Terry Everett

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, like the millions of other Americans who arrived at work Tuesday morning ready for another day, I was deeply shaken and in utter disbelief at the nightmarish events which unfolded before the nation's eyes in New York, Washington, D.C. and in rural Pennsylvania. America was the victim of a direct and coordinated attack that is unprecedented in our country's history. Terrorist forces have declared all out war on the United States and the American people, and in response we must declare war on all terrorists regardless of what banner they fly, or, what country they seek safe harbor in. The innocence of this nation has been shattered and our peoples' peaceful way of life has been forever changed. My thoughts and prayers are with those injured, the families of the many who lost their lives yesterday in these attacks, and those brave Americans desperately trying to recover the victims. In response to horrific injury, loss of life and destruction of our national institutions, the government and the people have rallied together to defend our country and our liberty. I am very proud of our President for his quick response to this national crisis and I fully support and endorse all efforts now underway to track down and swiftly punish those responsible for these despicable acts against America and her citizens. America's resolve has been put to the test like no other time in living memory. We must respond to these terrible acts of cowardice and evil with decisive and overwhelming military force to annihilate those who planned and ordered these attacks on innocent Americans. America is the greatest nation in the history of the world and its greatness will not be diminished by these unspeakable acts of terrorism and fear. To those who would seek to destroy our land, let me be clear. We will not only survive these attacks, but will become stronger in the process as citizens band together to show the world that Americans cannot and will not be defeated.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 51, a bill that would grant permanent normal trade relations with the communist country of Vietnam. I am especially concerned that until Vietnam stops illegally substituting an inferior species of fish for U.S. farm-raised catfish, the American consumer and the American farmer will continue to suffer. The catfish industry in Alabama and in the southeast is a very vital industry that employs tens of thousands of workers in primarily rural and economically depressed areas, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to these states' economies. In Alabama, for example, catfish production ranked second nationally and had over $81.6 million in sales last year. Nationwide, the catfish industry accounts for over 50% of the total volume and value of all U.S. aquaculture at 600 million pounds. Additionally, the catfish industry has contributed over $50 million to familiarize the American consumer with the superior quality of the U.S. farm-raised, grain-fed catfish product. As such, the substitution of fish that are not even in the same genus or species as the North American channel catfish has led to consumer confusion. These Vietnamese fish are raised in cages in rivers, the same polluted rivers that sewer and waste are dumped into. Moreover, they are fed a diet of various things including other fish, not a completely grain-fed diet like the U.S. farm-raised catfish. Efforts to substitute the cheaper Vietnamese species of fish, through what I and many believe is the improper use of the name ``catfish'', has also led to unprecedented levels of imports that have displaced American catfish. In fact, Vietnamese fish imports are displacing U.S. catfish at a rate of 70 million pounds annually according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates in May. This is equivalent to an estimated 15- 20% of the total U.S. farm-raised catfish market. It also appears that Vietnam is encouraging increased production and export of these fish by recently announcing new incentives for collateral-free loans until 2005 for investment in aquaculture. Figures from the Department of Commerce indicate that imports of these fish from Vietnam have tripled from what they were this time last year, and now account for 84% of catfish imports into the U.S. This has also led to the decreased exports of farm-raised catfish from the U.S. to other countries. U.S. catfish farmers have spent millions of dollars and years of hard work to build a market for their product based on its guaranteed quality and safety and do not deserve to have it destroyed. Moreover, consumers deserve to know exactly what kind of food they are putting on their dinner tables. Industry officials have met with the Administration, and with the government of Vietnam and so far have not had their problems addressed. Until the Administration and the government of Vietnam address this issue satisfactorily, I cannot support normalizing trade relations with Vietnam.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, It is with a heavy hear that I stand here today to honor the memory of a dear friend and respected colleague, Floyd Spence. Floyd was a patriot and a statesman who devoted his 30 years in Congress to securing America's defense and supporting our nation's veterans. As such, he was a well-know voice of experience and leadership on both the House Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees, on which he proudly served for much of his career. Floyd assumed the powerful chairmanship of the Armed Services Committee when Republicans gained control of the Congress in 1995. He quickly proved himself a skilled chairman, pushing for and securing billions more in desperately needed defense funding when the Clinton Administration was seeking to gut the military to pay for the massive growth of government social programs. Floyd helped to save and protect our national defense and laid the groundwork for the current drive to rebuild and redefine our defense capability to better respond to the challenges of the new century battlefield. Winning tough battles was not uncommon for Floyd. During his tenure, the gentleman from South Carolina was successful in instituting instrumental legislative initiatives while gaining the admiration and friendship of members from both sides of the aisle. His quiet strength also got him through some very rough health challenges. Despite these problems, I never heard Floyd complain. In fact, I can't recall him ever walking into a room without a smile and kind word. Floyd was a great American and a personal friend. I greatly value my days serving with him, especially on the Armed Services and VA Committees. He was a source of wisdom and counsel on difficult issues, and his presence in these hallowed halls will be sorely missed.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, the cities of Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, Daleville and the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama have formed a partnership in support of a regional reservoir to meet their water supply needs. The Geological Survey of Alabama has a 3-year study to locate a reservoir to serve these areas experiencing water, severe water supply shortages and is currently working with the Corps of Engineers on a needs assessment which should be completed in a few months. Does the Chairman understand the importance of this project to the cities mentioned and to the Army Aviation Training Center and that this is not a new project?

Mr. EVERETT. I am glad to yield to the gentleman from Alabama.

Mr. EVERETT. I appreciate the chairman's comments.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues in paying tribute to a special member of this House and a good friend to many, Joe Moakley. An unapologetic liberal Democrat from South Boston, Joe had a remarkable ability to reach across the aisle and make friends with the most unlikely of people. Not long after coming to Washington, I was invited to join a regular dinner gathering of conservative Republicans and Democrats. Among them was Joe Moakley. I don't mind telling you that my time spent with Joe was some of the best in this Congress. I count myself fortunate to have befriended Joe, or did he first befriend me? Joe was that kind of guy. Perhaps you didn't think you had anything in common, but he would quickly make you feel welcome no matter what your political differences. Joe had the capacity to cast aside partisanship and bring people together. That is a rare quality that is woefully in too short supply in this House. We need more Joe Moakley's in this Congress. The passing of Joe Moakley is not only a deep personal loss to me and to all who count themselves his friends; and there are many. It is also a loss to this body and to our great country. I learned a lot from Joe. He reminded us that it is possible to look above our daily disagreements and love this institution and one another.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Hyde/ Barcia/Smith/Oberstar Amendment which would effectively reinstate president Bush's order implementing the Mexico City Policy. The Mexico City Policy reflects the views of million of U.S. citizens and is a common sense approach for a civilized nation to take to ensure support for genuine family planning programs, not the promotion of abortion. Passage of the Hyde/Barcia/Smith/Oberstar Amendment would result in a return to a policy that prohibits U.S. population assistance funding-- which comes straight from the pockets of U.S. taxpayers--from going to foreign organizations that perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning. As a world leader, we have an obligation to protect the sanctity of life and liberty, especially for those who are helpless to protect themselves. I, like many in our great country, cannot condone abortion as a means of birth control, population control, material comfort or mere convenience; and I certainly cannot understand the U.S. taking the lead on encouraging this practice or funding lobbying efforts to influence other countries to change their anti-abortion laws. Accordingly, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for this important amendment. We must return to a policy that respects the ethical and moral views of our citizens and provides support for groups who are wiling and able to reflect these values in their family planning programs.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Bartlett Amendment to withhold the final payment of $244 million in UN arrearages until the GAO completes a report to Congress relating to the U.S. voluntary contributions to the UN for peacekeeping operations from 1990 to 2001. I have long been suspicious of the United Nations. In fact, I have long hoped that we would end our membership in the United Nations. Given the recent slaps in the face that the United States has suffered--being voted off the secret ballot from the UN Human Rights Commission and being kicked off the UN International Narcotics Control Board--I am now more convinced than ever that the U.S. should remove itself from the UN and pursue an international agenda dictated by the American people. The Bartlett Amendment is a common sense addition to this bill that will allow Congress to carefully review and make an informed decision on whether to release these funds to UN. It is important to note that this is only a delay in the funding and should not impact the deal that finally reduces the disproportionate share that the U.S. pays in UN dues. I urge all Members to support this amendment and vote to allow the Congress to see exactly how many millions of dollars for peacekeeping that the U.S. has given voluntarily compared to what the UN says we owe.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to an outstanding community service organization in my congressional district that is committed to enhancing the medical care of our residents through vital health education and awareness campaigns. The Montgomery-Autauga-Elmore Medical Alliance serves central Alabama and is comprised of spouses of the area's physicians and surgeons. The Alliance annually conducts a number of worthy projects benefiting the citizens of the community. For example, members of the leadership of the Alliance assist local and State civic leaders as they participate in the Montgomery County Medical Society's Mini-Internship program for familiarization with the intricacies of the art, science, business and practice of Medicine. Through the local Blood and Tissue Donors Day program, the Alliance performs a valuable role in helping to collect life-giving blood and cancer curing bone marrow. Furthermore, through the charitable donation of the funds raised in the annual Physicians' Pheast to many local organizations and causes, the Alliance truly improves the health and the health awareness of the public at large. I salute the Montgomery-Autauga-Elmore Medical Alliance for their dedication and service to the good health of the residents of Alabama.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate bill (S. 700) to establish a Federal interagency task force for the purpose of coordinating actions to prevent the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly known as ``mad cow disease'') and foot-and-mouth disease in the United States, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 700, the Senate bill just considered and passed.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, due to a serious family illness that necessitated my presence in my district yesterday and today, I was unable to vote during the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 5 (H.R. 93, the Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act)--Yes; Rollcall No. 6 (H. Con. Res. 14, permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust)--Yes; Rollcall No. 7 (H. Con. Res. 15, expressing sympathy for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck India on January 26, 2001, and support for ongoing aid efforts)--Yes. Rollcall No. 8 (Approval of the Journal)--Yes.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I support my distinguished colleague's bill H.R. 5477, which would delay casino approval on Indian Trust Lands in California. I understand the distinguished gentleman's concern with Indian gaming and its effect on surrounding communities, especially when those effected communities are not in favor of such gambling operations. I have similar concerns and for that reason I, along with Congressman bob Riley, introduced legislation (H.R. 5494) to block any construction of a gambling operation on Indian burial lands in Wetumpka, Alabama, which is located in my district. When the Creek Indians took possession of the burial lands in 1980, they did so with federal funds as part of an agreement with the federal government that the site would not be developed. In direct violation of the agreement, the Poarch Band of the Creek Indians now want to build a full-fledged casino on the property. H.R. 5494 would both block the establishment of a casino on the tribal grounds as well as order the Alabama Attorney General to pursue legal action in federal court against the Creeks if they go forward with the construction project. In closing, let me say I understand why communities are concerned about such activities going on in their backyard. Moral objections to casino gambling notwithstanding, such gaming activities place untold burdens on local police, fire, rescue, and other public services, not to mention the stress on local utilities and infrastructure.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding business in my congressional district which was recently honored with a prestigious state award for operational excellence. Earlier this month, Mizell Memorial Hospital in Opp, Alabama was named the winner of the 2000 Alabama Quality Award for excellence in leadership; strategic planning; patients, other customers, staff and market focus; information and analysis; process management; and organizational performance. The Alabama Quality Award, modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, honors organizations whose recent innovations increased productivity and quality within the organization. For years, Mizell Memorial has served rural South Alabama with a level of professionalism equal to and surpassing Alabama's most innovative and progressive businesses. I am pleased that its employees' fine work and dedication has finally been recognized with this prestigious award. My congratulations go out to Mizell Memorial Hospital's management and employees for their exemplary efforts to improve the lives of south Alabamians.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, on October 30, due to the need to be with my wife during her surgery, I was unable to cast my vote during the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 577, on approving the Journal--``yea''; rollcall No. 578, on passage of H.J. Res. 120: making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2001, and for other purposes-- ``yea''; rollcall No. 579, on setting the Hour of Meeting--``yea''; rollcall No. 580, on ordering the previous question. H. Res. 662: providing for consideration of certain joint resolutions making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2001, and for other purposes--``yea''; rollcall No. 581, on agreeing to H. Res. 662-- ``yea''; rollcall No. 582, on ordering the previous question, H. Res. 663: providing for consideration of S. 2485, the St. Croix Island Heritage Act, and providing for the adoption of a concurrent resolution to make certain corrections in the enrollment of the bill H.R. 2614, the Certified Development Company Program Improvements Act of 2000-- ``yea''; rollcall No. 583, on agreeing to H. Res. 663--``aye''.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, on October 19, due to sickness in my family and thus the need to return home to my district, I was unable to vote during rollcall vote No. 540. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on H.R. 4541, the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Petty Officer First Class Douglas Hancock, a brave young sailor from Enterprise who was injured in the disgusting and cowardly act of terrorism that was the attack on the guided missile destroyer U.S.S. Cole (DDG-67). In the early hours of October 12, 2000, a worried Grady White called my office asking for my assistance in determining whether his grandson was injured or killed in the attack. Due to some confusion over who was listed on Douglas' notification list, the Hancock family was worried they might not be contacted. The Navy did an admirable job keeping all the families of the crew members of the U.S.S. Cole informed under the circumstances. However, when CNN ran footage of injured sailors being carried into the hospital, Mrs. Becky Hancock, Douglas' mother, was both relieved and worried when she recognized Douglas' face as one of the injured sailors. Douglas Hancock suffered a broken jaw and cuts from the explosion. He was one of the 37 injured. He was not among the seven confirmed dead or the ten missing and presumed dead. He is going home to his close-knit family and friends. I salute Petty Officer Douglas Hancock and the rest of the U.S.S. Cole's crew for their bravery and service to our nation.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I rise in strong support of S. 1402 as amended, the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000. Section 223 of this bill is derived from H. Con. Res. 413, which I introduced along with my colleague and Subcommittee Ranking Democratic Member, Ms. Corrine Brown. Section 223 states the Sense of the Congress that the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense should increase their cooperation in the procurement of medical items, including pharmaceuticals. Ms. Brown has taken an active role in working for increased VA/DoD sharing, and I thank her for her cooperation. I want to express my appreciation to our full Committee Chairman, Bob Stump, and our Ranking Democratic Member, Lane Evans, for their leadership on this issue as well. I also want to thank Chairman Arlen Specter and Senator Jay Rockefeller of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee for agreeing to include this section in the final bill. Under the Veterans' Administration and Department of Defense Health Resources Sharing and Emergency Operations Act, P.L. 97-174, VA and DoD have had the authority to share medical resources since 1982. In 1999, VA and DoD entered into sharing agreements amounting to $60 million out of total combined healthcare budgets of approximately $35 billion. This amounts to less than two-tenths of one percent of sharing. At our May 25, 2000 hearing, GAO stated that greater joint pharmaceutical procurements could lead to annual recurring savings of up to $345 million. These savings could be reinvested in improved healthcare for veterans, military retirees, service members and their families. I urge the VA and the Department of Defense to heed this Sense of the Congress and quickly improve their joint procurement practices to obtain the best possible prices in the pharmaceutical market. Otherwise, huge amounts of healthcare dollars will continue to be wasted as VA and DoD pay too much money for pharmaceuticals. Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to join in bipartisan support of this important legislation to improve healthcare, education and other benefits for our Nation's veterans.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, due to sickness in my family and thus the need to return home to my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall vote No. 518. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3244, final passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, due to sickness and the inability to arrive in Washington, DC yesterday, I was unable to vote during the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 503 (H.R. 4049, Privacy Commission Act)--``yea''; Rollcall No. 504 (H.R. 4147, Stop Material Unsuitable for Teens Act)--``yea''; Rollcall No. 505 (H.R. 3088, Victims of Rape Health Protection Act)-- ``yea''.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, today, I lend my wholehearted support to H. Res. 278, the Importance of Education and Early Detection in Fighting Breast Cancer Act and thank my colleague, Representative Charlie Bass, for introducing this resolution. Breast cancer strikes an estimated 180,000 women a year and kills over 46,000 annually. As we all know, the best defense against this dreaded disease is early preventative screenings and treatment. This is crucial. If cancer is detected, it is extremely important to have access to reliable and understandable information on breast cancer. Sources of knowledge and assistance, such as the American Cancer Society, deserve our thanks and recognition for their continued good work. Americans also need information on all of the treatment options available to them. Unfortunately, I have learned this from personal experience. Last January, my wife received the life-altering news that she had breast cancer. Despite her annual check-ups and mammograms, our doctors told us that she faced undergoing a radical bilateral mastectomy. We felt extreme shock that the prognosis was so drastic. However, after much research on the subject, she made the decision that this was indeed the best option for her. Her surgery was a complete success, and she has not even required any followup chemotherapy or medication. So, I close with the same message--We must support and encourage the utilization of all of the modern-day prevention, detection and treatment options available. Our experience has shown us that this is essential in the battle against breast cancer.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a very special humanitarian and volunteer in my congressional district, Mary Turner of Dothan, Alabama. Mary Turner recently celebrated a remarkable four decades of service to Southeast Alabama as an employee of the Wiregrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. Mary started to work as a secretary with the Red Cross on May 30, 1960. In January 1979, Mary became Chapter Manager, serving Houston, Henry, Dale and Geneva counties. Since its inception some 83 years ago, the Wiregrass Chapter of the American Red Cross, has faithfully provided the community with disaster services, health and safety programs, services to the Armed Forces, support of the blood services program, Project Share, and many other outreach efforts. And for nearly half of its history, Mary has played an important role in supporting many of these local Red Cross programs. Additionally, Mary has been active in and a member of many local, regional and state social and human service organizations, including the Governor's Conference on Volunteerism. A kidney transplant and coronary by-pass surgery have not diminished Mary's dedication to serve others. She is presently active as a member of the Zonta Club of Dothan, the Association of Service Agencies, the Transplant Support Group, and Highland Park Methodist Church. I wish to extend my best wishes to Mary and my personal thanks for her efforts to better the lives of so many. America is greater because of its volunteers and the work of people like Mary Turner who help to rebuild and strengthen our communities and restore and enrich our lives.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment offered by Mr. Hinchey to basically gut the present veterans' medical fund allocation system Congress established a little over three years ago. The reason we established the so-called VERA or Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation was to correct the arbitrary funding for veterans' medical care in various parts of the United States. As the name says, it is about equitable resource allocation--it is about fairness and putting and the health care money where the veterans are. My veterans in Alabama deserve the same adjusted basic per capital funding as any other part of this country, not more and certainly not less. I don't know how anyone could object to that. But here's what we should object to: having unneeded VA hospitals in a number of large metropolitan areas, including New York and Chicago. Hearings by the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, which I chair, established that the VA is wasting more than a million dollars a day by operating unneeded buildings and facilities. Personally, I think that number is underestimated,. but that is what the General Accounting Office reported, and the VA did not deny it. Any way you look at it, a million dollars a day is a lot of waste. We shouldn't be supporting waste by sending extra money to certain areas to support unneeded VA facilities. That's what this amendment would do. We should be encouraging the efficient expenditure of veterans' health care dollars. Taxpayers want the men and women who have served their country in uniform to have quality health care, and they want Congress to take care that their money is well spent. Mr. Chairman, a vote for this amendment is a vote for waste of veterans' health care money, pure and simple. It would be a step backward that would hurt most veterans by virtue of where they live. I urge my colleagues to do right for both veterans and taxpayers by defeating it.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to offer tribute to a man I've known all my life, a man who was a true public servant to the small Southeast Alabama community in which we both grew up. On Monday, the Town of Midland City in my congressional district lost its mayor of many years and I lost a good friend. Mayor Joe Bob Parker passed away on May 22 while on duty at his post in the historic Midland City City Hall. Joe Bob Parker served his community for 12 years as mayor and before that for 16 years on the city council. He was so popular with the people that he was unopposed for re-election to a fourth term in office at the time of his passing. I'm sure that you could go anywhere in America and not find a more dedicated public official or a bigger friend. He was instrumental in promoting local industrial development, fighting for a much-needed senior citizens center, and was even recognized by the Alabama League of Municipalities with a Distinguished Service Award. As a native of his beloved Midland City, I stand today with all the people of that south Dale County town in remembering and celebrating the life of one of the finest people I've ever known. Joe Bob Parker was special to us and he will be missed.