Rahm Emanuel

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise with my colleagues today in support of House Resolution 15, honoring the late Honorable Gerald Rudolph Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Here in this Chamber, President Ford served dutifully for 24 years, representing the people of the Fifth District of Michigan from 1949 until his ascension to the Oval Office. As a Congressman, Gerald Ford's warmth, approachability, and affability made him one of the most highly regarded Members of his day. It was these qualities which would shape Gerald Ford into an excellent House floor leader for his party, a position he held for 8 years until his appointment as the 40th Vice President. During his tenure as minority leader, Gerald Ford set a standard of fairness, diplomacy, and cooperation to which all of us can aspire. As both Vice President and President, Gerald Ford was called to serve in positions of great responsibility during a troubled time in our Nation's history. Ford accepted his powers and responsibilities with the same steadfast composure and patience for which he had became known as a Congressman. As a man known for his ability to create consensus, compromise, and conciliation, he was well suited to take the helm of America and navigate the turbulent storm it faced. President Ford's gentle nature helped soothe the deep scars America faced after an arduous period of strife at home and abroad. Madam Speaker, Gerald Ford served our country with a patient hand, an understanding mind, and a reassuring voice. His time in Congress and in the White House leave behind a legacy of commitment, passion, and comity that we will all remember.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 60) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. The vote we cast today is a vote that can and will have a direct impact on the life and health of those suffering from the most debilitating and painful diseases. This is not a Democratic issue. This is not a Republican issue. This is an issue that all Americans overwhelmingly support. We owe it to them to stand up and support this research that is groundbreaking in the area of health. As I listen to the debate, I hear the moral objections of those who oppose, and I acknowledge them. And at the same time, for those who support this, I hear their moral, which I view, come from this from both a public health position as well as a moral position about the responsibility where you can find cures, to lead that way. And I don't see a way of resolving the divide of two moral positions held firmly in conviction. Sometimes I think of this, half in jest, that the only way to get around this issue is that those who have moral objections to this, that when we find the cures going forward on stem cells, you waive your right to the cure to Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes. I say that not seriously. But the only way to get past this is in some way allow the research to go, and those that don't agree with it, whatever cures emanate from it, they would waive their right to it. And I don't say that in any seriousness, but I do not see how you resolve those two morally held beliefs on conviction. I would hope those who object and do it in good conscience understand why those of us who support this, which is why 10 States around the country have approved it, let alone other countries, all the possibility that emerges here to be unlocked to deal with major diseases that not only affect the individual but those families; the potential on Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, diabetes, and all the other type of money that goes to deal with those at one level, here we can come up finally with a cure. And we know one of the things that is affecting our research is the fact that we do not deal with cures, but only with managing the ailments. I am pleased that we have this opportunity to vote on this today.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 47) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Six years, $3 trillion in new debt. The largest accumulation of debt in the shortest period of time in American history. That is the legacy. And the one thing you can say about George Bush and this economy is we will be forever in your debt. That is the one thing that is clear. Now, folks, I am glad that you have the sentiment to be for this, but you had the inability to do it. We are going to do something you talked about, but we actually are going to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. We are going to put this fiscal house in order. And you did get handed a surplus prior to total Republican control. You got handed a surplus. It wasn't illusory. Nobody could not find it. We knew exactly where it was. And you spent it. You did something no American President and no Congress had ever tried in American history. Three wars, three tax cuts, $3 trillion in new debt. I don't know what your fixation is about that. You have got a fixation for the number three. I have no idea why. But that is what you did. You had a war in Iraq, a war on terror, a war in Afghanistan. You tried three major tax cuts, and you got $3 trillion in new debt. And on day number two, the Democrats have said enough is enough with running up the debt and the deficit of this country. We are going to begin to take steps to put our fiscal house in order. And let's start with number one, and that is earmark reform. When the Republican Congress took over in 1995, throughout the entire Federal budget, 1,400 earmarks. At the end of the Republican Congress, there were 13,997 earmarks. Now, I know your kids know the explosion on those numbers from 1,400 to nearly 14,000 earmarks. And we are going to use the disinfectant of sunlight. And everybody is going to know everything they need to know about these earmarks. Now let me use one quote over the years when we were dealing with earmarks. A famous lobbyist called earmarks ``an ATM for lobbyists.'' Well, folks, that is part of ethics and lobbying reform, and we are going to change that. It is not going to be an ATM machine for the special interests anymore because this Congress, that gavel, is going to open up the people's House, not the auction house. And that is what has happened here over the years. Number two, pay-as-you-go rules. I worked for an administration that had pay-as-you-go rules. It created discipline not just for Republicans, not just for Democrats. For the government. For the American people's money. And we created a surplus through hard work and discipline. These two steps, pay-as-you-go rules, no new spending without the revenue to pay for them; and earmark reform, will actually change our fiscal house and also the attitude in which we deal with things, and there won't be this insidious relationship between lobbyists and the American people's money. We will do what we need to do. And step one is lobbying and ethics reform, to change how Washington does the people's business; and step two is to put their government's fiscal house in order. That is what we are doing, and I know in your heart of hearts because I know you as individuals, and I see a number of Members here who are nodding their heads ``yes,'' you would like to be for this, but you just can't seem to find that little green button. So this is a chance to vote for it. Remember all the rhetoric and all the speeches you gave on earmark reform, fiscal discipline. You believe what is going on here is the right thing to do. You know it is the right thing to do. But because of party loyalties, you won't do that. That is exactly what we applauded yesterday was to put partisanship aside and join us in the act of patriotism. I know you would like to vote ``yes.'' In your heart of hearts you would like to vote ``yes.'' And I am proud that we are doing what you have only talked about because we will not just talk the talk. We will walk the walk.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Clerk, as a father of three young children, I am particularly thrilled to be a part of this moment, thrilled that a generation of young girls and boys across America are about to witness another historic step in our Nation's march toward equality of opportunity. Nancy Pelosi's goal is a Congress known for its ideas, not its insults; its patriotism, not its partisanship. Madam Clerk, as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I am directed by the unanimous vote of that caucus to present for election to the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 110th Congress the name of the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, a Member-elect from the State of California.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 7) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I have been directed to report to the House that the Democratic Members have selected as majority leader the gentleman from Maryland, the Honorable Steny H. Hoyer.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I have been directed to report to the House that the Democratic Members have selected as majority whip the gentleman from South Carolina, the Honorable James E. Clyburn.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Astronaut Joan Higginbotham. Higginbotham is a member of the crew on the Space Shuttle Discovery that is scheduled to launch tonight from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, she is a fellow Chicagoan, and I wish her the best of luck as she prepares for her first mission, STS 116. Higginbotham graduated from Chicago's Whitney Young High School in 1982, and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1987. She will be the third African-American woman aboard a NASA mission, and she and her fellow astronaut Robert Curbeam will make history this week on STS 116, the first Space Shuttle mission with two African-American astronauts. Higginbotham previously worked as a payload engineer at the John F. Kennedy Space Center while also earning two master's degrees from the Florida Institute of Technology. As a Mission Specialist on board Discovery, Higginbotham's responsibilities will include a complete rewiring of the International Space Station's power supply. She will also have the responsibility of operating the robotic arm to deploy several satellites and to direct payload transfers. Higginbotham will be joined by mission commander Mark Polansky, as well as Robert Curbeam, Sunita Williams, Nicholas Patrick, William Oefelein, and Christer Fuglesang from the European Space Agency, who is the first Swedish astronaut. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my fellow Chicagoan as well as her fellow astronauts, and to wish them all the best on their launch tonight and their 12-day mission.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Greater Chicago Food Depository for its enduring commitment to providing food for hundreds of thousands of hungry people in Cook County. In addition to addressing immediate needs, the Greater Chicago Food Depository strives to end hunger throughout the region by empowering people to break the cycle of poverty. The Greater Chicago Food Depository, founded in 1979, is one of the largest not for-profit food distribution systems in the nation, distributing donated and purchased food through a network of 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to more than 91,000 adults and children every week. Last year, the Food Depository distributed more than 40 million pounds of non-perishable food and fresh produce, dairy products, meat, poultry and fish--the equivalent of more than 84,300 meals per day. In addition to its food distribution programs, the Greater Chicago Food Depository runs Chicago's Community Kitchens, a chef-training program designed to empower unemployed and underemployed Chicago residents. Featured on November 28th in a front-page article in the Wall Street Journal, this free twelve- week program teaches participants the basics of food preparation and employment skills, enabling them to develop a successful career in the food service industry. Students create nearly 2,000 meals a day for delivery to the Kid's Cafes, an after-school program also run by the Food Depository that provides children with a daily hot meal, a safe haven, tutoring, and other educational programs. Chicago's Community Kitchens is an innovative program that empowers graduates looking for ``a new lease on life'', and inspires them to give back to the community themselves. Many of the students in Chicago's Community Kitchens are soup kitchen regulars or homeless shelter residents and, after graduating and securing a full-time job, have returned to volunteer at a soup kitchen themselves. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Greater Chicago Food Depository for its tireless, efforts to provide food for hungry people, to provide people with the tools necessary to break the cycles of poverty, and to end hunger in our community. I wish its staff, volunteers, and supporters every future success in their continuing work toward meeting the needs of Chicago's hungry men, women and children.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of The Biograph Theater, recently acquired by the Victory Gardens Theater, and located in the vibrant and multicultural neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Since 1914 the Biograph Theater has been a symbol of art in a dense metropolitan area, and thanks to The Victory Garden Theater, it will remain in operation as the new main stage for theater company that has been in business since 1974. After 90 years as a movie theater, under various owners, in July 2004, Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater announced it had purchased the Biograph for use as a live venue. The theater has been completely renovated by architect Daniel P. Coffey, who constructed a large state- of-the-art stage, with seating for 299 people. The Biograph Theater will house a state-of-the-art stage guaranteeing the intimacy for which Victory Gardens' performances have become known, while providing greatly enhanced technical production capabilities. The new theater will have the very latest lighting and sound equipment as well as generous wing-space, dressing rooms, and a trap system under the stage, allowing for all kinds of theatrical magic. In a city with such a rich history in the arts, The Biograph Theater is just one more example of thriving theater in the nation's Second City. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus I believe that it is important to support and recognize The Biograph Theater, Victory Gardens Theater and the Arts in Chicago. The Biograph Theater is an example of a new breath in an old Chicago landmark. I am proud of the storied history of The Biograph Theater and the work that the Victory Gardens Theater does and I wish them continued success in the coming years.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Astronaut Joan Higginbotham. Higginbotham is a member of the crew on the Space Shuttle Discovery that is scheduled to launch tonight from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, she is a fellow Chicagoan, and I wish her the best of luck as she prepares for her first mission, STS 116. Higginbotham graduated from Chicago's Whitney Young High School in 1982, and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1987. She will be the third African-American woman aboard a NASA mission, and she and her fellow astronaut Robert Curbeam will make history this week on STS 116, the first Space Shuttle mission with two African-American astronauts. Higginbotham previously worked as a payload engineer at the John F. Kennedy Space Center while also earning two master's degrees from the Florida Institute of Technology. As a mission specialist on board Discovery, Higginbotham's responsibilities will include a complete rewiring of the International Space Station's power supply. She will also have the responsibility of operating the robotic arm to deploy several satellites and to direct payload transfers. Higginbotham will be joined by Mission Commander Mark Polansky, as well as Robert Curbeam Sunita Williams, Nicholas Patrick, William Oefelein, and Christer Fuglesang from the European Space Agency, who is the first Swedish astronaut. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my fellow Chicagoan as well as her fellow astronauts, and to wish them all the best on their launch tonight and their 12-day mission.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, this month I proudly join the thousands of Polish-Americans living in Chicago in a national celebration of Polish history, culture, and pride during Polish American Heritage Month. Celebrated in October, Polish American Heritage Month includes General Pulaski Memorial Day, which honors the American Revolutionary War patriot Casimir Pulaski. In 1777, General Pulaski attended his first meeting with Benjamin Franklin, to champion the freedom of the American people. This early partnership has been mirrored by the present-day alliance between Poland and the United States. Polish-Americans have made strong contributions to American culture in virtually every field, including literature, technology, and music. My hometown of Chicago has more people of Polish descent than any other city outside of Poland. I am dedicated to continuing the strong record of cultural and economic ties between our two nations. The United States is grateful to Poland for its friendship and commitment to the democratic ideals of liberty and human rights. Poland has also proven to be a strong ally of the United States, assisting in global efforts to combat terrorism, and providing troops and resources for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join the citizens of my district, as well as those of Polish decent around the country in recognizing, remembering, and celebrating Polish American Month.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Thomas Pritzker on being named Chairman of the Art Institute of Chicago, and to honor him on his many years of service to the people of Chicago. For more than a century, Chicago's Art Institute has served as one of America's premier centers for art education and exhibition, nurturing the abilities of talented young artists, and bringing important works of art to the people of Chicago and the nation. This great Chicago institution has been home to great American artists such as Grant Wood, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Orson Welles. I have no doubt that under Mr. Pritzker's lead, it will continue to contribute profoundly to the American cultural landscape. A lifelong Chicagoan, and graduate of The University of Chicago's Schools of Law and Business, Mr. Pritzker has tirelessly supported the city's institutions of higher learning throughout his career. Mr. Pritzker's dedicated service includes years of philanthropic work with The University of Chicago, where he sits on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, and 18 years as a Board Trustee for the Art Institute. Mr. Pritzker's important philanthropic gifts have enabled The University of Chicago and The Art Institute of Chicago to consistently operate at a high degree of excellence, and remain at the forefront of education and innovation. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, I congratulate Thomas Pritzker on his new title of Board Chairman of The Art Institute of Chicago, and thank him for his many outstanding contributions to the city of Chicago.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions that my constituent, Ms. Jean Juske, has made to her community. For more than 25 years, she has served as an officer with the Brickyard Seniors Club, and for the past few years she has served as that organization's President. The Brickyard is an important organization for seniors in northwest Chicago that provides opportunities for socializing, community activism, and education. As President for the past several years, Jean Juske made sure that Brickyard members had lively meetings on the first and third Monday of the month that featured not only bingo games and other activities, but also included guest speakers and visits from elected officials. Ms. Juske also arranged holiday dinners, special events, and day trips to regional points of interest. During her tenure at the Brickyard, Ms. Juske developed an expertise in a variety of programs and benefits designed for senior citizens, and served as a first point of contact for members who needed assistance. Ms. Juske has provided a valuable service as a President of the Brickyard Seniors Club, and I would like to express my deep appreciation to her.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my friend and colleague, Congressman Lane Evans, for his service in the House of Representatives and his dedication to the people of the 17th district of Illinois and veterans around the nation. Congressman Evans has served honorably in this chamber for eleven terms, and leaves with a long record of unwavering advocacy for his constituency and the welfare of the American public. Throughout his tenure, Congressman Evans has been a staunch supporter of our Nation's servicemen and women, serving on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee since 1983. His ten years as ranking member have earned him the admiration and respect of every major veteran service organization. A former Marine, Congressman Evans is acutely aware to the needs of our men and women in uniform, and has advanced several important pieces of legislation which provide our servicemen and women with the proper care they are due. Acting as one of the strongest voices for Desert Storm veterans, Congressman Evans succeeded in raising awareness of the important specialized treatment returning veterans required, and ultimately enabled them to receive this life-saving care. Congressman Evans has also provided dedicated service to the troops currently serving our Nation in harms way, providing vigorous oversight of our military's spending and readiness as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Mr. Speaker, Lane Evans has provided twenty four years of steadfast and honorable service to this great Nation, and I am proud to call him my colleague and friend. I would like to thank him for his career of service, and wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great and respected Chicagoan, Justice Seymour Simon, who recently passed away at the age of 91. Seymour was a dear friend of mine, and a passionate advocate for justice who exemplified all of the finest qualities of true public service. Seymour was born on the 10th of August, 1915 in Chicago, IL. He attended law school at Northwestern University, graduating first in his class. He served his country in World War II and was honored with the Legion of Merit medal. After his service in the Pacific, Seymour returned to his hometown to practice law and serve his community in elected office. He served two separate terms as alderman of the 40th Ward, from 1955 to 1961, and then from 1967 until 1974. From 1961 to 1967, Seymour represented all of Cook County on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, rising to board president in 1961. During his career Seymour also served as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, as president of the Cook County Forest Preserve District and as a member of the Chicago Public Building Commission. In 1974, he was elected to the Appellate Court, on which he served for 6 years. He was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court in 1980. As a member of the Supreme Court, Justice Simon exhibited a moral drive that led him to dissent from the court's decision in many cases, and earned him the enduring admiration of his colleagues and the people of Illinois. Justice Simon was an adamant opponent of the death penalty and sided against the court in several decisions which were later reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court. In retirement, he continued to fight against inequities in the prosecution of Illinois death penalty cases. Former Governor George Ryan cited several letters from Justice Simon as a factor in his decision to impose a moratorium on all executions in the State of Illinois. Seymour's life of public service was honored with numerous awards, among them an honorary doctor of laws degree from John Marshall Law School and the Northwestern University Alumni Association Award of Merit. Seymour passed away in Northwestern Memorial Hospital on September 26th after battling with cancer. Mr. Speaker, Seymour Simon was an inspiration to all who knew him, and I am honored to have considered him a friend and mentor. I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in remembering the life and legacy of this great American.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, in March of 2003, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz said: We are dealing with a country, Iraq, that can really finance its own reconstruction, and relatively soon. Well, I guess 3 years doesn't count as relatively soon. According to a new report by the Iraqi Special Inspector General, the Iraqi oil industry lost $16 billion because of violence, theft, and corruption. In fact, 3 years after Secretary Wolfowitz's confident predictions, Iraq is actually paying billions of dollars to import refined petroleum. Iraq is importing refined petroleum products. In the words of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, ``stuff happens.'' Maybe if this Congress had questioned Wolfowitz on his calculations a little closer, maybe if the President had given the commanders on the ground the troops they needed, maybe if this Congress had conducted and sought accountability into Iraq's reconstruction, we wouldn't be dealing with quite so much ``stuff.'' But I guess under Republican leadership, you end up with the leadership you have, not the one you want.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, the Iraq war has gone from shock and awe to shocked at how awful it is. On the heels of the public disclosure of the NIE estimates, today's Washington Post reports that the Baghdad Police College was so poorly constructed it might need to be demolished. Special Inspector for Iraq Reconstruction said, ``This is the most essential civil security project in the country. It is a failure. The Baghdad Police Academy is a disaster.'' There are foundation problems, tile floors are warped beyond repair, faucets leak, toilet waste flooding all over the second and third floors. The Parsons Corporation did such a bad job with the $75 million in U.S. taxpayer money it was awarded to build the new facility, the whole facility may need to be torn down. The Persons Corporation received a $1 billion contract. $12 billion gone, wasted, unaccounted for in Iraq. But what is $12.5 billion among friends? That wasted money follows a long line of other costly mistakes, including this Congress's refusal to hold anybody accountable.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of The Chicago Academy for the Arts, recently awarded this year's Creative Ticket National Schools of Distinction Award from the Kennedy Center's Alliance for the Arts Education Network. The Chicago Academy for the Arts High School has served the students and families of the city of Chicago as well as students from Indiana and Wisconsin since 1981. The students at The Chicago Academy for the Arts have established an impressive record of academic achievement as well as artistic talent ranging from fine arts to acting to costume and set design. Ninety-seven percent of the Academy's graduates go on to top colleges and conservatories. Since 1981, The Chicago Academy for the Arts has served as one of five private, independent, college-preparatory arts high schools in the United States. In addition to a traditional high school curriculum, students are given intensive training in the fields of: Music, Visual Art, Dance, Theater, Musical Theater, and Media Arts. Each day, students spend 5 hours in academics and 3 hours in their chosen art major, all of which include classes in theory, history, and technique. The Chicago Academy for the Arts is designed to maximize each student's potential to communicate through the arts. The Arts Academy strives to prepare students to think critically and independently in order to prepare them to succeed in both higher education and their chosen field in the arts. Alumni from The Chicago Academy for the Arts have gone on to attend schools such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, The Julliard School, Brandeis University, and New York University and include such notables as actors John Cusack and Lara Flynn Boyle; screenwriter and director Adam Rifkin; and composer Alex Wurman as well as members of the Joffrey Ballet, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I believe that it is important to support and recognize quality education in the arts. The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a shining example of art in education at its best. I am proud of the students, faculty and families of the school and I wish them continued success in the coming years.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 622, recognizing and honoring the Filipino veterans who fought during World War II. Filipino soldiers fought and died alongside American troops at some of the war's most horrific battles like Bataan and Corregidor. During the infamous Bataan Death March, over six thousand Filipino soldiers lost their lives. The courage of these soldiers proved crucial to turning the tide of the pacific war against the Japanese forces occupying the Philippines, and in ultimately securing victory for the United States and the newly independent nation of the Philippines. In appreciation of the courage and sacrifice of the Filipino veterans, President Harry S. Truman stated: ``They fought with gallantry and courage under most difficult conditions. I consider it a moral obligation of the United States to look after the welfare of the Philippine Army veterans.'' Yet for all their sacrifices, Congress in 1946 divested Filipino soldiers of their military benefits while soldiers of other allied countries retained their status and privileges as American veterans. In 2003, Congress finally acted to give Veterans Health benefits to the surviving Filipino veterans, and I am proud to have supported that effort, as well as current legislation to grant full veteran status to Filipino veterans. Mr. Speaker, young Filipino men responded to the call of duty over sixty years ago and fought valiantly under the American flag. I am proud today to support H. Res. 622 and to extend my gratitude towards these veterans for their dedicated service and sacrifice.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the President told the world that building a more hopeful future in the Middle East is ``the greatest challenge of our time'' and ``the calling of a generation.'' There is no question the President's policies in Iraq have created the greatest foreign policy challenge of a generation. What started off as a battle between democracy versus stability has now become a civil war between the Shiite and the Sunni. It became that way because of our incompetence and failure to plan. We shouldn't expect a plan soon, because the President's Iraq Study Group just announced they will not release their plan for Iraq until after the November midterm elections. Quote: ``We think it's more important, frankly, to make sure whatever we bring forward is taken out of domestic politics.'' This is how we are teaching democracy in the Mideast. Keep the voters in the dark until it's too late. I will end the suspense. The new plan for Iraq, there is no plan and there never has been one. According to Brigadier General Mark Scheid, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld threatened to fire anyone who tried to come up with a plan for the postwar and hostilities. The President tells us we're in a long war, but thanks to this White House's refusal to plan, it has become an endless war. It's time for a new direction.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, 9 months ago the Speaker said, ``Now is the time for action'' on real lobbying and ethics reform. At the same time, the current majority leader said we must act ``because of a growing perception that the United States Congress is for sale.'' And yet here we are today discussing legislation that will do nothing to prevent the abuses that have occurred on the Republican Congress' watch by both parties and both parties' Members. In short, business as usual continues here in the people's House. When Members of Congress make millions from land deals tied to earmarks, you know something is wrong in the people's House. When Members' spouses are paid six-figure salaries for ``no-show'' lobbying jobs, you know something is wrong in the people's House. When a mid- level staffer gets a $2 million buyout from a lobbying firm only to have the revolving door return him to his old job on the committee, you know something is wrong in the people's House. And this bill simply tells all the current players that the House remains open for business. Business as usual continues. When the Speaker's gavel comes down, it is intended to open the people's House, not the auction house. The fact is we have an institutional problem requiring an institutional solution. To that end Representatives Van Hollen, Doggett, Delahunt, Bean, Barrow, and I introduced real earmark reform legislation yesterday to eliminate the abuses. Our bill prohibits earmarks that personally benefit Members, their spouses, and immediate family members. It bans earmarks that benefit lobbyists who chair a Member's leadership PAC. It prohibits earmarks to any entity or lobbying firm employing the spouse, family member, or former staffer of the earmark sponsor. Finally, it eliminates the ``sweetheart'' tax provisions for a single individual or corporation, and it ends the practice of adding new earmarks into conference reports in the dead of night. This is real reform the American people are demanding, and I challenge my colleagues to let us have a vote on it. But I know they won't because 12 years ago the Republicans came to Congress to change Washington and in those 12 years Washington changed them. It is time for a new direction. It is time for a change. The ``for sale'' sign still exists on the West Lawn of the people's House.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. I ask permission to speak out of order.