Jim Gibbons

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, in spite of the ongoing war that America is waging against terrorism in Afghanistan, we continue to face ecological terrorist attacks right here at home. Just last month, ecoterrorists used timed fire bombs to attack and destroy a Federal facility near the California-Nevada border in order to protest Federal efforts to round up and control excess wild horses. Ecoterrorism, Mr. Speaker, continues to grow as Web sites teach disciples how to manufacture and use these fire bombs. These deadly terrorist attacks, like Ted Kaczynski's, have already killed or wounded American citizens and destroyed millions of dollars of public and private property. Although the national media has virtually ignored this issue, the American people are forced to deal with its very real consequences. We must prove by our actions that we know how to deal with this deadly terrorism; and we must show that regardless of its source, target, or motive, it will be eliminated. As the President has said, we must eliminate all terrorist cells at home and abroad by exposing them and those who harbor and support them until our Nation is rid of this growing evil.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, as someone who spent 17 years as an airline pilot, a commercial airline pilot for major airlines, I believe I have as much experience as anyone here spending time in and out of our airports; and I want to assure my colleagues that I come today to show my support for H.R. 3150, the Airline Security Act, which we will deal with tomorrow. A few weeks ago I was watching a news program on television, and on this particular program they tested the inadequacy of airport security. Sadly, this test was no television production. Poor airport security has become a reality. The events of September 11 have shown us that airport security needs a dramatic and drastic overhaul. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3150 is the right solution to improving our aviation safety in the skies over America, and in order to make flying safer and our airports more secure, we must federalize our airport security standards. H.R. 3150 puts to good use more than $500 million that will bolster the front lines of airport security. It will place more air marshals in the skies and in our airlines. It will mandate fortified cockpit doors and give flexibility when it comes to hiring either Federal security personnel or federally certified security contractors. Support H.R. 3150.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today, we will consider House Concurrent Resolution 243, the Medal of Valor for America's Heroes Act. Our Nation continues to mourn the many, many innocent citizens that were lost in the tragic events of September 11 and terrorist events since then. However, our Nation also celebrates the courage and dedication of the firefighters, police officers and medical personnel who worked around the clock to find survivors amidst the rubble in New York and Washington. These brave men and women were first on the scene and risked their lives to help their fellow Americans, and many of these brave souls made the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, it is only proper that the United States recognize these heroes and award them the Medal of Valor for their service. I encourage all my colleagues to support this resolution and for America never to forget our fallen heroes.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, since the terrorist attacks of September 11, thousands of Americans have volunteered to help New York and Washington recover from the devastating attacks and damage that was done on that date. Today, I am privileged and honored to come to the floor to recognize and commend Mr. Tom Turk of Elko, Nevada, who has spent the last 3 weeks at ground zero in New York City. As a battalion chief for the Nevada Division of Forestry, Mr. Turk had never been east of the Mississippi until he left on September 18 to assist FEMA in the aftermath of those terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Recently, Mr. Turk mentioned what he will remember most about his experience in New York, and I think we can all relate to his words, which I would like to share, and I quote, ``It has taught me not to take this life or the importance of family for granted. It has also taught me despite all this destruction and evil, that people, the public, the emergency workers, the residents of New York City and the people across this country are good to the core as a whole.'' As America continues to brave this dark chapter of history, let us find strength in Mr. Turk's words; the good will and spirit of America will always survive.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today we will debate and vote on H.R. 3090, the Economic Security and Recovery Act of 2001. I urge everyone's support for this bill. There is no doubt that our economy has been drastically impacted by the September 11, 2001 act and by the subsequent bioterrorism that has occurred throughout America. Both the job creator and the individuals are facing difficult financial situations and action needs to be taken now. This bill, H.R. 3090, will provide incentives for businesses to create those jobs and innovations to invest in our country and in our future. The bill will also address the issues related to human impacts by these attacks. Hundreds of thousands of individuals are in dire financial straits through no fault of their own and are offered a helping hand in this bill. This bill will allow for States to provide flexibility to supplement current unemployment and health benefits in States where events of September 11 have caused an increase in the number of unemployed. The bill also offers incentives for businesses to create jobs, spur innovations and invest in our country's future. I urge everybody to support H.R. 3090.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged today to come to the floor to recognize one of the finest officers in the United States Air Force, Lieutenant General T. Michael ``Buzz'' Moseley. For the past 2 years, General Moseley served with noteworthy distinction in the vital position of director of the Air Force Office of Legislative Liaison. During his time in Washington, and especially with regard to his work here on Capitol Hill, General Moseley personified the Air Force core values of integrity, selfless service, and excellence in all things. Many Members and staff enjoyed the opportunity to meet with him on a variety of Air Force issues and came to appreciate his many talents. Today, it is my privilege to recognize some of Buzz's many accomplishments since he entered the military 29 years ago, and to commend the superb service he provided the Air Force, the Congress and our Nation. Buzz Moseley entered the United States Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at Texas A&M. While an Aggie, he completed both his bachelor's and master's degrees in political science. He earned his pilot wings in 1973 at Webb Air Force Base, Texas, and was then assigned to stay on as a T-37 instructor pilot. From 1979 to 1983, he flew the F-15 as an instructor-pilot, flight lead and mission commander, first at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, and then while serving overseas at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Over his career, General Moseley demonstrated his skill as an aviator in the T-37, T-38, and F-15 aircraft, and has logged over 2,800 hours of flying time. From early in his career, General Moseley and his exceptional leadership skills were always evident to both superiors and subordinates as he repeatedly proved himself in numerous select command positions. He was the commander of the F-15 division of the United States Air Force Fighter Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and the commander of the 33rd Operations Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. When stationed at Nellis Air Force Base a second time, he commanded the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing, with 26 squadrons, consisting of A-10, B-1, B-52, F-15C/D, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16C/D, HH-60G, and the RQ-1A Predator. It is the Air Force's largest, most diverse fighter wing. The 57th also included the Air Force Special Weapons School, Red Flag, Air Force Aggressors, the Air Force Demonstration Squadron known as the Thunderbirds, the Air Ground Operations School, Air Warrior, 66th Rescue Squadron and the Predator Unmanned Aerial vehicle Operations. Buzz Moseley also excelled in a variety of key staff assignments, including serving as the deputy director for the Politico-Military Affairs for Asia and Middle East on the Joint Staff; chief of the Air Force General Officer Matters Office; chief of staff of the Air Force Chair and professor of Joint and Combined Warfare at the National War College; and chief of the Tactical Fighter Branch, Tactical Forces Division, Directorate of Plans. General Moseley also serves on the Council on Foreign Relations and has been named an Officer of the French National Order of Merit by the President of France. During his service to the 106th and the 107th Congress, General Moseley was our liaison to the Air Force for critical readiness and modernization issues. He was a crucial voice for the Air Force in representing its many programs on the Hill, providing clear, concise and timely information. General Moseley's leadership, professionalism and expertise enabled him to foster exceptional rapport between the Air Force and the House, impressing me with his ability to work with the Congress and to address Air Force priorities. We were all pleased when the President recently nominated General Moseley for his third star. It is exceptionally well deserved. I offer my congratulations to him; his wife, Jennie; son, Greg; and daughter, Tricia. The Congress and country applaud the selfless commitment his entire family has made to the Nation in supporting his military career. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in expressing my heartfelt appreciation to General Moseley. He is a credit to both the Air Force and the Nation. We wish our friend the best of luck in his assignment of commander, Ninth Air Force, Air Combat Command and commander, United States Central Command Air Forces, United States Central Command. We are confident of his continued success in his new position.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to extend my support to the men and women who bravely defend the United States and freedom. As a former Air Force pilot myself, I understand the dedication, the commitment, the courage it takes to serve our Nation and complete one's military mission. These men and women do not do it for the glory, though. They are fighting for the freedom and liberties that we all hold so dear. They are fighting to protect our great Nation and all it stands for. And they are fighting for the children and grandchildren, to ensure that these future generations of Americans can grow up in a peaceful society free from the fear of atrocious terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I commend the work of our military men and women currently serving abroad in Afghanistan and throughout the world, and I hope that they know that this Congress and this Nation supports them.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday President Bush formally opened the Office of Homeland Security and appointed Governor Tom Ridge as its Director. I applaud the President's efforts, and I am pleased with his vision for the office. Yet, concerns have arisen regarding how much control Governor Ridge will actually have. As Ash Carter of the Boston Globe noted, ``White House czars have historically been toothless, unable to control activities of cabinet bureaucracies. To be effective as homeland security czar, Ridge will need influence over the budgets.'' That is why I joined with the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman) in introducing the Office of Homeland Security Act. Our bill will make the office permanent under color of law and provide Governor Ridge the budget authority he will need to coordinate the Federal agencies and resources necessary to protect America from terrorism. Mr. Speaker, passage of this legislation is critical to our efforts to combat terrorism here at home. I encourage all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, today Washington, D.C. Ronald Reagan National Airport reopened, a reopening that reflects the freedom to access the world's seat of democracy. This is yet another sign that our country is recovering and we will not cower to the threat of terrorism. I applaud the administration for their commitment to assuring the American public and that it is safe to return to the skies. Washington, D.C., like other favorite tourist destinations in our great Nation, welcomes millions of visitors every year and the reopening of Ronald Reagan National Airport will once again allow people to travel from the farthest corners of the world to see our Nation at work, to see our Nation's capital and to see democracy at work. Our Nation is strong. Our resolve is strong. Madam Speaker, we will not allow terrorists to shut down our airports, our society or our freedoms. I encourage everyone to battle terrorism individually by returning to their normal day-to-day work routines and to enjoy the freedoms of travel and enjoy their lives as Americans.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, since the evil terrorist act of September 11, thousands of Nevadans have been laid off; and they now face an uncertain future, just as other Americans employed in the tourism industry do. Like many tourist destinations, visitors to Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and other Nevada destinations depend heavily upon convenient and safe airline travel. The administration has gone to great lengths to ensure that airline travel today is safer than ever before, and this Congress has provided over $15 billion in emergency funds to the airline industry. Yet, our tourism economy continues to suffer. I believe that this downturn is temporary; and for the first time since the terrorist attacks, now many hotels are beginning to report more reservations than they are cancellations. Madam Speaker, supporting our tourism industry is a crucial component of our national well-being, just as is our war against terrorism. We cannot allow terrorists to scare the American public into staying home. Madam Speaker, I applaud the elected officials who, like myself, have been traveling our Nation's airways. I hope that the American public will follow our example and return to the skies and to the fun and entertaining vacation sites in Nevada and across the United States.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to mourn the senseless loss of thousands of Americans, let us begin to ensure that the tragic events of September 11 never happen again. This week we will consider legislation to begin providing our military men and women the resources they have needed for years. According to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, the United States military needs ``every penny'' of the $343 billion provided in the fiscal year 2002 Defense budget, because in real terms the Defense budget has declined every year from 1985 until 1998. Our battle to combat terrorism will require dedication and commitment not only by our armed services and by the American public, but by Congress, this very Congress as well. We need to ensure that our military has every tool and resource available to enable them to protect freedom and liberty. Therefore, I encourage all of my colleagues to support the defense authorization bill, a down payment for our military to enable them to meet the challenges of today and to begin preparing for those of tomorrow.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute members of the Nevada Air National Guard in the State of Nevada who have been authorized and called to active duty in support of Operation Infinite Justice. Eighty-three brave and dedicated personnel from the 152nd Intelligence Squadron, based in Reno, Nevada, are ready and eager to support this Nation against the war on terrorism. All across this country, reservists and guardsmen are rearranging their lives to answer the call to duty. Many families in Nevada, and indeed throughout America, will require the military's assistance in many ways. Everything from child care to changes in family benefits will be required to see that we can provide the most adequate care and peace of mind that our fighting men and women deserve. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to fight this war against terrorism, let us speak in one voice, a unified voice, in support of our military men and women. Let us not forget that while we send our brave men and women off to defend freedom itself, that we, here at home, must lend support to their families throughout their time of need. I know that these men and women will make America proud. I know that they will bring justice to America.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, words cannot begin to express the emotions that Americans all across this country are experiencing after Tuesday's events. We are all grief stricken. We are stunned. We are amazed. We are angry. And amongst these emotions, we are just simply trying to make sense of it all. Well, Mr. Speaker, I stand here to say that it is impossible to make sense of it all. It is impossible to make sense of the loss; possibly in the tens of thousands of Americans have lost their lives in these recent terrorist attacks. Innocent civilians, military officers, men and women not fighting a war but innocent mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, who were only going about their daily routine. I would like to reiterate the words expressed by Leonard Pitts, a columnist for the Miami Herald, who is also trying to make sense of these recent events, and I quote: ``Did you want us to respect your cause? You just damned Your cause. Did you want us to fear you? You just steeled our resolve. Did you want to tear us apart? You just brought us together.'' Yes, Mr. Speaker, we are a united Nation, a united country, the United States, today, tomorrow, and forever, and we will overcome.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, yesterday America was changed forever. This despicable terrorist action waged against America, waged against innocent civilians, citizens, men and women, waged against symbols of strength and success in America, was clearly an act of war, an act of war waged against our citizens and military personnel, along with firemen and policemen; and we will never forget what they have done. Now, as we try to find the words, the correct words, to put it all into proper perspective, we must have the resolve to take all of the necessary action; and we must have the resolve to provide our warfighters and intelligence agencies the resources they need. We must provide them the resolve they will need to remove this blight from our international society. As the rescue efforts continue, our hearts and prayers go out to the families, friends, and coworkers of those missing and lost yesterday and today. America was founded on freedoms, and we have always fought for our freedoms. We will never give in to terrorism. We will never give up until everyone responsible for this cowardly act has paid the price. We will prevail. America must prevail. May God bless the United States of America, and grant us the will and strength to see this through.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, throughout the past several months I have been listening to my constituents during town hall meetings and other listening sessions to hear just exactly what it is we need to do and what we need to change. I believe we do need a Patients' Bill of Rights, not a lawyers' right to bill. I support increasing access to health care for all Americans and ensuring that all patients can receive health care and hold HMOs accountable. The Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 2001 is comprehensive, bipartisan legislation that will increase the quality of health care for all Americans and small businesses will be better able to offer health insurance for employees through association health plans and expanded medical savings accounts. Mr. Speaker, patients need to be protected and this plan gives patients access, access to emergency room and specialties care, direct access to obstetricians, gynecologists, and pediatricians; access to needed prescription drugs and approved clinical trials and access to health plan information. It also ensures that patients have the right to choose their doctor with continuity of care and protection that allows patients to definitely see their own doctors even when they are terminally ill, pregnant, or awaiting critical surgery. Let us pass the Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 2001.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for yielding to me. Section 301 of the bill attempts to take that nuclear waste fund off- budget. I want to express my strong support for the rule and the provision which strikes section 301 of H.R. 4. As the chairman has stated, the Nation has been demanding a national energy policy, and has been for some time. This bill now provides the leadership for that energy policy. We know the previous administration did not have the political will to take on this issue, leaving the current administration with no choice but to act. President Bush and Vice President Cheney, as well as this Congress, deserve great praise for doing what is necessary to meet today's and tomorrow's energy needs. This administration has engaged the American public in this important issue, and I am proud today that the House will finally debate America's energy needs. Section 301 presents a misguided effort to take the nuclear waste fund off-budget, and I must warn the Members that such action would be irrational and fiscally irresponsible. Taking the nuclear waste fund off-budget will undoubtedly diminish Congress's strong oversight responsibilities over Federal spending. Further, by taking the nuclear waste fund off-budget, we place the overall budget of this Nation at risk. If section 301 were allowed to stay, it would allow the Department of Energy to construct and facilitate a permanent high-level nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain without the strict oversight that Congress has demanded and that good oversight deserves. This debate concerning the safe, permanent storage of high-level nuclear waste is as controversial an issue as any other facing this Nation. Removing the nuclear waste fund from the strictest, most ardent congressional oversight would only escalate the controversy surrounding this issue. Therefore, I strongly support this rule that will take this poison pill out of H.R. 4. By striking 301 from this otherwise good piece of legislation, we will maintain congressional oversight and fiscal responsibility for the taxpayers and the ratepayers of this Nation. I want to thank again the gentleman from Louisiana (Chairman Tauzin) for his leadership on this issue, and I want to thank the Committee on Rules for allowing this self-executing portion to take place.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today is National Minority Donor Awareness Day. Observed every year on August 1, National Minority Donor Awareness Day is an intensive awareness campaign reaching out to minorities of all ethnic groups. The awareness campaign seeks to address organ and tissue donation fears and obstacles of specific concerns to minorities. The campaign also promotes healthy living and disease prevention, and seeks to increase the number of people who sign donor cards and actually become donors. Also, this day increases awareness of behaviors that may lead to the need for transplantation, such as smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, and poor nutrition. Several communities will be holding activities in observance of National Minority Donor Day, and I support these efforts wholeheartedly. Over 77,500 patients are currently waiting for an organ transplant. The more donors we can recruit, the more lives we can save.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the energy crisis America is facing is still with us. Americans need our country to invest in and produce more energy from the few sites we have available on our public lands. That is the goal of the bipartisan Energy Security Act which will allow for the production of wind, solar and geothermal energies on public lands. These are clean energies, renewable energies that leave our environment untouched. We cannot keep pretending our energy challenges will take care of themselves if we just wait long enough. When we fail to act, prices rise and our seniors and small businesses, our farmers and low-income families suffer. They suffered last winter. They suffered this spring. They are suffering now under the hot summer sun. Be assured, without a comprehensive plan they will suffer next year, and the year after that. We need to have the courage and the vision to realize that increased energy production plays a key role in a sound national energy policy. We need to pass the Republican energy package for the sake of our future, for the sake of America.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. For those of my colleagues who seem lost in the haze of rhetoric that we have heard from the other side that seems to surround the issue of arsenic, let me say that arsenic has nothing to do with oil, it has nothing to do with prescription drugs. Arsenic is a naturally occurring component in groundwater, particularly in the Western States, like Nevada, the one I represent. There are communities in my State that have 100 parts per billion naturally occurring arsenic in the water. People have been drinking it for 5 and 6 generations, living decades into their 80s and 90s, with no ill-effects, like my colleague from New Mexico has said, of the current indicators that have been heard about by the fact that arsenic exists there. The gentleman from Michigan should know that local communities in the district that I represent in Nevada want nothing more than to provide safe drinking water for everyone, and especially to the citizens of their communities. But the gentleman should also know that before these small communities in my district can go out and build $10 million and $20 million water treatment plants, they want assurance that the EPA's mandated arsenic standards are based on sound science and accurate costs and benefit analysis. I do not know if anyone can tell me whether it is trivalent or pentavalent arsenic which is the high component in anybody's water that has the effect they are talking about. But, keep in mind, if we implement such strict standards, and it is of such importance, as it is to this administration as well, then why did the previous administration under Mr. Clinton put this in place on his way out the door, and not 8 years ago when he came in prior to that? If this was such an important issue, I do not know and I am not sure anyone knows why they did not implement the new standards 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 years ago. Mr. Chairman, this administration is committed to a stricter arsenic standard, and I support the implementation of a stricter standard. Mayors in Nevada and small communities, who have high levels of arsenic in their water, support stricter standards. But meeting the 25 parts per billion standard will cost our small communities millions of dollars to comply with; meeting a 15 parts per billion standard will cost even more; and meeting stricter standards will virtually bankrupt every small community. I commend Administrator Whitman for taking a good, hard look at the politically motivated standard put in place by the outgoing Clinton Administration. Certainly, we should not be undercutting the hard work that she and her agency has put into this important issue. Let us allow the EPA to complete its science review of arsenic standards, and let us vote no on Mr. Bonior's amendment.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's response to that. Certainly the California and Nevada Water Users Association has endorsed stricter standards, but the fact is that science does not tell us exactly at what level that standard should be and it has not looked at it from a cost-benefit analysis or operating cost. They do want strict standards, they do want to lower it. As I have said, the mayors and all the water-user communities in my State want to have lower standards, but we also want the science to show exactly what standard we are going to and what the cost is going to be for these people.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, Napoleon Bonaparte once said that ``if you wanted to be a success in the world, promise everything, deliver nothing.'' But we all know how successful Napoleon fared. Yet, the supporters of the Ganske-Dingell Patients' Bill of Rights and its Senate equivalent seem to have forgotten the lessons of Napoleon Bonaparte. They are promising American families new patient protections and rights to health care. But, like Napoleon, they are promising everything and delivering nothing. The unlimited liability in their ``lawyer's right to sue'' bill will result in over 6 million Americans losing their health care insurance. What type of patient protection is that? Rather than doctors taking care of their health needs, Americans will be finding trial lawyers taking them to the cleaners. Americans deserve to get the health care they need and when they need it, a real promise we can keep and must deliver. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support a real Patients' Bill of Rights, the bipartisan Fletcher-Peterson Patients' Bill of Rights.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.