Mark Green

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, over 180 jurisdictions in the United States, including our most populated cities and States have passed laws prohibiting local law enforcement from cooperating with Federal immigration officials. In these sanctuary jurisdictions, local law enforcement is barred from complying with lawful detainers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An ICE detainer is a notice to another law enforcement agency that ICE intends to assume custody of an illegal alien. It includes information on their criminal history. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found that ICE administrative warrants, which, unlike criminal warrants, are not issued by a judge, are, in fact, sufficient to detain in a county jail someone whom ICE might deport, even if they have been granted bail or their charges have been dropped. Madam Speaker, there are many accounts of innocent men and women and children murdered, raped, or assaulted by criminal aliens released by sanctuary cities that refuse to comply with the ICE detainer. In March 2018, ICE lodged a detainer on Martin Gallo-Gallardo, a Mexican national, in the country illegally after locating him in an Oregon county jail. Jail officials did not honor the immigration detainer and released the convicted criminal. Seven months later, he was arrested again, this time for killing his wife. In February 2019, police in San Jose, California, arrested Carlos Carranza, a Salvadorian national who had entered the country illegally, in the brutal slaying of a 59-year-old woman that he just noticed on the street. Carranza had an extensive criminal record, having been arrested half a dozen times for assault, battery, and burglary. ICE lodged seven detainers with local California authorities, yet, every single time, local authorities released him without notifying ICE, and now a mother of two is dead. Sadly, I could go on and on with these horrible true stories. The facts are undeniable: sanctuary cities constitute a threat to public safety. Meanwhile, as this body fails to act, the number of victims continues to grow. We are a nation of laws, and we must uphold our laws and not reward State and local officials who deliberately and flagrantly disregard the laws of this body. When I was a State senator in Tennessee, we addressed the problem. I authored a bill and added teeth to our sanctuary city laws, anti- sanctuary city laws, so any city that would choose to ignore the law would lose their State economic funding. It is time for Congress to act. Despite all of our disagreements, all this bill does is allow the victims to be heard, that is it. It requires the ombudsman created by this bill to collect their stories and the data on these victims. Under this amendment, any victim of a crime committed by an illegal immigrant in a sanctuary jurisdiction can safely and securely file a report with the ombudsman. This allows victims and their families an opportunity to be heard by policymakers in Congress and by the Department of Homeland Security. Why would we not let the victims be heard? The ombudsman will analyze reporting patterns, make recommendations on how we decrease these incidents. This amendment would at least provide an outlet for the growing number of victims and their families to ensure that their stories are told. Hopefully, we will act tonight on behalf of the victims. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I am in its present form.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bicentennial of Perry County, Tennessee, which was established in November 1819. Named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero in the War of 1812, Perry County has a long and proud history in the heart of Tennessee. Perry County is known for the scenic beauty of the Buffalo and Tennessee rivers, and it is home to several historic sites, including the Cedar Grove Iron Furnace, the Perry County Courthouse, and the Commodore Hotel. Home to some of Tennessee's finest public servants, it is my distinct honor to represent Perry County in the United States Congress. The citizens of Perry County exemplify the values that form the cornerstone of Tennessee and our nation, and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them as they celebrate this momentous occasion.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dolores and Will Gresham of Somerville, Tennessee on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Dolores and Will were married on August 2, 1969. Together, their lives have been marked by service to their community, and both retired from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dolores has also served in the Tennessee State Senate since 2008. In addition to their service, their marriage of fifty faithful years embodies the values of Tennessee which have and will keep our state and our nation strong. There's no doubt that they have lived an All- American life with their family; raising Hereford cattle on their farm, investing in their neighbors, and holding fast to their strong values and shared faith, giving us all an ideal to which we can aspire. May their commitment grow even stronger as they love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Madam Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year of marriage. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Paul Roberts, born August 22, 1922 in Lexington, Tennessee. Mr. Roberts graduated from Lexington High School in 1941 and attended the University of Tennessee-Martin in 1941 through 1942 when the nation was swept into World War II. About one year after Pearl Harbor, Mr. Roberts entered active duty in the U.S. Army on December 5, 1942. Roberts served in the 84th Infantry Division/9th Army Company. He served in Holland, Belgium, and Germany, including battles and campaigns in the Rhineland. He landed in Omaha Beach in the fall of 1944. Mr. Roberts returned home on the Queen Elizabeth II and was honorably discharged on February 21, 1946 in Ft. McPherson, Georgia. Upon his return, he worked as a farmer and a brick and stone mason, helping to build many homes, schools, and churches in West Tennessee. Mr. Roberts is a decorated veteran, having earned the World War II Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and a Bronze Star American Service Medal. Mr. Roberts is married to Betty Wood. They have six children, eleven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and a loving church family. Madam Speaker, I commend this great American on another year lived. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him and thanking him for his service to our nation.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the upcoming 75th Anniversary of Operation Dragoon and the Southern France Campaign--the Second D-Day in France and the Liberation of Southern France. Operation Dragoon began on 15 August 1944 and the subsequent Southern France Campaign lasted until 14 September 1944. The 7th US Army under Lieutenant General Alexander M. Patch, commanded the VIth US Corps under Major General Lucian K. Truscott, II, comprised of three of the Army's most combat-experienced divisions--the 3rd Infantry Division commanded by Major General John Wilson ``Iron Mike'' O'Daniel, the 36th Infantry Division commanded by Major General John E. Dahlquist, and the 45th Infantry Division commanded by Major General William W. Eagles, and Corps troops; the 1st Airborne Task Force commanded by Brigadier General Robert T. Frederick, the Canadian-American 1st Special Service Force commanded by Colonel Edwin A. Walker; and French Army B, later to be renamed the 1st French Army, commanded by General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) teams were inserted in the months to link up with French Forces of the Interior (FFI, or the Resistance) prior to prepare for the invasion. The landing forces were ably supported by the Mediterranean Allied Air Force under Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker and the Western Naval Task Force under Vice Admiral Henry K. Hewitt, conducted the second largest amphibious landing in Europe on 15 August 1944. The primary objective of Operation Dragoon was to threaten the southern flank of Nazi forces fighting in northern France. Further objectives were the seizing of the ports of Toulon and Marseille to provide critical logistical support for Allied forces fighting in the whole of France, the introduction of French forces into France, and the stationing of Allied Air Forces in Southern France to better support combat operations. Allied military personnel from France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, Greece, and Poland participated in Operation Dragoon and provided critical air and naval support to open the second front in Southern France. 885 ships and landing craft, carrying nearly 1,375 smaller landing craft, with their crews, carried 151,000 troops; 21,400 trucks, tanks, tank destroyers, prime-movers, bulldozers, tractors and other vehicles to the beaches. Included were 40,850 French personnel and 2,610 vehicles of the 1st French Army. 444 aircraft sorties and 408 glider sorties delivered 6,488 paratroopers, 2,611 glider troops, 213 pieces of artillery, and 221 vehicles to the target area. The 1st Airborne Task Force successfully landed near LeMay, La Motte, and Les Arcs causing serious disarray in German command channels which prevented a rapid coordinated response to the main force landings. Draguignan fell on 16 August. The 1st Special Service Force and cleared the offshore islands of Port Cros and Levant to secure the southern flank of the assault. Landing on the morning of 15 August all units successfully overwhelmed German defense and expanded the beachhead. The 3rd Infantry Division cleared the St Tropez Peninsula, liberating the villages of St Tropez and Cogolin after landing at Ramatuelle, La Croix-Valmer, and Cavalaire-sur-Mer. The 45th Infantry Division liberated Ste Maxime and the 36th Infantry Division liberated St Raphael. Fighting through the Maures and Esterel massifs all units reached the Blue Line, the point where the beachhead could no longer be threatened by enemy counterattack. On 17 August the Truscott's VIth Corps launched its aggressive pursuit of German forces and through the speed of its advance prevented the establishment of defensive positions east of the Rhone River valley. The Corps' Task Force Butler, following the historic Route Napoleon through the Maritime Alps, the 36th Infantry Division, and 45th Infantry Division rapidly moved north in an effort to flank and trap the German 19th Army withdrawing up the Rhone Valley with the 45th Infantry Division liberating Barjols and clearing the Valensole Plateau, TF Butler and the 36th Infantry Division liberating Sisteron, Gap, and Grenoble. The 3rd Infantry Division, attacked west along the Argens Valley along the Route National 7, guarding the northern flank of French forces reducing Toulon and Marseille and blocking a possible German counter-attack, in the process liberating Le Luc (in cooperation with the 45th Infantry Division and French Armored Command Sudre)--a vital road junction on National 7, Brignoles, and numerous communities along the approach to Aix-en- Provence including Vauvenargues and Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde abutting Mont St. Victoire. While Task Force Butler, then the 36th Infantry Division with attached units from the 45th Infantry Division, fought in the Montelimar Battle Square north of the city of Montelimar from 21 to 29 August, the 3rd Infantry Division continued to press against 19th Army rearguard forces, liberating numerous communities including Aix-en- Provence, Avignon, Lancon Provence, Salon-de-Provence, Orange, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Bollene, St-Paul-Trois-Chateaux, Valreas, Pierrelatte, La Garde Adhemar and culminated at the important city of Montelimar on 28 August. French Army B liberated Toulon and Marseille on 28 August, taking 1,825 casualties but taking 11,000 Nazi prisoners. On 29 August the 3rd Infantry Division established contact with the 36th Infantry Division near the villages of Sauzet and La Laupie northeast of the city. The 1st Airborne Task Force and 1st Special Service Force continued to guard the 7th Army's right flank from any German attack from Italy and reduced German forces in the Maritime Alps along the Italian Border--liberating the French Riviera cities of Cannes, Nice and Grasse. The 19th Army continued its withdrawal towards Lyon, seeking to establish a coherent defensive line to oppose 7th Army's rapid advance, which drove first towards Lyon and then shifted its axis to Dijon. The 7th Army liberated Lyon on 3 September and continued to press northeast to reach the Belfort Gap, the traditional approach to the Rhine River Valley. The 3rd Infantry Division liberated Besancon on 7 September after a tough 3-day fight. The speed of the 7th Army advance prevented the 19th Army's anchoring its defense on Dijon, it therefore withdrew towards the base of the Vosges Mountains. Approaching the Vosges, the VIth Corps' three divisions faced stiffening German resistance. The 3rd Infantry Division liberated Vesoul on 12 September and by 14 September the Corps' three divisions were positioned near the towns of Fougerolles, Luxeuil, Lure, and Villersexel. French forces made contact with elements of the 3rd Army near Dijon on 11 September. With this juncture of 3rd and 7th Army forces the Southern France Campaign came to an end. The 6th Army Group was activated on 15 September and transferred from the Mediterranean Theater to GEN Eisenhower's European Theater of Operations. French forces under 7th Army control were re- designated the 1st French Army and became a separate command under 6th Army Group control. Under the aggressive leadership of LTG Patch, MG Truscott, and General Delattre de Tassigny US and Allied forces of the 6th Army Group and its supporting air and naval support severely damaged the German 19th Army and during the 30 day Southern France Campaign moved over 400 miles from the landing beaches in Provence to link up with General Eisenhower's forces fighting their way from Nonnandy on 11 September 1944. Over 2/3 of France were liberated in the space of one month. French Forces of the Interior (the Resistance) contributed tremendously to Dragoon's success providing critical intelligence in the preparation for the landings and with countless small unit actions which harassed Nazi forces throughout the campaign. In the 30-day campaign to liberate Southern France the US forces suffered 4,500 battle casualties and 5,300 non-battle casualties. Nazi forces are assessed as having 7,000 killed in action; 21,000 wounded in action; and 131,250 prisoners of war. Medals of Honor were awarded to the following 3rd Infantry Division soldiers during the Southern France Campaign: SSG James P. Connor, 15 August in Cavalaire-sur-Mer; SSG Stanley Bender, 17 August in La Londe les Maures; T/5 Robert D. Maxwell 7 September in Besancon; 2LT Raymond Zussman on 12 September in Noroy le Bourg; and 1LT John J. Tominac on 12 September in Vesoul. Among the Distinguished Service Cross recipients was a young SSG in the 15th Infantry Regiment, Audie Murphy, whose action came near Ramatuelle on 15 August and who would go on to become the most-decorated soldier and best-known soldier of WWII. Other Medal of Honor recipients were 2LT Stephen R. Gregg from the 36th Infantry Division on 27 August near Montelimar and 2LT Almond E. Fisher of the 45th Infantry Division on 12-13 September near Grammont. Unit awards included Presidential Unit Citations to the following 3rd Infantry Division units: 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment for its performance in Montelimar on 27 August embroidered Montelimar and the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment for Besancon 6-7 September embroidered Besancon; and to the 36th Infantry Division the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry 15-16 August embroidered Southern France and the 3rd Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment 26-29 August for fighting embroidered Montelimar; and Cannon Company, 442nd Infantry Regiment for the full campaign embroidered Southern France. Madam Speaker, I ask that the entire House of Representatives join me in congratulating and thanking the surviving veterans of Operation Dragoon and the Southern France Campaign on the occasion of the upcoming 75th anniversary of this highly successful operation which liberated Southern France and played a critical role in the Allied victory in Europe in WWII.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Dolores and Will Gresham of Somerville, Tennessee on the very special occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary. Dolores and Will were married on August 2, 1969. Together, their lives have been marked by service to their community, with both retiring from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During her military service, Dolores completed USMC Amphibious Warfare School, USMC Command and Staff College, and an MS in Industrial Management at George Washington University before she and Will returned to a cattle farm in West Tennessee where they currently live. Dolores has served in the Tennessee State Senate since 2008. In addition to their service, their marriage of forty faithful years embodies the values of Tennessee which have and will keep our state and our nation strong. There is no doubt that they have lived an All- American life with their family--raising Hereford cattle on their farm, investing in their neighbors, and holding fast to their strong values and shared faith, giving us all an ideal to which we can aspire. May their commitment grow even stronger as they love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Madam Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 40th year of marriage. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, in 2006, Sgt. Paul Arnold received his first cancer diagnosis. But after 26 years in law enforcement--13 years with the Franklin Police Department--Sgt. Arnold would not surrender his post. For 13 more years, he has continued to serve his community and act as a bulwark against crime. Many consider Arnold a mentor, and all know him to be an example of character and honor. His reputation is known far and wide. In 2017, Sgt. Arnold was acknowledged for distinguished service and given the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award--an award given to outstanding officers that serve in spite of a serious illness. Sgt. Arnold is soon retiring as a Franklin Police Officer. The Franklin Police Department will miss this servant leader--but we are grateful for all Sgt. Arnold has done to build strong young men who will carry on the torch of service in their community. Too often everyday acts of bravery go unnoticed and our civil servants unacknowledged, so it is my honor to thank Sgt. Arnold on behalf of all Tennesseans for his courage, dedication, and service.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Kustoff for yielding. Madam Speaker, most of us run away from danger, but our law enforcement, they run toward it. Last Monday, Tennessee State Trooper Matthew Gatti was killed in the line of duty responding to a car fire on I-40. I had the privilege of knowing this young trooper. Our families were dear friends. This young man was just 24 years old, but he lived a life of exemplary service to us all. Matthew's father said that he died doing what he lived for: serving God and serving others. We honor those who pay the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. We honor this young man for his commitment to our safety. We honor his family for raising a young man who would serve us all in such a way.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, clinicians need to take the lead on healthcare. Lawyers and bean counters were used to write the Affordable Care Act, and look what it got us. As a doctor, former owner of a healthcare company, and cancer survivor, I believe it is time we allow clinicians to write and form the healthcare laws that will help our Nation, and to base it on a free market solution. That is why I am introducing a bill to innovate Medicaid, a plan that will put the patient in charge of their care with more choice and less cost. My plan would allow for free market competition and improve care. But above all, for Medicaid, it would not raise taxes and, potentially, could even lead to lower costs, without raising costs for Medicaid patients. We need less government involvement, not more, to fix our broken healthcare system.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer a question of the privileges of the House previously noticed.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I rise to give notice of my intention to raise a question of the privileges of the House. The form of the resolution is as follows: House Resolution 304. Raising a question of the privileges of the House. Whereas Michael Cohen testified under oath as a witness before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on February 27, 2019; Whereas Michael Cohen falsely testified under oath, ``I have never asked for, nor would I accept, a pardon from President Trump''; Whereas in truth and fact, attorney for Michael Cohen, Lanny Davis, admitted on March 6, 2019, that Cohen ``directed his attorney to explore possibilities of a pardon at one point with Donald J. Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani as well as other lawyers advising President Trump''; Whereas in truth and fact, attorney for Michael Cohen, Michael Monico, admitted in a March 12, 2019, letter that Cohen's testimony was inaccurate; Whereas in truth and fact, the ex post representation by Cohen's attorney does not annul Cohen's intentionally false and misleading testimony; Whereas in truth and fact, Cohen's testimony under oath was delivered in the context of apologizing for all his criminal activities; Whereas in truth and fact, Cohen's denial of ever seeking a pardon contained no qualifiers about the context of his statement; Whereas in truth and fact, Cohen's denial of ever seeking a pardon, as uttered under oath in his testimony, was absolute and unequivocal; Whereas in truth and fact, Cohen testified under oath that he and his lawyers spent hours editing his written statement submitted to the Committee on Oversight and Reform preceding his testimony, which included the written assertion, ``I have never asked for, nor would I accept, a pardon from President Trump''; Whereas in truth and fact, Cohen's denial in his written statement of never asking for a Presidential pardon was an unqualified assertion; Whereas Michael Cohen falsely testified under oath that he ``did not want to go to the White House'' and he ``did not want a role or title in the administration''; Whereas in truth and fact the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York submitted to Federal court a sentencing memorandum expressing Michael Cohen's desire to work in the White House, explaining: ``during and after the campaign, Cohen privately told friends and colleagues, including in seized text messages, that he expected to be given a prominent role and title in the new administration. When that did not materialize, Cohen found a way to monetize his relationship with and access to the President''; Whereas Michael Cohen falsely testified under oath on other factual matters of material significance; Whereas Michael Cohen's intentionally false testimony was aimed at obscuring the truth and ameliorating the extent of his own personal embarrassment; Whereas intentionally false testimony to a committee of the House of Representatives harms the integrity of the proceedings of the House; Whereas it is a Federal crime to provide false information to Congress and the failure to enforce this crime further undermines the integrity of the House; and Whereas it is the judgment of the House of Representatives that providing a copy of the official transcript of the hearing of the Committee on Oversight and Reform on February 27, 2019, to the Department of Justice would aid the Attorney General's consideration of investigation and potential prosecution of Michael Cohen's criminal conduct: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the House of Representatives directs the chair of the Oversight and Reform Committee to submit to the Attorney General an official copy of the transcript of the hearing during which Michael Cohen testified under oath on February 27, 2019.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Month of the Military Child. I married the daughter of an Army retired combat veteran. She was born just after her father got to Vietnam. My children are, of course, military children. Several years ago, I was on a friend's Facebook page. He had died fighting for our country in Afghanistan. The last post on his Facebook page read: ``I love you and miss you . . . Daddy.'' Her dad had signed up to go to war, but she never did. Who will teach her to dance? Who will drop her off at college? Who will walk that young girl down the aisle? Our military children's sacrifices can never be properly measured and never compensated, but we must do all we can to honor them.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, Mary Cordelia Beasley Hudson, affectionately known as Aunt Cord, was the very first woman to ever vote in the state of Tennessee. Legend has it that Aunt Cord got up extra early on April 22, 1919, 100 years ago now, to be the first in line to cast her ballot at the courthouse in the city of Camden. She hurried down the half mile from her home through town along what is now South Forrest Avenue to Court Square to wait for the courthouse to open. She must have been excited. Just days before, the Tennessee legislature had passed a measure making it legal for women to vote. We remember Aunt Cord as a participant in a suffragette movement that forever changed our beloved United States. Just over one year later, Congress and the states ratified the 19th Amendment in August 1920, bringing us one step further toward realizing our Founding principle that all are created equal. I am proud to honor Aunt Cord and reflect on Tennessee's history today.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, if this unanimous consent request can't be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the majority leader to immediately schedule the Born-Alive bill.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a commonsense bill to protect the smallest and most vulnerable among us, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. I would ask that the----

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of America's indispensable ally, Israel. Israel is the brightest beacon of hope and freedom in the Middle East. I proudly attended AIPAC's policy conference this week. Their mission is more important than ever. Anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment is rampant across the world and, sadly, is found even in this Chamber. I am appalled one of my colleagues is so brazen as to resurrect old lies of Jewish conspiracies, propaganda used to oppress the Jewish people for centuries. Elsewhere, Iran's puppet, Assad, seeks to take Israel's land for strategic leverage in Iran's mission to wipe Israel off the map. I am proud to stand with President Trump in defense of our ally, Israel. I am grateful he chose to recognize the Golan Heights as a part of Israel and proud we now officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, in 1781, General George Washington called the fortifications at West Point the most important post in America. Holding West Point meant preventing the British from dividing the Nation along the Hudson River Valley. Following the war, President Washington made numerous efforts to create a military academy. His actual first effort was within a year of becoming the Commander in Chief. However, it fell to Thomas Jefferson to get it done and, in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point was founded as the Nation's school to teach the art and science of warfare. Since its inception, West Point graduates have served to preserve our Nation's freedom in battle. From the Mexican wars to the war on terror, West Point graduates have sacrificed their lives and their youth to win our Nation's wars. Off the battlefield, West Point graduates have served at the very highest levels of the U.S. military as legislators, Cabinet secretaries, Governors, Presidents, and CEOs leading the development of our Nation's infrastructure and the establishment of the world's greatest economy. For young people who choose West Point over a traditional education, it is truly a different path. From the moment you start in Beast Barracks, a cadet lives by the code of conduct of the military officer, recognizing that their life becomes second to the safety of Americans. Almost 100 West Point graduates have given their lives in this most recent war. It is that commitment to the Nation made at such a young age that makes the place so special. What sets West Point as an institution apart is just about everything that happens there: the grueling academics; the compulsory participation in sports; the military drill; the military training; and perhaps most noteworthy, the leadership and character development. West Point even uses our math classes to teach cadets how to present themselves and to hone their military bearing. But for me, what took my experience at West Point to the next level were the men and women who made up my class, the class of 1986. Our motto is ``Courage Never Quits, '86.'' We came to West Point from all over the country, men and women from every State, nearly every religion, every ethnic origin; and we came together as one team fighting to get through the Academy's rigorous education. Almost one-third who started our class left before graduating. Over the years, we celebrated together, served in the Army together. Many left the military to serve elsewhere in government and business. But each of us has tried to live by that motto, ``Courage Never Quits,'' and boy, have we. Our class has produced 18 general officers: four 3-star generals; we have no 4-stars yet because we haven't been out of the Academy long enough; in addition, we have nine 2-stars and six 1-star generals. Our class produced a Secretary of State, a Secretary of the Army. Two of us have served in Congress, one of whom went on to be the Director of the CIA and, of course, Secretary of State. We have had at least two State legislators. Three judges come from our ranks, as well as at least four deans and chancellors of universities. We have served at senior levels throughout the government, from the Department of State to the FBI, to the leadership of the Defense Logistics Agency, to consultants to Presidents of the United States. Twenty-two-plus members of my class are presidents and CEOs of major corporations, from 7-Eleven to Mercedes-Benz USA. And, yes, we, too, have had those in our ranks make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Be thou at peace. More than anything, more than just the amazing location on the Hudson River, more than the unparalleled history of the place, more than the grueling academics, more than its unbelievable place in our Nation's great story, what pushes me to serve is the knowledge of what my peers have accomplished. Their hard work reminds me to never stop reading, learning, growing, and serving. They are my motivation, and they are why I will never quit. Rangers Lead The Way. Night Stalkers Don't Quit. Courage Never Quits, '86. Go Army. Beat Navy.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Chairwoman, I would just like to read that point five. This is what it actually says: ``Political speech, including the financial contributions to political or issue advocacy campaigns, is a vital part of our Nation's free exchange of ideas and avenues of free expression must be preserved and protected.'' That is all it says, let the American people decide. That is essentially what it says, that free speech should be protected. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Chair, I just want to make a few specific comments in regard to the amendment and how it impacts H.R. 1 in general. First, there are no special interest protections in this amendment, none whatsoever. I remind my colleagues of what the ACLU actually said about H.R. 1. It places a chill on ``speech essential to our public discourse.'' Further, I would like to stress that the Court has long affirmed the rights of individuals and organizations to have free speech. With those comments and clarifications, Madam Chairwoman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Chairwoman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Chairwoman, I rise today to offer my amendment expressing the sense of Congress that free speech should be protected. H.R. 1 is a misguided bill with many problems. One problem, in particular, has united everyone from the Heritage Foundation to the ACLU. It is the bill's assault on free speech. The ACLU itself says H.R. 1 will ``chill speech essential to our public discourse.'' When the ACLU admonishes a Democrat bill, everyone should take notice. My amendment is simple. It reaffirms the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The First Amendment, after all, guarantees the most fundamental right of our Democratic society: ``Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech.'' Our Founding Fathers knew that in order for the American experiment to work, the people must be free: free to participate in the democratic process, free to vote in elections, free to help candidates and causes they believe in, and free to speak up when their elected officials are no longer representing them. The freedom of speech enshrined in the First Amendment has helped make America the most exceptional country in the history of the world. Unfortunately, H.R. 1 tramples on that very freedom. Madam Chair, I offer this amendment to express the sense of Congress that the freedom of speech must be preserved and protected because, without it, the American experiment won't ever be the same again. A vote against this amendment is a vote against free speech. If you don't believe me, ask the ACLU. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Chairwoman, I have an amendment at the desk.