Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, our intelligence community and military officials should have every tool available to them as we continue to fight the global war on terror. While we all agree that proper oversight is necessary, oversight does not equate to needless red tape, and it should never prohibit our men and women in uniform from doing their jobs, especially when it comes to rescuing American lives. The article in yesterday's New York Post is a startling depiction of how the current system has failed our men and women. After a young American soldier was captured by al Qaeda insurgents last May, lawyers in Washington debated the legalities of electronic eavesdropping connected to his rescue for over 10 hours. That is completely unacceptable. Unfortunately, the RESTORE Act that the Democrat leadership is bringing to the floor this week will only continue to hamper the efforts of our intelligence community and place our men and women at risk. I urge my Democratic colleagues to reconsider the RESTORE Act. We should focus our efforts on a bipartisan approach to our national security, not on legislating defeat. We should fight for the right to listen to al Qaeda and stop these plots.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a brave and dedicated hero of the Fort Worth community and of our Nation. Cpl James H. McRae was a proud United States Marine and a true American hero who gallantly and selflessly gave his life for his country on July 24 during combat operations in Diyala Province, Iraq. James enlisted in the toughest of the military branches during time of war, which speaks volumes about his character and patriotism. Assigned to the Marine Expeditionary Force, James was a non- commissioned officer--the backbone of the corps and a true leader. Our thoughts and prayers are with James' parents and all of his family and friends. Our community and Nation honor Corporal McRae's memory and we are grateful for his faithful and distinguished service to our Nation and the Corps of Marines that he loved. Cpl James Heath McRae will not be forgotten. His memory lives on through his family and the legacy of selfless service that he so bravely imprinted on our hearts.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a brave and dedicated hero of the State of Texas and of our Nation. Corporal Rhett A. Butler was a United States Army soldier and a true American hero who gallantly and selflessly gave his life for his country on July 20, 2007 during combat operations north of Baghdad, Iraq. Assigned to the Second Infantry Division, Rhett enlisted during time of war, which speaks volumes about his character and patriotism. Moreover, he was a leader and mentor to younger soldiers and his service as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the infantry exemplifies this spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with CPL Butler's parents and all of his family and friends. Our community and Nation honor corporal Butler's memory and we are grateful for his faithful and distinguished service to America. Corporal Rhett A. Butler will not be forgotten. His memory lives on through his family and the legacy of selfless service that he so bravely imprinted on our hearts.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, my motion to recommit corrects a Democrat bill that will do great harm to America's seniors and working class. It's also the only chance that the minority's been given in this disappointing process to amend the bill before us today. This is not the House that was promised in November. My motion to recommit reauthorizes the SCHIP program for 1 year and provides States with the resources they need to be able to continue to provide needed health care coverage for children. The SCHIP program is a good program. It insures mental care is available to children who are needy but who are not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. Currently, approximately 6.7 million children receive health care through the SCHIP program, which is broadly supported. Let there be no doubt, Republicans support SCHIP, because we were instrumental in its creation 10 years ago. We don't support the reckless underlying bill that raises taxes and cuts Medicare by $200 billion, taking health care away from some of our neediest seniors. The underlying bill is the first step to government-controlled health care and takes America in the wrong direction. It's the most blatant attempt to expand government-run health care we have seen since HillaryCare. It takes a sensible, bipartisan program aimed at helping low-income children and turns it into a monster that will suck millions of middle-class Americans into government-run health care. The bill would create a massive new entitlement with totally inadequate funding. At a time when we already face a $40 trillion unfunded obligation for Medicare and Social Security over the next 75 years, that's the exact opposite of responsible public policy. The Democrat bill takes SCHIP far beyond what it was intended to do by reversing the existing status that does not allow adults to be enrolled. The Democrats not only allow States to enroll childless adults but also eliminates a requirement for illegal immigrants to wait 5 years before receiving welfare benefits. The Republican motion to recommit continues current law enforcing the 5-year wait. The bill in its current form also eliminates verification of citizenship status. This means that persons who come here illegally could be provided SCHIP because we don't want to ask the right questions. Taking benefits from seniors to expand government-run health care to adults and illegal immigrants is unconscionable. Our motion to recommit keeps the 5-year wait for SCHIP. It also maintains the standards to verify citizenship. This motion requires citizenship documentation verification for eligibility for SCHIP and welfare benefits. While taking care of our children, Republicans also value our seniors and have taken care in providing Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage is a critical source of comprehensive medical coverage for over 8 million individuals. It provides coverage for seniors, and a recent bipartisan poll this year found that 90 percent of enrollees are satisfied with their Medicare plans. The underlying bill cuts payments to Medicare Advantage plans and cuts Medicare payments to Medicare providers, including hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies. The cuts proposed by the Democrats in Medicare will result in nearly 3.2 million seniors losing their Medicare Advantage coverage. We would be providing coverage for children whose parents make $100,000 a year on the backs of seniors and the Medicare coverage they chose. This would be the largest cut of Medicare in history. In my district, 17,279 Medicare Advantage enrollees will lose their benefits if the Democrat CHAMP Act passes. This motion to recommit protects our seniors by eliminating the Medicare cuts in the bill. Perhaps most alarming in this bill is the establishment of a new mandatory tax on private health insurance plans. While Republicans have been trying to level the playing field and eliminate the uninsured, this bill places a tax on health care plans, except those provided by the government. The Democrat bill raises taxes by $54 billion in an attempt to lure middle-class families to opt out of private coverage by establishing a new mandatory tax on private health insurance plans. Our motion to recommit eliminates the Democrats' new tax on America's health insurance plans. In addition to eliminating the Medicare cuts in the Democrat bill, the motion to recommit maintains Medicare changes that improve services for Medicare beneficiaries. These changes will ensure improved service in rural areas, an extension of the therapy cap, special needs plans, and demonstration projects on end stage renal disease services. I urge my colleagues to vote for this motion to recommit that will protect our seniors, prevent massive tax increases, and reauthorize the current SCHIP program. If the motion to recommit passes, the House will be able to vote on a bill that protects America's seniors and hard working citizens while also providing health care for our neediest children. If the motion fails, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against the Democrat CHAMP Act.

Ms. GRANGER. I am, Mr. Speaker, in its present form.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Democrats Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. At first glance, I simply disagree with the name of the bill. The Democrat's Fair Pay Act is not fair at all, not for employers, employees or our legal system. Every American is entitled to an honest day's pay and we have laws on the book to ensure that is the case. But this bill goes well beyond its scope by effectively eliminating the statute of limitation in workplace discrimination cases. This imposes a huge burden on businesses and opens them up to litigation years after alleged cases of discrimination. While it is inexcusable for anyone to face discrimination for pay or otherwise, to overturn the Supreme Court decision would allow for a flood of decades- old claims to resurface. The laws we have in place allow adequate time to file a charge against your employer and offers a set of guidelines to help individuals file a claim. The burden this would place on small business owners and any company to track down a claim that occurred 20 years ago, for example, would cripple the system we have in place. The statutes of limitations are in place to help the employee-employer relationship so when something improper happens, the issue can be dealt with in a timely manner. Merely eliminating these guidelines would allow for someone to reopen a claim after 5, 10 or even after they have retired. Those involved may no longer work at the company or even be alive, for that matter. If this passes, it will also eliminate the statute of limitations for the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the American with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. The Civil Rights Act and the employment discrimination laws currently on the books provide adequate protections for our employees. We should work to ensure that existing laws are enforced to protect employees against discrimination rather than passing overly broad laws that subject employers to open-ended liability

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of one of the bravest and most dedicated heroes of our Nation. Sergeant Bruce Horner was part of the search and recovery operations for American soldiers captured by Al Quaida terrorists in southern Baghdad when he was killed by an enemy sniper on June 1, 2007. An 18-year veteran of the Army, Bruce Horner was a proud non- commissioned officer, mentor and leader to younger soldiers. He came from a family with a long tradition of military service and did not take his responsibilities to lead younger soldiers lightly. Sergeant Horner is survived by his wife, parents and the soldiers he left behind, who are continuing the hard work of protecting our Nation's freedoms in Iraq. SGT. Bruce Horner is gone, but he will never be forgotten. His memory lives on through the family he left behind and in the soldiers that he so ably led. Our community and Nation honor Sergeant Horner's memory and we are grateful for his 18 years of faithful and distinguished service to America.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I think the Chicago Tribune said it nicely when they said last week, ``Democrats promised way more than they delivered.'' Because of the lack of follow-through in failure to govern by the Democratic majority, the approval numbers of Congress have sunk to the lowest levels of all times according to the recently released Gallup poll. Making promises will gain your support in the short-term, but failing to fulfill those promises will quickly be discovered, and I'm afraid that's where the majority party has found itself. After a campaign of promises, little action has occurred on the pledges that so many were elected to withhold. The 100-hour agenda has seen only one bill receive the support of the President, and that was attached to an emergency supplemental. Republicans have fought hard to reel in spending, yet Democrats are recklessly increasing spending and moving forward with a plan to increase taxes. Republicans heard the American people and are fighting hard to restore trust and fiscal responsibility within the Congress. We're recommitted to continuing the fight because the American people expect their leaders to stand by them.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a brave and dedicated hero of the Fort Worth community and of our Nation. MSgt Kenneth N. Mack was a proud United States Marine and a true American hero who gallantly gave his life for his country on May 5, 2007, during combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Assigned to the Second Marine Expeditionary Force, Master Sergeant Mack's 25 years of faithful service as a Marine are an inspiration to all Americans, particularly the men he so ably led. Kenneth Mack leaves behind his wife, Peggy, mother, Mahalia, and his daughter and son. Our community and Nation honor Kenneth Mack's memory and we are grateful for his faithful and distinguished service to America. MSgt Kenneth N. Mack will never be forgotten. His memory lives on through his family, the Marines who were entrusted to his care and the legacy of selfless service that he so bravely imprinted on our hearts.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I Rise today to honor the courage of a brave and dedicated hero of the Fort Worth community and of our Nation. Specialist Lance C. Springer II was a United States Army soldier and a true american hero who gallantly and selflessly gave his life for his country on March 23, 2007, during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. Lance--or Craig as his family and friends called him, enlisted during time of war, which speaks volumes about his character and patriotism. Assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, Craig's service as a field medic, placing the well-being of others ahead of his own, exemplifies the type of selfless and caring man that he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig's parents and all of his family and friends. Our community and Nation honor Specialist Springer's memory and we are grateful for his faithful and distinguished service to America. Specialist Craig Springer will not be forgotten. His memory lives on through his family and the legacy of selfless service that he so bravely imprinted on our hearts.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a brave and dedicated hero of the State of Texas and of our Nation. Corporal Ryan A. Bishop was a United States Army soldier and a true American hero who gallantly and selflessly gave his life for his country on April 14, 2007 during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. Assigned to the tenth mountain division, Ryan enlisted during time of war, which speaks volumes about his character and patriotism. Moreover, he was a leader and mentor to younger soldiers and his posthumous promotion to Corporal exemplifies this spirit. Corporal Bishop is survived by his wife, Melanie and his father, Charles Bishop both of Tyler, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all of Ryan's family and friends. Our community and Nation honor Corporal Bishop's memory and we are grateful for his faithful and distinguished service to America. Corporal Bishop will not be forgotten. His memory lives on through his family and the legacy of selfless service that he so bravely imprinted on our hearts.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a brave and dedicated hero of the Fort Worth community and of our Nation. PFC Joshua G. Romero was a proud United States Army soldier and a true American hero who gallantly gave his life for his country on May 18, 2007, during combat operations in Tahrir, Iraq. Assigned to the First Cavalry Division of Fort Hood, Texas, Joshua enlisted during time of war, which speaks volumes about his character, bravery, and clear sense of patriotism. Joshua is survived by his wife, son, father, mother, step-mother, and all of his sisters and brothers. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all his family and friends. Our community and Nation honor Joshua's memory and we are grateful for his faithful and noble service to our country. PFC Joshua G. Romero will never be forgotten. His memory lives on through his family and the legacy of selfless service that he so bravely imprinted on our hearts.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a brave and dedicated hero of the Fort Worth community and of our Nation. SGT Glenn D. Hicks, Jr., was a proud U.S. Army soldier and a true American hero who gallantly gave his life for his country on April 28, 2007, during combat operations in Salman Park, Iraq. Assigned to the Third Infantry Division, Glenn enlisted during a time of war, which speaks volumes about his character and patriotism. Moreover, he was a leader and mentor to younger soldiers and his service as a sergeant--the backbone of the Army, exemplifies that spirit. Sergeant Hicks is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn D. Hicks, Sr., three brothers and his grandparents. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all of Glenn's family and friends. Our community and Nation honor Sergeant Hicks' memory and we are grateful for his faithful and distinguished service to America. SGT Glenn D. Hicks will never be forgotten. his memory lives on through his family and the legacy of selfless service that he so bravely imprinted on our hearts.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, we often hear so much about what is wrong with America. I'd like to focus on what is right. And today throughout America, there are great teachers making a great difference in the lives of their students. As I often say, many people spend their lives building careers but teachers spend their careers building lives. And few have done it better or longer than Mr. Bill Hardisty, the principal of Cassata High School in Fort Worth, Texas. This year, Mr. Hardisty concludes a 37-year career in education. For two and a half decades, he served in the Fort Worth Independent School District as a coach, teacher and assistant principal. And for the past 11 years, he has served at Cassata. He started as associate director and in 2002, he was named principal. Hardisty's service extends beyond our children's education. Before he taught in our schools, he defended our country. A marine who later served in the Army Reserve, Mr. Hardisty was the very embodiment of the noble Marine Corps motto: Semper Fi. He was always faithful. But it is his work as an educator that has touched the lives of so many future leaders. One of his students later served on my staff. Here is what he told me about Hardisty: ``He taught with his heart. He knew that kids don't care what you know until they know that you care. Mr. Hardisty cared. And so his students listened and learned from him.'' This is what teachers do: they shape minds and change lives. It was Yeats who wrote that education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire. Thanks to Mr. Hardisty, countless people are today living lives fueled by a flame lit long ago in his classroom. Cassata High School will miss Mr. Hardisty. But it will never forget him. His leadership and his legacy will live on in the many students whose lives he touched. Thank you, Bill Hardisty, for your service to your students and your service to your country.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe). Texas has lost 55 law enforcement officers. That is part of the 382 fallen officers across this Nation. As mayor of the city of Fort Worth, when asked what was the most important thing I did when I was mayor, I always talked about working with the Fort Worth police officers, those brave officers who risk their lives every day to keep us safe and free. We think about those officers, and we think about their families also. One of the officers was Dwayne Freeto. He was just 34 years old when he was killed by a drunk driver just 8 days before this past Christmas. He had been a police officer with the Fort Worth Police Department since August 2005. He also served in the United States Army. When he was killed, he left behind a wife, Karen, and two daughters, ages 3 and 9. Those stories can be repeated about our officers across this Nation so many times. I join in strong support of this resolution and also to remind everyone of the candlelight vigil this Sunday to honor those officers. They are people who sacrifice their lives every day and stand up for us. It is my great honor to speak today.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our troops fighting in Iraq and the plan put forth by General Petraeus to win this war. Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he believes the war is lost and the surge is failing. What a terrible message for our troops fighting this very minute. Instead of a road map to success, we are being asked to support a plan for defeat. We are being asked to announce to our enemies a date for surrender. Do we think the terrorists will lay down their weapons and go their merry way if we leave? History reminds us otherwise. When the Soviet Union left Afghanistan in the 1980s, the radical Islamists did not lay down their weapons; in fact, they demolished the Afghani Government and took power. So what can we expect when we announce today that we are closing, that we are losing, and announce tomorrow that we will leave? Al Qaeda leaders have publicly declared their mission is to expel the Americans from Iraq and establish an Islamic emirate in Iraq. So we have taken them at their word with this surge and showed a new determination to win. In the seven weeks since the surge began, the number of weapon stockpiles we have found has doubled. More tips are coming in from Iraqis who want peace and stability to take hold of their country. Sunni leaders are turning against al Qaeda and Iraqi troops are standing up. Just yesterday, the Iraqi troops took charge of security in the southern province of My Soon, the fourth province to come under full Iraqi security patrol. General Petraeus is coming next week to brief the Congress on our progress. How are we going to greet this brave general, good morning, General Petraeus, we've decided to run the war? What we need to do as responsible Members of Congress is to exercise our oversight, fund and support our troops, ensure that we give them what they need as they fight for our freedom, what they and their families need as they return, and give this plan a chance, paying close attention to its progress. There is too much at stake in Iraq for responsible leaders to advocate allowing the region to spiral into chaos, and we can't ignore the threat of failure for our country and our citizens.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, if Washington Democrats get their way, millions of Americans will see their taxes go up by billions of dollars. In a Gallup Poll released earlier this week, 53 percent of the American people said their Federal income taxes were too high, yet the Democrat leadership has decided to move forward with the highest tax increase in American history. In an editorial by the Wall Street Journal, they said, ``A tax increase of that magnitude could well lead to a recession and a plunge in receipts.'' Take these examples as evidence that letting the Republican tax cuts expire would only wreak havoc on millions of American checkbooks. Over 115 million taxpayers would see a $1,716 increase in their tax bill in 2011. For 84 million women, it would be an increase of over $1,900. And for 42 million families with children, an increase of over $2,000 would become a scary reality. Chasing increased spending with higher taxes is not the path of fiscal responsibility and will not lead to further economic prosperity. These tax cuts should not and cannot be allowed to expire.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce. The Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce was chartered on December 23, 1957 as ``The Greater Richland Area Chamber of Commerce.'' The initial meeting to establish the chamber was the dream of Gertrude Tarpley and Jack Bean. Tarpley was Northeast Tarrant County's unofficial matriarch and Bean was its first president. At the time, the Richland Industrial Park was in the planning stages and many people were concerned about how it would affect their homes. Seventy five local civic leaders signed up to participate in the new chamber, coming from as far away as Grapevine and paying an annual fee of $25. The organization quickly gained momentum. In the 1960's, the chamber worked to balance commercial, industrial and residential zoning. It also helped expedite the Airport Freeway construction and helped form the Tarrant County Junior College District. The organization's membership also increased, with the group's regular dinners averaging 500 to 600 attendees. In the late 80's and early 90's, the chamber hit a rough patch as questions arose about the organization's effectiveness. In 1992, Doug Terry, president of Frost National Bank in Hurst, took over as president and the organization agreed to make changes to promote economic development, retain its membership and offer programs to help member businesses. As a result, the chamber became more visible to city councils and became more effective overall. In 2001, Robert Hamilton was named president and CEO and was responsible for implementing innovative ideas and new programs to enhance the chamber's position in the North Texas region. A new economic development foundation called Quad Cities DFW was founded in early 2003 with marketing of the four cities and chamber membership as the main priority. Throughout the next few years, the chamber, its programs and materials earned top honors from chamber peers throughout the state. Today, the chamber has 925 members. As a current member of the Board of Directors, I can attest to the hard work and commitment the Northeast Tarrant Chamber has to its members and community. The chamber has been a key player in helping bring economic development and leadership to local businesses and the Tarrant County community. I commend the Northeast Tarrant Chamber for its hard work and dedication. Your involvement in the economic development of our region is very crucial and greatly appreciated.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my strong opposition to section three of amendment No. 18 offered to H.R. 1401, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007, which would undermine a long standing principle of Federal uniformity in the area of railroad safety law. The railroads have long had Federal preemption from a variety of State-level laws because railroads, as a national system, could not function effectively under a patchwork of laws from 50 different States. Regulation of rail safety must be uniform nationwide. The Federal Rail Safety Act was not intended to create minimum standards for rail safety; it was intended to create uniform standards governing railroad safety because Congress recognized that given the interstate and interdependent nature of the industry, uniformity was essential to effective safety regulation. It would be counterproductive for States and localities to impose widely disparate safety requirements that could hinder a railroad's ability to operate efficiently across State and local boundaries. In 1970, Congress found that the railroad industry: ``. . . has a truly interstate character calling for a uniform body of regulation and enforcement. . . . The integral operating parts of these companies cross many State lines. In addition to the obvious areas of rolling stock and employees, such elements as operating rules, signal systems, power supply systems, and communication systems of a single company normally cross numerous State lines. To subject a carrier to enforcement before a number of different State administrative and judicial systems in several areas of operation could well result in an undue burden on interstate commerce.'' (H.R. Report No. 91-1194 (1970)) Congress' reasoning was sound then, and that reasoning remains sound today, In conclusion, I am concerned by the fact that this sweeping provision was labeled ``technical'' in nature. In addition, there have been no hearings on this topic and no analysis of its effects on the railroad industry and interstate commerce. Federal preemption is vital to fluid daily operations of the railroads which we all rely on to move goods efficiently across the country. In fact, we should not forget that, this is precisely why the founding fathers included important interstate commerce protections in the Constitution.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the bravest and most dedicated young heroes of North Texas and of our Nation. Army Private Clarence Spencer was killed in Blad, Iraq while fighting against enemy forces in one of the most important conflicts our Nation has ever engaged in. Clarence Spencer gallantly and selflessly gave his life for his country while fighting alongside his fellow soldiers of the First Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas. Private Spencer is survived by his mother, son and loving wife, Army Private Charlotte Spencer, who has also devoted herself to our Nation's noble military profession. Clarence Spencer served three tours in Iraq, two of which were as a marine. Wounded in Iraq on a previous tour, he demonstrated tremendous courage by deploying into harm's way once again. Private Clarence Spencer is gone, but he will never be forgotten. His memory lives on in our hearts and America is eternally grateful for his spirit and dedication. As Clarence's Dunbar High School football coach said about him, ``I've coached faster, stronger and more talented students, but I've never coached anyone that I was more proud of.'' That is precisely the way that the Fort Worth community and our Nation feel about soldiers such as Private Clarence Spencer--a true American hero.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of one of the bravest and most dedicated heroes of the Fort Worth community and of our Nation. Sergeant First Class Allen Mosteiro was an 18-year veteran of the Army who was assigned as a scout leader in the first cavalry division based at Fort Hood, Texas. He gallantly and selflessly gave his life for his Country as a result of wounds he received during a firefight in Taji, Iraq on February 13, 2007. Sergeant Mosteiro is survived by his wife, son, parents, one brother and three sisters. As a career soldier and senior non-commissioned officer, Sergeant Mosteiro's leadership was instrumental in developing younger soldiers and he did not take this responsibility lightly. Sergeant First Class Mosteiro is gone, but he will never be forgotten. His memory lives on through the family he left behind and in the soldiers that he so ably led. Our community and Nation honor Sergeant First Class Mosteiro's memory and we are grateful for his 18 years of faithful and distinguished service to America.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the bravest and most dedicated young heroes of north Texas and of our Nation. Army Private Clarence Spencer was killed in Bilad, Iraq while fighting against enemy forces in one of the most important conflicts our Nation has ever engaged in. Clarence Spencer gallantly and selflessly gave his life for his country while fighting alongside his fellow soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division of Fort Hood, Texas. Private Spencer is survived by his mother and son and his loving wife, Army Private Charlotte Spencer, who has also devoted herself to our Nation's noble military profession. Clarence Spencer served three tours in Iraq, two of which were as a marine. Wounded in Iraq on a previous tour, he demonstrated tremendous courage by deploying into harm's way once again. Private Clarence Spencer is gone, but he will never be forgotten. His memory lives in our hearts, and America is eternally grateful for his spirit and his dedication. As Clarence's Dunbar High School football coach said about Clarence, ``I have coached faster, stronger and more talented students, but I've never coached anyone I was more proud of.'' That is precisely the way that the Fort Worth community and our Nation feel about soldiers such as Private Clarence Spencer, a true American hero. Madam Speaker, I also rise to honor a second hero of the Fort Worth community and of our Nation. A graduate of Fort Worth's Eastern Hills High School, Sergeant First Class Allan Mosteiro was an 18-year veteran of the Army, who was assigned as a scout leader in the 1st Cavalry Division based at Fort Hood, Texas. He gallantly and selflessly gave his life for his country as a result of wounds he received during a fire fight against enemy forces in Taji, Iraq on February 13, 2007. Sergeant Mosteiro is survived by his loving wife, son, parents, one brother and three sisters. The American people recognize their sacrifice and honor the Mosteiro family's patriotism. As a career soldier and senior noncommissioned officer, Sergeant Mosteiro's leadership was instrumental in developing younger soldiers, and he did not take his responsibility lightly. A veteran of Operation Desert Storm and of the current war, Allan Mosteiro dedicated his life to securing the freedoms that all Americans so rightfully cherish. Sergeant First Class Allan Mosteiro is gone, but he will never be forgotten. His memory lives on through the wonderful family that he left behind and the dedicated soldiers he so ably led.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in strong opposition to the Democrat-sponsored emergency supplemental. I fully support funding our troops, but I will not be coerced into voting for a politically motivated deadline that helps our enemy. As an appropriator, I am deeply disappointed that the important mission of funding our troops in harm's way has been overshadowed by over $21 billion in nonemergency spending. There is an appropriate time and place to discuss the war and funding important projects, but it shouldn't be done on the backs of young Americans fighting overseas. Setting deadlines and threatening to restrict funds emboldens our common enemy and will have disastrous effects on the morale of American and Iraqi troops fighting to bring security to our war-torn region. Bringing troops home before the situation has been stabilized won't end our global struggle against terrorism. It would do the opposite. I urge Members to oppose the supplemental. Our troops deserve to be fully funded, and they clearly deserve the support required to succeed. General Petraeus deserves time to work his plan. He is the general on the ground, not the Congress.