J. Forbes

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation, which will provide our nation with the resources it needs to continue our recovery efforts, to rebuild our damaged structures, and to seek out and punish those who have committed these heinous acts of violence upon our nation. Years ago, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, ``We, and all others who believe in freedom as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.'' The enemies of freedom who attacked our nation and our people on Tuesday used a weapon that represents the newest in warfare--terror. They win when they bring us to our knees and we cower in fear. They derive their power from making us change our way of life and making us spend our days looking over our shoulder. We will not let them win. We will not give them that satisfaction. Today's legislation ensures this will be true. The funding we appropriate today is but a down payment. We will not rest until we have assisted all Americans who bore the brunt of Tuesday's terror. We will not rest until we have rebuilt the City of New York, and rebuilt the nation's defense fortress at the Pentagon, and restored the pastoral beauty of Western Pennsylvania. And, in rebuilding these structures, we will strengthen the will of the American people. Finally, Mr. Speaker--and let this be absolutely clear to those who seek to harm the United States, its people, and its allies--we will not rest until we have sought out, found, and vanquished those who perpetrate this evil. We will remain standing tall and proud in our eventual victory. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and my President to support this important legislation, and I urge a resounding and unanimous vote.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 64, which will authorize the use of force in responding to the terrorist threat that violated the shores of the United States on September 11, 2001. I do not take this action lightly. I fully recognize that this single resolution, though brief in text, will have far-reaching consequences. But, I am certain that this is the only right course of action for our institution and our nation. The violence that left so many innocent Americans dead or injured or grieving for the loss of a beloved family member or friend was no less than an act of war. Those who preach fear and hatred declared war upon our nation and our people. Indeed, they declared war on all civilized nations and freedom-loving peoples. We must respond in like kind. In fact, it is our duty to respond with all the power of our principles and all the might of our great and prosperous United States. God has given us a noble land, as Senator Albert Beveridge once said, ``a land that can feed and clothe the world; . . . a land set like a sentinel between the two imperial oceans of the globe.'' We must use the gifts that have been showered upon America from the heavens to save the world from tyranny once again. Just as we did in World War II when we defeated a tyranny of bigotry and hatred, we must engage in an all-out assault against this new tyranny of fear and terror. We are unified in spirit and in purpose and, we are joined by nations far and near. In the end, we will prevail, providing the world with a new day of freedom and peace. While I am certain that our road will end in victory, I know that it will likely be a long and arduous road to travel. It will not be neat. It will not be without bloodshed or loss of life. It will not be brief. But it will be right and it will be just. It is not easy to stand before my colleagues and my country knowing that our actions will send young men and women into battle for the cause of freedom. But, we can look their mothers and fathers in the eye and say to them now that this is what must be done. I have little doubt that they understand and that they take comfort in knowing that their children are heroes in a new greatest generation. And, I feel confident that the American people will stand with those heroes day in and day out until our enemies have been vanquished. I am overwhelmed with an enormous sense of pride and patriotism at the selflessness that so many Americans have shown in recent days in supporting the brave public safety workers and in consoling the bereaved. That indefatigable spirit will sustain us in any battle against any evil. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to remember the words of our President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his Second Inaugural Address to the nation as we to pass this important resolution: Before all else, we seek, upon our common labor as a nation, the blessings of Almighty God. And the hopes in our hearts fashion the deepest prayers of our whole people. May we pursue the right--without self-righteousness. May we know unity--without conformity. May we grow in strength--without pride in self. May we, in all our dealings with all the peoples of the earth, ever speak truth and serve justice. And so shall America--in the sight of all men of good will--prove true to the honorable purposes that bind and rule us as a people in all this time of trial through which we pass. May God bless this mighty nation and shed his grace and blessings upon the men and women of America's armed forces.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution encouraging our citizens and communities to show their support for the victims of our most recent and most vicious national tragedy by displaying our Nation's most recognizable symbol of freedom, the American flag. The terrorist attack earlier this week has brought us together as a nation. From the smallest communities in our country to our nation's largest cities, Americans have shown their love and respect for one another in many different ways. By giving blood and sending donations, our nation's people have once again proven why we are the greatest nation on the face of this Earth. I am extremely proud to join the members of this legislative body in asking each of our constituents to display the American flag over the course of the next month. Our unity in flying our nation's flag at our homes, in our businesses, in our communities, and where we worship will be yet one more way to show the entire world that we are one nation, stronger than we have ever been. The lives of all United States citizens will be greatly altered because of this national tragedy. We stand here today encouraging American flags be flown in remembrance of those whose lives were lost to show both unity and strength in our nation. Terrorists may be able to destroy airplanes and buildings, but they will never be able to destroy the spirit of the American people. God Bless America.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this important legislation that will provide much needed assistance to the brave men and women who have been leading our search and rescue efforts. The tragic violence of two days ago has been a test of our resolve and our determination as a nation. We have more than met this test--we have passed it with flying colors, showing our enemies that we will not succumb to their messages of hatred, of violence, and of fear. All across American, we have witnessed proud displays of patriotism, courage, and compassion at prayer vigils and blood drives, through words of encouragement and individual acts of heroism. No one has displayed this incredible bravery and selflessness like the fire, rescue, and police personnel that have put their lives on the line in the hopes of saving those who were the victims of these heinous attacks. From all corners of our great nation, volunteers are pouring into Western Pennsylvania, New York City, and Arlington, Virginia to aid their fellow public safety workers and to keep the rescue efforts going around the clock. Regrettably, many of these same men and women are among the lists of those that we have lost or that are missing. Our hearts go out to their families, who have made a tremendous sacrifice so that others might live. Mr. Speaker, we can and should do all that we can to provide aid and comfort to these heroes and to the families that have suffered loss in the line of duty. H.R. 2882 is the very least we can do for them. It will expedite payments for those that are killed or suffered a catastrophic illness as a result of their actions here. It cannot replace the father, son, or husband that is killed; it cannot mend the extraordinary physical and mental harm they endure; but it can ease at least one aspect of this horrible experience. Our first responders are our front line defense to violence on our shores. These brave men and women have made us all proud and lifted our hearts during this trying time. Their heroic acts remind us that the soul of America is vibrant and strong. I am proud to do my part to support them today. I urge my colleagues to make passage of this legislation unanimous.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this important and compassionate legislation, the Victims' Tax Relief Package. In this time of great anger and sadness, there is an overwhelming feeling of helplessness as we watch the constant news reports from the sites of the wreckage. We yearn for something we can do to comfort and aid the families of those who have lost loved ones to this horrible violence. We yearn for something we can do to provide solace and support for those thousands of people who still await word on the fate of their family and friends still lost in the rubble in New York City or Western Pennsylvania or Arlington, Virginia. Eventually, our nation will find and punish those who committed these heinous acts. But, until then, passage of this relief package is the least that we can do for these survivors. The bill will exempt from taxation the payments that these families receive from airlines to compensate them for their grievous loss. It will exempt from taxation any assistance payments that victims of these tragic events receive from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It will also give the families of our military and civilian employees who lost their lives as a result of Tuesday's attack a reprieve from their federal income tax and estate tax this year. Again, Mr. Speaker, this is the very least that we can provide these families who have suffered the full brunt of the evil that was perpetrated against our country. And, I hope it is but one of the first steps we take as a Congress. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and with my President in this effort, and I urge us to make passage of this bill a unanimous declaration of our support.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, America was brutally attacked by cowards who intentionally ended the lives of innocent men, women and children. Many have said today that Americans will never be the same. How could we be? We will never again see the faces of those who were lost. We will never experience the promise their lives afforded us all. We will never forget the courage and strength of our police, fire and rescue teams who paid such a huge price to protect us during this national tragedy. Yet, for those around the world who celebrate these acts, believing they have weakened the cause of freedom, let the message go forth that the torch of freedom has been rekindled in every American heart and glows brighter today than ever before. Let them know that we shall build a living memorial to all of the victims which shall be the unity and resolve we bring to destroy terrorism and the systems that sustain terrorism around the world. Let the message be clear that you do not kill Americans and get away with it.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Community Solutions Act, which will provide more opportunities for the strong wills and good hearts of Americans everywhere to rally to the aid of their neighbors. All across America, there are people in need of a helping hand. Some of them are just a little down on their luck and need temporary shelter or a hot meal or the comfort of a confidant. Others are in more dire straits. The government can provide some assistance to these individuals and families, but it cannot do it all. And, frankly, it should not. In every pocket of America, there are groups and individuals--some of faith and some not--who are rallying to the aid of their neighbors. We in Washington should be in the business of encouraging this kind of community involvement and outreach. In fact, the public places far more trust in faith-based institutions and community organizations than in government to solve the social woes of our nation. Earlier this year, the Pew Partnership for Civic Change asked Americans to rank 15 organizations, including governments, businesses, and community groups, for their role in solving social problems in our communities. More than half named local churches, synagogues, and religious institutions; nonprofit groups, like the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity; and friends and neighbors-- putting them at the top of the list behind only the local police. In contrast, the federal government was ranked 14th out of 15, with only about 1 in 4 respondents naming it as a social problem-solver. The bipartisan Community Solutions Act builds on the faith-based initiative proposed earlier this year by the President to answer this call. But, to call it a faith-based initiative is really a misnomer. While faith-based groups clearly have a role to play in this plan, it is really all about neighbors helping neighbors. Mr. Speaker, the bill will increase charitable giving by allowing non-itemizers to deduct their charitable contributions. It will also expand individual development accounts to encourage low-income families to save money for home ownership, college education, or other needs. And, the Community Solutions Act will expand charitable choice provisions already in law to give faith-based groups a greater opportunity to provide assistance to those in need through programs that Congress has created. This bill embodies many good ideas, and it is long past the time when we should be returning these principles to our civil society. I thank the President for making this a priority for his Administration, and thank Congressmen Watts and Hall introducing it in the House. It is time for Congress to step aside and let the armies of compassion do what they do best--help neighbors in need. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and to oppose the substitute and the motion to recommit.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Housing Joint Resolution 36, which would allow Congress to take action to protect the American flag from desecration. In fact, one of my very first acts upon being sworn in just last month was to cosponsor this important resolution. Some very respected people have called the flag a mere piece of cloth. But, I have spoken to many of the men and women who fought and had comrades die for that piece of cloth and all that it symbolizes. To those patriots, it is much more than just another piece of cloth. A quick review of America's history of jurisprudence indicates that our nation has a long tradition of protecting the flag. It was not until recently, in 1989, that a closely divided Supreme Court reinterpreted our Constitution to allow for the physical desecration of the flag. Congress has tried to restore the interpretation that gave some protection to the flag. But it is only through a Constitutional amendment that we will be able to do so without fear that the courts will again erase our good work. It is important to note, Mr. Chairman, that this is simply a first step on a long road that we take today to protect the flag. Even once the Congress passes this resolution and it is ratified by the states, this language only gives Congress the authority to pass a law to protect the flag. That will be the appropriate time to debate the specifics of how we will protect the flag. Items such as what constitutes desecration and how do we prosecute the offenders will be better discussed then. Today, we merely seek to give Congress the authority to have that debate. So, I urge my colleagues to stand with the men and women who have patriotically served their country under the American flag and to support this resolution. If for no other reason, we should protect the flag out of respect for those individuals who sacrificed so much so that we might even have this debate today. But, we should also do so out of our own sense of patriotism and pride.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to speak for the first time as a Member of the House of Representatives on an issue of great importance to me and my constituents, a quality public education available to all that leaves no child behind. The legislation before us today prepares for the commemoration of the historic 1954 Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education. It establishes and funds a commission that will plan and coordinate activities for the 50th anniversary of the case just 3 years away. Mr. Speaker, children should not have an inferior education because of the color of their skin. But before the Brown decision, textbooks, classrooms and buildings were second-class for black students as compared to the rest of our Nation. This was wrong. In May 1954, the Supreme Court sided with citizens in Topeka, Kansas, and said that it is not lawful to separate school children because of their race. When the Topeka case made its way to the United States Supreme Court, it was combined with the other cases from Delaware, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., and my home, the Commonwealth of Virginia. This comprehensive case became known as Oliver L. Brown, et al., v. Board of Education of Topeka. I thank the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Ryun) for his leadership on this bill as well as the entire Kansas delegation. Let us work tirelessly to strengthen the educational system in our country through ideas and technology with accountability, proper funding, and reform. From the finest towns in America to the worst neighborhoods in our inner cities, we must never lose sight of the unconditional commitment to our children. We must never forget that barriers were broken and hurdles were overcome to get to where we are now. Education is first, last, and always about our children. They need and deserve an equal opportunity to excel, to achieve and be the best they can be. Brown v. Board of Education opened the doors for all of our children to learn on a level playing field. We should be thankful, remember our past, learn from our history, and plan for our future. I thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) for yielding me this time. I urge passage of the legislation.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no honor greater than the privilege of joining the men and women of this body for whom I have such great respect. I want to personally thank you, the congressional leadership, and those men and women on both sides of the aisle who have been so gracious in assisting us in our quick transition to this new office. Mr. Speaker, I am also aware that I will benefit greatly by standing on the shoulders of a great legislator, Norman Sisisky, who worked tirelessly for his constituents for over 18 years. Since he is no longer with us, and I cannot thank him personally, I would like to thank his family and his staff for the service his office has provided over the years. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank all the people of the Fourth Congressional District for giving me their trust and confidence. I particularly want to thank my wife, Shirley, my children, family, friends and supporters for all their help. I promise to each of you that I will give all my energy, all my ability, and all my passion to representing the ideals of this Congress and of fulfilling the hopes, dreams and needs of the people of the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, last but certainly not least, I am grateful to the Lord for giving me the wonderful gift of living in the greatest Nation on the face of the earth. I will continue to pray that God will give me the wisdom and strength to serve the men and women of the fourth district and that He will continue to bless this great Nation.