Bob Goodlatte

Mr. GOODLATTE

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I claim time in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes). (Mr. HAYES asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rehberg). (Mr. REHBERG asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne).

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 239, I call up the bill (H.R. 1904) to improve the capacity of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to plan and conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects on National Forest System lands and Bureau of Land Management lands aimed at protecting communities, watersheds, and certain other at-risk lands from catastrophic wildfire, to enhance efforts to protect watersheds and address threats to forest and rangeland health, including catastrophic wildfire, across the landscape, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. GOODLATTE

Mr. GOODLATTE. I thank the gentleman. It is my pleasure to recognize the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry) for 5 minutes.

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, at this time it is my pleasure to recognize the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady).

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns).

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith).

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for sharing those wonderful remarks with us, and I thank him also for sharing nearly 2 decades of his life with the American people and with all of us here in the Congress. We thank Sharon for sharing you with us because it has been a blessing for all of us. So we wish you the best. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note that we have a large contingent of staff members of the House Committee on Agriculture and other friends and supporters of Larry in the gallery. I mentioned earlier that the Record will remain open for an additional 5 days for Members to submit statements for the Record, and a number already have. I would also note that the vice chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), the former chairman of the Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and Foreign Agriculture Programs, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Everett), have submitted statements for the Record, and I know others have been submitted and will be in the coming days because, Larry, many of us want to let you know how highly we regard you and we wish you happy trails and abundant streams. May God abundantly bless you and Sharon in all of your future travels.

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I thank all of those who participated in this today, and I wonder if I might prevail upon the man of the hour to say a few words to us himself. A lot has been mentioned about the possibility that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Combest) might spend some time fishing in the next few months. That will be a well-deserved recreation for he and his wife, Sharon. But I find it especially refreshing, given that he represents a district that includes, as I understand it, the town of no trees, and I do not think he has much by the way of national forestland. So I am glad he will get the opportunity to enjoy it all across the country. So at this time I am pleased to yield to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Combest), the former chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and my friend.

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. At this time it is my pleasure to recognize the chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran).

Mr. GOODLATTE. 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 subject of my special order.

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, over the next hour we will be paying tribute to our colleague and friend, Representative Larry Combest, who announced in November of 2002 that he was retiring from Congress at the end of this month. It is a real privilege and honor for me to participate in this special order, because Larry has been a friend and a mentor to me for more than 10 years now since I first became a Member of the House and joined the House Committee on Agriculture. He served as our chairman for 4 years. He has very graciously traveled to my district to meet with my farmers and community leaders and talk about matters of concern to them and has truly been a great help to many of us here in the Congress. Larry Combest has also faithfully served his own constituents, his home State of Texas and his country, for the past 18 years. His greatest legislative accomplishment lies in his shepherding through of the landmark 2002 Farm Bill, which President Bush signed into law last year. He and other members of the committee began work on the bill 3 years ago when the agriculture community was in the throes of a severe economic depression. Under Larry's leadership, the farm bill was eventually signed into law, reflecting his goal of providing a dependable safety net that farmers could rely on when tough economic times arise, as they inevitably will. President Dwight Eisenhower once remarked, ``Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you are 1,000 miles from the cornfield.'' Larry understood the fundamental concept that legislators in Washington cannot craft effective farm policy if they are not in touch with the day-to-day struggles of rural America. With this in mind, the Committee on Agriculture, under Larry's leadership, held 10 field hearings across the country before actually sitting down to craft the farm bill. They drew high attendance and over 200 witnesses. For his tireless work on behalf of the farm community, he received countless accolades, among them the Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding Agriculturalist Award for Public Service, the Lubbock Area Foundation Hero of the Year Award, and the Legislator of the Year from the National Association of Farm Service Agency Employees. While Larry was a consistent voice for agriculture, his work in Congress did not end there. He is a senior Member of the Committee on Small Business, where he has earned a reputation as a fiscally responsible Member of Congress who serves as a reliable steward of taxpayer money. As evidence of this commitment, his first day in Congress he cosponsored the balanced budget amendment. He has also been a leader on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and has lent previous experience in the military affairs and in intelligence matters to the Congress, and that has also been widely recognized and acknowledged. In recognition of his efforts, he has been the recipient of many recent awards, including the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce's Distinguished Service Award, Leader of the Year in Service to Agriculture by Progressive Farmer Magazine, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas 2002 Trailblazer Award, and the Heritage of Odessa Foundation's 2002 Award for Excellence in Community Service in Government. Additionally, each year the National Federation of Independent Businesses recognizes Larry as a guardian of small business, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has consistently honored him with their Prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award. In addition to his abundant legislative accomplishments, Larry remained attentive to the needs of his constituents, never forgetting where he came from and who sent him here. His office has an excellent reputation for case work which flowed from his enthusiastic spirit of service. Voters recognized this about Larry, expressing their confidence in his representation by ever-increasing electoral margins. I am honored to follow him as chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and am committed to ensuring that the farm bill that he guided through Congress is implemented according to its original intent. He has been a valued colleague. After nearly 2 decades of distinguished public service, it is an understatement to say that Larry Combest can return home with his head held high. But those who know him doubt that will happen; for, in spite of all that he has accomplished, Larry has maintained his humility, a character trait which is increasingly rare in this city. I know he is anxious to return to west Texas, to his friends and family; and we wish him and his wife, Sharon, all of the best. His consistent voice on behalf of rural America will be terribly missed. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture who has served long in this body and served the entire time the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Combest) served.

Mr. GOODLATTE. I thank the gentleman. It is my pleasure to recognize the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger).

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research and a whole host of other responsibilities.

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his excellent statement. At this time I am pleased to recognize the chairman of the department operations, oversight, nutrition, forestry, dairy, et cetera, et cetera, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht).

Mr. GOODLATTE

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today, as the Commonwealth of Virginia celebrates its Arbor Day, to introduce legislation to recognize the people's selection of the oak tree as America's national tree. Selected by the American people during a 4- month-long open voting process sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, the oak tree earned the title of America' s Chosen National Tree. To recognize this distinction, I am proud to introduce legislation today that officially establishes the oak tree as America's national tree. As a member of Congress representing a heavily forested district in Virginia, I know first-hand how trees add to our quality of life. As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I appreciate how trees and forests enhance the environment, add recreational opportunities and provide for the livelihoods of millions of individuals in the forest industry. Whether enjoying a product generated from a forest, or the simple satisfaction of lying under a shaded giant, trees contribute to all Americans. The strong and stately oak tree is of particular importance in America's history and culture. Not only is this majestic tree an aesthetic beauty that characterizes the landscape of much of our great Nation, it also provides us with wood products in our homes, our offices and our places of gathering. Common to all 50 states, the oak has played a huge role in America's history as a valuable resource. It helped our founding fathers establish a new Nation, supplying building materials for the ever-expanding 13 original colonies. It served as a familiar sight to pioneers as they forged across the new republic to the west coast. And to this day it has remained an enduring, valuable, and highly prized raw material from which beautifully crafted furniture, sturdy door and window framing, ornate flooring and paneling, and the like, are made. This enduring and mighty tree, which has long been a part of our national heritage and strength, fully merits the distinction of America's National tree. The oak tree has also played a key role in many specific historic moments in our Nation's history. Abraham Lincoln found his way across a river near Homer, IL, using the Salt River Ford Oak as a marker. The Richards White Oak in Cecil County, MD once served as a landmark on a 1681 map used by William Penn. Andrew Jackson took shelter under Louisiana's Sunnybrook Oaks on his way to the Battle of New Orleans. And ``old ironsides,'' the USS Constitution, earned its nickname from the strength of its live oak hull, famous for easily repelling British cannonballs. Chosen by the people in a broad-based election, the oak tree represents the true characteristics of this great Nation: strength, beauty and endurance. Please join me in making official what we have known for many years--that the oak tree is America's national tree.

Mr. GOODLATTE

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, today Congressman Stenholm and I are introducing a resolution recognizing the important service of the Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service was established to develop and expand markets for United States agricultural commodities and products. Our farmers and ranchers are the most productive in the world and produce much more than we in the United States can consume. Therefore a vibrant export market is very important to the success of United States agriculture. FAS has contributed to that success and as of 2002, United States agricultural exports exceed imports by more than $12 billion. Our exports have grown significantly over the history of FAS and now exceed $50 billion per year. FAS fosters the public and private partnership that is needed to promote United States agricultural exports and to develop and expand markets around the world. At this important time when free trade negotiations are ongoing, both in the World Trade Organization and through bilateral negotiations, the FAS is essential to represent United States agriculture and ensure that the challenges facing our agriculture producers are thoroughly addressed. Another responsibility of the FAS is to provide food aid to needy people in developing countries and to help those countries to eventually become trading partners of the Untied States and buy our agricultural products. The FAS and its employees provide a significant service to the farmers and ranchers here at home so that they can compete in worldwide markets. I congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to working closely with the FAS as the Committee continues its work to expand markets for United States agriculture.

Mr. GOODLATTE

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

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, the State of Virginia recently enacted a law to delay our utilities from joining a regional transmission organization until July 2004. There is great concern in my State that the benefit that our consumers enjoy, low-price electricity, will not stay in our State if our utilities join an RTO. We have had discussions about the possibility of placing an amendment here in the bill which would resolve this problem. Unfortunately, we have not been able to accomplish that. At this time, I would ask the chairman if he can assist me.

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman. There is concern among those in my State that the savings clause language in the Native Load provision of the bill, section 16023, will not give our consumers the protection of that provision as we transition to an RTO.

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin). I would like to further elaborate on a colloquy with the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee to clarify the intent of the Commerce Committee with regards to addressing the concerns of the Virginia delegation about a unique situation in our state regarding native-load protection. Under FERC's proposed standard market design rulemaking, state authority to protect so-called native-load customers--buyers of electricity who have been guaranteed reliable supplies of power at fixed prices--could be supplanted. This proposal deeply concerned Virginia's State Corporation Commission (SCC), Virginia's regulatory agency which has oversight over the state's utility industry. The SCC was not assured that under this proposal my state would be subject to spiraling costs. As you may know, my constituents pay some of the lowest electric rates in the nation. Because of the SCC's concerns, the Virginia General Assembly recently passed legislation to delay full implementation of FERC's proposed language to allow the state to examine the full consequences of restructuring. Virginia is the only state to have passed such legislation, putting it in a unique position with regard to the protection of native loads. Many Virginians could end up paying more for electricity if one of my utilities joins an RTO because the transfer of control of transmission lines may threaten the state's ability to assure reliable service at the stable and reasonable rates many customers are currently enjoying. If the power to protect transmission lines is lost, consumers will no longer be protected from escalating rates. The SCC and the General Assembly have acted to protect native-loads, but if their actions are ignored by FERC, Virginia's electricity prices could sour, and service could become unreliable. When the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee approved the Energy Bill several weeks ago, Congressman Norwood included language to protect state-regulated markets that favor native-load customers. However, Congressman Barton included a savings clause that would exempt certain RTOs from the underlying Norwood provision. Given the unique situation that my state is in, if utilities in Virginia were to join one of these exempted RTOs, I am concerned about the protection of their native- loads. In light of the fact that language protecting native-load preferences in my state has not been included in the Energy Bill, I would like to have the assurances of both the Chairman of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee that they will work with me as this bill moves to conference and in conference to address the unique situation and concern of the Commonwealth of Virginia in protecting native-loads. It is my understanding that Chairman Tauzin and Chairman Barton intend to work with me to include language in the bill that will protect native- load preferences in my state that will help ensure that Virginia gets the full benefit of the native-load preferences in the underlying bill.

Mr. GOODLATTE

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1104, the Child Abduction Prevention Act. This important legislation cracks down on child predators and provides the resources to help ensure that abducted children are safely returned home. Specifically, H.R. 1104 increases the minimum and maximum penalties for the sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children. It also directs the Sentencing Commission to increase the base offense level for kidnapping. Furthermore, it removes the statute of limitations for child abductions and for many felony sex offenses. This provision will be particularly helpful in situations where DNA evidence conclusively proves the identity of a perpetrator years after the crime was committed. In addition to increasing criminal penalties for child predators, H.R. 1104 also establishes and funds an AMBER alert coordination program. To accomplish this, the bill first establishes an AMBER alert coordinator within the Department of Justice to assist States with developing, enhancing, and coordinating their AMBER alert plans. Second, the bill authorizes $5 million to be distributed to the Department of Justice to award grants to encourage the development of AMBER alert activities. The establishment of this AMBER alert coordination program is a crucial step toward bringing missing and abducted children home safely. As a member of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus, I have long been concerned about the safety of children, the most vulnerable members of our society. The caucus has worked to build awareness about missing children, and to create a cohesive voice in Congress so that we might introduce and pass legislation that will strengthen law enforcement and community mobilization efforts to combat child abduction. H.R. 1104 achieves both of these goals and I encourage each of my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. GOODLATTE

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 132, a resolution that expresses Congress's disapproval of the recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that held that a public school's policy of opening each school day with the voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance impermissibly coerced a religious act. A State sponsored religion is unconstitutional, but there is nothing in our founding documents that requires the removal of every reference to God from the public square. Most Americans can make this distinction, which explains the public outcry to the 9th Circuit's misguided decisions. The faith of our founding fathers was central to the establishment of our Nation and there are references to God in countless public forums. The Declaration of Independence declares that ``all men are Created equal, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.'' The Supreme Court begins each session with the blessing ``God save the United States and this honorable court.'' Congress opens each day with a prayer, through which we seek divine guidance for the tasks before us. Our currency bears the slogan ``In God We Trust.'' The Pledge of Allegiance is an important affirmation of both our country's faith and patriotism. With our Nation on the brink of war, we must be vigilant in guarding against efforts to strip away the tradition and powerful public expressions of these key values. Instead, we should emphasize our shared heritage, our commitment to freedom, and our rich tradition of national humility before the ultimate author of our liberty. I urge each of my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Res. 132.