Jim Gibbons

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my voice to the many voices who are commending the troops of our Nation and our allies as they undertake the task of liberating the people of Iraq and removing the danger that Iraq's illegal weapons present to the world. It is unfortunate that Saddam Hussein did not take the opportunity given to him for the past 12 years to simply comply with the demands of the world and peacefully disarm. However, the decision to ignore the world will ultimately be a tragedy, mostly for Saddam Hussein. Over the next few days we are going to find out just how fortunate we are to have our young men and women on the front lines. The bravery of our troops has already been demonstrated in the last 24 hours. A courageous 117 pilots have struck deep into Iraq with minimal support in some of the first air strikes of this war. Marines and soldiers alike in Kuwait have engaged the enemy in Iraq, and freedom for Iraq is closer today than ever before. Mr. Speaker, in many ways this is the beginning of the end for many different people. For the Iraqi people, it is the beginning of the end of 20 years of oppression and tyranny; and for terrorists another haven for training and planning attacks is coming to an end. For the men and women of our Armed Forces, 12 years of constant deployment to contain a tyrant is coming to an end. The men and women of our Armed Forces will demonstrate to the world the courage of our Nation, and they will show that the United States will not tolerate appeasement that keeps tyrants in power and endangers the entire world. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. May God bless our leaders. May God bless our troops, and may God bless this great Nation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) a question which concerns the relationship of Nevada law and H.R. 5. In my State of Nevada, we have recently passed a law that sets forth a $350,000 cap for noneconomic damages, but it has some exceptions. I would like to know how this legislation applies in this circumstance.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his response, and I look forward to working with him on this matter.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman and my friend from Michigan for granting me the time to rise and speak in strong support of H.R. 13, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003. Mr. Speaker, America has a moral obligation to support its museums and libraries, and throughout our Nation, libraries are at the forefront of our reading, education and family literacy programs. Museums are the centerpiece of our history and civilization, and together, our museums and libraries form the core of democracy in America. This year, Mr. Speaker, more than 865 million people will visit a museum in America. Millions of students will take out their first book and millions of families will gather for community literacy and learning programs. All of us remember our very first library card. All of us remember our very first library experience, that first book and that first story which always means so much in our lives, and the role of libraries in American society is and will continue to be critical to our future. I remember my hometown library, and I especially remember with great fondness and respect and admiration for her impact on my life my own hometown librarian, Martha Gould, who now serves on the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. Not only has Martha Gould provided technical and institutional knowledge held by libraries in strengthening America's homeland defense, she stands as a stalwart supporter of our library system and works diligently to ensure that our libraries keep up with the 21st century technology and maintain their core function of providing all Americans with the means and capabilities of preserving and protecting democracy. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 13 for our Nation, and for the future generations of America.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I rise today in strong support of this resolution, and I commend all of our troops at home and abroad for their efforts in the war on terrorism. For 17 months, the men and women of Armed Forces have fought in Afghanistan, protected our homeland and done everything our Nation has asked them to do. The war on terrorism continues to produce results such as the recent arrest of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed. But yesterday's bombing in the Philippines, which claimed innocent American lives, should remind us that this war is ongoing and unfinished. Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting three heroes of this ongoing war, and I was honored to introduce them before the Nevada State Legislature. Captain Andra Kneip, a recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses and her husband, Major Scott Kneip, both of them A-10 fighter pilots, exemplify the great people serving our country. I also had the honor of introducing First Lieutenant Thomas J. Cahill and his family. Lieutenant Cahill was awarded one of the Nation's highest awards, the Silver Star, for flying his helicopter into withering fire to save the lives of three United States Army soldiers on the ground. These young men and women have heard their Nation's call and have responded accordingly. Mr. Speaker, let there be no doubt that if our troops are called again in Iraq, America can expect nothing but the greatest efforts of the greatest military in the world. There are other heros in the war on terrorism who should also be honored for making the ultimate sacrifice in defending our Nation from terrorism. Brave Nevadans, such as Jason Disney, Jason Bayer and Matthew Commons, along with all the other members of our military who have died defending our Nation, remind us of the treasured gift of freedom that they have bestowed upon all of us. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we commend our service members on behalf of a grateful Nation. And I know that the American people will continue to pour out their support for all of our troops. As a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, I remember and still appreciate the overwhelming support that was given to our troops and was shown by the American people. The letters, emails and packages sent a very powerful message to my comrades and me that America does care. America supports the Guardsmen and Reservists who have put on the uniform to fight terror and protect our Nation. America supports the employers who have seen their best employees called into service. America supports the families who have watched their loved ones bravely answer the call to service. Let this resolution say to all our Nation's soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, America supports you.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to recognize former President Ronald Reagan's ninety-second birthday and his unceasing commitment to our great nation. In 2000, Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn, the late Senator Paul Coverdell, and I introduced legislation to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal to President Reagan and his beloved wife, Nancy, in honor of their dedicated service to the United States. The Reagans formally received their Congressional Gold Medal last May, at a special ceremony here in the Capitol. Upon passage of the Reagan Congressional Gold Medal bill, Mrs. Reagan remarked, ``it means a lot to us to receive so much support at this difficult time, and we are very honored.'' Yet, honor and fame were never priorities for Ronald Reagan, and his journey to the White House was not marked by a desire for power or position. He preferred to see himself as a simple citizen who was called upon to serve the nation he so loved. Ronald Reagan truly is a great American, in every sense. Led by his belief in the limitless potential of Americans, President Reagan turned the tide of public cynicism and sparked a national renewal. During his eight year tenure, the United States enjoyed a period of astonishing economic growth, military superiority, and international change. Ronald Reagan's contagious optimism and passionate patriotism served as a inspiration to the entire nation. Under his leadership, Americans believed, once again, in the American Dream. As we enter the 21st Century, our Nation still finds its strength in President Reagan's ideals and his steadfast confidence in democracy, freedom, and America. Often, as Americans, we look back at our history to learn from our mistakes and celebrate our triumphs. The leadership and accomplishments of President Reagan certainly will not be forgotten, for they shaped the country we call home and the world as we know it today. Thank you President Reagan for your commitment, dedication, and faith in America and her people.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, when we think of terrorism, we often limit our thoughts to just Afghanistan, but we must not forget the despicable role Iraq has played in supporting, training and harboring international terrorist organizations. There are many reasons why Iraq is no friend to the free world. There are many reasons why Saddam Hussein poses a detrimental threat to the United States and the entire world. It has been said time and time again that Iraq possesses chemical and biological weapons and that Saddam is ready and willing to use his arsenal against innocent civilians, even his own people. Just imagine what would happen if Saddam gave these weapons, capable of killing entire populations, to terrorists like the al Qaeda. We cannot bury our heads in the sand and say, ``Oh, he wouldn't do that.'' Saddam Hussein has lied to the words for over a decade and continues to defy the United Nations. He not only provides a safe harbor for terrorists, but provides them with state-of-the-art training camps. He cannot be trusted. He poses a serious threat to the United States, and he must be disarmed to protect the freedom and lives of Americans.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today, U.N. Chief Inspector Hans Blix issued his report outlining the continued defiance and noncompliance of Saddam Hussein. After over 2 months and 350 inspections, Iraq continues to conceal pertinent information on its weapons of mass destruction. We know of thousands of liters of biological and chemical agents, such as anthrax and mustard gas, that are still unaccounted for. It is clear that Iraq is in material breach of U.N. resolutions because it refuses to fully cooperate, and it refuses to accept complete disarmament as demanded by the entire international community. Now is the time for the United Nations to stand strong, and now is the time to hold Iraq responsible to the international community. We do not have the luxury of time with such a dangerous despot as Saddam Hussein, a man who has used biological and chemical weapons on his own people. We cannot allow Saddam Hussein to continue to have control over an arsenal that threatens all peace-loving nations. Iraq must be disarmed, or it must voluntarily disarm.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 12) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's economy is lagging behind the needed economic recovery that we all seek. Just yesterday President Bush announced a sensible economic growth package that will grow our economy and create jobs for the American people. The President also again called upon Congress to permanently repeal the unfair death tax. As we all know, the 10-year sunset provision on the tax relief bill passed in 2001 has added a level of anxiety and uncertainty into our already complicated Tax Code. The current sunset has made estate planning as unpredictable as our own inevitable fate. Also, Mr. Speaker, as unemployment levels continue to rise, it is important to note that, according to the Heritage Foundation, just the repeal of the death tax will help to create an additional 145,000 jobs. In turn, the U.S. economy could produce $11 billion per year in extra output. So not only is the elimination of the death tax fair, it just makes common economic sense. Mr. Speaker, our President has again asked Congress to do the right thing, and I urge my colleagues to act now to permanently eliminate the death tax.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill, H.R. 3758.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Intelligence Authorization bill, and I thank my friend and colleague from Florida for yielding me this time. This is a very good bill. It addresses intelligence needs that were identified in past years by the Intelligence Committee. But only in the past year, after the deaths of innocent Americans, and innocent citizens of other countries, are these needs getting the broad attention they deserve. Throughout much of the 1990's, after the end of the Cold War, there was a debate about whether America really needed to spend so much money on defense. As for intelligence, some people even said there was no longer any need for the CIA. I believe that debate is now over. The bill before you today will help the intelligence agencies increase and sharpen their effectiveness--especially against terrorist groups. If you want to know the plans and intentions of terrorist groups you have to have HUMINT--``human intelligence''. This is the information you get from human sources--also known as ``assets'' or ``agents'' or simply ``spies''. I want to emphasize that this year's intelligence authorization bill does a great deal to strengthen our HUMINT capability. For one thing, there is money to hire more CIA operations officers. CIA's operations officers are doing a great job, but they are few and far between. We need more, and this bill will help ensure that there will be more. This bill also provides money to hire more intelligence analysts and linguists. Likewise, there is money for more foreign language training. It is not hard to understand that if your operations officers and analysts have not learned the language of your enemy, you will not succeed in learning his plans and intentions. These HUMINT and foreign language-related items are just some of the good provisions of this Intelligence Authorization bill. They are long overdue. The clock is ticking, and America's enemies continue with their planning. I urge your support for our intelligence professionals, and I urge your support for this bill.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, every day we are reminded of the need for the Department of Homeland Security. Recently, the United States Marines were assaulted and several were killed in a terrorist ambush off the coast of Kuwait; deadly terrorist bombs exploded in Bali, Indonesia, killing hundreds; and a sniper is running loose right here in the District of Columbia. Terrorism, whether international or domestic, is an unfortunate reality. The Department of Homeland Security can help keep Americans safe by ensuring a coordinated and effective response to terrorism. On July 6, this House passed bipartisan legislation establishing a Department of Homeland Security. The President supports the House bill because it allows him the flexibility to meet any threat. Now is the time for the Senate to act and pass this vital legislation for the protection of all Americans.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague for his genuine recognition. Madam Speaker, there is no one in this body, no matter what political philosophy one ascribes to, that doubts that Saddam Hussein is not a leader for a peaceful political world. Having been in war, I am not one who rushes into war quickly or blindly, nor am I one who cowers when our country and our Nation is threatened. Madam Speaker, in 1991, I flew through the smoke and the ashes of the fires in Kuwait ordered by Saddam Hussein in the Gulf War, and in that war I saw the death and the destruction this dictator is capable of. I saw missiles launched at our troops. But, more importantly, if we doubt Saddam's intentions, I saw nearly three dozen missiles launched at Israel, a country not even participating in that war. Innocent lives were lost. After the Gulf War, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 687 which stated that Iraq must disarm. That resolution created the U.N. Special Commissions to verify Iraq's elimination of their weapons of mass destruction. Throughout the 1990s, as weapons inspectors went throughout Iraq, it became more and more evident that Iraq had no intention of disarming. Saddam no longer gave U.N. inspectors the unrestricted access they needed to ensure Iraq no longer possessed weapons of mass destruction. From 1991 to 1998, the U.N. passed 16 resolutions mandating that Iraq allow weapons inspectors complete and unfettered access, and each time Iraq refused. Today, we find Iraq with 30,000 liters of anthrax, botulism and other biological weapons, thousands of gallons of chemical weapons, and months away from possessing nuclear weapon capability. I support sending U.N. inspectors back into Iraq to verify their disarmament, but not under the previous resolutions which Iraq has never followed. The only way to ensure the success of a weapons inspection team, or any weapons team, is to pass a new resolution that would add very tough consequences if Iraq fails to comply. We cannot allow U.N. weapons inspectors to be continually used as puppets. Since President Bush's address at the United Nations last month, Iraq has already changed its position four, yes four, times on the level of access U.N. weapons inspectors will have, the latest of which is not complete and unfettered access. While the use of military force is and must be the last option, it is an option that must be discussed here, must be debated here and, ultimately, granted to the President. I support the bipartisan resolution we are currently debating, authorizing the President to use military force if necessary. President Bush is responsible for our country's security, not the United Nations. I will not tie the President's hands by allowing the United Nations to decide when, how, and if we will protect the United States and its citizens. After the tragic events of September 11, we must do everything in our power to protect the people of this country. Ironically, Saddam Hussein was the only world leader to fully condone what happened on September 11 and has stated on many occasions his hatred for our country. Saddam Hussein supports international terrorism, including paying $25,000 to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers, and he shelters many terrorist organizations with a history of killing Americans, like the MKO and the Palestine Liberation Front. Recently, Saddam Hussein's media promised the American people that if their government did not change its policies over Iraq it would suffer even more devastating blows. I am convinced that, given the opportunity, Saddam would use his weapons of mass destruction against us, whether directly himself or indirectly through selling them to some terrorist organization. That must not happen. We cannot let a catastrophic attack on American soil be the smoking gun that he possesses such weapons. We must not cower. We must not back down. We must stand united and grant the President the authority he needs to protect this Nation and its people. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today is the very first day of the new fiscal year, and yet the government's budget is not in order. The Senate has not even passed a budget, while the House, we continue to fight all appropriation bills, to keep all appropriation bills in line with the President's responsible budget request. All the while political rhetoric continues to fly in the face of the real facts. Most recently I heard the troubling rumor that somehow we are trying to cut the education budget. Nothing, Mr. Speaker, could be further from the truth. In fact, under Republican leadership in the House, Federal funding for education has more than doubled over the past 6 years. Since 1998, the overall education budget will have increased by nearly 70 percent. The President's budget for the Department of Education for fiscal year 2003 is $1.8 billion more than last year. Mr. Speaker, these are the facts. In spite of the twin challenges of war and economic recovery, House Republicans remain committed and dedicated to funding our priorities. It is time others joined in our efforts in this regard.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor today to be on the floor to speak in favor of H. Res. 417, a resolution I introduced to recognize the distinguished career and extraordinary life of Justice C. Clifton Young. Justice Cliff Young will be retiring this year after serving 18 years on the Nevada Supreme Court. However, this achievement is only one in a long list of accomplishments which span Justice Young's lifetime. As a young boy in the rural, agricultural community of Lovelock, Nevada, Cliff Young was the son of pioneers and soon learned at an early age the value of hard work. As a youth he had a series of odd jobs from shining shoes to painting houses to installing sidewalks. His work ethic earned him the honor of being named valedictorian of his high school class and then earning the highest scholastic achievement at graduation from the University of Nevada at Reno. He would eventually continue his studies at Harvard Law School thanks to the G.I. Bill, but before he embarked on a career in law and public service, Justice Young served his Nation as an officer in the 103rd Infantry Division during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a major at the sage age of 23. After his military service and finishing law school, Cliff Young was elected to his first public office, the Washoe County public administrator. Two years later he would be elected the Representative of Nevada in this Chamber, the House of Representatives, where he served two terms, never missing a single vote. His time in Washington proved to be quite eventful and not solely due to legislation which came before Congress. Upon his arrival to the Nation's Capital with his wife, their car was stolen. Then while serving in Congress, shots were fired into the Chamber wounding the Member sitting next to him. Yes, Justice Young's service in Congress was certainly eventful. After serving two terms, Cliff Young would return home to the State of Nevada. He would then serve 14 years in the Nevada State senate and be elected to the Nevada Supreme Court in 1984. At the end of this term, Justice Young will have completed 50 years of public service to his State and to the Nation. All the while he remained active in his local community as a member of various organizations including serving as President of the YMCA, State chairman of the Nevada Cancer Association Campaign, and chairman of the Washoe County Parks and Recreation Board. Justice Young not only devoted his life to public service but also to our legal system as a leader for meaningful judicial reform. His years of commitment to fairness and equality set him apart and earned him the respect of his colleagues and fellow Nevadans. Justice Young stands as a role model to all Americans. This resolution celebrates Justice Young's life, his work and, yes, his dedication. May this recognition inspire others to follow in his footsteps and embark on similar courses of distinguished service.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), the chairman of the Committee on Resources, for yielding me this time to speak on this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, a previous bill considered by this Congress, the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998, was enacted to provide for the orderly disposal of Federal lands in Clark County, Nevada, and to provide for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands in the State. Pursuant to these goals, and to those of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, on April 10 of this year I introduced H.R. 4141 to further enhance the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This legislation will promulgate the exchange of approximately 1,000 acres of private, environmentally-sensitive, mountainous land on the eastern border of the Red Rock National Conservation Area held by the Howard Hughes Corporation for approximately 1,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management lands. In addition, approximately 1,200 acres of BLM land will be transferred to Clark County to be used as a public park. The exchange is fully consistent with the objectives of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act to dispose developable Federal lands in exchange for those that are environmentally sensitive. The land to be conveyed to the BLM by the Howard Hughes Corporation has archeological, scenic, and recreational values. The public lands to be acquired by the Hughes Corporation in exchange are adjacent to the Hughes Corporate land holdings and lie within the disposable boundaries identified by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act for development. Mr. Speaker, Congress recognized the benefit of conveying Federal lands to local government without compensation for recreational purposes when it passed the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1954. The transfer of approximately 1,200 acres to Clark County to be used as a park or part of the trail system meets with the objectives of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, as well as the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4141 is a bill that has strong support of both Nevada's Senators, both of Nevada's Representatives, Clark County, and the city of Las Vegas. Further, the Southern Nevada Group of the Sierra Club has stated in a communication to the Howard Hughes Corporation that they are not opposed to this bill and that it will be a positive gain for public holdings, which make this bill a bill to celebrate. The Howard Hughes Corporation deserves praise for its advocacy of an exchange that not only benefits their development interests, but also those of the local public. This sentiment is echoed by longtime southern Nevada environmentalist Jeff van Ea who said, ``Never in my history of environmental activism have I seen a developer or corporation that has been more responsive to orderly environmental- conscious development than Howard Hughes Corporation. I often say that they are setting the example for others to follow.'' Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that this is probably the last time that this proposal will come before this body. If this legislation fails to pass, it is very possible that the Hughes Corporation will choose a course of planning action that would not be as favorable to the multiple environmental interests that have expressed their support. I encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation which blends development and consideration interests into a wise and sensible solution for Red Rock Canyon and the citizens of Nevada.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, last week we heard Iraq agree to allowing U.N. weapons inspectors back into their country without conditions. All I can say is we have been down this road before. Mr. Speaker, the United Nations must show real backbone if they want to be a meaningful organization in the 21st century. Unfortunately, we have had a decade of defiance and deception from Iraq. Let us not forget that between 1991 and 1998, in spite of 13, yes, 13 different U.N. resolutions mandating unconditional access, Iraq never allowed that to happen. Saddam always had conditions. Inspectors were kept from presidential palaces, mosques and military installations, just to name a few locations. The U.N. must pass a resolution that not only mandates unconditional weapons inspections, but also outlines the serious consequences for Saddam if Iraq fails to act and fails to allow U.N. inspectors to do their complete and unfettered job. The U.N. must take control and mandate unfettered inspections, and Saddam Hussein must comply. It is time for the U.N. and not Saddam Hussein to be in the driver's seat.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, September 28, in honor of National Public Lands Day, a 3,000-mile trek crossing six states and 14 national forests will end in Salt Lake City, Utah. Last July 31, two teams began this unique journey with one group departing from New Mexico and the other from Montana. Their travels were solely on public lands and consisted of hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, boating and driving SUVs. Those Americans making this trek also worked to educate people, especially our youth, on the importance of public lands. Public lands are a tremendous source for clean air, clean water and open space, and they provide important natural resources, such as minerals, coal, gas, oil, forage and timber. It is my hope that National Public Lands Day will remind all of America of the important role public lands play in protecting ecosystems, as well as contributing to our national economy and our national defense. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, Congress must enact responsible public land policies.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, my bill, H.R. 5039, would direct the Secretary of Interior to convey title to certain irrigation project property in the Humboldt Project, Nevada, to the Pershing County Water Control District, the State of Nevada and to Lander and Pershing Counties. The Pershing County Water Conservation District will receive the Rye Patch Reservoir along with specific lands along the reservoir and title for acquired passage lands. The State of Nevada will receive all the withdrawn lands above the high water mark at Rye Patch to be added to existing State park and withdrawn lands in the Humboldt Sink area and in Lander County to be managed as wetlands. All lands being conveyed to the State will be used for recreation, wildlife habitat, wetlands or resource conversation, pursuant to the agreement between the State of Nevada and the Pershing County Water Conservation District. Lander County will receive title to designated pasture lands and Pershing County will acquire lands immediately adjacent to Derby Airport for maintenance and future expansion purposes. Over the past 5 years, the Pershing County Water Conservation District has undergone an extensive consensus-based process with the Federal Government, the counties and the State of Nevada. They have also conducted outreach with local representatives of environmental organizations. As a result of public comments received through scoping meetings and in their other convenient views, the Pershing County Water Conservation District has continued to reformulate their proposal in a sincere attempt to address all concerns. They should be commended for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, this bill ratifies agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Pershing County Water Conservation District, the State and the counties. It has the support of the Governor of Nevada, the Humboldt River Basin Water Authority and the counties of Lander and Pershing in Nevada as well. The Department of Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation are on record as supporters of transferring title to the reclamation project to the local entities. This is the third and hopefully final attempt to obtain title to Humboldt Project facilities since it repaid its original project loan back in 1978. The Pershing County Water Conservation District operates and maintains the project and its constituents are the sole beneficiaries of the project. Local control is the logical choice. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, recently Iraq agreed to allow U.N. inspectors back into their country without conditions. After hearing that news, all I can say is we have been down this road before. After a decade of deception by Iraq, the United Nations must show some real backbone if it wants to be a meaningful organization in the 21st century. Let us not forget that from 1991 to 1998, in spite of 13 different U.N. resolutions mandating unconditional access, Iraq never allowed that to happen. Saddam always had his conditions. Inspectors were kept from presidential palaces, mosques, and military installations, just to name a few places where we know he hides weapons. The U.N. must pass a resolution that not only mandates unconditional weapons inspections, but also outlines the serious consequences for Saddam's Iraq if the U.N. inspectors do not get complete and unimpeded access and support. The U.N. must take control and mandate unfettered inspections, and Saddam Hussein must comply. It is time for the U.N., and not Saddam Hussein, to be in the driver's seat.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, since the end of the Persian Gulf War, Iraq has violated U.N. sanctions and resolutions 16 times. Sixteen times they have thumbed their nose at the United Nations and their resolutions. Now, I commend President Bush on addressing these issues with the United Nations last Thursday. It is time to enforce all United Nations resolutions, and it is time to put weapons inspectors back in Iraq with unfettered access. This hard line must be taken. Iraq cannot be given another decade to comply. All U.N. resolutions must be enforced, and this cannot be negotiable. Mr. Speaker, if Iraq has no weapons of mass destruction, then what are they afraid of? If Iraq complied with the United Nations' resolutions, sanctions would be lifted; and they could make $120 billion a year in their oil sales; but Saddam Hussein has foregone $120 billion a year to hide something. We must have U.N. inspectors inside Iraq, and they must have complete access to see everything to see just what Saddam Hussein is hiding from the rest of the world.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, today America remembers. America just 1 year ago witnessed three heinous and senseless terrorist attacks that will be forever etched in our minds and memorialized in our history. May I say that no American will ever forget the horrific images of September 11, 2001, and no American will ever forget the thousands of innocent victims, or the hundreds of courageous heroes who will always have a place in our history and in our hearts. Yet since that fateful day, the American people have persevered and established a new sense of normalcy. May I say to the cowards who targeted our great country last year, let me recite that terrorism against the United States, our freedom, and our people will never be tolerated. The United States stands strong, and we will fight terrorism wherever it lurks. No corner of this world will be safe for them or those who want to attack freedom, destroy liberty, and instill fear. America's fight will not be won quickly or easily; however, it will be won. I have seen firsthand the bravery and the patriotism of the men and women in our Armed Forces, and may I say that they will not settle for anything less than victory. They are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberty. They deserve our strongest support and our deepest gratitude. Americans have answered the call to help their fellow man and to defend freedom and to serve their Nation. We will not retreat. We will not be intimidated. America is strong and her strength is in her people. It is the strength of the American people that will prevail over terrorism wherever it may hide. So on this, the first-year anniversary of September 11, on this, Patriot Day, may Americans again unite to remember our loss, to celebrate our freedom, and to defend liberty. May God bless this great country and its people.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, in the first 6 months of this year, wildfires have burned nearly 3 million acres out west. That 6-month total is significantly more than the annual averages, and even greater than the number of acres burned at the same point during the record- setting fire year of 2000. And thousands of acres of fire continue to burn as we speak. So far, the State of Nevada has endured over 678 separate fires, turning nearly 81,000 acres into charcoal. Wildfires not only devastate our precious national forests but they endanger private property and the lives of thousands of residents in the West. It is time we give the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior the tools they need to expeditiously implement fuels-reduction work on tens of millions of acres of public land at risk of severe wildfire. I urge my colleagues to support the efforts of the House Committee on Resources to move the President's healthy forest initiative to reduce wildfire risk for the sake of our national resources, our property, and our lives.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I look forward tomorrow to joining approximately 250 of my colleagues at the Joint Meeting of Congress in New York City, where we will honor the victims and celebrate the heroes of September 11, 2001. We will be returning to the city which terrorists targeted for devastation almost 1 year ago, and yet the terrorists did not succeed in destroying this Nation or the American spirit. Instead, our Nation is strong, our people are its strength. The people of New York are the beacon to the strength of the American spirit. Tomorrow we will see firsthand that strength, and how New York City has survived in spite of the horrible tragedy of September 11. Our message to those terrorists is that no one in this Nation will retreat, and we will not be intimidated. Terrorism against the United States, our freedom, and our people will never be tolerated. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the people of New York for welcoming Congress to their city. May this visit symbolize not only the unity of Congress, but that of the entire country to rebuild our Nation and defend our freedom.