Darrell Issa

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri, and I join with him in urging the passage of this important commemorative piece of legislation recognizing, as the gentleman said, the ``Biggest Little Town in Texas,'' on its 100th anniversary. Certainly Robstown, Texas, located in north central Nueces County, which was established in 1906 by a real estate developer from Iowa, says a great deal about the development of Texas and of the Texas- Mexican railroad connection from the Port of Laredo to the Port of Corpus Christi and along State Highway 44. The sustainability of the small town both before, during and after the Industrial Revolution, throughout a period of development in Texas, took it from a State that was rural in every sense to a State today that is both filled with high-tech and with world headquarters. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in urging quick support and ratification of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I, too, have reviewed the post office naming and find it to be one of the most thoughtful and merit-oriented namings that we have had in a long time. And with that, I yield 10 minutes to the gentlelady from Michigan (Mrs. Miller), the author of this bill.

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

Mr. ISSA

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

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, often the most absurd example is what forces us to look, and look more carefully, at flaws in our legislation. This one is a good example. Chris Frecking is a citizen of the United States who has been employed at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco for the last 16 years. Mr. Frecking was born in the Philippines to an American father in 1968 and was sworn in as a U.S. citizen in 1990. But there lies the rub. He was sworn in as an American citizen. He came here from the Philippines after he turned 18 unaware that he should register with the Selective Service after there was in fact no draft or likelihood of anyone being called if they did. He failed to do so. He did try, though, when he discovered that this was a lifetime requirement in 1994. But, in fact, this was not allowed. This is a gentleman who has been a good citizen, who in fact fell through the cracks. This legislation today after careful scrutiny in harmony with many organizations but most importantly at the leadership of the director of the Selective Service, in fact, makes it possible for us to continue to urge men to register for the Selective Service and treats them fairly if, through no fault of their own, they fail to do so. I urge the swift passage of this bill. It is good legislation. It corrects a minor flaw. I join with my colleague from California in saying that sometimes the best legislation is small and bipartisan but makes a big difference in people's lives. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 20 years of exemplary service that Serge S. Duarte has given to this great country. Serge S. Duarte, a native of southern California, is the Deputy Special Agent in Charge in San Diego for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Office of Investigations. From March 1987 to 2003, Mr. Duarte served in a variety of management, supervisory, and Federal investigative roles with the U.S. Customs Service. During his first 5 years with Customs, Mr. Duarte conducted extensive undercover investigations penetrating international narcotics trafficking organizations. In March 2003, the U.S. Customs Service merged under the newly created Department of Homeland Security. Under this new organization, Mr. Duarte oversees a large Federal law enforcement workforce that conducts investigations into terrorism, protection of critical infrastructure, money laundering, commercial fraud, copyright protection, criminal gangs, immigration fraud, cyber crimes, and narcotics smuggling. He is responsible for enforcement operations that have identified and removed over 500 unauthorized aliens illegally working at airports, military installations, Government shipyards and other critical infrastructure facilities in San Diego. Additionally, over 100 persons in the San Diego area involved in sexual predation and child pornography have been arrested or deported. Finally, he oversees investigations into criminal organizations that are responsible for the illegal transfer of military aircraft hardware and restricted technology from the United States to Iran, China and other proscribed countries. Mr. Duarte received a masters in public administration from National University in 2003. He is also a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar and the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA, and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He is the Chair of the Border Research Technology Center Advisory Council, and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Area Maritime Security Council, the National Tactical Officers Association, the California Narcotic Officers Association, the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. On behalf of the people of the United States, whom Serge Duarte spent a career serving, I thank him for his service and commitment to the defense of our Nation.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, this past week, the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) convened in Madrid, Spain to choose the countries that will chair the organization for the next three years. The 56 member nations of the OSCE voted to give the chairmanship to Greece in 2009, Kazakhstan in 2010, and Lithuania for 2011. All of these countries should be congratulated for being awarded this important duty. The selection of Kazakhstan as chair for 2010 is especially significant for several important reasons. First, Kazakhstan will be the first ex-Soviet republic to assume the chairmanship of the OSCE, which is quite timely given that many of the countries in region are continuing to struggle with the transition from communism to full democracy. Kazakhstan, as the largest country in the region, may be in the best position to promote the OSCE's principal mandates of respect for human rights and advancing democracy. Conversely, while OSCE ministers were meeting, Russia conducted parliamentary elections in open contempt of OSCE's election monitoring program. Reacting to a series of obstructions and delays clearly intended to frustrate their work, the OSCE finally concluded that Russian authorities had made it impossible for monitoring activities to occur before or during the December 2 election. By contrast, Kazakhstan fully cooperated with OSCE's monitoring and reporting during its August 18 parliamentary election. It allowed 1,200 election observers to cover 1,743 polling stations, whereas Russia set a limit of 450 international observers for its 95,000 polling stations. Prior to its election, Kazakhstan adopted reforms to increase the transparency and integrity of its elections and ensure public access to election information and the media. The same reforms are being rolled back in Russia. Kazakhstan may well be that alternative. At the meeting in Madrid, Kazakhstan's foreign minister, Marat Tazhin, stated that ``Kazakhstan accepts with a strong sense of duty and firm commitment the role of Chairman-in-Office of OSCE for 2010'' and pledged to uphold and protect OSCE's election-monitoring activities. The other Commonwealth-of-Independent States in the former Soviet union are surely observing these developments as they approach their own political crossroads. One path is the Russian way of ``managed democracy,'' currently being exemplified by President Vladimir Putin, which includes consolidation of power within his inner circle, the removal of human rights and press freedoms, and a worrying shift towards more authoritarian rule. The other path is the Kazakh way, which includes improving freedoms for the press and human rights groups, greater confidence in the rule of law, and a strengthening of democratic values. It is my sincere hope that the other CIS countries will take the latter path. Madam Speaker, the Bush administration has rightly put democratization in the forefront of its foreign policy, but it does not come quickly or easily to countries that have only known authoritarian rule. Kazakhstan is such a country and while it is not yet a full-fledged democracy, it is definitely moving in the right direction and is deserving of our support to head the OSCE in 2010.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make the vote for H.R. 2085. Had I been present, I would have voted for H.R. 2085.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to yield such time as he may consume to the author of this bill, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3974. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of this bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in Round Rock, Texas, as the ``Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office Building'' in honor of the late Marine Corporal Steven P. Gill, a 24 year old Marine Corps reservist killed near Zaidon, Iraq by an IED on July 21, 2005. A native of Round Rock, Corporal Gill was not only a model soldier, but also a model citizen. After graduating from Westwood High School in 1999, he enrolled in Concordia University. Corporal Gill planned to enter the seminary, but his work with children and church youth groups inspired him to pursue a life as a youth minister. Then, on September 11, 2001, his life, like so many other American's, changed dramatically. In the words of his father, Bill Gill, ``When he saw those towers crashing, he had to do something.'' Convinced by his father to finish the semester, Corporal Gill enlisted in the Marines in January, 2002, later assigned to the 4th Marine Division, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, based in San Antonio, the same unit his father served in years ago. Corporal Gill is a shining example of an individual who continually and selflessly served those around him, both through his work for his community and his country. His spirit lives on through the work of his mother, Rose Gill, who, despite losing her job in wake of his death, continues to promote the Marines and the sacrifice of her son. Three months after his death she ran in the Marine Corps Marathon and has run in his honor every year since, raising money for wounded soldiers. ``He knew the sacrifice he might be called to make, and he accepted that,'' his father said. I urge you to honor that sacrifice and the amazing life of this genuine American hero. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I join with my fellow colleague from California in support of H.R. 3569, a bill to name the post office on Santa Ana Avenue in Fontana after Beatrice ``Bea'' E. Watson. She was truly a pillar of the community and well-recognized in Fontana. As my colleague said, the California delegation uniquely requires 53 cosponsors in order to bring a bill. That means that a very diverse State, the most diverse in the Nation, has to come together on these post office namings. This is an example when we did. Bea dedicated her life to the community and in every sense was in fact a true Californian, although in fact, like myself, she was born in Ohio and came to California at age 20. She originally moved to San Bernardino where she attended the San Bernardino Community College. She then worked for the telephone company as an administrator for Pacific Bell. Only years later did she arrive in Fontana. Nevertheless, her dedication allowed her to become truly a pillar of the community, a city councilwoman, and to serve in various capacities for the rest of her life, through both Fontana's 50th and 75th anniversaries. It is not lightly that we consider naming post offices after people not in the postal community, and I join with my colleague today and the California delegation unanimously urging passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3470. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge the passing of this bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 744 West Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville, Georgia, as the ``John Sidney `Sid' Flowers Post Office Building''. A native of Liberty County, Sid Flowers served in the U.S. Army before attending law school at Mercer. Despite distinguishing himself as a top scholar at Mercer, he opted not to pursue high profile law firms in Atlanta. Instead he returned to his hometown where he served the county as Solicitor General for nearly four decades. But his public service did not end there. Mr. Flowers was best known for his pro bono legal work, contributing his advice to the First Presbyterian Church and the church's school at no charge. Mr. Flowers not only gave back to the community professionally, but also through his generous, often anonymous, contributions. His munificence took many forms, whether it was through community service or anonymously picking up the tab for soldiers dining at local restaurants. When Mr. Flowers passed on August 21, 2006, Liberty County lost the consummate public servant. A kind and humble man, his passionate and selfless commitment to his community and country undoubtedly deserves tribute. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this bill to publicly honor this man, not only for his public service, but for the intangible generosity of his spirit. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston), the author of the bill.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to join with the gentleman from Virginia, my friend, in enthusiastically supporting this legislation. After 50 years of this kind of a Council of Governments' working, it deserves the recognition it will receive here on the House floor today. I certainly believe that Mr. Moran has done a very, very good job of outlining the 50 years of success, beginning in April of 1957, and I think we should briefly reflect on what 1957 until day was all about. This is a time in which the District of Columbia went through terrible upheaval. Maryland and Virginia had to reinvent themselves. All of this could not have been done without the kind of cooperation that this council produced. I think it is certainly unique to have the District of Columbia and two States, five counties, two cities and dozens of Maryland counties all working together. These jurisdictions are cooperating. I think that is a legacy that has only half finished its work. I think on a bipartisan basis we all recognize the improvements in the quality of living here, the transportation and infrastructure that makes it possible for us to get to work by road or by rail. So, I look forward to this organization continuing for another 50 years serving what is today 1.6 million people, and certainly a growing population, both in and out of the district. With that, I very much urge passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of S. Con. Res. 45 because there is in fact nothing, nothing more despicable than those who prey upon children. Whether that abuse is physical, psychological or sexual, this crime destroys lives, harms families, and all too often is perpetrated with a cruelty that is unreported and unseen. I support the work of this foundation and its recognition that the National Football League players can off the field make a real contribution to making America a better, safer place. Whether it is John Elway or Joe Montana or any of the other past recipients of this award, they have in fact worked long and hard, not for millions of dollars or thousands of dollars, but for the good of the young people who are our future in this country. Therefore, I too join my colleague and urge the House to unanimously support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of S. Con. Res. 45, which commends the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work to prevent child abuse. Mr. Speaker, there is nothing sadder in this country than the specter of children being abused by adults. Whether it's physical, psychological or sexual abuse, these crimes destroy lives, harm families and, all too often, perpetuate cruelty and crime for generations. The award, named for the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts, recognizes the NFL player whose off-the-field efforts have done the most in that year to raise awareness of this often hidden crime. Past winners include Dan Marino, Tedy Bruschi, Joe Klecko, John Elway, Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott. Mr. Speaker, we thank Baltimore for crabcakes and Billie Holliday and Camden Yards and Cal Ripken. And today, we thank Charm City for this. The award was the vision of Sam Lamantia Jr., a Baltimore hair stylist. The courage award concept was initiated by Ernie Accorsi, a longtime NFL executive who served as general manager in Baltimore in the early 1980s. Larry Harris, then assistant sports editor of the Baltimore Evening Sun, had the idea to name the award for Block, a forward- thinking, innovative trainer who had a lifelong passion for preventing and addressing child abuse. The NFL's athletic trainers worked to take the award to a national level. Today, it represents a cooperative effort of the foundation, the NFL, the NFL Players Association, the NFL Alumni Association, NFL films, the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Pete Rozelle, the league's late commissioner, was among its biggest supporters. The foundation has helped open Courage Houses, sanctuaries for abused children, in 14 NFL cities. Its annual awards ceremony attracts speakers from the highest levels of the sport. It's been a great partnership, Mr. Speaker, between pro football and the Ed Block Foundation, and it is worthy of our commendation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to bring greater awareness to World Diabetes Day. As my colleague said, 225,000 people per year die in the United States alone from diabetes. But I believe that, as we recognize this day, we have to recognize that diabetes doesn't just kill; diabetes debilitates. It causes blindness. It takes away all or part of limbs. It slows people down in their day-to-day ability to enjoy life. One of the great inventors of our time invented the insulin pump, which allowed people to not have to periodically stop to take medicine, but it didn't change the debilitating effect that artificially-given insulin causes. We do not have a cure for diabetes today. We need to continue working toward that, as many of our pharmaceutical companies are. So bringing awareness to this is just a first step in making sure that the United States, Europe, and the other developed nations work hard to find real cures for this dreadful disease. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of H. Con. Res. 211, which supports the goals and ideals of World Diabetes Day. Mr. Speaker, diabetes is among the most lethal diseases known to man. It kills about 225,000 people per year in the United States alone-- fifth among disease-related deaths and roughly equal to the population of New Orleans or Madison, WI. And it's generally believed to be significantly under-reported on death certificates, especially among the old--who may endure multiple chronic conditions, many caused by diabetes. Because, as anyone who has diabetes knows all too well, when you have diabetes, you don't just have diabetes. The disease leads to increased risk of a number of seriously, sometimes life-threatening complications. These include--but certainly aren't limited to--heart disease and stroke, blindness, high blood pressure, kidney disease, nervous-system disease, dental disease, even pregnancy complications. Strokes and heart disease are two to four times more likely for those with diabetes than those without, and diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness cases in the United States. Most of these associated health problems can be avoided with good diabetes control, but many people don't realize they have diabetes until it has caused one of these other diseases. Indeed, of the 21 million people in the United States who have diabetes, nearly a third don't yet know it. Those who do spend about one in every 10 dollars we spend on health care in this country. Mr. Speaker, I applaud efforts such as World Diabetes Day that call attention to the problems this disease causes and the need for further research and outreach. We need to do what we can to solve this mystery and slow this killer--both to alleviate the pain, suffering and expense of our fellow citizens afflicted by the disease and for our own economic benefit. Experts say diabetes costs the U.S. economy $132 billion per year. That's what we spend on telecom in a year. It's the total Gross Domestic Product of Singapore and matches, roughly, what the country spends on all research and development in a year. Mr. Speaker, I know people who suffer from diabetes. So does everyone in this House. Approving a resolution does not do much to alleviate that suffering. But today, it is what we have the opportunity to do. Let us do it. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, ``We cannot dedicate . . . we cannot consecrate . . . we cannot hallow . . . this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.'' The words of Abraham Lincoln hold as much meaning today as they did when he spoke to them in Gettysburg in 1863. Today we remember two men who gave their lives for our protection. Border Patrol agents Theodore L. Newton, Jr., and George F. Azrak, are 2 of the 104 Customs and Border Patrol agents who have been killed in the line of duty. Madam Speaker, today we will have the opportunity to honor the lives of two brave public servants when we vote to designate the United States Border Patrol Station in Murrieta, CA, as the ``Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak Border Patrol Station.'' Border Patrol agents Newton and Azrak selflessly gave their lives in the line of duty. During their patrol on the morning of June 17, 1967, Agents Newton and Azrak stopped an old military ambulance at a checkpoint, and inside the vehicle, they found 800 pounds of marijuana. There were two men in the ambulance and two in a car following behind, all were convicted felons and all were well armed. The four armed men overpowered the two agents and forced them to drive to a remote cabin where they handcuffed and murdered Agents Newton and Azrak. Over 400 law enforcement agents and volunteers searched the remote terrain for 2 days before the agents were finally found. The murders of Agents Newton and Azrak prompted the Border Patrol to adopt new safety measures--including increasing manpower, adopting more up-to-date technology and implementing a new policy requiring at least three agents and a backup unit to work at each checkpoint--to ensure that this terrible incident would not be repeated. United States Customs and Border Patrol agents have a long history of working thanklessly to make our country safer. Every day they protect our borders against terrorism and, when needed, step in to assist in the face of national disasters. Just last week, San Diego area CBP personnel were deployed to assist in wildfire emergency response. However, it has not been tradition to name Border Patrol stations after people; they are instead named for location. Undoubtedly, the Newton-Azrak Station will continue to be referred to by its Murrieta location, but its official title will be the ``Theodore L. Newton, Jr., and George F. Azrak Border Patrol Station,'' in honor of the heroes who gave their lives for the safety of others. As we honor and remember the fallen agents, I would like to thank all of our Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection personnel for their service and commitment to the safety and security of all Americans.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is an excellent example of bipartisan behavior in the drafting. It reflects quite well what we went through in California last week. Particularly, I take note of the fact that this was the largest fire because it had the most fuel. This is one of the challenges we face in California. We have hundreds of thousands of acres that may not have been cleared or burned in more than three decades. That continues to be a challenge. And this body has to take some initiative to correct that. We need to have the ability to clear areas before they burn. But even if we do, there will be fires. I would hope for many of the people that hear us today and read the Record of today's Journal that they will recognize that some of the information that perhaps was put out was incorrect over the airwaves. Many people talked in terms of too many people too close to wilderness. When the President visited Congressman Bilbray and my district, Rancho Bernardo, which is at the heart of our two districts, Rancho Bernardo is a suburban, ``Leave It to Beaver'' community. This is an area with an interstate on both sides of it. The fire went on both sides of a 10-lane interstate. It jumped it because 80-mile-an-hour winds will do that. We didn't create that in California; California had that when we arrived. On the hilltops, firefighters were looking at just ordinary backyards, sometimes hillsides, but ordinary backyards of half-acre, acre lots, or less, and in fact trying to save the houses on them. So, I would hope that people throughout the country, when they try to characterize what went on in California, would take an opportunity to meet with somebody from the districts in California, Congressman Filner, Congressman Bilbray, myself, and others, because we saw firsthand that firefighters had residential fires from 80-mile-an-hour- , 100-degree-driven firestorms. Additionally, I would like to bring up something that may not often cross the awareness of the men and women around the country who know about this fire, and that is we not only executed in San Diego County all of the plays that were in the playbook, all of the things which were written on how to fight a fire well from Malibu to the Mexican border, but additionally we wrote some new chapters. I am very proud that the United States Marines of Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps Air Station at Miramar joined the fight for the first time beyond those who were part of the plan. We were able to mobilize, on any given day, as many as eight additional aircraft which had never been designated to fight fires off the base. They were made available due to the initiative of the Northern Command and of Major General Lehnert and others in the chain of command who said, We have the ability to fight fire. We fight them on our bases every day. We will bring those to bear. With cooperation from the department called CAL FIRE in California and the Governor's office, that was made to happen in less than 48 hours. So when the book is written on the evacuation and on the fighting of the fire in Southern California, yes, it was devastating for over 5,000 families that lost homes, that lost commercial buildings, that lost trailers or that, in fact, lost their farms and ranches, but, in fact, this was a well-fought fire in which the people of San Diego came together to do the right thing. I am very proud of the people of San Diego and all of Southern California. I am also very thankful for the United States Marine Corps and the other first responders who made such a difference in our time of need. I thank you for this resolution, and I support and encourage all those to vote for it.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Thank you, Mr. Ranking Member. Mr. Speaker, the chairman of this committee cannot have it both ways. And the Speaker of the House cannot have it both ways. In their blind hatred for this administration and the President, they would have you believe on Tuesday of last week that you must believe the Ministry of Interior in Iraq and you must believe that the veterans, now serving for Blackwater, murdered in cold blood 17 Iraqis who were unarmed, defenseless, simply for the sport of it. On Tuesday, that is what Erik Prince had to deal with on the orders of Speaker Pelosi and dealt out by Chairman Waxman. That was Tuesday. By Thursday, we were looking at what we see here today, that the administration was covering up so much corruption, particularly the corruption of the Ministry of Interior. Mr. Speaker, I am going to vote for this resolution not because it is flawless. It has its understandable flaws. But I am going to vote for it because in the whereases it says, whereas, the independent commission on security forces of Iraq chaired by General James L. Jones (Retired) reported on September 6, 2007 that ``sectarianism and corruption are pervasive in the Ministry of Interior and cripple the ministry's ability to accomplish its mission.'' It goes on and on to make the point I am making, just as the majority has already made, Mr. Speaker, and that is that in order to believe that combat veterans, special forces veterans, Green Berets and special forces SEALS now out of the military and out of harm's way in Iraq working for Blackwater, in order to believe that they murdered in cold blood defenseless civilians at an intersection just for sport just after a bomb went off, you would have had to believe the Minister of Interior. And Mr. Waxman would have had the committee believe that on Tuesday. But by Thursday, of course, we have the coverup of such rampant corruption. Yet in the very, very resolution, we have an independent commission headed by a distinguished former general say, in no uncertain terms, there is rampant and widespread corruption. That has not been taken back by the administration. Mr. Speaker, what I would say is Mr. Waxman and the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, cannot have it both ways. They cannot go after our troops in harm's way, our contractors serving in those capacities similar, most of them, if not all of them veterans, they cannot denounce every aspect of this war, how we got there and when we go there and then say, but this group is so corrupt we must leave. The previous speaker, Mr. Speaker, went out of his way to say the third from the bottom in corruption is Iraq, never mentioning that Burma was below that. Burma managed to be one of the two at the very bottom. Mr. Speaker, would the majority have us pull out our representation and support in Burma and leave to those who are already the victims of corruption an even more corrupt government? Or would they, given that this administration in their view is not doing enough, say, We should do more, we should engage, we should spend the money insisting on transparency and reform? Mr. Speaker, I am voting for this resolution because, in fact, I believe the majority and the minority should agree that there is corruption, corruption so widespread in Iraq for the Minister of Interior to frame men and women in harm's way in order to get them out of the way. I do not want this body and this Congress to be a party to framing Americans who are putting their lives on the line as patriots in Iraq. I ask that people support it on both sides, not because Mr. Waxman isn't trying to have it both ways, but because, in fact, there is corruption in Iraq, and hopefully, at some point, he will begin to believe loyal Americans over those very corrupt entities that he denounces in other parts of his resolution.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I have no objection as long as the admonishment of the Chair would be that, in fact, there is a caution as to disparaging or appearing to disparage the office or the person of the President or the Vice President under our rules.

Mr. ISSA. I thank the gentleman, and that is an acceptable UC.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I ask that his words be taken down for disparagement of the Bush administration.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2102, the Free Flow of Information Act. This bill goes too far in jeopardizing our national security. The freedom of the press is an immensely important principal in our democratic society. That is why the Department of Justice (DOJ) has for the past 35 years followed a policy that strictly limits when Federal prosecutors are allowed to issue subpoenas to the press. These standards are so difficult to meet that prosecutors, under this current policy, are commonly discouraged from even seeking a subpoena for a reporter in the first place. These protections, which are far reaching, should not be absolute. When critical, highly sensitive national security information is illegally disclosed to members of the news media and published for every enemy of America to see--Federal prosecutors must be empowered to aggressively investigate the disclosure of that information and the prosecution of those responsible. We simply cannot erect obstacles which hamstring Federal law enforcement when sensitive government secrets are divulged. Such disclosure can be treasonous, and reporters should not be able to protect individuals who jeopardize our national security. American lives are more important than the privilege of anonymity that reporters promise to a source who is compromising our nation's secrets. According to the DOJ, the ``unduly narrow exception to the legislation's broad prohibition on compelled disclosure would hinder efforts to investigate and prosecute those who have leaked classified information, undermine the ability of law enforcement to investigate national security breaches that have already occurred, and weaken Federal efforts to mitigate damage to national security that has already taken place.'' As a member of both the Committees on Judiciary and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I find these faults with the bill unacceptable. While I do not stand in opposition to my friends Representatives Mike Pence and Rick Boucher, the primary sponsors of this legislation, I must ask my colleagues to vote no on this bill. H.R. 2102 establishes new dangers without sufficient justification.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians Reservation in Temecula, California. For more than 10,000 years, the Pechanga have lived in the Temecula Valley region of Southern California, where they have been stewards of the land. The Pechanga lived peacefully on this land and prospered until the arrival of Spanish missionaries at the end of the 18th Century. For the next 75 years after the arrival of the Missions, the Pechanga faced a dark period of pain and oppression in servitude to the missionaries. Eventually, they were forcefully removed from their land and relocated to the hills south of Temecula. It was not until June 27, 1882, by an executive order by President Chester A. Arthur that a reservation was established upon a portion of the lands historically belonging to the Pechanga tribe. After the establishment of the reservation, the tribe faced many challenges including floods, fires, droughts, economic scarcity, and disease. Yet through these challenges the Pechanga managed to maintain their customs, tradition, language, desire for self-determination, and hope for a better tomorrow. Now the Pechanga are at a point where the present and the future look much brighter than the past. Members of the tribe have a sense of optimism that they can build a better life for their people and the Temecula Valley as a whole. They have the economic resources to create opportunities for thousands of California families, and they work to maintain a strong and respectful relationship with the federal government. It is my sincere hope that the next 125 years will be even brighter and more prosperous for the Pechanga Tribe, the Temecula Valley, and our great nation.