Keith Ellison

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. In fact, right in this Chamber just this past week this bill passed 265-159. When do you see things pass with 259 votes, unless they are completely noncontroversial? That is overwhelming. Doctor, you worked in this field. You are a professional. You are in the healing arts. Is SCHIP a program where the government would be telling doctors like yourself how many pills to prescribe? Are they ordering every facet of the patient-doctor relationship? What is the real truth about this?

Mr. ELLISON. Let's never forget women's rights. People who made those things happen believed they could happen even though they didn't exist at the time. We have to believe, as Dr. Kagen says. But it wouldn't hurt anything if we wrote in to our local newspapers and church bulletins to let people know how we felt about this issue. It wouldn't hurt to talk to our rabbis and our ministers and our imams in our faith communities to talk about this issue, make it sort of an issue that we talk about and make sure that people understand what is going on. It wouldn't hurt to have a coffee klatsch. Invite some people over to talk about it. It wouldn't hurt to talk to the teachers and the principals in the local community about it. That wouldn't hurt a thing. Build awareness. Help get a teacher's perspective on what it is like to teach a child who is coughing and sneezing and wheezing and can't really focus on his or her studies. We can e-mail and write and call in to our elected officials. That is something we certainly should do. It is time for people to come together and demand an override to this awful veto. I would invite my colleagues to make some final concluding remarks.

Mr. ELLISON. Dr. Kagen, what might Americans consider doing? For people who feel SCHIP is a worthy program, a meritorious program, overwhelmingly Americans agree on both sides of the aisle, so what might they consider doing? Particularly people who are busy and working a couple of jobs, getting kids and getting groceries, is this the type of thing people might want to get active on?

Mr. ELLISON. I agree with both of you, my colleagues. We have to believe. We have to believe we can make a change in the same way people believed that we could have workers' rights, and we believed that we could have civil rights, and we believed that we could have a freer and better America.

Mr. ELLISON. Representative Clarke, one of the things I really enjoy about serving with you, you are a person of tremendous faith. And also I know that Dr. Kagen is a man of great faith as well. In fact, only a few weeks ago we recognized Yom Kippur, a sacred holiday for our Jewish brethren and sisters. One of the phrases they use from the scripture and cite is, Let there be no needy among you. I know you come from the Christian tradition. It is interesting to me because I noticed that one of the things that Jesus did is that he healed people and he didn't charge them.

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, if I might just propose that we spend some time sort of talking about what Americans can do, what Americans might think about doing as we move forward. Of course today, action was taken in the Congress that on a date certain 2 weeks from now, we will take up the override issue. That is very important for Americans to know. In a couple of weeks, we will be right back here in the same Chamber and we are going to see what is what. Who is who and what is what. We are going to be counting. On that day there will be no hiding, and everybody who has an election certificate will be called upon to say where they are really at when it comes to caring for the health of our children. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important now to talk about what American citizens might consider doing. Of course people do whatever they want, it's a free country, but people feel strongly about SCHIP, and 70 percent of the people believe it should have been passed. So what they might consider doing. Ms. Clarke, what might an American citizen do as we are moving toward this showdown on SCHIP?

Mr. ELLISON. The Members of the difference makers, the majority makers, the class of 2006 who are in this 110th Congress ran on a platform of change, succeeded on that platform as Americans all across the country endorsed that platform of change, coming together from diverse parts around the country, all for one thing, which is to elevate and uplift the public good and the interests of the American people. Whether it's on the issue of war and peace or disease and wellness, or whatever it may be, education, workers' rights, civil rights, environmental sustainability, whatever it is, we will continue to raise our voices because we were brought here to bring change. We're fresh off the campaign trail, knocking on doors, talking to folks at the doorstep about what they need and what they care about. Our idealism is high. Our energy is high. Our resolve is strong, and we will be here for the American people.

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I just want to take this opportunity, it is an excellent segue that the doctor made. While the President finds it repugnant to have $35 billion in new moneys over 5 years, which would be what SCHIP calls for, the President in his new Iraq war supplement asks for an additional $45 billion, totaling close to $200 billion for the war in Iraq for the next year. That is $200 billion for the next year. And we can't afford a $7 billion increase for our children to get health care? So please keep in this mind that this compromise to reauthorize SCHIP is something very small in comparison to the values that he seems to hold dear, which is waging war, in a war that we never should have been in, based on a false premise. For that he is willing to give all. But to secure the national health of our children, no money for that.

Mr. ELLISON. Together, we will.

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the very, very wonderful company of my freshman Members. Mr. Speaker, since the 110th Congress began, we have, as a class, stepped forward to try to do everything we could to help the American people see a new way forward for America. And this week, we have seen that the distinction and the differences between our view of caring for the health of all Americans and that of the President were brought into very sharp contrast, very sharp contrast in that the President has vetoed SCHIP. Mr. Speaker, before I turn it over to my very able classmates, I just want to point out that we're not rising today to talk about health care and SCHIP to throw partisan darts or anything like that. We recognize and respect and appreciate and even are quite grateful for members of the Republican Caucus in both Houses who have come forward to join and say that the health of our children is very important, in fact, it's sacred, and that all Americans should come together to support it. Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan SCHIP reauthorization bill, which was vetoed by the President, is supported by 67 Senators, including 18 Republicans. It is supported by 43 Governors, including 16 Republican Governors, and I'm proud to say my own Governor, Tim Pawlenty. Governor Pawlenty knows that he and I have disagreed on things in the past, but we're together on this, that children's health must be cared for by adults. The bill that was vetoed today is supported by more than 270 organizations, literally representing millions of Americans, and has very strong support from the American people at large. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to get us started today. I have much more to say, but I don't want to delay any longer because I know that my very excellent difference-maker classmates have much to say about this issue. So without any further delay, I'd like to offer the microphone to the very able, very excellent, honorable Mr. Sarbanes from Maryland.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, on October 3, 2007, I inadvertently failed to vote on rollcall votes 932, 933, and 934. Had I voted, I would have voted ``yea'' on 932, ``yea''; on 933, and ``yea'' on 934.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, last week Democrats and Republicans came together here in Congress to pass a bipartisan bill that will ensure that 10 million low-income children have access to private health care insurance. The bill would invest $35 billion more over the next 5 years in the Children's Health Insurance Program. It's fully paid for, as this Congress has vowed to pay as we go. Despite receiving strong bipartisan support here in Congress, President Bush is threatening to veto this legislation. He says the bill is simply too big. Instead, the President proposes a $5 billion funding increase that the nonpartisan CBO concludes would force 800,000 children to lose their health insurance. Talk about misplaced priorities. President Bush didn't bat an eye when the Pentagon said that it needed as much as $200 billion, with a ``b,'' over the next year to continue the war in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, President Bush has no problem sending billions of dollars to Iraq every day, but doesn't seem inclined to support an investment in children's health care here in the U.S. Talk about misplaced priorities.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman for yielding time and for this excellent resolution. I'd like to thank all of the authors, including Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and everyone who signed on to the resolution commemorating the month of Ramadan. I am celebrating Ramadan myself personally, and I have been doing so ever since my 19th birthday. I'm 44 now, and I can tell you that it is a time of reflection, a time of renewal, and regeneration. It's true that we fast during the daylight hours during Ramadan, but it also says in the sayings of Prophet Mohammed, that if you do not refrain from ill speech, bad speech, bad words, basically a bad attitude and negative disposition, then God has no use of your refraining from food and drink. And so in this month of Ramadan, it's important to reassess your life, to contemplate your role in society and to benefit your neighbor. I think it's very important when we talk about ``neighbor'' that we reflect upon what that word really means, ``neighbor.'' It was Jesus, who the Muslims call Esau and who they revere very highly, who told the lawyer in the Bible that his neighbor really wasn't even somebody of his own religion or his own tribe but really was that Samaritan from that other group who lended assistance and gave a helping hand when it was needed. And that is the origin of the story of the Good Samaritan. This idea of the neighbor is something that's very important in Islam, especially during Ramadan where Muslims of all faiths, all colors, all backgrounds, reach out to our neighbors, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist of all types. I want to report to you, Mr. Speaker, that over the course of the last several weeks we've had several Iftar celebrations right here in the Capitol and also in the Pentagon and a tremendous demonstration of interfaith cooperation, interfaith working together and mutual respect and recognition. As was said earlier, and I quite agree, every faith tradition relies on fasting as a means for spiritual regeneration. I also want to report to you that on the date of Yom Kippur, which is the Jewish holiday of atonement and the commemoration of the time of the new year, that my mosque in Minneapolis and the synagogue Temple Israel in Minneapolis joined together to break fast together, and we ended up with a good problem, Mr. Speaker, and that is, that there were 150 people who RSVP'ed and said they wanted to come. We ended up with about 160 people coming, and we didn't have enough chairs for everybody, but we had enough food because we shared it, Mr. Speaker, showing again that we're not too far apart. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to let you know that many of our Christian friends came to celebrate the breaking of the fast with the Muslims and Jews together, and we're really warmed and encouraged by the fact that we can all come together even though we have different faith traditions. So, Mr. Speaker, let me again thank the wonderful, excellent commemoration we're having today as a true expression of American values, religious tolerance, inclusion of everyone.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the men and women of the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard and in strong support of H. Con. Res. 185. I want to thank my colleague and friend Tim Walz for bringing this important resolution before the floor. The dedicated men and women of 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Guard have just finished serving the longest continuous deployment of any United States military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This Minnesota National Guard unit served 22 months, 16 of which were in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I believe our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to the members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division along with all the men and women who have honorably served in Iraq. H. Con. Res. 185 represents a small token of appreciation for our grateful Nation. The resolution formally recognizes the achievements of these citizen soldiers and officially thanks them for their service. This resolution thanks the 1st Brigade Combat Team for their work and the time they have sacrificed from their families, neighbors and communities in their valiant service to our country. I urge my fellow colleagues in Congress to support this important resolution.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SCHIP bill that will provide millions of children in America with health coverage. The bill passed Tuesday, 265-159. The bi-partisan compromise will include $35 billion more for the SCHIP program allowing Congress to cover 4 million more additional children, bringing the total number of children covered to 10 million. Next year alone, this new SCHIP bill will provide Minnesota with $50 million in additional dollars to help insure Minnesota's children. This compromise reauthorizing SCHIP is supported by 43 Governors, 16 of them Republican, including Republican Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and my home state Governor Tim Pawlenty. But unfortunately, Madam Speaker, it has been widely reported that the President has promised to veto this bill to provide children with health care. Last February, I spoke on the floor of the House to criticize the budget cuts contained in the President's budget. Like the budget, we could easily look at the SCHIP bill and say, this is all about numbers, it is just a plan and it is an impersonal thing. But, in fact, Madam Speaker, this bill is a moral statement about who matters in our society. This bill is a reflection of our own humanity. It talks about who counts, who doesn't, who matters, who doesn't, and what are our priorities. As the late Senator and former Vice President Hubert Humphrey from my State of Minnesota stated so eloquently: ``The moral test of any government is how it treats those in the dawn of life, the children; those in the dusk of life, the elderly; and those in the shadow of life, the disadvantaged.'' The SCHIP bill brought to the House floor today clearly shows the priorities of this Congress. We are for children having access to health insurance. We are for providing health care for 4 million additional children. We are for families not having to worry about the health care for their children. This SCHIP bill is a clear measure that Congress values the hardworking energy, the blood, sweat and tears of Minnesotans or Americans. Mr. President, let's not play politics with the health care of our nation's children. Step up to plate and truly leave no children behind by signing this SCHIP bill into law.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to introduce to the Members of this body Imam Yusuf Saleem, a devoted servant of the Muslim faith and a recognized leader of the Muslim community. Imam Saleem is a graduate of Howard University, where he earned both his bachelor's of arts degree as well as his master's degree in education. He is a devoted educator who has held the rank of professor, principal, and teacher. In the wake of the brutal terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Imam Saleem, along with other prominent leaders of the Muslim community, met with President George Bush to condemn the attacks and to establish a unified front against terrorism. As spokesman for this historic meeting, Imam Saleem's remarks, along with those of President Bush, helped to clarify for the American people the peaceful nature of the religion of Islam. Imam Saleem's tireless work has not gone unnoticed. In August 2002, the District of Columbia awarded Imam Saleem the first mayoral clergy award. In 2002, he was named Muslim man of the year by members of the Muslim community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming to the floor a true citizen- servant who is committed to his faith, his family, and the United States of America.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a pressing issue that plagues our Nation, the injustice that is experienced by African-Americans in our criminal justice system. On September 20, 2007, rallies were held across the Nation in honor of what we have come to know as the ``Jena 6.'' The Jena 6 is a group of young African-American men who were charged with attempted murder for a school yard fight with a Caucasian male in Jena, Louisiana. Before the school yard fight that put the 6 African American students in jail, 3 Caucasian students hung nooses from a tree on in the school. These students were suspended from school but never were charged with any crime. Another Caucasian student involved in a different school yard fight was charged with battery and was placed on probation. Yet, when the Jena 6 were involved in a fight injuring one of the Caucasian students, the 6 high school students were charged with attempted second-degree murder and other serious assault charges. Prior to the incident, LaSalle Parish Attorney Reed Walter was quoted as telling students who protested the displays of nooses at their school that they should stop complaining about ``innocent pranks'' and that he could ``end their lives with the stroke of a pen.'' It appears he has attempted to do just this in the case of these 6 students. The inflated charges against the Jena 6 could lead to years in prison and a lifetime of trying to rebuild their lives after they are finally released. Let me be clear, I do not condone the actions of the Jena 6 in any way; I believe that they should be punished. However, the punishment should fit the actual crime. It is clear that these 6 students were treated differently from their Caucasian counterparts. I can only conclude that the harsher sentences for the Jena 6 appear to be based on the color of their skin and that is why they have become a symbol of the gross racial inequality that exists in our criminal justice system. The Jena 6 have brought to light an issue that is of grave concern, people should not be charged with crimes based on the color of their skin, rather, they should be charged based on action and action alone. In closing, Madam Speaker, I ask that this Congress not turn a blind eye to the Jena 6. Rather, this Congress should take immediate action to ensure that justice is being equally applied to all Americans and correct the racial disparities that haunt our courtrooms and prisons.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Reverend William W. Smith, III, of Minnesota, a selfless servant who was committed to his faith, family and the struggle for civil rights and social justice. While I regret to report the recent passing of Rev. Smith at the age of 69, I am grateful for his spirit of equality and inclusiveness which will continue to live on in the city of Minneapolis and beyond. Rev. Smith's relationship with Minneapolis began over 50 years ago when he was stationed in the city while serving as an airman in the United States Air Force. Following his tour of duty, Smith returned to Minneapolis, where he took on the important work of mentoring and empowering children, youth, families and the elderly as a staffer at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center. Smith would later go on to serve as a leader at the Twin Cities Opportunities Industrial Center. Rev. Smith was a visionary who knew that Minneapolis could become a place of equal opportunity for all people regardless of racial or ethnic differences. During the turbulent 1960s, Smith worked vigorously to advance the cause of the civil rights movement in Minneapolis. He served as a local facilitator working with community leaders to set into action the teachings of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Smith's efforts ultimately contributed to the creation of human rights commissions in Minneapolis and throughout the state of Minnesota. Smith also helped guide local social action groups such as the Minneapolis Urban League and the Black Unity and Futurism Youth Organization of Minneapolis. Recognizing the important role which unions play in protecting workers rights, Smith fought vigorously to gain union membership for African American workers. Once that battle was won, Smith accepted the challenge of becoming a union organizer, working for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO in New Orleans, Atlanta and Tulsa. In closing, Madam Speaker, I wish to express my condolences to those surviving Rev. Smith: his daughter, his sons, former wife, and the community he worked for, the community he loved. It is an honor to stand in recognition of the memory and life of a man who gave so much of himself to Minneapolis yet demanded so little in return. Reverend Smith, today we thank you.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Dorothy Woolfork, of Minnesota, a true citizen-servant who never hesitated to put the needs of the community above her own. While I regret to report the recent passing of Dorothy Woolfork at the age of 91, I am grateful for her lifelong service to the community and I am confident that her ideals will inspire future generations of community volunteers. A native of Bradley, Arkansas, Dorothy came to Minnesota in 1939 with the hope of finding work. Not only did Dorothy find work in Minneapolis, she found a new life. After graduating from cosmetology school, she opened her own business, solidifying her commitment to the growth of the community. Dorothy's 30-plus year career in political and community activism began in 1962 when she attended her first precinct caucus meeting. From that point on, her presence in the community was pervasive. Her tireless work in the community did not go unnoticed. Her efforts were recognized by the Governor of Minnesota and the Mayor of the City of Minneapolis by a joint proclamation declaring June 17, 1990 as ``Dorothy Woolfork Appreciation Day.'' In closing, Madam Speaker, I wish to express my condolences to all those surviving Dorothy Woolfork and to the community she worked for, the community she loved. It is an honor to stand in recognition of the memory and life of a model citizen who devoted herself to the City of Minneapolis. Ms. Woolfork, on behalf of the citizens of the 5th District, I thank you for your lifetime of service.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I am really honored to join my members of this freshman class. I am so proud to be a Member of the 110th Congress. I just wanted to point out that this week as we contemplate and as we've seen the three reports, the GAO report, the report from General Petraeus, the report from General Jones, we are at a point where we have to make a big decision. The people of America and Iraq want our troops to have a safe but clear end point to this conflict. The surge has not been successful, as we see 11 of 18 legislative security and economic benchmarks set down have not been met. But I just wanted to talk about a very interesting and curious development in this whole conflict, which is that part of the story of the Iraq conflict is the contractors. Blackwater is the most well known of them, but that's not the only one. There's DynCorp, there's Titan, there's Casey, there's many of them. As a matter of fact, what we have seen is a privatization of this conflict. We've seen the privatization of this conflict as literally estimated at upwards of 150,000 contractors have been in Iraq. And the question is, since we've never privatized a war, since we've always kept an essential governmental function, which is defense of the Nation, within the firm hands of the government and we've never really privatized a military conflict before, what does all of this mean? Interestingly and sadly, we've seen this privatization situation devolve into a very dangerous situation which I believe has in many ways compromised national security and has damaged the reputation of the United States and has led, in my view, to a situation where the Iraqi Government, even though it is a government under occupation, under U.S. military occupation, has had to make a statement to throw Blackwater out of its country. Now, think about that. This is a government that is not in full control of its own country but has mustered itself and said, Look, in order to go forward, this institution, Blackwater, must leave our country. I just want to talk about this a little bit because I think that it's an important part of the story and it needs to be told even from the floor of Congress. The recent incident that I'm talking about has caused the Iraqi Government to revoke the license of Blackwater. This is the result of a situation, of a killing of Iraqi citizens that happened on September 11, 2007 and the wounding of 14 others by a Blackwater USA security company. Ostensibly, this private security company guards U.S. Embassy personnel in Iraq. Blackwater USA is based in North Carolina and is one of the largest of at least 28 different private security firms that have received governmental contracts to work in Iraq, paid for by at least $4 billion in taxpayer dollars. This group, funded by American taxpayer dollars through their contract, seems to hold very few American values, it seems to me, except for making money, by some accounts as much as five times the amount that our brave soldiers make. Five times the amount the average soldier is making is what one of these contractors can make, particularly one that was in Blackwater. According to one source, in February 2004, Blackwater started training former Chilean commandos, some of whom were serving during the Pinochet years in Chile, for duty in Iraq. People who know the Pinochet regime know that this regime was known for people disappearing in the country. Torture was routine. Other news reports indicate that four of the guards killed in January while working for a subcontractor had served in South Africa's security forces during the apartheid era, and one of them had applied for amnesty for crimes that he committed while operating under the apartheid regime. Not good news. Press reports further indicate that this latest incident was not isolated, with Iraqi Interior Minister spokesman Abdul-Karim Khalaf calling the episode the ``last and biggest mistake'' committed by Blackwater. Khalaf went on to say, ``Security contracts do not allow them to shoot people randomly. They are here to protect personnel, not to shoot people without reason.'' Mr. Speaker, we are not in a position to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people if we have cowboy mercenary vigilantes. Blackwater seems to be accountable neither to the Iraqi Government, and there are serious questions as to whether they're even accountable to the U.S. Government. They are not subject to the Geneva Convention, which our soldiers are. If accounts of this and other incidents prove to be accurate, and of course due process is critically important, then the Iraqi Government's actions to expel Blackwater from Iraq could indicate the first concrete sign that a real government may exist in Baghdad. Who knows. We'll see. Mr. Speaker, I think it is very critical that we continue to look into this issue of private contractors. It is an important part of the story of Iraq. It is a critical and fundamental part of this dialogue that we're having. We can't privatize our Nation's national defense. When we do, we lose control of these people. Mercenary actions are not deemed sanctioned by U.N. charter. And to hire a private mercenary army is something that we should not be associated with. They call themselves security contractors, and yet they have been involved in major military actions in Najaf. Everybody remembers the horrific incident that occurred in Fallujah that was succeeded by a major action against that city. At this point I think it's important for us to pay much closer attention to this situation and put some real accountability on this situation. I yield back at this time, but I do ask that we raise these important issues and focus on exactly what this means for our country and our national security.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank Chairwoman Waters and Chairman Frank for bringing this bill to the floor today before the body. H.R. 1852 makes significant improvements to the current Federal Housing Administration policy at a time that is crucial to American working families and to our Nation's economy. It comes before us at a time when the unstable housing market has brought disruption to our economy, world financial markets, but, most importantly, in our neighborhoods. By expanding the availability of FHA loans and using the new revenue to create an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, we are helping to make the dream of homeownership not just an illusion but a real possibility. Once again, I want to thank the sponsors of this legislation and urge support of the bill. I would also like to point out that the mortgage foreclosure crisis in America continues to get worse. Mortgage foreclosures are now at a level previously seen only at the height of the Great Depression, and it is only predicted to get worse going into the fall and winter. In August, foreclosures nationwide were up 115 percent from 2006. Hopefully, this important piece of legislation will help make the American Dream of homeownership not just an illusion but a real possibility.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise on the floor today to speak on behalf of H. Res. 606, a resolution that honors the city of Minneapolis and the first responders and citizens of Minnesota for their valiant efforts in responding to the horrific collapse of Interstate 35W Mississippi River bridge. Madam Speaker, while we honor the city of Minneapolis, there are also numerous cities in the area of Minneapolis, such as New Hope, Golden Valley, and many, many others, all that sent their first responders to the aid of the victims. And each and all of these cities deserve honor and respect. Thank you. At 6:05 p.m. on August 1, 2007, Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota collapsed into the Mississippi River, killing 13 people and injuring nearly 100 people. The 13 victims were mothers, fathers, children, workers, good people, each and all. I'm honored today to stand with my colleagues from Minnesota to honor the work of the first responders and the entire community of Minnesota and the Nation for stepping up to the plate to assist our community on August 1 in responding to the horrific bridge collapse. Without any hesitation or any regard or consideration for their own safety, Minnesota first responders, firefighters, police, emergency medical personnel all rushed to the bridge collapse scene, and it is clear that the commitment and heroism in the minutes and hours that followed the tragedy saved countless lives. Additionally, scores of ordinary Minnesotans became good Samaritans. For example, Madam Speaker, Jeremy Hernandez, a 20-year-old employee of a Minneapolis nonprofit organization, was riding on a school bus with over 50 children when the bus dropped towards the Mississippi River gorge as the bridge collapsed. Jeremy immediately took charge and evacuated the bus, ensuring that all staff and children got off the bus safely. This is America and Minnesota at its best when ordinary citizens become extraordinary citizens. But let me conclude, Madam Speaker, by respectfully asking this Congress to regard this tragedy as a national call to action, to focus our public energy on the reconstruction of our public infrastructure. On August 1, we as a Nation were united in grief for the victims, and we were united in the recovery and healing efforts. Now let us all stand united in rebuilding our country's ailing public infrastructure. For if the Nation is a body, our infrastructure is the skeleton that holds it up. I look forward to working with Members of Congress. I thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank you, Mr. Walz, for your excellent energy. I also would be remiss if I did not commend your community, our community, and southern Minnesota for its own tragedy that we suffered collectively. And we stand with the people of southern Minnesota in solidarity and in brother- and sisterhood. Thank you very much.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, on the morning of August 4, 2007, I was back in Minneapolis surveying the damage from the tragic collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge with President Bush and missed rollcall votes 824 to 826. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 824; I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 825; and I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 826.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, the Minnesota Army and Air National Guard have welcomed home nearly 2,600 citizen soldiers who were called to active duty for the war in Iraq. Most of those Minnesotans, who are returning from Iraq, were deployed for 22 months and many spent 16 months in combat. The brave men and women of the Minnesota National Guard deserve our respect and our gratitude. The members of the Minnesota National Guard, their families, friends and employers have all endured a hardship during the past 22 months. The sacrifices they made, and the quiet dignity they displayed during that time, are not surprising to those who have had the honor of meeting them. The State of Minnesota is very proud of the active duty, reserve and National Guard who enlisted from our State. The Minnesota State seal depicts an individual working hard on farmland. The seal is a perfect symbol of the strong work ethic displayed by the brave men and women from our State who serve in the military. Our State seal also includes the words ``L'etoile du Nord'' which translated from French means ``Star of the North.'' The men and women from Minnesota served under various group names, such as Soldier, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Red Bulls, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Active Duty, Reservist, and many more. Regardless of their military affiliation, those who served have shown the world that Minnesotans are prepared for any challenge and able to perform any task and that they are truly bright stars of the north. The Minnesota National Guard served the longest continuous deployment of any United States military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Members of the Minnesota National Guard completed 5,200 combat logistics patrols, secured 2.4 million convoy miles, discovered 462 improvised explosive devices prior to detonation, processed over 1.5 million vehicles and 400,000 Iraqis into entry control points without an insurgent penetration. The men and women of the Minnesota National Guard also completed 137 reconstruction projects in Iraq. Veterans who fought in wars and were discharged many years ago have told me that they appreciate it when people thank them for their service. I do not want the men and women who return from Iraq, Afghanistan or other locations to wait years before hearing me thank them for their service. I offer a heartfelt, sincere thank you to all Minnesotans who served and are currently serving in the United States military. I welcome home all the brave individuals who have devoted their time and talents to defend our Nation and provide security in the world. Some Minnesotans deployed to combat areas and lost their lives. I hope all Americans remember these brave men and women and continue to support the families they left behind. I encourage all Americans to thank a veteran or member of our military for their service. I also encourage this Congress and all citizens to offer any assistance to our Nation's military personnel and their families as they transition back to the lives they led prior to their deployments.

Mr. ELLISON

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Mr. Speaker, I remind us of those words in our Constitution tonight, because I believe that this Senate bill has forgotten about them. I remind us of these words because, as I consider this bill before us today, the administration, this legislation would allow the NSA warrantless access virtually to all international communications of Americans with anyone outside the U.S., including Americans, as long as the government declared that the surveillance was directed at people which includes foreigners or citizens reasonably believed to be located outside the U.S., a definition which covers literally billions of people.