 million Iraqis who no longer have to live in fear of a brutal tyrant. We entered Iraq to free its people and plant the seeds of a democratic government, and that is precisely what we are doing. If a few years ago, one would have told someone, anyone, that in the year 2004 the Iraqi people would be creating a constitution founded on democratic principles, I daresay that no one, no one, would have objected. Consequently, that is just what our decision has done. I commend the diligence of our Armed Forces in the reconstruction effort, and I am pleased with the rapid progress that is being made. The road is certainly not an easy one, but I remain confident in the ability of the Iraqi people, with the cooperation of the coalition, to rebuild their country and to create a secure and stable sovereign nation. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and to urge my colleagues to pass this critical piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, it amazes me to hear the arguments of the opponents of this bill, not wanting to protect the rights and the will and the wish of this mother who chose the right to carry her child to full term and to protect the rights of the father for having justice against the murder of the child that they chose to keep. It just amazes me to hear that argument. Recent studies by State health departments have shown that homicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality, as we heard our previous speaker say; and it results in the death of both the mother and her child, the child that she chose to carry. However, under current Federal law, there is only one victim. This bill is not about abortion. This bill is about, as my colleague from Indiana said, it is about justice: justice for that family, that father who has lost not only his wife but his child as well. Mr. Speaker, this simply does not make sense. It is time for the Federal Government to recognize what the rest of the country already knows, that crimes against pregnant women create two victims, the mother and the child. We must afford pregnant women and their unborn children the full protection of the law that they deserve. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's laws must protect our most vulnerable members of society and fully prosecute those who commit violent acts against them. By passing this legislation, we guarantee that protection for women and their unborn children, and we create a deterrent against future attacks on women of childbearing age. I do not see how this bill takes away any rights of protecting those women who are harmed by violence. This is not taking the focus off that. This is just adding justice for that family who has lost not only the mother but the child as well. I urge the House to pass the rule and the underlying bill, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, yes, that is our understanding as well.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2751, the GAO Human Capital Reform Act of 2003. I want to thank the leadership for bringing this important legislation to the floor. This legislation, which I introduced last year, has broad support in both Houses and on both sides of the political aisle. It was crafted in collaboration with Democrats on the Committee on Government Reform and the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee. In essence, H.R. 2751 expands the management flexibilities that the GAO already has. Among its provisions, this legislation makes permanent the GAO's authority to offer early retirement and buyouts in order to provide GAO with the necessary tools to streamline and reshape its workforce. The legislation enhances GAO's ability to reimburse employees for relocation expenses and establishes an employee exchange program with the private sector in areas of mutual concern and positions where GAO has a supply-and-demand imbalance. It also permits the Comptroller General to increase the annual leave benefits for employees who joined the GAO in mid-career. Right now, for example, even seasoned employees who joined the GAO with extensive experience in the private sector are only entitled to 13 days of annual leave for the first 3 years with the agency. That is the same amount of leave that is given to a recent college graduate. Under this legislation, they could receive up to 20 days a year. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2751 also changes the name of the organization from the General Accounting Office to the Government Accountability Office, which better reflects the agency's modern-day mission. Most importantly, the GAO Human Capital Reform Act gives the Comptroller General more authority to reward employees for good work and establishes a meaningful pay-for-performance system. Annual pay raises would be based on individual performance, also taking into account inflation and differences in competitive compensation by locality. At both the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization, which I chair, and the full Committee on Government Reform, this legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support. It is endorsed by the Comptroller General, the GAO Employees Advisory Council, and by outside observers of the civil service. This legislation will be a great benefit to the GAO and to Congress, which relies heavily on the expertise and skill of the GAO employees. The GAO has been a leader in creating a performance-based environment and will continue to do so when this bill becomes law. I urge passage of H.R. 2751. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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 and to include extraneous material on the subject of the bill, H.R. 2751.