Darrell Issa

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the team of civilian engineers stationed at the Cold Weather Test Detachment, in Ladd, Alaska during World War II. I first became aware of the significant contributions of the engineers at Ladd Field through the first hand accounts of my constituent, Mr. Paul J. Burchett. From 1942 to 1945, Mr. Burchett and his colleagues served at the Cold Weather Test Detachment in Ladd, Alaska. Civilian employees, Mr. Burchett and his colleagues voluntarily worked alongside our servicemen during the war. They endured extreme weather conditions and worked to ensure the safety of our pilots and our planes in the frigid temperatures of Alaska. The contribution that Mr. Burchett and his colleagues made to support the war effort will not be forgotten. Even today, their innovative work is still used for both commercial and military applications. While at Ladd Field, Mr. Burchett's commanding officer, Colonel R. Stewart, highly praised Mr. Burchett, and his work. In a report to Mr. Burchett's company, Stewart wrote, ``As a result of his diligence and interest, Mr. Burchett was most helpful in assisting maintenance personnel of this organization. As a result of his efforts, many of the problems which were experienced were readily overcome, thus averting a serious loss of time. Mr. Burchett was keenly interested in his work, and spent many hours over the normal working day in accomplishing his mission.'' After World War II, Mr. Burchett worked as a professor at Pasadena City College for 35 years. While there, he continued to develop after- war designs for experimental aircraft. Mr. Burchett helped develop aircraft for Lockheed from 1937-1959. While working for Lockheed, Mr. Burchett helped develop the first working jet fighter. Mr. Burchett, now 90 years of age, has led a remarkable life. Until recently his work at Ladd Field was classified. This is why I now wish to recognize that work and commend Mr. Burchett on a lifetime of dedicated service to his nation. He deserves our respect and gratitude.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Rancho Buena Vista Little League all star team and their coaches. I want to congratulate them on an outstanding performance at the recent Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I want to recognize Manager Marty Miller and Coaches Joe Pimentel and Randy Reznicek, whose years of service to the community through Little League Baseball at Rancho Buena Vista have inspired many young athletes throughout our community. It is through the dedication, strength of character, and devotion of men like Marty, Joe and Randy that these young men have flourished, not only in athletic skill but in character. The Rancho Buena Vista Little League team won 25 of the 26 games they played last season and made it to the United States Championship game. They displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout both the regular season and during the Little League World Series. From the first pitch of the season to the Little League World Series finals, they played the game with dignity and won our respect in the process. Unquestionably, the players on the Rancho Buena Vista Little League team are not only exceptional athletes but also exceptional young men. They played with resolve and focus in the face of spirited competition and I am proud to be their Representative, and to stand in their honor today, Mr. Speaker. Their accomplishments serve as an example of the positive impact that Little League baseball has on its young participants. Once again I would like to congratulate the players on the Rancho Buena Vista Little League Team--Royce Copeland, Daniel Gibney, Danny Vivier, Johnny Lee, Josh Gomez, Aaron Kim, Kalen Pimentel, Austin White, Dylan de Meyer, Ryan Gura, Nathan Lewis, Reed Reznicek and their coaches--on their remarkable achievement. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding these young men for their exceptional accomplishments and continued success.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 432, I was chair of a subcommittee and had to complete the Record. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 433, I was chair of a subcommittee and did not reach the vote in time. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chairman, I had submitted an amendment made in order by the rule to strike proposed changes to U.S. economic and military aid to Egypt because of concerns I have that these changes may harm the U.S.-Egypt security relationship. I decided not to offer this amendment. Egypt is a friend and ally of the United States and their contributions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terrorism have made important contributions to our security and that of our military personnel serving abroad. Egypt is also a source of stability and leadership in the Middle East--they played an important role in convincing Syria to withdraw its military from Lebanon and have made important efforts to support peace and security for Israelis and the Palestinians. Consider Egypt's role in Iraq alone. From the beginning of U.S. operations there, Egypt has provided Suez Canal transits and landing and overflight rights. Egypt permitted emergency transit of the Suez Canal when the 4th Infantry Division was not permitted to stage from Turkey, saving weeks of transit time around the Horn of Africa. Moreover, since the U.S.S. Cole was attacked in 2000 at the entrance to the Red Sea, Egypt has provided the increased security necessary to prevent any attacks on U.S. forces transiting through the Suez Canal or other Egyptian facilities. Egypt sent an ambassador to the new government in Iraq to help support the new and democratic government that has been chosen by the Iraqi people. Sadly, the Egyptian ambassador to Iraq, Ihab ai-Sharif, was kidnapped and murdered by the same insurgents who have claimed 1,775 lives of our troops. Egyptians, like the people of the United Kingdom, have also been the victims of terrorism committed by Islamic extremists. The recent terrorist bombing in Sharm el-Sheikh against the people and Government of Egypt was a clear strike against a partner in the global war on terrorism. The need for continued security and military cooperation between the U.S. and Egypt could not be clearer. Because of the contributions Egypt has made as a valued friend and ally, many of my colleagues, the administration, our military leaders at CENTCOM, have expressed deep concerns that the changes to military assistance proposed in section 921 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act could significantly harm the U.S.-Egypt security relationship that has been so critical for our efforts to promote peace between Israel and the Arab world and our ability to stop terrorist attacks. I also have concerns about whether the proposed restructuring of economic aid to Egypt contained in section 921 will actually yield substantive benefits for the Egyptian people. Mr. Chairman, my district is home to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The safety of Marines from Camp Pendleton serving in Iraq is significantly increased due to support provided by Egypt. Without the active support of Egypt for U.S. operations in Iraq, transit times for U.S. ships to the theater of operation would be considerably longer and more dangerous. Supplying troops in Iraq would also take longer and cost more. And finally, without Egyptian leadership in the Arab world, the political reconstruction of Iraq would be even more complicated and far-off. But perhaps most important, Mr. Chairman, is the fact that our Marines from Camp Pendleton will be able to come home, and stay home, in only one way: when Iraqi security forces are finally able to provide stability in their own country. This goal will be achieved more quickly because of efforts being made by Egypt to train Iraqi security personnel. Maintaining the close working military-to-military relationship developed with Egypt over the past 26 years is important to successfully completing our mission in Iraq and bringing American troops home. Fundamentally altering that relationship seems ill advised to me. We must be certain that the actions we take enhance his ability to fight the war on terrorism whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere else in the region. Mr. Chairman, despite my concerns I recognize that Chairman Hyde and I share common goals of strengthening America's security relationship with Egypt and helping the people of Egypt build strong democratic institutions and a vibrant free market economy. I would also add that I support his efforts and those of the ranking member, Mr. Lantos, to seek new ways to strengthen U.S.-Egypt relations. I would, furthermore, like to thank Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for agreeing to continue to work with me and the administration in order to protect our national interests and to help Egypt achieve the economic and political reform it needs.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 384, ``Condemning in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in Sharm el- Sheikh, Egypt, on July 23, 2005.'' I wish to express my condolences to the families of those killed in last week's terrorist attacks, and my sympathy to those injured in the bombings. I would also like to join with Presdient's George W. Bush in expressing the solidarity of the people and government of the United States with the people and government of Egypt. The United States stands ready to support the Egyptian authorities in their efforts to bring to justice those responsible for these cowardly attacks. These attacks, again, make plain the fact that the Global War on Terrorism is not a way of the West against the Muslim world but a war being fought between those who value freedom and democracy and respect for human rights and those who kill innocent civilians. Egypt is a friend and ally of the United States. The people of the United States stand by the people of Egypt at this time tragedy.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2977, introduced by the distinguished gentleman and colleague and classmate of mine, the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rehberg), would name the post office in Brockway, Montana, as the ``Paul Kasten Post Office Building.'' The bill honors rural mail carrier Paul Kasten for his more than five decades of dependable work in the Postal Service. Mr. Kasten began his postal career in 1947. Believe it or not, in the early years he delivered the mail on horseback. After his lengthy career, Kasten retired earlier this year at the age of 86. He is a credit to the tremendous work performed by the entire Postal Service. That is why we are so pleased to see the House is considering an appropriate honor. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rehberg) for his work, and I ask that this postal naming be approved on behalf of Paul Kasten. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2977) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 306 2nd Avenue in Brockway, Montana, as the ``Paul Kasten Post Office Building''.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.J. Res. 59, H. Con. Res. 181, H. Res. 329, H. Res. 289, H. Res. 294, H.R. 2977, H.R. 2894, S. 775, S. 571, and H.R. 3339.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to urge all my colleagues to support the effort to name the post office in Holdenville, Oklahoma, where Boone Pickens was born in 1928; and I congratulate our distinguished Senator and my friend, Senator Jimmy Inhofe, on recognizing the importance of T. Boone Pickens in both business and philanthropy. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in support of S. 775, a bill to name the postal facility at 123 W. 7th Street in Holdenville, Oklahoma, as the Boone Pickens Post Office. Well-known businessman Boone Pickens has personified the American Dream through his hard work and determination. Early in his professional life and career, Pickens grew frustrated working at a large impersonal company. Instead of enduring the daily struggle through the organizational red tape, he decided to start his own business in 1956 at age 28. This nascent company ultimately evolved into one of the leading oil and gas exploration firms in the Nation, the Mesa Petroleum Company. But more important, the House is considering this honor for Boone Pickens not because of his business success but for his philanthropy. Over the years, Pickens has generously invested in his alma mater, Oklahoma State University, supported a wide range of medical research initiatives, and several other scientific and social causes. Boone Pickens has contributed his time, energy, and resources to make America a better place to live and work; and for these reasons, I support S. 775 today, and I ask my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

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

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Senate 571, sponsored in the other body by the distinguished Senator from New York, Senator Charles Schumer, honors the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 20, 1924, Shirley Chisholm spent a lifetime advocating civil rights for all Americans. After graduating with honors from Brooklyn College, Shirley Chisholm worked at the Mount Cavalry Child Care Center in Harlem for several years. Later, she founded the Unity Democrat Club, which mobilized black and Hispanic voters. In 1964, Shirley Chisholm ran for and won a State assembly seat in the New York General Assembly. During her term, Ms. Chisholm most notably championed bills to aid day care centers and schools. In 1968, she campaigned and was elected as the Representative from New York's Twelfth District to the United States Congress, where she served until 1982. Throughout her tenure, Congresswoman Chisholm boldly spoke out on civil rights, women's liberties, and issues specifically affecting those in need. In 1972, Congresswoman Chisholm was emboldened and encouraged, as many are, to run for President. That year, she sought the Democrat nomination for President and in doing so became the first African American woman to run for the White House on a major party ticket. She received nearly 5 percent of the vote in the Democrat national convention, losing the nomination to then--Senator George McGovern of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, Shirley Chisholm sadly passed away on January 1 of this year. It is clear that Shirley Chisholm touched her colleagues and constituents with her courageous and groundbreaking public service career. Thus, it is appropriate to name the post office located in her hometown of Brooklyn in Congresswoman Chisholm's honor. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting Senate 571. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

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

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis), the author of the bill, and just note that I feel I am on the path between Kentucky and Illinois here, with my own birthplace being Ohio.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it would be nearly impossible to pay sufficient homage to President Abraham Lincoln, our sixteenth President of the United States. President Lincoln was a man whose convictions enabled the emancipation of thousands from slavery and led to the preservation of the Union, which allowed our United States to develop into a strong and free Nation that it is today. In our efforts to commend these and other contributions, it should be recognized that Lincoln's greatness extended far beyond the reaches of his Presidency. Today, however, through the consideration of this legislation, H.R. 2894, we focus on the humble origins that produced for us this great President. Considered by many to be our greatest President, we are designating Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace Post Office Building, for it was in Kentucky that he was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin near Hardin County, Kentucky. During his childhood, Lincoln's determined spirited led him to covet education and to develop an insatiable appetite for reading and learning. Undoubtedly as a result, Lincoln's incredible oratorical capacity strengthened his political influence throughout his life. He effectively appealed to the Nation in such unforgettable speeches as the Gettysburg Address, the Second Inaugural Address, and the famous ``House Divided'' speech. He truly used his verbal skills to his fullest advantage. As I am sure the distinguished sponsor of H.R. 2894 would assert, Lincoln's characteristic determination embodied the hard-nosed and ambitious attitude with which Kentuckians as he are often associated. His labors to free the slaves and preserve the Union positively impacted our Nation to an extent that cannot be overstated. Again, we have often looked at President Lincoln as our greatest President. We have often honored him. But I think it is particularly important to recognize that H.R. 2894 speaks not to the State from which he heralded at the time of his election, not about the end of his life, but Kentucky, the place of the origin and the roots of his life. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany), the author of the bill.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 294, which was introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany). This legislation tells the story of the Great Upheaval, which is an event that, while perhaps little known to many Americans, helped shape the culture and history of the State of Louisiana. The Great Upheaval refers to the expulsion of the Acadian population of Nova Scotia by the British in the mid-18th century, which is the origins of these original French settlers of the land that is now the eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The Treaty of Utrecht, signed by the British and French at the conclusion of the War of the Spanish Succession in 1713, ended a series of land trades between the world's powers by finally awarding to the British the region inhabited by the Acadians. Consequently, by 1730, all Acadians were compelled to swear an oath that gave their allegiance to the British, but the oath further forced them to agree to bear arms against the French or Indians. However, in 1794 when the French and Indian War broke out, the majority of Acadians refused and disregarded this commitment to fight the French. Consequently, the British deported these Acadians, more than 10,000 strong, who would not commit their loyalty to the British Crown. The King of France encouraged the displaced French citizens to ultimately settle in Louisiana. These thousands of Acadians exiled from Nova Scotia 2\1/2\ centuries ago are the ancestors of many of today's French Acadian, or Cajun, citizens in Louisiana. Largely due to the Great Upheaval, French influence is still very strong in south Louisiana. The third week of September is officially Acadian Heritage Week in Louisiana. In addition, in December 2003, Queen Elizabeth signed a royal proclamation that acknowledged the mistreatment of the Acadians and designated July 28 of every year a day to commemorate the Great Upheaval. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 294) supporting the goals of ``A Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval'', and for other purposes.

Mr. ISSA

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

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 289) supporting the goals and ideals of National Health Center Week in order to raise awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless health centers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, approximately a year ago, we honored former President William Jefferson Clinton in a very similar way on his 58th birthday. Then we were doing it, to a great extent, because of his quadruple bypass. It seemed appropriate to honor this immediate former President in a time of personal and family concern. This year, though, we honor President Clinton for what he has done since that time, coming out of the hospital, coming to the aid of people around the world, but particularly in Asia after the December 26 earthquake and tsunami. President Clinton and President Bush, former President Bush, have shown the value of former Presidents. President Clinton's leadership in this very elite former Presidents' club is a tribute to what can be done by people who stay engaged and involved. And so although it is likely that most people know that I probably did not vote for President Clinton in either of his elections, I certainly would be happy to vote today to honor the President on his 59th birthday because of what he has done since leaving the White House. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the distinguished author of House Resolution 329, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), and the entire House of Representatives, I wish President William Jefferson Clinton a happy 59th birthday. House Resolution 329 would honor President Clinton on the occasion of his 59th birthday on August 19th. It would furthermore commend President Clinton's continued commitment to public service and world leadership. Since the House will be out of session in August, I would like to thank the House leadership for scheduling this resolution for early consideration today and support the resolution's adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ISSA

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I urge all of my colleagues to support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 181 that emphasizes the significance of life insurance. I support this resolution. Today as many as 50 million Americans currently lack life insurance coverage. This reality puts countless families at risk of losing their assets in the event of a wage-earner's unexpected death.