Mark Green

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding me the time, and I want to commend the gentleman for this legislation. This is a terribly important tool for prosecutors; and it is yet another reason why this bill, this larger legislation, is such a historic advance in the battle against those who would prey on our kids. I know we all recognize that technology, quite frankly, is outpacing our ability to deal with it, ethically and legally. The computer information revolution has created a wonderful window on the world for our young people, but its darker shadows and darker moments can allow monsters into our home and, quite frankly, allow monsters closer to our children. We cannot and must not allow the porn industry to hide behind emerging technologies and hyperlegal nuances. I refuse to say what the opponents imply today, that is, that somehow child pornography becomes a victimless crime with a couple of key strokes. It is time to chase those dark shadows away. It is time to give prosecutors the tools to fight back. It is time to give them what they are asking for, the ability to shine a light on child pornography, the ability to fight back and to end this terrible scourge. This is a critical part, in my view, to a comprehensive response of child abduction and those who would prey on our kids. Again, I want to compliment the gentleman. I think this is a great addition to this legislation.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, when Members rise in this House for Special Orders, each of them speaks to a particular audience. Some are talking to fellow legislators, some are talking to the folks back home, some are talking to interest groups, and some, quite frankly, are just talking to themselves. Tonight, Mr. Speaker, I would like to do something very different, because tonight I rise to speak to our men and women in uniform, some of whom are a long way from home right now. To these brave folks I say this: I know you hear some of the protests in Europe and even on our own streets and campuses. I know you hear the sometimes bitter anti-American and antimilitary rhetoric of these protests, and I know you see the faces of some of the celebrities who not only oppose our Nation's policies but, all too often, question the morality of your actions as soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines. Please know this: the overwhelming majority of your countrymen support you 100 percent. The voices of the protesters and their cheerleading celebrities represent only a vocal minority, one that gets public attention way out of proportion to the numbers they represent. Mr. Speaker, Richard Nixon spoke many years ago of a silent majority. Well, on this issue, standing with all of you, the majority will be silent no longer. There is no better evidence than the fact that a movement that I am proud to say has arisen and taken root in Wisconsin is taking off. This movement, launched by a couple of talk show hosts and friends of mine, Charlie Sykes and Jeff Wagner of WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee, is an effort to support you, the brave men and women of our armed services, during these challenging and difficult times. It started with just Charlie and Jeff in their open letter in response to the notorious Not in Our Name antiwar campaign. But what started with these two men and a fairly simple statement of principles has grown and grown and grown. It is now a thriving movement in my area known today as In Our Name. The In Our Name effort is dedicated to supporting our troops and our Nation. In Our Name is attracting enormous backing from the people of Wisconsin and, more and more, the people of America. This past weekend, downtown Milwaukee was the site of a great rally in support of our troops and of the In Our Name campaign. It attracted hundreds and hundreds of folks from all walks of life, folks who gathered despite falling snow and freezing temperatures. And as of this evening, about 42,000 people have signed on to the In Our Name letter, including myself and my wife. It is a statement that I want to read here tonight. It is a statement that I feel belongs in the recorded history of this extraordinary time in our Nation, and it is a statement that you on the front lines need to hear. ``Let there be no doubt in your minds as you embark on this mission that you carry the hopes, the prayers, and the gratitude of your country with you. Every generation learns anew that freedom carries a steep price. You are paying that price with your courage and your commitment, no less than those who fought to liberate Europe, to defend freedom in Korea and Vietnam, and to combat aggression in Kuwait a decade ago. ``As our fathers and grandfathers fought against and defeated Nazism, fascism, and communism, our generation must confront terrorism. You have answered that call. ``We know that you neither wanted this war nor fired the first shot. The war against America began on September 11, 2001, with the murder of 3,000 Americans. You fight in their name. You fight in the name of our children and our children's children who will not have to face a world dominated by terror, and you fight in the name of each and every one of us who signed this petition below. ``We know that all war is brutal and ugly and dangerous, but we also know that the price of inaction is even worse. We have learned the lessons of history, that the fruit of appeasement is war on an even more brutal scale. ``You fight so that the world will not have to face the nightmare of a tyrant like Saddam Hussein armed with chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons which he can use to threaten, intimidate, and murder. You fight today so that others will not have to fight even more savage battles in the future. ``We know that you have seen the anti-war protests around the world and in your own country. But know this: Your country is behind you. You are our sons, our daughters, our brothers and sisters, our wives and husbands. You are the best this country has to offer. In the difficult hours ahead, as President Bush said, the success of our cause will depend on you. Your training has prepared you. Your honor will guide you. You believe in America and America believes in you. You fight in our name. May God bless you, our troops, and may God bless America.''

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today before this house I'd like to honor and remember a true leader and friend to the citizens of Green Bay: Vernon Taylor. On Monday, October 7, 2002, Vern passed away, leaving behind a legacy of tireless community activism and service. As a devoted teacher, youth mentor, and even a Santa Claus, Vern dedicated his life to children. The proclaimed ``Mayor of Imperial Lane,'' Vern helped bring a city park to his neighborhood, giving children a safe place to play and instilling a sense of pride and camaraderie in his neighbors. Vern was also a welcoming face for diversity in Northeast Wisconsin, helping found the Ebony Family, and working heavily with multi-ethnic support groups throughout my district. Vern was never interested in party politics or professional advancement, but rather in getting things done and enhancing the quality of life of everyone around him. His commitment to community service was an example and inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, Vern Taylor was an extraordinary individual whose energy and enthusiasm touched the lives of everyone he met. We will all miss him.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to introduce our guest chaplain this morning, Reverend Won Sang Lee, senior pastor of the Korean Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia. I do this on behalf of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis). Reverend Lee has been a spiritual leader in the 11th District of Virginia for over 25 years and he has spearheaded his church's efforts towards community outreach both locally and internationally. Reverend Lee is president of Seed International, a mission agency which provides support to missions around the world, including the United States and Korea. He is also Moderator for the Coalition of the Korean Churches in the Presbyterian Church in America, and cochairs the Korean World Mission Council for Christ. Reverend Lee earned his B.A. in Philosophy from KeiMyung University and an M.A. in Philosophy from KyungBook University in Korea. He has also earned a Theological Master in the Old Testament from the Dallas Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. In November 2001, Reverend Lee received the Virginia Governor's Award for ``Outstanding Religious Institution'' in Richmond, Virginia. This award was granted for his work in the Korean Central Senior Center, where he has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1994. Earlier this year, Reverend Lee was asked to lead the Virginia State House of Delegates with opening prayer in Richmond, Virginia. I ask my colleagues in the House to join myself and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) in welcoming Reverend Lee to this Chamber.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, with due respect to the authority of this amendment and the preceding speakers, I really believe that adopting this amendment would be worse for America than taking no action at all. Adopting this amendment would sanction and legitimize the shameful gamesmanship that Saddam Hussein has shown for 11 years. Saddam views diplomacy without force as his personal game without rules. We cannot, we dare not ignore his history. Remember, the world builds an Oil for Food program and Saddam Hussein turns it into a way to rebuild his military and to amass personal wealth. The world builds a no-fly zone to protect innocents from Iraqi aggression. Yet Iraqi forces have fired on coalition planes hundreds of times this year alone. The world demands and Saddam agrees to destroy his biological and chemical weapons. Yet every objective observer says he still has them and he is building more. The world demands and Iraq agrees to bring in international weapons inspectors, but when they arrive, they are told that thousands of buildings are off limits. They are delayed, they are hassled until they go home in frustration. Finally, Saddam declares with a smile that he does not support terrorism. Yet every day, including today, we learn more and more about the training, the resources, the protection that Saddam gives al Qaeda and others. Mr. Speaker, this amendment, with its ambiguous references to negotiation and resumption of weapons inspections, would continue that game. In fact, it would have this House legitimize that game. The gentlewoman from California speaks of the dangers of war, and she is right. War is very dangerous. But the last 11 years have shown that giving Saddam Hussein diplomatic cover to build weaponry, terrible weaponry, is even more dangerous. There is a middle path: diplomacy with teeth. It is the underlying resolution that I support. Let us show that we have learned our lessons. As many have said here today and yesterday, and will say later today, the American people are watching what we do. So is the world. Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to you, so is Saddam Hussein. Let us show Saddam Hussein that the games are over. They will go on no more. Let us vote against and reject the Lee amendment.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), someone who has a great deal of experience in leadership in the area of antiterrorism, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, obviously, we are in the midst of a great and historic debate. In fulfilling the pledge that the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) made yesterday, I ask unanimous consent that the time for debate on this resolution be extended for 4 hours, to be equally divided between the majority and the minority.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), a Member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter), a Member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Chair for that reminder. I think it is an important reminder, especially when we are debating such serious matters here. It is my honor, Mr. Speaker, to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry), a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (Mr. TERRY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Sununu), a member of the Committee on Appropriations and vice-chairman of the Committee on the Budget.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, as part of this great debate, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw), a member of the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher), a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, someone who understands the dangers of war very well.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins), a veteran of the National Guard and a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Dan Miller), a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Committee on Government Reform. (Mr. DAN MILLER of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jeff Miller), a member of the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), a member of the Committee on the Judiciary. (Mr. GOODLATTE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn), a member of the Committee on Government Reform.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Over the next few days, this House is taking up yet another momentous decision in a session that is sadly full of historic challenges. The American people are watching and listening to our debate today. History is watching and listening to our debate today. And make no mistake, the Iraqi regime is watching and listening and weighing our words carefully. This debate can be a debate in the highest and best sense of that term, a serious exchange of ideas and opinions. That is the only opinion, that is the only mechanism that will do justice to this body, a body that has all too often been saddled with great and momentous decisions. But for that debate to be potentially realized, however, we must understand what our resolution is about and what it is not about. Despite what a misguided few will argue over these next few days, we are not debating a choice between war and peace. If it were only that simple. Make no mistake, I stand for peace, firmly and proudly. The real peace coalition is more than a handful of members who give themselves that label in the media. The real peace coalition is comprised of nearly everyone in this body today. As Americans we must all stand for peace. The real issue before us is how we secure that peace in long run, peace for our children and peace for their children. The real debate is over what means will give us the best chance to stop a gathering storm in the terrorist world. There are some in this House and some in this Nation who are ready to put their faith solely in diplomacy. They believe that, given more time, there will be more discussion and more parley and somehow that can produce a result that it has not yet produced in the course of more than a decade. Others of us, I think most of us, would dearly like to put our faith in diplomacy alone, but we know that history does not allow us the easy way out, neither the history our dealings with this tyrant nor the even dimmer and longer-term history of containment and appeasement. The gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) have painted that picture all too well, I am afraid. I support the resolution before us because I believe it strikes the right balance. It specifically requires the pursuit of diplomacy. In a civilized world like ours, diplomacy should always be the first path chosen, but it also backs that talk up with the threat of serious action. The resolution wisely faces the reality that a tyrant aimed at gamesmanship and amassing power instead of living up to universally accepted obligations is unlikely to take diplomacy very seriously without the potential for enforcement waiting in the wings. Under this resolution, the President must first determine that peaceful means cannot accomplish our goals. If we have learned anything over this decade, it is surely that Saddam Hussein will do everything he can to manipulate the diplomatic process for his own nefarious advantage. This is exemplified by his recent announcement that he will permit ``unconditional'' weapons inspections to resume but only if they do not include 12 square miles of his presidential palaces and thousands of buildings. He has hidden behind diplomacy, while continuing to develop his weapons of mass destruction. He calls for more negotiations, while firing thousands of times at coalition planes in the no-fly zones. He cynically declares to the civilized world he would never support terrorism, and yet we know every day more and more why that is not true. We cannot ignore this history. We dare not ignore this history. Yet some would put all their faith in diplomacy. Others of us would like to put our faith in diplomacy alone, but, again, we are all too aware of its shortcomings. Force or the threat of it seems to be the only language Saddam Hussein understands. It is how he speaks, and it is the only way he listens. Diplomacy without the threat of force I am afraid is sure once again to get lost in the translation, the translation between the civilized world and the savage mind of Saddam Hussein. The resolution pushes diplomacy. It requires diplomacy. But, thankfully, it empowers diplomacy. This is how, God willing, we can secure real and lasting peace for our children and grandchildren.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today before this House I'd like to recognize and honor Jack Meng, whose exceptional leadership and civic commitment have strengthened both Schreiber Foods, Inc. and Northeast Wisconsin for decades. Jack's dedicated service at Schreiber Foods has spanned 30 years. During that time, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality, honesty and integrity. He helped Schreiber Foods become both the largest brand cheese company in the world, and a shining example of sound customer service. As a member of various community boards, Jack has used his business expertise and extensive leadership experience to make lasting contributions to our area and its proud citizens. His lifelong commitment to service has been an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and pleasure to recognize today the extraordinary contributions of Jack Meng. On behalf of my constituents, we wish him all the best as he steps into retirement.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to recognize and honor, before this House, Touchpoint Health Plan for receiving an ``Excellent'' Accreditation Status by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its commercial managed care organization. Being named the ``highest performing plan in the nation overall,'' Touchpoint established itself as one of the premier managed care plans in the country, setting four national benchmarks in the areas of Breast Cancer Screening, Beta Blocker Treatment After Heart Attack and two measures of diabetic care. No plan in the nation has distinguished itself more consistently in terms of performance measures than Touchpoint. It has a proud history of providing superior care to folks in my northeastern Wisconsin district, receiving a Full Accreditation from NCQA three years ago--the highest level available. According to NCQA, this accreditation places Touchpoint among ``an elite group of health plan products by virtue of their commitment to clinical excellence, customer service and continuous improvement.'' Mr. Speaker, Touchpoint has worked hard to earn this mark of distinction, and I'm proud to honor them here today.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today before this House I recognize and honor Past Chief Commander Arthur Farr of the United States Power Squadrons, as well as the city of Manitowoc, a Wisconsin community that has fought to preserve the causes of freedom and democracy through its superior ship building enterprise. When the drums of war sound, and our nation is obliged to heed the calls of the oppressed and threatened, the citizens of the United States dutifully step up--as exemplified by the people of Manitowoc and Past Chief Commander Farr. Commander Farr served as a naval submarine officer aboard the distinguished USS Guitarro throughout World War II. During his service, Commander Farr helped see the Guitarro safely through five treacherous war patrols in the Pacific, a tenure that yielded four battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation. The achievements of Commander Farr and the Guitarro are truly deserving of our highest recognition and most earnest thanks. To equip our forces with the vessels essential for victory during World War II, the citizens of Manitowoc and its neighboring communities rallied to fill posts in the shipyard, often at incredible sacrifice. Farmers milked their cows by day and welded submarines by night. It was the tireless efforts of these citizens that fueled the production of superior vessels, like the Guitarro, and ensured naval success and eventual victory for the allies. The dedication and often unrecognized contributions of Americans like Past Chief Commander Farr and the citizens of Manitowoc are a true testament to the strength and excellence of this great nation.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I am profoundly dismayed today to share a piece of dreadful news from my district with this House and with our entire Nation. On Monday, in an act of terrifying evil, a man deliberately crashed his truck into a police squad car in the Town of Hobart, Wisconsin. The two police officers in the car, Robert Etter and Stephanie Markins, were killed. Officer Etter, who was known by some in the community as ``Officer Bob,'' served in law enforcement for three decades. He retired a few years ago but soon realized how hard it was to leave behind 30 years of serving and protecting his neighbors--so he returned, bringing his immense experience and skills back to the local law enforcement community. In fact, he was sharing some of that experience with a new officer when their car was hit on July 22. He leaves behind a wife, four daughters, two grandchildren and a community grateful for having had the opportunity to share life with him. Officer Markins was that new officer learning from Officer Etter. She had served on the force for just a short time. Described by one of her trainers as ``very much a go getter'' who wanted to ``get out and deal with people,'' Officer Markins'' promise as a law enforcement officer was tragically cut short Monday. She was a fiance, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a neighbor and a protector who was willing to give everything for the security of others. She will be missed. Mr. Speaker, this heartbreaking and senseless case tragically demonstrates that law enforcement is a dangerous job whether it's done in New York City or Hobart, Wisconsin. And it shows that the people who choose it as their profession are truly extraordinary in their character, their courage, and their dedication to their fellow citizens. I offer today these few brief remarks to honor the memories of Officers Etter and Markins, to ensure that they are remembered in the annals of our nation's history, to recognize these families' incredible loss, and to remind all of us of the sacrifices made every day by law enforcement officers and their loved ones.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today before this House I recognize and honor Past Chief Commander Arthur Farr of the United States Power Squadrons, as well as the city of Manitowoc, a Wisconsin community that has fought to preserve the causes of freedom and democracy through its superior ship building enterprise. When the drums of war sound, and our Nation is obliged to heed the calls of the oppressed and threatened, the citizens of the United States dutifully step up--as exemplified by the people of Manitowoc and Past Chief Commander Farr. Commander Farr served as a naval submarine officer aboard the distinguished USS Guitarro throughout World War II. During his service, Commander Farr helped see the Guitarro safely through five treacherous war patrols in the Pacific, a tenure that yielded four battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation. The achievements of Commander Farr and the Guitarro are truly deserving of our highest recognition and most earnest thanks. To equip our forces with the vessels essential for victory during World War II, the citizens of Manitowoc and its neighboring communities rallied to fill posts in the shipyard, often at incredible sacrifice. Farmers milked their cows by day and welded submarines by night. It was the tireless efforts of these citizens that fueled the production of superior vessels, like the Guitarro, and ensured naval success and eventual victory for the allies. The dedication and often unrecognized contributions of Americans like Past Chief Commander Farr and the citizens of Manitowoc are a true testament to the strength and excellence of this great Nation.

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin

Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I am profoundly dismayed today to share a piece of dreadful news from my district with this House and with our entire nation. On Monday, in an act of terrifying evil, a man deliberately crashed his truck into a police squad car in the Town of Hobart, Wisconsin. The two police officers in the car, Robert Etter and Stephanie Markins, were killed. Officer Etter, who was known by some in the community as ``Officer Bob,'' served in law enforcement for three decades. He retired a few years ago but soon realized how hard it was to leave behind 30 years of serving and protecting his neighbors--so he returned, bringing his immense experience and skills back to the local law enforcement community. In fact, he was sharing some of that experience with a new officer when their car was hit on July 22. He leaves behind a wife, four daughters, two grandchildren and a community grateful for having had the opportunity to share life with him. Officer Markins was that new officer learning from Officer Etter. She had served on the force for just a short time. Described by one of her trainers as ``very much a gogetter'' who wanted to ``get out and deal with people,'' Officer Markins' promise as a law enforcement officer was tragically cut short Monday. She was a fiance, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a neighbor and a protector who was willing to give everything for the security of others. She will be missed. Mr. Speaker, this heartbreaking and senseless case tragically demonstrates that law enforcement is a dangerous job whether it's done in New York City or Hobart, Wisconsin. And it shows that the people who choose it as their profession are truly extraordinary in their character, their courage, and their dedication to their fellow citizens. I offer today these few brief remarks to honor the memories of Officers Etter and Markins, to ensure that they are remembered in the annals of our nation's history, to recognize these families' incredible loss, and to remind all of us of the sacrifices made every day by law enforcement officers and their loved ones.