Robin Hayes

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, I cannot help but be touched by the irony of what the gentleman is saying. The gentleman from Georgia is a very valued member of the Committee on Agriculture, and I have been here slightly longer than he has, so when the gentleman came, I had an opportunity to give him an assignment. I think he remembers the assignment. Madam Speaker, Georgia is known for many, many things, but the one that we particularly enjoy is the bobwhite quail. Prime forest management for the bobwhite quail requires controlled burning. It requires removing fuel which prevents forest fires, but when done in a controlled way, in the spring of the year, under proper humidity conditions, typically at night to reduce smoke and other emissions, not only is habitat produced, but food sources for nongame species, cover for songbirds, all types of animals and birds, is created. Again, a commonsense, tried-and-true practice, accepted for well over 100 years of land management, here is a way that we actively control fuel, manage our forests, stop disease, create habitat, and increase filtration ability for watersheds and streams. Madam Speaker, I ask the gentleman how is that project coming?

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, as a pilot of 35 years of experience, I appreciate the work that was done by Wilbur and Orville Wright, and I am pleased to sponsor H.R. 3118, which will honor the memory and achievements of Orville and Wilbur Wright by naming the Department of Transportation building, which houses the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington in their honor. It is a fitting tribute to men with a vision and determination to fly. The first 12 seconds of flight started America down the path to such accomplishments as passing the speed of sound, achieving low-Earth orbit, developing reusable manned space vehicles, and even landing on the moon. Today the U.S. aviation system is the busiest, safest system in the world, and in large measure we have the Wright brothers to thank for this. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the milestone event, two celebrations in North Carolina deserve special recognition. This past May, Fayetteville, North Carolina held the Festival of Flight Celebration, and in December the State of North Carolina will present the First Flight Centennial Celebration to take place at the National Park in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, not in Dayton, Ohio, where the Wright brothers first flew. A monument to the brothers was placed on the dunes of Kitty Hawk. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the birth of aviation at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, it is indeed fitting to recognize these two aviation pioneers by naming the Federal buildings at 600 and 800 Independence Avenue in their honor. I thank the Wright brothers.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 280, honoring 100 years of contributions by the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association to the growth, strength, and prosperity and jobs in the United States. As a cosponsor, I am proud to work with members of this distinguished association on infrastructure projects that are vital to local, State, and national interests. Members of this association play a crucial role in the economic development and job creation across the United States. A typical example can be found in my hometown of Concord, North Carolina, where Vulcan Materials Company is working cooperatively with Concord Regional Airport on expansion projects. Vulcan is supplying the airport with excess material that will be used to help extend the runway and provide areas for future hangar construction. The new, longer runway and additional hangar space are important components in recruiting new businesses and industry to relocate to the area. The increased business investment will improve the economic opportunities and outlook for the citizens of Cabarrus County. As we look to the future, members of this influential association will play a leading role in providing necessary infrastructure, upgrades, and improvements that will increase the productivity, efficiency, and safety, and also reliability of our transportation system for the 21st century. As the National Sand, Stone, and Gravel Association begins its second century of service, and as a former highway contractor, I urge my colleagues and thank my colleagues for supporting this bill.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to commend the gentleman from Michigan (Chairman Hoekstra) for his leadership in recognizing the incredible role that Christian colleges and universities and institutions of higher learning have provided for this country. Being from the Eighth District of North Carolina, we certainly have wonderful examples, not only in the Eighth District, but throughout North Carolina: Camel College, Methodist College, Montreat College. As a matter of fact, if one checks the history of our institutions, one would probably find a very short list that did not have some connection to our Christian heritage and the Judeo-Christian values that we all hold dear. I particularly want to take this opportunity to thank all of those men and women who over the years, going all the way back to our Founding Fathers, have instilled the values in our young people that are so important for this Nation to maintain the greatness that it enjoys today. Christian institutions are not about imposing anyone's values on someone else; they are about proposing the values that have stood the test of time and which provide for us today those lessons learned that we can use to maintain the freedom and the democracy that is ours only in America. Again, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) for his leadership, and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon). I think it is an important legislation, and I strongly urge all Members to support it.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I appreciate the diligence and leadership that he has provided and the countless hours that he has invested in providing us with a good bill today. I want to echo the gentleman from Alaska's (Chairman Young) thanks and appreciation to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) whose time of service, whose interest, whose involvement in this and in all transportation projects is very admirable, particularly on aviation. His knowledge and wisdom and experience that he brings to the table is outstanding, and I appreciate the friendship that we share. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the FAA reauthorization bill because we need to move forward with improvements to our Nation's aviation system. This bill is about improving our Nation's aviation infrastructure and system at a time when we are looking for ways to stimulate our economy. Slowing the modernization of our aviation system is exactly the wrong thing to do. The conference report includes more than $14 billion for airport improvements, money from the aviation trust fund to pay for improvements such as new runways, taxiways, terminal buildings and noise abatement, and a streamlined environmental review process. The bill includes over $100 million in critical funding to support air services at small and medium airports. The legislation provides an important economic stimulus. Civil aviation generates more than $900 billion in gross domestic product every year. In fiscal year 2004 alone, funding in the FAA reauthorization bill for airport construction projects will create approximately 162,000 direct and indirect jobs. Over the life of the bill, the $14 billion for airport improvements will create approximately 665,000 jobs. It frees up takeoff and landing slots at Reagan National Airport. It increases competition for consumers. For cargo pilots, it allows them to be armed, just like passenger airline pilots. Mr. Speaker, this bill keeps our promise to the flying public and continues the guarantee that all of the taxes and revenues paid into the aviation trust fund will be used and fully spent for airport improvements, air traffic control modernization; and all of these issues will be fully funded.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his excellent leadership and guidance here. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of this resolution. This legislation is going to send a much-needed and unmistakable signal to China that we expect to see trade and monetary reforms and that we expect them now. This will make it clear that there will be retribution and retaliation if China does not abide by the rules. We have lost too many jobs and too many companies have been hurt because of unfair Chinese trade practices and China's fixed currency structure. Since 1994, China has devalued its currency 30 percent despite enormous economic growth. It is clear they continue to peg their currency to the U.S. dollar to create an unfair advantage for China at the expense of our American manufacturers and our own workforce. This Congress and the administration must continue to stress to China that their economy will benefit from a market-based exchange rate. It is in China's best interest to create a more flexible currency in order to create a strong and stable economy for the future. Specifically, this resolution states that this body urges the administration to require that China honor the commitments they made upon joining the WTO, move toward a more flexible rate of exchange, and the U.S. Government should focus on efforts to create fairness and equity in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing and textile jobs specifically have taken a massive hit in both loss of jobs and businesses due to unfair trade practices by China and their fixed currency. In fact, during the past decade, the U.S. textile sector has been particularly hard hit, losing 700,000 jobs. Without fairness for our workers, businesses, textiles and manufacturing, the demise of our manufacturing sector will continue to take place all over the country. I am pleased to see that Secretary Snow has brought up the issue during his recent visit to China. I am also encouraged by reading that Secretary Evans has gone to China and made a speech there saying the American market will not remain open to Chinese exports unless China's markets are equally open to our markets. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of the resolution.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time, and I appreciate the persistence with which he pursues his duties on the Committee on Armed Services, or more particularly the Subcommittee on Total Force, or personnel, as we know it more intimately. Mr. Speaker, just 10 years ago, on October 3, 1993, 18 U.S. servicemen were killed and another 111 wounded in Operation Restore Hope. Often known by Mark Bowden's book and screenplay ``Black Hawk Down,'' this was the major battle of the United States operation to capture key members of the Somalia National Alliance led by terrorist warlord Mohammed Farah Aided in Mogadishu, Somalia. Task Force Ranger, which led the assault, was composed of Army Special Forces, Navy SEALS, Army Special Operations Helicopter Forces, and Air Force Special Tactics personnel. Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division supported the lead units as well. For their heroic and valiant deeds, Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Today, it is only right and proper that we take a moment to express our deep gratitude for the valor and commitment of the members of the United States Armed Forces who were deployed in Operation Restore Hope. As we continue to fight and win the global war on terrorism and support our troops deployed abroad, we must also recognize those members of Operation Restore Hope. They served with honor, they served with courage in the battle and efforts to restore freedom to an oppressed nation. These men represent and embody the special and unique qualities that make America great. We have the opportunity today to honor the heroic service of the Special Operations Forces assigned to Task Force Ranger and the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division who supported the operation. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I wish to also extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wounded in Operation Restore Hope. We must never forget the service and sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who were deployed in Operation Restore Hope. God bless these men and their families and loved ones, and may God bless America.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for his hard work and dedication in increasing economic opportunities through the reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration. I strongly support this legislation. Established in 1965, the ADA was created in an effort to improve conditions of substantial and persistent economic distress throughout the United States. I am fortunate to have been able to work with the EDA, and specifically Dr. David Sampson, on economic development issues that are vitally important to the future and the people of the eighth district of North Carolina. H.R. 2535 requires Federal agencies to coordinate their economic development initiatives, including a requirement for comprehensive economic development strategies, CEDS, to maximize the effective use of workforce investment strategies. Our CEDS committee is a local initiative led by Chairwoman Judy Stevens and comprised of local economic development, education, and chamber officials. With the hard work of Dr. Sampson and his staff at EDA, our CEDS committee is coming closer to a final recommendation to present to EDA which will serve as a blueprint for regional economic development for the eighth district of North Carolina. With relatively small investments of Federal funds, the EDA has been able to achieve remarkable successes and change the economic outlook for many citizens. As an example, since 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission has invested over $400 million toward transportation, business development, education, health care, and community projects in North Carolina. As a direct result of this investment, poverty rates in the commission region have been cut almost in half. These are real results for real people, and I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Sampson and the EDA as we continue to address economic development and jobs in areas such as the eighth district of North Carolina. I am hopeful that the 108th Congress will authorize the Southeast Crescent Authority, or SECA, which will provide 428 counties in the southeastern United States access to Federal funds and expertise that will support increased economic opportunity, prosperity, and jobs for our citizens. I again thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for his service and leadership on his issue, and I support the bill strongly.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Colonel Dan Beck for his valuable service to our nation. As he retires from the North Carolina Air National Guard, Colonel Beck's dedication to country and state is exemplary. I am proud and honored to call him a friend. Graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Colonel Beck was commissioned in the North Carolina Air National Guard as a Second Lieutenant in 1979. He faithfully served the 145th Civil Engineering Squadron for over a decade and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1992. A short time later, Colonel Beck was appointed Commander of the 145th Mission Support Squadron and in 1994 assumed the position of Headquarters 145th Support Group Commander. Serving an illustrious and impressive military career, Colonel Beck accomplished a great variety of tasks, to include commanding the first Air Force Engineering Deployment into Israel, commanding the North Carolina Joint Air/Army Task Force to Homestead, Florida in support of Hurricane Andrew relief efforts, and presiding over the multi-million dollar acquisition of C-130 H-3 aircraft. After completing the International Strategic Studies program at Air University-Maxwell Air Force Base in 1997, Colonel Beck was selected as the first member of the North Carolina Air National Guard to participate in the Capitol Hill Fellowship program. Dan served as a Legislative Fellow to Congressman W.G. ``Bill'' Hefner and handled defense, transportation and emergency management issues for Congressman Hefner. While on staff, Colonel Beck learned and experienced first hand how the legislative process works. He became an invaluable asset to Congressman Hefner's staff and has used his knowledge ever since to help me and the entire North Carolina delegation. He has been an effective and true advocate for the North Carolina National Guard, thoroughly understanding the legislative process. As Colonel Beck's Fellowship came to a close, he returned to his roots and accepted a position with the North Carolina National Guard. In 1999 he became Deputy Chief of Staff to the Adjutant General for Air Force and Air National Guard. Dan has advised on many State and Federal issues and has continued to promote the North Carolina National Guard in Congress, working closely with me and my staff and others. As Colonel Dan Beck takes the next step forward in his professional career, I wish him, his wife Trudy and two sons Sterling and Cooper all the best. I have enjoyed working with Dan the past several years and thank him deeply for his friendship and service to North Carolina and the United States of America. May God bless Colonel Dan Beck and his family.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, this is not an either/or budget, this is a both/and; both supporting the troops, and supporting Americans at home. Just one year ago this month, the House of Representatives found itself debating the authorization on the use of force against the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. At that time, Iraqi people were living under a tyrant, a brutal dictator who murdered, gassed and tortured his own people. Saddam's reign of terror displaced some 700,000 people throughout Iraq, destroyed more than 2,000 Kurdish villages and killed thousands of Iraqis. This regime had more forced disappearance cases than any other country in the world. Iraqis were not free to practice their religion or express their political beliefs. Citizens lived in constant fear of a dictator whose image covered the Iraqi landscape. Saddam Hussein's regime was not a government of benevolence, it was a reign of unconscionable terror. Today Iraq is a vastly different place. Children are attending school. Girls are taking karate classes. The Iraqi National Symphony has performed again after years of absence. Oil flow is back up to 72 percent of its prewar level. Markets are flourishing and a new Iraqi police force is being trained. I would like to share a few thoughts about the hope currently present in the society written by Major Michael Fenzel of the 173rd Airborne Division. ``When you see soldiers on the street patrolling with the new Iraqi police officers, you know there is great hope. When you have seen the stark difference between the empty and frightened streets of early April and the bustling markets of today, you feel the hope. The well- publicized incidents of violence are spasms of resistance to a concept so compelling it cannot be denied, freedom. The attacks themselves are generated by a small bands of militants and hired guns at the behest of `return party' chieftains and terrorist financiers. And when you have the chance to see the steely determination of American and coalition soldiers serving here through the heat of each day, you cannot help knowing that hope has already defeated tyranny.'' We do, however, still have many challenges ahead of us. We continue to hear reports of American servicemen giving their lives to help restore the peace in Iraq and the Middle East. Patience is required, but the cause is just, and even though the challenge is great, success is essential and achievable. Today we are at a crossroads. We have the opportunity to continue our commitment to the Iraqi and Afghani people in restoring freedom, liberty, and dignity to their lives. We also have a responsibility to further support our men and women currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. While there remain many domestic matters that are a top priority, we must send a signal today that we are committed to helping build a safe, secure and democratic government in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stability in Iraq and Afghanistan is directly related to America's security at home and abroad. Failing to establish a safe and secure Iraq will allow the region to continue as an incubator and supplier for terrorists. Winston Churchill said, ``The price of greatness is responsibility.'' My friends, today we have the responsibility to do what is right, what is just, and what will help foster a safe and stable environment in the Middle East. I encourage my colleagues to vote for this Iraqi supplemental.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of Laurinburg, North Carolina, and the other nine recipients of the 2003 All-America City award. It has been my honor to represent the people of Laurinburg since I was first elected to represent the Eighth Congressional District of North Carolina. Through this role, I have been fortunate to forge many personal and close relationships with these folks and witness firsthand why they are a worthy recipient of this award. This really is an honor for me to be able to sponsor this legislation today. Through their hard work, the rest of America is getting to see the positive spirit of accomplishment that I have been able to witness over the years. The All-America City Award is a 54- year-old program sponsored by the National Civic League that recognizes civic excellence. The award is given annually to 10 communities that exemplify and display a positive spirit of grassroots involvement and collaborative problem-solving in an effort to better their community. These communities that we recognize today exhibit the American spirit of hard work and cooperation as they seek to identify and meet community-wide challenges. Laurinburg is a community where citizens, businesses, schools, volunteers, and government officials work together to address these issues that are vitally important to their citizens. Laurinburg can and should take pride in the fact that they have been recognized by this national organization for their hard work. Truly, Laurinburg is a great example for other communities to emulate; and they seek to step up to the many challenges that face all communities, large or small. In June of this year, the good people of Laurinburg sent over 100 delegates here to Washington, D.C., to participate in their All-America City finals presentation. The presentation included a bagpiper. Perhaps I should note here that Laurinburg can be found in Scotland County in North Carolina and is home to the Fighting Scots. They also brought a marching band and a group of their citizens who had crafted a fine production designed to showcase our shared feeling of community pride. To get that far, Laurinburg representatives had first submitted a detailed application highlighting the city's three most pressing challenges: access to quality health care, affordable housing, and youth programs. The community is addressing these needs through Scotland County Memorial Hospital's mobile health unit, Habitat for Humanity's Providence Place Community, and the Youth Center Task Force, and many other efforts. I am pleased to represent such a fine community where the citizens come together and work together to solve problems at a local level rather than waiting on someone else to fix things. A wise man once said there are three types of people in this world, those who watch what happens, those who wonder what happened, and those who make things happen. Rest assured, the people of Laurinberg, North Carolina, are the type of people who make good things happen. It is my honor to represent these good people. It is my privilege to sponsor this legislation honoring the 2003 recipients of the All-America City Award.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 35th Anniversary of the deployment of the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Divisions to the Republic of Vietnam. In late January 1968, the United States had 500,000 soldiers deployed in the Republic of Vietnam. The Soviets had become increasing belligerent on the Inter-German boundary, and the North Koreans had fired on the USS Pueblo, seized the ship and held the crew hostage. The world situation was tense and the United States military was stretched thin in many locations. On January 31st, 1968, the Vietnamese New Year, North Vietnamese forces initiated a coordinated attack throughout South Vietnam. The largest enemy offensive of the war was later named the Tet Offensive. General William C. Westmoreland, Commander of American Troops in Vietnam, was facing a direct attack on his headquarters in Saigon, the Marines were surrounded and in danger of being overrun at Khe Sanh and the communists had captured the Imperial City of Hue. In conversations with President Johnson, Westmoreland requested additional troops be sent from the States immediately. Westmoreland clearly stated his preference for ``airborne troopers''. During the Vietnam War, the 82nd Airborne Division was the nation's strategic reserve, though during the early winter of 1968 it was manned at only about 60% strength. Recognizing the criticality of the situation, President Lyndon Johnson approved orders committing a brigade of the 82nd. A decision was made to send the 3rd Brigade, though it took substantial numbers of soldiers from 1st and 2nd Brigades to bring the 3rd Brigade to full strength. The alert came at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 12th, 1968 and the advanced party, led by Colonel Alexander R. Bolling, Jr., departed 24 hours later with the main elements beginning their departure on the following day. The lead combat element, the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, was engaged in hostile operations by that Sunday, the 18th of February--only six days after the initial alert. It took 155 C-141's and a number of C-130's to lift the 3,600 men and equipment of the Brigade 12,000 miles to Chu Lai, a trip that took 30 hours. Over eighty percent of the soldiers in the Golden Brigade had already served at least one tour in Vietnam. Additionally, many had also served in WWII, the Korean War and in the Dominican Republic conflict. The Golden Brigade fought bravely and successfully to open Hai Van Pass, driving the communists from Hue, opening the roads to the A Shau Valley to control Nui Khe Mountain. Following the Brigade's redeployment to the southern part of the country in September of 1968, they took the war to the enemy in the Michelin Rubber Plantation, the Iron Triangle and along the Song Be River. In twenty-two months of combat, the Golden Brigade won eight campaign streamers for the battle flag. 228 men paid the ultimate price and gave their lives, and another 1,200 men were wounded in action. The youngest troopers are now in their mid fifties, and some of the officers and noncommissioned officers have departed this world. It is fitting and proper that during this 35th anniversary year, a grateful nation acknowledges their sacrifice, valor and selfless service. Airborne--All The Way!

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. As a cochair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I am here to strongly urge members to vote against this measure that seeks to ban bear baiting. As it has been discussed during the Resources Committee hearing and during the committee markup on Tuesday, a ban on bear baiting would set an extremely dangerous precedent of the Federal Government preempting the authority of the States to manage wildlife. The State fish and wildlife agencies have the authority and responsibility of managing wildife and have an excellent record in years past, especially in regards to bear management. This authority includes most Federal public lands with the exception of National Parks, and has been repeatedly affirmed by Congress in acts such as the National Forest Management Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, National Wildlife Refugee System Improvement Act and Sikes Act, to name a few. Baiting has always and continues to be a method of controlling wildlife population levels beyond just bears. Currently, nine States-- Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming--allow regulated baiting as a method of hunting bears and would be severely impacted by this legislation. If these State wildlife agencies feel that here baiting is not necessary to help regulate the population, they are much better equipped to make that decision than the Federal Government. As a fellow sportsman and a strong believer in State's rights, I strongly encourage members to support the State wildlife agencies and their successful and positive roles they play in wildlife management. At no time in history has Congress selected an individual species for Federal management and there is absolutely no reason that it should start now.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Bonilla) for yielding me this time. I rise today in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rehberg) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hooley). I applaud the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Bonilla) for including a provision in the agriculture appropriations bill that would limit USDA funding for the implementing of the mandatory country-of- origin labeling for meat and meat products. The country-of-origin labeling law as written clearly requires more congressional attention before going into effect by September 30, 2004. I have friends on both sides of this issue, and I always support my friends. I support my friends with this amendment by cautioning them against the hasty implementation of unintended consequences that no one has yet fully researched, and I support my friends on the gentleman from Texas's (Chairman Bonilla) side by saying this is something that we do not need to do now. Recognizing there are many concerns among producers, processors, suppliers and retailers, the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on June 26 for witnesses to discuss how mandatory country-of-origin labeling will affect them and their respect to industry. The hearing raised many questions, and the livestock witnesses specifically pointed out that there is tremendous potential for unintended consequence. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture of the Committee on Agriculture, I intend to hold further hearings on this matter. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has held 12 listening sessions across the country from April to June of this year to allow those who will be affected by the law to voice their opinions. This was in addition to the numerous other producer and trade association meetings they have attended to discuss this law. Country-of-origin labeling is not a new concept. The Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture held hearings on the issue during previous Congresses, and it was debated at some length during the House committee's consideration of the 2002 farm bill. The committee voted not to include the provision because there were too many unknowns about how this would affect producers. When the farm bill went to the floor, an amendment was added to label fruits and vegetables only. As the Senate created their version of a farm bill, a provision was expanded to include beef, pork, lamb, fruits, vegetables, wild and farm-raised fish, and peanuts. I think it is important to note that the Senate held no hearings and had no debate on how producers and the industry would be affected by country-of-origin labeling. I have heard concerns from many of my constituents about this issue, predominantly my livestock producers. I can tell the Members that not one of them has said this law will bring additional revenue or market advantages. They all express their deep concern that this law instead will bring them undue burdens and headaches in order to be in compliance. Unfortunately, a ``fire, ready, aim'' approach led to the creation of the country-of-origin labeling law. This issue clearly needs further attention, and delaying the implementation for meat and meat products is a step in the right direction. I would like to reiterate that this provision only affects meat and meat products. The current law will continue to go into effect for fruits, vegetables, wild and farm-raised fish, and peanuts. I urge my colleagues to support the appropriations bill and reject the Rehberg-Hooley amendment.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I have spoken as to my support for this amendment, and if he so desires I would yield to my friend and cosponsor, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).

Mr. HAYES. I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman for his remarks, I thank the chairman, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), and I urge the support of others to keep America strong and to support our industrial defense base.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise today with my friend, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp), in support of providing domestic sourcing preferences for the Department of Homeland Security. As we take steps to protect our homeland security, an integral part of the process is strengthening our national and economic security. Through applying provisions that support the American industrial defense base to the Department of Homeland Security we can help ensure that American companies are able to provide the crucial goods needed by the agency to promote homeland security. The American taxpayer provides the dollars which Congress then appropriates. It is only right that those same dollars are reinvested back into our economy. These dollars are reinvested back into our companies and workers and not those of a foreign country who could be an opponent or, at worst, a non-ally. It is wise to provide for the livelihood of American citizens while funding government agencies. Homeland security starts at home, just as the name implies, in the homes and paychecks of American families. One of the most frequent questions I am asked by constituents is how they can sell their products or goods to the U.S. Government. Today we have the ability to ensure that U.S. companies will be able to pursue and win contracts with the Federal Government. We have the opportunity to safeguard our economic security and keep America strong while providing necessary funds for America's homeland security. My top two priorities are economic security and national security. Strengthening our homeland security is something that we are all working hard to do. There is no reason that the Department of Homeland Security should not do everything they can within reason to buy American goods. A few years back we had an unfortunate episode where the U.S. Army purchased over 1 million black berets for U.S. soldiers. The problem was that a majority of those berets were made in China, and I think we all can agree that is ridiculous. We need to take steps to ensure that government agencies not only improve our homeland security, but we have also got to take advantage of every opportunity we can to strengthen and promote jobs here at home. I urge adoption of this crucial provision and would like to thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) and his staff for working with me to provide American companies every opportunity to contract with the Department of Homeland Security and keep America strong.

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

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, a few moments ago, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren) called the President of the United States a liar. My question is, is it too late to ask that her words be taken down? This is inappropriate by our rules.

Mr. HAYES. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It bothers me. I appreciate the ruling.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation that is vitally important to our Nation's seniors: a prescription drug benefit for Medicare. We know that treating diseases with prescription medications can help reduce the chance of costly hospital stays and expensive medical procedures. I urge my colleagues to work together to ensure a fair and responsible Medicare plan that lowers the cost of prescription drugs now so that senior citizens can better afford the medicines they need to live healthier lives and to improve their quality of life. No American should be forced to choose between food, shelter, or prescription drugs. Last August, I toured the eighth district of North Carolina with a petition gathering signatures of seniors who agreed that we need that prescription drug benefit now. At each stop, seniors told me of their disappointment of promises that were made, but not kept. The time is long overdue for us to make good on this promise. Medicare is a program that has been helping millions of older Americans meet their health care needs since that first day back in 1965. We can and should strengthen Medicare to make it even better for our seniors. One critical way we can make this program better is by adding a prescription drug benefit. Our seniors deserve no less.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the accomplishments of Colonel Addison D. ``Tad'' Davis, IV. Colonel Davis is currently the garrison commander at Fort Bragg in my district of North Carolina. After 4 years of exemplary service at Fort Bragg, he is coming up here to the Pentagon. I and the entire Fort Bragg community will surely miss his presence at the epicenter of the universe. Colonel Davis's military accomplishments speak for themselves. He is a 1978 graduate of the United States Military Academy and earned an MPA from Harvard University. He was a 1989-1999 U.S. Army War College fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Colonel Davis most recently served as the executive officer to the assistant chief of staff for Installation Management. His military schooling includes the infantry officer basic and advanced courses, U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the NATO Peacekeeping Course. During the past few years, Tad has overseen the deployment of thousands of troops, vehicles, and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He has proven himself to be a model soldier, efficient administrator, and a dedicated officer. Colonel Davis has been an outstanding garrison commander, upholding Fort Bragg's legacy of being one of the Nation's finest military installations. As the ``mayor'' on post, soldiers and their families have a dedicated and devoted advocate giving 100 percent on their behalf. Whether it be issues relating to military construction, encroachment, domestic violence, saving the red-cockaded woodpecker, nurturing relations with the Fayetteville community, or force protection, to name a few, Colonel Davis has done an exemplary job of preparing for, reacting to, and handling the challenges presented to him. I would like to speak of my friendship with and for Colonel Davis. It has been a privilege and honor to know and work with Tad and his lovely wife, Diane. They are much admired, respected, and appreciated friends. They have been involved both on and off post as integral members of the community. As Tad and Diane and their daughters, Amy and Sara, move up to the Washington, D.C. area, I want to thank them for their selfless service to Fort Bragg, the entire Nation, and wish them the absolute best in their future endeavors.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I want to once again thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry) for bringing the distinguished Senator and House Member from the State of Nebraska to our attention for a most appropriate resolution. I recommend the strong support of the membership.