Jeff Fortenberry

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, on H.R. 1980, and H.R. 1982. I was unavoidably detained by transportation delay. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, on the Fourth of July, during a celebration to mark the opening of a new volunteer fire station in Rising City, Nebraska, I was introduced to two extraordinary volunteer firefighters, Mr. Rich Topil and Mr. Don Fish. Rising City, like so many rural communities in Nebraska, relies on the good efforts of volunteer firefighters to meet their needs for fire protection as well as life-saving services. These volunteers act out of a sense of dedication and duty to the communities that they serve. On Independence Day, the citizens of Rising City recognized Mr. Topil and Mr. Fish for having served as volunteer firefighters for an unbelievable total of 117 combined years. It was only fitting that these two men were honored by the people to whom they have given so much. Mr. Speaker, Independence Day is when we traditionally celebrate the best of America; family, community and country. And Mr. Topil and Mr. Fish and the citizens of Rising City, Nebraska, remind us all that these values remain very strong and very vibrant.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, Corporal Matthew Alexander of Gretna, Nebraska, died in Baqubah, Iraq, on May 6, when a improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. He was 21 years old. Matthew and his wife, Kara, wed on Valentine's Day of this year. Upon his death, Kara said, ``Matthew made it his life's work to take care of those he loved. His heart was made of gold. Matt truly was our angel on Earth,'' she said. Corporal Alexander was the son of Melvin and Monica Alexander of, Gretna, and the brother of Marshall. As a young teen, he made clear his intent to serve others in the United States military. At his funeral, in a tremendous outpouring of support from the community, friends and neighbors gave testimony to his kindness and compassion, his dedication to the least among us. His life and his death are marked by noble virtue. America is forever indebted to corporal Matthew Alexander.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 25, 2007, I was unavoidably detained and thus I missed rollcall votes Nos. 549 and 550. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both votes.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. I thank the gentleman from Louisiana. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of his amendment. Section 699, as proposed in this Foreign Operations bill, risks undermining the significant progress we have made in a vital strategic partnership. Mr. Chairman, it is critical to remember that our friend and ally Egypt led the Arab world in establishing a model for peaceful cooperation in the Middle East. The Camp David Accords ushered in an unprecedented era of cooperation between Egypt and the United States, as well as between Egypt and Israel. This peace has held for nearly 30 years. The benefits to the world have been very significant, and the consequences, particularly to Egypt, have also been considerable, including the assassination of former President Anwar Sadat. Egypt has been the cultural and historical center of the Arab world and is poised to play a significant role in fostering peace and maintaining a very delicate balance of stability in the Middle East. Even now, as my colleague mentioned, Egyptian President Mubarak is preparing for an emergency summit with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert, King Abdullah of Jordan, and Palestinian President Abbas to address the potentially explosive situation in Gaza. Mr. Chairman, I had actually hoped to offer an amendment today to section 699 to help address the serious concerns involving the smuggling of arms, weapons and contraband across the border into Gaza, a pressing concern which has become even more urgent given recent news. However, this amendment would not have been ruled in order. Mr. Chairman, I fully understand the desire of my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to see progress on human rights and civil reform in Egypt. I deeply share this concern as well and eagerly look for the right mechanism to achieve this goal. But I oppose the methodology of penalizing our diplomatic and military cooperation efforts. U.S.-Middle East policy is complex and a delicate undertaking, at best. And despite the good intentions here, I fear that section 699 could backfire and harm one of our best and most vital strategic relationships in the region.

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Smith-Stupak amendment and encourage my colleagues to support this measure to prevent the U.S.-taxpayer-funded export of abortion. The purpose of U.S. foreign assistance is to strengthen the foundation for international stability by fostering civil society, supporting institutions that foster self-determination, and helping the vulnerable by bringing healing and hope and basic sustenance. As a leading provider of foreign assistance worldwide, the United States has made extraordinary strides towards alleviating suffering throughout the world. Unfortunately, an element of the Foreign Operations bill before us today risks undermining this noble legacy. The Mexico City policy, first announced by President Reagan in 1984, requires that as a condition for receiving Federal funds for family planning, foreign nongovernmental organizations agree that they will neither perform abortions nor lobby to change abortion laws or otherwise actively promote abortion as a method of family planning. The Foreign Operations bill, as it currently stands, would undo this policy and subsidize abortion providers overseas. U.S. taxpayers should not be forced to do this, nor should other countries be forced to accept it. Abortion is so often the result of abandonment, Mr. Chairman; and I believe women deserve better. Mr. Chairman, many Americans aren't comfortable about the rightness or wrongness of it. Many Americans are unsure in their heart of hearts about the ethics of abortion. Americans agonize about this difficult issue, and our collective experience as a society demonstrates the grave consequences. Given these considerations, is abortion really the best we can offer to some of the most vulnerable populations in the world? Is this really how we wish to be identified as a Nation? Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to retain the long-standing Mexico City policy and not to compromise the reputation and legitimacy of our foreign assistance programs.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in favor of the Pitts amendment. This amendment will save lives. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, commonly known as PEPFAR, is the largest bilateral foreign assistance program dedicated to mitigating the HIV/ AIDS crisis worldwide. The plan places special emphasis on the 15 countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean which account for approximately 50 percent of the world's HIV infections. If the U.S. is to remain the world's leader in saving lives from the devastation of AIDS, it's time to look at the track record and see what works well. Demographic and health surveys show that HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in at least 7 of the 15 PEPFAR focus countries is declining. Countries such as Uganda, Zambia and Senegal have success stories to showcase and something to teach us. In these nations and others experiencing declines in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, it is through indigenous programming that respects the local cultural milieu and social norms that figure prominently. In Uganda, for example, prevalence rates among pregnant women fell from approximately 20 percent in 1991 to 6 percent in the year 2000. Between 1991 and 1998, HIV prevalence rates among 15- to 19-year-olds fell by 75 percent, from approximately 21 percent to 5 percent. While causal factors behind the prevalence declines are complex and should not be oversimplified, it is clear that the success stories in Uganda, Zambia, Senegal and elsewhere all incorporate the same common denominator, an emphasis on abstinence and fidelity, as critical elements in successful interventions. As it stands, this appropriations bill would potentially reverse the most significant element of this success by diminishing the emphasis on abstinence and fidelity. This issue is much too serious to prevent the outright dismissal of compelling clinical evidence that in-country programming emphasizing abstinence and fidelity can effectively reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I support stem cell research. I support stem cell research using umbilical cord blood cells, adult stem cell sources, amniotic fluid stem cells and now, as we have learned, a new source of stem cells, skin cells, all stem cell sources that are showing real medical process and avoid the ethically divisive issue of the destruction of unborn human embryos, unborn human persons. Mr. Speaker, let's do what's right. Let's use our scarce resources for what makes sense and not force taxpayers to pay for questionable research that offends the sensibilities of so many Americans and has yet to show any real therapeutic productivity. Research using adult stem cells, including umbilical cord blood and bone marrow sources has shown great promise and provided real clinical benefits to numerous patients suffering from approximately 72 diseases. Adult stem cells are providing genuine evidence-based hope for the potential cures for the ravages of Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries and even diabetes. We also know now that stem cells derived from amniotic fluid have allowed researchers in Europe to begin growing heart valves for pre-born infants diagnosed in utero with heart disease. Unlike embryonic stem cells, adult and amniotic sources have not been shown to form tumors in laboratory animals. Mr. Speaker, all of these facts beg a central question: Why are we even considering expanding the use of Federal dollars to fund the ethically divisive and currently unproductive practice of embryonic stem cell research when so many viable and proven alternatives exist? It's not fair. It's not fair to those who are suffering from the ravages of disease. Why would we be willing in Congress to trade false hope for real hope? We should oppose this measure. And I believe we should invest in proven stem cell research.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. I thank the gentleman from Florida. First, I should also thank my distinguished colleague, Mr. Berman of California, for his leadership on this important issue, his support and his partnership. I appreciate your efforts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the plight of courageous Iraqi and Afghani translators and interpreters who are assisting our military and our government. Given the vigorous and necessary debate about America's involvement in Iraq, this important humanitarian issue should not be overlooked. It warrants immediate attention as we move toward the stabilization of Iraq. Every day in Iraq, and Afghanistan, American forces receive critical help, the kind of help essential for progress. An acute sense of duty has led thousands of Iraqis and Afghanis to aid American forces since late 2001. Some of these brave men and women have worked alongside our troops providing invaluable assistance serving as translators and interpreters. Although they do not receive much attention, often by design, the translators and interpreters have been instrumental in supporting U.S. military operations. Mr. Speaker, they face mortal danger. They are considered traitors by the terrorist insurgents, and are targets often with bounties on their heads. Many find themselves without secure homes due to their dangerous work. They must conceal and vary their daily routines to preserve their safety. Most do not tell their immediate family about their work. In 2006, the Defense Department authorization bill established a program that allows translators and interpreters who have worked for the U.S. military for at least 12 months to come to the U.S. on special visas. The program, as we have heard, allows up to 50 visas for Iraqi and Afghani translators each year. But since mid-April of this year, 510 applications have been received, 440 have been approved, 16 denied, and 54 are pending. Under the current cap of 50 allowable applicants per year, it will take until approximately the year 2016 to admit those currently in the queue for entry into the U.S. To correct this problem, I, in partnership again with my distinguished colleague Mr. Berman of California, recently introduced legislation that would increase the annual limit for these visas from 50 to 500. The Senate bill before us today does exactly that for the next 2 years. I believe it is right and just to offer refuge to those who have risked their own lives to help our troops and our Nation. These translators and interpreters are performing crucial work to assist the United States Government in both Iraq and Afghanistan. They have been invaluable to our efforts in the Middle East. It is my hope that our Nation will provide them the protection and asylum they need in honor of their service to our country and in honor to the commitment that they have made.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, on Monday, May 21, 2007, I was unavoidably detained and thus I missed rollcall votes Nos. 384 and 385. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on both votes.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, on Monday, May 7, 2007, I was unavoidably detained and thus I missed roll call votes Nos. 302, 303, and 304. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all three votes.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, when I left home this week for Washington, my 6-year-old Kathryn became very sad. See, she has big, beautiful brown eyes and they welled up with tears at the prospect of my leaving again for Washington. And she said to me, Daddy, why do you have to be a Congressman? And I thought of the words of the Revolutionary War author Thomas Paine when he said, ``I prefer peace; but if trouble must come, let it come in my time so that my children can have peace.'' Madam Speaker, this is a pivotal moment for our Nation and a very grave, solemn policy debate. We cannot afford to allow the ups and downs of the daily news cycle set the course for our deliberations. The stakes in Iraq are simply too high. During last year's debate on Iraq, I emphasized that this war is different from wars of the past. There is no front, no lines of demarcation, no clear enemy in distinct uniforms. This is a war that invades tranquil time and space without warning, carried out by those who hide among populations seeking to exploit the vulnerable for ruthless, ideological purposes. We have never before waged a war in an era of globalization, in an age when technology eviscerates the concept of distance, magnifies our losses, trivializes our accomplishments, and places our adversaries in a far better position to leverage our freedoms, particularly the freedom of speech, against us. These are the complexities we face now. Madam Speaker, I submit that our choices now stand to determine not only the future of the Middle East but the very future of civilization. We can point fingers and blame each other, or we can think constructively together. So what are our choices? The National Intelligence Estimate categorically rejects an arbitrary or precipitous U.S. troop withdrawal. The result would be horrific chaos, a humanitarian disaster, destabilizing the entire Middle East, emboldening the geopolitical aims of Iran, and leading to a much less peaceful world in very short order. The conflict in Iraq is dangerous, risky, and complex. And we can all agree that our troops are doing an outstanding job, and so are their families who bear the biggest burden in their absence. I submit that our time and energy as leaders of this Nation should be focused on new, clear military and geopolitical strategies. First, Iraqis must fight for their own country now. They must lead in the battle for Baghdad now. Over the past several months I joined colleagues in urging the President to deploy trained Iraqi troops into the heart of the battle for Baghdad, and I am pleased to see that this recommendation is now under way. However, I remain concerned about exposing our forces to unnecessary danger in the sectarian violence of Baghdad. As best we can, our troops should remain in support and training roles. I also believe that it is prudent to send reinforcements to our marines in Anbar province who are achieving good success against al Qaeda elements in collaboration with Sunni tribal leadership. Second, we must engage responsible members of the international community, particularly the pan-Arab world, to assume a unified and decisive role in neutralizing the forces of chaos and helping secure stability and peace throughout the Middle East. Third, we must provide meaningful congressional oversight. And I commend Chairman Lantos for taking this lead in the House Foreign Affairs Committee and for his commitment to a substantive and reasoned debate in this regard. I would have liked to have had the opportunity to support a constructive bipartisan initiative drawing upon the substantive resources like the Iraqi Study Group to enhance congressional oversight and set out meaningful benchmarks to measure progress toward the stabilization of Iraq and the drawdown of our troops. While it would be politically easier for me to vote for this resolution, I cannot. I see no useful purpose in supporting a nonbinding resolution that may have the unintentional consequence of undermining our efforts while our troops remain in harm's way. Madam Speaker, this resolution, while wrapped in the mantle of supporting our troops, does not point to a credible way forward in Iraq. I believe I would make the same decision if a Democratic administration were struggling with similarly arduous challenges. If we flinch now, regardless of the goodwill behind our motivations, if we are perceived as weak and divided and eager to throw up our hands in frustration, we will pay a heavy price. And every nation that counts upon us as a friend and ally will also pay a very heavy price. None of us wants to see the repeat of the last helicopter out of Saigon. I urge my colleagues, let's find constructive ways to get the job done

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for his time and his commendations of the University of Nebraska volleyball team. Mr. Speaker, I rise to also thank Representative Adrian Smith for originally sponsoring this resolution congratulating all the members of the volleyball team. I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution as well to bring attention to the national successes of this team out of Lincoln. Just a month ago, as it was mentioned, the team won the 2006 NCAA Division I women's volleyball championship. I am very proud of the Husker team and particularly proud to say that this team represents all of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, success isn't something that just happens. It takes forethought, hard work, persistence and dedication, and the members of the Huskers women's volleyball team certainly earned it. Every member of the team should be commended for her dedication, as well as Head Coach John Cook, who led the team with skill and discipline. Under Coach Cook's leadership, the team finished the season with an astounding record of 33-1. Not only did Coach Cook lead this team to a national championship, but this is his third time in that leadership seat. The University of Nebraska women's volleyball team is a shining example of the best that Nebraska has to offer. Again, I would like to congratulate the team.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, on Monday, February 5, 2007, I was unavoidably detained and thus I missed rollcall votes Nos. 74 and 75.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, the conflict in Iraq weighs heavily on us all, especially when we receive casualty announcements and face the stark reality of precious lives lost far from the comfort of home and family. Today, I would like to pay tribute to First Lieutenant Jacob N. Fritz of Verdon, Nebraska, who lost his life in a brutal ambush on January 23. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Lieutenant Fritz served valiantly in the Army's 25th Infantry Division when he came under attack near Karbala, Iraq. While details are still pending, we know that a group of men wearing U.S. military uniforms infiltrated a government compound and opened fire on Lieutenant Fritz, who was standing outside his vehicle at the time of the incident. Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful to Lyle and Noala Fritz, Jacob's parents, for taking so much time to speak with me about Jacob recently. As Noala said to me, ``God got a good one.'' Continuing a proud family tradition, Lieutenant Fritz's brother Daniel is currently at West Point and is scheduled to graduate in the year 2008. I want to reassure Daniel and the entire Fritz family that we are all united in our support and concern for the outstanding men and women who willingly risk their lives in Iraq under arduous circumstances that would tax the best of us. Mr. Speaker, as we take this moment to grieve, we also want to honor the Fritz family for their dedicated service to the United States. I pray that God's peace will console and strengthen them during this difficult time and in the days ahead.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for her leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as our chairman, Mr. Lantos, for your support of the resolution today. Madam Speaker, I would like to add my voice to those who have commented on the leadership of Mr. Price of North Carolina, and Mr. Dreier of California, as well as the excellent service that the dedicated staff has provided in the formation of the House Democracy Assistance Commission. Madam Speaker, I was very pleased to receive an appointment to the commission during the last Congress, because I recognized its potential to help legislators around the world who are struggling to give representative democracy a chance. By supporting this program we can provide direct help to build effective legislative institutions worldwide. Through the work of the House Democracy Assistance Commission we bring the best of our practical experience in running this Congress to emerging democratic societies, where people are longing to experience robust institutional systems that value the just principles of self-determination. Last Congress, the commission selected 12 parliaments from Afghanistan to East Timor for participation in its technical assistance program. Logistical challenges notwithstanding, the commission's dedicated professionals and committed members reached out to help replicate this institution's success stories in legislatures throughout the world. In reauthorizing the House Democracy Assistance Commission, we can continue to help other countries place their people's aspirations within reach. In helping them to succeed, we can play a direct role in laying the foundations for a more stable and peaceful world. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution today.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, please find attached references which conclusively demonstrate the therapeutic benefits experienced by human patients who have undergone a variety of adult stem cell treatments. These references are available at www.stemcellresearch.org. Also, please find attached the text of a Wall Street Journal article on November 16, 2006, citing progress on amniotic stem cell research as referenced in my floor statement during the January 11 debate on H.R. 3. Peer-Reviewed References Showing Applications of Adult Stem Cells That Produce Therapeutic Benefit for Human Patients

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin with a story. Several weeks ago, I was reading some of our national publications, and I came across a very small article that reported how Swiss scientists were taking amniotic fluid from preborn children, children who had been diagnosed in the womb with heart disease, and they were taking adult stem cells from that amniotic fluid and beginning the process of growing heart valves that would inevitably be placed in those children because of that heart disease. Mr. Speaker, my spirits lifted. I had hope again. You see, my daughter Kathryn is 6 years old and she suffers from complete atrial ventricular septal defect, a severe form of heart disease. She has had three open-heart surgeries thus far. We are probably looking at a fourth in the coming months, and in that surgery it is likely she will need a mechanical valve which further complicates her difficulties. This is why this article was so meaningful to me. You see, adult stem cells from bone marrow sources and umbilical cord sources and now amniotic fluid are showing real therapeutic value in the treatment of 72 diseases currently, and this avoids the ethically divisive issue of the destruction of unborn human life, the destruction of unborn human embryos. Embryonic stem cell research has shown no therapeutic value to date, is highly controversial, and many taxpayers do not wish to have their money spent here. So, Mr. Speaker, I say, why not? Why not invest our limited resources in adult stem cell research that is showing great promise and giving real hope? This is good public policy. This is the right thing to do.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to champion the principle of informed consent, which should concern each and every one of us here today. I also want to thank Mr. Smith yet again for his courageous and tireless dedication to the most vulnerable persons among us, the unborn. His leadership on human rights is a constant inspiration. For over 30 years, our society has been torn apart by the issue of abortion. There may be very few of us who have not been affected by the emotional and physical pain of abortion, as experienced by millions of women, children, and families throughout the country. Modern therapeutic and diagnostic technologies make it increasingly more difficult to deny the essential humanness of unborn children. These technologies and sound, scientific research have enabled us to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that unborn children are able to experience excruciating pain from 20 weeks of gestation. It is my hope that one day we will all choose to open our hearts and minds to the unborn and face the reality of abortion for what it is. Until that day, let us at the very least work to ensure that women are given the medical facts about fetal pain. Women deserve this respect.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, September 26, 2006, I was unavoidably detained and thus I missed rollcall vote No. 478. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3871, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey a Lewis and Clark visitor center in my district from the National Park Service to a well- respected nonprofit organization. As the sponsor of this bill, I encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the chairman of the House Committee on Resources, and the distinguished gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce), the chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, for their outstanding work on bringing this legislation to the floor. We appreciate it. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Nancy Hoch from Nebraska City, who has played such a key role in the construction of the visitor center and its ongoing operation. Her vision and leadership have been instrumental in making the center such an outstanding success. The bill is very straightforward. It would simply convey certain Federal land near Nebraska City associated with the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center to the related nonprofit group, the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Incorporated. The bill also authorizes $150,000 annually for 10 years to operate the facility. It is important to note that the National Park Service currently provides about $200,000 annually to subsidize operations at the center. As a result, enactment of this legislation would actually save the Federal Government about $50,000 per year. It is also important to note that I worked with the National Park Service in drafting the language for the bill, and this proposed conveyance fits with the long-range plans for the center. I also believe that it would be the most cost-effective option for the Park Service. H.R. 3871 is cosponsored by both of my colleagues from Nebraska, Representatives Lee Terry and Tom Osborne. A companion bill in the Senate, S. 1957, has the support of both Nebraska Senators, Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson. The Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center is an outstanding resource and an impressive facility. The nonprofit organization associated with it includes a committed group of individuals who have spent many years making the center a reality and ensuring that it provides a meaningful and educational experience for those who visit it. This legislative action is needed to fulfill the original plan for operating the visitor center. The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is truly unique. It is the only visitor center or museum in the United States to focus on the flora and fauna and scientific discoveries recorded by Lewis and Clark. The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a watershed mark in American history. Two centuries later, the courageous story of these two outstanding explorers and the Corps of Discovery continues to inspire Americans of all ages. This legislation will help ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to learn about this remarkable journey. Again, Mr. Speaker, I would encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3871.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, ``It's hard to be sad when I'm so proud. You are my hero.'' These were the words Alvin Debro, Jr., used to bid his brother, Sgt. Germaine Debro, a final goodbye. Sgt. Debro was killed near Balad, Iraq, on September 4 when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. A member of the Nebraska National Guard, he had served in both Bosnia and Kuwait. Because of these recent deployments, he was not required to go to Iraq. But as a single man with no children, he volunteered so other soldiers would not have to leave their families. At the funeral service at Morning Star Baptist Church in North Omaha, Pastor Leroy Adams said to us ``I look across this sanctuary and see America . . . One Nation, under God, in a Church, and Germaine brought us together. . . . It's not how long you live--it's how well you live. His friends recalled Germaine's love for life, selflessness, and compassion for others. Germaine's mother, Priscilla, said her son ``died a proud soldier.'' Our Nation will be forever grateful to Sgt. Germaine Debro.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. I would like to thank the gentleman from Georgia. I would like to return to some of the commentary that the gentleman from Pennsylvania made, because in our founding documents, in another of our founding documents, the Declaration of Independence, here are the words. ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, and among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'' In other words, the founding document in a certain sense separated the institution of church and state, yet at the same time affirmed the transcended values, the transcended ideals that make democratic politics possible. Frankly we are at a crossroads, because I think for the world to progress in the name of civil reform, in the name of civilization, we have to recognize this fundamental principle, that every person has inherent dignity and rights. That is the foundation of an order that can then be built upon justice and in charity. That is what we are facing worldwide. It is so essential that those of us who have been given the gift of stabilized societies, who have lived with the blessings of that philosophical context, help others who are reaching out as well for civil society and to build up the institutions that can promote that very principle, that every person has inherent dignity and rights. This is the crossroads that we face I think in the world today, because all of civilization hinges upon that key principle. We have had to work that out in our country. It has been imperfect. We have fought. It is not perfect today. And yet at the same time, this has spread beyond our shores, this idea, because of the transnationalism that has now occurred, because of the advances in communications, in technology and transportation have caused the world to shrink very, very rapidly. So we have an opportunity to rethink some of the foundations on which the very order is built. So, again, this is an opportunity to explore it a little more deeply, some of our own history, some of the goodness embedded in our own history and perhaps what other people are longing and reaching out for.

Mr. FORTENBERRY. If the gentlewoman will yield, thank you for quoting the source. I didn't say that earlier.

Mr. FORTENBERRY

Mr. FORTENBERRY. ``It's hard to be sad when I'm so proud. You are my hero.'' These were the words Alvin Debro, Jr., used to bid his brother, Sergeant Germaine Debro, a final goodbye. Sergeant Debro was killed near Balad, Iraq, on September 4 when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. A member of the Nebraska National Guard, he had served in both Bosnia and Kuwait. Because of these recent deployments, he was not required to go to Iraq. But as a single man with no children, he volunteered so other soldiers would not have to leave their families. At the funeral service at Morningstar Baptist Church in North Omaha, Pastor Leroy Adams said to us: I look across this sanctuary, and I see America, one Nation, under God, in a church brought together by Germaine. It's not how long you live, it's how well you live. His friends recall Germaine's love for life, selflessness and compassion for others. Germaine's mother, Pricilla, said her son died a proud soldier. Our Nation will be forever grateful to Sergeant Germaine Debro and his ultimate sacrifice.