Jo Ann Emerson

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our Southeast Missouri favorite son, Tyler Hansbrough of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, for his unanimous selection to the AP All-American First Team for collegiate basketball. Mr. Hansbrough has earned this honor through his excellence both on the basketball court and off. If anything, his receipt of this award ought to focus us on Mr. Hansbrough's character, not on his scoring statistics. This young man recently earned rare praise from long-time coach Rick Pitino, who remarked, ``I haven't seen a guy play every possession like that in a long time. I have actually never seen it.'' Not only is Tyler a leader, he is a leader by example. His work ethic has improved players, coaches and fans of the game at every level he has played. Mr. Hansbrough takes his obligation of leadership seriously. His coach at North Carolina, Roy Williams, has called him the most focused player he has ever coached. All of these attributes result in Mr. Hansbrough serving as a role model for his teammates and for every aspiring student-athlete in the Nation. Undoubtedly Mr. Hansbrough will continue to succeed in basketball. I believe he will continue to succeed in life, too. As he provides a national example of dedication, teamwork, effort and leadership, I congratulate Tyler Hansbrough on his selection as a First Team All- American. I also commend him for the contributions he makes as a role model to millions of Americans who aspire to the example he has set.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts. Madam Chairman, I am also concerned that the situation will become even worse, because the cost of food, commodities, and transportation is skyrocketing. Just last month, on February 12, the USAID's Office of Food for Peace announced that the cost of wheat and other food the United States donates to poor countries jumped 41 percent, 41 percent, in the first half of fiscal year 2008. According to USAID, this means $120 million in food assistance will not be available for people who are malnourished or food insecure. I would ask the chairman to work on strengthening the language in the bill as it moves through the legislative process and into conference negotiations to clarify how the necessary level of funding for food security and nutrition will be provided, especially in light of rising food and transportation costs, so that funds won't be diverted from U.S. programs addressing chronic hunger and emergency operations. I yield back to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 1983.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mike Keathley, of Dexter, Missouri, for his noble service to the people of Missouri. Because of Mike's expertise and leadership, Missouri State government works better and more effectively for all citizens. Mike has always possessed a deep sense of community and true desire to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. As Commissioner of Office of Administration for the State of Missouri, Mike has done more than any other person to improve the State's budget situation and ensure government is delivered more responsibly and effectively to all citizens. I know Mike personally and can attest to the fact that his dedication and steadfast leadership are responsible for making these improvements possible. Mike has played a crucial role in bettering lives in the private sector as well. He has served admirably on the Board of Directors of numerous companies and associations, including the Dexter Memorial Hospital and his church, the First United Methodist Church of Dexter. I am confident his successes have been closely observed and duplicated throughout our community and State. Mike serves as a tremendous role model for all Missourians, especially those among the younger generation beginning new careers, whether they be in the public sector or private sector. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Mike Keathley for his many achievements and the profound impact he has made on his community, State and Nation. I ask that you join me along with Mike's family, friends and the entire State of Missouri in paying tribute to his remarkable career.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, with 35 million individuals, including 12 million children, either experiencing hunger or teetering right on the verge of hunger each year, the American people expect us to take every reasonable action possible to address this crisis. The American people are generous with their time and with their resources. And particularly, during the Christmas season, they're willing to make the extra effort to donate their time at a soup kitchen or provide groceries to a food pantry. Unfortunately, the need for these donations is real and it's growing. The Federal Food Donation Act is one small way the Federal Government can mirror the everyday lives of the constituents we serve. This legislation would require executive agencies who serve food on their premises to encourage the donation of excess food to nonprofit organizations. Such food rescue efforts can be particularly useful to the more than 43,000 soup kitchens and food pantries on the front lines battling hunger. Our constituents are willing to search through their pantries to donate excess food, and so should we. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Davis for their efforts on behalf of the hungry. The changes to this legislation made during committee markup are an improvement that will enhance the scope and impact this legislation will have. I'd also like to thank their dedicated staff for their time and counsel in drafting this legislation. I'd also like to particularly thank the dedicated individuals at Rock It and Wrap It Up for their efforts in conceiving and promoting this concept. This nonprofit organization has specialized in food recovery and has been thinking outside the box in the battle against hunger for years. Mr. Speaker, the effects of rising food prices have already been felt by our partners who serve the hungry. We learned today from the U.S. Conference of Mayors that their constituents are seeking emergency food aid more frequently and more homeless families are seeking shelter. More resources are clearly needed. The Federal Food Donation Act may be a small step in the overall battle against hunger, but it is one worth taking. I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 4220.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bill Hampton for receiving the 2007 Missouri Community College Association News Media Award. Mr. Hampton's work has been essential to the successes of Three Rivers Community College, TRCC. Academic institutions such as TRCC require consistent and aggressive advocacy to advance opportunities for students. By using innovative means to connect more than 20,000 households to TRCC, Mr. Hampton has effectively conveyed the importance of this institution to our regional communities. Mr. Hampton's optimistic, community-minded message continues to foster necessary support for the college's growth and continued improvement. With career experience in education, business, and government, Mr. Hampton understands the importance of higher education; he remains a generous supporter of the college as a private citizen. Mr. Hampton's contributions, both professionally and personally, have helped foster TRCC as the source for educational and career opportunities for the entire southern Missouri region. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Bill Hampton on winning this prestigious award. I ask that you join me along with the people of southern Missouri to congratulate him on this wonderful achievement and to wish him a happy and productive future.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ben and Martha Bidewell for receiving the 2007 Missouri Community College Association Award of Distinction. Their vision and commitment to education has had an enduring impact on their community, State and Nation. Three Rivers Community College (TRCC) has played a critical role in helping people of all ages develop the skills necessary to begin and sustain a productive career. For four decades, the Bidewells have generously contributed their time, efforts and financial resources to the betterment of TRCC, ensuring a brighter future for our State and Nation. Mr. and Mrs. Bidewell both possess a deep sense of community and true desire to improve the lives of their neighbors. Their friendliness and optimism have positively impacted countless people both in and out of the college. Their leadership, dedication and generosity serve as an example to all, particularly young students enrolled at TRCC. Poplar Bluff and the entire southern Missouri region owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Bidewell for their significant contributions to higher education and their community. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Ben and Martha Bidewell on winning this prestigious award. I ask that you join me along with the people of southern Missouri to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Bidewell on this wonderful achievement and to wish them a happy and productive future.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Federal Food Donation Act of 2007. As we prepare to return home to spend time with our families and give thanks for the blessings we have received, I would ask that we pause a moment and think of those less fortunate among us. Yesterday we learned from USDA's annual hunger survey that more than 35 million people in the United States are food insecure; they either suffer from hunger or must sacrifice other essential items for food. Tragically, of these 35 million individuals, 12 million are children. Unfortunately, the number of the hungry among us is increasing. While we, as a government, are taking steps in the right direction, we have a long way to go. One step we can take is to pass the Federal Food Donation Act, which I introduced today. This legislation would require executive agencies who serve food on their premises to encourage the donation of excess food to non-profit organizations. Such ``food rescue'' efforts can be particularly useful to the more than 43,000 soup kitchens and food pantries on the front lines battling hunger. As we have celebrated Veterans Day this week, it is important to remember that one out every four homeless individuals is a veteran. Often, the beneficiaries of food rescue efforts serve the homeless community and these veterans. I would like to particularly thank the dedicated individuals at Rock and Wrap It Up! for their efforts in conceiving and promoting this legislation. This non-profit organization has specialized in food recovery and has been ``thinking outside the box'' in the battle against hunger for years. I appreciate their efforts and look forward to working with them for passage of this legislation. Madam Speaker, the bottom line we must be aware of is this: the cost of food is increasing. As we prepare our Thanksgiving dinners we will likely hear a lot about the impact of inflation, rising transportation costs, and increasing commodity prices on our family budgets. The effects of rising prices have already been felt by our partners who serve the hungry. More resources are clearly needed. The Federal Food Donation Act may be a small step in the overall battle against hunger, but it is one worth taking.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Little River Drainage District on its 100th anniversary. This district oversees and maintains critical drainage facilities which keep low-lying Southeast Missouri free from flooding and swamp-like conditions. It is the largest drainage district in the United States, covering 540,000 acres, which protects 1.2 million acres from unwanted water. This complicated system of drainage outlets, levees, and water detention basins is crucial to the safety and livability of communities along the Mississippi River, the St. Francois River and their tributaries. Before this land was cleared and construction commenced, less than 10 percent of Missouri's Bootheel was clear of water. Today, 96 percent of the land is free from water year-round. This enormous change has enabled Southeast Missouri to grow and to expand. Agricultural and industrial businesses that predominate the region's economy are possible today because of the work of the Little River Drainage District over the past 100 years. Even more important, the Little River Drainage District is committed to the future protection of this beautiful region of the country and the people who live there. If not for the Little River Drainage District, children would go to school on tractor trailers, homes would fill with water after every heavy rain, and a surge in the Mississippi River would be a devastating event to whole communities. Without the men and women who work through the Little River Drainage District to advocate and maintain flood protection measures, life in Southeast Missouri would be very different. The individuals of the Little River Drainage District are responsible for keeping the ground dry beneath countless businesses, farms, factories and families. They do an outstanding job as advocates for every citizen of Southeast Missouri. I commend them for their work and congratulate them on 100 years of service to our district, State and Nation.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jefferson Elementary School in Farmington, Missouri for receiving one of the most prestigious education awards in the country--the Blue Ribbon Schools Award. The administrators, teachers and students at Jefferson Elementary have all committed themselves to ensuring a brighter future for our Nation. The foundation of our Nation is the education of our youth. Schools like Jefferson Elementary guarantee hope for the next generation by inspiring and empowering each individual to achieve his or her maximum potential. The teachers, administrators and parents at Jefferson Elementary understand a strong education system is necessary to grant each child the opportunity to succeed. Jefferson Elementary is a shining example of what can be accomplished when teachers and students work purposefully together. I am very pleased that their successes are being closely observed by other schools and communities across the Nation. Jefferson Elementary's successes will motivate others, regardless of background or circumstance, to meet higher standards and guarantee a hopeful future for our country. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to pay tribute to Jefferson Elementary for this important achievement. I ask that you join me in congratulating the students, teachers, administrators and parents of Jefferson Elementary on this tremendous honor.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate TG Missouri Corporation in Perryville, Missouri on its 20th anniversary. This is a true milestone for a company which will continue to have a positive impact for many years to come. Business operations such as TG Missouri's represent the cornerstone of Southern Missouri's rural economy. In 20 short years, TG Missouri has created significant opportunities by remaining committed to the best interests of the community, its customers and its employees. Perhaps most important, TG Missouri has provided job opportunities to roughly 1200 highly skilled and very dedicated workers, beginning as a company of just 35 people in 1987. TG Missouri understands that its strengths come from its workforce. They have achieved success by relying on the unique skills of each individual who is associated with the company. I know that their success has been closely observed by others, and TG Missouri will serve as an example of responsible and quality business practices for years to come. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor TG Missouri on 20 years of success. I am proud to express my congratulations today in the U.S. House of Representatives on TG Missouri's momentous anniversary and to wish them many more years of success.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Faune Riggin on being recognized as one of the top ten programmers in small market radio in America. As Program and News Director at KZIM-KSIM radio in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Faune has brought passion, hard work and innovative ideas to her job. Her talented work has made an enduring impact on the communities which comprise the KZIM-KSIM radio listening area. Faune understands the importance of radio. Radio is an essential part of the lives of many Americans. It is more than just an information vehicle or advertising tool--it connects our communities. Since joining KZIM-KSIM, Faune has worked tirelessly to ensure listeners remain informed and connected. Faune's successes, both in and out of the radio industry, have been observed and duplicated by the staff at KZIM-KSIM. Her passion and commitment to excellence continues to inspire others to dedicate themselves to the same ideals. Not only is Faune a true professional, she remains a valued member of the Cape Girardeau Community by involving herself in charities and lending a helping hand to others. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Faune Riggin on this great achievement. I ask that you join me along with Faune's family, friends and listeners to congratulate her on this momentous occasion and to wish her a rewarding and productive future.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry) for his leadership, and my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee for their efforts to improve the National Flood Insurance Program. The Berry amendment is a commonsense approach towards both increased risk awareness and sound decisionmaking. The lack of preparedness on the Federal, State and local level exposed by Hurricane Katrina certainly suggests a real lack of awareness of the risks posed by living in the shadow of levees. Appropriately, this amendment recognizes the important role that Congress and the administration must play in increasing risk awareness. However, I would be negligent if I did not relay my concern regarding the direction in which I sense the National Flood Insurance Program is drifting. The decision to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program should be entered into deliberately and after careful consideration, not, and I stress ``not,'' based on blanket warnings from FEMA. As a Nation, taxpayers have contributed billions to build up our levee and flood protection systems. At the same time, our local communities have taken on the added burden of meeting local cost-share requirements. These substantial investments were based in part on the savings from removing the need to purchase flood insurance. Mandatory requirements to purchase flood insurance should be carefully studied. Blanket, one-size-fits-all warnings from an organization, even an organization like FEMA, should be entered into only after thoughtful consideration and ample review. In my view, the Berry amendment would bring these principles to bear on at least one bureaucratic decision, and I urge its adoption. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from central Missouri (Mr. Hulshof).

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I too want to thank Mr. Berry and the other sponsors, thank the committee chairman and ranking member, and hope that everyone will be in support of this very commonsense amendment. There is no excuse for FEMA putting at risk the economic development up and down the Mississippi River or around any other area that is protected by a 100-year or 500-year levee, and that would happen if we do not take this action.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. I would just like to point out, 1, as I was starting to say, that our senior citizens, even with Medicare part D, cannot afford their prescription drugs. There is no competition in the marketplace. And it was very interesting, today I ran into one of the pharmaceutical lobbyists who happened to tell me, Oh, my gosh, the Kingston amendment is getting us all engaged again in this issue, and, you know, we're going to pull out all the stops. And I dare say that I would prefer to stand up for my constituents in Missouri as opposed to the pharmaceutical companies keeping competition and low prices out of this country.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, first of all, because we are under such tight time constraints, I might add, and I understand the points that the gentleman from Michigan was making. But of course, let me also mention, and I'll submit this for the Record, that the foreign facilities inspected for approval by the Food and Drug Administration include those from 65 countries, and I'll name just a couple: China, Macau, Niue. I don't know if anybody here has heard of the country Niue. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know where Niue is. Russia, India and several other countries that at one point in time may have been questionable. I also want to point out to the gentleman, and I know that he must be aware, that 40 percent of all drugs that come into this country that we take on an everyday basis, whether it is cholesterol medicine like Lipitor, which is made in Ireland, or Prilosec, which is made in Sweden, all of these drugs are already imported into the United States. So how do we really know if these drugs that are sold by the brand name manufacturers actually have ingredients that are safe? And I would also say to my colleague from Michigan, who is very, very lucky, because Michigan is right next to Canada, and your senior citizens are able to cross that border there at Detroit, go into Canada, and they can buy their prescription drugs for 40 percent less, 50 percent less than American citizens can. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Foreign Facilities inspected for approval by FDA (65 countries) Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bahamas, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Haiti, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Macau, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Niue, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Signapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, let me just say very briefly, because I don't need to repeat the fact that our taxpayer dollars have spent money for cashmere sweaters, mountain bikes, and the like that really aren't doing good for our dissidents, but I want to also mention the letter that our colleagues from Florida mentioned, the one that USAID sent. It did say that this program that we have is doing some good, which is why I and my colleagues support the funding that we have in the current bill. But what was not mentioned was that in the same letter, the USAID also says that having restrictions on travel to Cuba, restrictions on sending goods to Cuba don't serve the dissidents well. So that begs the question, then. If the letter is important, the letter is important in totality. I think because of the GAO report and the fact that we do not have good controls on the use of our taxpayer dollars that the old saying that President Reagan said ``trust but verify'' is very important, and it is time we verify before we send more money.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I misspoke, and I need to make a correction for that. When I was quoting about the restrictions, the people who wanted to remove the restrictions, I meant to say it was a letter from the dissidents, the Cuban dissidents, to us. And also, I might add that the title of the report that our colleague from Florida cited is entitled, ``U.S. Democratic Assistance for Cuba Needs Better Management and Oversight,'' which is why the committee report funding at $9 million is the right course today.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my most sincere congratulations to the American Legion Auxiliary of Sikeston, Missouri, which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary. Every year in the eight decades of the American Legion's existence in Sikeston, this group of patriotic Americans annually makes multiple investments of time, talent and treasure in our southern Missouri community. The congressional district I represent would not be such a wonderful place without organizations such as this one, many of which are inspired by the Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary. Most notably, the Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary takes a keen interest in enriching the lives of young people. By sponsoring participants in Missouri Girls State and contributing to programs like Sikeston's Teacher Appreciation Week and the YMCA, the Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary makes a profound investment in our future leaders. Neither does the Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary forget those who served, supporting efforts at the Missouri Veterans Home, the John J. Pershing Veterans Hospital, the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, and conducting an annual drive to benefit local disabled veterans. There are so many other ways in which the Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary lends its support to our community, they are too numerous to list today. Ultimately, the Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary embodies the virtues of service. They are an active organization which is well-known throughout the region for its year-in, year-out commitment to the care, enrichment and betterment of the Sikeston community. As a way of recognizing and honoring the important contributions of the Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary, I am proud to commend them for 80 years of philanthropy in the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri and to wish them all the best as they continue to endeavor in the charitable service of our community.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Southeast Missouri State University baseball coach Mark Hogan. Coach Hogan recently eclipsed the all-time career wins record at Southeast Missouri State University. Under Coach Hogan's leadership, Southeast Missouri State University has become one of the premier teams in the Ohio Valley Conference. Coach Hogan is no stranger to success. He has excelled as a player and a coach at Southeast Missouri State. He was a player on the 1976 team that finished third in the nation at the NCAA Division II College World Series. The squad became the first baseball team inducted into the Southeast Missouri State University Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2006 induction class. Southeast Missouri State is fortunate to have a great coach and first class citizen leading their team on and off the field. As a coach, he has compiled 751 career victories while winning Coach of the Year honors on more than one occasion. Coach Hogan is a role model to players, coaches and fans. He is a reminder that accomplishing our goals requires planning, hard work and plenty of sacrifice. Today I join with Coach Hogan's family, his friends, his colleagues at Southeast Missouri State, the young men who have played on his teams, and the proud fans of the Eighth Congressional District to congratulate Coach Hogan on the achievement of this career milestone. We are proud of the success of Southeast Missouri State University's baseball team and most proud of Coach Hogan.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mayor Gaylon Watson on his 16 years of noble service to the city of Piedmont, MO. As the mayor of Piedmont, Mayor Watson brought passion, hard work and innovative ideas to his job. Because of Mayor Watson's leadership, Piedmont continues to be a wonderful place in which to live, work and raise a family. Mayor Watson possesses a deep sense of community and true desire to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. During his tenure, Mayor Watson brought more investment to the community than any other time in Piedmont's history--investments necessary to create jobs, improve infrastructure and foster the preservation of the area's natural resources. I have worked personally with Mayor Watson, and can attest to the fact that his dedication and steadfast leadership are responsible for making these investments possible. Rural communities like Piedmont represent the best of our country, and they require constant and aggressive advocacy to keep that way of life alive. Mayor Watson has played a crucial role in advancing community interests while expanding economic opportunity for the Americans fortunate to live in southern Missouri. His successes have been closely observed and duplicated throughout our region, and Mayor Watson is a tremendous role model for those among the younger generation in Piedmont considering a career in public service. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Mayor Watson for his many achievements and the enduring impact he has made on his community, State and Nation. I ask that you join me, along with Mayor Watson's family and friends, in wishing him a wonderful and productive retirement.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 987. I want to tell a little story, if that is all right. Back in 1968 when I was 17 years old and a senior in high school, my high school actually organized a spring break Eastertime trip to the Soviet Union, to Czechoslovakia, to Poland, and to East Berlin. It was my first trip out of the country; it was my first trip on an airplane; and of all places to go, it was behind the Iron Curtain. I knew a lot about NATO back then simply because we were studying it in my civics class, but I really didn't understand the importance of NATO until I went on that trip; and I didn't understand what it all meant until I went with my colleagues to my very first NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting a few years ago. When you went to visit countries behind the Iron Curtain back when communism was rampant, it was remarkable to go into these countries where you had no freedom, no expression of thought, no nothing. It was gray and it was dreary, and it was so sad. Even though we were able to spend, at least in Czechoslovakia, time with some students, you really understood the importance of protecting your civil rights and your freedom of speech. I really understood that for the first time because of course we were all as kids afraid that we were being bugged in our hotel rooms and we were afraid to say anything because we thought we would get taken by the police. Anyway, back to my first NATO meeting and we are sitting across the table from members of the Czech Republic, from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, countries that had always been under the iron thumb of communism and the Soviet Union, and with the fall of the Berlin Wall, of course, were able to come into their own once again. That is one of the most remarkable things about getting to known our fellow parliamentarians and understanding their great desire to join an alliance like NATO that has done really an amazing job in protecting the North Atlantic region and our allies throughout that particular area. I don't know that people really understand the importance of this treaty organization and how it has fostered security and cooperation for almost 60 years now. I know, though, that the work of NATO is not complete because we have newly democratic countries such as Georgia and the Ukraine who have expressed strong interest in joining NATO, as well as other countries like Croatia and Macedonia who have actually opened constructive dialogues on their potential for NATO membership. When you have lived or touched on what it is like to live in countries that had no freedoms or protections like NATO can offer, it is so important for us to look favorably upon their opportunity to join this important treaty organization. There is no doubt in my mind that NATO membership will be able to further our goal of extending democracy throughout the globe. Certainly H.R. 987 will help accomplish this goal, and I am very pleased that my colleague, Mr. Tanner, has offered this bill; and I look forward to its passage.