Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chair, I am willing to accept the amendment.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chair, I rise to thank the gentleman for offering this amendment, and I am willing to accept the amendment.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I would reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.

Ms. GRANGER. I rise to address the gentleman's amendment to eliminate funding for the East-West Center. Historically the House has not included funding the center in the subcommittee bill, not because the center's work is not useful or is wasteful but because of the need to address other more important diplomatic and development priorities. Strong advocates have urged the House to continue funding in conference negotiations. The committee again considered eliminating funding in the CR. But we were advised by the center that their projected obligations through March of this year exceeded $8 million. As a result, the decision was made to continue the center's funding, but at half of last year's level to adjust for what was planned to be spent. Having said that, I share the gentleman's objective, and I'm prepared to accept the amendment with the understanding that the $8 million in obligations during the CR period will preclude us from eliminating the agency entirely. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, Congress created the U.S. Institute of Peace in 1984 as part of the Defense Authorization Act of 1985. Since that time, USIP has been active on the ground in diverse conflict zones around the world, among them the Balkans, Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, Kashmir, Liberia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, and the Philippines. With conflicts continuing around the globe, the institute's expertise and independence is an important resource for both the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to utilize in protecting our national security and in promoting our values of liberty and democracy. General David Petraeus stated it well in a 2009 letter to OMB: ``I write to underscore the importance of the U.S. Institute of Peace to the missions the United States is currently pursuing in Iraq and Afghanistan. While I have long been an avid reader of USIP's analytical products, which are second to none in tracking the challenges we face in both countries and in outlining policy options, I have more recently been impressed with USIP's on-the-ground peace-building efforts. USIP's experience working closely with the U.S. military will be a great asset in developing stronger unity of effort between civilian and military elements of government.'' Former Secretary of State George Schultz, in a February 15, 2011, letter to the institute's President, echoed the comments of General Petraeus by saying: ``We are in the most profound period of change in international affairs since the end of the Cold War; and the institute, as a small and agile operation, has demonstrated a unique capacity to innovate in approaches to managing conflicts abroad that affect U.S. interests.'' Madam Chair, I have great respect for both General Petraeus and former Secretary of State George Schultz. The CR already reduces USIP's appropriation by over 6 percent. I cannot support further cuts, and I urge a ``no'' vote on the gentleman's amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1. Chairman Rogers, it's been a pleasure working with you and the other members of the committee on this important piece of legislation that begins to address our country's fiscal crisis. For too long we have seen unsustainable increases in spending. This bill puts an end to that practice and further corrects course by making unprecedented cuts to the federal budget. As chair of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee, I know the difficult tradeoffs that have to be made to achieve these levels of cuts, but we cannot continue to ignore our skyrocketing deficits and debt. We are taking our pledge to cut spending seriously. Since fiscal year 2008, the state-foreign operations budget has had dramatic increases, and this bill begins to rein in the growth of many programs. The state-foreign operations title of the bill before us is $44.9 billion. This represents--an $11.7 billion, or 21%, reduction from the president's fiscal year 2011 request; A $3.8 billion, or 8%, reduction from the fiscal year 2010 enacted level, and A $9.9 billion, or 18%, reduction from the fiscal year 2010 level with supplemental appropriations. Let me be clear--while these are dramatic cuts, I support the goals and objectives of using civilian power to achieve our national security goals. But the state of our economy does not afford us the luxury of continuing all the programs we're currently supporting around the world, particularly at a time when domestic programs are being significantly reduced. To achieve the level of savings included for the remainder of FY11, reductions were made in areas that, while difficult, preserve important efforts and priorities. For example, the bill before us supports top national security priorities, maintains momentum in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, fully funds the US-Israel memorandum of understanding at $3 billion, and continues the fight against illegal drug trafficking in Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. In order to do all of these things, in this bill: New activities are paused so we can take a closer look at our current investments to ensure they are working before we expand them. Many programs that are well-liked and supported are scaled back. Our country simply cannot afford the growth some of these programs have experienced since 2008. Underperforming, wasteful, and duplicative programs are significantly reduced, and many are eliminated. We cannot continue to spend simply because we have done so in the past. Large administration commitments--like climate change--are shelved. We must be sure our domestic problems are addressed before we consider these large investments abroad. While these choices were difficult, they must be made in order to preserve our national security priorities. There is a need for continued oversight in our foreign aid and constituents want to be assured that their tax dollars are being used as intended and not falling into the wrong hands. For that reason I have included language which provides additional oversight for countries like Afghanistan and Lebanon. I would like to thank ranking member Lowey for her dedication to the subcommittee as chair for the last four years, and I look forward to continuing to work together. We both agree that members on both sides of the aisle deserve to be heard on the important foreign policy matters that come before our subcommittee. We have members who are returning this year to the subcommittee and new members who are ready to be a part of our team. I would also like to thank the staff on both sides. On the majority staff Anne Marie Chotvacs, Craig Higgins, Alice Hogans, Susan Adams, Celia Alvarado, and Jamie Guinn. On the minority staff: Steve Marchese. I know Mrs. Lowey and I both appreciate the work of our personal office staff: Aaron Ranck, Johnnie Kaberle, and Talia Dubovi. I also want to recognize Jeff Shockey. This will be the last appropriations bill on the floor before Jeff leaves the appropriations committee so I want take this opportunity to thank him for his years of dedication and hard work. Jeff has been a significant asset to this committee, and to the house, and he will be missed. We all benefit from these highly professional staff and I thank them for their work to help bring the fiscal year 2011 process to a close. I hope this bill will move forward quickly to ensure important government operations are continued in a manner that is fiscally responsible and meets our foreign policy challenges around the world.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. For too long we have seen unsustainable increases in spending. This bill before us today puts an end to that practice by making unprecedented cuts to the Federal budget. As chair of the State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee, I know the difficult tradeoffs that have to be made to achieve these levels of cuts, but we cannot continue to ignore our skyrocketing deficits and our debt. In the bill before us, we are taking our pledge to cut spending seriously. Since fiscal year 2008, the State, Foreign Operations budget has had dramatic increases. This bill begins to rein in the growth of many programs. The State, Foreign Operations title of the bill before us is $44.9 billion. This represents a 21 percent reduction from the President's fiscal year 2011 request, an 8 percent reduction from the fiscal year 2010 enacted level, and an 18 percent reduction from the fiscal year 2010 level with supplemental appropriations. Let me be clear. While these are dramatic cuts, I support the goals and objectives of using civilian power to achieve our national security goals. To achieve the level of savings included for the remainder of FY11, reductions were made in areas that, while difficult, preserve important efforts and priorities. For example, the bill before us supports top national security priorities, maintains momentum in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and fully funds the U.S.-Israel memorandum of understanding at $3 billion. It continues the fight against illegal drug trafficking in Mexico, Central America and Colombia. In order to do all of these things in this bill, new activities are paused, many programs are scaled back, and large administrative commitments like climate change are shelved. While these choices were difficult, they must be made in order to preserve our national security priorities. There is a need for continued oversight in our foreign aid, and for that reason, I've included language which provides additional oversight for countries like Afghanistan and Lebanon. I would like to thank Ranking Member Lowey for her dedication to the subcommittee as chair for the last 4 years, and I look forward to continuing to work together. We both agree that Members on both sides of the aisle deserve to be heard on the important foreign policy matters that come before our subcommittee. I hope this bill will move forward quickly to ensure important government operations are continued in a manner that is fiscally responsible and meets our foreign policy challenges around the world.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the TCU Horned Frogs football team for their 21-19 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2011 Rose Bowl. Quarterback Andy Dalton was named the Rose Bowl's Most Valuable Offensive Player, while linebacker Tank Carder was named the Defensive MVP. The Rose Bowl attendance of 94,118 was the largest crowd to ever attend a TCU football game. Excluding the NFL, the 2011 Rose Bowl Game was the most-watched event in ESPN and cable television history. In addition to an outstanding performance in the Rose Bowl game, TCU posted its third straight top-10 ranking this season, and its fourth top-10 in the last six seasons. TCU's 13-0 overall record was the second undefeated season in program history. The 13 wins mark the most victories in a single season for TCU. As any college football fan knows, breaking into a BCS game is a huge accomplishment for a non-automatic qualifying school, and I am proud that the Horned Frogs became the first non-automatic qualifying school to play in and win the Rose Bowl. With this feat, TCU has proven once again that they can play with any college football team in the Nation. TCU had five first-team All-Americans: linebacker Tank Carder, defensive end Wayne Daniels, safety Tejay Johnson, return specialist Jeremy Kerley and center Jake Kirkpatrick. Jake Kirkpatrick won the Rimington Trophy as the Nation's top center. Congratulations to the team, the coaches, and the staff for an outstanding year and an incredible performance in the Rose Bowl game. The Horned Frogs have made TCU and the entire Fort Worth community proud.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Today we remember with great fondness Tom Vandergriff. Tom was a leader in everything he did. He was a man who saw challenges and tried to solve them. He found opportunities and made them work for us. He had a vision that he always reached for. He never accepted the status quo. He was always working for what ought to be. As a successful businessman, a mayor, a Member of Congress and a county judge, he did so much to promote economic development and opportunities to make Tarrant County, Texas which it is today. Just think of this: Starting as, what he was called, the boy mayor, he was 25 years old. He served his community, helping Texas bring General Motors, Six Flags Over Texas, the Texas Rangers, all to north Texas. He had a vision to anticipate the needs of a growing community and population. But more than that, he was a decent and kind man. His grace was matched only by his courage, and his personal character was exceeded only by his compassion for others. He was the epitome of a great public servant. He will be missed but not forgotten; and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 662 and 661, I was absent from the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 647, I was absent from the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 622 and 625, I was absent from the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 626 I was absent from the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Second Lieutenant John E. McMahon of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and his distinguished service in World War II as a Radar Navigator flying the B-24 Liberator. Volunteering for service on November 2, 1942, Second Lieutenant McMahon underwent training in the United States. He was then assigned to the 528th Squadron of the 380th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and reported for duty in the Western Pacific. Second Lieutenant McMahon flew 27 missions from airstrips on New Guinea, Luzon, Mindoro, the Philippines, and Okinawa. His campaigns included the Western Pacific, Southern Philippines, Luzon, Air Offensive Japan, and the China Offensive Campaign. His decorations and campaign awards include the Air Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with silver star), and the Philippines Liberation Medal (with one bronze star). Through his bravery and selfless service in direct combat actions, he helped take the fight to the enemy and bring the war to a decisive and victorious close. After his service in World War II, he chose to settle in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from Texas Christian University and married the former Willie Mae Wittie, his wife of 60 years. This Nation should always remember how much we owe the Greatest Generation. The service and sacrifice of John McMahon and his brothers in arms is a manifestation of all that makes this country great. We are honored to have such men walk among us, and must always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and are no longer with us. I wish to extend my greatest appreciation to Second Lieutenant John E. McMahon for his gallant service to our Nation in World War II.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine Sergeant Zachary Walters who was killed in Helmand, Afghanistan on June 8, 2010 while serving with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Sergeant Walters attended Flagler Palm Coast High School and was a member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). He graduated in 2005 and joined the United States Marine Corps the next day, passing up college scholarships and job offers so he could serve the country he loved. During his initial tour in the Marine Corps, he deployed from August 2008 to March 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his initial enlistment was complete, Sergeant Walters could have returned to civilian life, but he instead chose to re-enlist in the Marine Corps. Sergeant Walters learned that the Marines whom he had trained would be deployed to Afghanistan, and he felt it was his duty to lead the Marines he had prepared into combat. He selflessly chose to answer the call once again. Sergeant Walters shipped out in May for Afghanistan, just days before his 24th birthday. Sergeant Walters lost his life to a roadside bomb while doing what he had chosen to do: leading men into combat. Our Nation can never repay the debt we owe to this brave man and his family. Sergeant Walters represents the best values of this Nation and the Marine Corps, embodying the Corps' values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. I cannot state it any better than Sergeant Walters' mother, Regina Walters, did, when she said: ``I've never been prouder in my life. My precious boy made the ultimate sacrifice. He would not have had it any other way.'' I wish to extend my condolences to Sergeant Walters' family and hope that they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on both his grateful Nation and his proud Corps.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First National Bank of Weatherford, Texas, which has been serving the banking needs of the families and businesses of Weatherford and Parker County for 130 years. The First National Bank has operated in the City of Weatherford, Texas, continuously since May 15, 1880, and is the oldest national bank charter in the state. Given the trouble the banking industry has faced in the last several years we can all appreciate this enormous accomplishment, which speaks to the strong leadership that has steered the bank over the course of its impressive history. First National Bank is a true community bank with directors, officers, and employees who are committed to serving the needs of its customers. As with so many community banks the employees are so engaged in the Weatherford community because they are from the community. The bank has a strong record as a good neighbor, contributing to the growth of the City of Weatherford and Parker County by supporting commerce, local charities and community events. I congratulate the First National Bank on this significant milestone and wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear that Petty Officer Second Class Matthew McCabe was acquitted of all charges against him in relation to the capture and detention of Ahmed Hashim Abed, a conspirator in the 2004 murder of four U.S. contractors in Fallujah. Mr. McCabe can now rejoin his shipmates, Petty Officer Julio Huertas and Petty Officer Jonathan Keefe, who were both acquitted of all charges as well, with the juries reaching the same verdicts. While these have been acquitted, what is left behind is significant legal debt. All three men sought civilian counsel. Based on the results of these trials, I can understand their decision. Up against the United States Government in court, the soldiers faced prosecution with unlimited resources. Today I am introducing the Service Member Legal Relief Act, which reimburses soldiers who seek the best defense available and are subsequently acquitted, or the charges dropped, in cases relating to the handling of terrorists. Our warfighters face great personal risk every day on the front lines in the global war on terror. They are right to defend themselves in court against egregious claims from known terrorists. We need these men on the front lines to continue battling those who are actively trying to kill Americans at home and abroad. If a court finds that they have done nothing wrong and have simply executed their mission, we should repay their legal fees and get them back into action as quickly as possible. That's exactly what my legislation does.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 241, I was absent from the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 242, I was absent from the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the TCU Women's Rifle Team. Last month the team won the 2010 NCAA National Championship. This is the first National Championship win since 1983 for TCU, so this is a huge victory for both the team and the school. In addition to the accomplishment of the entire TCU Women's Rifle Team, several of the ladies on the team received individual distinctions. Freshman Sarah Scherer won the individual National Championship in the smallbore rifle portion of the competition. Senior Erin Lorenzen was honored as the Most Outstanding Athlete of the championship. These two TCU ladies were also honored as All-American athletes. Sarah Beard, Caitlin Morrissey, and Simone Riford received All-American athlete honors as well. It is evident that the TCU Women's Rifle Team is a very skilled and accomplished group. Head coach Karen Monez has done an excellent job of leading the team. This National Championship is the height of achievement for the team, which has had phenomenal success for the past several years under the leadership of Coach Monez. I am confident that their success will continue. Again, I congratulate the entire TCU Women's Rifle Team on their National Championship win. They have made their entire school and all of Fort Worth proud.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about an issue of concern to me and to my Taiwanese American constituents. Today's Taiwan is a strong ally of the United States that shares with us the ideals of freedom, democracy, and self-determination. Taiwan enjoys elements of independence, although Taiwan continues to be under an ominous shadow cast by the over 1400 short and medium-range ballistic missiles that the People's Republic of China (PRC) has aimed in its direction. China continues to refuse to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, continues to claim Taiwan as a renegade province, and in 2005 passed an ``Anti-Secession Law'' that mandated military action if Taiwan moves towards formal and legal independence. The U.S. Congress quickly and strongly condemned China for this action with a vote on the House Floor. A 2009 Pentagon report on the military power of the PRC stated that ``in the near-term, China's armed forces are rapidly developing coercive capabilities for the purpose of deterring Taiwan's pursuit of de jure independence.'' It added that these ``same capabilities could in the future be used to pressure Taiwan toward a settlement of the cross-Strait dispute on Beijing's terms while simultaneously attempting to deter, delay, or deny any possible U.S. support for the island in case of conflict.'' Madam Speaker, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act is the cornerstone of United States-Taiwan relations and the ``Law of the Land.'' It declares that it is the policy of the United States ``to consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including by boycotts or embargoes, a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States.'' Furthermore, section 3(b) of the Act stipulates that both the President and the Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of such defense articles and services `based solely' upon their judgment of the needs of Taiwan. On January 29, 2010 the Obama Administration notified Congress of a long-awaited package of arms sale to Taiwan, totaling US$ 6.4 billion. The package included 114 Patriot PAC-3 missiles, 60 Black Hawk helicopters, 12 Harpoon missiles for training purposes, two Osprey- class refurbished mine hunters and military communication equipment. However, not included in the package were 66 F-16 C/D fighter aircraft, which Taiwan requested in 2006. Prior to the notification, in a report dated 21 January 2010, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency made an assessment of the status of Taiwan's air defense. It concluded that Taiwan's air defense is showing increasing vulnerability due to the aging of the air force fighter aircraft. Madam Speaker, let me conclude my remarks with urging my esteemed colleagues to join me in requesting the Obama administration to immediately move ahead with the sale of F-16s to Taiwan at this time. One of the main reasons to move now is that the production of the F-16s is nearing its end, as more countries are switching to the advanced F- 35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks against this flawed health care bill. My district is a military district. We are a district of men and women who served this Nation in all branches of our Armed Forces. We are a district that builds the weapons that our war fighters depend on in the battlefield. Unfortunately, when rushing this legislation through Congress, the Democrats failed to exempt 9.2 million military families from being forced to pay a penalty under this health care bill the President wants on his desk so quickly. Congress was forced to fix this in the eleventh hour. But it remains unchanged in the Senate bill.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Air Force Colonel Bob Purcell who died in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 6, 2009. He was born on February 14, 1931 in Louisville to the late William Tilden Purcell and Mary Baldwin Purcell. He was a 1949 graduate of St. Xavier High School in Louisville. Upon graduating from St. Xavier, he attended the University of Louisville, Speed Scientific School. He attended primary flight training at Marianna Air Base in Marianna, Florida. He received his basic training at Greenville Air Force Base in Mississippi. He graduated in December 1954 as a 2nd lieutenant and also received his pilot wings. He went to advanced training in the F-100, assigned to Kadena AFB in Okinawa. He subsequently upgraded to the F- 105 and flew combat missions in Vietnam until he was shot down on July 27, 1965. He was the 17th American captured. He remained a prisoner of war for seven-and-a-half years. He repatriated on February 12th, 1973. After repatriation, he returned to school and completed studies earning a BA from Bellarmine University and an MA in Political Science from Auburn University. He was also a graduate of the United States Air Force Air University Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base. He finished a distinguished Air Force career as a full Colonel. After he retired from the Air Force, Percy became a simulator pilot Instructor with American Airlines in Ft. Worth, Texas. He was a former member of St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church in Louisville where he also attended elementary school. He loved his family, his friends and his country. He was a true American hero, and I am honored that we live among such men of courage and character.