Katherine Harris

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), chairman of the Committee on Resources, for introducing this timely resolution which commemorates the more than five decades of friendship and strategic solidarity that the United States has shared with the people of the Marshall Islands. March 1 marked the 50th anniversary of the Bravo test, the largest of the 67 atmospheric nuclear tests that the United States conducted in the Marshall Islands. Those massive detonations, which represented significant sacrifices by the Marshallese people, were critical to the credibility and reliability of our nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. They are perhaps the most vivid, visual examples of a strategic partnership that stretches back to the Pacific campaign of the Second World War. Most recently, the United States reaffirmed and extended aspects of its unique relationship with the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the amended Compact of Free Association, which the Congress considered and approved last year. That agreement continues and deepens our strategic cooperation, both by reaffirming our mutual defense obligations and by significantly extending United States access to our missile defense testing facility at Kwajalein Atoll. As we commemorate the anniversary of the Bravo test, it is fitting to recall the mutual sacrifice that our peoples have shared during the last half century and to committing ourselves to maintaining our special friendship in the decades ahead. I urge passage of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo).

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 557, which reaffirms the morality and justice of Operation Iraqi Freedom. One year ago, our brave men and women in uniform began to liberate a proud and resilient nation from an unspeakable 30-year nightmare. They also delivered a clear message to terrorists and tyrants alike: the United States will not tolerate a regime that pursues tools of mass murder and destruction. Operation Iraqi Freedom reversed more than a decade of failed diplomacy which exacted a devastating price. Because the world permitted Saddam Hussein to violate 16 U.N. resolutions with impunity, the terrorists became convinced of our weakness. Meanwhile, Saddam continued to murder, torture, mutilate and rape men, women and children by the millions. After routing Saddam Hussein's forces from Kuwait in 1991, we urged the Iraqi people to rise up and rebel against this brutal dictator. Then, because United Nations and international opinion required us to leave Saddam in power, we betrayed them. During the Pryce delegation's mission to Iraq last fall, we listened to the victims and witnesses describe the horrors of this wicked regime. Incredibly, however, the faces of the Iraqis with whom we met reflected a new hope, born from the blood, sacrifice, heroism, and successes of our troops. Even as they endure the attacks of the enemies of freedom, they know that by working together, we will win the twilight struggle for their future. In the heart of the Middle East, we are replacing the oppression and despair that breeds terrorists with the freedom and hope that defeats them. Mr. Speaker, this stunning transformation is the very essence of the war on terror and let us not permit the rhetoric of an election year to obscure this fundamental truth.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that on November 5, 2003, the Gulf of Mexico States Accord and its business counterpart, the Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Short Sea Shipping with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration. The Gulf of Mexico States Accord comprises a partnership between my home state of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and the six Mexican states that border the Gulf of Mexico. The signing ceremony for this Memorandum of Cooperation took place at the MARAD Short Sea Shipping Conference, which occurred in Sarasota, Florida, a city which is located in my District. Over 200 maritime industry professionals from the United States, Mexico, Canada and the European Union attended this event. In recognition of the outstanding work of the Maritime Administration, the Accord and the Partnership, I request that the English version of the agreement be inserted, with my comments, into the Record. The Memorandum of Cooperation, which constitutes the first such agreement in the Gulf of Mexico region, calls for information exchange, technical assistance and collaboration on issues related to the development of short sea shipping in the Gulf of Mexico. It represents a significant step toward full U.S.-Mexico collaboration on this vital trade issue. The adoption of an enhanced regional emphasis on the Gulf of Mexico border states is vital as the NAFTA enters its second decade. The initiatives set forth in the Memorandum of Cooperation will leverage resources to develop this ``water border,'' bolstering homeland security, spurring trade expansion, relieving transportation bottlenecks, and reducing pollution through the increased utilization of the Gulf of Mexico's ports and intermodal infrastructure. The Memorandum of Cooperation also calls for support of the ``Gulf of Mexico Trade Corridor Transportation Study'', which is being spearheaded by the business Partnership in collaboration with the Accord and its Working Group on Transportation, Infrastructure and Communications. The study is based on the premise that the development of the Gulf of Mexico border, with its 62 million inhabitants in eleven U.S. and Mexican states, will have immediate and enduring regional impact on efficient investment in homeland security, identification of and investment in ``critical'' physical infrastructure, tourism and educational development, environmental sustainability, and overall community and international economic development. The Gulf of Mexico basin constitutes a natural North American economic sub-region, comprising a seaborne NAFTA ``superhighway'' trade corridor, a common sustainable resource for tourism, agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, and a common homeland security zone. The Gulf represents the ideal location for deepening and broadening the benefits of the NAFTA in preparation for the new flows of two-way trade that I believe will occur under the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Memorandum of Cooperation Among the Maritime Administration of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico States Accord, and the Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc. 1. PARTIES a. The party to this agreement representing the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is the Maritime Administrator or his designated representative. b. The party to this agreement representing the Gulf of Mexico States Accord (GOMSA) will be the President of the Accord or his designated representative. GOMSA is a forum that was created to foster, promote and implement cooperative relationships between and for the eleven U.S. and Mexican border states that adjoin the Gulf of Mexico. c. The party to this agreement representing the Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc. (the Partnership) will be the President of the organization or his designated representative. The Partnership is a non-profit private sector Gulf States group that shares the GOMSA goal of fostering and promoting interests of the member states and region. 2. PURPOSE a. The purpose of this agreement is to recognize and enhance the communications and working relationship among MARAD, GOMSA, and the Partnership in order to address the common goals of advancing short sea shipping in the Gulf of Mexico and ensure that it is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound. b. The agreement serves to facilitate periodic meetings among MARAD, GOMSA and the Partnership to identify ways the respective organizations can assist in the sharing of short sea shipping policy, experience and related information. 3. RESPONSIBILITIES a. MARAD will share with GOMSA and Partnership MARAD's short sea shipping i. goals, policies, and experience so as to allow these organizations to use their extensive ii. state and business networks to improve maritime efficiency, commercial viability, and iii. short sea shipping opportunities as they arise. b. GOMSA and the Partnership will share information and experience with MARAD so that they can assist in the accomplishment of MARAD objectives to ease traffic congestion, improve transportation safety, and elevate the quality of life in the Gulf States region through cooperative short sea shipping efforts. c. MARAD, GOMSA and the Partnership will consult and share information in support of a ``Gulf of Mexico Trade Corridor Transportation Study'', a long-range Partnership project to highlight new commercial opportunities, inventory Gulf of Mexico infrastructure assets, and to identify and assess gaps in existing transportation infrastructure. d. This agreement is effective upon the signature of the parties. It is informal in nature and may be modified by mutual agreement or terminated by any party at any time. The parties pledge to act in good faith at all times and to use their best efforts to accomplish the purposes summarized herein. This partnership does not obligate MARAD to expend any funds. Signed the 5th day of November 2003 in triplicate, in Sarasota, Florida in the English and Spanish languages, each version being equally valid. [Capt. William Schubert, Administrator, for the U.S. Maritime Administration] [Gary L. Springer, Secretary- General, Gulf of Mexico States Accord] [Robert Hendry, Director, Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc.]

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I want to discuss some of the exciting opportunities in the FCRA, specifically the aspects that Florida has engaged in. And I would like to enter a colloquy with the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) to discuss those. Mr. Speaker, I would yield to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus).

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I think that many people were confused by that, so I really appreciate the clarification that this information is not a consumer report under the Fair Credit Act neither before it was passed nor after it has been amended. So I really appreciate that clarification. In fact, I think one of the biggest problems has been that the fraud and identity theft has created billions of dollars of losses in the U.S. economy and continues to create serious problems for individuals. The technology allows criminals to perpetuate this fraud with increasing rapidity. Financial institutions and law enforcement need to fight the increases in fraud and identity theft with technology. So the proposed amendment would free the antifraud networks from compliance with certain requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. But the amendment preserves the consumer protection features in the Fair Credit Reporting Act because it requires a notice to consumers and an opportunity to respond. What is exciting about the Florida bankers is they actually created something called Fraud Net in 2000 and it was implemented in 2002. This is really sort of a neighborhood watch for bankers, if you will. Because banks post alerts when they experience a fraudulent or criminal act. It does not deal with individual transactions, opening accounts, credit insurance, or employment. Today 14 States are employing the specific program, and they expect 10 additional users next year. So I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) for clarifying.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my vigorous support for H.R. 2420, the Mutual Fund Integrity and Fee Transparency Act. Mutual funds have become a vital tool that millions of Americans rely on. In fact, approximately some 95 million investors representing nearly half of all U.S. households own a stake in some type of mutual fund. Reflecting the dramatic shift in recent decades toward this investment alternative, the mutual funds industry hold an estimated $7 trillion dollars in assets. Just as the stock market boom of the 1990s bolstered the average American's belief in the strength of our Nation's capital markets, the corporate malfeasance of recent years rocked that market. Through the market's ups and down during this period, many investors maintained their mutual fund holdings because they felt these investments represented a safe harbor for their assets. In essence, this perception constitutes precisely why the latest problems to shake the industry have created such damage. Mutual funds reputation as the harbinger of safe and easy investing has vanished. As our Nation confronts an array of daunting challenges, restoring and safeguarding the economic security of every American must remain one of our top priorities. The legislation that we consider today responds to the illegal and unethical practices that have affected the mutual fund industry. Moreover, it comprises an integral part of the gentleman from Ohio's (Mr. Oxley) strategy to enhance investor protection which continues to serve as the hallmark of his leadership in the Committee on Financial Services. I applaud the vision and foresight of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Baker) that they have demonstrated in forcefully addressing the concerns regarding the mutual fund disclosure and investor protection well in advance of State and Federal investigators. Throughout the hearing and markup process, we have heard ample evidence regarding how the vague disclosures permitted under current law have allowed greed to tarnish the mutual fund industry. The Mutual Fund Integrity and Fee Transparency Act provide Americans with a clear understanding of the management, the fees and the ethics of the organizations with whom they entrust that are hard earned dollars, restoring a significant amount of confidence in the reliability and security of our capital markets.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, just three weeks ago, twenty-one exceptional students from Southwest Florida experienced an adventure of a lifetime. As participants in the 13th District's Congressional Classroom program, these competitively and independently selected young men and women spent a full week in Washington engaging in a unique, up-close study of our federal government. They learned from a bipartisan array of some of the most eminent and experienced leaders in Washington, including Speaker Hastert, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, and C-SPAN founder Brian Lamb. Then, they applied their newfound knowledge in a mock Congress session. In conducting this mock session, the students were randomly assigned roles as Republicans and Democrats and as Legislators and District Representatives. I wish to congratulate Gary Shumard and Alex Clark, who tied for the award as the ``Best Republican;'' Peter Dobosz, who was recognized as the ``Best Democrat,'' and Kelly Crawford and Cody John, who qualified for the honors of ``Best Legislator'' and ``Best District Representative,'' respectively. Mr. Speaker, the enthusiasm and zest for the values of good citizenship that these students displayed were truly inspiring. I thank them for their dedication, while looking forward to the outstanding contributions that they will make to our society.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise and urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1516, the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003, as amended by the Senate. On July 21, this House passed the original 1516 by unanimous consent. The bill directs the Secretary or Veterans Affairs to establish five additional cemeteries within the national cemetery system. Although the original version that we passed 3 months ago addresses the needs of hundreds of thousands of veterans across our Nation, that original version did not acknowledge the men and women of southwest Florida who comprise one of the Nation's largest population of veterans. Currently, Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida, constitutes the closest national cemetery that serves southwest Florida's veterans. For many families, visiting this location involves a strenuous drive. Moreover, Bay Pines, which encompasses a mere 27.3 acres, accepts only cremated remains. I strongly believe that we should not impose this hardship of travel upon our veterans' families. Moreover, forcing a potentially objectionable method of entombment upon veterans, as a condition of receiving the final tribute they earned, is patently wrong. The Department of Veterans Affairs regards Bay Pines as an open cemetery for the 13th District's veterans until the year 2016. This designation means that the Department regards that cemetery as sufficient to serve their needs until that year. These brave men and women require a new national cemetery long before then. Thanks to the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senator Arlen Specter, and to our own extraordinary Committee on Veterans' Affairs chairman, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), and to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach), we have an opportunity to correct this oversight today. I respectfully urge my colleagues to accede to the amended version of H.R. 1516 that the Senate passed on October 17 which specifies the Department of Veterans Affairs shall establish a new national cemetery in the Sarasota, Florida, area. Upon the passage of H.R. 1516, approximately 406,000 veterans who live in my District finally have the opportunity to receive the internment, according to their wishes, in a place of honor, closer to their home.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, this House continues to conduct an essential debate over our Nation's policy in Iraq. Nevertheless, meeting the Iraqi people and hearing their story firsthand invoked an old adage with respect to those who offer armchair criticism: talk is cheap. In the aftermath of the first Gulf War 12 years ago, we encouraged the Iraqi people to rise up against their brutal dictator. Then we left them to Saddam's murderous designs. While this decision may have made sense in terms of U.N. resolutions and international opinion, it amounted to a betrayal of the Iraqi people. The blood, sacrifice, and heroism of our troops over the last 7 months have once again forged a bond of trust. In the faces of the Iraqis with whom I met, I witnessed a new hope that has not only demonstrated the success of our plan; it testified to the justice of our cause. Mr. Speaker, regardless of one's opinion about the rationale for this war, one truth remains: to turn back now, to betray the Iraqi people once again will only embolden the terrorists. Let us not debate whether we will produce a free prosperous and peaceful Iraq. Failure is not an option.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to respectfully appeal to my colleagues for their support of H.R. 3068, which will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2055 Siesta Drive in Sarasota, Florida as the ``Brigadier General (AUS-Ret.) John H. McLain Post Office''. Brigadier General John H. McLain, Army of the United States, Retired, was a soldier, teacher, father and friend. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 21, 1919, he arrived in Sarasota, Florida in 1986. General McLain's original enlistment in the Army's field artillery occurred in September 1940. He received his commission as a second lieutenant in this unit during December 1942. General McLain fought in the Second World War's European Theater, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and in the relief of Bastogne as a member of General George Pafton's Third Army. While he left active duty with the rank of captain in 1945, he volunteered for service in the Korean War as soon as that conflict began. General McLain served as a senior advisor to a Korean field artillery battalion until the 1953 armistice. When he returned to the Reserves, General McLain became Chief of Staff of the Army Reserve Command (ARCOM) in Oakdale, Pennsylvania. He obtained his promotion to Brigadier General in 1972, while serving as Deputy Commander of ARCOM. General McLain returned to active duty in 1974 with the Department of Defense Study Groups for Guard and Reserve. His induction into the Field Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 1976 capped a heavily decorated career that included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star medal, the European Theater of Operations Medal with three campaign stars, the World War 11 victory medal, the Korean Service Medal with three campaign stars, and the United Nations Service medal. In August 1977, General McLain retired after almost 37 years of active and reserve duty. General McLain was also an accomplished scholar. He held a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, while he completed courses at the Army War College, National War College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, as well as Yale, Michigan State, and Florida State Universities. He taught English grammar, composition, and literature at Admiral Farragut Academy (St. Petersburg, FL), St. Petersburg High School, Edgewood (PA) High School, Presbyterian Junior College, Florida State University, and the University of Pittsburgh, where he also taught the history of England. General McLain was a member-in-perpetuity of The Military Order of the World Wars and as a member of The Sons of the American Revolution. He maintained a lifetime membership of the Reserve Officers Association, The Military Officers Association. In 1990, he served as President of the Military Officers Association of Sarasota. General McLain also received a listing in Who's Who in America. Moreover, he received Booker High School's Senior Volunteer of the year award for the 1999-2000 school year. Mr. Speaker, while we lost General McLain on September 23, 2003, his greatest legacy lives on in the outstanding family he left behind. Patricia Ann, his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, and his four children will continue to honor their father through their exemplary contributions to our world. The dedication of this postal facility is the least that we can do to memorialize the extraordinary gift this gentleman and hero gave our nation in dedicating his entire life to protecting freedom, promoting education, and touching lives.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, 21 exceptional students from southwest Florida experienced an adventure of a lifetime. As participants in the 13th Congressional Classroom Program, these competitively and independently selected young men and women spent a full week in Washington engaging in unique up-close studies of our Federal Government. They learned from a bipartisan array of some of the most eminent and experienced leaders in Washington, including the gentleman from Illinois, (Mr. Hastert), Deputy Secretary Richard Armitage, and C-SPAN founder, Brian Lamb. Later they applied their newfound knowledge in a mock congressional session. Mr. Speaker, the enthusiasm and zest for the values of this good citizenship that these students displayed was truly remarkable. I thank them for their dedication and inspiration while looking forward to the outstanding contributions that they will make to our society in the future.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1276, the American Dream Downpayment Act. As our Nation continues to confront daunting threats both at home and abroad, we cannot neglect the most basic security of all, and that is a safe, clean, adequate place to live. Across our Nation, families and individuals are consigned to deplorable conditions in substandard housing. In a Nation that enjoys a level of wealth and material comfort that is unprecedented in human history, this state of affairs is unconscionable. We have the power to address this obligation of a decent, compassionate society today. Better yet, we can attack the housing crisis besetting our Nation by attacking the poverty that underlies it. H.R. 1276 constitutes the first step in fulfillment of President Bush's plan to create 5.5 million new minority home owners by the end of the decade. This visionary initiative will add $256 billion to the American economy. As I have consulted with housing advocates throughout my district, I have repeatedly heard that a great number of low-income Americans could meet their monthly mortgage payment, but they cannot surmount that initial obstacle of a downpayment and closing costs. Thus, a steep entry fee is all that stands between many low-income Americans and the dignity, the stability, and the economic empowerment of home ownership. The resulting home ownership gap, which disproportionately impacts African Americans and Hispanic Americans, has staggering economic and social consequences. Studies show that the average worth of a low- income person, about $900, skyrockets to $70,000 when they own a home. In 1998, owner-occupied property constituted 21 percent of all household wealth as well as more than 71 percent of all tangible wealth. Moreover, the home ownership gap dramatically impacts the lives of our children. Statistics show that children of families who own their own home experience a 13 percent higher graduation together with a 7 percent accelerated rate in math achievement and reading recognition. Additionally, such children complete almost one half year more of education. For the young people who live in homes their families own, they enjoy a greater level of self-esteem while receiving an indispensable educational exercise in the proper maintenance of personal property. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1276 empowers tens of thousands of low-income Americans to overcome this striking inequality in our land of opportunity. As a compassionate society, we have a moral obligation to empower individuals and families and communities with the tools to build their own prosperity. By authorizing a total of $400 million in grants to communities throughout America over fiscal years 2004 and 2005, this bill will enable 80,000 low-income Americans to purchase their first home. As we proceed to a vote on this revolutionary bill, I would like to recognize the Bush administration and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) for their continued commitment to extending quality, affordable housing to every American, as well as for their tremendous creativity in developing solutions that can help us achieve this goal. Further, I wish to express my gratitude to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) of the Committee on Financial Services, as well as my deepest appreciation to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) who has assisted me daily with this bill, and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity for their outstanding leadership in shepherding H.R. 1276 through the legislative process. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the support of the gentleman from California (Mr. Gary G. Miller), as well as my dear friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Davis) for his extraordinary bipartisanship. Their passionate dedication to fulfilling this moral imperative of quality affordable housing for every American continues to inspire us all. I would like to thank our extraordinary committee staff for their diligence and expertise, as well as my outstanding staff member, Miguel Romano, for his diligent work on this bill. Today, let us reaffirm the expansiveness of the American dream by passing this vital legislation.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my vigorous support for the Water Resources and Development Act, particularly in view of the essential reforms it contains. In my home State of Florida and across America, coastal communities rely upon effective flood control and the maintenance of navigable channels as their economic lifeblood. For example, Port Manatee, which is served by a federally maintained channel, is an essential economic engine for southwest Florida. According to a study conducted by Economic Research Associates, the port supported more than 22,000 jobs in 2002, while contributing in excess of $2.3 billion to the local economy. A successful partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and the port's local leadership in dredging and expansion of the harbor helped produce these stunning economic achievements. Nevertheless, the protection of sensitive ecosystems remains essential to preserving our quality of life in Florida. Additionally, our achievement of this goal has become indispensable to the health of our number one industry, tourism. Thus we simply cannot afford to neglect our infrastructure nor our environment. Fortunately, the Water Resources and Development Act strikes an effective balance between these purposes. The act mandates additional project development reform, while imposing more requirements that directly mitigate the impact of projects upon fish and wildlife. Further, the act removes several impediments to the creation of partnerships between the Army Corps of Engineers and non-Federal sponsors. This reform will not only expedite project execution, it will engage the expertise of our local communities, which know best how to protect our sensitive ecological areas. An outstanding partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Bradenton received the Hammer Award from former Vice President Al Gore, due to their outstanding efforts in connection with flood control projects on Wares Creek in Manatee County. Working together, the Gore and the city of Bradenton saved taxpayers more than $600,000 by accelerating the start date of this project by 2\1/2\ years. This reauthorization measure reaffirms the Federal Government's commitment to shoreline protection. Regrettably, the argument persists that the Army Corps of Engineers should not engage in beach nourishment projects. This perspective appears rooted in the erroneous assumption that such projects constitute a taxpayer-funded tourist entitlement. Quite to the contrary, beach nourishment provides an economical solution to storm damage, while protecting shorefront structures and critical wildlife habitats from the punishing effects of future hurricanes and tropical storms. As we assess the effect of storms like Isabel, we must consider every possible means of reducing their costs. In my district, beaches such as Lido Key in the city of Sarasota routinely endure the effects of the storms that batter our region. Mr. Chairman, the Army Corps of Engineers is prepared to apply the valuable lessons we have learned from the mistakes committed in the Everglades and other areas. The Corps has adopted environmental operating principles, while expanding its professional development programs that focus upon environmental protection. We must provide them the tools they need to secure the future of our coastal communities.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifetime of courage and selflessness. Brigadier General John H. McClain, who passed away early this morning, valiantly served our Nation for nearly 4 decades, both on active duty and as a Reservist. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, General McClain enlisted in the United States Army in 1940. He fought in the Second World War's European Theater, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and in the Relief of Bastogne as a member of General George Patton's Third Army. He also served in the Korean War as senior adviser with the Korean Military Advisory Group. His induction into the Field Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 1976 capped a heavily decorated career that included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Europe Theater of Operations Medal with three campaign stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three campaign stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. Mr. Speaker, as we offer our prayers and condolences to his beloved wife of 49 years, Patricia Ann, may this American hero's devotion to his country continue to animate our dreams and aspirations as public servants.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable partnership between the City of Sarasota, Florida and Mote Marine Laboratory that continues to thrive in its third decade. On October 27, 2003, this extraordinary institution will celebrate its 25th anniversary at its current site on Sarasota's City Island. I am proud to have served as a volunteer and advisory council member for this remarkable organization for the last seventeen years. Founded in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, Mote Marine Laboratory began as a two-room field station located in Placida, Florida. Under the direction of Dr. Eugenie Clark, the Laboratory developed a strong reputation in shark research over its first decade, during which it moved to Sarasota's Siesta Key. In 1967, the Laboratory assumed its current name to honor the major contributions of William R. Mote and his sister Elizabeth Mote Rose. Despite its growing prominence as a center for marine research, the emerging inadequacy of Mote Marine Laboratory's Siesta Key location brought its future in Sarasota into doubt. The vision and determination of Sarasota's leaders, however, forged a dynamic public-private relationship that enabled the laboratory to remain in Sarasota, while fueling its dramatic evolution into the powerhouse of education and exploration that we celebrate today. Today, as one of the preeminent marine research facilities in the world, Mote Marine Laboratory encompasses seven research centers that conduct a diverse variety of studies, which range from sharks and marine mammal behavior to biomedicine and aquaculture, as well as from manatee and dolphin conservation to coral reefs, red tide, fisheries, and coastal ecology. Moreover, the laboratory has expanded its scope to include year-round marine science educational programs. Through its traditional on-campus offerings and student internships as well as through its interactive teleconferencing SeaTrek program and its participation as a Primary Interactive Network Site for National Geographic Explorer-in-residence Dr. Robert Ballard's JASON Project, Mote Marine Laboratory reaches more than 30,000 students in 22 Florida school districts. SeaTrek and JASON have enabled students to climb Hawaiian volcanoes, explore the wilds of Alaska, walk on rainforest treetop canopies in rainforests, and encounter underwater marine sanctuaries--often without leaving their classroom or the laboratory's campus. Mote Marine Laboratory has also become a resource of discovery and imagination for persons of all ages from Southwest Florida and around the globe. In 1980, the laboratory opened the Mote Marine Science Center. Now known as the Mote Aquarium, the original one-room visitor center has evolved into a world-class facility that has received accreditation from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and the American Association of Museums. Now hosting 400,000 visitors every year, Mote Aquarium has become the top tourist attraction in Sarasota. Mr. Speaker, this amazing institution could not have developed without the commitment and foresight of several outstanding public servants, businesses, and private individuals, including the local officials who saved the laboratory for Sarasota: Mayor Elmer Berkel, Vice-Mayor Tony Saprito, and Commissioners Ron Norman, Fred Soto, and Ted Sperling, who in 1976 provided 4.5 acres of land on City Island for the laboratory's new location; the Arvida Corporation, which generously donated 2.2 acres of waterfront property for that facility; William R. Mote, the Honorable Bob Johnson, Dr. Perry Gilbert, then City Manager Ken Thompson, and then Arvida Vice-President John Siegel, who spurred the creation of the unique public-private partnership between the City of Sarasota and Mote Marine Laboratory; the members of the 1992 City Commission (Mayor Jack Gurney, Vice-Mayor Gene Pillot, Commissioners Fredd Atkins, David Merrill, Nora Patterson, and then City Manager David Sollenberger) who arranged for the addition of 3.5 acres of land to the laboratory's complex for the construction of the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Center for Research and Rehabilitation; and the current leaders of Sarasota's city government (Mayor Lou Ann Palmer, Vice Mayor Richard Martin, Commissioners Fredd Atkins, Danny Bilyeu, Mary Anne Servian, and City Manager Michael McNees). We venerate their indispensable contributions, together with the incredible leadership that Mote Marine Laboratory continues to receive from the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Monfort Runyan, and its Executive Director, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan. We also honor the sterling scientists and other professionals who comprise the laboratory's staff, as well as the dedicated corps of 8,000 members and 1,600 volunteers who serve as aquarium guides, turtle patrols, dolphin and whale hospital volunteers.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, the world reflects this morning upon an act of barbarism that remains too horrific for words. Two years ago, a gang of murderers shattered our complacency regarding the reach and resolve of the international merchants of hate. Nevertheless, we also learned about the resiliency of our Nation on that awful day. When terrorists attacked the heart of America's financial and military centers, they forgot about the heart of the American people. Our country's strength lies not in its institutions, but in the courage, character and the determination of the people who built them. On this somber anniversary, we honor the memory of the husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters who lost their lives in this heinous attack, as well as the heroes who sacrificed everything to save them. As we remember the trauma and grief of September 11, 2001, may we continue to discover the seeds of hope and the endurance of the unconquerable American spirit.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding public servant from Florida's Thirteenth Congressional District who demonstrated unparalleled integrity, commitment, and skill throughout her tenure as an employee of the Manatee County, Florida, Veteran Services office. Gail French began her career in the Manatee County Veteran Services office as a receptionist over 22 years ago. She received steady promotions due to her professionalism and her selfless initiative in assuming responsibility for the most challenging of tasks. Due to Ms. French's diligence and compassion in coordinating their transportation to Bay Pines, Tampa, and MacDill Air Force Base, thousands of veterans received critical medical attention and prescription drugs. Moreover, she expertly provided additional support for our nation's heroes, such as referrals to community assistance programs, mail and copy services, and mail-outs for medical and claim support. Throughout the years, Ms. French treated every veteran with honor, appreciation, and dignity. At the time of her retirement earlier this summer, she had truly established the gold standard for all who follow her. As a well-deserved commemoration of her years of service, she received an honorary plaque jointly from the Veterans Council and from the Manatee County Veterans Services office on June 27, 2003. Gail French and her husband, Ronald French, enjoy the blessing of three children, four stepchildren, thirteen grand children, and one great grand child. During her retirement, Ms. French plans to devote her time to her golf game and to her family. Mr. Speaker, as we venerate Gail French's contributions to her community, her state, and her nation, may the light of her passionate commitment to our veterans and to the public at large continue to animate our dreams and aspirations as public servants.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a landmark civil rights anniversary in American history, which passed after we had adjourned for the District Work Period in July. Thirteen years ago, the first President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law, launching a new era in our nation's everlasting journey towards equal opportunity for all. This long-overdue legislation finally breathed life into the principle that every American has the right to be a full and equal participant in our society. As Florida's Secretary of State, I was blessed to have the opportunity to apply the mission of the ADA to the cause of election reform. Beginning with my appointment of a Select Task Force in 2001, we worked to remove the obstacles that prevented persons with disabilities in Florida from enjoying the sanctity of the secret ballot and the civic majesty of going to the polls on Election Day. Thanks to powerful advocates from Florida's disabilities community like Pam Dorwarth, Doug Towne, and Richard LaBelle as well as the skilled leadership of Colonel Charley Price in mobilizing our veterans with disabilities, Florida became the first state in the nation to pass wide-ranging legislation vindicating the voting rights of persons with disabilities. As we celebrate how far we have come, we must not forget how many miles we still must travel to truly secure for every American the rights and privileges that most of us take for granted.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a landmark civil rights anniversary in American history, which passed after we had adjourned for the District Work Period in July. Thirteen years ago, the first President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law, launching a new era in our nation's everlasting journey towards equal opportunity for all. This long-overdue legislation finally breathed life into the principal that every American has the right to be a full and equal participant in our society. As Florida's Secretary of State, I was blessed to have the opportunity to apply the mission of the ADA to the cause of election reform. Beginning with my appointment of a Select Task Force in 2001, we worked to remove the obstacles that prevented persons with disabilities in Florida from enjoying the sanctity of the secret ballot and the civic majesty of going to the polls on Election Day. Thanks to powerful advocates from Florida's disabilities community like Pam Dorwarth, Doug Towne, and Richard LaBelle as well as the skilled leadership of Colonel Charley Price in mobilizing our veterans with disabilities, Florida became the first state in the nation to pass wide-ranging legislation vindicating the voting rights of persons with disabilities. As we celebrate how far we have come, we must not forget how many miles we still must travel to truly secure for every American the rights and privileges that most of us take for granted.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, this nation lost one of its greatest lawyers, leaders, and statesmen last week. Chesterfield Smith was not only my neighbor and friend; he was a role model and an icon of probity, integrity, and decency. Chesterfield Smith set the bar for anyone who aspires to a legal or public service career. His model of leadership, vision, and strength of character had an enormous impact upon my family. He sought the truth, regardless of the political consequences. His dedication to our nation's justice system rightly earned him recognition as ``America's Lawyer'' and as ``the conscience of the legal profession.'' Reared in the Southwest Florida town of Arcadia, Chesterfield Smith served his country heroically in World War II, earning the Bronze Star while fighting with General George S. Patton's 3rd Army in Europe. Following his discharge with the rank of major in 1945, he returned to his native Florida to attend law school at the University of Florida. He began his law practice with the firm of Treadwell & Treadwell in Arcadia, joining the firm of Holland, Bevis, & McCrae in the neighboring community of Bartow one year and one-half later. Achieving the status of partner in record time, Chesterfield Smith began to build what would become the nation's eighth largest law firm upon a foundation of skilled professionalism, unassailable ethics, and dedicated public service. In 1964, the Florida Bar recognized Chesterfield Smith's extraordinary leadership abilities by electing him its President. He was appointed Chairman of the Florida Constitutional Revision Commission in 1965, where he challenged and defeated the grip on power of the ``Pork Chop Gang,'' a group of rural Florida legislators who had dominated Florida's state government through the repugnant device of malapportionment. The entire nation became familiar with Chesterfield Smith's courage and unwavering commitment to principle during his presidency of the American Bar Association in 1973 and 1974. Stating his reasoning simply but powerfully through the words ``no man is above the law,'' he issued the first public call for an investigation of President Nixon's role in the Watergate break-in. While his potent sense of justice helped steer our nation through a period of great peril to our Constitution, Chesterfield Smith's fundamental sense of right and wrong helped guide his beloved Florida through the turmoil of the civil rights movement. He served as an outspoken opponent of segregation, while transforming his law firm into a model of diversity. In 1997, Governor Lawton Chiles formally recognized Chesterfield Smith as a Great Floridian. In 2002, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg presented Smith with the Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award, describing him as ``among the brightest, boldest, bravest, all-around most effective lawyers ever bred in Florida and the USA.'' Mr. Speaker, as we mourn the passing of this great American, may the light of his passionate commitment to the legal profession, to our nation, and to humanity at large continue to animate our dreams and aspirations as public servants.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize and congratulate an outstanding Naval Officer, Rear Admiral Gary Roughead, upon his completion of more than two years of distinguished service as the Department of the Navy's Chief of Legislative Affairs for the United States Congress. I am honored as Admiral Roughead's United States Representative to commend his extraordinary achievements on the Navy's behalf from May 2001 thru August 2003 as well as his unparalleled devotion to our great Nation. A 1973 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Admiral Roughead became one of the Navy's finest Surface Warfare Officers. Through his tremendous leadership and vision, he navigated the Navy's legislative agenda through the tumultuous events following September 11, 2001, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This accomplishment alone has established Admiral Roughead's place in history. Due to his incredible mastery of military issues and the legislative process, however, he also ensured favorable Congressional consideration of several high profile matters, such as Readiness and Range Preservation Initiatives (RRPI), DD (X)/ LCS, Vieques, and the Navy/ Marine Corps Intranet. Additionally, Admiral Roughead nurtured strong personal bonds with many Members of Congress and their staff members, while positively impacting the Navy's current and future size, readiness and capabilities through the outstanding counsel and strategic insight that he provided to the Secretary of the Navy and to the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Admiral Roughead was recently nominated for an appointment to the rank of Vice Admiral. In connection with this promotion, he will be assigned as Commander, Second Fleet and Commander, Striking Fleet Atlantic, in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Speaker, I wish Admiral Roughead continued success and fulfillment as he undertakes this new challenge. I know that my colleagues in the House join me in saluting this fine Naval Officer, who embodies the integrity, skill, and professionalism for which we venerate our brave men and women in uniform.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I rise in opposition to this amendment. Mr. Chairman, by opposing this amendment, I do not wish to minimize our constitutional duty to establish our Nation's spending priorities. Even when a President invokes national security as the basis for a funding request, we have the responsibility to scrutinize the underlying justification, disagreeing where we must. The fiscal year 2004 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act carefully balances the foreign policies of Congress and the President. Regrettably, this amendment alters that equilibrium without sufficient cause. President Bush has proposed two historic initiatives that will help win the war on terror through the power of America's compassion and the strength of America's convictions. By virtue of his plan to aggressively fight AIDS in the developing world and his Millennium Challenge Account proposal, the President has presented a comprehensive vision for a safer, freer, healthier and more prosperous world, a goal that we all share. Both of these initiatives deserve our enthusiastic support. Individually, neither of these proposals can achieve our critical humanitarian and strategic objectives. By cutting funding to the Millennium Challenge Account, we would seriously hobble this comprehensive reform of United States assistance to developing nations in this critical first year. In particular, we would risk losing this opportunity to demand action and accountability from recipient governments rather than mere promises. Nevertheless, this amendment inexplicably deprives the Millennium Challenge Account of its necessary funding. The amendment's sponsors have failed to provide us with a compelling rationale for this approach other than the general vital importance of fighting AIDS in the developing world. I do not dispute this basic contention. Yet we must not become so single minded about this objective that we sacrifice the most revolutionary foreign aid proposal since the Marshall Plan. America's ability to win the war on terror depends on how well we use our economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian tools at our disposal to relieve suffering, build stability, and promote freedom and prosperity around the globe. Congress, in agreement with the administration, has painstakingly allocated the resources necessary to achieve these objectives. The stakes are simply too high to sacrifice the reward of sound economic practices and good governance policies in recipient nations that the MCA would encourage. I urge my colleagues to preserve the efficacy of the President's visionary initiative by defeating this amendment.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 2441, the Millennium Challenge Account Authorization Act of 2003 implements President Bush's historic initiative to comprehensively reform how the United States designs, implements, and monitors its financial assistance to the developing world. The President proposed the Millennium Challenge Account, or MCA, as the vehicle for realizing, in his words, ``a new compact for global development defined by a new accountability for both rich and poor nations alike.'' The testimony that this committee heard on March 6 confirmed that many U.S. financial assistance programs have fallen short of their objective in past years. Basing aid allocations upon recipient governments' pledges of future reform, these programs have often funded corruption and waste. Instead of lifting countries out of poverty, the American taxpayer money has lined the pockets of corrupt leaders, consultants and middlemen while perpetuating inefficient and counterproductive government policies. Particularly in the post 9-11 environment, these concerns must not deter us from attempting to foster freedom and prosperity throughout the world. Quite to the contrary, our national security and defense from terrorism depends upon how well we promote these national precursors of peace and stability. Through the MCA, the United States will gradually increase its annual aid to developing nations. Unlike the current economic assistance programs, however, the MCA will distribute this additional assistance based upon the existing record and achievements of eligible nations rather than upon the promises of their governments. Mr. Chairman, this legislation is not perfect, and in particular I remain concerned that the provisions in the current bill limiting the participation of middle income nations will exclude many of our Latin American neighbors that still wrestle with large intractable pockets of poverty. For moral, strategic, and economic reasons, the challenges that confront Latin America must remain at the top of our priorities of our foreign aid and strategy. As the legislative process continues, I will persist in drawing attention to this critical issue. Many Latin American nations can serve as strategic models for the reforms that this legislation tries to encourage. Notwithstanding this one concern, I believe we stand at the cusp of a remarkable achievement. I commend President Bush and our honorable chairman for their extraordinary vision and foresight in proposing this aptly named initiative. They have truly posed a challenge to the nations we seek to assist and a challenge to us all as well.

Ms. HARRIS

Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Chairman, I vigorously support the amendment of the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe). We share one central concern, and that is by limiting the MCA's authority to assist lower middle income countries to a 20 percent cap in the final year of authorization, we undermine the very foundation of President Bush's visionary initiative. Further, basing a country's eligibility for assistance on per capita national income ignores the key reality that in Latin America large subregions labor under tremendous disparity in income. The income of many of these subregions remains far below the income of many of the nations targeted for assistance under the MCA. Chairman Hyde's original draft of this bill included a provision that permitted MCA to consider subregions in determining eligibility. Further, by giving per capita national income levels disproportionate weight, the proponents of this amendment unintentionally penalize the nations that are pursuing the very reforms MCA seeks to promote. We will not find more eager, receptive partners for MCA than our friends and neighbors in the Western Hemisphere. We must stand with them side by side particularly as they confront the poisonous rhetoric that entices them to jettison the extraordinary democratic progress that they have made during this last decade. Absent this amendment, few nations in the Americas may qualify for MCA. Congress must not sacrifice the MCA's desperately needed reforms upon the altar of political expediency. We must find a more balanced approach.