Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I was inadvertently detained and was not recorded for rollcall vote 102 on April 18. Had it been recorded, I would have voted ``aye''.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3762 the Pension Security Act of 2002. I believe the time to update Federal pension law is now! I also believe this legislation could have prevented the tragic financial consequences of the Enron collapse, which is why I strongly support H.R. 3762. This legislation will help ensure the safety of the American workers' pension fund savings through the following ways: First, this legislation holds businesses to a higher standard of accountability. Specifically, it clarifies that company pension officials who do not act in the best interests of pension beneficiaries, can be held liable for breaching their fiduciary duty; it requires that workers be given 30 days advance notice of any blackout period affecting their pensions; and it forbids employers to sell their stock during ``black out'' periods when employees are not permitted to sell their stock. Thus, this legislation ensures that the Ken Lay's of the world, do not get rich at the expense of the American workers' pension fund savings. Second, this legislation empowers the American worker by protecting employees against future abuses by giving them more control over their investments. Specifically, the American worker is empowered with the right to diversify employer stock contributions and the option to sell company stock three years after receiving it. Third, this legislation also empowers the American worker by increasing their access to quality investment advice and by providing them with more information about their pensions. Specifically, it encourages employers to make investment advice available to their employees; it allows workers to use a tax-free payroll deduction to purchase investment advice on their own; and it requires companies to give quarterly reports that include account information, as well as their rights to diversify. Notably, the Democrat's alternative for pension reform does not address the current shortcomings in the pension system. Instead, the Democratic alternative increases mandates and regulations that will result in increased costs, which will ultimately discourage employers from offering retirement plans altogether. Finally, this legislation will help restore confidence in America's pension fund system. A generation of American workers have enjoyed a safe and secure retirement. By passing H.R. 3762 today, we will ensure future generations enjoy the same safe and secure retirement.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a truly outstanding individual, my constituent, Corrine Gunther of Morristown. On April 16, Corrine's friends and family will honor her contributions and accomplishments as The Zonta Club of Morristown presents her with the ``Woman of the Year'' award. Corrine Gunther was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She went on to attend Oberlin College and obtained a degree in English and Anthropology. She used her education to become a teacher and taught first grade at a school in Long Island, where she also coached field hockey, lacrosse and basketball. Later, Corrine served as a Research Associate for a Federal grant at Fairleigh Dickinson University on a volunteerism in government project, and changed careers again to become Executive Director of the Visiting Health Service of Morris County where she served for fourteen years. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Corrine has served her communities as a volunteer in a multitude of ways. Throughout her years of service she has served as the Chairman of the N.J. Home Care Committee for the White House Conference on Aging; as Vice Chairman of the Human Services Advisory Council; as a Board Member of First Call for Help, an information and referral service; and as a peer reviewer for the National Home Care Council. Corrine was also past President of NORWESCAP, an umbrella agency for five counties, overseeing 54 action service programs; past President of the League of Women Voters of the Morris Area and the Morris County League; and also as a charter member and past President of The Human Services Association of Morris County. Corrine Gunther has been a member of The Zonta Club of Morristown for the last twenty six years and is a past President. Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of women executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Corrine for all of her past achievements and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating her on her honor, and all of the accomplishments and service she has performed throughout her life!

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, this year Congress will reauthorize the landmark welfare reform law that we first passed in 1996. I am pleased to announce that President Bush's proposed welfare reforms build on our successes in that historic 1996 welfare reform law by encouraging personal responsibility, continuing to focus on strengthening families and helping more welfare recipients find work and secure their independence. Back in 1996, Members of Congress worked together to reach a historic, bipartisan agreement to reform the welfare system. These efforts resulted in one of the greatest public policy successes in decades as millions of Americans went from welfare to work. Since 1996, welfare dependency has decreased dramatically. The number of individuals receiving cash assistance has dropped by 56 percent, more single mothers are employed, and child poverty rates are at the lowest level since 1978. These reforms are more than simply a win for taxpayers who for years and years supported an ineffective system with their hard-earned tax dollars. The new system has provided opportunity for millions of Americans who jumped at the chance to improve the quality of their lives by getting a job and providing for their families, all while achieving the dignity of doing it on their own. Our `Welfare to Work' reforms helped those less fortunate with a hand up, instead of a handout. Every state has benefited from these reforms, and in my New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, we have witnessed many success stories. Here are just a few examples: 1. An HIV-positive single mother, with one child and separated from an abusive husband, entered the Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) in 1995. Her case manager arranged transportation and childcare for her, which allowed her to complete sufficient college courses for entry into the Morristown Memorial Hospital School of Cardiovascular Technology. She was one of 12 students accepted into the competitive, demanding program and graduated fourth in her class. While attending school, she gained valuable work experience through the Alternative Work Experience Program. On completing training, she began working in a doctor's office. Post TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families) childcare facilitated her ability to have excellent attendance and, ultimately, a promotion to Cardiovascular Technologist at $40,000 per year. She has purchased a home and is a foster-parent to several children. After extensive marriage counseling and family therapy, arranged through her case manager, she reunited with her husband in 1999. She credits her case manager with providing counseling, training,a and support services in ``turning my life around in ways I could never imagine before I entered the TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families) program.'' 2. A 23 year-old domestic violence victim and single mother of two small children entered the AFDC (Aid for Families with Dependent Children) program in 1995. At her case manager's urging, she enrolled in a GED course. TANF childcare and transportation support enabled her to obtain her high school diploma and gain admission to the County College of Morris. Her case manager arranged a part-time, on-campus job for her. She received childcare and Medicaid that allowed her to complete her Associate's Degree without interruption. She attended William Paterson College as a part-time student while participating in the Alternative Work Experience Program. The Alternative Work Experience Program is a combination of work experience and training activities. In 2000, after extensive counseling with her case manager, she decided that she would work full-time and attend college at night. She had lost her driver's license so her case manager accessed Welfare- to-Work funds to provide transportation to Group Job Search and other support services. In July 2001, with her case manager's assistance, her driver's license was reinstated and she started working full-time. Her children are receiving post-TANF childcare and Medicaid and she credits these services with allowing her to concentrate on work. She is earning $25,000 per year and is rightfully proud of her many accomplishments. 3. A 21-year-old mother of one had been displaced from her home due to domestic violence and was living with her grandmother. Her TANF case manager accessed Welfare-to-Work funds for her to attend training as a computer programmer at Chubb Institute. TANF childcare and Medicaid allowed her to successfully complete her training. Through the Group Job Search Program, she obtained employment as a Graphics Design Technician at $19,000 per year. She continues to receive post TANF childcare assistance. Now, she is a candidate for promotion to a higher paying position and thanks her case manager and the TANF program for ``getting my life on the right track, in a very short time.'' 4. A young mother in 2001 could not work because of childcare problems and expenses. She found employment through the Job Search Program and also attended training to become a home health aid while continuing to work. She was very focused, diligent and worked very hard to upgrade her earning ability and through the Work First Program, her childcare expenses were supplemented and she was helped financially with purchasing an automobile. Today, she is off welfare, working and is doing well. 5. A husband, his wife and two daughters entered this country as political refugees from Vietnam. He was incarcerated during the Vietnam War and as a result was diagnosed with malnutrition. Due to his frail health, he found it difficult to find steady employment. He was placed in a Community Work Experience Program (CWEP) at a local Board of Social Services. He was so successful in that position that the Board hired him for a permanent position and he has remained gainfully employed, providing for his family, for more than a year. Even with these notable successes, much remains to be done to improve the welfare system for those in need and to help welfare recipients on the path to independence. While more than three million welfare recipients have been removed from a system that promoted an indefinite dependency and have been placed into jobs, there remains two million people who have yet to follow in the footsteps of these success stories and find the personal independence that comes with the dignity of a job. With the President's leadership and a bipartisan effort in Congress, our next round of reforms will help ensure $22 billion annually is available for welfare programs that prepare recipients for work and help with childcare. We will also continue to ensure that the mission of our ``Welfare to Work'' reforms is to strengthen families. It is vital that Federal policy maintains support for low-income working families by expanding childcare and health insurance for children. Additionally, we will continue to make sure the Earned Income Tax Credit provides income supplements of up to $4,000 per year to single mothers leaving welfare to work. Finally, much of the success of the reforms passed in 1996 is due to the greater flexibility given to states by the Federal government to implement innovations in welfare programs. Our renewed reforms will strengthen the Federal/state partnership and expand upon measures to provide flexibility to states to improve coordination across programs so that more adults can achieve independence from welfare while gaining greater financial and social security for their families and their future.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor today to ask my colleagues, what are we doing here? We are playing games, and I, for one, did not come to this body to play games. America is being misled. We are being misled. Who is telling the truth? To those of you outside this hall that think this is reform, I say to you it is as bad as the current situation--and that makes it worse, doesn't it? It's worse because you truly believe that this bill represents real reform. It doesn't. And to those of you who stand in the way of real reform, I say to you, move aside. All of these arguments on the ``process'' are lost on the American people who just want reform, pure and simple. We are playing a game with those who have more vested in the ``process,'' than they do in principle. And when principles loses, what does that say about us? Never did I think that my vote on dearly held principles would doom reform. But that is the conundrum that has been handed to me--those who would choose to kill reform and those who would choose ``less reform'' as ``good enough'' have boxed me into a corner. Who would have ever thought that ``doing the right thing'' may be the wrong move? Many of my colleagues and my constituents alike know that I am a long-time supporter of campaign finance reform. I have been a strong supporter since we first began this struggle for real reform three years ago, and my party's opposition then and since has never stopped me from voting my conscience, holding to my principles. I have always, and will continue to believe that a total ban on soft money is necessary to reform our campaign financing system, and I will cast my vote to ban soft money again. Likewise, I believe that we must practice what we preach, and so I will vote to make these reforms effective today, not more than two years from now. They are needed now, they were needed when we first began this reform movement. This issue is not about winning elections, it can't be. It is about restoring the public's faith and confidence in what we do . . . it's all principle. It is about cleaning up a flawed system, where whether true or not, the perception is we are all bought and sold! I reject that thinking--I reject that label. I am not, and neither are far too many of my colleagues in this House, to let that label stand. We, as a collective body, are too good to let that perception be taken for granted by our fellow Americans. For my votes on principle today, I will no doubt be raked over the coals by editorial boards, and people on both sides of the issue, and that's fine. I can take the heat because I know I am fulfilling the obligation I've been given by the good people of New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, and that is, to vote my conscience, in their best interests, all the while holding fast to principle. My votes today will be principle over politics. I won't play games. How easy it would be to do what is ``popular.'' To look the other way, and vote the way editorial boards want me to, or the way my leadership wants me to, or the way Common Cause wants me to. But what is popular, and easy, is not always what is principled, and that, for me, is an easy decision to make. Today I vote for real reform. And with those votes, I stand on principle. Mr. Chairman, I hope I do not stand alone here today. But if need be, stand alone, I will.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for rollcall votes on February 5, 6, and 7. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, every year, more high school seniors from the 11th Congressional District trade in varsity jackets for Navy peacoats, Air Force flight suits, and Army brass buckles than any other district in the county. But this is nothing new--our area has repeatedly sent an above average proportion of its sons and daughters to the Nation's military academies for decades. This shouldn't come as a surprise. The educational excellence of our area is well known and has long been a magnet for families looking for the best environment in which to raise their children. Our graduates are skilled not only in mathematics, science, and social studies, but also have solid backgrounds in sports, debate teams, and other extracurricular activities. This diverse upbringing makes military academy recruiters sit up and take note--indeed, many recruiters know our towns and schools by name. Since the 1830's, Members of Congress have enjoyed meeting, talking with, and nominating these superb young people to our military academies. But how did this process evolve? In 1843, when West Point was the sole academy, Congress ratified the nominating process and became directly involved in the makeup of our military's leadership. This was not an act of an imperial Congress bent on controlling every aspect of the Government. Rather, the procedure still used today was, and is, one further check and balance in our democracy. It was originally designed to weaken and divide political coloration in the officer corps, provide geographical balance to our armed services, and to make the officer corps more resilient to unfettered nepotism that handicapped European armies. In 1854, Representative Gerritt Smith of New York added a new component to the academy nomination process--the academy review board. This was the first time a Member of Congress appointed prominent citizens from his district to screen applicants and assist with the serious duty of nominating candidates for academy admission. Today, I am honored to continue this wise tradition in my service to the 11th Congressional District. The Academy Review Board is composed of nine local citizens who have shown exemplary service to New Jersey, to their communities, and to the continued excellence of education in our area--many are veterans. Though from diverse backgrounds and professions, they all share a common dedication to seeing that the best qualified and motivated graduates attend our academies. And, as is true for most volunteer panels, their service goes largely unnoticed. I would like to take a moment to recognize these men and women and to thank them publicly for participating in this important panel. Being on the board requires hard work and an objective mind. Members have the responsibility of interviewing upwards of 50 outstanding high school seniors every year in the academy review process. The nomination process follows a general timetable. High school seniors mail personal information directly to the Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy once they become interested in attending. Information includes academic achievement, college entry test scores, and other activities. At this time, they also inform their Representative of their desire to be nominated. The academies then assess the applicants, rank them based on the data supplied, and return the files to my office with their notations. In mid-December, our Academy Review Board interviews all of the applicants over the course of 2 days. They assess a student's qualifications and analyze character, desire to serve, and other talents that may be hidden on paper. Last year, the board interviewed over 40 applicants. Nominations included 10 to the Naval Academy, 10 to the Military Academy, 5 to the Air Force Academy, and 4 to the Merchant Marine Academy--the Coast Guard Academy does not use the Congressional nomination process. The Board then forwards their recommendations to the academies by January 31, where recruiters review files and notify applicants and my office of their final decisions on admission. As these highly motivated and talented young men and women go through the academy nominating process, never let us forget the sacrifice they are preparing to make: to defend our country and protect our citizens. This holds especially true at a time when our nation is currently fighting the war against terrorism. Whether it be in Afghanistan as part of ``Operation Enduring Freedom'', Bosnia, the Persian Gulf or in other hot spots around the world, no doubt we are constantly reminded that wars are fought by the young. And, while our military missions are both important and dangerous, it is reassuring to know that we continue to put America's best and brightest in command. And while a few people may question the motivations and ambitions of some young people, the academy review process shows that the large majority of our graduates are just as highly motivated as the guidance from loving parents, dedicated teachers and schools, and from trusted clergy and rabbis. Indeed, every time I visit a school, speak at a college, or meet a young academy nominee, I am constantly reminded that we as a nation are blessed with fine young men and women. Their willingness and desire to serve their country is perhaps the most persuasive evidence of all.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3338, the Fiscal Year 2002 Defense Appropriations Conference Report and ask unanimous consent to revise and extend by remarks. As a member of the Defense Subcommittee, let me first thank our Chairman Jerry Lewis and our ranking member, Congressman Murtha, as well as our full Committee Chairman Bill Young. Our subcommittee was first scheduled to begin work on this bill on the morning of September 11 at the very hour that terrorists attacked our county, killing thousands of our fellow Americans and forever changing the course of our nation's history. America is now at war and our young men and women in the military have been called on to defend our citizens and our nation. The course of our nation's history will not be written by the terrorists but by the bravery and success of our troops now serving on the frontlines of this war against terrorism. And our history will be written, in part, by the actions we take here today. Today, there is no more important task before this Congress than to provide our military with the tools and resources they need to defend our citizens and fight for our freedom. Our military needs to know that this Congress not only supports their mission in theory but in substance; that we are prepared to take all the necessary steps and provide all the necessary means for their safety and their success in battle. With this Conference Report, we go a long way in doing just that. With this bill, we help meet the immediate needs of our troops and their families, to keep our military at the ready, and to invest in all the many, diverse capabilities we need to protect our citizens from all potential threats. Overall, we provide $317.5 billion for the Department of Defense and with those dollars, we do the following: First and foremost, we give our troops better pay. We add much needed dollars for troop readiness, training, supplies, and mobility that allow our Commander in Chief to send our Armed Forces into battle anywhere and at a moment's notice. We add support for our National Guard and reserves, so many of whom have now been called to duty. We provide for modernizing major weapon systems that allow us to better combat our enemies in the air, on the ground and at sea. We continue to support critical long-term investments in research and development so we have the most lethal and effective weapons now and in the future. We add significant resources to strengthen classified intelligence programs, and accelerate and enhance U.S. military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. And we also add critical funds for our homeland defense to better protect our citizens from all potential threats. And with the release of $20 billion in emergency appropriations, we are also helping to meet the very real needs of those communities and states most directly impacted by the attacks of September 11 and to strengthen our homeland defense. As my colleagues know, New Jersey was on the frontlines of the attacks of September 11 our people suffered greatly as so many lives were lost and our state and local law enforcement where there to answer the call to help our neighbors in New York. And it's important that we all work to help rebuild lower Manhattan and most important, work together to help our fellow citizens who suffered to rebuild their lives. I want to thank the House for agreeing to requests to help New Jersey directly by including $30 million to replace our state police communications system which sat atop the World Trade Center and was destroyed in the attack. And as a result of the destruction of the PATH station, thousands of New Jersey commuters are struggling every day to get to work. Our commuters need help and this bill provides relief for our commuters by providing $100 million for increased mass transit and $100 million for increased ferry service. We also provide $100 million critical safety improvements for the tunnels that take millions of people to and from Manhattan and New Jersey every day. Finally, let us also be clear that the commitments we make in this bill to our military do not meet every need. As more will be required of our troops, more will be required of this Congress. Mr. Speaker, as those of us who have served in the military know only too well, wars are fought by the young. We know, too, that freedom never has, nor will it be this time, free. At no time in our nation's history has the sacrifice and service of our young men and women been more important to the defense of our country and the security of our future. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass the fiscal year 2002 Defense Appropriations Conference Report and to do so unanimously. [From Daily Record, Dec. 20, 2001] Frelinghuysen Disappointed With Funding for N.J. Military (By Matt Manochio) U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen said Wednesday he's disappointed with the funding provided by the U.S. Senate for New Jersey's military installations, but the state's two Democratic senators say they are steadfast in their support of those bases. Frelinghuysen, R-Harding, released a statement with details of the Department of Defense budget that soon will land on President' Bush's desk. At Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township, $447 million is slated for research and development for the arsenal's Crusader self-propelled howitzer program. All totaled, more than $600 million is earmarked for Picatinny projects in the 2002 budget. Frelinghuysen's statement compared House and Senate funding requests, along with the amounts that actually made it into the budget. The House asked for $98 million for the Crusader's ``Common Engine'' program, compared to $43 million requested by the Senate. The final amount budgeted was $98 million. The release listed various projects at Picatinny and other bases, showing the Senate budgeted no money for them while the House set aside between $1.5 million and $40 million. The state's two Democratic senators strongly disagreed with Frelinghuysen's suggestion that the Senate has failed to adequately support the military, according to their spokespeople. ``Basically, we're surprised about it,'' said David Wald, a spokesman for Sen. Jon Corzine. ``We know that the bulk of the ($300 million) for Homeland Defense that impacts on New Jersey started on the Senate side.'' Likewise, Sen. Robert G. Torricelli's spokeswoman, Debra DeShong, took exception to the Frelinghuysen document. New Jersey military bases have no bigger advocate than Sen. Torricelli,'' she said, adding that the senator was ``disappointed that Congressman Frelinghuysen has chosen to politicize our state's defense projects and our efforts to protect our priorities.'' Frelinghuysen's spokesman, Mark Broadhurst, said that the congressman wasn't trying to politicize anything. ``To say that he was disappointed with the final numbers this year, that would be an accurate statement,'' Broadhurst said. ``But in no way is the congressman trying to point any fingers,'' he said, adding that Frelinghuysen is telling the Senate ``we have to do better.'' Picatinny Arsenal spokesman Pete Rowland said he was pleased with the congressman's efforts. ``I think that it goes without saying (Frelinghuysen) has displayed a real strong support for military installations not only in his district but in the state of New Jersey and military services at large,'' he said. ``And this is another example of his personal support, as well as that of the other members of the New Jersey congressional delegation.'' Picatinny Arsenal covers about 6,500 acres with 1,000 buildings. It employs approximately 3,500 people designing new weapons and munitions for the military.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, weeks ago the House acted on President Bush's request for an economic stimulus package. We knew then what has now been confirmed--America is in a recession. And, here in New Jersey, the economic slowdown has been especially acute as many New Jersey residents lost their jobs, many as a result of the tragic events of September 11, and others because our economic slowdown began well before September. First and foremost, we need to help the victims and families of the terrorist attacks and the many workers who have lost their jobs. And, with the $40 billion in emergency assistance already approved by Congress, President Bush and his Administration are doing just that. Under the emergency federal assistance provided to our state, workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the attacks are eligible for unemployment and health insurance for up to 26 weeks-- that's through at least March of next year. And these benefits have been extended to the self-employed and others who are not otherwise eligible for this assistance. After addressing these immediate, emergency needs, the House acted quickly to take steps to get our economy moving again. Those steps focused on helping to restore consumer confidence and encouraging private sector investment and expansion to help replace lost jobs and to add more, new jobs. The House has acted on just such a plan. My colleagues in the other body must act now on an economic security bill to help our economy, and those who have lost their jobs. While most Americans heard recent news reports that said our nation is now ``officially'' in a recession, it didn't take a headline in the newspaper or ``Breaking News'' on CNN for far too many New Jerseyans to realize that these are hard times in America. Even before September 11 changed our lives forever, layoffs at some of New Jersey's largest, most established companies, like Lucent, AT&T and Honeywell, for example, were taking their toll. Alarmingly, 27,000 jobs were lost in the first nine months of this year in New Jersey. Our state's unemployment rate rose to 4.8 percent in October, up from 4.5 percent in September. It's time for the other body to act and I call on the other body to reject their plans to expand federal programs and increase federal spending beyond our budget agreement with the Administration. More government spending, to my mind, will not serve to stimulate our economy. Let's face it--the only answer for job loss is to create new jobs. And with the exception of the newly federalized baggage screeners, the Federal Government does not create jobs or economic activity. In fact, the more we ``grow'' government, the more dollars we take out of the private sector, away from the taxpayer and out of our economy. That is why the House version of the economic stimulus provides rapid tax relief to businesses, large and small, to continue to invest, to purchase equipment, expand production and promote job hiring. While some have criticized the House bill as corporate welfare, we need companies to stop layoffs and hire again! Our proposal is critical to the success of New Jersey business. According to the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, even before the September 11 terror attacks, New Jersey employers as a group had lost their confidence in our economy. Two-thirds of 1,600 employers participating in the Association's 2002 Business Outlook Survey said their industries were already in a recession or heading into one at the time of the attacks. We've got to turn that thinking around and provide the incentives to New Jersey's companies to start growing their businesses again. The House bill also returns more tax dollars back to working Americans by accelerating the tax rate cuts we passed earlier this year and by including tax rebate checks for those individuals who didn't receive them in the first round. Returning these dollars will give people more dollars to spend and invest. These actions--as opposed to more government spending and more government programs--will better address the underlying weaknesses in our economy, namely consumer confidence, consumer spending, and the need for renewed and sustained business investment and expansion. And, early next year, when existing unemployment and health benefits may be depleted, I am confident that we will continue to help those who need it most. In fact the House economic security package includes a provision that provides another $9 billion in surplus Federal unemployment funds to the states. This translates into approximately $368 million that will be immediately available for New Jersey to pay for more or to expand regular unemployment benefits. This is real Federal assistance to lend a helping hand to New Jerseyans who are hurting the most. Prompt Senate action will help get our fellow Americans back in the workforce, not still standing in the unemployment line next Spring. While not every provision of the House bill is perfect, our economic security package is a better starting point than the legislative paralysis in the other body! To the other body, I say, get your job done, and let's get America back to work.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, on December 13, the House passed H.R. 1, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 Conference Report by an overwhelming, bi-partisan majority vote. By doing so, we have deliver (on President Bush's promise and commitment to improve the education of every child in America! It is our President's number one, domestic priority, other than Homeland Security. In his Inaugural Address, President Bush in speaking about our responsibilities and values as citizens said ``Together, we will reclaim America's schools, before ignorance and apathy claim more young lives.'' President Bush called upon Congress to achieve that goal by coming up with a plan to reform education in new and bold ways. Earlier this year, the House responded first by passing the most comprehensive education reform package in almost three decades. This bill, the No Child Left Behind Act calls for a major increase in federal funds for both states and local school districts. The final agreement with the House and Senate does just that. It sets aside close to $135 billion for education over the next 5 years alone. But more importantly, these dollars will ensure accountability by providing the following: unprecedented new flexibility for states and school districts in the use of federal education funds, ensures higher levels of achievement for students to meet and surpass, sets new accountability standards to keep only the most qualified teachers in our classroom and provides more choices for parents in determining the best education possible for their children. These are important reforms that will replace three and a half decades of increased education spending that have simply not produced the results Americans deserve. As President Bush rightly put it, ``dollars alone do not always make a difference.'' Today's victory ensures that no child will be left behind. In fact, following the enactment of our reform bill, immediate new options will be available to students in thousands of failing public schools across the United States. A Department of Education analysis finds that students at nearly 3,000 underachieving public schools nationwide will be eligible for immediate, new options to achieve a better education in a more suitable learning environment. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues in the other body to pass H.R. 1 so that we can get it to President's desk and signed into law before the end of the year. For years, we have been providing critical funds for the education of our children. Now we are taking an extra step to ensure those dollars produce results.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I met with many of the families of the victims of September 11. I have attended funeral masses and funerals, and I have met personally, as other Members have from our area, with some of the widows of the victims of these attacks when they visited Capitol Hill on December 5. They need our help and they need it now. Many are from home towns in my district and throughout the State of New Jersey and New York and Connecticut and Virginia and Pennsylvania. As one of the widows recently recounted to me, the charities have helped with the immediate aftermath, but this tax relief bill will help some of their present concerns, and the victims' compensation fund will help them as they move forward into the future. While we can never replace their loss, we can help alleviate some of the pain for these victims as they think about their immediate and future financial needs, and about how they will provide for their families in the coming years. We do so with this bill. In this bill, we waive income tax liability for 2 years for the victims. We provide relief from the State tax, and make sure that charitable relief and other forms of financial assistance remain tax- free. On behalf of the victims from New Jersey and the other States, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Speaker, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), the majority leader, and particular, the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, for bringing up this bill expeditiously. Our hearts go out to these families, and I want to thank my congressional colleagues for moving on this bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and of this bill. Just to give my colleagues an idea of how driven and dependent our national economy is on international trade, one need not look any further than my home State of New Jersey. Last year, New Jersey posted the eighth largest export total of any State in the Nation with a total of $28.8 billion being sold in export merchandise. This is up more than 38 percent since 1997. Those exports are shipped globally to 204 countries around the world. Most importantly, out of New Jersey's 4.1 million member workforce, over 600,000 people statewide, from Main Street to Fortune 500 companies, are employed because of exports, imports, and because of foreign direct investment. Agilent Technologies, a company in my congressional district, recently wrote me in support of Trade Promotion Authority. They said, ``Multilateral trade initiatives important to Agilent relating to tariff reductions, e-commerce, biotechnology and international standard-setting are now beginning.'' Mr. Speaker, we need to participate. We need to support the rule, and we need to support the bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) for yielding me the time, and I want to commend him and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the ranking member, and all Members for their assistance in getting this bill to the floor, particularly the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), who has been very helpful. He has been very supportive, and he has been personally very interested in this bill. H.R. 90 would not be here without his support and the way that he has helped me along the way. Mr. Speaker, the Know Your Caller Act will provide a simple but important consumer protection. Many consumers purchase and pay for caller ID service and caller ID equipment for several reasons: In the first instance, to protect their privacy; secondly, they provide for their personal security by identifying incoming calls and allow them the opportunity to decide before picking up the receiver, whether or not to answer the call. Guess what, some of the most frequent calls, those from telemarketers, not all telemarketers but many, appear with a message Out of the Area or Caller Unknown. Mr. Speaker, telemarketing is a commercial enterprise. As such, what would be the reason for not disclosing a business telephone number? There simply is no reason. I believe that all commercial enterprises that use the telephone to advertise or sell their services to encourage the purchase of property or goods or for any other good commercial purposes should be required to have the name of their business and their business telephone number disclosed on caller ID boxes. Some telemarketing enterprises purposely block out caller ID devices; yet these same companies know a person's name, address, and telephone number. Is it not only fair that they share their company name and their telephone number so a person can make sure that they are a legitimate company, that they are who they say they are? Also, if my colleagues are like me and politely ask to have their name removed from their list, I think we should also be able to track the name and number of these telemarketing callers to ensure that they do not call back again. My legislation will simply require any person making a telephone solicitation to clearly identify themselves on these devices. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will help separate legitimate telemarketers from fraudulent ones. While the majority of telemarketers are legitimate business people attempting to sell a product or service, there are some unscrupulous individuals and companies violating existing telemarketing rules and scamming many customers. Consumers pay a monthly service fee to subscribe to the caller ID service because they want to protect their personal privacy and their pocketbooks, but they have little recourse to protest intrusions on their privacy because most telemarketers intentionally block their identity from being transmitted to caller ID devices. Mr. Speaker, we already require telemarketers to identify themselves over the telephone and via telephone fax transmission. This bill simply extends the protection to consumers with caller ID devices. Mr. Speaker, I express my thanks for this opportunity. This bill passed unanimously in the last session; and again, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) for his support of it.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I rise today, along with my colleague, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry), to offer House Resolution 298, a resolution expressing the sense of this body that Veterans Day should be observed as a separate, distinct national holiday, and I thank the gentleman from Nebraska for all of his work in the interest of so many Members. Madam Speaker, after the turmoil of last year's national election, President Bush rightly called for the creation of a National Commission on Federal Election Reform, chaired by two of his esteemed predecessors, President Ford and President Carter. Under their able leadership, this commission studied the lessons of that election and formulated a 13-point plan for reform. While they raised many valid points, I respectfully disagree with their third recommendation: that this Congress enact legislation to combine Election Day with Veterans Day. As we know in this House, held on the 11th day of the 11th month, a date which marks the armistice which ended the Great War of 1918, Veterans Day began as a day to honor those who fought for freedom with the allies in Europe during World War I. It was later expanded after America's participation in World War II to include those veterans. But it was not until after the Korean War in 1954 that November 11 became a day set aside to honor all those who have worn our Nation's uniform and who have fought and died to preserve the ideals and values we hold most dear. Now, as a way to increase voter participation and enable more public spaces to be used as polling sites, this commission and others have seized upon the idea of merging Election Day with Veterans Day. This idea is well intentioned but dead wrong. As a New Jersey resident and former national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bob Wallace, wrote to me in September, ``We believe that any suggestion or consideration of Veterans Day serving as Election Day would significantly diminish Congress' original intent to honor the men and women who served in the Armed Forces.'' As a fellow veteran, I agree. Bob also said, and I quote, ``The historical significance of Veterans Day should remain just that, a day to solemnly honor America's veterans for their patriotism and willingness to sacrifice all for freedom.'' It could not be said better. This is the reason we have sponsored this legislation, and I urge the Members of this House to support it.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment, for as a committee and as a Congress we have made the tough choices with this bill and others we have considered since September 11. Make no mistake about that. This is a bipartisan bill that meets the immediate needs of our troops and their families and, most importantly, as our troops and militaries fight in Afghanistan as we speak here this afternoon, we are united behind them as Americans and as Republicans and Democrats. In this bill, we have added a new appropriations title and $11.7 billion for our homeland defense, $1.6 billion of that new money, to fight that which may occur against our Nation that involves chemical, biological and, God forbid, nuclear threats. Can anyone be entirely comfortable, to use somebody else's adjective, with every action or every expenditure or dollar amount that is considered or put into this bill? Of course not, since these terrorists fight by no rules. They kill civilians. But I think we would all agree that we have a greater confidence than we did a month ago as we go about routing them out at home and abroad. We now have a proactive homeland defense leader in Governor Ridge, who is pulling together disparate parts to do the job at home. We have an activated group of emergency management and law enforcement personnel in our States and lower jurisdictions. And yes, we have a public more vigilant, more aware, and more willing to sacrifice to fight terrorism at home and abroad. Some have suggested we need billions of dollars more for defense. We may need more money, but let us make decisions for further supplementals after we hear from our President and Commander in Chief, and I am sure we will.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3338, the fiscal year 2002 Defense Appropriations bill. As a member of this subcommittee, let me first thank our Chairman Jerry Lewis and our ranking member, Congressman Murtha, as well as the staff for all their hard work in crafting the bill we are considering today. Our subcommittee was first scheduled to begin work on this bill on the morning of September 11 at the very hour that terrorists attacked our country, killing thousands of our fellow Americans and forever changing the course of our Nation's history. America is now at war and our young men and women in the military have been called on to defend our citizens and our Nation. The course of our Nation's history will not be written by the terrorists but by the bravery and success of our troops now serving on the frontlines of this war against terrorism. And our history will be written, in part, by the actions we take here today. Today, there is no more important task before this Congress than to provide our military with the tools and resources they need to defend our citizens and fight for our freedom. Our military needs to know that this Congress not only supports their mission in theory but in substance; that we are prepared to take all the necessary steps and provide all the necessary means for their safety and their success in battle. With this bill, we provide those critical resources. And let us not forget that even before the events of September 11, our troops have been and continue to serve on frontlines around the globe including in the Balkans, South Korea, the Persian Gulf, and elsewhere--24 hours a day and throughout the year. This subcommittee has worked in a bipartisan way to meet the immediate needs of our troops and their families, to keep our military at the ready, and to invest in all the many, diverse capabilities we need to protect our citizens from all potential threats. In recent years, this subcommittee has fought attempts to cut funding for our military. Even as the missions of our military increased, there were those who argued that increased military spending was no longer a priority. And there have always been those who charged that we were shortchanging our domestic priorities to pay for our military needs. We know today that there is no more vital domestic priority than our nation's security. As our troops and military fight in Afghanistan, it is clear that our investments of the past are paying dividends today. Whether Air Force, Army, Marines or Navy, these warriors are more professional, better trained and equipped because of our committee's longstanding commitment to meet their needs. Let me discuss just some of those investments we provide for in this bill. Overall, we provide $317.5 billion for the Department of Defense and with those dollars, we do the following: First and foremost, we give our troops better pay. We add much needed dollars for troop readiness, training, supplies, and mobility that allow our Commander in Chief to send our Armed Forces into battle anywhere and at a moment's notice. We add $153 million for our National Guard and reserves, so many of whom have now been called to duty. We provide for modernizing major weapon systems that allow us to better combat our enemies in the air, on the ground and at sea. We continue to provide over $47 billion for critical long-term investments in research and development so we have the most lethal and effective weapons now and in the future. We add significant resources to strengthen classified intelligence programs, and accelerate and enhance U.S. military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. And we add a new title and $11.7 billion for our homeland defense against chemical, biological and nuclear threats against our citizens. The commitments we make in this bill do not meet every need. As more will be required of our troops, more will be required of this Congress. Mr. Chairman, as those of us who have served in the military know only too well, wars are fought by the young. We know, too, that freedom never has, nor will it be this time, free. Liberty is paid for by the sacrifices of those who serve. At no time in our nation's history has their sacrifice and service been more important to the defense of our country and the security of our future. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to pass the fiscal year 2002 Defense Appropriations bill and to do so unanimously.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of S. 1447, the Aviation Security Act Conference Report. This comprehensive, bi-partisan security package will better protect America's air travelers and improve security at all of our nation's airports. This legislation strengthens Federal aviation security by doing the following: First and foremost, this legislation requires strict federal oversight of all of the nation's airline security screening, including all baggage screeners. Second, we also put into place a system that will eventually screen 100% of all bags; fortify cockpit doors; put Air Marshals on domestic flights and requires that all airport baggage screeners must be U.S. citizens. In addition, the Federal government will be required to conduct background checks on all individuals with access to secure areas of an airport. This legislation also provides full authority to Federal officials to fire any of these employees who fail to perform their duties. And, most importantly the United States Department of Transportation assumes enforcement authority that previously rested with the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration. Mr. Speaker, as you well know the tragic events of September 11 have forced us to rethink all security in our country like no other time in U.S. History. Today, I am pleased that Congress, working with the President, has acted to ensure safety at our airports and in our skies. Like every American, I want to ensure we have the strongest and best possible security for airline passengers and crews. Make no mistake, on this issue there can be no compromise on safety.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time, and I rise in support of the VA-HUD conference report and want to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Walsh) and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), for their leadership and the good work of their staff. I support this conference report for any number of reasons, but particularly because it contains a $1 billion increase for veterans medical care over last year's level. This is critically needed funding, especially for my home State of New Jersey, but for the rest of the Nation; and it will help provide men and women who served in the military with better access to the medical care that they have so richly earned and deserve. Over the past 3 years under the leadership of the gentleman from New York (Chairman Walsh), the committee has provided $4 billion in increase for medical care. The conference report also takes an important first step towards providing veterans with schizophrenia medicines that are far more valuable and very important to their lives. It encourages the VA to inform its doctors, pharmacy managers and, hopefully, its VISN directors as well, not to use the cost of atypical antipsychotics as a measurement of job performance, and instead, to reinforce VA policy that physicians use their best judgment when prescribing medicines for mentally ill veterans. If anyone deserves access to all the latest, most advanced medicines available, it is our veterans. They deserve the best possible treatments we can provide them. I also support this conference report because it provides a much- needed funding increase for the Section 811 program, housing for disabilities. I am pleased that the House provided $29 million more for this program than the Senate, and in the end, the conferees agreed to provide the higher level. There is a great need in our Nation for housing of all types, but particularly housing dollars for nonelderly individuals with disabilities. I support this conference report because it also contains an important set-aside: $40 million within the Section 8 voucher program to further increase housing options for individuals with disabilities. Combined with the increase in the Section 811 program, these two provisions will continue our efforts to provide housing for some of those who are in greatest need, who wish to live with independence and dignity. I also support this conference report because it increases funding for the National Science Foundation by $363 million over last year's level. Basic scientific research is critical, and this funding will help continue the NSF's work, including a number of projects in my home State, a State with a long history of scientific research and development. This conference report also deserves support because it continues to provide funding for critical environmental programs, including $1.27 billion for the Superfund program to expedite clean-up of hazardous waste sites. My State has the dubious distinction of having more of these sites than any other State in the Nation. Further, this proposal provides nearly $95 billion for the brownfields program, which will help clean up contaminated sites to allow them to be used and returned to productive use in many of our cities and urban centers. This conference report builds upon what we have done in the past while staying within the confines of our allocation and within the overall level agreed upon last month by the Congress and the President. Finally, I want to take this opportunity, and I am sure all committee Members do, to commend FEMA Director Alpaugh, VA Secretary Principi, and EPA Administrator Whitman and their respective agencies and personnel for all of their collective efforts addressing so many tragic, tragic events related to September 11. All of these agencies sprang into action to offer the resources and their dedicated personnel in the wake of these attacks. For these and many reasons, Mr. Speaker, I support the conference report and I urge everybody to vote for it.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. I rise in support of our energy and water appropriations bill. Let me first thank Chairman Callahan for his forceful leadership of our committee's work and also the ranking member's leadership on this bill, and my thanks to the very forceful leadership, and to thank our subcommittee staff for their tireless efforts to put this bill together. While much public attention is rightly focused on the war abroad, our committee continues to do its part to protect our Nation's security at home. The issue of energy security is now clearly before us. Our energy facilities must be safe and secure and we must continue the critical work of the Department of Energy to research and develop domestic sources of energy of all types and to protect our nuclear stockpile. On another front, Chairman Callahan has produced a bill, insisted on a bill, in fact, that continues the Federal commitment to work in partnership with our States and local communities to address such vital needs as flood control, shore protection, environmental restoration and improving our Nation's waterways. I especially want to thank the chairman for his support of top priorities in my home State of New Jersey. Keeping our ports open for business is critical to our regional economy and the nearly 230,000 jobs related to port activity in both New York and New Jersey. Protecting and restoring our shoreline is also vital. This bill continues to protect communities from natural disasters such as flooding and continues New Jersey's special role to provide a future energy source that is clean and unlimited. That is the special work of the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. I also thank the chairman for working with me to consolidate the port dredging projects within the New York and New Jersey commercial waterways into one single project to expedite dredging to the recommended 50-foot depth. Combining these projects and expediting this critical work is a huge victory for our regional economy and for the environment and for the taxpayer at a time when our people are suffering and thousands of jobs have been lost in our area. Finally, I want to pay special tribute to the Army Corps of Engineers for their response to the September 11 attack in Lower Manhattan and at the Pentagon. While we know the Army Corps does fantastic and important, essential work during war and in peacetime with flood control and dredging and other projects, many are not aware that the Army Corps acts in very important ways during times of disaster and national crisis. Since the day of these tragedies, the Corps has assisted in the Federal national response both in Lower Manhattan and at the Pentagon. They have worked tirelessly to do emergency dredging, debris removal and to address complex engineering and structural security issues in Lower Manhattan besides looking after thousands of people who needed transportation. After visiting ground zero, Army Secretary White commented on the Corps effort and said, ``While your history is impressive, given the current situation your finest hour is a chapter yet to be written.'' I am sure we would agree with him. I want to personally thank the Army Corps for all their work to meet the needs of our citizens and our communities when we needed it the most. I know our committee also shares my pride in their professionalism. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support the bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 224, a resolution honoring the New Jersey State Law Enforcement Officers Association and all law enforcement officers in New Jersey. They serve and protect our state and local communities with bravery, pride, professionalism and honor each and every day. The fine men and women who make up New Jersey's law enforcement agencies are exceptional people who do a very dangerous job, often without fanfare or recognition. They put their own lives on the line so that our schools, streets, children and families are safe from harm and danger. They are, as we have been reminded by their extraordinary response since September 11, true heroes. On September 11, thousands of police officers and emergency personnel from local communities across New Jersey were mobilized immediately and dispatched to help with the search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Our thanks and our gratitude goes out to everyone who assisted in a time of such great need. Our prayers are with the families of the victims, which included police officers and firefighters who rushed into the World Trade Center to save lives. In recent weeks, I have had the opportunity to personally thank a few of those police officers, fire and emergency personnel from my Congressional District by presenting them with flags that flew over the U.S. Capitol. Almost every one of the 57 communities I represent sent police officers, firefighters and EMT's to the site of the World Trade Center Disaster, many of whom are volunteers. Mr. Speaker, it has been more than two months since the tragic events of September 11, and today, with anthrax a real threat for many, especially in New Jersey, our law enforcement officials and emergency personnel continue to serve the public tirelessly. I cannot think of a better way to honor the work of law enforcement personnel in New Jersey than by supporting H. Res. 224. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of H.R. 3150, the Secure Transportation for America Act introduced by Representative Don Young (R-AK). This legislation is an important part of our ongoing efforts in Congress to ensure the safety and well-being of all Americans who travel by air as it makes substantial, long overdue improvements to our nation's aviation security system. H.R. 3150 ensures maximum safety for passengers and airline crews through a series of comprehensive security measures. First and foremost, this bill puts the Federal Government in complete charge of adopting and implementing strict passenger and baggage screening standards. This responsibility will be given to a new Transportation Security Administration within the Department of Transportation and will be headed by a new Under Secretary. While H.R. 3150 does not strictly call for airport screeners and baggage checkers to be federal employees, it gives the Administration the flexibility to choose either a Federal or private workforce. This discretion ensures that we have a security system that is both professional and efficient. I am also pleased that at the request of Representative Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) and myself, we had included in this legislation two important security provisions. One calls for complete background checks for all airport screeners and employees who have access to restricted areas of our airports. The second establishes a system to screen all passenger baggage. I am thankful to Chairman Young and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for including these two important measures in this bill. In addition, this legislation strengthens cockpit doors and deploys Federal Air Marshals on domestic flights. Mr. Chairman, as you well know the tragic events of September 11th have forced us to rethink all security in our country like no other time in history. I am pleased that Congress has already acted by giving President Bush $3 billion to address immediate aviation security needs. By passing H.R. 3150, we put the Federal Government in charge of aviation security, thus ensuring that safety both at our airports and in our skies remains paramount. Make no mistake, on this issue there can be no compromise on safety.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to offer my sincerest congratulations to the 8th District of the New Jersey State First Aid Council on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. I am sure that you will agree that in light of recent events, the importance of emergency medical services has never been more evident. What makes this group all that more special is that they volunteer their time to provide this life-saving service to the communities in which they live. I know personally many Emergency Medical Technician's who, without thought to their personal safety, left their homes and jobs to respond to the call for help in New York City following the attack on the World Trade Center. Many more of these wonderful volunteers were at the ready to respond when called. The recent attacks on the World Trade Center highlight the work that these people do day in and day out without asking for any recognition. Every community in New Jersey is all that much more safer because of these people. The New Jersey State First Aid Council is an organization designed to bring its members together for the purpose of discussing methods of improving ambulance services, the reduction of loss of life, the development of better service through educational programs, and to foster a spirit of harmony and friendship among the various non-profit volunteer squads. Membership in the New Jersey State First Aid Council is open to all organizations that meet the New Jersey State definition of a volunteer first aid squad and are either specialized industrial squads, emergency squads operating ambulances and serving the general community, or are support organizations such as heavy rescue, water rescue, extrication, and search and rescue. The New Jersey State First Aid Council serves the entire state of New Jersey and is broken down into districts to better serve its member organizations. The 8th District of the New Jersey State First Aid Council was officially formed on October 16, 1951. The original volunteer emergency squads were from Basking Ridge, Chester, Millington, Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills-Bedminister, and Bernardsville. Over the past 50 years the membership has changed but the mission has been the same--to provide the best emergency medical care at no cost and to support the volunteers in providing this service. Today the following organizations are proud to be part of the 8th District of the New Jersey State First Aid Council: Basking Ridge Fire Co. #1 First Aid & Rescue; Bernardsville Fire Co. #1 First Aid & Rescue; Chatham Emergency Squad; Chester First Aid Squad; Liberty Corner First Aid Squad; Long Valley First Aid Squad; Mendham First Aid & Rescue Squad; Mendham Township First Aid Squad; Morristown Ambulance Squad; New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department First Aid Squad; Peapack- Gladstone First Aid Squad; and Randolph Rescue Squad. I would also like to acknowledge the officers of the 8th District of the New Jersey First Aid Council for the fine work that they do. In addition to the time they volunteer on their individual squads they serve the Emergency Medical Services Community as a whole as officers of this fine organization. They are: President: Karen Corica; Chairwoman: Jane McArthur; Vice-Chairman: Jim McConnell; Second Vice- Chairman: Fred Miller; Recording Secretary: Bob Molloy; Corresponding Secretary: Bob Molloy; Treasurer: Paula Oswald; and Chaplain: Debbie Smith. Mr. Speaker, I am sure that you will join me in honoring the 8th District of the New Jersey State First Aid Council on this very special occasion. Events of the past month have shown us all what a valuable service these fine organizations and its members provide to the community. To all, I say congratulations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support today of the Miller-Miller amendment to reform the sugar subsidy program. I want to commend both gentlemen for their tireless efforts to reform this program, which has been a raw deal for the American taxpayer. Mr. Speaker, this amendment does not eliminate the sugar subsidy program, which I admit I would wholeheartedly support. It does, however, take the modest step of providing some reforms to the existing program in an attempt to eliminate the waste and abuse associated with it. Further, this amendment would prevent any new sugar bailout programs from being created. Last year, the government spent $465 million to buy a million tons of sugar, and then spent an additional $1.4 million a month to store it. That is money that could well have been spent on our nation's critical needs, such as providing education to children with disabilities or medical care to our veterans, or to develop next-generation weapons needed by our men and women in uniform. Instead, as a result of the current sugar subsidy program, we provided a sweet deal for a small number of sugar growers. The existing program pays out 40 percent of Federal subsidies to a select 1 percent of the nation's sugar growers. Miami Herald columnist Carl Hiaasen ably and concisely summarized the current sugar subsidy program in his August 29, 2001 column. ``Sure, it's corporate welfare,'' he said. ``Sure, it's freeloading. Sure it jacks up consumer prices.'' And, surely, I'd add, it's time to stop taxpayers from getting a raw deal, and fix this broken program. I strongly support the Miller-Miller amendment, and encourage my colleagues to do the same. The farm bill is a sweet deal for most of our farmers; let's at least put an end to this expensive, unnecessary bailout program.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this authorization for the President to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations or persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist acts committed against our country on September 11, and to prevent any future acts of internal terrorism against the United States. Today, Mr. Speaker, along with my colleagues from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, I visited lower Manhattan and saw firsthand the physical destruction and I better understand now the human devastation. The deaths of our fellow Americans, the destruction of our sovereign land, and this act of war against all Americans cannot and will not go unanswered. As the President spoke to the world today from the National Cathedral, ``This Nation is peaceful but fierce when stirred to anger. This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others. It will end in a way and in an hour of our own choosing.'' Mr. Speaker, whether the hour be near or far, we stand united with our President and with the men and women of our Armed Forces.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding me the time. I rise in support of the resolution and I join with all Americans and so many New Jerseyans who are personally affected by this crisis in prayer for the victims of yesterday's unthinkable, horrible acts of terrorism against our people. Words cannot properly express our sorrow for the victims and their families. For those of us who come from New York and New Jersey, our friends and neighbors who work in lower Manhattan, who commute every day from our hometowns, their families and their lives have been changed forever by yesterday's unspeakable events, as well as for our military and civilian personnel at the Pentagon. We feel for their loved ones, their children, their spouses and family members whose lives have been irreversibly changed forever. We also salute the courage and professionalism and heroism and generosity of so many firefighters, police, emergency and medical personnel, and many volunteers of their own blood, food, shelter and comfort. These volunteers have and continue to offer themselves so unselfishly. The President and all Americans pledge our support to assist all the families and victims of these tragedies. We will hold accountable those responsible wherever they may be, that they may be brought to justice. We will do all that is called for and all that is needed in defense of our country and its citizens and to bring these criminals to justice. As Americans, we have always known, ``Freedom is not free.'' Countless Americans have fought and secured these freedoms, and now as our Nation is again tested, we will be as strong as a Nation, united as a people, and more committed than ever before to the defense of our freedoms, our citizens and our great Nation.