Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my displeasure that Newsweek magazine published an inaccurate and irresponsible story that led to a deadly protest in Afghanistan. The May 9 edition of Newsweek reported that U.S. interrogators at Guantanamo Bay used unreasonable and unacceptable methods to make Muslim detainees talk. These methods purportedly included the desecration of the Koran. Now Newsweek is apologizing for running the story, saying their ``official government source'' is unsure of the information he supplied to the magazine. Madam Speaker, it is too little, too late for an apology and retraction. While Newsweek has done the right thing by retracting their story, it cannot retract the irrefutable damage that has been done. Sixteen people died for no reason at all. Our brave men and women in uniform are now at greater risk. Furthermore, our country's image has been tarnished in the eyes of the Muslim community across the globe. Media outlets must be sure to check their facts and get their story straight. We want and need a free press, but we must have a responsible press. On balance, our media usually does an outstanding job of keeping the American people informed. I hope others will learn from this tragic mistake.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of John Bolton's nomination as our ambassador to the United Nations. Although I am not able to vote on his nomination, since I am not a Member of the United States Senate, I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to support his nomination. I am pleased that the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has agreed today to put his nomination before the full Senate for an up-or-down vote. Mr. Speaker, the United Nations is in serious need of reform. From enforcing the resolutions the United Nations and its member countries have adopted over the years, to its misuse of funds for many programs across the world, the U.N. is in serious need of reform. Mr. Speaker, the United Nations is rife with fraud, mismanagement, and abuse in many areas of its operations. From the U.N. Oil-for-Food program, to its lack of action with respect to the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, to the horrendous human rights abuses during the U.N. mission in the Congo, the U.N. is in serious need of reform. I think we can all agree that the most urgent threat to international peace and security today is terrorism, yet the U.N. cannot even agree upon a definition for terrorism. Perhaps this is because its membership consists of several terror-sponsoring states. The U.N. counts the world's leading human rights violators and repressive governments among its membership, and even taps many of them to be in leadership positions on its subcommittees. I find this completely outrageous and dangerously ironic. Last time I checked, the U.N. charter states that it is supposed to ``maintain international peace and security; to promote equal rights and self-determination of peoples without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion; to help solve problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character; to encourage social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.'' The U.N. needs reform and Mr. Bolton is the right man to voice our encouragement for these reforms. Mr. Bolton has a proven track record in working with the United Nations in the past. In conjunction with efforts by Secretary James Baker to resolve conflict in the Western Sahara, he actually worked for the U.N. pro bono between 1997 and 2000. While serving as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations from 1989 to 1993, he worked on other key diplomatic initiatives and U.N. reforms, including the repayment of arrearages in U.N. assessments that had been created during the 1980s. He has worked tirelessly in various capacities to help combat the spread of dangerous weapons of mass destruction through his lengthy and distinguished career. Mr. Bolton has served this Nation well. There is no doubt in my mind that he will serve our great Nation with distinction and will be a strong voice for reform at a time when the United Nations desperately needs it. I applaud his nomination and encourage his approval by the Senate to serve our great Nation. Let Mr. Bolton be our voice to the U.N. that these reforms must be made.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share good news with the American people. Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that 274,000 new jobs were created in April. That means the economy has created nearly 3.5 million jobs since May 2003. We have seen steady job gains for each of the last 23 months, and more Americans are working than ever before. Another indicator which shows that we are on the road to recovery is home sales. A recent report by the Commerce Department indicates sales of new homes grew by 12.2 percent in March to the highest level in the history of the Nation's housing market. Clearly, the economy's growth is a direct result of the pro-growth agenda of the President and this Republican Congress. By encouraging fiscal responsibility in the budget and passing pro- growth bills such as the Death Tax Repeal and the Bankruptcy Bill, Republican Members continue to show their commitment to America's economy. However, there is still work to do to continue to grow the economy and get more Americans working. I look forward to continue working with the President to find ways to lower the prices we pay at the pump and will continue to urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the energy bill that would put more than 500,000 Americans to work.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues in this Congress to continue fighting illegal immigration in our great country. My Republican colleagues were joined by 42 sensible Democrats to make great strides towards securing our borders by enacting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission with the passage of the REAL ID Act. As a freshman Member of this House, I am honored to have played a role in that process. However, Mr. Speaker, more still can and must be done to secure our borders and combat illegal immigration. The terrorist attacks on our homeland highlighted the potentially disastrous effects of porous borders and the need to bolster border security. The problem of illegal immigration also has additional far-reaching, dangerous effects. Ultimately, it punishes all who follow the laws and processes of the United States. Immigration affects virtually every aspect of life in America. I am happy to have supported the amendments of both the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood) to H.R. 1279 that just passed here today. The Goodlatte amendment adds 5 years to any sentence for violent crime for drug trafficking when the offender is an illegal alien and adds 15 years to a sentence if the alien has previously been deported for a criminal offense and subsequently committed a crime of violence or drug trafficking. The amendment also requires the Homeland Security Department to give the National Crime Information Center the names of all individuals subject to deportation orders or who have signed voluntary deportation papers. The Norwood amendment requires the Justice and Homeland Security Departments to conduct a joint study and to report to Congress within 1 year on the connection between illegal aliens and gang membership. I was torn on voting for H.R. 1279 because of my concern for States' rights, but I was swayed in the end to vote for it because of the number of illegal aliens involved in gangs. With more than a million legal and illegal immigrants settling in the United States each year, a level higher than at any other time in our Nation's history, immigration has an impact on education, health care, Social Security, taxes, employment, the environment, crime and countless other areas of American life. I sympathize with those who desperately wish to live the American dream here on American soil. I understand their desire for liberty, free markets and guaranteed rights. The demand for access to America is a resounding testament to the greatness of our Nation. However, immigration laws exist to provide the necessary steps for safe and legal entry into this country. We have an immigration process in place that simply must be followed. Illegal immigration must be stopped, but we cannot and should not close our doors to those who wish to enter the country legally. We must increase our efforts at achieving closed borders with open guarded doors.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor the city of Statesville for being selected Top Micropolitan of the Year by Site Selection Magazine. Statesville is a dynamic town located in the foothills of North Carolina at the intersections of Interstate 77 and 40. This charming city is characterized by beautiful buildings, historic homes, clean air, a pleasant weather climate, terrific quality of life, and incredibly friendly people. It has been named by Site Selection Magazine as the number one small town in America for attracting new industry. Agriculture thrives in Statesville, as does business, technology, and manufacturing. The Statesville Airport is the home base of many NASCAR teams that are based in Iredell County. Because of the wide variety of industries in Statesville, the town is known for its outstanding economic development and widely skilled local workforce. By being selected Top Micropolitan, Statesville has demonstrated that there is no better place to live or work than northwest North Carolina. I am proud to represent Statesville and all of the other great cities located in the Fifth Congressional District.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize that it is the National Day of Prayer and to ask my colleagues to join me in giving thanks to God for His many blessings. This day is significant because it reminds Americans to humbly ask God for His wisdom in our daily lives. Prayer is an extremely powerful tool because it allows us to acknowledge that we are all God's children and that we must rely on Him to guide our lives in the right direction. National days of prayer have been an important part of our country's heritage since the first one was declared by the Continental Congress in 1775. This day reminds us of how our Founding Fathers sought the Lord's guidance while they were forming our country. The unanimous passage of a bill establishing the National Day of Prayer as an annual event demonstrates that prayer is just as important today as it was at the founding of our country. Prayer unites and gives comfort to people of all faiths. Today, I ask my fellow Americans to join me in praying for our brave men and women in uniform for fighting to protect our freedoms and to spread freedom throughout the world. I also ask that we pray that God help our leaders to make the right decisions and have the strength and resolve as they meet the challenges ahead.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to denounce the grave injustice occurring a few hundred yards from here in the United States Senate. As any student of American Government knows, it is the job of the President to nominate fellow Americans to serve as Federal judges, and it is the job of the Senate to either approve or reject those nominations. It is a simple system that guarantees proper checks and balances in the manner our forefathers envisioned. Over the past 2 years, though, Senate Democrats have exploited parliamentary loopholes to prevent the Senate from voting up or down on many of President Bush's highly qualified nominees. They are hiding behind the Senate filibuster to block judicial nominees who have the support of the majority of the Senate, something that has never been done in American history. Democrats in the Senate are not asking for time to debate these nominees. They are not going to the American people and explaining why they oppose them. They are not even using their talents of persuasion to urge their Republican colleagues to vote ``no.'' No, they are just refusing to vote. And that is just wrong. I stand for this simple proposition, that every judicial nominee of the President deserves a fair yes-or-no vote. If Democrats do not like the President's nominees, they can vote ``no,'' but to avoid voting altogether is a dangerous disservice.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise again today to add my voice to the chorus that is convened in this House Chamber to denounce the grave disservice that the Senate Democrats are doing to our fellow Americans. I am pleasantly surprised at how many people at home keep encouraging me to do all I can to see that the judges that the President has nominated become confirmed. When the Framers of our Constitution brilliantly crafted the greatest form of government on earth, they deliberately installed a detailed system of checks and balances, and I think the point that the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King) has made is very, very important. Where we needed super majorities, they outlined that in the Constitution. Otherwise, simple majorities are sufficient. And under that system, judges and courts are not supposed to legislate, and legislators are not supposed to make court decisions. However, by refusing to do their jobs and not even considering judicial appointments, Democrats in the Senate are making a mockery of the government our forefathers put their lives on the line to obtain. Mr. Speaker, just as many of my colleagues and I frequently contest the dangerous trends and practices of activist judges, we have gathered this evening to oppose the equally dangerous activities of partisan activist Democrat senators, or should I say, inactive senators. As any student of American government knows, it is the job of the President to nominate fellow Americans to serve as Federal judges, and it is the job of the Senate to approve or reject those nominations. It is a simple system that guarantees proper checks and balances in the manner our forefathers envisioned. Over the past 2 years, though, Senate Democrats have exploited parliamentary loopholes to prevent the Senate from voting up or down on many of President Bush's highly qualified nominees. They are hiding behind the Senate filibuster to judicial nominees who have the support of the majority of the Senate, something which has never been done before in American history. They are not asking for time to debate these nominees, they are not going to the American people and explaining why they oppose them, they are not even attempting to persuade their Republican colleagues to vote no. No, they are just refusing to vote, and that is wrong. I stand for this simple proposition that every judicial nominee of the President deserves a fair yes or no vote. If Democrats do not like the President's nominees, they can vote no; but to avoid voting all together is a dangerous disservice to our Nation. I urge Democrats in the Senate to stop playing politics with our justice system and to start doing their job. I hope the Democrats in the Senate are using their time off this week to contemplate their recklessly irresponsible actions. It is time to put partisanship aside, like many of my sensible colleagues have done in the House. With no real agenda coming from their leadership, constructive Democrats have found a legislative home with House Republicans this year. As the Republican Party has made great strides for our Nation during the first few months of this Congress, many House Democrats have joined the majority in working for a better America. Mr. Speaker, 73 Democrats voted to pass bankruptcy reform; 50 Democrats voted for class action reform; 42 Democrats voted for the Real ID Act; and 122 Democrats voted for Continuity in Government; and 42 Democrats voted to repeal the death tax. Mr. Speaker, the Republican Party is accomplishing great things for America every day. Many House Democrats have joined in that progress. I hope the Democrats in the Senate will put their partisan, irresponsible instincts aside and do their job when they return to Washington. Stop the filibuster on judicial nominees and put them to a vote.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) for the time to speak on this bill, and am proud to serve on the gentleman's committee. I think I am unique in this body in my experience with this kind of program. I am an educator, a former Trio director, I began a tech prep program, and I was a community college president and university administrator. I understand firsthand the importance of good, solid technical and vocational education. Armed with the proper skills, our students can achieve anything they set their minds to. The gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) are to be commended for putting together a bill that strengthens accountability so that we can ensure that the vocational and technical courses provided to our students are the best that can be offered. Our students deserve no less. This bill also includes provisions to ensure States and local communities will have more control rather than the Federal Government. That is very important. In this bill, State and local communities are empowered to determine academic content and curriculum. This is an extremely important part designed to provide students with an appropriate education based on what skills and industries are important to their local communities. H.R. 366 streamlines Federal funding of vocational and technical education programs, thereby increasing flexibility for States and allowing more funding to reach the local communities. The benefits of vocational and technical education to our communities are incredible. With the world changing so rapidly and all of the constant changes in our workforce, education is the key to our success as a Nation. In order to keep our Nation competitive in the global economy, we must ensure that our students maintain the best opportunities to better themselves, learn a new skill and give back to their communities. Mr. Chairman, the key to good education does not lie in the hands of the Federal Government. It lies in the willing and able hands of those in our localities. That is why I am supporting this bill. Our students deserve no less than the best education. With these tools, the possibilities are endless.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding to me. It is a real honor to be a Member of this freshman class. Folks keep telling us we are a good group, and we know that from ourselves. I rise this evening to support our majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay). Congressman DeLay has done a remarkable job in providing strong leadership and guiding the Congress to make many positive changes for our country. It is a shame that Democratic party leaders are playing partisan games in order to distract the American people from what is important, all of the progress that is being made in this session of Congress. But rest assured, they will not distract my colleagues and me from getting the job done. It is time for the Democratic leaders to put partisan politics aside and work together on the issues that really matter to the American people. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to report that the first 100 days of the 109th Congress have been a tremendous success. We have been working hard in a bipartisan fashion to make many positive changes for America. Mr. Speaker, I get up lots of mornings 5 o'clock, 6 o'clock and leave home, and I am always astonished at how many people there are on the highways of western North Carolina going out to do their jobs, and I think those people expect us to do the same thing, I say to the gentleman. That is what they want us to be doing, and that is what we are doing. I am proud of that. In the past 4 months, we have fought to reduce taxes and the burdensome rules and regulations that plague hard-working Americans. When those people get up every morning and go to work, they do not want to be burdened with taxes and rules and regulations. And just last week, the House passed a budget resolution conference report that will implement $106 billion in tax cuts over the next 5 years. Our fiscally responsible budget funds our top priorities, such as national security and defense, while stimulating our economy and creating jobs. It also reins in spending and reduces the Federal deficit. You know, with the loss of sense of history and civics, many people have forgotten that the number one role of Federal Government is to provide for the defense of our Nation. If we do not provide for the defense of our Nation, nobody else can or will, no other level of government can. So that has got to be our top priority. We have also acted to repeal permanently the death tax, which is an unfair burden on thousands of American families, small businesses, and family farms. The death tax has caused many of these small businesses and farms to go out of business. I am happy that we have acted to bury this unreasonable burden. We have strengthened our national security by passing the REAL ID Act. This bill will require rigorous proof of identity and strong security requirements for all applicants for driver's licenses and State-issued identity cards. The vast majority of the States have recognized the privilege that a driver's license brings. However, 10 States, and regrettably including my home State of North Carolina, issue valid driver's licenses and identification cards without requiring proof of legal status. And according to the 9/11 Commission report, these travel documents are just as important as weapons are to terrorists. I am pleased that the REAL ID Act will help solve this problem. We have passed an $81.4 billion war-time supplemental bill that provides the funds necessary to continue fighting the war on terror, while providing our men and women in uniform with vital equipment and training. I am proud we are supporting our troops who are performing magnificently under difficult conditions. Just last week, a young man who was injured in Iraq came to see me. He lost both of his legs above the knees. He has the most wonderful spirit and most wonderful attitude about this country, and about keeping the faith that this country has given him. And it is an inspiration to me to meet people like him. I am proud that we are supporting him and others. They are helping to spread freedom and democracy throughout the Middle East and the rest of the world. Without their sacrifice, Americans would not be able to continue to enjoy the freedom we cherish. We have hosted Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko who has become a leading symbol for the promotion of democracy in his part of the world. How wonderful it is that the values of freedom are being adopted across the world. We fought to support the Boy Scouts of America, by encouraging the Department of Defense to stand up to the liberal extremists and continue to permit the Scouts to use their facilities. The Boy Scouts is an outstanding organization that teaches young boys time-honored values such as loyalty, preparedness, citizenship, and character. We must do everything we can to support them. We voted for a responsible transportation bill that will improve our roads, increase driver safety, and create many new jobs. We have passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, which will encourage personal responsibility and ensure that bankruptcy in America is available for all who truly need it and not abused by those looking to game the system. We have all been affected by high gas prices. To forge a long-term solution, we have passed a comprehensive energy bill that will lower energy prices, strengthen the economy, generate hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and encourage greater energy conservation and efficiency. This bill will also reduce our dependency on foreign oil and encourage investment in alternative energy sources. These are just a few of the many positive changes that we have made. We have seen changes in vocational education. We are going to be dealing with more of that in the next few days. But rest assured we are going to continue to work very hard, and we have a lot left to do. I look forward to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan way to make more positive changes in the next quarter of the 109th Congress.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter into the Congressional Record some remarks made on April 27th, 2005 by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan in his address to the Turkish Parliament. Whatever side of the political spectrum you fall on, Prime Minister Erdogan's remarks are encouraging as he attempts to demonstrate Turkey's continued commitment to the betterment of Turkish-U.S. relations and its willingness to support resolution of the War on Terror including in Iraq, the Arab- Israeli conflict, and reconstruction of Afghanistan. I also commend to your attention a statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day with regard to the Syrian withdrawal of its military forces from Lebanon. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan addressed the group of his party members represented in the Turkish Parliament on April 27, 2005. The following are excerpts from his remarks on Turkish-US relations, as picked up by the Turkish media: Recently much has been said and written in press and before the public opinion about Turkish-US relations. As I was sad to observe, some of those were either not correct or highly exaggerated. I should state foremost that relations with the United States continue to be one of the fundamental axes of our foreign policy. In view of the unanimity of interests and objectives that is an outcome of the necessity to address the multi dimensional threats of the 21st century, the firm foundations laid by 50 years of alliance are increasingly important today. It is obvious that, although occasionally we may differ on the methods to deal with extraordinary issues, these do not negate the common understanding regarding final objectives and the necessity to cooperate. For instance, our common objective to establish a democratic regime in Iraq that preserves the country's territorial integrity, makes it imperative for Turkey and the United States to remain in close consultation and collaboration. This necessity is valid for many issues that are interrelated. Therefore, one of my government's priorities is to develop the relations between Turkey, which is turning into a regionally as well as a globally important and respected power thanks to our domestic and foreign policies, and the United States based on mutual interests. To that effect, it is important foremost that functioning channels of communication remain open in a way that enables a healthy dialogue. I am happy to underscore that this view is shared by both our countries. Following a number of visits including by Secretary Rice to Turkey from the US side, recently the Undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has paid a useful visit to the US. In this visit the parties have reconfirmed the existing strong will to improve cooperation. High level contacts and visits will continue in the time ahead. Recently the US administration has been following a policy that emphasizes mutual dialogue on all issues with the allies. Almost every subject that finds a place in the transatlantic agenda also exists on the agenda of Turkey and Turkish-US relations. It is necessary that we should further develop cooperation based on a forward looking positive agenda on all issues from Iraq to the resolution of the Arab-Israeli dispute, stability of the Caucasus and Central Asia, reform in the Middle East, reconstruction of Afghanistan, fight against terror and energy security. Naturally, such issues as reaching a just resolution of the Cyprus problem, fighting PKK terror, as well as Armenian allegations form important items of our bilateral agenda. If we act together on these issues, it is clear that we can make progress to the benefit of all parties, and the Turkish-US relations will be further strengthened. Against this background, we must be alert against the efforts by certain groups and lobbies, which are unhappy about developing Turkish-US relations, to undermine the agenda; we must not let them succeed in that regard. The Turkish people have not forgotten the support given by the United States, with which we remained in solidarity for the last half century, to Turkey on such issues as membership to the EU, fight against terror, and the energy routes. They appreciate that today as in the future we will continue to need each other. At the same time, I should expressly note that positive responses, not only by the United States, but by all our allies and partners to our rightful expectations, would greatly contribute to the quenching of occasional feelings of dismay in our public opinion. Relations between Turkey and the United States will continue to improve. In his speech Prime Minister Erdogan has also informed the Parliamentarians of his recent visit to Afghanistan and the upcoming visit to Israel and Palestine: The heartrending conditions in Afghanistan impose serious responsibilities on us. Wars have worn out Afghanistan. In Kabul children receive education in tents. I have better understood at my visit to Afghanistan that our responsibilities have increased. We have decided in the Council of Ministers to build schools and hospitals in Afghanistan, support housing and water supply through Turkish Economic Development Agency. We will start by building 7 schools and will continue based on the areas designated by the Afghan authorities. Similarly, we intend to construct health centers and a hospital in Kabul. We will rapidly realize our contributions. This is our historical and moral responsibility. The Turkish armed forces have assumed the ISAF lead for the second time. Our forces which will serve until the end of August have mingled with the Afghan people and carry out their duties based on mutual love and respect. Turkey will continue to be the region's guarantee for peace and confidence. All concepts that would overshadow peace, and recall hatred and violence have been fully rejected by the Turkish people's philosophy of life, culture, civilization and historical experience. Turkey follows a realistic and balanced policy with regard to all conflicts including the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, and has earned the confidence of both parties. I will visit Israel and Palestine on May 1-2. Our objective is to see how this problem in the Middle East be ended by peace, and what task Turkey may undertake to that effect. Previously, Foreign Minister Gul has paid visit to Israel and Palestine. Through this visit we have entered into close working relationship with both Palestine and Israel to promote the peace process which has recently encountered a window of opportunity.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is with the heaviest heart that I rise today to express the heartfelt condolences of a grateful Nation and to honor the life of Private First Class Steven Frederick Sirko, who passed away on April 17 while serving in Iraq. Steven served our country as a U.S. Army battalion medic. He was scheduled to return to his home in Statesville, North Carolina, in August. Steven was a loving husband, son, and brother. He leaves behind his wife, Virginia Downs Sirko; his mother, Summer Lipford; and stepfather, Steven Lipford; his father, Rick Sirko; and stepmother, Rose Sirko; his sisters; and his brother. May good bless them and comfort them during this very difficult time. We owe this brave soldier and his family a tremendous debt of gratitude for his selfless service and sacrifice. Our Nation could not maintain its freedom and security without heroes like Steven who make the ultimate sacrifice. Americans, as well as Iraqis, owe their liberty to Steven and his comrades who came before him. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring PFC Steven Sirko.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) for yielding me this time to speak on this important issue. I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 748, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. This important piece of legislation will make it a Federal crime to transport a minor across State lines to obtain an abortion in another State. Unfortunately, only about half our States currently have parental notification or consent laws in effect, and all too often these laws are circumvented by those wishing to take minors to other States that do not have parental notification requirements. This often happens under heavy pressure from older boyfriends or at the urging of abortion providers. In order to protect the welfare of young women and the rights of their parents, Congress has a duty to regulate this interstate activity. Furthermore, those who manipulate and abuse young, vulnerable, pregnant women should be punished. This must include irresponsible abortionists who perform abortions on young women from other States. As Federal lawmakers, we also have an obligation to protect the rights of the States. Unfortunately, when it comes to abortion, these State laws are being trampled on at the expense of vulnerable young women and their families. Life does begin at conception and is sacred. We should do all we can to protect life. This includes empowering the States that have parental notification laws to enforce them. Abortionists should not be rewarded for opening their businesses to new markets in other States. The health and well-being of these young women is at risk. I am optimistic about the future of this legislation because of the tenacity of the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), the 129 cosponsors of the bill, the support the Committee on the Judiciary and the chairman of the committee, and our leadership in the House. Life is a gift from God delivered at conception. It must be protected and cherished at that point forward. I am happy and honored to be here to celebrate another great stride towards that goal.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Coach Clarence ``Big House'' Gaines, who passed away on Monday April 18, 2005. Coach Gaines was a college basketball icon, having guided the Winston-Salem State University Rams to an amazing 828 wins during his 47 seasons at Winston-Salem State University. His record of success places him fifth on the NCAA career coaching wins list, just behind Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, Bob Knight, and Jim Phelean. Under Coach Gaines's leadership, the Winston-Salem State Rams won 11 CIAA titles and became the first predominantly black college to ever win an NCAA basketball title. Coach Gaines was inducted into many halls of fame and was named CIAA Coach of the Year several times. He was also named NCAA Coach of the Year in 1967. Coach Gaines was a truly remarkable man, and he will be missed. My condolences go out to his wife, Clara, and his two children.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman very much for organizing this effort on behalf of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. As we all know, gas prices are skyrocketing, as are the costs of heating and cooling our homes. Many families and businesses are struggling under the additional financial burden. I am encouraged we have the opportunity to tackle this issue head on and take the necessary steps to reduce the cost of energy. Hard-working Americans are depending on us to take action. H.R. 6 will lower energy prices, strengthen the economy, generate hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and encourage greater energy conservation and efficiency. This bill will also reduce our dependence on foreign oil and encourage investment into alternative energy sources. Furthermore, this bill will provide relief to our hard-working farmers by providing tax incentives and money for research and development for ethanol and biodiesel energy sources. I hope all of our colleagues are going to vote for this vital piece of legislation.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 112 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall no. 113 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of America's heroes, Mr. Conrad Alberty of Rockingham County, North Carolina. Conrad fought for our country in the Philippines during the darkest days of World War II and later bore the terrible scars of enemy captivity. He exemplified the extraordinary sacrifice made by our military for our freedom. Conrad was a prisoner of war and is one of the few living survivors of the Bataan Death March. He was just 16 years old when he endured the most inhumane treatment that man can do to man on the death march and later in an enemy prison camp. Coincidentally, this month marks the 63rd anniversary of the surrender of U.S. troops to the Japanese on the Bataan Peninsula. During his military service, Mr. Alberty demonstrated courage, love of country, and devotion to duty. He did not give up under the most desperate circumstances. Today by recognizing Mr. Conrad Alberty, we also honor the role of our Armed Forces in protecting our country and our liberty. Thank you, Mr. Alberty and may on God bless you.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I voice my strong support for the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005. It is imperative we pass this very important legislation. The Death Tax is an unreasonable and unfair burden on thousands of American families, small businesses, and family farms. The Death Tax is the largest threat to the vitality of family-owned businesses and farms because most of their owners have the entire value of their business or farm in their estate. The Federal Government currently receives nearly half of an estate when the owner passes. As a result, more than two-thirds of family businesses do not survive the second generation and nearly 90 percent do not make it to the third generation. So much for the American dream. Rather than encouraging people to build their own livelihoods, the Death Tax discourages hard work and savings. According to the Heritage Foundation, the Death Tax costs our country up to 250,000 jobs each year. By permanently abolishing this tax, we could add more than 100,000 jobs per year. As my colleague, Representative Sam Johnson of Texas, said: Americans receive a birth certificate when they are born, a marriage license when they are wed, and a tax bill when they die. This is a disgrace. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the flourishing viticulture industry located in North Carolina's 5th District. The Yadkin Valley is North Carolina's first federally recognized American viticultural area. Located in northwestern North Carolina, it includes all of Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties, as well as portions of Stokes, Davie, and Forsyth counties. There are currently 14 wineries and more than 400 acres devoted to vineyards in the Yadkin Valley. These vineyards and wineries create jobs and attract tourist dollars to rural communities, while generating revenue for the State. They also offer an opportunity for farm diversification and farmland preservation. Vineyards in North Carolina produce an average of nearly 3 tons per acre, valued at $1,180 per ton. That is an average gross income of $3,481 per acre. The average price per ton is among the highest in America. The North Carolina Grape Council estimates that North Carolina vineyards and wineries bring in $100 million in revenue per year. Congratulations to the Yadkin Valley vineyards and wineries, and I thank them for everything they contribute to our State and region.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay my respects to one of the world's greatest spiritual leaders, Pope John Paul II. The Pope was a wonderful humanitarian who was much more than just a leader of the Catholic Church and its 1 billion members around the globe. He was a servant of God, whose purpose in life was to work on behalf of all of humanity. John Paul II was a courageous man, courageous all his life, who worked to make the world a better place by fighting for basic human rights, such as the right to freedom from oppression. Having grown up under nazism and communism, he understood firsthand the negative effects of totalitarian rule. He inspired a ``revolution of conscience'' in his home country of Poland, which Lech Walesa credits helped bring about the fall of communism. The Pope was not afraid to take a tough stand and challenge dictators face to face. His criticism of rulers such as Alfred Stroessner in Paraguay, Augusto Pinochet in Chile, and Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines encouraged opposition movements that eventually led to the demise of their regimes. The Pope was also a staunch advocate of the right to life. He constantly challenged people to foster a culture of life. Ten years ago John Paul II stated, ``We are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life, the `culture of death' and the `culture of life.' '' He challenged that, ``We are all involved and we all share the inescapable responsibility of choosing to be unconditionally prolife.'' I deeply admire the Pope for taking this stand. In a society often characterized by worldliness, the Pope stood as a symbol of morality, integrity, and faith. John Paul II was not someone who acted in accordance with public opinion polls. He did what he knew was right, and he spoke with conviction. Even if people did not agree with him on every issue, they respected him and admired him. No one in our lifetime has been a better role model for us all. He was, all his life, to the end of his life, a teacher and a servant. I join with the rest of the world in mourning his loss.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, recently I had the opportunity to visit Deere- Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation in North Carolina's Fifth District. This plant manufactures hydraulic excavators which are used widely in the construction industry as earthmoving and utility-type tracked digging machines. The company is a joint venture between John Deere and Hitachi Construction Machinery located in Tokyo, Japan. The company, formed in 1988, is a rare mix of American and Japanese cultures. This combination manifests itself in an extraordinary safety, quality, and delivery record. As a result, Hitachi has grown significantly in the past 3 years. Production volumes of both John Deere and Hitachi-brand models have risen to over 6,000 units. This is remarkable given the machines are 12 to 33 tons in operating weight. In addition, employment in the facility has doubled in size to over 750 direct employees. A portion of this growth has been fueled by the localization of models that were formerly produced in Asia to Kernersville, North Carolina. This has had a positive impact on the local economy in North Carolina, as well as nationally. I am honored to have a facility such as Deere-Hitachi located in my district.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is a sad day in America when a society as great as ours and filled with as many opportunities as ours turns its back on one of its most vulnerable disabled citizens. It is unfortunate that it has come to this. My colleague said a little bit ago or asked the question, ``Where will we stop if we allow this to go forward?'' I ask the same question of them: Where will we stop if we allow this to go forward? This is not an end of life decision. Those who have said that this issue should be a private and personal matter are correct. I agree with them. Congress has no business interjecting its opinion in the end-of-life decisions of any family. This is not what we are doing here. Terri Schiavo is not brain dead, she is not on artificial life support. She is not terminally ill or in the process of dying. She is brain damaged but if given the chance to be rehabilitated again, there is no telling what she can do. We are here precisely because we respect the rule of law. And my colleague read the 14th amendment to us before, and I will not do it again. Congress is merely saying to the Nation that we think a Federal court should look into this case and determine whether or not her constitutional right to life has been infringed upon. End-of-life decisions are excruciatingly difficult for any family to make. I know. My mother told us every week of her life that she did not want to be kept on life support. She had a stroke and she was on life support. The most difficult decision I ever made in my life, and my father's. But we consulted with the physicians, and we were able to get her to a point where she could live off of life support and leave it in the hands of God, and that is what we did. I know how difficult this decision is too. I do not know anyone here in this legislative body who wants to interject their opinion in any family's decision, but starving a woman to death when death is not imminent is wrong. Terri Schiavo deserves to have her constitutional rights respected. Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with Terri and her parents tonight.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in co-sponsoring House Resolution 97, the Reaffirmation of American Independence Resolution. We have a serious problem with our country's judicial systemic. Oftentimes judges will cite foreign laws when interpreting the United States Constitution and our other laws. This happened earlier this month when the Supreme Court cited international rulings and opinions in its decision to abolish the death penalty for juveniles. Foreign laws and the beliefs of foreign governments should have no bearing whatsoever when it comes to interpreting American laws. Judges who take these outside opinions into account are legislating from the bench and abandoning their duty to interpret the U.S. Constitution. It is time we hold our judges accountable for their actions. The Reaffirmation of American Independence Resolution states that judicial decisions should not be based on any foreign laws, court decisions or pronouncements of foreign governments. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this very important resolution.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, it takes determination, ingenuity and hard work to succeed in the global economy. In the Fifth District of North Carolina, I have recently seen how a growing manufacturing firm, Fairchild Industrial Products Company, is sustaining high-skilled jobs, creating new products and increasing American exports. Fairchild has about 100 employees, and it manufactures highly engineered pneumatic controls for industrial processes. About 45 percent of its products are shipped to overseas markets. Fairchild achieves world class quality because its management really listens to the employees on the front lines through discussions on continuous quality improvement. At every company, it is crucial for managers to listen to the ideas from those who know the manufacturing process best, the employees, who day in and day out work on the assembly lines and on the shop floor. Fairchild had suffered some setbacks in recent years, but now, with support from Allied Capital Corporation, it is growing again, paced by double-digit growth in exports. Every Fairchild product that is shipped overseas helps reduce America's trade deficit abroad and sustains high- quality jobs here at home. Madam Speaker, the success of Fairchild shows how American manufacturing can get back on to the path toward growth. I am proud this strong North Carolina company is showing how American manufacturing can compete and win in the global economy.