Gil Gutknecht

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lance Corporal Roger Wayne Deeds, who served in the Second Marine Division from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Corporal Deeds died November 16 while searching for insurgents in the town of Ubaydi, Iraq. He was killed by small arms fire as he returned to the scene of combat to rescue a fellow Marine. Corporal Deeds spent his favorite years in Truman, Minnesota, where his mother, Joyce, still lives. Roger Deeds leaves behind a 16-month-old son and a 7-week-old daughter that he never met. He lived in Goldsboro, North Carolina with his wife, Sarah. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I honor the memory and the service of this brave American. It is fitting to offer tribute on a day already set aside for remembrance. The anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that took place on December 7, 1941. Much like the brave soldiers who fell that day, Corporal Deeds made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom. Mr. Speaker, the attack on Pearl Harbor thrust our Nation into a terrible world war. Today we find ourselves in the midst of war once again, a very different kind of war. 64 years ago, in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt in this very Chamber addressed the country. His closing thought is as appropriate now as it was then. He said, ``With confidence in our Armed Forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.'' We owe Corporal Deeds a debt of gratitude we can never repay. He chose to set aside the safety and comfort of a life spent at home in order to defend freedom for people who will never know his name. He now takes his place in that long line that Douglas MacArthur said has never failed us. I thank the Deeds family for giving their loved one to this service. I hope it brings some comfort to know that the thoughts and prayers of thousands of Minnesotans are with them. May God have mercy on his soul. May He continue to bless America and all who defend her.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for holding this special order tonight. Mr. Speaker, John Adams once said very simply, ``Facts are stubborn things.'' Somebody else once said that you can ignore the facts, you can deny the facts, but in the end, there they are. Tonight we are talking about the facts. I want to just share with my colleagues some information according to the Office of Management and Budget, because this is pretty shocking. Some of our friends on the left are saying, Well, it is because we are wasting all this money fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. Well, maybe they are right, I do not know. Some of them say, Well, the reason we have a deficit problem is because of tax cuts. Well, I think we can dispel that myth, because let me just share with my colleagues some numbers from the Office of Management and Budget. Since 2001 through 2005, the inflation rate here in the United States has averaged a little more than 12 percent, total. We have increased spending on science, space, and technology by 21 percent. This Congress has increased spending on transportation by 24 percent. We have increased spending on unemployment benefits by 26 percent; general government, 32 percent; income security programs, or what we would call welfare and other programs we are going to talk about in a minute, have increased by 39 percent. Now, that is at a time when inflation has been a little over 12 percent, so it has increased at triple the inflation rate. Health care programs, we have increased by 42 percent just since 2001; community development, 71 percent; housing and commerce, 86 percent; international affairs, what some people call mostly foreign aid, has increased by 94 percent. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this area that we are just slashing and burning, education, has increased by 99 percent. The facts are right here, and if anyone would like a copy of the article, if they call my office, I will be happy to send them one. We talked about facts, and the gentlewoman mentioned food stamps. Now, listen, I think I speak for everyone on both sides of the aisle here in the U.S. House of Representatives and, frankly, I think I speak for all Americans, it is something we take pretty seriously. We do not want anybody to go to bed hungry here in the United States. But I am happy to say that this House, this House leadership, this Budget Committee and the chairman and the members of the Republican Caucus have a plan that will reform government and provide savings for the American taxpayers. Spending has been going up too fast, and we propose to do something about that. I came here in 1994, and earlier my colleague, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) talked about what we did in 1995 and 1996. One of the things we did that I will always be proud of is, we reformed the welfare system, and we put limits on welfare. We heard some of the same arguments back then, Oh, my gosh, people are going to be thrown into the streets, people will go hungry, this is going to be terrible. Well, let us look at what happened. We cut the welfare caseloads by 50 percent. Mr. Speaker, I always said, and I really believe this, welfare reform was never about saving money. It was about saving people; it was about saving families; it was about saving children from one more generation of dependency and despair. Unfortunately, our friends on the left still believe in big government. They somehow believe that big government programs can really solve problems. Mr. Speaker, we believe people should not go to bed hungry.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I share my strong support for H. Res. 302, honoring the employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists who have been called to active duty. Today, 1.3 million Americans serve in the Guard and Reserve, representing nearly half of our total military force. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Minnesota National Guard members have served on active duty supporting operations in more than 30 countries around the world. This fall, 2,600 Guard members from the 34th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team were activated for service in Iraq. Their 18-month mission will take them away from family and friends, their careers and their everyday lives. They will miss birthdays and anniversaries, holidays and school plays, a baby's first steps and home-cooked meals. However, these soldiers could not perform their mission without the support of their civilian employers. In 1972, President Nixon established the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). In Minnesota, there are 140 ESGR volunteers who promote the value of Guard and Reserve employees. Last year, the State of Minnesota received the Defense Secretary's Employer Support Freedom Award for its programs supporting activated service members. The State, for example, makes up the difference between a reservist's active-duty pay and his or her State salary. The Minnesota Timberwolves organization are another outstanding example of a business that supports the Guard and Reserve. In 2004, the Timberwolves received the ESGR's ``Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award.'' This year, the Timberwolves are hosting a ``Salute to the Armed Forces'' event at the Target Center on Nov. 9. The team donated more than 1,200 tickets for the month of November so military personnel can attend a game. Support of the Guard and Reserve also takes place at the local level. This year, the New Ulm Police Department and Immanuel St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato, received ``Above and Beyond'' awards for their ongoing support of reserve employees. More than 475 Minnesota employers were nominated for this national award. Only 23 received this prestigious award. Mr. Speaker, one of America's great strengths is the unselfish courage of the citizen who steps forward, puts on the uniform and stands ready to face danger. It is that quality, more than any other, which has kept us free for more than 200 years. We must commend the tens of thousands of American businesses who willingly employ members of the National Guard and Reserve. It is this essential alliance and shared sacrifice that keeps America and much of the world free.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the city of Mankato, Minnesota, for being a great place to live and grow up. On Nov. 1, the city of Mankato was recognized as one of the ``100 Best Communities'' for Young People by America's Promise, an organization founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At the awards ceremony in Washington, DC, Mankato also received a special award for its outreach efforts to Gulf Coast residents. Located on the beautiful Minnesota River in the heart of Blue Earth County, Mankato is a great place to live. But as America's Promise has recognized, Mankato is also a great place for young people. Boasting one of the lowest high school dropout rates among the Nation's small cities, Mankato remains committed to education and family values. In particular, I would like to recognize the parents and teachers of the city who devote their time to Mankato's youth. I would also like to commend Kathy Brynaert, Independent School District #77 School Board Chair and Anna Thill of the Mankato Area United Way who attended the awards ceremony and accepted the honor on behalf of the city. In addition to the award for being one of the ``100 Best Communities for Young People,'' Mankato was also recognized for its work in aiding communities devastated by recent hurricanes. Red Cross volunteers and professionals from Mankato immediately responded to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina by traveling to the Gulf Coast to lend a helping hand. Meanwhile, back in Mankato, community residents and local organizations rallied to collect money and supplies for hurricane victims. Local students designed cards offering their love and support that were delivered to children there. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring and congratulating these outstanding Americans.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from early afternoon votes in the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 8, 2005 due to an important meeting I had with the New Zealand Ambassador in St. Paul, Minnesota. During this meeting, the Ambassador and I discussed agricultural trade issues. Had I been present in the U.S. House of Representatives, I would have voted ``aye'' on the following bills: Motion to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair on Motion to Instruct Conferees; H. Res. 38; H. Res. 302; H.R. 3770.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the House on November 7, 2005 due to an important meeting I had with the New Zealand Ambassador in St. Paul, Minnesota. During this meeting, the Ambassador and I discussed agricultural trade issues. Had I been present in the House, I would have voted ``yea'' on the following bills: H. Con. Res. 260, H.R. 1973, and H. Res. 444.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2413) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1202 1st Street in Humble, Texas, as the ``Lillian McKay Post Office Building''.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 2413, offered by the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe). This bill would designate the post office in Humble, Texas, as the Lillian McKay Post Office Building. As the First Lady of Humble, Texas, a small town located just northeast of Houston, Lillian McKay made an impact on the community that will be remembered forever. Officially, she became Humble's First Lady in 1971 when her husband, Dr. Haden McKay, became the mayor of that small town. Dr. McKay served the city of Humble for more than 38 years, as mayor as well as a member of the city council. One thing was for sure: Lillian McKay was always there by his side. Her philanthropic nature has earned her several prestigious community awards, such as the Humble Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, the Yellow Rose of Texas award, Family Time Women of Achievement Community Leader award and, finally, the Northeast Medical Center Hospital Foundation Gala Honoree. Lillian McKay is also closely involved with the Humble Museum as acting curator. She has been an advocate for the museum since its inception in 1976. This lifelong Texan has given back much more to her community than can ever be documented. Long after the death of her husband, Lillian McKay is still considered the First Lady of Humble, Texas, and will always be remembered as such. I urge all Members to join me in honoring the lifetime community achievements of this very special and generous woman. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for bringing this bill to the House. Clearly, this is a woman who is richly deserving of this honor. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of the passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3989) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 37598 Goodhue Avenue in Dennison, Minnesota, as the ``Albert Harold Quie Post Office,'' as amended.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 3989, as amended. I offer this bill together with my colleague from Minnesota (Mr. Kline). This bill would designate the post office in Dennison, Minnesota, as the Albert H. Quie Post Office Building. Let me tell you a little bit about Al Quie. I am privileged to know Al and have known him for a very long time. Al Quie was born on a farm in Wheeling Township in Rice County near Dennison, Minnesota, on September 8, 1923. He attended the grade schools in Nerstrand and high school in Northfield. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1950. Mr. Quie served as a pilot in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1945. He later became the owner and operator of a dairy farm there in Rice County. He was the clerk of the District 43 School Board from 1949 to 1952 and a supervisor for the Rice County Soil Conservation District from 1950 until 1954. Al Quie was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 1955, and he was elected as a Republican to the 85th Congress by a special election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Representative August Andresen. He was reelected to the succeeding Congresses for 10 consecutive terms. In 1978, he left the Congress to run for Governor of Minnesota where he served from 1979 until 1983. You cannot talk about Al Quie without talking about his wife, Gretchen, a very special woman, a loving and tender woman; and I remember her so well as the First Lady of the State of Minnesota. But Al Quie is so many things. He was a true patriot, a very committed Christian, a loving father and husband. He was a principled public servant; and in many respects, he embodied all of the qualities that we in this House should emulate. I think naming a post office after him in his hometown of Dennison, Minnesota, is a very, very small tribute. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to my colleague from Minnesota (Mr. Kline).

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues. I would just add one thing to the comments of my colleague (Mr. Kline) and that is that when he rode the Continental Divide, he was in his 70s. An amazing tribute. He is now in his 80s. He and Gretchen still are living happily in Minnesota. I believe that naming this post office is just a small way for us to say thank you for his many, many years of selfless public service. Mr. Speaker, I hope the Members will join us in supporting this important resolution.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3548.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3548) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located on Franklin Avenue in Pearl River, New York, as the ``Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. Post Office Building''.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York for bringing this bill forward. This clearly is a fitting tribute to an American hero, and I would urge all Members to support passage of H.R. 3548. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3548, authored by the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel). This bill would designate the post office in Pearl River, New York, as the Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. Post Office Building. All members of the New York State delegation have cosponsored this legislation. Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr., was a native of Pearl River, New York. He disappeared on his first day of duty in Vietnam. Ahlmeyer was 23 years of age when the Marine Corps sent him on a reconnaissance patrol in Quang Tri province on May 10, 1967, from which he never returned. Shortly after noon on the day of his death, the patrol came under heavy fire and many of the soldiers were wounded. After several failed attempts, a helicopter was able to land and save the wounded soldiers, although the effort could not retrieve those that had been killed. Because of the enemy presence in the area of the loss, no ground search was possible and Ahlmeyer's remains were not able to be recovered. He was immediately listed as killed in action. Thirty-eight years later to the day, on May 10, 2005, Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr., was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In May of 1998, a Joint Field Activity search team was able to find small remnants of American uniforms at the site of the loss in Quang Tri province. Due to DNA and dental records, a military forensics laboratory in Hawaii was able to identify Ahlmeyer in January of 2005. Finally, the vibrant young man who played football and baseball at Pearl River High School, a hero in every sense of the word, could have a proper burial. Many who knew Ahlmeyer from his high school days attended the funeral in Virginia. Over 100 family members and friends paid respect to the soldier on the 38th anniversary of his death. I urge my colleagues to come together to honor this brave soldier for his commitment to preserving our freedoms and his bravery in the face of danger. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTKNECHT

Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. tomorrow.