Mary Fallin

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I support bipartisan efforts to bring parity between mental health and medical benefits, but I have a concern, and it's come to my attention, about the mental health parity bill, H.R. 1424. A Supreme Court decision, Doe v. Bolton, lists mental health as a reason that abortion is allowed for health exceptions. This bill, as currently written, could be construed to mandate health care coverage for an abortion as part of treatment for a mental health issue such as depression. As defined by the Court, in their words, ``health of the mother includes all factors, physical, emotional, physiological, familial, and a woman's age, relevant to the well-being of the patient. All these factors may relate to health.'' And furthermore, in testimony by Dr. James McMahon before the House Judiciary Committee in June 1995, he cited 39 partial birth abortions that were performed because of a mother's depression. Because this issue is unclear, H.R. 1424 lacks a conscious clause applied to this legislation, and there appears to be no protection for an employer to reject health care coverage for such a procedure if they choose to extend mental health coverage to its employees.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, the energy problems facing our Nation are obvious: Our economy suffers from out-of-control gasoline prices while national security remains at risk from an overreliance on foreign oil. Immediately increasing the amount of energy produced on U.S. soil is the first step to addressing both of these issues. Rather than pursue a commonsense solution, the House Democrats are once again proposing billions of dollars in punitive tax increases on American oil companies. Heavily taxing oil and gas will discourage exploration and production, and that is exactly what we don't need to do. It will drive up the cost at pumps for consumers and further reduce the incentives for domestic production of oil and gas. This week marks the third time this year that House Democrats have tried to enact an energy policy that would hurt American families and businesses, increase our reliance on foreign energy sources, and put the long-term energy needs of the United States at risk.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate both of my fine colleagues here and their sponsorship of this great resolution to honor women and, of course, the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Month. It is a very important resolution, and I thank the gentlewoman from California for her leadership in the Women's Caucus, especially in highlighting women's health. I, too, am very proud to be a sponsor of this legislation. As you know, February is American Heart Month, and now is a great time for all of our Members of Congress, and concerned citizens in our Nation, to focus on how we can live healthier lifestyles, to educate ourselves on what we can do to prevent heart disease and to prevent stroke, and to live the kind of quality of life that we all deserve. I think it has already been mentioned that heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, and it certainly is a huge problem in the State of Oklahoma. Heart disease afflicts more than one in four Americans, and nearly 80 million in total in our Nation. And for many, it is a deadly disease. Heart disease also kills about two Americans per minute. And contrary to popular opinion, heart disease is every bit as dangerous for women as it is for men. In the last two decades, more women than men have died from it. In my home State alone, almost 20 women a day die from heart-related illnesses. Tomorrow, millions of men and women are participating in National Go Red Day. I know I have on black today, and I think all the other ladies have on black, but tomorrow we will be wearing our red. I encourage all of our colleagues here in Congress to wear their red, as well as those around the Nation. As we wear red tomorrow, we will remind those around us of the importance of fighting this disease. And we can fight this disease by starting just to take some simple precautions: exercising, maintaining healthy eating styles, and refraining of course from habits that are harmful to our health like smoking. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to wear red tomorrow, and to remember the millions of people who suffer with heart disease and to think about what we can do to fight this terrible illness.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 971, introduced by Mr. Gordon of Tennessee. The resolution expresses the heartfelt sympathy of the House of Representatives for the victims of the devastating tornados that struck communities in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. On February 5, 2008, more than 100 tornados devastated communities throughout the Mississippi Valley, resulting in the deadliest tornado outbreak in the United States in 20 years. The tornados took the lives of 50 people, injured countless others, and damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 homes. Additionally, the tornados have left tens of thousands of residents in the Mississippi Valley without power. In response to these deadly tornados, local, State and Federal officials and emergency personnel responded swiftly to preserve and protect human lives. Their selfless actions saved lives and helped their communities in their efforts to recover from the disaster. This resolution is a fitting commendation of the courage and determination of local citizens, businesses and volunteer organizations following the disaster. They have shown their heroism and compassion for their fellow citizens while faced with such destruction. The citizens of the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee will work hard to rebuild and to make every effort to ensure the recovery of their communities. In recognition of their efforts, this resolution reaffirms our support as they continue to rebuild their homes and their lives. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and my prayers to all those who have been affected by this tragedy and to their families. I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn).

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he would consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire of Congressman Cohen if he has got any more speakers.

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, this year, the State of Oklahoma celebrates its centennial anniversary. Today, I join the rest of the Oklahoma delegation in bringing a resolution to the floor that celebrates and honors our state's rich history. Most of all, we honor the people of Oklahoma, whose hard work, decency, perseverance, and pioneer spirit have written a truly unique chapter in America's history. Oklahoma has always been defined by the adventurous nature of the men and women who settled there. Prior even to becoming a State, Oklahoma was designated Indian Territory. Native Americans have been a huge part of Oklahoma history and have provided a vibrant culture and long list of traditions that continue to enrich the lives of our citizens. In the late 19th century, American pioneers arrived in Oklahoma after a series of land runs held by the federal government. They came from every corner of the country looking for their piece of the American dream. In 1907 we became a State, and it has been a century of both hardships and blessings. But no matter what challenges Oklahoma families face, and we have had our share, the men and women of this great State have always come out stronger. Today, 100 years after achieving statehood, we have much to offer--a tremendous quality of life, a work ethic second to none, and a pioneer spirit that is just as much alive as it was a century ago. During Oklahoma's relatively short life, our State has left a significant footprint on American culture. Will Rogers, Woody Guthrie, Ralph Ellison, Thom Stafford, and Jim Thorpe are just a few of the American icons who hail from Oklahoma. No other state has produced more astronauts. We have been on the forefront of energy production and agriculture. If you like country music, Oklahoma has produced the stars: Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Reba McIntyre, Vince Gill, and Carrie Underwood, just to name a few of our talented musicians. And, oh yes, we've been known to play a little football too. Of course, there are millions of others whose names will never appear in history books, and we honor them as well. It is those unsung heroes that remind me, as they should remind all of us, that compassion, hard work, and a spirit of adventure can bring both success and happiness. Truly, I can think of no greater honor than to represent them in the United States Congress. Thank you, and may God bless Oklahoma.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Madam Speaker, this past week the State of Oklahoma experienced a severe ice storm that left over 600,000 homes and businesses without power or heat. As you can imagine, Oklahomans have had a very challenging time. Today, I want to thank the people of Oklahoma for helping each other and commend the various generous volunteers and organizations that came to their aid. Since the disaster of the Murrah Federal Building in 1995, the people of my great State are said to have created what is known as ``the Oklahoma standard,'' rallying to help each other in times of need, and certainly this past week, to week and a half, has been no exception. I want to personally thank Governor Henry and President Bush for working together to ensure that the proper Federal aid disaster relief has come to Oklahoma. And I would also like to commend the State Office of Emergency Management, FEMA representatives and the State Corporation Commission who kept us informed and on track as power loss was reported and power was restored. I especially want to commend the utility crews who worked tirelessly in their efforts to restore power. I want to thank the hundreds of utility workers from other States who came to help. Thank you for leaving your homes and families during this holiday season. Madam Speaker, there are so many organizations to thank who went above and beyond to help the State of Oklahoma, churches, synagogues and charities. The Southern Baptist Convention, United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross, to name just a few, worked to provide food, shelter and other supplies, and all went beyond their usual call of duty to clear the road to recovery. Thank you so much, and may God bless you.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and congratulate Ms. Dionne Liebl; teacher at Putnam City West High School and recent recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. Ms. Liebl has demonstrated what it means to be a leader to our youth and the State of Oklahoma. The task of educating young people is one of the most important responsibilities a person can assume. Her ability to give of her time and energy with dedication and enthusiasm makes her deserving of such special recognition. This award serves as a testament to the impact she has had on both her students and colleagues. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the entire House of Representatives, please join me in congratulating Ms. Liebl on receiving this important recognition.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin today by thanking Chairman Rahall of the Natural Resources Committee and Ranking Member Don Young, as well as the Water and Power Subcommittee Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers for their continued support of this legislation. Finally, I would like the thank Congressman Dan Boren from Oklahoma for his hard work and assistance on this piece of legislation, too. In short, H.R. 2085 is a straightforward land transfer, a prepaid bill that is supported by all parties involved. The McGee Creek Project Pipeline and Associated Facilities and Conveyance Act would formally and legally transfer ownership of 23.8 acres of land surrounding McGee Creek Reservoir, as well as facilities like water pipelines, storage space and a pumping plant. Ownership of these facilities would be transferred from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation to the McGee Creek Authority. This bill does not transfer ownership of either the reservoir or the dam itself. In addition, the costs of the lands, the buildings and the facilities to be transferred have already been paid by the McGee Creek Authority to the Bureau of Reclamation. This title transfer protects the financial interests of the Federal Government by reducing administrative burdens on reclamation, including periodic facility reviews and the processing of paperwork that consumes significant staff time. It will also ensure that the long-term responsibility for the operation, the maintenance, management and the regulation, as well as the liability for the transferred land and facilities, will rest with the Authority. Again, this bill is supported by both the Federal Bureau of Reclamation and the locally run McGee Creek Authority, as well as the Oklahoma City residents. In 2006, the Authority and the Bureau of Reclamation signed a memorandum encouraging congressional authorization of a title transfer. H.R. 2085 would formalize that agreement than make it Federal policy. Mr. Speaker, thank you for your consideration. I now ask my colleagues for their support of H.R. 2085.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow the State of Oklahoma will celebrate its centennial birthday, and today I come to the House floor to commemorate and honor our State's rich history. And, most of all, I am here to honor the people of Oklahoma, our greatest strength, whose hard work and pioneer spirit have written a truly unique chapter in American history. Oklahoma has been defined by the adventuresome nature of the men and women who settled there. Although we are a young State, our legacy is significant. Oklahoma has gone from Indian territory to land runs to a State on the cutting edge of American agriculture and energy production. Each portion of our history has left a unique imprint on the culture of our State and our Nation. Today, 100 years after Oklahoma achieved statehood, we have so much to offer: a tremendous quality of life, a work ethic second to none, and a pioneer spirit just as much alive as it was a century ago. On the eve of our centennial, we honor all Oklahomans. We have our household names, Will Rogers to Jim Thorpe, but there are millions of others of hardworking, compassionate Oklahomans. I just wish Oklahoma a happy birthday, and may God continue to bless our State.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and congratulate Merritt William Parham, Joseph Price Fallin III, Joseph Graham Wolfe, William Upton McClendon, and Samuel Johnson Rainbolt upon the recent attainment of their Eagle Scout rank. Each one of these young men has exemplified what it means to be a leader to the Boy Scouts of America, the State of Oklahoma, and their country. Their service is one of the greatest contributions they can make to their peers and their community. These young men have carried out this honor with great professionalism and dignity. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the entire House of Representatives, please join me in congratulating these outstanding young men in obtaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Chairman, let me just say I appreciate the good work of the committee. And I know it takes a lot of effort to bring people together for setting the spending priorities and the policies of our Nation, and I know there have been a lot of hearings and testimony on this particular piece of legislation. And I want to commend the committee for their hard work, both Democrats and Republicans. But I do rise to support this amendment. I think it's a reasonable amendment, to look at how we can, in this Congress, be more fiscally conservative, how we can control our spending. I've had so many people come up to me since I've been elected as a newly elected freshman saying, we have to do a better job in Congress of controlling our spending. This particular amendment cuts the budget by 1 percent. The budget that has been recommended is $10 billion over last year's. $10 billion is more than we spend in the State of Oklahoma's whole State budget. $10 billion is more than that. So I think it's reasonable to say that we would like to cut this amount by 1 percent. I don't know how people can argue with that. Now, I've heard a lot of discussion here today about how this piece of legislation invests in education, health care, social systems, it's for the future of our children; and I don't think you'll find anyone up here who will argue against those things. I've also heard some people stand up and say today that the Republicans like to spend money when it's their turn, but when we're spending money, then we're against it. Well, when you look at the spending amounts that have occurred over the last many years in this Congress I, frankly, don't approve of that. I think we have been spending too much money in this Congress, and I'm not going to lay blame on either side, other than just to say that a 1 percent cut in this budget, to me, seems reasonable. There is an increase in spending for the important things, social programs, education, health care. I've also heard some of the people who have spoken today talk about the future and about stupid political blunders, spending on policy like the Iraq war. Well, I guess we can have that debate, which we have had, for many, many months. But what I can say is that the money that has been spent by this Congress, and some people have asked, you know, has the money gone to wise things? I personally think that protecting our Nation, protecting our national security and spending that money is a well worth cause. We're talking about the priorities that we're going to be having here in Congress. Some people have said well, look at the various appropriations bills that we've already had that we've been voting on. Some were $10 billion more, some were $7 billion more, $12 billion more. You didn't object to all the different spending levels that there were. When you add all those things up, that adds up to a lot of money. And I guess all that is to say that no one in my State has called me and said, please tell Congress to spend a little bit more money. Please tell them that I'm not paying enough, and I have some more. But what I do hear my people back home say is, set the priorities. Determine what's reasonable. Be fiscally responsible in how we're spending our money. People are concerned about the rising cost of gas, the rising cost of health care. They're concerned about education, they're concerned about taking care of those who can't take care of themselves. I think it is reasonable for us to look at a 1 percent cut in this budget, but yet still meet the priorities of this Nation in taking care of the people that need to be taken care of in this appropriations bill.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Chairman, I am listening to this debate today, and it seems to me that the question is not if there is money going to family planning. I understand there is $441 million already allocated, U.S. money, that goes to foreign countries for family planning. But the question is whom is the money going to and do the organizations that receive the money for family planning promote abortion as a method of family planning. And that is what this whole debate is on our side. And the way I see it, if we supplement the budgets of other organizations in foreign countries who use abortion as family planning by giving them contraceptives, which we already do, by the way, $441 million worth of family-planning help, then we are supplementing their budgets so that they can have freed-up money to continue down the route of doing abortions for family planning. So it is just kind of logical that that is what we are doing here by changing this policy. And that is why I support the Smith-Stupak amendment. And the gentlewoman has been kind to say that she wants to work in good faith and find common ground, and she has said it is her goal to get contraceptives to other countries. So if that is our goal and our goal is not to help other countries with abortions for family planning, then let's accept this amendment, the Smith-Stupak amendment, and let's pass it and let's show that the United States will not be in the business of exporting abortions to foreign countries.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Chabot for their support for this legislation and also in helping to build a strong bipartisan coalition in the Small Business Committee. This bill, the SBA Women's Business Act of 2007, will strengthen the Women Business Centers program that was established in 1997 by making it more efficient and more accountable. The Women's Business Centers are a very important part of the grant programs that are funded by the Small Business Administration. Today, Women's Business Centers all across the country are providing women entrepreneurs with much-needed technical assistance in starting and operating their own small businesses. In the mid-1990s, the Federal Government began awarding grants to Women's Business Centers that were operating as nonprofit organizations in conjunction with institutions of higher learning. Originally, these grants were intended to be awarded to business centers in their first 5 years with the understanding that after the first 5-year period had ended, the center would be financially self-sustaining. Although many Women's Business Centers did meet this goal, some have not for a variety of reasons. As a result, a greater percentage of the funding for this program has been consumed by the operating costs of potentially unviable centers rather than the intended purposes of establishing new business centers. The result is a drag on the system and viable business centers that are not truly serving an unmet need in their communities. This jeopardizes the effectiveness in the viability of the entire program. The SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007 will restore the original priorities held by the Federal Government when this program was created. By offering a three-tiered system of funding and lower caps on spending for older business centers, we can ensure a balanced percentage of funding is used to support both new and existing business centers. The first tier requires that at least 40 percent of the total funds be reserved for the purpose of establishing and supporting new Women's Business Centers during their first 5 years of existence. The second tier will use 20 percent of the total funds to help sustain the centers that have successfully existed during their first 5 years. Lastly, the third tier will use a maximum of 40 percent of the funds to continue supporting centers that have existed for 8 years or more and have met the necessary benchmarks set forth by the SBA to receive this funding. This three-tiered system will offer a helping hand to newly established centers while slowly weaning the older centers off the dependency of the Federal grants. It is important to realize that this legislation does not affect the overall funding level of this program. Rather, it rearranges the distribution of funds to reflect the original intention of these grants, an offer of temporary assistance rather than one of permanent dependency on the Federal Government. This legislation will ultimately restore accountability and efficiency to a program that, while well intentioned, has become weighed down by inefficiency. These are goals that every Member of Congress can all support. The SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007 has passed in the Small Business Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I want to encourage all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of this today.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would reduce the executive salary in the Office of Secretary and Executive Management account to the FY 2007 level, representing a $138,000 reduction from the $4.588 million to $4.45 million. The current bill's funding level represents a 3 percent increase over 2007 FY budget enacted. There has been at least $105.5 billion in new Federal spending over 5 years authorized by the House Democrat leadership this year. The current Federal debt is $8.8 trillion, roughly $29,000 for every U.S. citizen, and growing by over $1 billion a day. Entitlement spending, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security is out of control, and within a generation will either force significant cutbacks in services and benefits, or we are going to have to have massive tax increases. Mr. Chairman, the Congressional Budget Office and Government Accountability Office has been warning Congress that the growth in direct spending, i.e., spending that is on autopilot, and the outside annual spending process are occurring at an unsustainable rate due to well-known demographic trends and other factors. Discretionary spending has also grown exponentially and must be brought under control. This amendment will be the first step of many necessary steps enforcing fiscal discipline and sanity upon the Federal Government and out-of-control Federal deficit spending. We must restore fiscal discipline and find both commonsense and innovative ways to do more with less. The Federal budget must not grow faster than American families have the ability to pay for it. Mr. Chairman, I have to say that in my State, my citizens are very concerned about spending in Washington. I have heard a lot of talk this year about the elections and what occurred during the elections, and that voters gave us a mandate for change here in Congress, that they didn't want business as usual. People have told me that Congress spends too much, and we have to remember that the money that we spend here is not our money; it's the taxpayers' money. And the taxpayers' pocketbooks are stretched these days. The price of gasoline has been skyrocketing, the price of health care, the price of prescription drugs. Families are just squeezed these days. And I believe it is time that we have this discussion about controlling our spending. Mr. Chairman, I don't have a problem with slowing down this process. I think the American people want us to slow down the spending process. They want us to look at balancing our budget. They want us to prioritize here in Congress what's important, what's a spending priority. They want us to reduce the deficit. They want to know where the money is going. They appreciate us fine- tuning our appropriation bill. And it seems reasonable to me that we have this discussion. That is why I support this amendment. There is a 13 percent increase in spending in this appropriation bill, and that's huge. When you have $1 billion here and $1 billion there, that all adds up, and we still have many other appropriation bills to consider. And frankly, no one in my district has called me to say, you know what? The government doesn't spend enough. I want you to spend more. They want us to look for government waste. They want us to control spending. And while we are increasing spending in this Congress, we have yet to even look at other issues that we need to discuss, the rising costs of entitlements, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Mr. Chairman, last night I heard the majority leader talk about securing America and the funding of homeland security and how important this piece of legislation is. I appreciate his comments, and I agree with that; it is important that we secure America. I don't believe that anyone on my side of the aisle objects to funding homeland security. The objections that we have been talking about over the last 24 hours are about spending. It is about the process of determining how the earmarks are processed and projects are processed. I want to remind this House that the President and a Republican Congress led the effort to fund homeland security and to protect our Nation. We support homeland security. But I would also like to suggest that securing America also means the financial security of America, the financial security of our Nation. And financial security comes through transparency, openness and open discussion on this House floor of spending and spending priorities, and allowing Members to participate and to vote on those priorities in the light of day. This process of voting on a level of funding for homeland security, then having a conference report and then having one person in Congress and their staff decide on the add-ons, the earmarks we're spending, to me just doesn't pass the openness test and the transparency test.

Ms. FALLIN. When I was a kid, we used to have a game we played called ``King of the Hill.'' And that would be when one person would get on this hill and we would fight off others who would come and try to take control. This process reminds me of the game ``King of the Hill'', where one person is trying to play that. I just don't believe, Mr. Chairman, that that is the right thing to do. This is our opportunity in Congress to show that we mean business in controlling our spending, we mean business in reducing our deficit, we mean business in transparency and openness of earmarks. And we can't lose this opportunity, we can't take a step back. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to request that our appropriations chairman, who is a very capable and able man, delay consideration of this bill until we have proper transparency in the earmark process. It is a choice that the majority can make now, starting with this first appropriation bill. The majority is in control. And also, the appropriations chairman could come to the floor to this debate and assure this body and the Members that we will be able to see the individual earmarks and vote on them on this floor. This process will not allow us to do that the way it is now. And what better way to start off the appropriations process than to start with this bill, with transparency on the earmarks, transparency of funding? Let's fix it now, Mr. Chairman.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. And I yield the balance of my time to the gentlelady from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, one of the most effective tools we have against fighting our enemies like al Qaeda is intelligence, information that allows us to disrupt their terror cells and prevent attacks before they happen. And yet, the Democrats see fit to cut the funding of these operations. Worst of all, they are shifting resources away from vital, war- related intelligence operations towards their politically correct crusade on global warming. Does the Democrat leadership really think that carbon emissions represent a greater threat to the United States than the 9/11 radical jihadists? Yesterday, law enforcement foiled a plot by terrorists to attack and kill U.S. soldiers in New Jersey. Protecting our Nation should be our number one priority. Does the leadership really think that our surveillance satellites should be aimed at polar ice caps and not terror cells and that spies should be investigating global warming? Congress must adequately fund our intelligence operations. If we don't, we may need to be more concerned about global warming in the United States caused by a global attack, caused by a nuclear attack in our own backyards.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's comments about faith and God. And I am a woman of God. I oppose hate, and I think all crimes are awful. And I have a great disdain for violence produced by hate. But this bill is the wrong solution for an ideal goal. It is horrible for anyone to hate for any class, race or religion or sexual orientation. Violence produced by hate is already outlawed. Why would we, as a Nation, want to divide our American citizens into various categories of more worthy or less worthy of whatever protection the law can give them? What happened to the great ideal this Nation was founded on of equal, equal protection under law? The hate crimes bill will chill the first amendment rights of religious groups. This hate crimes bill will chill the first amendment rights of the religious groups, and the government will be required to prove the suspect's thoughts as a category of the victim involved in the crime. Religious groups may become the subject of criminal investigations in order to determine the suspect's religious beliefs, membership in religious organization, or past statements about persons associated with specific categories. Religious leaders will be chilled from expressing their religious views for fear of involvement in the criminal justice system. This hate crime bill will result in unequal justice for all and the restriction of one of our ideals that has made this Nation great, free speech.

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, this is a difficult time for our Nation. We are all war weary. We are all heartbroken over any loss of life, and we are all concerned about the cost of the war. All Americans, Republicans, Democrats, and, yes, the President, want this war over as soon as possible. It's time to stop the political games and put the needs of our men and our women defending our Nation first. The people of America want a solution to bring the troops home, but not at the expense of jeopardizing the safety and the future of our Nation. As a Nation, we must make a strong commitment and a declaration to the world that the United States will defend itself and will not tolerate terrorism, nor will we coddle terrorists or surrender or appease them. The Commander in Chief vetoed a bill which sought to micromanage the war on terror, tie the hands of our generals, and provide a surrender date to the enemies. Congress must uphold the President's veto, set aside the cut-and-run attitude, the loser attitude, for good. Where is the pride for the defense our Nation, the liberty and the freedoms that thousands of men and women have given their lives for in earlier years?

Ms. FALLIN

Ms. FALLIN. Madam Speaker, Congress must immediately send our troops the resources that they need to win this war, without strings and without delay. But instead, the Democrat leadership is proposing to tie the hands of our troops and hamstring our generals with a misguided plan to micromanage the war effort. This is just unacceptable. The Los Angeles Times has said, ``It's absurd to try and micromanage this conflict and the evolution of Iraqi society with arbitrary time lines and benchmarks.'' And I agree. It is absurd to assume that this war can be planned by 535 Members of Congress instead of our generals and our Commander in Chief. War by committee is not an option. I encourage the Democrat leadership of Congress to bring forth immediately a clean bill that provides the necessary funds for our troops and leaves tactical decisions in the hands of our generals and those who are experts.