Ralph Hall

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Space Shuttle Independent Oversight Act of 2003'', legislation that will help the Space Shuttle fly more safely once it resumes its operations. As the Congress reviews the implications of the Columbia Shuttle accident for NASA's Space Shuttle program, we acknowledge the excellent report of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), chaired by Admiral Hal Gehman. Released six weeks ago, the CAIB report clearly laid out what NASA needs to do before the Space Shuttle can be safety returned to flight, probably within the next year. Equally importantly, the report contains many recommendations and observations on what NASA should do to keep the Shuttle flying safely over the remainder of its operational lifetime, which may extend another decade or more. NASA has already put in place an external task force, co-chaired by Tom Stafford and Dick Covey, to oversee its implementation of the CAIB's ``return-to-flight'' recommendations--those recommendations that must be met before the next Shuttle launch. Over the coming months, the Congress will be monitoring the task force's assessment of NASA's plans closely to assure ourselves and the American public that the next flight is as safe as is humanly possible. However, a long-term oversight problem remains. The Stafford-Covey task force will conclude its activities when the Shuttle resumes flying, or even earlier. Admiral Gehman has repeatedly registered his concern that once the Shuttle is flying again, there may be no effective oversight mechanism to ensure that NASA follows through on the long-term CAIB recommendations--those designed to keep the Shuttle flying safely over the next decade. I share his concern. My bill will establish an external, independent, and technically competent committee to monitor NASA's implementation of the CAIB's recommendations. The committee will be selected and run by the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering and will provide its timely assessments to both the Congress and NASA. Following the 1986 loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger, the National Academies provided a similar function in overseeing the re-design of the Shuttle's solid rocket motors (SRM), as well as reviewing other post- Challenger Shuttle modifications. History shows that the National Academies served a vital role in providing high-quality, independent advice and assessments to NASA during that difficult time. They were tough--rejecting several redesigns and test plans before approving the final design--but they were fair, and there have been no problems with the SRMs since Challenger. Why can't the Congressionally established Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) monitor the long-term CAIB recommendations? Because a week ago--on September 22--all nine ASAP members tendered their resignation, a distress signal that we in Congress should be taking very seriously. In interviews with the press, ASAP members have noted both their lack of independence from NASA and the discouraging fact that NASA has regularly dismissed the ASAP's safety recommendations. The oversight Committees, including the Science Committee, on which I serve as Ranking Member, need to get to the bottom of the ASAP situation. Perhaps the ASAP will need to be re-constituted legislatively to provide it with greater independence and resources. At the same time, however, we need to establish a dedicated group that can effectively oversee NASA's implementation of the CAIB's longterm recommendations. I recognize that there may be many ways to reach this goal, and I call on the leaders of the relevant oversight Committees to convene hearings promptly to examine the various options. The strengths of my legislation are that it gives the Shuttle oversight group complete independence and it follows a model that has been proven to work effectively in the past. It also ties the oversight body to standing institutions--the National Academies--that can provide it with the support and stability it needs for the long run. I offer this legislation with the goal of helping the NASA Administrator to promote safety in the human space flight program. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and to speed its enactment into law.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pay tribute today to a distinguished officer and an outstanding citizen, the late Bryce W. McIntyre of Bonham, TX, who passed away last year at the age of 85. Bryce McIntyre, the son of John and Lois Whitney McIntyre, was born on September 15, 1917, in San Diego, California. In 1938 he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a fighter pilot during World War II. Shot down over Germany, he was a Prisoner of War from September 1944 to May 1945. He served again as a pilot in the Berlin Airlift and Korean War, and later with the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Japan. During his distinguished 23-year military career, he was awarded the Purple Heart and four Oak Leaf Clusters. Upon his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force in 1960, Mr. McIntyre and his family made their home in Bonham, where he was an active member of the community. He served as manager of the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce, followed by a career with the Bonham State Bank. He served with the Fannin County Fair Board, the Boy Scouts of America and Bonham Boys Baseball. He was an active member of the Bonham Kiwanis Club and the Bonham Golden K Kiwanis Club and established the fireworks display for the Fourth of July celebration at Lake Bonham as well as the popular Fannin County Trade Days. He also served as a leader of the Friends of Willow Wild, Inc. Mr. McIntyre is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dorothy Castle McIntyre; his children Dr. Lorraine Mitchell and husband Raymond of Cumby, Bryce McIntyre, Jr. and wife Jenny of Bonham, Alice Truitt and husband Dale of Commerce, and Dr. Mike McIntyre of Santa Cruz, CA; his twin brother Bruce McIntyre of Bonham; sister Beryl Riley of Descanso, CA; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and other family members. Bryce McIntyre was a beloved and respected member of the Bonham community. His integrity, compassion and sense of service were evident in his love for his family and fellow citizens--and he served as a wonderful role model for all who knew him. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize such an outstanding American and to extend my sympathies to his family and many friends.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved friend, outstanding community leader and longtime Congressional aide, the late E.T. ``Mike'' Allen of Whitesboro, Texas, who passed away on March 14 of this year at the age of 83. Mike served as District Assistant for my predecessor, the late Congressman Ray Roberts, from 1969 to 1980, and as my district assistant from 1980 to 1995. He also served as a member of my screening board for U.S. Military Academies and was my trusted friend and associate. Mike was knowledgeable about the legislative process--and was so understanding and helpful with constituents who sought assistance with their concerns and problems. He knew the Congressional District from top to bottom, and in addition to being knowledgeable, was always punctual and available. He was always a gentleman and always kind in everything he did. Mike truly enjoyed people and lived a life of service--both in the workplace and in his community and church. In all that he did--and with all whom he met--Mike brought an abiding sense of optimism and a smile that was his trademark. His favorite saying was ``Always keep a happy heart.'' He loved people. He loved his family. He had a deep and abiding faith in God. I know of no one who knew Mike who did not consider him a friend. He was a man of honor, integrity and a generous nature. Mike was distinguished in all walks of life. He was a well-liked and well-respected community leader in Whitesboro and Sherman. He served as mayor of Whitesboro for five terms--the last of which he was elected by write-in votes. Among his many civic activities, he served as president of the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce, president of the local Rotary Club, president of the Quarterback Club, Master of Masonic Lodge #263 and Post Commander of the American Legion Post #398. Mike was also president of the Grayson County Development Council, a member of the original committee that secured the site for Grayson County College, chairman of the Parent's Committee for the 125th Anniversary Commission, a Council board member of the Boy Scouts of America and an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Whitesboro. He served on the Wilson N. Jones Foundation Board of Directors and was a board member of the Grayson County Campfire Girls of America, the Old Settlers Park Association in Sherman and the Grayson County Child Welfare. Mike also was a frequent visitor of the local domino hall and a good player in his own right. Playing dominoes was a cherished tradition that facilitated comradery and friendship and served as an unofficial repository of historic and humorous events in the life of Whitesboro. It comes as no surprise that Mike was named Outstanding Citizen of Whitesboro twice--in 1970 and 1998. Mike was born in Whitesboro on December 31, 1919, the son of E.T. Allen Sr. and Mary Anderson Allen. He graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1936 and from North Texas State University in Denton. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1942, where he became a first lieutenant. On returning to Whitesboro, he entered into private business with his father for 23 years before joining Congressman Roberts' staff. In 1946 he married his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Roberts Allen, a graduate of Texas Woman's University of Denton. They had a special marriage--and they have a devoted family that includes their son, Michael Allen of Tyler and daughter-in-law Carol and granddaughters Lindsay and Carly; daughter Marcy Allen Brown of Greenville and son-in-law Jon and children Leigh and Ben; sister and brother-in-law Lucille and R.B. Head, Jr., and two nieces. Mr. Speaker, those of us who knew and loved Mike Allen miss him dearly--but his presence continues to be felt in Whitesboro, in Sherman and in the hearts of his family and many friends. He leaves behind such a remarkable legacy of caring and service. America is blessed to have citizens like my good friend Mike Allen, who answered the call to service for his country and his community throughout his exemplary and noble life. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this great man and great American--E.T. ``Mike'' Allen.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the citizens of Tyler, Texas, lost one of their dearest and most influential members, Billie Lou ``Peaches'' Parker Brookshire, who passed away at the age of 72 following a lengthy illness. The Brookshire family has long been known in the Tyler area for their many contributions to East Texas--with Peaches being a central figure in their philanthropy. Peaches was actively involved in numerous worthy causes, including the Salvation Army Center of Hope, Junior League of Tyler, Tyler Junior Garden Club, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, Green Acres Baptist Church, All Saints Episcopal School, Grace Community School and Hospice of East Texas. In all that she did and with all whom she met, she brought enthusiasm, compassion, a positive attitude and a legendary sense of humor. Peaches also was an accomplished artist. Several of her paintings were recently donated to the Tyler Cancer Center to encourage patients receiving treatment there. Above all Peaches was a devoted wife to her husband and partner of 53 years, Bruce, whom she met while attending the University of Texas at Austin, and a loving and loyal mother and mother-in-law to Tim and Michelle and to Britt and Sunni. She was known endearingly as ``honey'' to her nine grandhildren: Amy, Clint, Garnett, Blake, Chad, Ross, Caroline, Emma and Bruce, Jr. Clint Brookshire ably served as my Congressional Assistant in Washington, D.C., and later as District Assistant in my Rockwall, TX, office, before pursuing another career in Dallas. He was a valued and well-liked member of my staff and remains my good friend. Peaches maintained a close relationship with Decie Brookshire, mother of Clint and the two other eldest grandchildren. She also leaves behind her two dear sisters and their husbands, Kay and Darrold Cannon Jr. and Judy and Ray Clymer Jr. of Wichita Falls; her mother-in-law and lifelong friend, Mrs. Louise Brookshire of Tyler; numerous nieces and nephews; and caregivers Jeanell and Jesse Richardson of Tyler. Peaches was the daughter of William Garnett Parker and Opal Louise Parker of Wichita Falls. She attended Midwestern State University and the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Her grandfather, C.H. Parker, opened Parker Food Stores in Wichita Falls in the 1920s, the same time that her father-in- law, W.T. Brookshire, was opening his first Brookshire's Grocery Store in Tyler. I have known Peaches and Bruce and their family for many years and have loved and admired them for their ability to so ably balance work, family and community commitments. They are one of the outstanding families in the Fourth Congressional District--and their efforts have helped so many in their community. In recognition of their many significant contributions, Peaches and Bruce were named the recipients of the 2002 Isadore Roosth Outstanding Philanthropist Award in Tyler. Peaches was devoted to her family, her faith, and her community--and was a model of grace, goodness, and good humor. She was a friend and an inspiration to so many--and she will be fondly remembered by all those who knew her and loved her. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege today for me to pay tribute to an exemplary woman and outstanding citizen of East Texas who made an indelible impression on all those who met her-- Peaches Parker Brookshire. She will be dearly missed.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the world's minister here. He is my neighbor in Rockwall, Texas. Rockwall is the smallest county of 254 counties in Texas, and he is my neighbor, he is my friend, and, as I say, he is the world's pastor. Dr. Shibley has spent his life dedicated to the spreading of the Gospel throughout the world. Through his work and through private donations, he has afforded on-site training for over 193,000 pastors and church leaders in 53 nations and has equipped them with books and ministry resources in 13 languages. Today, as we worry about the Nation and worry about the men and women overseas and we pray for our President, we may have the strongest intercontinental ballistic missile system and the best military hardware of anyone in the world, but we know today the greatest power we have and the power we need is the power of prayer. Thank you, Dr. Shibley, for your prayer.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. HALL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Walsh and Ranking Member Mollohan. I am offering an amendment to the NASA portion of the bill. That issue is the safety of the astronauts who fly the Space Shuttle. Mr. Chairman, the amendment that I am offering today would start NASA down the path to developing a new crew escape system for the entire Space Shuttle crew, not just the pilot and the copilot. My amendment is focusing on increasing the safety of the Space Shuttle astronauts through the development of concepts for crew escape in the event of an accident. It is that simple. Mr. Chairman, I am offering an amendment to the NASA portion of the bill. It concerns an issue that I feel as strongly about as anything I have fought during my time in Congress. That issue is the safety of the astronauts who fly the space shuttle. These brave young men and women risk their lives to advance our knowledge and to help this Nation explore space. They know that space travel involves risk. However, I'm not sure that the rest of us fully comprehend how risky it can be until we are confronted with a tragedy like last February's loss the space shuttle Columbia and its crew. Yet the fact that space travel involves risk doesn't mean that we shouldn't be taking all prudent measures possible to reduce that risk--which brings me to the objective of my amendment. The sad reality is that 17 years after the space shuttle Challenger accident, the loss of a space shuttle almost inevitably means the loss of its crew. I don't think that is right, and I don't think it has to be that way. And I'm not alone in that belief. For years, the independent Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) and others have argued that NASA needs to pay more attention to improving space shuttle crew survivability in the event of an accident. For example, in its March 2002 report to the NASA Administrator, the ASAP expressed its concern that: ``there is no in-flight crew escape system for the [Space Shuttle] Orbiter other than for abort below 20,000 feet during a controlled glide'', and it strongly recommended that NASA: ``complete the ongoing studies of crew escape design options and implement and improved system as soon as possible.'' Moreover, in their meeting with the NASA Administrator earlier this year, ASAP members were vocal in their belief that NASA needed to give serious attention to the development and installation of a space shuttle crew escape system. I agree with the ASAP members. I think that if we are going to fly the shuttle for an extended period--which I believe we are--then NASA needs to develop and install a crew escape system on the remaining Orbiters in the space shuttle fleet as soon as practicable. And we need to size it so that we are able to fly enough astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) annually to allow a permanent ISS crew of seven. The amendment that I am offering today would start NASA down the path to developing a crew escape system for the entire space shuttle crew-- not just the pilot and co-pilot. My amendment would use $15 million from the as yet unallocated funds in the fiscal year 2004 Space Shuttle Life Extension Program ``Future Projects'' account to solicit the best concepts from the aerospace industry and elsewhere for significantly improving shuttle crew survivability. Those concepts, including estimates of their costs and impacts on shuttle performance, would be independently so that Congress and NASA will know what the best options care. We can then make an informed decision on what to do next. I would hope that the solicitation and independent assessment could be completed expeditiously, certainly in less than a year. Now I know that some at NASA would agree that it can't be done at a reasonable cost or without a big negative impact on shuttle performance. My reply is that I don't believe that the combined talents of the aerospace industry and NASA aren't capable of rising to the challenge of developing a viable space shuttle crew escape system and dramatically improving shuttle crew survivability. I may be wrong, but I don't think so. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is a modest first step toward achieving my goal of significantly improving the odds for our brave astronauts when they fly the space shuttle. It is only one step. I intend to keep pressing for the development of a capable space shuttle crew escape system if the nation decides to continue to flying the shuttle. While my amendment may be only a first step, I believe it is an important role. I hope Members will join me in support of this amendment.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, with the House scheduled to consider the interior appropriations bill for 2004, I wanted to take a minute to urge my colleagues to consider for a moment the important research and development programs administered by the Department of Energy that are funded in this bill. R&D in areas such as clean coal technology, fuel cells, highly- efficient gas turbines, and integrated gasification combined cycle power plants ensure that power plants can run cleaner and more efficiently, allowing us to meet ever-increasing demands on power generators. Equally important are enhanced recovery technologies for oil and natural gas which enable us to continue to fuel our cars and heat our homes. Mr. Chairman, I believe that dollar for dollar, these programs may be the very best investment this country can make to sustain and strengthen our Nation's economy, bar none. As the ranking member of the Committee on Science, I congratulate the Subcommittee on the Interior and Related Agencies for increasing the fossil energy funding by $99 million over the President's request. However, as much as this increase is, it is still below the levels appropriated last year. I remain concerned about the folks at OMB. I urge my colleagues to support the bill as reported out of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill because I am for a bill. I want to see a bill passed. I want a bill that can pass this House. I want a bill that can get to the conference committee. I want a bill that we can consider along with the Senate bill and get the best of both bills for the best people of this country. Almost 40 years ago when I was in the Texas senate, Members of this Congress came to Texas, came to the Texas house and the senate, touting two great programs that they were going to introduce and pass. They named them Medicare and Medicaid. And they said by 1990, Medicare could cost $9 billion a year. And as I remember, they said Medicaid could cost almost $1 billion a year. They told us that we really needed to monitor the program closely or the costs could double. Well, my colleagues know what has happened to the cost, what has happened to Medicaid and Medicare. There is an awful lot to do, and we need to be doing it. There is no doubt that Medicare has helped millions of seniors escape dire poverty and live fuller lives. There is also no doubt that medical costs have far outstripped inflation due to a number of factors, including expansion of benefits, increased use, and coverage of the disabled population. Our seniors are staring into their pocketbooks to find the money they need for their care. We desperately need to do something to save a great program for people in their golden years. Mr. Speaker, Medicare needs to be modernized to include a meaningful provision for drug coverage. In my lifetime, we have seen how prescription drugs have greatly improved and extended the lives of Americans. We have also seen how the cost of those life-providing drugs can trouble families every day. Unfortunately, Congress has almost been timid in seeking parity between the prices drug companies have charged domestic dispensers compared to the nondomestic dispensers just across our borders. While American drug companies need added alliance for research and development, and I am willing to give them that, for 10 key drugs for seniors, Americans pay an average of 150 percent more for the drugs than Canadians. This is unacceptable. I do not like price controls. The marketplace provides the competition necessary to deliver the best price for the people in need. We have to lower the cost of prescription drugs, and my hope is that we can all work together, including drug companies, to come up with new, better, and more creative ways to achieve affordable prescription drugs. As we look at introducing new competition among providers for services, we should consider provisions that respect the choices available to current Medicare beneficiaries. These seniors and the disabled have paid for and have come to expect a traditional Medicare system and the safety net that it provides them, and they should be able to retain their current plans if they continue to be pleased with them. The Senate improved upon this provision, and I hope that is included in the final bill. The Senate and the House bills have good provisions to achieve our goal. Like many people, I am not completely satisfied with this bill, but I am very hopeful that we can pass a bill. I am particularly pleased that we are introducing long-overdue Medicare reforms that will bring health care into the 21st century; namely--regulatory reforms and provider reimbursement issues. We are all aware that providers nationwide, including our rural providers, have been diminishing in the face of increasing costs and decreasing reimbursement. We simply must confront this issue because without access, the rest of the program is meaningless. Like many people,I am not completely satisfied with this bill, but I am also not satisfied to see this program collapse. We are closer than we have ever been to making some meaningful reforms and providing a prescription drug benefit to seniors. I am hopeful that we will improve this bill in the conference committee as we seek to find a bipartisan solution to our common problem. This is just a first step in an ongoing process of reform to ensure that our seniors get the care that they deserve. Congress, through its oversight and yearly appropriations process, will continue to monitor the program--making necessary changes and improvements to guarantee healthy years for our Medicare population.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved friend, outstanding community leader and longtime Congressional aide, the late E.T. ``Mike'' Allen of Whitesboro, Texas, who passed away on March 14 of this year at the age of 83. Mike served as District Assistant for my predecessor, the late Congressman Ray Roberts, from 1969 to 1980, and as my district assistant from 1980 to 1995. He also served as a member of my screening board for U.S. Military Academies and was my trusted friend and associate. Mike was knowledgeable about the legislative process--and was so understanding and helpful with constituents who sought assistance with their concerns and problems. He knew the Congressional District from top to bottom, and in addition to being knowledgeable, was always punctual and available. He was always a gentleman and always kind in everything he did. Mike truly enjoyed people and lived a life of service--both in the workplace and in his community and church. In all that he did--and with all whom he met--Mike brought an abiding sense of optimism and a smile that was his trademark. His favorite saying was ``Always keep a happy heart.'' He loved people. He loved his family. He had a deep and abiding faith in God. I know of no one who knew Mike who did not consider him a friend. He was a man of honor, integrity and a generous nature. Mike was distinguished in all walks of life. He was a well-liked and well-respected community leader in Whitesboro and Sherman. He served as mayor of Whitesboro for five terms--the last of which he was elected by write-in votes. Among his many civic activities, he served as president of the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce, president of the local Rotary Club, president of the Quarterback Club, Master of Masonic Lodge #263 and Post Commander of the American Legion Post #398. Mike was also president of the Grayson County Development Council, a member of the original committee that secured the site for Grayson County College, chairman of the Parent's Committee for the 125th Anniversary Commission, a Council board member of the Boy Scouts of America and an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Whitesboro. He served on the Wilson N. Jones Foundation Board of Directors and was a board member of the Grayson County Campfire Girls of America, the Old Settlers Park Association in Sherman and the Grayson County Child Welfare. Mike also was a frequent visitor of the local domino hall and a good player in his own right. Playing dominoes was a cherished tradition that facilitated comradery and friendship and served as an unofficial repository of historic and humorous events in the life of Whitesboro. It comes as no surprise that Mike was named Outstanding Citizen of Whitesboro twice--in 1970 and 1998. Mike was born in Whitesboro on December 31, 1919, the son of E.T. Allen Sr. and Mary Anderson Allen. He graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1936 and from North Texas State University in Denton. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1942, where he became a first lieutenant. On returning to Whitesboro, he entered into private business with his father for 23 years before joining Congressman Roberts' staff. In 1946 he married his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Roberts Allen, a graduate of Texas Woman's University of Denton. They had a special marriage--and they have a devoted family that includes their son, Michael Allen of Tyler and daughter-in-law Carol and granddaughters Lindsay and Carly; daughter Marcy Allen Brown of Greenville and son-in-law Jon and children Leigh and Ben; sister and brother-in-law Lucille and R.B. Head, Jr., and two nieces. Mr. Speaker, those of us who knew and loved Mike Allen miss him dearly--but his presence continues to be felt in Whitesboro and in Sherman and in the hearts of his family and many friends. He leaves behind such wonderful memories of such an outstanding man and citizen-- and such a remarkable legacy of caring and service that will be felt for many years to come. As we approach Memorial Day and remember all those who gave their lives in service to their Nation, one of those that I will remember is my good friend Mike Allen, a man who answered the call to duty in World War II and who continued to answer the call to service to his community, his family, and his country throughout his exemplary and noble life. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this great man and great American--E.T. ``Mike'' Allen.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of America's veterans. As a veteran myself, I am saddened to see how this country is turning its back on those who answered the call of duty time after time in this country's history. My district, the 4th District of Texas, has the second highest veteran population in the State, and I am proud to stand up for these courageous men and women who have given so much for their country. Recently, this Congress was faced with structuring a budget. The House Republican Budget severely cut veterans expectations, while the Democratic Budget, containing less harmful, but more expensive language, was more favorable to veterans. I supported the Democratic substitute which would have left the desperately needed money to support the growing needs of our veterans, including veterans health care, vocational rehabilitation, disability compensation, pension, education and survivors benefits. The Democratic Budget was defeated, and in as much as we had to pass a budget, I voted to send the Republican Budget to the Senate--knowing that it had to be moved along to reach the House and Senate conference committee, where the bill will be rewritten. I will work to ensure that our veterans' benefits will be restored in the final budget. Sixty two years ago, our country was attacked at Pearl Harbor. The commanding officer in the Japanese fleet was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who is quoted as saying, ``I fear we have woken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve.'' Some historians write that he said ``I fear that we have awakened a sleeping tiger.'' Unless Congress rectifies these spending cuts for our veterans, I feel that we will once again ``awaken a sleeping tiger.'' Our veterans will not--and should not-- stand for what is being done to them. The need for added medical care is at its highest for our remaining World War II veterans. As each day passes, there are fewer and fewer who are still able to tell their heroic stories of sacrifice, duty, and honor. This also applies to those who fought in the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and other wars since. If this injustice is not addressed and rectified soon, the same outcome will one day apply to those who have so bravely fought, and are currently fighting terrorism in the Middle East. We must rethink and correct the cuts that have recently been made and which are extremely harmful to the well being of those who have made it possible for us to enjoy the very freedom we experience today. Congressional inaction could result in American veterans--some in their 80s--marching on Washington, as World War I veterans did in the late 1920s. Thomas Jefferson said, ``Eternal vigilance is the price we pay for FREEDOM.'' The vigilance he spoke of was vigilance against the British, the Indians, and the vicissitudes of nature such as drought, floods, hurricanes, and disease. Our vigilance today must be to demand that the House and Senate conference committee provide adequate funding for those who kept the fires of freedom burning brightly and deliver a veterans appropriation that will maintain the healthcare and the dignity that the greatest generation spawned long ago.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I urge the passage of this resolution. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) for his participation and his support. He is a man of medicine and a very valuable member of the Committee on Science. I thank him for his input and will expect and appreciate his support of this resolution which I know is coming. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I might consume. Of course, as has been pointed out very aptly by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), our country suffered a major tragedy on February 1, 2003. Of course, that was the day that the sky over my home State of Texas was filled with fiery debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia. We all mourn the loss of the seven brave men and women who perished that day, and will never forget their sacrifice. They made the ultimate sacrifices in the cause of space exploration and, of course, in the cause of science. In the weeks and months since the loss of Columbia and its crew, the focus has been on finding the cause of the accident, not to place blame but to prevent future tragedy. Examination of shuttle debris has been a very important part of that investigation. We know that it has not been an easy job to collect this. It has been a tedious job, and it has been day in and day out, long hours. It was scattered over at least two States with the bulk of it spread over a wide area of my home State of Texas. Yet within hours of the accident, we had teams of people, men and women, young men and young women, out scouring the countryside for that debris; and it was a very impressive effort. It involved people from a number of Federal agencies, including personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agencies, from NASA, from the United States Forest Service, and the EPA among others. It also involved people from State and local agencies who worked very long hours, in all kinds of weather; and it also involved citizens from many States who volunteered their time and volunteered their energy to this task. We owe all of them our thanks. We also offer our condolences to those who perished when their helicopter crashed during the search for debris. We know, Madam Speaker, and I also want to note, that there is another aspect of the story that needs to be highlighted, and that is the heartwarming response of my east Texas friends and my neighbors in the search in the area who comprised the search teams. There have been countless examples of folks in Texas opening their homes and hearts to those who have been engaged in the grueling work of debris recovery, and I am very proud of all of them. The concentrated multiagency debris collection effort that was led by FEMA ended on April 30 when FEMA turned over the responsibilities for any further collection efforts to NASA. While that effort will continue, we can take stock of what has been accomplished today. It is an impressive accomplishment. Nearly 85,000 pounds of debris, about 38 percent of Columbia's dry weight, was recovered. That was far more than had been hoped for when the search began in February. In addition, nearly 83,000 specific items have been recovered; and more than 79,000 of those have been identified. Most importantly, the board investigating the Columbia accident has said that the debris collected so far has been invaluable in helping them in their efforts to determine the cause of the accident. Madam Speaker, I think the Nation owes a debt of gratitude to the thousands of individuals and organizations who work so tirelessly to recover the space shuttle debris. I do not personally think that that search is over because, as my colleagues know, common sense tells us and our knowledge of history, of weather facts, there is still snow on the ground in a lot of the area where the shuttle began to come apart. There are some very deep lakes that because of weather hazards we have not really been able to search those. We need to really wait until that snow vanishes as the summer comes on, to where we can really look particularly around Fallon, Nevada, in that area, where a lot of our indications are that the very first major part of that Shuttle came apart. Then we need to get to the American people not 10 reasons that might have caused it, but get to the cause of it, because we have three more shuttles that we want to send up. We still have to have a presence in space, but we want it to be a safe presence, we want it to be safe for the men and women who will man them. I think it is to be noted that I introduced House Resolution 222 as a way for this body to express our thanks on behalf of all America. We have a number of cosigners, and I hope we have more. I think it is the right thing to do, and I hope my colleagues will support it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and a long-time supporter of NASA, being from the Houston area.

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), who is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Research of the Committee on Science, and my fellow Congresswoman from the neighboring county of Dallas.

Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the delegate from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), who is on the Committee on International Relations, a very important committee. (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the Federal Communications Commission's Triennial Review of the 1996 Telecommunications Act adopted over two months ago on February 20, 2003. Today, the telecommunications industry waits for some certainty and clarity regarding these new rules adopted by the FCC. These rules, dealing with local telephone competition, have yet to be put to paper so that the affected companies can review the order and make business plans accordingly. The telecommunications sector of our economy is hemorrhaging. Lost jobs, reduced capital investment and loss of investor confidence have affected nearly every company in this sector. The lack of clarity, as to these new rules, is prolonging this downward spiral. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Commission to act on this issue and do it as soon as possible. This sector is too important to be left on hold.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I will wait to see the fruits of the gentleman's labors, and I thank the chairman for this extra work he is going into.

Mr. HALL of Texas

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. HALL of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. Chairman, of course I rise in support of this act. It authorizes an interagency research program that will have enormous consequences for the future of our Nation. It is bipartisan legislation introduced in the Committee on Science by the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), who took the lead on it. It is cosponsored, of course, by Members from both sides of the aisle. This bill, which was ordered reported by a unanimous vote of the committee, will authorize the National Nanotechnology Initiative that is part of the President's budget request. I want to acknowledge the leadership of the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert), and I thank him for his leadership, and the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) in developing this legislation. I want to thank Chairman Boehlert for working very cooperatively with Democratic leaders and Members and moving the bill through the committee. I also want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) for his hard work on the bill. His efforts have led to a strengthening of the outside advisory mechanism for the research program and to a process to help facilitate the transfer of research innovations to commercial applications. Mr. Chairman, the advancement of civilization has been tied to human capabilities to manipulate and fashion materials. For example, the Stone Age gave way to the Bronze Age, which, in turn, gave way to the Iron Age. The trend has been a better understanding of material properties at a smaller and more detailed level. We know now that we stand at the threshold of an age in which materials can be fashioned atom by atom. As a result, new materials can be designed with specified characteristics to satisfy any of those specific purposes. The word ``revolutionary'' has become a cliche, but nanotechnology truly is revolutionary. In the words of a report from the National Research Council: ``The ability to control and manipulate atoms, to observe and simulate collective phenomena, to treat complex materials systems, and to span length scales from atoms to everyday experience, provides opportunities that were not even imagined a decade ago.'' Nanotechnology will have enormous consequences for the information industry, for manufacturing, for medicine, and for health. Indeed, the scope of this technology is so broad as to leave virtually no product untouched. The potential reach and impact of nanotechnology argues for careful attention to how it may affect society and, in particular, attention to particular downsides of the technology. While some concerns have already been raised that seem more in the realm of science fiction, there are also very real issues with the potential health and environmental effect of nanosized particles. I believe it is important for the successful development of nanotechnology that potential problems be addressed from the very beginning in a straightforward and in an open manner. We know too well that negative public perceptions about the safety of a technology can have serious consequences for its acceptance and use. This has been the case with such technologies as nuclear power, genetically modified foods, and stem cell therapies. Research is needed to provide understanding of potential problems arising from nanotechnology applications in order to allow informed judgments to be made by risks and cost-benefit trade-offs for specific implementations of the technology. Efforts must be made by the research community to open lines of communication with the public to make clear potential safety risks are being explored and not ignored. We cannot once again go down the path where the research community simply issues a statement to the public: ``Trust us, it is safe.'' I am confident that this bill will help accomplish this goal. My colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), will offer an amendment at the appropriate point to further strengthen this aspect of the bill. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 766 authorizes $2.4 billion over 3 years for nanotechnology research and development at five agencies: the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, NASA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and EPA. In addition to setting funding goals, this bill puts in place mechanisms for planning and coordinating and implementation of interagency research programs. The bill also includes provisions for outside expert advice to help guide the research program and ensure its relevance to emerging technological opportunities and to industry. The advisory committee required by the bill is charged to review the goals, the content, the implementation, and administration of the nanotechnology initiative. The bill provides the administration with the flexibility either to designate an existing advisory panel or to establish a new panel to carry out its role. It is important, I think, whatever approach is used, that the advisory committee encompass a range of expertise needed to assess the technological content of the initiative as well as the education, technology transfer, commercial application, and societal and ethical research aspects of this program. Equally important, the advisory committee must focus sustained attention on the Nanotechnology Initiative over its lifetime in order to meet the comprehensive assessments required and the requirements specified by this legislation. So I am pleased that H.R. 766 has identified the need for research to provide understanding of potential problems arising from nanotechnology applications. Annual reporting requirements, added by an amendment in committee by the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bell), will allow Congress to track the agencies' activities that are related to societal and ethical concerns. A problem that was identified in the Committee on Science's hearings on the bill is the difficulty that can arise in transitioning results from nanotechnology research into actual products and commercial applications. The gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) successfully proposed an amendment in committee that will help address the problem through greater use of the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Research Program. Finally, Mr. Chairman, as is clear from the hearing record for H.R. 766, this bill enjoys widespread support from the research community and from industry. This is an important bill. It will help ensure the Nation maintains a vigorous research effort in a technology area that is emerging as increasingly important for the economy and for national security. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support its final passage. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from the Silicon Valley of California (Mr. Honda). I have already explained his importance to this legislation, his background and his ability to lead the development of nanotechnology. I am glad to recognize him as one of authors of this bill. (Mr. HONDA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), a very valuable member of our committee.

Mr. HALL

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Dallas County, Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), my neighbor.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I will paraphrase Will Rogers, who said he never met a man he didn't like. I think it is pretty obvious that Ms. Jackson-Lee, who is one of the hardest workers that I know in this Congress, never met an amendment or a bill she could not upgrade and she could not talk about and could not suggest on. I think she stresses the protection of societal and ethical issues. As I said in my opening statement, I think it is important for the successful development of nanotechnology that potential problems be addressed from the beginning in a straightforward and open manner, and I think that is exactly what the gentlewoman has done. This is the amendment she requested, and this is the time I think to look at this amendment. We are not going to burn the barn down and run the cattle off if we do not get every amendment we want. The chairman has worked with us and tried to help us. If there is any way to work this out to something less than the request she made, this is the time to do it. Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield to the chairman to get his feelings about whether or not that can be done or whether or not we have to simply put it to a vote of the Congress.

Mr. HALL. I yield to the gentleman from New York.