Charles Dent

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk and I ask unanimous consent that it be considered at any point in the reading.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of a national treasure, Sarkis Acopian. Mr. Acopian died on January 18, 2007, at his home in Palmer Township, Pennsylvania, which is located in my Congressional district near the City of Easton. He was 80 years old. To say that Mr. Acopian lived a full life does not do justice to the legacy of this extraordinary man. His is, in part, the classic immigrant success story. He was born on December 8, 1926, in Tabriz, Iran, to Armenian parents. He came to this country in 1945 to study engineering at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. While here, Mr. Acopian was drafted into the United States Army. After completing his military service, Mr. Acopian returned to Lafayette, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in mechanical engineering in 1951. Mr. Acopian used his prodigious intellectual gifts and business acumen to design and build things that helped to make people's lives better. While working for the Weller Electric Corporation, he designed a power sander which became one of the company's main products. After forming the Acopian Technical Company in 1957, he designed and manufactured the first ever solar radio. Mr. Acopian subsequently led his company into the power supply business, and the company, which is still operating today, became and remains quite successful in that enterprise. But Sarkis Acopian was much, much more than just an outstanding entrepreneur. In that regard, he loved outdoor venture and throughout his life he was an avid pilot, scuba diver and skydiving enthusiast who made more than 200 jumps during the 1960s. But where he really made his presence known was in his philanthropic work. Mr. Acopian was a self-effacing man who believed passionately in supporting the community quietly but with unmatched generosity. He was passionate about education. He made significant donations to Columbia University, to the Acopian Engineering Center at Lafayette College and to the Acopian Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg College located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was passionate about his faith, building the Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and giving generously to the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, as well as to local churches in Armenia. He was passionate about nature, creating the Acopian Center for Conservation Learning at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and the Acopian Bog Turtle Preserve, as well as endowing the environmental education program at the American University of Armenia and the Florida Institute of Technology. He was passionate about the locality in which he lived, Easton, Easton, Pennsylvania. He gave generously to the Children's Home of Easton, a sanctuary for underprivileged youth. The State Theater of Easton and the Easton National Canal Museum. His contributions made children's lives better, raised appreciation for the arts in his community, and helped to preserve important local history. As an immigrant to this country, Mr. Acopian was eternally grateful for the opportunities that had been afforded to him here. He showed that gratitude, in part, by providing $1 million towards the construction of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C., that is right, $1 million to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. His generous donation was the single largest contribution to that fundraising effort. I must tell a story, former Senator Bob Dole came to the Easton area several years ago and said that one day in front of a few hundred people he received a check for $1 million for the World War II Memorial. He picked up the phone and called this man, Mr. Acopian. He said, Mr. Acopian, this is very generous. Is there anything you would like because of this very generous gift? Mr. Acopian wanted anonymity. He said no, there is really nothing I want, Senator. After a few moments, he thought about it and said, Senator, there is actually one thing, Senator, I do want. He said, I would like to have a seat at the dedication. Bob Dole said, well, heck, yes, he can have mine. That is the way Sarkis Acopian was. He sought anonymity, but Bob Dole blew his cover. His greatest passion, however, was for his lovely wife of 59 years, Mrs. Bobbye Seitze Mixon Acopian. Together the couple had two sons, Gregory, who is married to Karen; and Jeffrey, who is married to Helen, both of whom still reside in Easton. He is survived also by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I come here today not to speak about the great weighty issues of the day, whether it be Iraq or the budget process and procedures of the House, homeland security or any number of issues. No, Mr. Speaker, I come here today to talk about the career of a wonderful individual. You know, it was Tip O'Neill who once said that all politics is local, and I rise today to honor the career of one of our Nation's great local civic leaders, civic officials, Charlie Allebach, Jr. Charlie has been serving the people of the Borough of Souderton, Pennsylvania, for almost 43 years. Let me say that again. That is for 43 years, he has served the people of Souderton, Pennsylvania. He first became a borough councilman in 1964--by the way, I was 4 years old at that time--he was appointed mayor in 1970, and he has been mayor ever since. But I just want you to know, too, that he has just announced his retirement. Charlie has presided over the steady growth of a wonderful community, Souderton, Pennsylvania. If you don't know anything about Souderton, it is in the Indian Valley of Pennsylvania, Montgomery County. It has got a great tradition. The Mennonites have had an enormous influence on that area over the years, have deeply influenced the culture and tradition. There is a great sense of family and faith in that area. Souderton is an extraordinary community. Charlie, also, I want you to know, has performed more than 2,400 marriage ceremonies, lent his time to local service organizations and has been devoted to the borough in every way imaginable. On behalf of the people of the 15th Congressional District, I wish him the best during his retirement. We would like to keep him around in public office longer, but I understand that 40 years is a long time. We wish him the best in this richly deserved retirement. I also ask that a copy of my remarks today be included in the Congressional Record so that Charlie Allebach, Jr.'s career as the mayor of Souderton can be memorialized within the annals of Congress for all time and to all the people in the Indian Valley in Souderton, I know that they are perhaps watching today the proceedings of the House and I know they have such a deep affection for this man. We don't spend enough time in our lives as Members of Congress thanking and celebrating people who do things right, who enter public service because they believe in advancing the best interests of their community. They are not doing it for themselves. That is what Charlie Allebach is all about. So to Charlie, we say once again, thank you for a job well done. We hope to see you around. We know we will, but just want you to know that your contributions to all of us, to our community, are deeply appreciated and will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, Tip O'Neill once said that all politics is local, and I rise today to honor the career of one our nation's great local civic officials, Charlie Allebach, Jr. Charlie has been serving the people of the Borough of Souderton, Pennsylvania, for almost 43--that's 43--years. He first became a borough councilman in 1964, and he was appointed mayor in 1970. He has been the mayor ever since, but he has just announced his retirement. Charlie has presided over the steady growth of a wonderful community. He has also performed more than 2,400 marriage ceremonies, lent his time to local service organizations, and has been devoted to the Borough in every way. On behalf of the people of the 15th Congressional District, I wish him the best during his retirement, and I ask that a copy of these remarks be included in the Congressional Record so that Charlie Allebach, Jr.'s career as the mayor of Souderton, Pennsylvania, can be memorialized within the annals of Congress for all time. Thank you, Charlie, for a job well done.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I, too, today rise in opposition to this rule and the underlying legislation. In this bill, the Delegates and the Resident Commissioner will be allowed to vote on proceedings in the Committee of the Whole; but if their vote is decisive, then there must be a revote in the full House without the participation of these Delegates. In other words, the bill says that your vote counts except when it doesn't count. And when it really, really counts, that is when it will make a difference in the outcome of the proceedings, it turns out that your vote doesn't count at all. This kind of absurdity might be appropriate in the drama of Beckett or Ionesco, but it has no place in the making of American law. And I do want to address the issue, too. In the last session I supported the Tom Davis-Holmes Norton bill to help deal with the issue of the District of Columbia's voting rights. I agree with that. I support that legislation, and we should take up that legislation. We shouldn't do it through this rule. Also, with respect to self-determination in Puerto Rico, we have been supportive of Mr. Fortuno and his effort to allow for self- determination of the island where people have a choice to make: independence, territorial status, or statehood. Let that process take its course. This is not the way to go. I oppose the rule and the underlying legislation.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. Although the purpose of this legislation is straightforward, the significance cannot be understated. H.R. 3 would expand the limited number of embryonic stem cell lines currently available for federally funded research. Permitting research on additional embryonic stem cell lines will advance a field that scientists agree holds the greatest potential to provide groundbreaking therapies for some of the most vexing diseases of our time. I believe stem cell research, all forms of stem cell research, adult, cord blood, amniotic, embryonic, should be pursued. This discussion is not about a competition. The promise of stem cell research, to find treatments for the most devastating diseases like Parkinson's, juvenile diabetes, coronary heart diseases, cancer and spinal cord injuries, is too great not to explore every single possibility. That said, embryonic stem cell research raises serious ethical questions that have been raised by some of my colleagues today. I strongly believe that H.R. 3 is the most responsible way to ensure that we are observing the highest possible standards of ethical and clinical practice by setting meaningful ethical guidelines for embryonic stem cell research that will serve as the benchmark for scientific study throughout the world. H.R. 3 provides these ethical guidelines. First, in order to be considered for this research, the donated cells must come from an in vitro fertilization clinic, have been created for the purpose of fertility treatment and be in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking treatment. Second, the in vitro facility has to certify that these cells would be otherwise discarded if not donated and that the cells are not destined for implantation. Third, the donors of these cells have to sign a written consent form providing for such a donation and confirm that they have not received any inducements, financial or otherwise, to make the donation. We took one important step last year in Congress in addressing these ethical dilemmas that are raised by this emerging field of science. We enacted a law which prohibits the practice of fetal farming where human fetal tissue would be deliberately created for the purpose of scientific research. H.R. 3 will take another step in ensuring that research is adhered to the highest possible principles of scientific inquiry and respects critical ethical boundaries while advancing some of the most critical research of our time.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of a courageous young man from my district, and of his friends and family and supporters, who are trying to use his untimely demise to help make the world a better place. Derek Ryan Kehoe graduated from Nazareth High School in 2005, which this high school is located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. And he was a star player on the school's basketball team, a team he led to the District 11 Tournament in 2005. He was a freshman at Albright College when, in April of 2006, he discovered a lump on his back. The lump turned out to be leiomyosarcoma, or LMS as it is better known, a rare and deadly form of cancer. LMS currently has no cure. And though Derek was a strong, healthy 19-year-old, the disease overcame him, and he passed on on October 28, 2006. Throughout his illness, Derek was cheerful and encouraging, more concerned with the feelings of those who came to see him than of his own condition. On January 5, 2007, Derek's life will be commemorated at half time of the Nazareth High-Northampton High boys basketball game. A full house is expected, and 150 of Derek's classmates are returning for the event. All proceeds from the game will be earmarked to fight this dreaded disease of LMS that took Derek away from us way too soon. I want to extend my condolences to Derek's parents, Maureen Kehoe and Kevin Kehoe. I also want to express my support for all the people who have put together this event, including the Kehoes, the administration of Nazareth Area High School, and the Nazareth High School Booster Club. I also want to convey a special word of thanks to Nazareth basketball coach Joe Arndt, who loved Derek as he would a son and who played a key role in making this event a reality. Mr. Speaker, I will insert a copy of these words into the Congressional Record this 4th day of January, 2007, as part of the effort to commemorate for all time the life of Derek Ryan Kehoe. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of a courageous young man from my District, and of his friends, family, and supporters who are trying to use his untimely demise to help make the world a better place. Derek Ryan Kehoe graduated from Nazareth High School in 2005 (in Nazareth, PA) and was a star player on the school's basketball team, a team he led to the District 11 Tournament in 2005. He was a freshman at Albright College when, in April of 2006, he discovered a lump on his back. The lump turned out to be leiomyosarcoma (LMS), a rare and deadly form of cancer. LMS currently has no cure, and though Derek was a strong, healthy 19-year old, the disease overcame him, and he passed on October 28, 2006. Throughout his illness, Derek was cheerful and encouraging, more concerned with the feelings of those who came to see him than with his own condition. On January 5, 2007, Derek's life will be commemorated at the halftime of the Nazareth High-Northampton High boys basketball game. A full house is expected, and 150 of Derek's classmates are returning for the event. All proceeds from the game will be earmarked to fight this dreaded disease of LMS that took Derek away from us way too soon. I want to extend my condolences to Derek's parents, Maureen Kehoe and Kevin Kehoe. I also want to express my support for all the people who have put together this event, including the Kehoes, the administration of Nazareth Area High School, and the Nazareth High Booster Club. I also want to convey a special word of thanks to Nazareth basketball coach Joe Arndt, who loved Derek as he would a son, and who played a key role in making this event a reality. Mr. Speaker, I ask that a copy of these words be inserted into the Congressional Record this 4th day of January 2007, as part of the effort to commemorate, for all time, the life of Derek Ryan Kehoe.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I rise today to speak in favor of House Resolution 1082. When I first read or heard that the leadership of the Paris suburb of St. Denis had decided to name a street in that municipality for Mumia Abu-Jamal, I thought I had just disappeared down Lewis and Carroll's rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland. Everything had gone topsy-turvy; left had become right, up was down, and, most significantly, right was now wrong. Mumia Abu-Jamal is a man to be condemned, not honored. On December 9, 1981, he shot Philadelphia Police Officer Danny Faulkner. He shot him in the back, then he shot him four more times. The last round from a 38-caliber handgun struck the officer in the face and killed him. Four eyewitnesses at the scene saw him do it and testified as such in a court of law. Abu-Jamal was apprehended at the scene, and his 38, containing five spent shell casings, was found there as well. And I won't even get into the alleged hospital confession. Abu-Jamal was tried by a jury of his peers in a Philadelphia courtroom. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. Philadelphia's Democratic District Attorney Lynn Abraham called it ``the most open and shut murder case'' that she had ever seen. In fact, current Pennsylvania Democrat Governor Ed Rendell was district attorney at the time, and his office tried that case. Abu-Jamal also admitted to shooting the officer. And while this confession and a death sentence that he received has been the subject of subsequent appeals, every court that has looked at this case has affirmed the jury's finding that Abu-Jamal murdered Officer Faulkner. Abu-Jamal, a cop killer, is now feted as a minor celebrity by people like Fidel Castro, a few Hollywood movie stars, and of course the leadership of a small suburb of Paris, France. And some people have argued that they support Abu-Jamal because they oppose the death penalty. May I say, rather respectfully, that the Jamal case is not the case to make that case against the death penalty. We have a death penalty statute in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania precisely because of cases like this one. The man that he executed, meanwhile, a true hero who protected and served the people of Philadelphia, is dead, and his widow Maureen continues to grieve for him. I have met with Maureen when I served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. I know that she misses Danny every day. Only the Mad Hatter could make sense of a scenario like this. Please, I urge every Member of this House to vote in favor of this resolution sponsored by my good friends and colleagues Mike Fitzpatrick and Allyson Schwartz.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the generous actions of National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, following the damaging affects of Hurricane Katrina on our nation's liquid hydrogen infrastructure. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast Region of the United States. In addition to the devastating impact that Hurricane Katrina levied on the residents and municipalities of the Gulf Coast Region, the storm also severely damaged numerous business and manufacturing establishments, including the world's largest liquid hydrogen manufacturing facility located in New Orleans, LA. For 40 years, NASA has been a major user of liquid hydrogen for many of its programs, including its Space Shuttle program. Today, NASA remains a significant and preferential customer of the New Orleans liquid hydrogen facility and, as such, is entitled to preferential supply due to its Defense Priority rating. Liquid hydrogen is essential in many commercial manufacturing applications including the production of metals, float glass and electronics products that are, in turn, critical resources for other major American manufactures. In anticipation of the Space Shuttle launch scheduled for March 2006, NASA had accumulated a considerable amount of liquid hydrogen in its spheres at the Kennedy Space Center, and had also planned significant testing of the Space Shuttle engines at Stennis Space Center prior to the March launch. Upon learning of the severe shortage of liquid hydrogen supply in North America due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the facility located in New Orleans, NASA voluntarily agreed to transfer back to the facility a total of 391,220 pounds of liquid hydrogen and agreed to ``stand down'' its engine testing requirements at Stennis Space Center until liquid hydrogen production was resumed in November 2005. NASA's generous actions allowed for the continued, albeit reduced, supply of liquid hydrogen to most commercial customers across the United States and prevented the shutdown of numerous manufacturing facilities and commensurate job losses throughout the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing NASA for its exceptional response and efforts in support of the U.S. manufacturing base by unselfishly committing its liquid hydrogen resources immediately following Hurricane Katrina's devastation ofthe Gulf Coast liquid hydrogen production capacity on August 29, 2005

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to speak in strong support of H.R. 5825, the Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act, for four reasons: First, the act applies only to foreign agents operating in this country. It cannot be used to spy on ordinary Americans. It cannot be used in run-of-the-mill criminal prosecutions. It allows only short- term, let me repeat, short-term warrantless surveillance. Second, the act makes it easier to conduct surveillance on those foreign agents. Up to now, their communications within this country could not be monitored without FISA approval if it was likely that U.S. citizens were involved in those communications. Third, and most importantly, the Act makes it easier for us to respond to attack or to the threat of attack. Under current law, warrantless surveillance of foreign agents is permitted only after the U.S. has declared war. Waiting to monitor the activities of foreign terrorists until a formal declaration of war has been declared may be too late. Under H.R. 5825, we can begin such surveillance after an armed or terrorist attack has occurred or, even more significantly, when there is an imminent threat that is likely to cause death or widespread harm. Finally, the Act gives intelligence authorities the flexibility needed to respond to emergency situations. Under current law, intelligence authorities may conduct surveillance in an emergency for up to 3 days before that agency must go to a FISA court for a warrant. Under H.R. 5825, that period is extended to 7 days, giving authorities more time to respond to that emergency and to gain valuable information that might save people's lives. For all these reasons, I urge strong support for the Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act. And, finally, I would like to say maybe, maybe, had this technology been employed before 9/11, maybe those two terrorists out in San Diego who were on the phones to Yemen into a switchboard, a switchboard apparently that bin Laden himself had called into one time, maybe had we been doing this type of surveillance, maybe we could have prevented at least one of those attacks that occurred at the Pentagon on September 11. For all these reasons, I strongly support the legislation.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of the HOPE VI Reauthorization Act of 2006, H.R. 5347. This program does play a vital role in the redevelopment of severely dilapidated public housing units and promotes self-sufficiency among the residents of the community. HOPE VI projects forge new relationships and partnerships between local businesses and development agencies, garnering growth and investment in poverty stricken neighborhoods. In May, 2005, the Allentown Housing Authority, located in my district, received $20 million from this program for the redevelopment and revitalization of the Hanover Acres and Riverview Terrace public housing facilities. Once complete, the project will provide 322 new housing units and a community center for families, as well as adult education services, youth programs, child care, and homeownership and money management education programs for residents. Because of this investment, families will have increased opportunities for education, job skills, training, and job placement. This HOPE VI project is not only crucial to Hanover Acres but ultimately a catalyst for the revitalization of the entire community and neighborhood. The HOPE VI program has already facilitated the redevelopment of 80,000 housing units across the Nation. However, there are approximately 60,000 units still in desperate need of revitalization. Each revitalization project we undertake across the country will undoubtedly provide crucial economic stability for countless children and families through housing, community centers, and educational services. I believe it is crucial that we continue to provide the means for revitalization of our most distressed neighborhoods and the opportunity for families and children to prosper in secure surroundings. I ask that my colleagues vote in favor of the HOPE VI Reauthorization Act.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 4893, the Restricting Indian Gaming to Homelands of Tribes Act of 2006. The expansion of tribal casinos to lands whose connection to Native American culture is limited or attenuated at best. This is a growing problem throughout the United States. No one wants to deny Native Americans the right to pursue government recognition of their tribal connections and to celebrate their native cultures. Increasingly, however, groups anxious to promote casino gambling have aligned with some Native American groups for the sole purpose of utilizing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, IGRA, to promote the establishment of casinos. In my district, the Delaware Nation, which is headquartered in Oklahoma, has filed suit in Federal court to establish title to a 315- acre tract of land in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, so it can build a gambling facility. More than 25 families live on this property. It is also home to the Binney and Smith Company, on which it has placed a Crayola crayon manufacturing facility. The individuals trying to establish this casino, who all reside out-of-State, are not concerned about the area's homeowners, about the valuable manufacturing jobs potentially displaced by this casino, or about the fact that Binney and Smith's Crayola makes a useful product loved by children all over the world. They are only interested in seeing working people and seniors gamble away their hard-earned dollars. H.R. 4983 would effectively end this kind of reservation shopping. It prohibits gambling on Indian lands outside of the State in which that tribe is primarily residing and exercising tribal authority as of the date of this law's enactment, unless those lands are contiguous to lands currently overseen and occupied by that tribe. This prevents a tribe with headquarters, in, say, California or Oklahoma from acquiring lands in places like Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania, where there are no federally recognized Indian tribes, for the sole purpose of putting a casino on those properties. Homeowners and business owners should not be held hostage to out-of- state casino interests that are willing to throw people out of their homes and destroy local businesses in order to further the expansion of casino gambling. I would ask for all Members to support H.R. 4893.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to override the Presidential veto of H.R. 810. The Senate's 63-37 vote yesterday to loosen the stranglehold on federally conducted stem cell research and set strict ethical standards for performing that research and the strong showing of support by the House in May of last year marked a triumph of science over politics. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support the override of this veto.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in very strong support of H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that Lehigh University was mentioned. That institution is in my district. And just to drive the point home, just in today's paper, the father of the young man who was alleged to have robbed a bank to support his gambling habit said that this bill was something that could have helped his son. He said this: ``He was addicted. He gambled 12 hours at a time. He gambled everything he had.'' The father went on to say, ``When he was out of money, he did what most addicts do when they are out of their supply. The Internet is flagrantly recruiting under-21-year-olds to gamble . . . This bill would have definitely helped my son.'' Finally, while Internet gambling is a $12 billion worldwide business, it is not by anyone's definition economic development. The revenue from these enterprises is not job-creating. Most Internet gambling funds are destined for locations that exist offshore. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. This legislation gives law enforcement the tools it needs to fight Internet gambling, which is already illegal in this country. Much Internet gambling originates from off-shore locations and thus is dependent upon the electronic transfer of money and wagering information between sites in the United States and these off-shore locations. Unfortunately, one of the major tools in this fight, the Wire Act, which is codified at title 18 United States Code Section 1081, was enacted in 1961, well before the establishment of the Internet or other forms of similar electronic communication. H.R. 4411 clarifies in statute that Internet communications made in furtherance of gambling transactions indeed fall within the scope of the Wire Act and are thus prosecutable. H.R. 4411 also gives law enforcement some additional authority to block these transactions. It requires the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to promulgate regulations aimed at preventing transfers of funds related to illegal Internet Gambling. It also gives law enforcement the ability to seek injunctions against those individuals who act to facilitate this gambling. While Internet gambling is a $12 billion worldwide business, it is not, anyone's definition, economic development. The revenue from these enterprises is not job-creating; most Internet gambling funds are destined for locations that exist off-shore. Internet gambling is, instead, wealth transfer--in most cases, from many who can least afford it to very few who don't need the cash. The proliferation of gambling in America--whether it involves playing the slots at a local racetrack, betting on roulette at a tribal casino hundreds of miles from the nearest Indian reservation, or placing wagers on college basketball games with an Internet site headquartered in the Bahamas--has done nothing to make this a healthier, more productive nation. That is why I support this bill.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a constituent of mine who passed away recently. Born in South Africa, Dorothy Roth was an extraordinary woman whom I first met while canvassing her neighborhood in the city of Allentown 17 years ago. She immediately invited me into her home to discuss public policy and politics. Accepting that invitation would be among the best decisions I made in my public service life. But that was by no means the last visit to Dorothy Roth's home by me. After I was in office, occasionally Dorothy would invite me over for a discussion over tea and hors d'oeuvres. Dorothy praised me when she thought I was doing right, and she never hesitated to admonish me when she thought I was wrong or wasn't helping enough to advance worthy ideas or issues. When Dorothy found a cause, there truly was no better champion. Dorothy gushed with pride about her children and her grandchildren. She loved her country and her community. She expected a lot of us in public service, but she expected even more from herself. Dorothy had a generous spirit and epitomized what a good citizen should be. More importantly, she was a great person.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I too today rise in strong support of the rule for H.R. 4890, and I would urge my colleagues to support this. Some people are opposed to this bill and the underlying rule, because they fear that this rule gives too much power to the Executive. Well, I must respectfully disagree. This legislation is important because it forces Congress to be fiscally responsible. We simply must do a better job in reining in Federal spending. The line item veto is nothing new to the American political system. Many States, including my own of Pennsylvania, allow the Governors the opportunity to reject individual spending initiatives that are brought within a comprehensive budgetary package. Having served as a State representative and a State senator, I can assure you that the threat of an Executive's blue line, or blue pencil as we say in Pennsylvania, often forces smarter and more disciplined spending on the part of the legislative body. What is more, when the legislative body acts with greater fiscal restraint, the Executive is less likely to exercise that power granted under line item veto. And if the Executive acts in an arbitrary or capricious manner, the legislative body knows how to respond and retaliate, if necessary, through the budget process. Thus, the legislature and the Executive act as potential deterrent to one another's spending proclivities. I have seen this happen many times. This legislation as drafted does not, in my opinion, cede Congress' constitutionally mandated spending prerogative to the President. In this bill, the Chief Executive may designate for rejection up to five earmarks per spending bill, 10 in the case of an omnibus or reconciliation package. Congress, however, has the final say on those earmarks, as the legislation provides for an expedited process of returning them to Congress in order to have an up-or-down vote on those proposed rescissions. In this way, the spending proclivities of both sides are kept in check, and we will make important strides toward imposing a culture of fiscal restraint in Washington.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 867) honoring the life and accomplishments of James Cameron, as amended.

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. James Cameron, thought to be the United States' last known survivor of a lynching in the early 1930s, fostered a lifelong commitment to civil rights that included creating America's Black Holocaust Museum. After an emotional 1979 visit to an Israeli museum that honors the memories of millions of people killed in the Holocaust, Cameron decided to create a similar memorial to pay tribute to the African American lives lost to lynching, slavery and other injustices. June 19, 1988, also known as Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., marked the grand opening of America's Black Holocaust Museum. The museum is housed in a 12,000 square-foot building in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and features a permanent exhibit on slavery that includes a 15-foot reproduction of the cargo hold of a slave ship and a 45-foot enclosed mural depicting the journey from Africa across the Atlantic. Cameron was also responsible for the founding of three NAACP chapters in Indiana in the 1940s, and he became the first president of the NAACP branch in Anderson, Indiana. During the 1960s, Cameron participated in both marches on Washington, the first with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the second with Dr. King's widow, Coretta Scott King, and the Reverend Jesse Jackson. I urge all Members to come together to honor the life of a man who was a true survivor and who persevered above all to promote civil rights and equality. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no other speakers, and I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 867, as amended, to commemorate the extraordinary life of Dr. Cameron. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. Today, the global war on terror is being waged on two primary fronts, as we know: Afghanistan and Iraq. In Afghanistan, a resurgent Taliban is attempting to undermine the efforts of the United States and our NATO allies. The threat from these murderous extremist terrorists remains real, and if one does not believe us, then I suggest reviewing the events of recent days in Canada, where the terrorists, motivated by Canada's participation in Afghanistan, unsuccessfully attempted to decapitate the Canadian government. Mr. Speaker, the United States and our NATO allies must remain resolute in Afghanistan. In Iraq, which I visited last year, I believe it is important and imperative that this Congress must have a serious, sober discussion about the consequences of failure in Iraq and what that means for the future. Failure in Iraq means a more destabilized Middle East that will be manifested by increasing sectarian strife and a political vacuum that will be filled by murderers and anarchists who most assuredly are not committed to the rule of law. What is worse, the war will continue, not only in a destabilized Middle East, but elsewhere and in places we would rather not fight. Our friends and allies will be at greatest risk and more exposed than is currently the case. To be sure, mistakes have been made in Iraq, from pre-war intelligence to de-Ba'athification to the destructive events of Abu Ghraib, but these mistakes should not stop us from our goal: the establishment of a stable, representative, national unity government that can manage the security situation much better itself and that lives in peace with its neighbors. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to submit additional remarks for the Record detailing the efforts of the House Homeland Security Committee's contributions in fighting this global war on terror. The Global War on Terror is, by virtue of its title, a war with world-wide scope. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am particularly concerned about the way in which this war can impact our way of life here, in these United States. And I believe that we have been doing a fine job of trying to make sure that terrorists or agents of foreign powers Do Not harm us on our shores. Since September 11, the Homeland Security Committee has enacted or sponsored legislation designed to insure the safety of the people living in this country. In H.R. 1544, the Faster and Smarter First Responders Act, we tried to make sure that homeland security grant dollars are spent according to risk, and not with regard to political concerns. In H.R. 1817, the Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, we authorized the recruitment and training of 2,000 new border patrol agents to insure that terrorists are not able to penetrate our land borders. As part of the Global War on Terror we have likewise worked hard to make sure that goods moving into this country are secure. In H.R. 4954, the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the Committee authorizes $821 million annually for port security programs. This bill further requires the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, to deploy nuclear and radiological detection systems at 22 U.S. seaports by the end of FY07, an action that will cover 98 percent of incoming maritime containers. Further, it makes sure that the people working at our port facilities are properly cleared and identified by forcing DHS to set deadlines for the implementation of the Transportation Worker Information Credential, TWIC, program, a biometrically-enhanced identification card system designed to make sure that those who would seek to commit acts of terrorism against us are Not allowed to work within the U.S. port system. We have also worked hard to make sure that our transportation modalities are also protected in this Global War on Terror. In H.R. 5441, the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which the House passed on May 25, 2006, we appropriated $2.05 billion for Coast Guard port and waterway security operations, $2.6 billion to screen airline passenger baggage, $13.2 million for rail security inspectors and explosive detection canines, and $458 million for biological, chemical, and explosives countermeasures to protect the Nation's critical infrastructure. Of course, in addition to securing our transportation modalities, we have also taken steps to make sure that terrorists in the Global War on Terror are not able to access what they clearly would most like to get their hands on--nuclear materials. The SAFE Port Act codifies in law the establishment of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, DNDO. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit the DNDO facility in Nevada, and I am firmly convinced of the importance of maintaining the vitality of this organization. The DNDO has one of the most important missions within the DHS--the detection and identification of nuclear materials. During my visit, I observed first-hand the testing of nuclear and radiological countermeasures, including detection devices designed to identify vehicles transporting nuclear explosive devices, fissile material, and radiological material intended for illicit use. The SAFE Port Act further requires the DNDO to conduct testing of next- generation nuclear and radiological detection equipment and to put forth a timeline for completing installation of such equipment at all U.S. seaports. Members of the Homeland Security Committee have worked hard to insure the safety of Americans, our commerce, and our infrastructure. Since September 11, we have not had a major terrorist incident in this country. And I believe that it is appropriate to attribute this positive development at least in part to the efforts of the leadership of this Committee, which is determined to make sure that the homeland is indeed a safe place.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this amendment, which I do intend to withdraw, would prevent the Department of the Interior from using any appropriated funds to further the expansion of off-reservation gambling under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Casino gambling sponsored by Indian tribes is a multi-billion dollar business that today comprises some 23 percent of gambling revenue nationwide. Unfortunately, as these casino profits increase, so does the motive to use the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act as a vehicle not for promoting Indian culture, but only as a tool to spread casino gambling into places where tribes have no federally recognized historical presence. Because profits in this industry are so high, many of these casinos are being established long distances, in some cases hundreds of miles, from existing reservations. The residents of my district in Pennsylvania, where there are no federally recognized tribes, have felt the sting caused by the unbridled expansion of tribal gambling. Recently, the Delaware Nation, which is headquartered in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, filed suit in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania seeking title to land in my district based on a conveyance that allegedly occurred in 1737. This land is currently occupied by approximately 25 homeowners as well as commercial entities such as the Binney and Smith Corporation, makers of the world-famous Crayola crayons. These innocent homeowners and businesses have had to go to court to defend their title against this encroachment, and only after a couple years of litigation and attorneys' fees has the third circuit found in their favor. This suit, which has nothing whatsoever to do with the preservation of Indian culture and everything to do with establishing a casino, represents just how out of control the pursuit of off-reservation gambling rights has become. Mr. Chairman, I would like to take a moment to engage in a colloquy with my friend and colleague from California (Mr. Pombo). Mr. Pombo, my specific question to you, I know you plan to advance legislation out of your committee that will deal with the issue of reservation shopping.