Member of Congress

Henry Hyde

Role
Former Representative
State
IL
Party
Republican

Speeches

CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5682, HENRY J. HYDE UNITED STATES-INDIA PEACEFUL ATOMIC ENERGY COOPERATION ACT OF 20062006-12-08

Mr. HYDE

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, the arguments that have been made so ably by the gentleman from Massachusetts have been anticipated and, in my judgment, well met by Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Crowley, Ms. Ros- Lehtinen, Mr. Royce, and others, so I will not consume the few moments we have left repeating them; suffice to say this is an excellent step forward. It recognizes the reality, the nuclear reality of India, and is a very progressive step. It is the conference report of the House bill and the Senate bill, both of which passed overwhelmingly, and so it is truly bipartisan and is something that ought to pass. I would like to take this final opportunity to express, inadequately, I am afraid, my respect and admiration for Mr. Lantos. I congratulate the Democratic Party in selecting him to head the International Relations Committee, because foreign policy is going to be critical in the coming months and the coming years, and the Congress could not be in better hands in that area than it is with Mr. Lantos as chairman of the committee. He brings a grasp of history that is unequaled because he has lived through so much of it, as well as studied with high scholarship. So it is an honor and privilege and experience and an adventure to have served with him for so long and learned so much about foreign policy at his hand. I also want to say the staffs, both the Democratic and Republican staffs, are superior people. In Camelot, King Arthur once said we are all of us tiny drops in a vast ocean, but some of them sparkle. Well, we have a lot of sparklers who are staffs of both Republicans and Democrats. Mr. Mooney, Tom Mooney, who is not only my friend and my chief of staff, but a brilliant administrator and student of foreign policy, has been especially helpful. I couldn't begin to express my appreciation to him. Horace Mann, a great educator, once said a man should be ashamed to die until he has won some victory for humanity. I think every Member of Congress attains a victory for humanity every time Congress is in session and a vote is cast. Democracy is more than simply a set of rules as to how we elect people or how we litigate against each other; it ascribes individual worth to every human being, every member of the human family, and you in Congress are custodians of democracy. That is a very high calling. To be in Washington as a representative of well over half a million people and to stand in the shadow of Jefferson and Lincoln and Washington is no small thing. I am proud to have had the honor and the privilege to serve with so many people who are so dedicated to the success and the flourishing of this great country. I thank God for each one of you. My wish is that you all live to be a thousand years old and the last voice you hear will be mine.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I believe I have the right to close the debate, so I am reserving my time. I have no further requests, so I will close.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), if that will help, for purposes of control.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I would ask Mr. Lantos if he needs some additional time.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Ackerman for a brilliant statement, as well as his cordial sentiments. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation, who has an awful lot to do with the ultimate product that we are voting on today.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the incoming ranking Republican on the International Relations Committee, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the President has said that legislation to permit the establishment of civil nuclear trade with India is essential to establishing a new global partnership between the United States and India. The conference report before this House is the product of more than a year of effort by Members and staff of the House International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It is based on the separate bills passed overwhelmingly in the House and the Senate and preserves the key provisions of both. The conferees believe that this report represents a judicious balancing of competing priorities that encompass a broad range of subjects from U.S. policy in South Asia to the highly technical and complex world of nuclear export licenses. It is the product of months of discussions with the administration regarding virtually every section, and the conferees have gone to great lengths to accommodate the administration on its issues of concern. I would like to express my appreciation for the cooperation of the Committee on Science, the Judiciary, Energy, Government Reform, Armed Services and Rules in helping expedite the consideration of this conference report. Their cooperation should not be interpreted as having any impact on their rights under the jurisdictional rules and precedents of the House. I insert for the Record some correspondence related to this issue. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, December 5, 2006. Hon. Henry J. Hyde, Chairman, Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Hyde: I write concerning H.R. 5682, the Henry J. Hyde United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006, as amended. As you know, the Committee on Energy and Commerce has jurisdiction over Title II of the amended text. I recognize your desire to bring this legislation before the House in an expeditious manner. Accordingly, I will not exercise my Committee's right to a full referral on the bill. By agreeing to waive its consideration of the bill, however, the Committee on Energy and Commerce does not waive its jurisdiction over H.R. 5682. Thank you for your attention to these matters. Sincerely, Joe Barton, Chairman.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the conference report to H.R. 5682.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the rule, I call up the conference report on the bill (H.R. 5682) to exempt from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 a proposed nuclear agreement for cooperation with India.

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APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON H.R. 5682, HENRY J. HYDE UNITED STATES AND INDIA NUCLEAR COOPERATION PROMOTION ACT OF 20062006-12-05

Mr. HYDE

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the administration has strongly requested that the conferees remove from the conference report Senator Harkin's amendment regarding Iran. This motion would instruct the House conferees to ensure that that language was retained in the conference report. This is one item that well-meaning Members can honorably dispute. But there is not enough time remaining to delay passage of this conference report. Therefore, I have no objection to the motion.

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 5682) to exempt from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 a proposed nuclear agreement for cooperation with India, with a Senate amendment thereto, disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to the conference asked by the Senate.

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TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW VERNON PURBAUGH2006-11-15

Mr. HYDE

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a young friend of mine, Matthew Vernon Purbaugh. While Matthew does not reside in my district, he and I share a great love of the English language and a great respect of words in general. Matthew Purbaugh is an amateur published poet; his poem ``Noon'' appeared in the International Society of Poets' 2006 edition. He was awarded ``Outstanding Achievement in Poetry'' and Best Amateur Poet. Matthew was recently invited to submit a new work for ``Who's Who in American Poetry.'' I share his poem ``Words'' with you today. Words What is it in a word That Can Stir the heart of men To bring them to do great and Courageous deeds.? What is it about words. That, Let them have the power To topple empires of stone and steel? What is it about words, That, Let them have the power To topple empires of stone and steel? What is it about words, That Let them go deeper than the strongest bullet? What is it about words, That Let them hold sway over men More than their fate More than the point of a gun? What is in words? That Lets something we have created Hold sway over us, more than, Our deepest fears? And our greatest, Driving Desires?

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FEDERAL ELECTION INTEGRITY ACT OF 20062006-09-20

Mr. HYDE

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Ehlers. I appreciate your warm, gracious words. There is a story that goes around in my hometown, Chicago. It says, Bury me when I die in Chicago because I want to stay active in politics after I am gone. This is not the problem we face here, but I thought I would mention that anyway. I rise in support of H.R. 4844, the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006, because the election system is the bedrock that our Republic is built on and its security and oversight is of paramount concern. The Constitution places the responsibility within this House to certify Federal elections, and we ``may at any time by law make or alter such regulations.'' It is the law that only U.S. citizens have the right to vote in Federal elections, but our current system does not give State election officials the tools they need to ensure that this requirement is being met, which is why I have introduced this bill. This bill will help election officials ensure accuracy at the polls on election day. It amends Public Law 103-31, popularly known as the ``motor-voter bill,'' to require voters to show a current official photo ID obtained with proof of their U.S. citizenship before voting. This bill's requirements will extend nationwide for all Federal elections. H.R. 4844's provisions take effect gradually, allowing voters time to adjust. In 2008, voters will have to show a current official photo ID, and in 2010, they will have to display a photo ID that was obtained by providing proof of their U.S. citizenship. A voter who forgets his ID on election day will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot and will have 48 hours to present an ID to an election official to validate the ballot. Furthermore, and this is so important, voters who cannot afford an ID will be issued a free ID at no cost. That is some kind of poll tax when somebody else pays for it. That is my kind of tax. Funds will be appropriated, they are contemplated by this legislation, to assist States in implementing the providing of a free ID. Opponents argue requiring a photo ID backed by proof of citizenship erects obstacles to citizen participation. That is certainly not true. This bill is designed to increase participation by ensuring that each legitimate vote will be counted and not be diluted by fraud. There are many elections in this country every cycle that are decided by just a handful of votes. How can we be certain that these elections, without measures to certify the identity of voters, are not being decided by fraudulent votes? Opponents often claim that requiring a photo ID is a solution in search of a problem. This argument is erroneous because election officials cannot determine if a problem exists because they do not have the tools to verify voters' identities on election day, nor when they register. Our laws operate largely on trust, trust that voters are truthful in checking a box certifying that they are U.S. citizens. No documentation is required. Under the current law, all you need to establish your identity when registering to vote by mail is a utility bill or bank statement, documents easily forged and which do not give any indication of citizenship. Our election system is too important to be safeguarded by mere honesty alone. We must have verification. Opponents claim that there are strict punishments already in place to deter voter fraud. I agree there are sanctions in place, but they are toothless measures when election officials do not have the tools they need to concretely establish a voter's identity on election day. Broad popular support exists for this bill. Photo IDs were called for in the 2005 report issued by the bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform. Many States have recognized voter fraud is a problem and passed photo ID laws as protective measures. Arizona voters recently passed a law requiring valid photo IDs for elections, and 22 States have implemented laws that require all voters to show identification when casting a ballot. Let me summarize by saying our voting rights were won by Americans who were willing to lay down their lives for the freedom to elect our representatives, and it is our duty to safeguard that freedom. If we do not, our elections become meaningless. This bill upholds the integrity of this election system for everybody.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2006-09-20

Mr. HYDE

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, on September 19, 2006, I was absent for votes for personal reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted: Vote No. 451, H. Con. Res. 210 Supporting Elimination of Cancer by 2015, ``yea''; Vote No. 452, H. Res. 622 Honoring Filipino World War II Veterans, ``yea''; Vote No. 453, H. Con. Res. 415 Condemning the Repression of the Iranian Baha'i Community, ``yea.''

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INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION COMMENDING VILLA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF VILLAGE PRESIDENT JOYCE STUPEGIA AND CHIEF OF POLICE JOHN J. PAYNE2006-09-20

Mr. HYDE

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Villa Park Police Department under the direction of Village President Joyce Stupegia and Chief of Police John J. Payne. The Department is constantly working to find ways to improve the level of service and renew their commitment to be better prepared to handle both manmade and natural emergencies that may arise. The September 11, 2001 attack on New York, as well as other attacks both here and abroad since then, demand that we prepare ourselves for emergency response levels that we had not previously thought necessary. The outcome of this self-evaluation and the efforts to improve and enhance traditional police service for the community has resulted in many significant accomplishments. These changes have been implemented to create safer neighborhoods and build a more informed and involved public. A number of the community programs were made possible as a result of obtaining various State and Federal grant monies. The Police Department has been fortunate in this, as a number of these programs would not have been possible without these grant programs. Listed below is a summary of programs that highlight what they have been working on during the last 2 years to develop useful, community orientated law enforcement programs that are relevant to the needs of the community. The members of the department have worked hard as a group to not only put these programs together, but also to see that they remain successful in their continued implementation. Expansion of the Citizens Police Academy (CPA)--They have enhanced the academy by enrolling citizen graduates into an alumni association that receives ongoing law enforcement educational presentations. Establishment of a Citizens Voluntary Emergency Response Team--This program educates graduates of our citizen police academy in disaster preparedness, training them in basic disaster response skills. They then have the opportunity to join a roster of volunteers that can be called upon to assist the police department as the need arises. I.D.O.T. Mini-Alcohol Influence Grant--Received a grant in the amount of $28,000, which allowed the department to substantially increase their enforcement efforts of the impaired driver that included public awareness education as well. School Emergency Response Plans--Established a working forum to include the police department and all school districts located in Villa Park to establish uniform protocols to follow in case of emergencies. Inter-operable Communications--Enhanced our inter-communications capability with local schools through radio installations at the local schools allowing for direct contact with patrol officers, as well as with surrounding area police agencies. School Mentoring Program--Officers volunteered their time to participate in school sponsored mentoring programs to establish better relationships with school age individuals and open up better lines of communication. National Incident Management System (NIMS)--Completed NIMS training at various levels to be better prepared for the coordinated efforts needed during times of emergency and disasters. Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness--Provided training to all members of the Police Department to better equip them when interacting with individuals of different cultures. Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS)--Became members of ILEAS, which is a state wide mutual aid/response system to provide assistance when needed. It was through this program that we sent two officers, a vehicle, and equipment/supplies to assist in Louisiana for two weeks during the Katrina Hurricane aftermath. Tactical Weapon Acquisitions--Established membership with the Federal LESO surplus equipment acquisition program resulting in being able to upgrade tactical weapons at no cost, allowing for improved emergency response capability by our patrol officers. Landlord Training Seminars--Established landlord training seminars to better educate landlords in the management of their property. This contributed to the reduction of gang and drug related incidents, and provided landlords with additional resources to improve the upkeep of the properties. Operation Prom Night--Developed program Operation Prom Night, being an educational presentation; including graphic recreations of accidents to illustrate to high school level students the dangers of drinking and driving. Senior and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Group and the Elderly Service Officers Program--The department meets regularly with community seniors to address issues pertinent to senior citizens and continue to educate them as to the scams and dangers that are often directed toward their age group. They also maintain a unit of Elderly Services Officers that involves a select group of specially trained, state certified officers to assist our elderly community. It has a number of facets related to education, crime investigations, service referrals, and well being checks. IDOT Extra Enforcement Efforts--The Department has been recognized by IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) on numerous occasions for our enforcement efforts to increase the use of passenger restraint systems in vehicles via the Click it or Ticket Campaigns and Seatbelt Enforcement Zones. The department received a $5,000 grant to aid us in this enforcement. Public Education and Enforcement Research Program (PEERS)--Successful application for grant monies of $32,000 allowed for increased education and enforcement efforts to reduce the frequency of train and pedestrian accidents. The Police Department has been recognized as being a leader in our efforts to reduce the frequency of these types of accidents. Prior to this year the department developed and implemented this program without grant money assistance. Radio Inter-operability Enhancement Radio Grant--Participated in a competitive grant process which provided the department $40,000 to obtain radio equipment to enhance our radio communications capabilities with other first responder agencies. Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge Award Recipient--The Villa Park Police Department was recently recognized for its efforts in addressing traffic safety issues by the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association. The department achieved first place in the 26 to 50 sworn officers' category in this highly competitive program. They were also recognized with the prestigious President's Award, which recognizes the best overall agency in the state. Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists Award (AAIM)--The Department has been recently recognized by AAIM for its impaired driver's enforcement efforts and was the recipient of the Guardian Award. This award is to recognize the highest DUI arrest rate per officer in the state. We have received awards from AAIM consistently for a number of years now. Roadside Safety Checks--As a part of their traffic safety efforts the Police Department operates Roadside Safety Checks in Villa Park and assists surrounding law enforcement in their safety checks. These are conducted randomly throughout each year. Child Safety Seat Education Program--The department conducts child safety seat inspections/installations any time a request is made as well through roadside drive-through operations. The officers that manage this program have specific state certification training. This program includes a means to provide seats for those parents that can not afford one. Night Vision Grant--Obtained a grant from the Department of Homeland Security, in the amount of $6,000, to acquire night vision equipment to enhance enforcement efforts during times of darkness. Operation 64--The department works regularly with a number of police departments to provide for a coordinated traffic enforcement plan throughout an 11 mile stretch of highway in efforts to reduce the high traffic accident rate. Mobile Command Center--Acquired a Mobile Command Center through the federal LESO Program surplus acquisition program to provide enhanced emergency responses, and community event operations. D.A.R.E.--The department has one full time D.A.R.E. program certified officer. D.A.R.E. is a program that we have been very committed to since its inception in 1987 that teaches the dangers of drugs and alcohol to school age children. Gang Resistance Education and Training Grant (G.R.E.A.T.)--They successfully applied for a grant in the amount of $7,800, which helps them to maintain their longstanding G.R.E.A.T. program providing increased education efforts to assist in reducing gang violence in the community. Juvenile/Parent Traffic Notification--They are in the process of developing a parental notification system where if a minor (under 18 years of age) receives a traffic ticket, his/her parents are notified of this by certified mail. NIPAS (Northern Illinois Police Alarm Service)--Unit is comprised of 99 adjoining communities; including Villa Park, that provide highly trained emergency service teams as well as specially trained officers to respond to civil disorders and disasters. Railroad Safety--The department has initiated Operation Lifesaver. This provides Certified Instructors that teach a recognized course of instruction in the local school districts as well as working with public interest groups. The plan includes enforcement of railroad right-of-way trespass and gate crossing violations. CIT--Crisis Intervention Teams--They are presently working with Mental Illness health provider groups to formally train selected officers of the department in the handling of mentally disturbed individuals. They will work as a team with the local mental health providers to improve our capabilities in recognizing and handling these types of calls. Neighborhood Watch Groups--The department has officers assigned to assist residents to set up and maintain neighborhood watch groups. A large part of the village now has neighborhood watch groups. Their goal is to have a group that every resident can be a part of. These watch groups act as the eyes and ears of their neighbors and the police. This allows them to meet regularly with representatives of the neighborhood to maintain open lines of communication. Truck Enforcement--One full time officer enforces the laws regarding 2nd Division truck violations. Major Traffic Crash Investigators--Consists of a team of highly trained officers, who received certification training through Northwestern University Traffic Institute. They are available 24 hours a day for call-out to conduct in-depth investigations on all serious personal injury and fatality crashes. Major Crimes Task Force--They are a participating member of this multi jurisdictional task force that investigates all major crimes committed within the participant's jurisdictions. Arson Investigation Unit--Created an Arson Investigation Unit within the police department, consisting of a state certified arson investigator. This unit also participates in a county wide arson task force. Saved by the Belt Awards--The department recognizes citizens, who are involved in serious traffic accidents, who otherwise might have lost their lives if they had not been wearing their seatbelts. Community Cultural Program--Local students, whose artwork is considered exceptional, can display their art in public surroundings. Bulletproof Vest Partnership--The $2,500 competitive federal grant program provided funds to assist in the purchase of bulletproof vests for Law Enforcement Officers. Tobacco Compliance Check Program--The department was awarded a grant in the amount of $4,290 from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission's Tobacco Program to assist them in policing the sale of tobacco products to minors. Willowbrook High School Liaison Officer--The department assigns a full time officer to the high school to work directly, on a daily basis, with school administrators and students. Automated External Defibrillator--The department purchased automated external defibrillators that are utilized on patrol by all officers. These officers are trained in the AED's use and respond to all potential medical emergencies that have the potential for the need of this device. School Bus Safety Plan--This program has officers randomly follow school buses along their routes taking enforcement action on vehicles that pass in violation of the bus's warning signs. Also, upon receiving vehicle information from school bus drivers on these violations, warning letters are sent out to the vehicles owners. The Police Department has been both proactive as well as reactive in their efforts to maintain a safe community through both education and enforcement. They are now better prepared to handle emergencies, both man-made and natural, but their work is not done. They will continue to search out new and innovative ways to provide quality services to the residents of Villa Park. While they are proud of these programs and accomplishments, they remain cognizant of the dedication of the many officers that daily provide traditional patrol and investigative services to the Village of Villa Park, Illinois.

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EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 20012006-09-13

Mr. HYDE

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon).

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McHenry).

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce).

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It has been 5 years since the world watched the impossible happen, and yet it is difficult to believe that the days and months have passed so quickly. The calendar's relentless progress gradually consigns all mortal events to the past, whether tragedies or triumphs. But we would deceive ourselves were we to believe that the consequences of those events will fade as well, for we will continue to live with them all of our lives. Modern communications have brought us many new and wonderful things, but they have also made possible the communal experience of tragedy. In this new age, distance will no longer spare us, nor can an absence of personal ties insulate us from sorrow. All who witnessed the events of September 11 still bear the scars of seeing inconceivable images and impossible events unfold in real time. But our own experiences, however painful, can't compare with those of the innocents who bore the horror directly, nor with those of their families and friends who were suddenly and violently severed from their former lives and from the touch of those deeply loved. We Americans are practical. Instead of resigning ourselves to the difficulties of life, we instinctively seek to identify problems in order to focus our efforts and move towards solutions. And over the past 5 years we have done so. We have come to know our enemies and direct our determination and resources to uncovering their hiding places and their plans. We are deeply engaged in designing and implementing measures to destroy their ability to harm us. The challenge is an entirely new one for us, but one which gains in clarity with each day. I hope all of us now are aware that in addition to our successes, we must prepare for the likelihood of failures in a struggle that may have no end. By infusing purpose, action can thus fill many voids. But the need remains to understand what happened and to comprehend the meaning of the events of that day. Here, words give way to silence, for reflection is the predicate to understanding. Our modern rational world once promised, in time, to reveal all secrets to us. But can we still cling to that belief now that we have been confronted with things we thought long past, vanquished and erased from the world by reason and light? The modern world has seen many efforts to eliminate God from our lives, but we have not been able to eliminate evil. The last century was unparalleled in human history in its celebration of the savagery that human beings can wreak upon one another. We had hoped that we might escape that fate in this century, but now we know that we will not. We have been forcibly awakened from our dreams of an earthly heaven by the bitter knowledge that evil still roams freely in our world. We can't allow ourselves to be paralyzed with despair or fear, but neither can we permit our natural optimism to shield us from the realities of the world. If there is any useful thing to be drawn from this terrible experience, it is that we have been given an unmistakable warning that in this new century unknown and fearsome challenges await us, challenges that will impose the severest tests on our national character. Knowing this, we have a duty to prepare ourselves to defend not only lives and those of our children, not only our beloved country, not even our freedoms, but civilization itself. We are Rome, beset by new barbarians who are driven and sustained by their savage hatred of us, of our happiness and our success of the promise America represents for the world. For our enemies have no aim but destruction. Nothing to offer but a forced march back to a bleak and dismal past. Theirs is a world without light, their all- encompassing hatred a repudiation of any saving grace. Their victory would impose a new Dark Age. But this time, perhaps an endless one. They are enemies of the future itself. As we resolve ourselves to our task, as we grieve for all those linked to us by tragedy, we may also see ourselves more truly and thereby understand that our great strengths are interwoven with many fragile things. The threats we face have given us a greater sense of how rare and wonderful is the world we have made, and of our responsibility to protect it from the storms outside. For we need but shield our eyes, lay down our burden, and it will vanish into air, a world in which those we remember today were once allowed to be innocents. It is for these reasons that we remember our 3,000 fellow citizens who, asking nothing other than to live their lives in peace, were brutally murdered by men without conscience or mercy. We remember because, in Lincoln's phrase, ``the mystic chords of memory'' forever bind us to the victims and the heroes of September 11 and to all Americans, from the honored past to the living present. We remember because to forget them would be to betray our own selves and our duty to the generations to come. May those who died in the attacks of September 11, 2001, rest in the mercy of God. May those of us who remain be steadfast, courageous, and live lives worthy of their great sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Barrett).

Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence). (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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