Jane Harman

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Dreier-Lofgren amendment, which would repeal the requirement to use MTOPS as the metric for restricting exports of high-powered computers and authorize the President to devise a new approach that is both more effective at protecting national security and less injurious to U.S. commercial interests. When Congress imposed the MTOPS requirements as part of the National Defense Authorization Act back in 1998, we made a terrible mistake by mandating a metric that was poorly matched to the threat it was designed to address. At the same time, we handicapped U.S. high tech companies trying to break into the world's fastest growing markets--and gave an artificial advantage to all the companies abroad who would like to move the leading edge in high-powered computing to other nations. The MTOPS metric has been ineffective at controlling the diffusion of technology primarily because computing power has advanced at such a furious pace over the past decade and a half. In 1991 when the MTOPS metric was first devised, the fastest supercomputer in the world was the Cray C90, which was the size of two refrigerators and cost about $10 million. Do you realize that today a Dell Pentium 4 laptop computer, which costs about $1,000, has more computing power than the Cray C90? What's more, ``clustering'' technology allows a foreign government whose technological capabilities we are trying to limit to buy mass market PCs off the shelves of Radio Shack or Wal-Mart and achieve the same computing power by harnessing them together. The most important point I want to make today is that this amendment repealing the MTOPS mandate will not injure national security. To that end, I want to cite just a few sources: A May 2001 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) concluded that the MTOPS system is ``ineffective, given the global diffusion of information technology and the rapid increases in performance'' and ``irrelevant'' because it ``cannot accurately measure performance of current microprocessors or alternative sources of supercomputing like clustering.'' A February 2001 study by DOD's Office of Science and Technology similarly concluded that ``MTOPS has lost its effectiveness * * * due to rapid technology advances.'' President George W. Bush commented in March 2001 that ``With computing power doubling every 18 months, these controls have the shelf life of sliced bread. They don't work.'' Mr. Chairman, passing this amendment will give the President the power to devise a better system to protect national security. Let's do the right thing and approve the Dreier-Lofgren amendment.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a close friend, a remarkable public servant and courageous advocate for the people of California-- the Honorable Ruth Galanter. Ruth is retiring from the Los Angeles City Council after 16 years of service, where her insights, legislative acumen, and keen intellect will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, there is no magic formula for determining what makes a good public servant, but in Ruth Galanter all the ingredients for success were there. Ruth brought her intelligence, wit, and political skills to bear on behalf of her constituents, her community and countless important causes. And all the people of Los Angeles benefited from her ability to get things done. It has been my great pleasure to work with Ruth on many of these causes. Just last month, Ruth and I participated in a ceremony with the Army Corps of Engineers commemorating the installation of tidal gates along the Ballona Creek in my district. The gates will help preserve scarce wetlands, restore critical habitat, and provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community for years to come. The project, more than 10 years in the making, is a perfect illustration of a top-notch public servant at the peak of her powers. Ruth Galanter's ability to focus on a particular outcome; to build and nurture diverse coalitions; to bring together all levels of government in support of a common goal; her fundamental and unwavering commitment to a healthy environment--these are the gifts that she unselfishly shared with the community. Over the years, Ruth's work resulted in the preservation of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and the El Segundo Dunes, and she spearheaded efforts to clean up Santa Monica Bay and conserve the Ballona wetlands. She led the effort to renovate Venice Beach and preserve the Venice Pier. She has promoted smart growth and sustainable development, advocated for a regional airport system and high-speed rail, and tirelessly promoted water conservation and recycling. While this chapter of Ruth Galanter's public service may be coming to a close, she leaves behind a proud and lasting legacy. The crowning achievement of an environmentalist is to leave the earth a little cleaner, a little greener and a little brighter than when they started. Ruth Galanter has accomplished this and more.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the achievements of the Federal Security Director at the Los Angeles International Airport, retired Rear Admiral David M. Stone. During his tenure with the Transportation Security Administration, Admiral Stone has been instrumental in enhancing the security of the Los Angeles International Airport, the largest origin and destination airport in the world. In addition to working closely with my office, he has worked closely with the aviation and transportation industry, elected officials at every level of government, and, most important, with the talented pool of workers and applicants for employment at LAX. Through Admiral Stone's efforts, Los Angeles is a safer place. Under his leadership, TSA was able to mobilize, train, and deploy the largest federalized screener force in the United States, two weeks before the national deadline. He also implemented the 100 percent checked baggage screening program at LAX, screening in excess of 150,000 bags per day. He did a superb job of demonstrating TSA's competence, which Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge had the opportunity to see when he visited LAX on April 25, 2003. I was proud that Admiral Stone served on my Service Academy Selection Committee. As a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, his evaluation of prospective cadets contributed to the selection of the most qualified candidates in the 36th District of California for nomination to our Nation's military academies. Mr. Speaker, I will miss working with David Stone on enhancing security at LAX. I salute his accomplishments and wish him well.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my friend, Mike Gin, who retires this week from the Redondo Beach City Council after 8 years of distinguished service. In addition to his work on the council, Mike's service to his community covers a wide range of community groups including the Redondo Beach Historical Society, the Chinese Americans United for Self- Empowerment, and the Beach Cities Branch of the American Heart Association. He is also a member of the Redondo Beach Sister Cities Association, the Redondo Beach Jaycees, the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Redondo Beach Rotary Club. I consider Mike a ``lunch-pail politician,'' who prides himself on doing the little things--like parks and potholes--that help make the City of Redondo Beach one of the nicest places to live in California. He was famous for holding Saturday morning office hours with his constituents so he could spend time listening to their concerns. But Mike's retirement from the City Council does not mean he is giving up on public service. In fact, this month Mike left his information services job to become Deputy to another good friend, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. I am delighted that much of the area Mike will cover for Supervisor Knabe remains in my own Congressional district. My staff and I look forward to working with Mike in this new capacity. Mr. Speaker, I will miss Mike's warm personality on the City Council but am glad he will continue to play an active role in our community.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Madam Chairman, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time, and I commend her for her leadership on this very important issue. Madam Chairman, as communities across the Nation begin to welcome home members of our Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and to honor those who continue to serve in our ongoing war on terrorism, we are, at the same time, turning America's brave servicewomen into second-class citizens. So long as this Congress continues a policy that fails to afford servicewomen their constitutional right to comprehensive health care, regardless of where they serve, we continue to do them serious harm. Since 1989, and except for 2 years early in the Clinton administration, Congress has barred a woman's access to necessary health care services at overseas bases, even when paid for by their own funds. When I served on the Committee on Armed Services, way back when, I sponsored this same amendment to restore the rights of servicewomen serving overseas. And before me, our colleague, the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), courageously fought this battle. I have long believed that the current policy is unconstitutional and, if challenged, would be overturned as a violation of Roe v. Wade. In practical terms, the policy exposes our servicewomen serving in austere locations overseas to unsanitary and unsafe medical facilities, and it requires that a woman violate her right to privacy by requiring that she secure permission from a superior officer to travel back to the United States to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, a requirement that violates her rights under Roe v. Wade. Today, this body has another opportunity to right this obvious wrong. As the sponsor pointed out, we do not ask that the Federal Government pay for abortions overseas. Women who want this procedure will have to pay for it. Nor do we compel medical professionals to provide the procedure. There is a conscience clause. As servicewomen and female dependents deploy abroad, it is time to send the right message. As they protect our constitutional rights to life and liberty, we need to protect theirs. Vote for the Sanchez-Harman-DeLauro amendment.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our former colleague Congressman Stephen Horn and his wife, Nini upon the occasion of tomorrow's dedication of the Steve and Nini Horn Center at California State University Long Beach. As a member of Congress for 10 years and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology, Steve distinguished himself in Congress by improving accountability and management practices in the federal government. Each year, the Debt Collection Improvement Act and the Travel Reform and Savings Act of 1996 that Steve authored save the taxpayer millions of dollars. My association with Steve began in the 103rd Congress, when we co- lead the bi-partisan coalition that saved the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17 program, which employs 9,000 workers in our area through 2008. Our efforts led to the Air Force's multi-year purchase of what has proven to be one of the most versatile cargo aircraft in the military's inventory. A long time resident of Long Beach, Steve Horn has contributed to the community in many other ways; as President of Cal State Long Beach, Chairman of a successful $6 million United Way Campaign Fund, Vice Chairman of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and as a Founding Member and Secretary of the Long Beach Economic Development Corporation. I have known Steve and his wife, Nini, to be long-time passionate supporters of the arts. I can recall Steve's strong defense of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Arts Caucus. So it is more than fitting that the Steve and Nini Horn Center should house a museum, and equally appropriate that it should include a vast computer lab, since the Chairman successfully led the effort to prepare government and industry to make the year 2000 computer conversion. Mr. Speaker, never one to falter in his congressional duties or to toe the party line, Steve Horn served in Congress with courage and independence, and I am proud to have served with him.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and career of my friend, Air Force Lt. General Roger DeKok. General DeKok died suddenly last week while on a business trip. My heartfelt condolences, and those of the many individuals in the South Bay he commanded and who were his friends, go to his wife, Carol, and family. I first met General DeKok when he assumed command in August 1996 of the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base in my district. SMC is the Air Force's pre-eminent procurement center for space-based systems, including the nation's sophisticated surveillance satellites and technology to track and intercept enemy missiles. Commander of SMC for only two years, General DeKok excelled in motivating people. His loyalty, warmth and kind personality are virtues for which he will be remembered. Under his leadership, SMC continued its tradition of excellence and continued to produce many of the high quality space-based systems necessary for the war fighter of the 21st century. General DeKok's activities and passion centered on the frontiers of outer space. He served in numerous space plans and operations positions, from detachment level to space policy work in the White House, and commanded two space wings. While serving at the Pentagon in 1983, he coordinated the Air Force Space Plan. During his assignment to the White House National Security Council, he helped develop and coordinate the U.S. National Space Policy that was signed by President Reagan in January 1988. Prior to assuming his last position as vice commander of Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, he served as deputy chief of staff for plans and programs at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, where he was responsible to the secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff for planning, programming and manpower activities within the corporate Air Force. General DeKok retired from the Air Force in April 2002 after 34 years of service and joined TRW Inc., which was later acquired by Northrop Grumman Corp. At the time of his passing, he was vice president and deputy general manager of Northrop Grumman's Command, Control & Intelligence Division. Roger DeKok deserves the thanks of a grateful nation. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the communities he served.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. As others have said, America's former POWs are national heroes. Their service to our country placed them in dangerous situations and led to their capture and imprisonment. Many suffered brutally at the hands of their captives. Many died. During this time of hostilities in Iraq, we particularly remember the service members held prisoners there and ask for their humane treatment as we seek their immediate release. We also ask for an accounting of all the missing. We take great pride in the successful rescue of Pfc. Jessica Lynch. We hope for her swift recovery. Mr. Speaker, we shall never forget the tens of thousands of Americans who endured the hardship of enemy confinement--individuals like Bob Brigham of Torrance, California. An Army private during World War II, Mr. Brigham was captured by the Nazis July 27, 1944 at St. Lo, France. Nine months to the day, he was liberated from the camp at Memmengin, Germany, but not after hard labor digging air raid shelters under the camps railroad tracks. Brian Ward of San Pedro was captured by the North Vietnamese when his F-4 bomber was shot down 2 days after Christmas 1972 while on a combat mission northeast of Hanoi. Both he and his pilot suffered broken arms and back injuries as a result of their ejection. They were immediately captured, stripped of everything but their underwear, and transported to the ``Hanoi Hilton''. Two weeks later, they were transferred to a prison known as the ``Zoo'' a few miles southeast of Hanoi. Mr. Ward was returned to the United States on March 29, 1973 as the next-to-last prisoner released from Hanoi. There are other former POWs among the residents of my District. I salute them all. Their physical and emotional scars remain a reminder of the high price of liberty. Mr. Speaker, I also join my colleagues in remembering those whose fate in time of war remains unknown. While patriotic ceremonies and speeches will commemorate this day, for the families of the missing, the war is never over. Their loved ones are still unaccounted for. Their hearts have a very big hole that will never be filled. The POW/MIA flag is posted in my federal offices and on the wall behind my desk. I am proud of the role I played in authoring legislation to require that flag to be flown at federal facilities on patriotic holidays. POW families will not forget their loved ones. Nor will this Nation. Wherever it takes us, for as long as it takes us, we will work to bring them home.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Chairman, is there someone here today who can tell me why it is worth destroying forever the remarkable Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for a few months' supply of oil--oil that is a decade away from recovery? Some 95 percent of Alaska's North Slope is already open to oil and gas exploitation. Is there someone here today who can tell me why it is smarter for this country to exploit ANWR for a miniscule amount of oil than it is to increase CAFE standards and make all vehicles more fuel efficient? A small increase in fuel efficiency creates a large decrease in the amount of oil we import. Is there anyone here today who can tell me why, at the same time it talks about hydrogen-powered automobiles and fuel cells, this administration is throwing its support behind the big automakers' lawsuit against California's clean car law? Is there anyone here today who can tell me why it's better to drill in ANWR than it is for this country to promote and invest in clean energy-producing technologies and renewable sources of energy? True national security is defined by more than staggering military superiority. Our standing in the world is measured by more than our muscle. A healthy planet, clean water and clean air go hand-in-hand with a healthy economy. This country, the wealthiest and most powerful in history, can and must do more to set an example for the rest of the world. Protecting ANWR is a good start.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I associate myself with the thoughtful comments just presented by my colleague from California and with comments made earlier in this debate by the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe). Turkey is a democracy, as our Secretary of Defense often points out approvingly, Turkey is a NATO ally, and Turkey is a courageous supporter of Israel. I too regret the recent action by Turkey's Parliament, but I am pleased to see that what has followed is more promising. And I applaud our Secretary of State for visiting Turkey these past days to mend relations. This is a good debate to have, Mr. Chairman, and an important vote to make on this floor. In that spirit, I wish the rule had permitted us to have a good debate on the amendment the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) had planned to offer, and a good vote on the proper level of homeland security funding for our first responders. On that subject, I want to point out briefly that it is not just the level of responder funding, it is not just the top line that matters, it is the front line. It is as important that Federal funds are delivered quickly to local police and fire departments, public health officials and other first responders on the front lines of our hometowns. When an earthquake or other natural disaster strikes in California, first responders rush in to secure the scene, render medical assistance and provide a hot meal and a cot. FEMA has programs in place to reimburse communities promptly for the costs they incur. The point is this: The FEMA system has been thoroughly tested. We know it works and it serves our communities well. A similar kind of system should be in place in preparation for possible acts of domestic terrorism which can have the same or worse impacts than a natural disaster. It is up to the Federal Government to make sure emergency response programs are extremely effective and efficient. After all, we are obligated by the Constitution to provide for the common defense, and part of the war theater is our hometowns. Last week, Secretary Ridge put it this way in testimony before the Congress. ``I would like to engage both Chambers in a bipartisan way to see whether or not I can convince you that the formula we have used in the past shouldn't be the formula we use in the future.'' He continued: ``It doesn't take into consideration some of the special needs that certain communities have and certain States have that are substantially greater than others.'' Secretary Ridge has it right and I commend him for his willingness to acknowledge the problem and offer to work with Congress to fix it. The Secretary is saying what many of us have known for some time. It is not enough for Congress simply to write the check. The check needs to be delivered and cashed. And as of today, the dollars are not flowing. There is a better way to do this, and I think it is the FEMA way. Secretary Ridge can and should exercise his authority to streamline and expedite his Department's funding process the FEMA way. FEMA has long used emergency funds to support communities, individuals, and families in the face of a natural disaster. Under prior leadership, FEMA streamlined its assistance to individuals and families, cutting checks within 3 to 7 days of a disaster. As a first step, Secretary Ridge should move the Department's Emergency Management Preparedness Grant program from the Office of Domestic Preparedness back to FEMA where experienced officials can process requests more quickly. Our emergency unpreparedness is a disaster waiting to happen, and we need to support our communities. There are other steps to consider as well. All Federal first responder funds that have not yet been made available should be released, including $100 million available to Secretary Ridge for high- threat urban areas. He should determine where these areas are and get those funds out immediately. America's major metropolitan areas know their needs and can take steps to increase security now. We should not have to wait for a full-blown interagency process to tell us that a city like Los Angeles has critical infrastructure or a large population. I not only represent that large urban area, but many small areas, where small amounts of dollars can make a big difference. And those dollars are needed now. Wartime is not a time for business as usual. The war on terrorism is being fought on a number of fronts, including our hometowns. We would not send our troops to war in Iraq without the support, training, and equipment they deserve. We should do nothing less for those on the front lines here at home.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, ``let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the Nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan,'' so Abraham Lincoln reminded the Nation at his second inaugural. Regrettably, Congress is poised to forget those who bore the battle, the widow, the widower and the orphan. To finance a huge and ill-timed tax cut, the House recently passed a budget resolution that calls for cutting the Veterans Affairs budget by $15 billion in benefits and health care. It also calls for huge cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, two health programs critical to the well-being of many veterans and their spouses. This is not the appropriate way to honor the men and women who bravely defended our freedom nor is it the way to honor the men and women currently in Operation Iraqi Freedom, nor those like 22-year-old Marine Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez from the small town of Lomita in my district who was killed in action there. Madam Speaker, honoring our veterans is a lifelong commitment, beginning with the warm welcome upon their return from war. It continues when we fly the POW-MIA flag, when we care for our veterans and their families and, ultimately, when we lay them to rest with appropriate remembrance and tribute. Madam Speaker, deeds must match words. Our budget resolution must restore funding for valued veterans programs. To honor these veterans, our deeds must fund their services.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez, who was one of the first Americans to give his life in battle during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the heroism of this young man. Corporal Gutierrez was a symbol of America's promise. Born in Guatemala, Jose lost his parents at a young age and spent years on the streets in his home country. He came to the United States seeking a better life, and after moving around a bit, found a home with foster parents in Lomita, California, a small town in my congressional district. Jose attended local schools--North High School in Torrance and Harbor College in Wilmington--playing soccer and hoping one day to study architecture. His foster brother told local newspapers that ``he joined the Marines to pay back a little of what he'd gotten from the U.S.'' Mr. Speaker, it makes me proud to learn about the passionate feelings this young man had for his adopted country. Undoubtedly, they are feelings shared by hundreds or perhaps thousands of the other young men and women who volunteered for military service and are now participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am proud too of the citizens of Lomita, who immediately began to organize tributes to Corporal Gutierrez, including plans to add his name to the memorial to fallen soldiers adjacent to the local post office, requesting that post office to fly its flag at half-mast, and launching a drive to fly 82 U.S. flags in honor of all of Lomita's fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen. Corporal Gutierrez's ultimate sacrifice underscores for us how fragile and how precious are the freedoms we enjoy. He died to keep us free.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to explain my vote on House Resolution 153, a resolution ``recognizing the public need for fasting and prayer in order to secure the blessings of Providence for the people of the United States and our Armed Forces during the conflict in Iraq and under the threat of terrorism at home''. Like all Americans, I strongly support our nation's Armed Forces and hope for the successful completion of their mission in Iraq and their safe return home. But, upon taking the oath of office, each Member of Congress has sworn to uphold the Constitution. As such, we must carefully differentiate the intent of the resolution we vote on from its language. House Resolution 153 has the laudatory goal of protecting our troops and our citizens from harm. But, despite the sponsor's intentions, the actual language calling for prayer and fasting and asking for the intercession of Providence violates, in my view, our Constitutional obligation to respect the separation between church and state. The resolution may reflect the religious views of some of our citizens as well as some of our Members. But, it may also offend the religious views of others and, consequently, be divisive rather than unifying--a concern clearly anticipated by our Constitution. Thus, I cannot vote yes in support of the resolution.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, at this time I am guessing that most Americans are watching events unfold in Iraq on their television sets. These are the events they should be watching, not this debate on a budget that does not even include expenses for the war and the reconstruction effort in Iraq. If I had my way, we would be talking about that war all day today, or if we were debating a budget, we would be debating a wartime budget that called on us to make real sacrifices. That is not what we are doing. We are debating a set of resolutions, the best of which by far is the Blue Dog resolution, and I rise to support it. I represent smart constituents. They know that money does not grow on trees. They do not want a tax cut, and they are not asking for it. They do not want trillion-dollar budget deficits, and they certainly are not asking for them. Indeed, in contrast to the yawn of a response the administration gave to projected deficits, my constituents understand the serious fiscal consequences of hemorrhaging red ink. Rather than punt this issue to future generations as the Committee on the Budget proposes, families in my district, like families everywhere, expect Democrats and Republicans to sit down together and make tough choices on what our government can afford now and what we must defer. That is where the Blue Dogs come in. Frankly, the Blue Dogs are one of the few groups around this place that have the integrity and expertise to present a credible budget alternative. The Blue Dog budget makes reasonable and fiscally prudent assumptions about spending and tax policy and achieves a budget surplus by 2009. It is fair and fiscally responsible, and I am very proud to support it. The Blue Dogs have long been leaders in the fight for a balanced and fiscally responsible budget. They have made the hard decisions expected of policymakers, and we have the welts to show for it. I urge my colleagues to support the Blue Dog budget proposal which will be offered later in this debate.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, as I vote for this resolution tonight, I am mindful that many of my constituents remain opposed to United States action in Iraq, and believe it reflects an abuse of United States power which unnecessarily risks human life and sets us on a dangerous path for the future. I want to explain to those constituents, whose views are heartfelt and well intended, why I respectfully disagree. The President's decision to use force to remove Saddam Hussein from power and eliminate his WMD was, indeed, controversial. I had hoped diplomacy would succeed, and that, even if it failed, the threat of imminent force would cause the Iraqi regime to seek exile. One day, when we look back to write the history of these past months, we will undoubtedly conclude that there were many mistakes--some by the United States, many by our allies in the United Nations, and critical ones by Hussein and the leadership of Iraq. And we will learn from those mistakes. But this resolution does to debate the issue of whether we should have gone to war. It merely expresses support and appreciation for those commanding the war, including the President as Commander in Chief, and for our young heroes, those in uniform, who are courageously and skillfully carrying out their assigned missions. Mr. Speaker, we must not make the mistake we made during and after the Vietnam war. This time, let's support the women and men serving in our Armed Forces--and, as importantly, welcome them home with open arms.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I support California's MICRA, but H.R. 5 is not MICRA and I rise with some reluctance to oppose it. As the daughter and sister of medical doctors, I understand better than most the chilling effect unlimited medical liability awards have on the practice of medicine. Indeed, my father, who had a practice in Culver City, California, retired from practicing medicine in the mid-1970s because of the alarming increase in premiums. Only after his retirement did California enact its Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act--or MICRA. MICRA is an experiment in limiting non-economic and punitive medical liability damage awards--and it has succeeded. For medical doctors, MICRA has provided stability in insurance premiums. For patients, it reduced meritless claims and accelerated the time in which settlements can be reached. I strongly support MICRA, although before extending it to the entire nation, I would proposed adjusting the $250,000 cap on punitive and non-economic awards, first enacted in 1975, to reflect its current value. Though H.R. 5 adopts the structure of MICRA, it is weighted down by dubious procedural and substantive roadblocks for a variety of causes of action against HMO's, nursing homes, and insurance companies--areas where the California legislature has enacted significant protections for patients. California's medical professionals oppose the inclusion of these provisions under H.R. 5's MICRA-like caps and procedures. Last year, I voted for H.R. 5--with the hope and expectation that improvements would be made in conference with the Senate to narrow its egregious provisions. This did not happen, and constructive amendments offered in the Energy and Commerce Committee were opposed on near-party line votes. The closed process by which we are considering this important bill today belies any desire by the majority to make the improvements I believe are necessary. I cannot support the bill again in its present form. Hopefully, changes will be made in the Senate to align it more closely with California's MICRA, with the modification of the caps I noted earlier. If this happens, I will support the conference report. Medical professionals should be able to practice in a climate of certainty, and patients should be charged reasonable rates for quality care. This is what I support for every community in the country. This is not what H.R. 5, in its present form, delivers.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, the tragic loss of the Shuttle Columbia is a sobering reminder of the risks of space exploration. We mourn the loss of the dedicated crew, but are grateful for their courage and commitment to exploring new frontiers. As we search for answers, we must keep in mind that the U.S. space program has had many successes. In little more than a generation, we have pursued some of humankind's grandest dreams. Space exploration has always been a source of excitement and awe. It has allowed us to marshal our Nation's determination, resources and tremendous talents--nowhere more so than in Southern California's South Bay, which I proudly represent. Thousands of scientists, engineers, technicians and others in my district have dedicated their lives--first to President Kennedy's goal of sending a person to the moon and back--and then to the myriad of inhabited-flight, satellite and space exploration programs. Having dedicated such talent and ingenuity, my constituents are all the more heartbroken when the space program suffers such a shocking and sudden loss. Poignant is the fact that one of the astronauts aboard the ill-fated Challenger in 1986 was a resident of Hermosa Beach, in my district. Such events make the sky a lot darker. Shakespeare wrote in ``Romeo and Juliet:'' When he shall die take him and cut him out into stars and he shall make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun. The Shuttle Columbia astronauts undoubtedly would have urged us to carry on--neither disheartened nor undaunted. To their family, friends and space community colleagues, my staff and I extend our heartfelt condolences. In the same spirit in which they carried out their mission, we rededicate ourselves to the goal of the peaceful exploration of space--to the technological and intellectual challenge it presents--and to the benefits such adventure brings all human kind.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Supreme Court's historic Roe v. Wade decision. That decision marked a cornerstone of equality and freedom for which American women had fought for generations. The decision empowered women to make their own decisions about their reproductive health and protected them from unwarranted government intrusion into their personal, private decisions. I know firsthand how hard it was to secure the right to choose for women, and I know how hard we will have to fight to maintain this right. I was active on this issue in 1973 when the case was decided, and I have continued to be so since coming to Congress in 1992. I fought to give military women the right to pay for abortions in military hospitals, and I have served on the board of Planned Parenthood of California, all in an attempt to keep secure the essential right of a woman to make her own choices about her reproductive health. But, 30 years later, we still live in a time in which a woman's right to choose is in danger of being diminished or reversed. Anti-choice advocates now control the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives and have indicated they intend to launch a legislative assault on Roe v. Wade. President Bush has made clear his intent to nominate anti-choice justices to all branches of the judiciary. And, the retirement of just one Supreme Court justice may tip the court from pro-choice to anti-choice; from protecting women's health to endangering it. As such, it is now more important than ever for Americans to protect the rights that women gained as a result of Roe v. Wade. Freedom of choice is essential for women and their health, and as we work to make the number of abortions rarer through improved health education and family planning services, on this anniversary, it is important that we remember the struggles women faced before Roe v. Wade. Indeed, it is somewhat bittersweet that so many women today cannot recall the times in which abortions were not legal. Many do not know women who became ill or died from unsafe, illegal procedures. It is our duty to remind them of the danger of returning of that era. I join my colleagues in urging Americans to fight to protect the right to choose, to uphold Roe v. Wade, and respect reproductive freedom for all women across the nation.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my friend Tim Hannemann on his retirement as vice president of Northrop Grumman and president of its Space Technology sector. Prior to the recent Northrop Grumman merger, Tim was president and CEO of TRW Space and Electronics of El Segundo, having been named to that position in 1993--coincidentally when I was first elected to Congress. Indeed, even before my first election, Tim and TRW helped educate me about the challenges facing the industry. Well-respected by his South Bay peers, Tim co-chaired my aerospace advisory committee and often hosted policy discussions with other local aerospace representatives as we worked to address tough economic times following sharp cuts in defense spending in the early 90's. During the course of more than a decade, Tim and I worked on a strategy to diversify the local industrial base. TRW, for example, excelled in space science and became lead contractor on a number of important space-based satellites programs, including Mission-to-Planet- Earth, which helped map our globe, anticipate climatic changes, and identify weather patterns. TRW was also a leader in developing commercial applications for technology it originally developed for the country's defense needs. To that end, I was proud to join Tim at the launch last year of Velocium, which designs and fabricates high speed components for fiber optic and wireless telecommunication applications. The company's products make use of advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes developed at TRW. Tim joined TRW in 1969. From the start, he distinguished himself as a leader of TRW's technical and management team and should be especially proud of the talented and diverse organization of engineers, scientists and technical staff he assembled during his tenure. His employees are committed to the community in which they work and live and many actively participate in local chambers of commerce, school districts and environmental projects. Every recent visit or phone conversation includes glowing reports about his grandchildren. Justin, the oldest, turns six this weekend and Tim's retirement will be a big present for that special boy. Thanks, Tim, for your gifts to a fabulous company, to our community, and to me personally.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I lost a dear friend and law school classmate and Californians lost a true champion of public interest and civil liberties. Joe Remcho died tragically in a helicopter accident. He will be sorely missed. I met Joe in law school 37 years ago. We became quick and close friends. After law school we took different paths, but both reveled in politics, public interest, and public policy. Joe became an acknowledged expert in first amendment, election law, and civil liberties. As a rookie lawyer, he represented soldiers in Saigon during the Vietnam War and later worked as a staff attorney and lobbyist for the ACLU in San Francisco and Sacramento. He became an advisor to many public officials, including California Governor Gray Davis, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and me and was sought after for his skill, his decency, and his common sense. His advocacy greatly influenced the redistricting process in California, and he brought numerous cases involving voter initiatives, term limits, and campaign finance. Legal titan that he was, I will remember Joe as quiet and self- effacing, a truly decent individual who eschewed headlines and publicity. He always had time to give advice to his friends, often pro bono. Recently, he helped me with a small, but important, family issue. People like Joe are rare, but their impact great. Joe Remcho's legacy will inspire young lawyers for years to come. To his family, friends, clients, and other classmates, my family extends our deepest condolences.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, During this term of Congress, much of my time and passion has been devoted to the activities of this committee and the contents of this conference report. It is a great committee with great bipartisan leadership, membership, and staff. It is with relief, pride and some sadness that I stand here at midnight to urge passage of the conference report. My special appreciation goes to our ranking member, the esteemed gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), who today achieved an historic first, and who over all of the years that I have served with her on this committee, has distinguished herself with fairness, probity, intelligence, and leadership skills. We will miss her, and we will welcome her back as an ex officio member. I would also like to use my last statement of the 107th Congress to state my respect and praise for the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), another departing member. It is fitting that one of the last votes of this Congress will fulfill his promise to the families of the 9-11 victims. The gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) has worked tirelessly and passionately to enact an independent commission to investigate the 9-11 attacks. That commission will be part of this conference report. In fact, the bold actions of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) saved the commission, saved the bipartisan tradition of the committee, and reflects the vote a majority of this House took some months ago. I would finally like to recognize that other colleagues are departing: the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), the gentleman from California (Mr. Condit), and especially the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Chambliss), who is moving to the other body where he will serve on its intelligence committee. I would advise the gentleman if he gets lonely over there, he can come home for advice and counsel. Mr. Speaker, this is our first real chance after 9-11 to set new directions in the intelligence community, and we do that. We provide substantially more funding, more training, and more support to penetrate, prevent and disrupt the plans of terrorist organizations. I would say that the Department of Homeland Security legislation that we passed yesterday provides for an integrated strategy to protect the homeland, but that strategy must be built on world-class intelligence. This bill provides that critical base. I urge its passage.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, this legislation means more than moving boxes on an organization chart. For the first time, it provides real authority to those we count on to protect our country and our constituents. The Department of Homeland Security, with the Homeland Security Council in the White House, will create and implement a comprehensive homeland security strategy, a unified approach will replace the ad hoc efforts now going on across agency and State lines. The Nation and this Congress are strong in their support for a Department of Homeland Security and a coordinated strategy, and I only regret that this legislation was not completed months ago. The legislation is not perfect, as we have heard, but neither was the National Security Act, which created the Department of Defense in 1947. Our national security organization has evolved and improved over time, and so will our homeland security organization. The compromises in this bill are not perfect either, as we have heard, but they are reasonable, and they do make tremendous strides in protecting the security of every neighborhood in America. The legislation does more than reorganize. It includes the information-sharing procedures I cosponsored with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Chambliss), which passed this House as H.R. 4598 by a vote of 422-2. It also recognizes that the cutting edge of security technologies resides in the private sector, and includes a point of entry for companies to interact with the Federal Government for procurement. The legislation does not include an independent commission to investigate 9/11, but I hope this Congress will soon pass the intelligence authorization conference report for fiscal year 2003, which includes such a commission. I urge Members to support this homeland security legislation. Members may disagree with certain provisions or with the process which has brought it to the floor. But this bill, in the net, is the right thing for the American people and can prove to be this Congress' lasting legacy.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richard Musella on the occasion of his retirement as the Executive Director of the Westchester/LAX-Marina del Rey Chamber of Commerce. Rich has been an active member of the greater Westchester community, for more than three decades. As Executive Director, a position he held for seven years, Rich oversaw the daily operations of the more than 650-member chamber, one of the largest in Los Angeles county. Among his many accomplishments is the implementation of the consolidation of the Westchester/LAX Chamber and the Marina del Rey Area Chamber to create the Westchester/LAX-Marina del Rey Chamber of Commerce in 1998. Rich has served on the board of the Westside Council of Chambers of Commerce and the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce. In addition to his Chamber work, Rich has also made other important contributions to his community, serving on the boards of the Westchester Vitalization Corporation and the Flight Path Learning Center of Southern California, and as treasurer of the Rotary Club of Westchester. He has also served as the chair of the LAX Area Advisory Committee, president of the Marina del Rey Area Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Westchester Association. On a personal note, Rich was instrumental in working with me and my staff to arrange important community meetings, including several forums related to homeland security in the wake of the September 11 attacks. He also helped host a highly successful small business forum which attracted more than 100 business owners from the area. Most notably, Rich was instrumental in bringing the community together for a 1997 event with then-U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen. I want to thank Rich for his years of dedicated service to the greater Westchester community and his personal commitment to improving the quality of life in his hometown of Westchester and throughout the South Bay.

Ms. HARMAN

Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time, and I rise in support of this resolution. The threat from Iraq is very real and increasingly dangerous. Saddam Hussein's belligerent intentions, and his possession and ongoing development of weapons of mass destruction to fulfill those intentions, make him a clear and present danger to the United States and the world. Particularly worrisome is the evidence of Iraq's UAV capability. Iraq's ability to use uninhabited aerial vehicles to deliver biological and chemical weapons far outside its national borders represents a qualitative increase in the danger it poses. History demonstrates Saddam Hussein's willingness to use such weapons against unarmed civilians, including his own people; and it demonstrates his unhesitating instincts to invade his neighbors, Iran and Kuwait, and to attack Israel. That he appears to quote Director Tenet's recent letter, ``to be drawing a line short of conducting terrorist attacks'' does not persuade me that he will not. He is impulsive, irrational, vicious and cruel. Unchecked, he will only grow stronger as he develops capability to match his disdain for America and his Middle East neighbors. History shows that had Israel not destroyed Iraq's nuclear reactor in 1981, Saddam Hussein would now have nuclear capability, but he did not cease his nuclear ambitions. Had coalition military forces not swept through Iraq in 1991, he would have possessed nuclear weapons by 1993. The CIA now reports that Iraq is 1 year away from a functional nuclear device once it acquires fissile material. Waiting 1 hour, 1 day, 1 month in such an environment, as some suggest, is too risky. The resolution we are considering is greatly improved from the draft the administration proposed, and I commend Leader Gephardt for negotiating these improvements. This resolution narrows the scope of action to the threats to national security posed by Iraq and enforcing compliance with U.N. resolutions. This resolution stresses a strong preference for peaceful and diplomatic action, authorizing the use of force only if peaceful options have failed. This resolution requires the President to comply with the War Powers Act and report regularly to Congress should military action become necessary, as well as after the use of force is completed. This resolution addresses post-disarmament Iraq and the role of the United States and the international community in rebuilding. And of crucial importance, this resolution requires the President to certify to Congress that action in Iraq will not dilute our ability to wage the war on terrorism. Removing WMD from Iraq is an important priority, but it cannot replace our counterterrorism efforts at home and abroad. We must ensure we do not divert attention from protecting our homeland, beginning with the creation of a Department of Homeland Security. We must also strengthen and expand programs and policies aimed at stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their components. Sentiment in my district is high, both in favor and in opposition to this resolution. I thank my constituents for sharing their views with me. I have listened carefully, learned as much as I could; and now it is time to lead. Like all my colleagues, I fervently hope that the U.S. will not need to use force, but the best chance to avoid military action is to show the U.N. and Iraq that we will not flinch from it. Giving diplomatic efforts every chance is the right policy, and this resolution gives diplomacy its maximum chance to succeed.