Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the leadership and Chairman Hyde of the International Relations Committee for drafting this important resolution. Yesterday's elections mark yet another milestone for Iraqis in the future of a democratic Iraq. It is estimated that over 70 percent of Iraqis voted in yesterday's election. That is 12 percent more than voted in the last election, and with remarkably low violence. There were reports of polling stations running out of ballots early in the day because of the large numbers who came out to vote, and the voting deadline was extended in many parts of the country because of high turnout. Many of those voting were Sunnis, who are now choosing to play an active part in their country's new democracy; and it was Iraqi Security Forces who took over responsibility of their country's security, with over 214,000 Iraqis now trained and equipped. Mr. Speaker, this is concrete progress. No matter how you cut it, this vote was a win. Not only are Iraqis making progress by coming out to vote in the millions; they sent a message to the world yesterday: they want democracy, and they are willing to defy terrorist threats to make it happen. We are supportive as Americans.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Labor, Health, Human Services and Education bill and say I am very proud to serve on this committee. It is an important committee that serves the needs of so many Americans in their daily lives. I want to say congratulations to and state my great admiration for Chairman Regula in these difficult times when he as the leader of this committee has had to make some very tough choices. The previous speaker said shame on us. I am not ashamed of this bill at all. I am very proud of the work we are doing. I am proud, for instance, of the $253 million increase to the National Institutes of Health funding medical research that can make such a difference to the health of Americans and to the health of this Nation, making us a healthy Nation. I am proud that we have doubled the funding for the National Institutes of Health while I have been on this committee. I am proud of the funding for the community health centers which have been raised to $1.8 billion, serving the uninsured and the underinsured. I have a community health center in my district. It is a wonderful community partnership serving literally thousands of people that were not being served otherwise. I am very proud of that funding, and I am very proud of community health centers and what they do. I am also proud about the funding for LIHEAP. It is $115 million over the last year, serving the poorest citizens in our country, helping with heating their homes, and those are citizens that are going to have to get up every day and decide what bills they are going to pay. I am proud of the work we have given them towards purchasing their prescription drugs. This funding for LIHEAP really makes a difference in their lives every single day. I was a teacher before I left teaching and went into business, and then came to Congress. I have watched our math and science scores, how we worked so hard to bring those scores up so we can be competitive in the world. Now we have $184 million for a math and science partnership to strengthen our math and science education in K-12. This is something we have to do, and we have talked about it year after year after year to put that money where it is served best so we are not importing our scientists, we are growing and building our scientists. This is a bill I am very proud of. It is a difficult time, and the chairman has done a great job.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding civic organization in Fort Worth, Texas on its 60th anniversary, the Handley-Meadowbrook Lions Club. The Handley-Meadowbrook Lions Club was chartered on November 8, 1945 by Marlow C. Fisher. The club had 44 charter members. Since its founding, the Handley-Meadowbrook Lions Club has been associated with Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service organization. Over the last 60 years, the Handley-Meadowbrook Lions Club has been a vital part of the Fort Worth and Tarrant County community. Club members have been involved continually in humanitarian efforts and public service projects that not only have improved the community but also the lives of an untold number of people. The work of the Handley-Meadowbrook Lions Club has resulted in direct financial contributions to such outstanding programs as the Texas Lions Camp for Handicapped and Diabetic Children, the Texas Lions Foundation and the Lions Club International Foundations. These foundations provide humanitarian and disaster aid in Texas and worldwide. In addition the club's work supports the Texas Eyeglass Recycling Center, the Leader Dog for the Blind and the Lions World Services for the Blind programs that provide blind persons with a guide dog, the Lions Organ and Eye Bank, the Lions Drug Awareness Council and the Julian C. Hyder Youth Camp for youth. Members of the Handley-Meadowbrook Lions Clubs today continue to be committed to involvement in the community through a wide array of activities that make Fort Worth and Tarrant County a great place to live and work. Fort Worth and Tarrant County have been fortunate to have the Handley-Meadowbrook Lions Clubs in its midst for the last six decades. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Handley-Meadowbrook Lions Club on its 60th Anniversary and to offer appreciation for the excellent work it has rendered to Fort Worth, Texas, the United States and around the globe.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I want to tell America about a very special girl named Aurica and the very special people who are helping her. In April, 2005, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce led a Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Albania, Moldova, Italy and Greece. Congresswoman Thelma Drake and I accompanied Ms. Pryce to see the effects of the growing epidemic of sex trafficking in women and children. Our finding? That sex trafficking is a real and growing threat to women and children everywhere. Our solution? To fight for the rights of these precious victims one person at a time. It was during our trip to Moldova, that I first met Aurica. What an amazing young woman. We were visiting a shelter housing girls--most in their teens--who had been victims of sex trafficking. These women had been brought back to their homeland and were being taken care of with the hopes they could in some way return to normal lives after their horrendous experiences. We had spoken with these women and were leaving when the director of the program said there was one young woman who was unable to join the group. She was bedridden and very ill, but was willing to meet with us. Thus began our adventure. What we saw was a beautiful 19-year old with haunted eyes--unable to walk, unable to eat, unable to leave her bed. Aurica had left her country to go to Turkey to work in a shop, hoping to send money home to her family to help support them. While she was there, she was kidnapped and placed in a building with others like herself who had been tricked and kidnapped to become sex slaves. In her desperation to avoid the plight she heard from others, she climbed out of a window in the dead of night. But it was late and she was tired. At the sixth floor, she lost her grip and fell to the ground. When she was found, her back was broken, and her leg, and her pelvis were broken. After being treated at the hospital, she was taken to a prison. The iron walls of confinement did little to improve her condition. Her doctors and her family secured her release from Turkey. She was brought home and was treated at the International Organization for Migration. And it was here, amid the dark clouds of pain and suffering, that I saw Aurica's sunlight. And so she was so brave, so tough, and yet so in need of so much help. She needed surgery. But the surgery would have been difficult if not impossible in her country. We talked to her. We could see the pain on her face. Yet we could also see the courage in her eyes. It has been said that every journey begins with a single step. That April day, I decided to do my part to fight sex trafficking by saving at least one person--Aurica. And we embarked on a journey to give her the health care she deserved, desired, and desperately needed. The first step was a phone call. Pedro Nosnik is a specialist in neurology and internal medicine. I explained to Dr. Nosnik what had happened to Aurica and asked a simple question: Can you help? Dr. Nosnik set us up with Dr. Ralph Raushbaum of the Texas Back Institute in Plano, the largest spine specialty clinic in the United States. TBI physicians, led by Dr. Barton Sachs, volunteered to treat Aurica at no expense. This type of care would normally cost more than $200,000. The next step was getting her to the hospital. Before the treatment, we had to deal with the issue of travel. Her condition ruled out a flight on a commercial airline. She would need to fly on a plane equipped for patients. Once more, Americans were there to donate their services. Rod Crane, the CEO of MedFlight of Ohio offered to transport Aurica on an air ambulance. Normally, this would cost $80,000. But Rod agreed to pay for the flight and for a doctor to travel with Aurica. The next step was the actual surgery and recovery. Once Aurica got to Dallas, she got the treatment she needed. But the road wasn't easy. She underwent surgery at TBI. Dr. Barton Sachs led a team of physicians during the initial delicate spinal surgery and aftercare. This team included William Struthers, M.D., Anesthesiologist, Ted Wen, M.D., Radiologist, Nayan Patel, M.D., Physiatrist, John Josephs, M.D., General Surgeon, Stephen Rubin, D.O., Anesthesiologist, Son Do, M.D., Gastroenterologist, Mike Gross, M.D., Urologist, James Montgomery, M.D., Anesthesiologist, Andrew R. Block, Ph.D., Psychologist, Michael Blackmon, M.D., Intensive Care Specialist, and Mark McQuaid, M.D., General Vascular Surgeon. This was followed by a second surgery under the care of Dr. Alan Jones at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. After that, she spent three weeks recovering at the highly-acclaimed Zale Lipshy Center located on the UT Southwestern campus. All donated. Finally, Aurica's journey took her to four months of recovery in outpatient physical therapy. Since she needed a place to stay, we contacted David Tesmer, Vice President for Government and Community Affairs at Texas Health Resources. He offered the services of Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, one of the best assisted-living facilities in the state. At Presbyterian Village, both the President, Ron Bergstrom, and the lead nurse, Becky Williams, made every effort to give Aurica every comfort. When Aurica arrived, she was given a fully furnished room. And today, thanks to the love of so many, Aurica is on the way to a full recovery. What a journey this has been. This is the story of a very special woman and the very special people who have helped with her recovery. From time to time we hear critics complain about what is wrong with America. This story shows us what is right with America. We are still a nation that is great because our people are good. And not just the ones I named. There are still others. Like The Kula Group for donating more than $30,000 in time and expenses; the Texas Back Institute's Physical Therapy division, which donated all of the outpatient physical therapy; Doug Hawthorne, CEO of Texas Health Resources; Jim Boswell and Leslie Baker from Presbyterian Hospital of Plano; the nursing and physical therapy staff at the Zale Lipshy Center; Linda Caram of SBC Communications; The Daniel Dawn Smalley Foundation; AmeriSuites in Plano; Father Dimitru and Gladiola Paun; and everyone else at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, Parkland Hospital, and Presbyterian Village North. Thanks for making an effort to make a difference. You have shown the nation and the world that America's generosity knows no boundaries, no barriers, no limits. We will always speak for the voiceless, stand with the helpless, and fight for the powerless.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding church in my district, First Christian Church, located in the great city of Fort Worth, Texas. On Sunday, October 2, 2005, First Christian Church celebrates the 150th anniversary of its organization which began in 1855 in the home of Dr. and Carroll Peak. The First Christian Church holds the distinction of being Fort Worth's oldest continuously operating church, forming just 6 years after Major Ripley Arnold brought a unit of the U.S. Army to a cliff overlooking the Trinity River to establish a military outpost in 1849 that he named in honor of his commanding general. Today, First Christian Church continues as a vibrant, engaged church located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, one of the great downtowns in America. Appropriately, the church's theme for its 150th anniversary celebration is ``From the Frontier to the Future,'' The First Christian Church and its members have served the Fort Worth community well over the last 150 years. In 1865, Rev. J.A. Clark founded Add-Ran Male and Female College in the First Christian Church, but moved the institution for a time to a more sedate location south of Fort Worth known as Thorp Springs. Add-Ran College today is one of Fort Worth's most prestigious universities, Texas Christian University (TCU). TCU has been in Fort Worth since 1911. In 1878, First Christian built a ``rock church'' on a site at 612 Throckmorton Street. The property was purchased for $1,500. First Christian Church continues at that site today in a sanctuary that was erected in 1914 to replace the rock church. The Renaissance Revival style church, designed by architects E.W. Van Slyke and Clyde Woodruff, was designated an official Texas Historical Landmark in 1970 and was placed on the National Register of Historical Sites in 1983. First Christian Church has been blessed. One of First Christian's early members and president of its board for 53 years, K. M. Van Zandt also was instrumental in transforming Fort Worth from a small, former military outpost into one of the major cities of Texas and the United States. Van Zandt, while serving his church, helped other Christian churches form in Fort Worth and provided leadership for construction of the present sanctuary. At the same time, he formed with other Fort Worth business leaders a construction company that brought the railroad to the city, co-created and led a bank that was the town's leading financial institution for almost a century and co-founded the community's first newspaper, as well as making time to serve on the local school board and in the Texas Legislature. In 1912, Dr. L.D. Anderson became pastor. During Dr. Anderson's 49- year ministry, First Christian Church thrived with membership reaching 3,000. First Christian's historic church was restored and updated in the course of a seven-year renovation project that was completed in 1993. Not only has First Christian Church withstood the test of time as a Fort Worth institution, it also has endured Mother Nature. First Christian is in the heart of the Downtown Fort Worth area that was struck by a devastating tornado in 2000. While neighboring buildings suffered extensive destruction, First Christian escaped with damage only to the rear of its sanctuary and the church dome. The dome had been restored only a few years earlier. Through hard work and dedication, the sanctuary and dome were again restored by 2001, while the church continued to service its members and to give strength to the community in trying times. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize First Christian Church as a church that began in the early days of Fort Worth and that, like the city which it calls home, has grown and evolved into a great institution. It is my honor to praise the past and the present leadership of this outstanding and companionate institution for serving their members well and for their role in making Fort Worth a truly great place in which not only to live, but also to work.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I have often had the opportunity to speak on this floor on important issues, but none more important than this, because today I am honored to sponsor this resolution in support of the rights of all Iraqis. It has been said that a nation reveals its character by the values it upholds. In planting the seed of democracy in the deserts of the Middle East, the United States and our allies hope for a rich harvest of freedom for the people of Iraq. Having removed the dictator, the allies have moved to put Iraqis in control of Iraq. Now, as they draft and ratify their Constitution, we will indeed see the character of a new Iraqi nation revealed through the principles it chooses to uphold. That is why I urge the Iraqi Transitional National Assembly to create a government worthy of its people, a government that represents every Iraqi from every corner of Iraq, be they Sunni or Shia, rich or poor, male or female. Human rights are not a privilege granted by the few, they are a liberty entitled to all, and human rights, by definition, include the rights of all humans, those in the dawn of life, the dusk of life, or the shadows of life. Mr. Speaker, the women of Iraq have waited long enough. Having lived in the shadows of Saddam's Iraq, they are eager for the sunlight of a new nation and a new way of life. I have met these women, and I have felt their courage. I have spoken to them, and, more important, I have listened to them. I have heard more than their words, I have heard their dreams; dreams of a peaceful nation where they can raise their children and make decisions on their own and take part in society. Mr. Speaker, a free nation must be based on human rights. Just as our Founding Fathers built a new Republic based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, so, too, the Iraqi nation must choose to uphold the values of human rights for all. Indeed, most Iraqis seem to want this. In the run-up to the historic January 30 election, Iraqis insisted that every third name on the ballot had to be that of a woman. The result? Upon election, 31 percent of the Transitional National Assembly's membership was female, nearly double the membership of the U.S. Congress. By any definition, this would be quite an achievement. But to understand where Iraq's women are, consider where they have been. To know the horrors of Saddam, look at how Saddam treated the most vulnerable. In Saddam's Iraq, women were abused and assaulted, beaten and battered, raped and relegated to second-class citizens. In Saddam's Iraq, women could not own property; they were property. Truly, Saddam Hussein was a criminal crying out for international intervention. And these are people, the Iraqi women, crying out for freedom. History will record that Saddam got what he deserved. The question is, will Iraqi women get what they deserve, what they have earned, what they demand? When I met with 20 of these women just weeks before the January election, they explained that because they were women, they were virtual targets of the people trying to stop the elections, because they were running for office. More than half had had members of their families kidnapped or assassinated. Almost all had to have bodyguards. Many had been in exile for years because of their beliefs, their education, and their choice to have a career. Yet they persevered. They persevered because they knew their election was proof that freedom works, and they persevered because they knew that the more women elected, the less the chance of a Saddam- style policy toward women would ever again come to Iraq. Proudly, defiantly, and amazingly, these women had the courage of their convictions and changed history. Some of the very women we met with before the election who were so fearful of the outcome and proposed violence led their village walking miles to cast their votes. Then weeks after that vote, I led another delegation to join 150 Iraqi women who were leaders in their communities and their sects who came to a conference to hear us talk about the principles and practices of democracy. Women all over Iraq were given the opportunity to apply to be a part of that conference. Do the women of Iraq want democracy? Well, 1,200 of them signed applications hoping to be chosen for this conference. That is right: 1,200 Iraqi women put their names in a document stating who they were and where they lived, that they wanted to learn about democracy from the United States of America. But while the election of so many Iraqi women last January gives us great hope, recent reports about the drafting of the constitution give us great concerns. With so many reports and rumors, perhaps it is best to take inventory of what we know, as well as what we fear. We know that Islam allows for rights for women, but we fear the interpretation of religious law might unfairly discriminate against women. We know that a policy of equal rights for women in the constitution would safeguard Iraqi women today and for generations to come, but we fear that extremist elements might prevent the passage of such a constitutional protection. And we note that the surest way to limit the future and the progress of Iraq is to limit the rights and protections of women. But we fear that women may not be allowed even basic rights on matters of marriage, divorce, economic opportunity, or political involvement. Mr. Speaker, the people of Iraq deserve better and the women of Iraq demand more. Let me be blunt. American troops have come so far, sacrificed so much, persevered so long to see the tyranny of an unlawful dictator replaced by the tyranny of legal oppression for women. A free Iraq must be free for all Iraqis. A democracy in the Middle East must be more than a democracy in name only; it must live out its principles. Freedom is not something that can be limited or divided or restricted. It applies to anyone and everyone anywhere and everywhere. So I put forward this resolution and urge my colleagues not to just stand with me but to stand with the women of Iraq, stand with women everywhere who desire the freedom that we fought for and continue to fight for in Iraq. Those brave women are writing bold new chapters in the story of freedom. In doing so, they are part of an ever-growing, ever-evolving story.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for his good work and I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) for giving us the opportunity to vote on this resolution. Approximately 800 suspected members of al Qaeda or the Taliban have been sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Approximately 520 remain and 61 are awaiting release or transfer. Who are these people? Well, they are terrorist trainers. They are bomb makers. They are recruiters and facilitators. They are terrorist financiers, and they are would-be suicide bombers. What have we learned from the interrogations of the detainees? This is what we have learned. We have learned the organizational structure of al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. We have learned the extent of terrorist presence in Europe, the United States, the Middle East. We have learned about al Qaeda's pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. We have learned the methods of recruitment and locations of recruitment centers. We have learned about their general and their specialized operational training. And we have learned how legitimate financial activities are used to hide terrorist operations. The question is, is this facility still needed? Yes, it is still needed because we are still receiving information from the detainees at Guantanamo, information that is shared with our coalition partners and with countries around the world who are in this fight with us. Make no mistake, we are saving lives because of the information we are obtaining at Guantanamo and that is the most important thing. If anyone doubts the importance of this, well, if anyone doubts the war against terrorists, go to the Internet and look at the pictures of September 11 and the bombing of Madrid and the bombing of London or look at the faces of the families whose innocent children were blown up just days ago as they were accepting candy from our troops in Iraq. These are pictures coming from a deep place of hatred and loathing and that hatred is aimed at us. The Guantanamo Bay facility has been visited by over a thousand national and international journalists. It has been visited by over a hundred Senators and Members of Congress and over a hundred congressional staffers. Bipartisan congressional delegations have been to Guantanamo and seen for themselves that the treatment is humane and it meets acceptable standards. I absolutely support the Rohrabacher amendment and I urge my colleagues to do the same. The capture, the detention, and the interrogation of international terrorists is essential to winning this war, a war without borders and a war that has no safe haven.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to have a letter to the Editor of the Dallas Morning News, written on June 8, 2005, entered into the Record. The letter was written by a constituent of mine, Dee Kelly. June 8, 2005. Mr. William McKenzie, Associate Editorial Page Editor, Dallas Morning News, Dallas,

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the Coalition Provisional Authority's transfer of power to the Iraqi people. Over the past 2 years, we have made great progress in Iraq. There are now 170,000 trained Iraqi security forces taking on increased security burdens. There are 2,400 schools that have been rehabilitated. Major roads and bridges have been rebuilt, and water and sewer treatment plants have been repaired. On January 30, 8\1/2\ million Iraqis defied terrorist insurgents by coming out to vote for a free and democratic Iraq. That vote resulted in the election of the Iraqi National Assembly, which convened for the time in March. The desire for freedom is universal, and the Iraqi people are no different from us. The 8\1/2\ million Iraqis who voted for democracy on January 30, and who are working tirelessly to rid their country of terrorist extremists, are evidence enough of their desire for freedom and democracy. We must continue to support and pray for the Iraqis in their transition to democracy, and all the brave allied troops fighting and dying for Iraq and Afghanistan in the war on terror. Our continued support is critical to their success and our future security.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a young hero from my district. On February 4, 2005, the Department of Defense declared that Sergeant Daniel Torres (United States Army, 3rd Infantry Division) was killed in the line of duty when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle 140 miles north of Baghdad. Torres enlisted in the army following 9-11 and was planning to save up for college. He wanted to study marketing and international business and also had dreams of becoming a police officer. His friends describe Torres as spiritual, someone who encouraged his friends to stay strong when they were down, and who was a role model to his peers. He was also devoted to his family. He played catch with his younger sister Christina to help her improve her softball skills, which she says played a part in her recently receiving an athletic scholarship to a community college in Louisiana. He also had just found out that he was about to become a father and was ecstatic at the prospect. Torres had been deployed to Iraq at the beginning of the war and remained there for seven months before his unit was sent back home. Torres' unit was deployed again to Iraq this January for another tour. Torres' father said his son had a gut instinct that he might not return home this time and told his family at Christmas that if he didn't return home, he would die doing what he was called to do. He told his parents that he was fighting for the children or Iraq, so that they and other Iraqis his age could have a better life and a better future. He also told them to be strong and have faith in God. It is qualities of incredible courage, strength and pride in serving his country that we see in young heroes like Daniel Torres that makes us appreciate the freedoms we have here at home. I am proud to honor Sergeant Torres' service to the state of Texas where he entered the service, and to the United States of America. He will not be forgotten.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding event that is conducted for the benefit of one of the best organizations in my district, the Gladney Center for Adoption. On Monday, May 2, 2005, the Gladney Cup Golf Tournament will occur at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD, to benefit the Gladney Center for Adoption. The Gladney Adoption Center was founded more than 100 years ago in Fort Worth, TX, to find ``loving homes for orphaned children'' and today is one of this Nation's leading adoption services, which specializes in international and domestic adoptions. The center has placed more than 26,000 children in loving homes and has assisted more than 36,000 women experiencing crisis pregnancies. The Gladney Cup Golf Tournament is a premier event which raises much needed funds for the center's international and domestic adoption programs. The first Gladney Cup Golf Tournament was held at the famed Colonial Country Club, which is located in my district. The caliber of the inaugural tournament attracted more than 200 players and raised more than $1 million for the Gladney Center. The 2005 Gladney Cup Golf Tournament is the third event and the reputation of the tournament, coupled with the beautiful and prestigious greens of the Congressional Country Club, again is attracting players and corporations from around the country who not only derive satisfaction from playing on a challenging golf course, but also who are committed to helping the Gladney Adoption Center. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Gladney Cup Golf Tournament, the organizations and individuals who are participating in the event so that more children may have happy homes in which to live and so that women who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy have a loving and supportive place to which to turn to for help.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a young hero from my district. On February 19, 2005, the Department of Defense declared that Specialist Clinton Gertson (United States Army, 24th Infantry Division) was killed in the line of duty after being hit by a sniper in Mosul, Iraq. Gertson's unit was scanning a Mosul neighborhood when he was shot around 2 p.m. Gertson was deployed to Iraq last October along with 4,000 other soldiers in the Fort-Stryker Brigade. His unit had been assigned to be one of the leaders in the fight against insurgents in Mosul. Gertson, or ``Big Country,'' was described by fellow soldiers as well-respected, someone who would always come to the aid of a fellow soldier and who remained even-keeled, even in the face of extreme danger. Gertson demonstrated these qualities when 60 insurgents attacked his unit on November 11. Despite being injured himself, Gertson helped other soldiers who were more seriously injured to safety. Gertson again demonstrated this same heroism when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside the Forward Operating Base Marez mess hall in December. After the explosion went off, Gertson rushed to the aid of his wounded Company Commander, taking him to a nearby field hospital. Gertson's courage and leadership were qualities his fellow soldiers drew strength from and admired. Gertson told his father he hoped everyone knew the sacrifices that he and the other soldiers were making and asked his father to remind people that freedom is not free. The American people know the sacrifices Gertson, like many other soldiers, made to his country and his memory will not be in vain. I am proud to honor Specialist Gertson's service to the state of Texas where he entered the service, and to the United States of America. He will not be forgotten.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, the memory of September 11 and our reaction to it will be forever with us. Most of us experienced first shock, then disbelief, confusion, yes, great concern, certainly, but, above all, horror when we fully realized what had been done to us. Each of us remembers just where we were, what we were doing and how we felt. When I am asked where I was, I am always met with surprise when I explain that I was at the Pentagon that morning. I was there with a handful of other Members at a breakfast meeting with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. He had asked us there to discuss the future of the military and what changes, transformation was the word used, what transformation had to occur for us to meet the challenges of the 21st century and the dangers of our time. It was a thoughtful and serious discussion, of course, as we all considered what would be needed to meet the dangers we thought we understood. And then, in a matter of seconds, as that meeting broke up, we learned of that first dreadful deed. As we made our way back to the Capitol, our worst fears were realized when the second plane hit the second tower. Now it is 3 years later, and I often return to that meeting in my mind, thinking how prophetic it was to be looking into the future trying to see and prepare for what was to come. The question being asked daily during this election period is: Are we safer today than we were on September 11? I sit on both the House Homeland Security Committee, and the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on Appropriations, and I can answer that question. Yes, we are safer today. We have torn down walls that kept our agencies from talking to each other and sharing information. We have locked the doors that were open that allowed those terrorists to use our airlines and our airports so easily. We have enabled local communities and States to plan for proper responses to attacks. We have undertaken one of the most massive government reorganizations in our history by creating the Department of Homeland Security. We have funded new technology to protect our borders and our ports. We have provided funding to develop agents to treat bioattacks of anthrax and smallpox. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, led by President George W. Bush, we have declared a global war on terror and showed the courage to fight that war and not stand down. We are leading that war, but we are not alone, for the world is beginning to fully realize that none are safe from the hate and evil of terrorism. That came home to all of us as we learned of the tragedy in Russia, where hundreds were killed and injured in a school, and where parents were made to choose among their children as to who could be saved and who would be sacrificed. We have broken the back of the Taliban, and we have taken Saddam Hussein out of hiding and put him forever behind bars. And in court the families of those hundreds of thousands of his subjects who were executed and dumped in mass graves can tell their stories and have some justice in their losses. We are fighting there so we do not have to fight here, and that fight is worth it. We are in praise to our troops for what they are doing for us. Mr. Speaker, the war of terror is a war we must win, and September 11 is a day we must not forget.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this bill. It has some very important programs in it. Specifically, one that I have been involved in is the provision of a $2 billion increase from fiscal year 2004 for the Department of Education to continue support for effective reading programs and better technology in the classroom. Mr. Chairman, I have been to the schools in my district that have used this technology, and as a former teacher I can tell you that it strengthens what a teacher is able to do, particularly with students with problems. The other thing it provides that is very important, I think, is the VERB program. The VERB program came to my district this summer and addresses the serious health dilemma facing our young people, and that is the rise of obesity. It is a very successful program which encourages children to be more physically active. They sent a truck out to Six Flags Over Texas, and I met the children there. They were able to pick out the verb that they wanted to use that was fun, whether it was basketball, dancing, skateboarding, running. They put excitement in exercise, and that is how VERB is working, and that is how VERB has contributed to a 34 percent rise in free time of physical activity of 9 and 10 years old in a target area. I approve this, and I certainly appreciate the work on the bill.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this important bill that provides for our military and their families. First, I want to commend the gentleman from Michigan (Chairman Knollenberg) for putting together a great bill, and I also want to commend the ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) for his work on the bill. The military construction bill for fiscal year 2005 provides just over $10 billion for construction at our military bases here at home and overseas, and also for important family housing projects and quality-of-life initiatives at our military installations. Among other things, the bill provides funding for new barracks, medical and dental facilities, and fitness centers and child development centers for our troops and their families. The bill also provides funding for construction projects that support major weapons programs like the F/A- 22 Raptor and the Joint Strike Fighter. I strongly support the inclusion of the provision in this bill to raise the cap on the Military Family Housing Privatization Initiative. If we do not raise this cap, this privatization initiative will come to a halt in November of this year and jeopardize projects to build or renovate 50,000 housing units for our military families. This program is simply the best way to improve housing for our troops and their families. Additionally, the bill includes several important construction projects for Naval Air Station/joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, in my district. It is absolutely essential that we pass this bill to support our military men and women and their families during this time of war. Again, I thank the chairman for his great work on this bill.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) and ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Lowey), for their hard work on this bill. This is a tough appropriations year. The chairman, the ranking member and the entire subcommittee staff worked very diligently to create a good bill. It addresses some of the pressing issues: education, narcotics abuse, and worldwide terrorism. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to meet with some of the most well-educated Iraqi women, many with Ph.D.s and layered graduate degrees. Now that Saddam Hussein's oppressive regime has been removed, these women are socially active and involved in Iraqi politics. This bill recognizes that education increases awareness and activism in developing countries. The bill supports the war on terrorism by training international forces in hunting down al Qaeda. It increases funding to train and equip the new Afghan National Army. It provides money for Pakistan's military efforts. I want to thank the chairman for helping to look into the issue of pay for Afghanistan police recruits and instructors, a concern that I had and that I learned primarily of from my district. I look forward to working with the chairman to find a solution. The bill also funds programs that alleviate the international narcotics program. I am a member of the Speaker's Drug Task Force and know that narcotics control is a pressing international issue, especially for Afghanistan. This bill provides $329 billion to international narcotics control. In doing this we are showing our commitment to root out the main source of terrorism funds. I thank the chairman, the ranking member, and the subcommittee staff for their help on this bill.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, due to a death in my family, I was absent from the House of Representatives on June 24, 2004 and missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted the following way: Rollcall No. 303 (H. Res. 692) ``yea,''; Rollcall No. 301 (H. Res. 685) ``nay,''; Rollcall No. 304 (H. Res. 676) ``yea,''; Rollcall No. 319 (H. Res. 691) ``yea,''; Rollcall No. 318 (H.R. 4663) ``nay.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule. I thank the Committee on Rules for quickly getting the fiscal year 2005 defense appropriations bill to the floor. I strongly support the defense appropriations bill. I want to commend the chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), the ranking member the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha), and the entire Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense for their outstanding work during this critical time for America. They had to balance many difficult needs and did a great job. The last several months have been very difficult for our military. First the actions of a few at Abu Ghraib prison, and then the barbaric murders of Nicholas Berg and Paul Johnson. They have reminded us of the true nature of our enemy and why we must win this war. Our troops are on the front line fighting this war for each of us, and they deserve our full support and gratitude. The bill contains $416 billion in discretionary spending for the Department of Defense. It includes many important provisions for our troops and our military operations. More specifically, the bill increases the intelligence budget, supports national missile defenses, provides program increases to support the military transformation process. The bill also provides $25 billion in supplemental funding to ensure that our men and women fighting in Iraq have all the resources they need. Finally, it funds many important weapons programs that will ensure our military strength for decades to come. Some of those critical weapons programs are the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the V-22 Osprey, and the FA-22 Raptor. This bill provides funding levels at $4.4 billion for the Joint Strike Fighter, $1.9 billion for the V-22 and $4.6 billion for the FA- 22. These programs are critical to military transformation. And I want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Lewis), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Ranking Member Murtha) and all committee members for supporting these programs. I want to conclude my remarks by offering sincere appreciation to our armed services for their service and sacrifice to bring freedom to the oppressed and protection for our Nation. For this they deserve the very best we can give them for the quality of life and their protection and their support.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose this amendment. The Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on Appropriations has written a sound bill that addresses the security of air cargo shipping in a common sense way and is being honest and realistic with the American people. This amendment threatens that approach. Right now many companies, like Dell and Texas Instruments, rely on airlines to ship their goods in what is called a just and timely fashion. Their high tech products have to get to customers in a very short time frame. They rely on airlines, not cargo planes, to take the goods to the customer quickly. Airlines only take passengers from known shippers who are registered and certified like FedEx and UPS. Airlines simply do not accept packages from anyone who is not a proven, known shipper. This ``known shipper program'' is a good system, and it is getting better every day with shared databases and other upgrades. This is our first backstop against suspicious shipments. Our second backstop is the physical screening that is currently being done on any shipment that raises suspicion. This bill calls for an increase in the shipments that are physically screened, specifically a doubling of the current screening. This is both reasonable and also attainable. TSA has said that going to immediate, 100 percent screening right now at the top 135 airports requires about 9,000 screeners and cost over $700 million in the first year alone. And the cargo would still face a huge bottleneck because we do not have efficient screening technologies. New technologies for screening large amounts of cargo are on the horizon, and this bill supports investment research for that technology. TSA says it will have to shut down cargo shipments altogether on passenger planes if we mandate 100 percent, and there, poof, we will have ruined a $3 billion industry and threatened 27,000 jobs. The fact is that we all support 100 percent screening and we want to get there as quickly as possible and we want safety for all of our passengers. But we want the right technology to do this in the best possible way. Let us face it. This talk of immediate physical screening does not come free, but should we not work for a more dependable, more durable technology for American travelers and air shippers? The current bill that we are debating calls for a doubling of the amount of our air cargo that is currently screened and inspected. That is reasonable, that is attainable, that is being honest with the American people, and I support this approach.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I am tempted to begin by saying that I come to honor the life of Ronald Reagan; but the truth is nothing I can say, nothing anyone can say can speak more loudly than Reagan's own achievements do. His legacy will endure and his memory will remain. Many leaders have changed history. Ronald Reagan changed the future. How soon we forget the environment he inherited in 1981, double-digit inflation, high interest rates at home, and Soviet aggression combined with American malaise abroad. Yet through his conviction, his courage, and his commitment, Ronald Reagan changed the Nation and the world. The story of Ronald Reagan is the story of America. He was an ordinary man who led a most extraordinary life. Born in poverty, Reagan rose to the greatest political office in the world. Along the way he did not merely argue for American values, he lived them. His determination was matched only by his decency, his leadership equaled only by his love of country. He was a great President who was also a good man, and he was a man so unlike any other in politics. Politics is filled with people who go with the flow, change with the times, and exchange principles for polls. These politicians are like tugboats, pushed back and forth by the waves. Not Reagan. He was like a battleship, always moving forward in its destination, always certain of victory. Though he has now left us, his impact never will. Every time we see a free person in a foreign land vote in a democratic election, Ronald Reagan is there. Every time we see a new job created through innovation and creativity, Ronald Reagan is there. And every time we see an American taking pride in his country, Ronald Reagan is there. Ultimately we mourn for ourselves, not for Reagan, for his life was one of victory. Like few other leaders in history, he lived to see his vision vindicated. Just as he had predicted, he saw communism repudiated and freedom spread across the globe. Ronald Reagan always knew who he was and what he believed. He knew why America was great and why America must lead. We recognize tonight his achievements and his legacy, but also let us also remember his style and his self-deprecating humor. We give him the credit he did not seek or think important. At the end of his Presidency, Reagan was asked if he objected to all the favorable press coverage that Mikhail Gorbachev got. ``Good Lord, no,'' Reagan responded. ``I co-starred with Errol Flynn once.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on February 3, 1953, the Headquarters of the 40th Infantry Division declared that Sergeant William E. Hall (US54024606, Infantry, United States Army, 224th Infantry Regiment) distinguished himself by heroic achievement near Kumhwa, Korea, on the 16th of June and 17th of June 1952. As Sergeant Hall's platoon advanced up an enemy-held hill, the enemy who was waiting in ambush, let loose with a murderous attack. Many casualties were sustained, including Sergeant Hall, who suffered painful wounds. With complete and utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Hall fully exposed himself to enemy fire in order to rally and encourage his men. All radio communications had been knocked out by enemy fire, but Sergeant Hall courageously remained exposed to enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire in order to maintain communications by voice and call for reinforcements. The courage, outstanding devotion to duty, and determination displayed by Sergeant Hall under extremely hazardous conditions were directly responsible for maintaining vital communications and resulted in the arrival of needed reinforcements. Sergeant Hall's outstanding courage while risking his life was inspiring to his men and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Sergeant Hall entered the Federal service from Texas.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Dean E. DeTar of Azle, Texas, for his combat heroism in Vietnam, and his leadership as National Commander of the Legion of Valor for the year 2003-2004. The Legion of Valor of the United States of America, Inc. traces its heritage to the founding of the Medal of Honor Legion in 1890 by Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War. In later years, recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, and Air Force Cross were made eligible for this elite organization, and those medals were authorized by Congress for extraordinary heroism in combat against enemy forces. COL DeTar received the Air Force Cross for his extraordinary heroism in Vietnam on March 21, 1970, while leading a force of twenty-nine aircraft against one of the most heavily defended enemy locations in Southeast Asia to successfully rescue a downed airman. COL DeTar's other U.S. decorations include the Silver Star; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross with five oak leaf clusters; Air Medal with fifteen oak leaf clusters; Purple Heart Medal; and Air Force Commendation Medal, plus numerous USAF service medals and skill badges; and foreign decorations. COL DeTar will conclude his term of office as National Commander of the Legion of Valor by presiding over that distinguished organization's 2004 annual meeting to be held in Fort Worth, May 19-23. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to commend COL Dean E. DeTar to my colleagues for his outstanding patriotism during his exemplary military career which included combat heroism in Vietnam. Since his retirement from active duty, he has shown devotion to the membership of the Legion of Valor and leadership as National Commander during the past year.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. I want to commend the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter); the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), ranking member; and the entire committee for bringing this bill to the House floor at this crucial time for America's Armed Forces. The committee had to balance many difficult needs and did a great job. The last several months have been very difficult for our men and women serving in the United States military. The actions of a few at Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq must not reflect badly on their fellow soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen serving so bravely in the war on terrorism. The barbaric murder of an American civilian captured on videotape has reminded us of the true nature of our enemy and why we must win this war. Our troops are on the front lines fighting this war for each and every one of us, and they deserve our full support and gratitude. By passing the defense authorization bill this week, the House of Representatives will send a strong message of support to our troops and a resolve to friends and enemies across the globe. We must stand firm and continue our fight against terrorism. There is no more important battle today. The bill authorizes over $420 billion for the Department of Defense and the national security programs at the Department of Energy. It includes many important provisions for our troops, their families, and America's veterans. The bill also authorizes an additional $25 billion in supplemental funding to ensure that our men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan will have all the resources they need. Finally, the bill funds many important weapons programs that will ensure our military strength for decades to come. I want to focus on some of those critical weapons programs: the F-34 Joint Strike Fighter, the F/A-22 Raptor, and the V-22 Osprey. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or JSF as we call it, will be the prime multirole fighter for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps for the 21st century. The defense authorization bill fully funds the President's budget request for continued development of the JSF. The basic JSF design, with several modifications to meet each service's needs, will be used for all three services. The aircraft will have the best next-generation avionics, weapons systems, and stealth capabilities. It will also have dramatically increased range over our current fighters. We simply must continue to develop the Joint Strike Fighter, and the underlying bill fully supports the program. The F/A-22 Raptor is the Air Force's state-of-the-art, next- generation fighter aircraft. As with the JSF, the committee has fully funded the President's request for the F/A-22. Specifically, the bill includes funding to build 24 new F/A-22s over the next fiscal year.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding church, an outstanding pastor and a great couple in my district. On Sunday, April 18, 2004 Calvary Cathedral International celebrates the 40th anniversary of its founding by Pastor Bob Nichols and his wife, Joy. On this day, Pastor Nichols also celebrates his 50th anniversary in full time ministry and the upcoming 50th wedding anniversary of Pastor Nichols and Joy. Through Calvary Cathedral, Pastor Nichols and Joy touch the lives of thousands of people not only in Fort Worth, but throughout the world. With integrity and outstanding character, Pastor Nichols and Joy daily help the less fortunate and hungry, as well as the many people who make up their congregation. To appreciate the high esteem in which Calvary Cathedral and Pastor and Mrs. Nichols are held today, one must understand the humble beginnings from which they come. In 1964, after 10 years in full time ministry, God called Pastor Nichols to start a church where all faiths were welcome and members of the church could grow in faith. With no members or financial resources, Pastor Nichols started Calvary Cathedral in an old post office building. By 1976, Calvary Cathedral had grown to the point that the congregation purchased a historic, 2,000-seat church on the banks of the Trinity River. That site was home to Calvary until it was destroyed by a tornado on March 28, 2000. In 2001, Calvary elected to purchase the Midtown Church of Christ facility. The existing facilities and property, as well as the construction of a new facility for the Calvary Christian Academy, is enabling Pastor Nichols, Joy and the congregation to reach out to even more people. As pastor and president of Calvary Cathedral International, Pastor Nichols administers a wide range of ministries that includes the Calvary Christian Academy, the Calvary Day Care, Calvary Cathedral International Bible School, the Calvary daily Faith, Hope and Love radio show, the Calvary jail and prison ministry, the Stitches central city outreach program and a foreign missionary outreach. Through Lighthouse Television, Ltd., Pastor Nichols reaches out with his message to residents of Uganda. Not only does Pastor Nichols use the blessing of Calvary Cathedral to reach out to people, he is renowned for his stewardship to other ministers, which has earned him the title ``Pastor to Pastors.'' Pastor Nichols and Joy demonstrated their deep faith and their trust in God to carry forth during the Tornado of 2000 by being positive about the tragedy that struck the church and the Fort Worth community that day. They used the disaster to instill hope and trust among church members and Fort Worth residents, alike. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize a church that has contributed so much to not only Fort Worth, but to the world. And it is my honor to praise the leadership and compassion that Pastor Nichols and his wife Joy have exhibited during their 40 years of ministry at Calvary Cathedral International.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3104. This bill will establish separate campaign medals for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. I want to thank the gentleman from Arkansas. (Mr. Snyder), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) for their hard work, the Committee on Armed Services for reporting this bill to the full House, and the leadership for getting it to the floor so expeditiously. Upon returning from Iraq last fall, I introduced a similar bill to the one before us today. After visiting with soldiers on that trip, I became convinced that we needed to establish separate medals for service in Afghanistan and Iraq in order to give our troops the recognition they deserve. A number of the troops mentioned that they have served in both countries and would appreciate separate medals to distinguish their service. Many of our servicemen and -women who have served in these two very different campaigns in the war on terrorism feel the same way, and they deserve the recognition. Currently, the Department of Defense has established the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for those who have deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is for those who have served in support roles since September 11. Our troops can only be issued these medals once, even if they have served in both operations. I do not think these medals go far enough. The war on terrorism will be a long struggle with many major military campaigns and fronts. In my opinion, this fact warrants separate medals for the war's first two major campaigns. There is also precedent for these medals. During World War II, for example, three campaign medals were issued to recognize the different fronts of the war: the American Campaign Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the European- African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. During the 1990s, DOD issued the Southwest Asia Service Medal for the Persian Gulf war in 1991 and the Kosovo Campaign Medal for the 1999 U.S.-led war in Kosovo. By awarding separate medals we simply recognize the specific contribution our servicemen and women have made in Afghanistan and Iraq. These medals would not take away from the significance of the global war on terrorism medal. I also think DOD should establish separate medals for future major campaigns in the war on terrorism. I want to conclude my remarks by saying thank you to the men and women of our armed services for their service and sacrifice. Moments like these always remind me that freedom is not free. Thank God we have men and women who are willing to volunteer their service to protect and fight for our great Nation. These medals are just one of the many ways we should recognize them.