Kirsten Gillibrand

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I would like to thank Congressman Cooper for his leadership on this bill and for his constant effort to promote accountability and transparency in the Federal Government. I also want to thank Chairman Towns and Chairman Waxman for moving this legislation through committee and for their support of my amendment. I rise today to offer an amendment to save the taxpayers money by increasing transparency, accountability and oversight over Federal agencies' spending practices. We all know that the U.S. Government spends too much of our constituents' hard-earned taxes in ways that are not always the most efficient manner. For too long, Federal agency spending has been left unchecked with little public scrutiny on the findings of the Inspectors General investigations. It is time to shine some light on how the government is spending your money. When the Inspector General Act of 1978 became law, the Internet did not exist and people did not have personal computers. Now, 30 years later, the Internet has grown into one of the many mediums where Americans receive information, and it is time that we bring this law up to date so the American people and the media will be able to easily find audits and reports that Inspectors General issue, and for Americans to have the ability to anonymously report waste, fraud and abuse that may be occurring in the Federal Government. Inspectors General are an important part of every Federal agency, and I am pleased that this legislation will decrease the amount of waste of taxpayer dollars. In 2006, the work by Inspectors General resulted in $9.9 billion in potential savings from audit recommendations; $6.8 billion in investigative recoveries; 6,500 indictments and criminal information; 8,400 successful prosecutions; and 7,300 suspensions or debarments. This legislation will yield even more savings to the American people by allowing Inspectors General to be more independent and accountable. Mr. Chairman, my amendment simply requires Inspectors General to do something that is very commonplace in the 21st century: making information easily accessible online. My amendment would require the IG of each agency to post, within one day after being made publicly available, all reports and audits on the Web site of the Office of Inspector General. The report or audit must be easily accessible and include a summary of the findings of the IG. The IG of each agency must provide a service on their Web site to allow individuals to receive information when a new audit or report is made available on their Web site. And the IG of each agency must establish a process that allows individuals to anonymously report waste, fraud and abuse that may be occurring in a Federal agency. It is important to remember that the American people voted for change last November. They voted for more accountability, more fiscal responsibility, and for the new Congress to clean up Washington. My commitment to my constituents is that I will offer a transparent and accountable office to them. I am one of a handful of Members in the House to post my public schedule online every day and was one of the first, next to Mr. Cooper, to post a list of all earmark requests online. I do this because I have found that it allows my constituents more information which allows me to better represent them here in Washington. With a $9 trillion debt, it is clear that the Federal Government spends too much. The fiscal year 2008 budget is $2.9 trillion, and if that is indeed what we will spend, then it is important that the money is spent responsibly. My upstate New York constituents pay too much in taxes to Washington, and it is an insult to them when the Federal Government squanders their hard-earned money. This amendment will save taxpayers money, increase government oversight and accountability, and promote transparency in government. I urge all my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Davis for his support of this resolution and for generously yielding. I've introduced House Resolution 303 in order to allow all Americans to honor and reflect on the number of Americans who remain missing, and to remember their families and loved ones who hope and pray every day for their safe return. This issue is especially significant for my constituents. On March 2, 1998, Suzanne Lyall, a 19-year-old sophomore at SUNY Albany, was kidnapped and never seen again. This crime captivated the country's attention and has left a permanent mark on the community that I serve. Over 9 years later, her case remains unsolved. Tragically, similar situations occur every day in America. On any given day, there are as many as 100,000 active missing-person cases in the United States. In addition, missing-adult cases often go unreported in the media. Even though the first few days after a crime is committed are the most critical in solving a case, there can be significant delays in beginning the search for someone over the age of 18 who has gone missing. Sadly, in New York there are over 3,500 missing-person cases, including nearly 1,400 cases involving New Yorkers over the age of 18. Furthermore, the statistics show that a disproportionate number of adults reported missing are college-aged women. Currently in New York State, over two-thirds of the college-aged individuals reported missing are female, and this group also makes up approximately half of all missing adults. It is important that the Federal Government partners with local law enforcement to protect young women as they attend college or enter the workforce. I am honored to represent Suzanne's parents, Doug and Mary, who are leaders in New York and around the country in bringing attention to crimes involving young adults. They have used their personal nightmare to assist other parents and families who have had loved ones go missing. They founded the Center for Hope, an organization with the mission of providing resources to educate, assist, and support families and friends to cope with the disappearance of a loved one. The center works with the New York State and Federal Government to improve our laws in order to prevent future abductions. In 1983, President Reagan established May 25 as the National Missing Children's Day, and last May Americans marked the 25th National Missing Children's Day. This important day is set aside to draw attention to children who are still missing, whether they have been missing for a few days or for decades. Yet a day has not yet been set aside to remember those Americans who are over the age of 18 and are missing from their families. With over 100,000 Americans unaccounted for, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, and daughters, a day must be established to remind the public of those missing and our country's dedication to solving their cases and, hopefully, reuniting them with families and loved ones. In 2001, former Governor George Pataki established April 6, Suzanne's birthday, as the State's Missing Persons Day in New York. It is my hope that this date can also become the national day of remembrance for all missing Americans. This day will allow Americans to appropriately remember the victims, their families, and the efforts of local law enforcement and the community. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in unanimously approving this resolution and that the President will soon establish a day to bring awareness to the issue of missing persons.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of House Resolution 634, encouraging participation in hunting and fishing activities and supporting the goals and ideals of National Hunting and Fishing Day. This past weekend Americans all over our great Nation celebrated National Hunting and Fishing Day. In 1971, Senator Thomas McIntyre of New Hampshire and Representative Bob Sikes of Florida introduced a joint resolution authorizing National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of September. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the first proclamation recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day. Thirty-five years later, thousands of events have taken place at hunting clubs and sportsmen's stores nationwide, bringing communities together in a grass-roots effort to promote outdoor activities and conservation. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we, the United States Congress, should highlight these historic national pastimes by recognizing the contributions that hunters and fishermen have on America's rich culture, and encouraging participation in hunting and fishing as a way to promote family values, environmental conservation, and stewardship of our national resources. Each year, over 45 million Americans take part in these traditions. Many of these sportsmen and -women live in my district in upstate New York. When I hold a town hall meeting in the Hudson Valley, constituents tell me about the economic impact that these sports bring to our rural communities. I also hear from them about the need for strong conservation policies so that they may continue the tradition of sportsmanship in their families. Many of the folks that I have had the opportunity to speak with have lived all of their lives in New York's rural communities and view hunting and fishing not only as a pastime, but also a reflection of upstate New York's historic character. One week from today, turkey season will begin in upstate New York. Every year my mother and brother are among the very first in the woods when the season begins. My mother takes great pride in her ability to shoot a turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner every year. I now have the honor to represent over a dozen hunting wildlife management areas in three of New York State's environmental conservation regions. Nearly 700,000 New Yorkers participate in hunting and fishing each year and contribute extensively to our local and national economy through licensing, educational courses, and equipment purchases. The promotion of hunting and fishing activities coincides with environmental stewardship. Hunters and fishermen were among the first to call for policies to protect our environment and, to this day, continue to advocate for land protection and preservation efforts to maintain our wildlife and environment for our future generations. I want to take this opportunity to encourage all Americans to get into the outdoors and enjoy all that God has provided us. I thank my colleagues for their support of this important resolution.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Richard David Turpin, who has so eloquently provided the blessing to open the House this day. Reverend Turpin serves as the pastor of the Second Baptist Church in beautiful Catskill, New York, just across the Hudson River from my home in New York's 20th Congressional District. And I welcome his beautiful family, who has joined us in the gallery. The Reverend is a native of New York's capital region and has been an influential force in the Catskill community since he assumed his current position in the Second Baptist Church in 2000. As preacher and counselor for the prison ministry at Albany Correctional Facility, chaplain for the Albany Rescue Mission, president of the Hudson River Frontier Missionary Baptist Association Laymen Ministry, and athletic coordinator for the Youth Department of the Empire Missionary Baptist Convention, Reverend Turpin has touched the lives of young and old throughout upstate New York. I thank him for his service to our district, for his dedication to his faith, and for taking the time to travel with his family from Clifton Park to address the House of Representatives today.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my fellow colleague from upstate New York. I want to echo the sentiments of Congressman Arcuri. Upstate New York dairy farming and small dairy farming across the country is in grave need of consideration. I was very, very grateful for the leadership of Subcommittee Chairman Boswell, who really extended an enormous amount of advocacy on behalf of dairy farmers throughout the country. I also want to thank Chairman Peterson and the other members of the Agriculture Committee who really thought through the needs of dairy, and made sure that MILC was preserved in this farm bill. But the issues are very serious. Last summer, the price of milk was $12 a hundred weight, and the cost of producing that milk was between $16 and $18 a hundred weight. The cost of feed, the costs of fuel have continued to escalate. This summer, if you go to a gas pump, it is over $3.50 a gallon; that is the way it was last summer. Now, we are very thankful because we have high milk prices. But this constant fluctuation is a problem that we need to address, and I am going to work with Chairman Boswell and Chairman Peterson over the next several years to look at milk policy, how we can improve the market order system and how we can improve dairy pricing throughout our country. I thank the gentleman for the time.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the newest centenarians my congressional district, Mr. Raymond Henry Wood of Glens Falls, New York. Ray was born and raised in Wells, New York, on July 26, 1907. He was married to Irene (Robbins) for over 50 years, before she passed away several years ago. They had two daughters, Beverly Palmer, who passed away in June of this year; and Bonnie Dow, who resides with her husband Ralph in Gansevoort, NY. Ray has several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Ray worked many years delivering milk in the local area for Borden's Dairy. He loved to attend auctions and estate sales where he would purchase antiques. He refinished many of the treasures he discovered in his workshop, for his home or to resell. Ray was a high scoring bowler into his late 90's, bowling a 207 at the age of 95, and won the senior's league award. He is still an avid coin collector and has the latest set of the ``State'' quarters. Ray also loved to play pool, and often invited his friends and neighbors to play on his table in his basement. Ray resides on Raymond Avenue in Glens Falls, New York, where his neighbors were blessed with his invariable kindness and generosity for over 50 years. He always included his neighbors' sidewalks when clearing snow with his snowblower. He was quick to assist any and all whenever he saw someone who needed aid in any fashion. It was after his 95th birthday that he told a friend that he regretfully could no longer push his snowblower or mow his lawn. Ray is a true gentleman with a great sense of humor, and a beguiling sparkle in his eyes. Ray will be honored at an open house on Saturday July 28, 2007, at the Gansevoort Fire House, to celebrate his 100th birthday. Ray's daughter Bonnie and her husband Ralph Dow will host the party. Madam Speaker, I would like to urge all of my colleagues to join me in wishing Ray Wood a most happy 100th birthday and to thank him for his innumerable acts of kindness to neighbors and strangers alike over his long life. Thank you.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I've offered H. Res. 521 to celebrate Lake Placid's prominent place in Olympic history. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Olympic Games and the beginning of Lake Placid's storied history in American hearts and minds. In the midst of a worldwide depression, 252 athletes from 17 countries participated in the 1932 Winter Olympic Games held at Lake Placid. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose home is just a few hours south of Lake Placid in Duchess County, officially opened the third ever Winter Olympic Games and the first one ever held in the Western Hemisphere. Despite fierce competition from around the world, Lake Placid was once again chosen to host the Winter Olympic Games 48 years later, in 1980. This time, 1,072 athletes from 37 nations participated in the Games, and the question, ``Do you believe in miracles?'' forever became ingrained in the American consciousness. The American hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union permanently linked Lake Placid with one of the greatest triumphs, and prideful moments, in American sports history, with the ``Miracle on Ice.'' Lake Placid, a small village in the Adirondacks, is the only location in North America to have hosted the Winter Olympic Games more than once. Their success is phenomenal, when one considers that fewer than 2,700 residents live in the village. I'm so incredibly fortunate to represent the citizens of Lake Placid and Essex County. Every year, Mayor Jamie Rogers and the villagers of Lake Placid welcome over 2.2 million visitors from all 50 States and countries all over the world. Lake Placid has been one of my favorite vacation places since I was a child, and I still enjoy taking my son there every year. I strongly encourage all Americans to visit the state-of-the-art Olympic facilities in Essex County. The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority, or ORDA, operates the various venues used in the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games. Athletes from around the world come to Lake Placid to train and compete at these facilities, in addition to sports enthusiasts, young and old. In addition, Lake Placid is the home of one of three U.S. Olympic Committee's national training centers, an honor that allows upstate New York to mold the next generation of gold medal winners. The facilities at Lake Placid allow every American to step into the shoes of a professional athlete. It's thrilling to skate at the Herb Brooks Arena where the miracle on ice took place, or skate at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval where America's speed skater, Eric Heiden, won an unprecedented five gold medals in 1980. Visitors can try out the ski-jumping complex or sharpen their bobsled and luge skills. The beautiful Adirondack Mountains offer cross-county or alpine skiing on Whiteface Mountain, one of the top resorts in all the Nation, all with spectacular pristine views. Lake Placid admirably hosted the Olympic games twice in the past. I hope the U.S. Olympic Committee will consider having Lake Placid represent the United States in a future bid for the Winter Olympic Games. I congratulate the Village of Lake Placid as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Winter Olympic Games. I thank everyone in the House of Representatives for supporting this resolution that honors Lake Placid's continued distinguished place in American Olympic history.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' (By unanimous consent, Mr. Upton was allowed to speak out of order.) Moment of Silence in Memory of the Late Honorable Guy Vander Jagt

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority leader. I rise today to speak on the issue of ethics. This body must focus its attentions on ethics and accountability. In the last election, the American people demanded such, and I think this resolution offered by Mr. Hoyer is something that will begin to address that concern. The Ethics Committee must begin to respond to allegations of wrongdoing by this House. I think a mandatory 30-day return time makes an extraordinary amount of sense. As a member of the freshman class who cares a lot about ethics and accountability, we also hope to eventually have an independent ethics counsel which will also provide recommendations to the House Ethics Committee. I think this is the first step in the progress of making sure that the American people can begin to have faith and confidence in its government and its elected leaders.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Speaker, I was not present to vote on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, because I was in my upstate New York district, attending the funeral of State Trooper David Brinkerhoff, a State trooper killed in the line of duty. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following way: (1) Democratic Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Head Start Rule--``yea.'' (2) H. Res. 348--Rule providing for consideration of the Head Start bill--``yea.'' (3) H. Res. 350--Rule providing for consideration of the NIST bill-- ``yea.'' (4) Will the House, on reconsideration, pass the Iraq Supplemental, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding?-- ``yea.'' (5) Price (GA) Amendment. Establishes an 8-state Block Grant demonstration of Head Start program which would eliminate Head Start program standards, weaken oversight and accountability, remove local control, and end Head Start as we know it.--``nay.'' (6) Sestak/Tierney/Courtney Amendment. Authorizes a loan forgiveness program for Head Start teachers to support better teacher quality in Head Start programs.--``yea.'' (7) Hirono Amendment. Improves the Early Head Start program by making needed improvements to the training and technical assistance system in Early Head Start.--``yea.'' (8) Mica Amendment. Moves the deadline up by 2 years for when Head Start teachers must have B.A.'s, without providing additional resources to ensure programs would not have to reduce other core services.-- ``nay.'' (9) Putnam Amendment. Removes the bill's improved accountability measures that include a system of program quality review by requiring all Head Start programs to be re-competed every 5 years regardless oftheir quality; draws funding away from the classroom for greater federal bureaucracy.--``nay.'' (10) Carnahan Amendment. Ensures programs can maintain quality services by allowing grantees to negotiate enrollment levels when appropriations are insufficient to cover COLA.--``yea.'' (11) Shuler/Ellsworth/Loebsack Amendment. Affirms eligibility of faith-based organizations as Head Start grantees and applauds role of community and faith based organizations in the Head Start program.-- ``yea.''

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, first I want to thank the chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, Mr. Gordon, for putting forward H.R. 363, which will increase America's competitiveness in the world by strengthening our science and research base. I offer this bipartisan amendment to build the pipeline for our country's future teachers, scientists, engineers and researchers by proposing 2,500 scholarships each year of full tuition to any State university or college. My amendment is based on the National Academies' strong recommendation for the Federal Government to develop an undergraduate scholarship program for students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This amendment will create the recommended scholarship program through the National Science Foundation. Under the amendment, an undergraduate student who comes from a family with an income of less than $75,000, maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average and is studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics may receive up to 2 years of paid tuition at that State university. Since the year 2001, tuition at State universities has risen by 41 percent, making the task of paying for college much more difficult. Scholarships for bright students will increase the number of students who will have the resources to go into the STEM field and achieve their God-given potential. Having a home-grown, educated workforce will be crucially important to the future strength of America's economy, not only by allowing families and students who are financially stretched to continue their education at high-quality programs such as the nanotechnology program in SUNY Albany, SUNY-Delhi's College of Technology, or the Cytotechnology program at SUNY Plattsburgh, all colleges that are very important to my district in upstate New York, but because by educating America's students in these fields, we will ensure that America retains our competitive advantage in the science field around the world. My upstate New York district is beginning an exciting new economic revival based on the high-tech sector, and we need to maintain a local workforce that is skilled in engineering and mathematics. Investments in higher education and science are some of the most important investments our government can make, and I urge everyone to vote ``yes.'' Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my distinguished colleague from California (Mr. McNerney).

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished chairman, Mr. Gordon.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I would like to briefly respond to my colleague's arguments. I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers). I thought they were very thoughtful, and I appreciate your long-term vision for the growth of science and technology deficit in the Nation. I disagree with the analysis of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall). Primarily his argument seemed to say that this program is too expensive. But this is about our national security, it's about our economic security, and what is so necessary right now in our vision for America's future is the investment in the next generation. What we need to be is producing graduates who have science, math and technology expertise so that we can be competitive with both China and India in the generations and decades to come. We need to begin to fund the pipeline. I think the argument of being too expensive is misplaced. Second, I would like to say this is a priority for our Nation, and I think we can all agree to strengthen our economy, and our national security has to be number one.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 250, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, during the vote on rollcall 252, I was momentarily detained, and was not on the House floor. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. GILLIBRAND

Ms. GILLIBRAND. Madam Speaker, I was not present to vote on Monday, March 12, 2007 because my flight from my district was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following way: (1) H.R. 85--Energy Technology Transfer Act--``yea''. (2) H. Res. 136--Commending the Girl Scouts of the United States of America on the occasion of their 95th anniversary, for providing quality age-appropriate experiences that prepare girls to become the leaders of tomorrow and for raising issues important to girls--``yea''. (3) H. Res. 89--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day should be established as Dutch-American Friendship Day to celebrate the historic ties of the United States and the Netherlands-- ``yea''.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 569, the Water Quality Investment Act. This bipartisan bill authorizes $1.8 billion dollars over the next five years for grants to prevent dangerous sewer failures--which can create significant public health hazards in communities across Upstate New York. This bill is critically important in helping districts such as mine-- as our rural communities are invariably faced with aging sewer systems. Upstate New York is on the verge of a great economic revival, but in order to take that next step, we must address our major water concerns. To attract and keep businesses in our towns we need the infrastructure to support them. This legislation has the potential to help benefit over 10 communities in my Upstate New York District. From Whitehall to Mechanicville, to Hudson--today we are making an important investment in our future. I am pleased to see this Congress recognizes the need to update our water systems and hope to see a continued emphasis on infrastructure investments that will benefit rural communities like those I represent in New York. The Water Quality Investment Act doesn't only make sense from an economic standpoint--but it is vitally important from an environmental standpoint as well. Water systems in my district serve some of the nation's most pristine waters including Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains. Towns like Ticonderoga need this help to preserve our environmental treasures. I thank you again Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to speak in support of this crucial bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this vital funding that will protect lives, preserve the environment, and help cities and states pay for modernizing their sewer infrastructure

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today pursuant to this order, it adjourn to meet at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, unless it sooner has received a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in House Concurrent Resolution 67, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday, February 28, 2007.

Mrs. GILLIBRAND

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Skelton for yielding. It has been an honor to serve on his committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for this resolution. Last November the voters in upstate New York spoke loudly and clearly in demanding a change in direction in Iraq, and I will cast my vote in favor of this resolution to fulfill my duty to represent their will. As a freshman Member of this new Congress, I can think of no higher responsibility than to debate the merits of the President's plan to escalate American involvement in this war in Iraq. And I am pleased to see that every Member of Congress has been given 5 minutes to voice their view and to speak on this measure. Today's debate is not about what is best for Democrats or best for Republicans. It is about what is best for our troops, for our national security, and for all Americans, as it should be. I believe the sentiments will be reflected in the bipartisan support this resolution will ultimately receive. As I have traveled throughout my district doing town hall meetings and ``Congress on Your Corner'' to invite comments from my constituents and listen to their issues, I hear a consistent message. People say to me, we need a new direction in Iraq. We need a plan for success. We need to make sure we bring stability to the region; and when will our troops come home? All of these issues I couldn't agree with more strongly. Unfortunately, the President's plan is not a change in direction. It is, rather, more of the same. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have had the unique opportunity to question both Secretary Gates and General Pace and to listen to their testimony on this proposed escalation. At no point has anyone from the administration been able to articulate to me clearly that this is a strategy that will effectively undermine terrorism, promote lasting stability, and be successful in redeploying our troops. What is so clear to so many of our military advisers, former and current military generals, and a majority of this body and the American public at large does not seem to be shared by this administration, that the answers in sustaining peace in Iraq lie in the political, diplomatic, and economic solutions, not in the military ones. In our hearings I have worked hard to bring to light whether the President has a plan for Iraqi oil revenues and reconstruction contracts to create progress in the economic and political arenas. Both Secretary Gates and General Pace testified that the President's current plan has no chance of success unless there is significant progress in both of these arenas. I call upon the administration to produce a real plan to ensure each of the sectarian groups receives a stake in the oil revenues and a plan for oversight and accountability to reduce fraud and corruption and to disrupt the black market for oil. Right now only a small portion of the Iraqi oil revenues has been used for reconstruction; yet billions of American dollars have been spent. We need accountability and real answers to ensure the Iraqis leverage the oil revenue effectively to bring all of the parties to the table. And where is the accountability with the war spending? We need a Truman-style committee to investigate these billions of dollars of no- bid contracts being awarded in Iraq, and we should bring the war funding process completely under the regular appropriation structures. We have also not seen a plan to transfer the reconstruction contracts to the Iraqis. The Iraqi 20-year-olds should be the ones that are rebuilding the bridges and the roads and the schools and the hospitals, not fighting each other and not attacking our troops. And where has the progress been made on the political stability? Where is the plan to develop a special envoy and to engage others in the region to bring forth peace and stability? In my view, the testimony provided in the several hearings that the Armed Services Committee has had have revealed an insufficient commitment to these very targets that both General Pace and Secretary Gates have testified are required for success. Yet the President continues to push forward and send in more troops. Our men and our women in the military have served admirably and have done everything we have asked them to do. They have fought bravely under daunting circumstances, often at times without the proper equipment that they need. They have made sacrifice after sacrifice in leaving their families and loved ones behind to do the job that we have asked them to do. And how do we repay this sacrifice and patriotism? By continuing to extend their tours indefinitely, cutting their veterans benefits when they return home. The dedication and sacrifice of the men and the women in the Armed Forces deserves responsible leadership. They have given us everything they have, and in turn we must give them a new direction for success. There are those out there that will use this debate as a partisan wedge. That type of rhetoric undermines the core values of our democracy. In fact, it was Thomas Jefferson who declared that dissent is the highest form of patriotism.