Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on March 21, 2003, President Bush reported to Congress, ``consistent with the War Powers Resolution,'' (emphasis added) as well as P.L. 102-1 and P.L. 107-243 and ``pursuant to'' his authority as Commander in Chief, that he had ``directed U.S. Armed Forces, operating with other coalition forces, to commence operations on March 19, 2003, against Iraq.'' While declaring the beginning of war with Iraq, the Bush administration neglected to prepare for its aftermath. At that time, he should have also delineated his post-conflict reconstruction strategy because winning the peace is often harder than fighting the war. The United States should not have waited for the end of the war to begin planning Iraq's post-conflict reconstruction. ``Conflicts today,'' retired four-star General Anthony Zinni has said, ``cannot be divided into two separate phases, the shooting and the peacekeeping parts. The war plan for the combat and the aftermath has to be `seamless.' '' Not having had a clear strategy to shape Iraq's political landscape at the outset of war has had negative implications for the success of the United States-led postwar efforts. From this failure by the Bush administration, we learned that the United States must have military and political strategies in hand before armed intervention. To make sure that future presidents do not again fail to protect United States military personnel during post-conflict reconstruction involvement, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 should be expanded to demand a clear strategy for winning the war, as well as winning the peace. In its amended form, it will include a post-conflict reconstruction strategy in its list of required reports to Congress. Successful post-conflict reconstruction does not begin the day after. It begins the day before.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I also thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for participating and allowing this to come to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2075, a bill to name the Riviera Beach U.S. Post Office in honor of Judge Edward Rodgers. Eddie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1950, where he met his bride and now-deceased wife, who was also a friend of mine. Although he studied political science as an undergraduate student, he became a teacher schooling soldiers at segregated Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach. Before being promoted to assistant principal, Eddie found himself in the position of arguing before the school board for equal pay for black teachers, but support was not there. The tyranny of segregation at that time caused him to go to law school at Florida A&M University where I had the good fortune of meeting him and his wife and his children. They all came to law school together. The reason I know that story very well is I was in Judge Rodgers' class, one of six of us that graduated in that class from Florida A&M University. He went on to become Palm Beach County's first black prosecutor and then Palm Beach County's first black Court of Competent Jurisdiction judge. He would serve in the civil, criminal, and probate courts before retiring in 1995, after 22 remarkable years on the bench. His accomplishments are numerous, and I have outlined some of them which I will include for the Record. He retired in 1995 and then really did not retire because he went on to seek elected office in Riviera Beach and went to work to restore his hometown, which he loves so much, as president of the Riviera Beach City Council. Eddie Rodgers is a man that is known for his compassion, for his fairness, and his strength. He is a man that is respected and loved by his peers. In the entire community of Palm Beach, throughout the State of Florida, and this Nation, he finds himself a loved individual. I am honored to recognize a humanitarian activist, a former colleague, but most importantly, a great friend by naming the Riviera Beach Post Office in his honor. I obviously would urge the adoption of this bill. I thank Members of the House of Representatives for participating and allowing this fine gentleman to be recognized. I wish him so many more honors because he is certainly deserving.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to introduce a resolution calling on the U.S. Postal Service to honor the Fisk Jubilee Singers with a commemorative stamp. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are true heroes in the fight for civil rights and racial equality in education. Their heritage goes back more than one hundred and thirty years to just after the Civil War. These singers are part of a unique group of former slaves who made it their passion to achieve the kind of education that they did not have access to before emancipation. Their spirit has been felt all across this nation and around the world, and it is my honor to stand before you today to tell you about the legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, whom I hold near to my heart. The Fisk School was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, just after the end of the Civil War. This school was intended to transcend the racial divide, with the founders of the University opening the doors of education to all persons, regardless of their race. Recently emancipated slaves, ecstatic at the limitless possibilities for freedom offered by learning, took it upon themselves to create in the Fisk School an educational institution that would give to them a sense of profound moral purpose in the great American democracy. The sale of slave paraphernalia paid for the opening of the school, and in 1867 the Fisk School became Fisk University, now the oldest university in Nashville. Fisk University's accomplishments in the advancement of educational opportunities for African-American's is far too long to mention here. I will tell you briefly that some of the most honored African-American artists, thinkers and activists attended or were involved with Fisk, including W.E.B DuBois, Booker T. Washington, Charles Spurgeon Johnson, James Weldon Johnson, and Thurgood Marshall, to name a few of the more distinguished African-Americans. Indeed, Fisk University played an enormously profound role in the advancement of black learning and culture in America. I am both humbled by and proud of the time that I, too, spent at Fisk University. Many of the values I hold dear to my heart today I learned from my colleagues and professors at Fisk. It was in 1871 that a group of students at Fisk University formed a choral group that they named the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Mr. Speaker, the Fisk Jubilee Singers have made a lasting contribution to racial equality and black culture in America. They introduced the spiritual as a musical genre, and demonstrated a truly unique commitment to their education. It is time that we in Congress honor their incredible achievements in such a manner that all of America will come to know of their commitment. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to pass my resolution encouraging the Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating the legacy and achievements of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in light of the fact that the original sponsor of the bill has arrived, I would like to yield this time to her if she is ready, and then I will speak, time permitting, after her. With that in mind, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), my good friend, and the good friend of the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tremendous support of H.R. 1882, a bill to name an Orlando, Florida, Post Office after Arthur ``Pappy'' Kennedy. I am especially pleased because the bill recognizes the accomplishments of a political trailblazer for all of us in Florida, and, especially for African Americans. I am further pleased by virtue of the fact that among the great things that Arthur ``Pappy'' Kennedy produced, children of his that are friends of mine, including one of them, his son, who is named Arthur as well, is my chief of staff in my office here, where I am privileged to serve in the United States Congress. While Pappy may not be with us today to see this honor bestowed upon him, I know that his son and daughter and six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and I note that some of them are with us today, share in the joy and excitement of this historic day. As previously mentioned, Pappy was born in River Junction, Florida. I know where River Junction is; most Floridians do not. The reason I know about little towns is I am from Altamont Springs, Florida, which is 10 miles north of where Pappy made most of his career. At the young age of 10, he moved to Orlando where he would attend high school and become a pioneer in breaking down racial barriers. Throughout his life, Pappy Kennedy spoke up for those who could not speak for themselves, motivated others to improve their lives and was a tireless advocate for the poor and oppressed. In 1976, as previously mentioned, he became the first African American to be elected to the Orlando city council. His popularity amongst the voters was obvious by virtue of the strength of the vote that he pulled in his election and then in his reelection, the largest victory to date of any Orlando commissioner. His election to the city council ended a string of unsuccessful attempts by African Americans to gain representation in Orlando's political arena. His election also paved the way for many women to successfully run for political office in Orange County. While serving on the council, he led the fight for single-member districts in Orlando. That change in election procedure resulted in the number of African Americans serving on the city council to double and others to go on to serve on the county commission and school board and the State legislature. Interestingly, the change in election procedure that he so tirelessly fought for actually placed his political future in jeopardy. Yet despite the risk, Pappy's popularity prevailed, and he served on the city council for a total of 7 years. In addition to politics, he was a civic activist in the truest sense. He helped organize the former Orlando Negro Chamber of Commerce and was an active volunteer for the United Negro College Fund, the NAACP, Meals on Wheels and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Kennedy also served as president or chairman of the Jones High School Parent-Teacher Association, the Orange County United Appeal, the Orange County Heart Fund and the Orange County Easter Seal campaign. It has been said that the true success of a leader must not only be measured by what he or she accomplishes while they are in a position to lead, but also in the size of the footprint that they leave behind. The footprint Pappy Kennedy left remains visible today in Orlando and throughout the State of Florida. The walls broken down by Pappy Kennedy in 1976 helped open the doors of public service for African Americans throughout Florida. As someone who worked to break down the walls of racial injustice with Pappy Kennedy, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), Carrie Meek and others, it is an honor and privilege to speak on the floor of the House of Representatives today in support of this bill. His life was one filled with political, religious and civic activism of the highest level. He inspired many, including myself, and the bill that this body is considering today is an appropriate tribute to a true American hero. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1882.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. If the gentlewoman will yield, I can assure her that I will work tirelessly in that effort and the previous naming of a post office is of a post office in a very similar condition in Riviera. I rather suspect that they should be brought to the quality of all of the postal services, and the gentlewoman, myself and other members of the Florida delegation I am sure will do everything we can, especially for the one for Arthur ``Pappy'' Kennedy.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to deliver a short message both to the American people and to my good friends in Sweden and, indeed, to all the people of Sweden. Mr. Speaker, last week, the foreign minister of Sweden was brazenly assassinated. I hope the people of Sweden will accept Congress' heartfelt sympathy for the passing of their Foreign Minister, Anna Lindh. I had the greatest respect for this very talented woman. I certainly agree with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's comment that ``she represented everything that was wonderful about Sweden and about Europe.'' Anna Lindh's devotion to all of the citizens of Sweden and to the betterment of our world was very laudable. That she was considered a possible future prime minister is not surprising. Her reputation as one of Sweden's most popular government officials was recognition by you of her unimpeachable integrity and great vision. Anna Lindh saw all that was good about a nation already held in high regard around the world and strove to polish its image even more. Everyone who considers government service a noble calling had an excellent role model in this wonderful woman. Far from putting an end to the goals she had set for herself and her people, her death will encourage others with similarly high ideals to continue and expand on her work, taking it to new heights. That would be the best way to honor her memory, and Sweden deserves nothing less. We are all much poorer for this terrible tragedy. Sweden has lost a great leader, and the world has lost one of its finest citizens. After our period of grief, all of us, government leaders and common citizens alike, must rededicate ourselves to the work of making our nations and our world the kind of places Anna Lindh wanted for us. As we go forward, her spirit will be guiding us.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. HASTINGS of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank my friend from Texas (Mr. Sessions) for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I support the underlying bill before us today, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, and while the rule is not actually open and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hooley), the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel) each had amendments denied by the Committee on rules, it does allow Members to offer amendments that have been preprinted in the Congressional Record and that do not violate the rules of the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not perfect, but it is a bipartisan product, and the Democrats on the Committee on Financial Services, led by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), our ranking member, made significant improvements in it during the committee process. The resulting legislation includes new consumer protections against identity theft, a $50 billion problem that claimed 10 million victims in 2002. It requires credit bureaus to block adverse credit information that has resulted from identity theft and allows consumers to add fraud alerts to their credit information. Moreover, the bill strengthens consumers' rights to review their credit scores, allowing them to request a free credit report annually from each of the three major national credit bureaus. It has provisions for medical privacy. It prevents in that regard disclosure of certain health information and prohibits credit bureaus from using medical information to determine credit eligibility. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge Members, as does the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) who was to handle this rule but had other matters that called him away, but I am encouraged to say that he joins in supporting this bipartisan bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hooley). She too is one of the bipartisan cosponsors of this measure

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I compliment the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the ranking member for their efforts in this regard. As was said earlier, while the bill is not perfect, it does make significant improvements, and these came about during the bipartisan committee process. With that in mind, I would hope that we would understand that strengthening consumers' rights is always a part of our responsibility. The one regret that we have is that the amendment of the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hooley) that was offered that was not made in order which would allow for criminal penalties for identity theft does seem to be a make-sense proposition, and hopefully at some point in the future, it will be undertaken in a positive way, which I believe will assist consumers. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, yesterday during the consideration of H.R. 2989, I inadvertently voted ``yes'' on rollcall number 482. My vote should have been ``no.''

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, my colleague from Oklahoma, the chairman of this committee, is most sincere, as have been other persons. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), for example, was here when the Van Hollen amendment was on the floor, which I might add I support very vigorously. That is the Van Hollen amendment. Both of them, and others, and I see the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) rise again, are likely to speak of wasteful government spending. I agree with them; this government has its fair share of wasteful spending. What I do disagree with, what the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Istook) just said is that if this measure is to pass that it will not become law because the President and his administration have indicated that they will veto the measure. Mr. Chairman, I remind the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Istook) that we have a constitutional responsibility here, as does the President. The President can veto anything he wants to; and if we are of a mind, with two-thirds of the vote, we can override a Presidential veto. So it can be overridden and can become law, and there is a substantial number of people who feel it ought to become law. Now then, I also would ask the chairman to take into consideration when he and I came to the United States Congress in 1992. Shortly thereafter, in 1994, the majority won the right to control the House of Representatives. And among the things that they said that were going to cost less by privatizing were such things as the printing that is done here at the House of Representatives, or at least was at that time, and the folding offices and other offices that have now been outsourced. In addition to the inherent danger that exists by not having an in- house family, I defy anybody in the House of Representatives to tell me that the printing of their newsletters and other matters does not cost more now that it has been privatized. And there are other examples of that. One of the worst would be the Federal Aviation Authority. I am here to tell my colleagues that all of us that fly do not want to get on airplanes knowing that the people on the ground controlling that airplane's direction went to the lowest bidder. Somewhere along the line, we have to come to our senses. Auctioning off 425,000 Federal employee jobs to the lowest bidder is not the way to produce savings. If we are to say that public-private competitions will produce savings, then that is fine. But Federal employees have the right to compete for their jobs in a nonpredetermined way, where real savings win out over cutthroat politics. Federal employees do not want a free ride. They want a fair shot. My amendment does not halt the administration's efforts to reduce wasteful government spending. And every one of us uses that rhetoric ought to be about the business of trying to reduce wasteful government spending, including that done by the House of Representatives. In fact, it allows agencies to move forward with the implementation of Circular A-76. What my amendment does do is ensure that Federal employees are given equal footing to the contractors they are bidding against in public- private competitions. It is time for open hunting season on Federal employees to end. Only then will we fully recognize what best value and cost savings really are. I challenge the subcommittee Chair, my good friend, and he is my good friend, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), to tell me how it is that we here in the House of Representatives know more about what is good for Federal employees than the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, the Communication Workers of America, the International Association of Firefighters, the International Association of Machinists, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, the Service Employees Union of America, the National Association of Government Employees, National Treasury Employees Union, Professional Airways Systems Specialists, Service Employees Union, and the United Auto Workers. Somewhere along the line, some of us need to recognize that these people who are Federal employees probably know at least as much as those of us who are Federal employees by election know. I suggest among other things that not only does the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) represent contractors, but so do I and 433 other Members of the House of Representatives. And not only he represent Federal employees, but so do I and 433 other House of Representatives Members. We all represent the constituency in America that should have a fair shot at low-cost and less wasteful spending, which their A-76 does not guarantee. And so, Mr. Chairman, I ask support of my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that, if adopted, will ensure Federal employees are given an opportunity to compete on a level playing field during the Office of Management and Budget's continued efforts to privatize the Federal workforce. In early 2001, the Office of Management and Budget directed all agencies, regardless of their needs or missions, to review for privatization at least 425,000 Federal employee jobs. More than 32,000 Federal employees, I should note, reside and work in south Florida. On May 29, 2003, OMB finalized its controversial rewrite of the privatization process. It is referred to and has been talked about here as OMB circular A-76. Unlike previous revisions, this latest effort has generated an enormous amount of bipartisan criticism because of the significant changes that have been wrought which put Federal employees at a competitive disadvantage. Mr. Chairman, taking jobs away from Federal employees without giving them the chance to compete is wrong, period. Yet circular A-76 does just that. In fact, contractors have said in writing that they believe as a result of OMB's revisions to circular A-76, the number of competitions won by Federal employees will dramatically decrease from 60 percent to perhaps 10 percent. The amendment that I am offering today ensures that Federal employees receive a fair shake in any public private competition. It is fair, balanced and is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees, the AFL-CIO and other major labor groups throughout the country. Specifically, the amendment prohibits the use of funds appropriated by the Act to be used by OMB to require agencies to establish an inventory of inherently governmental activities performed by Federal employees or establish or implement any streamlined competition of less than 6 months. The amendment also prohibits the use of funds to be used by OMB to conduct follow-up competitions for public-private competitions won by Federal employees, something not required in instances where services are contracted out, and the amendment still allows Federal agencies to experiment with outsourcing of information technology activities. Mr. Chairman, my amendment does not impose a suspension on contracting out. Instead, it is a fair compromise between the new OMB Circular A-76 and a complete prohibition against its use. I certainly hope that my colleagues will agree with me and vote ``yes'' on my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 2989. This amendment increases the amount of funding provided in this bill for election reform. When the 107th Congress overwhelmingly passed the Help America Vote Act, it made a commitment to the American public that we would restore reliability to America's elections system. Last year, Congress grossly underfunded its authorized commitment. Again, today, we are considering a bill that provides less than 50 percent of the amount authorized. The Help America Vote Act authorized more than $1 billion in funding for fiscal year 2004. Yet this bill appropriates only $500 million. In less than 6 months, Mr. Chairman, Americans will begin traveling to the polls to vote in the Presidential primaries. The unfortunate reality is that they will be returning, in many respects, to the same system that failed them in many respects 3 years ago, simply because Congress has not followed through with its financial commitment to States, counties, and local governments. The amendment I am offering today increases funding in the bill for the implementation of the Help America Vote Act by $232 million. This extra money for election reform funding today will improve local election systems while offsetting the increase with funds that might not be used for well over 2 years. This body has an opportunity to say to Americans across the country that we are committed to election reform. My amendment makes this commitment clear and takes us one step closer to a day when Americans will walk away from the polls knowing that their vote will not only be counted but will actually count. I would urge my colleagues to vote yes on this amendment. I would also like to take a point of personal privilege to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the many Members who have supported the Help America Vote Act in its present form, and assuredly all of us should bring ourselves to want to do what is right by all of our constituents as it pertains to voting.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have good news also. I rise to offer the East Boynton Beach, Florida Little League team, our new American National Little League champion, for the congratulations and admiration of this body. These fine young men spent months practicing and playing hard, while never losing sight of the principles of honesty and fair play. Their skill and determination paid off when they triumphed over all other American teams to represent our country in the Little League World Series. Although they did not win the world title, they captured the attention and affection of Americans young and old. People across the country followed them through their games in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and cheered each victory. Their achievements this year will be remembered for a long time. While I fully expect this team of very talented players to contend for the world title again next year, it is important to laud them now for the heights they attained. I am sure we all have the greatest respect for these fine young men. They are excellent role models for children and for all of us. As their Representative in Congress, I am proud of the role they have played as ambassadors to other young people across the country and around the world.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this is the second resolution concerning post-war Iraq that I have introduced this month. My Resolution is similar to an amendment that passed unanimously in the Senate on July 16, 2003. It calls on the President to reach out to our allies in NATO, the United Nations, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for help in postwar Iraq. First, it calls on the President to request assistance from NATO to raise a force for postwar Iraq similar to Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Even though some NATO members, Great Britain, Spain, Italy and Poland, are already contributing troops to our effort in Iraq, American troops make up 90% of coalition forces. And second, it calls on the President to seek military and civilian police assistance from members of the United Nations to aid in promoting stability and security in post-war Iraq. The U.S. and coalition forces currently occupying Iraq are being met with constant resistance and are being attacked on an average of twelve times a day. Increasing the number of troops and police from other countries will reduce the risks to U.S. and coalition forces currently in Iraq. International armed forces and police must assume some of the responsibilities for maintaining law and order in Iraq while a domestic police force and reformed military is trained and established. Pentagon officials estimate that it will take a year to train one division of 12,000 Iraqi troops. My Resolution also calls on the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, along with other international and nongovernmental organizations, to provide assistance to the coalition partnership in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, it's time to move past any negative feelings concerning countries that opposed our attempts to secure a U.N. endorsement for the war. A report published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, funded by the Department of Defense, reported that ``the window of opportunity for achieving postwar success is closing and requires immediate and dramatic action.'' Our ultimate goal for the Iraqi people is a multi-ethnic, multi- religious Arab state that is capable of self-rule. This goal can only be achieved with the help and support of the vast global community. Mr. Speaker, United States and coalition forces managed to liberate Iraq in a mere three weeks, and I would certainly be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to commend those brave men and women for their efforts to date. However, the goals we have set, from restoring critical infrastructure, to establishing an interim government, to maintaining law and order in Iraq, simply cannot be achieved alone. We've won the war, now we have to win the peace.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my good friend from Montana, Mr. Rehberg, to introduce the National Drought Preparedness Act. The companion to our bill is also being introduced today in the other body by Senators Pete Domenici and Max Baucus. In 1998, Congress passed legislation creating the National Drought Policy Commission. The Commission was tasked with the responsibility to examine current U.S. policy on drought. To summarize the Commission's fifty-page report in a few short words, ``The U.S. does not have a policy on drought.'' I wish I had just made a joke. The fact that we don't have a drought policy, however, is a joke--and not a good one at that. Drought is not just an agriculture issue, nor is it only a water management issue. When droughts occur, forest fires erupt, small businesses close, crop yields decrease, and in many instances, people die. Here in Washington, it's been raining all month, so people aren't talking about drought. However, just because we aren't talking about it, doesn't mean that we shouldn't be doing something about it. In my home State of Florida, we are always taking steps to mitigate the effects of hurricanes and floods--regardless of what season it is. In the Midwest, similar efforts are made to plan for tornadoes, and in the West, the same could be said for wildfire prevention and earthquakes. It is time for America to move away from the costly, ad-hoc, and response-oriented approach to drought, and toward a more pro-active approach that focuses on preparation and planning. Coordination between Federal, State, and local governments, in addition to watershed groups, farmers and ranchers, and resource dependent businesses, is the only way we will successfully curb the effects of drought before we find ourselves in one. The bill we are introducing today provides a new focus on an otherwise often ignored natural disaster. Our bill accomplishes four major goals: First, the bill begins to move the country away from the costly, ad- hoc, and response-oriented approach to drought, and toward a more pro- active approach focused on preparation and planning. The new national policy will provide the tools and focus for Federal, State, tribal and local governments to address the diverse impacts and costs caused by drought. Second, the bill will improve the delivery of Federal drought programs. To ensure improved program delivery, integration and leadership, the National Drought Preparedness Act establishes the National Drought Council under the direction of the Secretary of Agriculture. The Council will provide the coordinating and integrating function for the more than 80 Federal drought programs currently in existence. Third, the bill establishes new tools for drought preparedness planning. Building on current water policy, the Drought Council will assist states, local governments, tribes, and other entities in the development and implementation of drought preparedness plans. The bill does not mandate state and local planning, but is intended to facilitate the development and implementation of drought plans through the establishment of a Drought Assistance Fund. Importantly, the bill also preserves State authority over water allocation. Fourth, the bill improves our forecasting and monitoring abilities. Under our legislation, the Drought Council will facilitate the development of the National Integrated Drought System in order to improve the characterization of current drought conditions and the forecasting of future droughts, as well as provide a better basis to trigger Federal drought assistance. Mr. Speaker, the creation of a coordinated and comprehensive National Drought Council will provide efficient and time sensitive coordination between Federal agencies in preparing for and responding to droughts, as well as assisting Congress in identifying our immediate and long term needs in providing drought relief. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and moving this bill forward. Americans are hurting throughout this country today because of water shortages and prolonged droughts. Congress must act immediately, and time is of the essence. I ask my colleagues to support this bill, and I urge the House leadership to bring this bill to the floor for its swift consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I will not take that amount of time. My understanding is that the chairman and the ranking member have cleared this matter, and if that is the case and either the Chair or both would speak to it, then I will include my statement in the Record at this point. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that increases funding in the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Programs and Management account by $550,000. While the rules of the House preclude me from specifying in the text of the amendment what the increase is to be used for, it is my intention that this $550,000 be utilized as additional funding for the EPA's environmental justice programs. My amendment is straight-forward, germane, and more than fair. Since the creation of an Office of Environmental Justice in the EPA, the agency has worked to ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. Further, it seeks to include all communities--white, black, brown, or green--in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. However, despite increases in the number of environmental justice complaints to the EPA, as well as a growing awareness about this issue, Congress has not increased funding to meet the agency's growing demands. This bill's allocation for EPA environmental justice programs of $5.5 million is the same as last year's even though the strains on the programs, as well as the immediate need for the programs, have increased. My amendment provides a 10 percent increase in funding to the EPA's environmental justice programs, a modest increase I should add. It is long overdue, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.