Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when you think of the leaders of the future--what qualities come to mind? Civic activism? Community awareness? Personal leadership? Academic excellence? It is a privilege to recognize the members of the 2005--2006 Congressional Youth Advisory Council because they embody these qualities and more. For the last 2 years, the members of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council have represented the young people of the Third District well by working as ambassadors of the future. Several times a year the members of the Youth Council would share a valuable youth perspective on the current issues before Congress. This year 42 students from public, private, and home schools in grades 10 through 12 made their voices heard and made a difference to Congress. For the first time, this year there was a philanthropy element to the Youth Council. For the community service project, the members of the Youth Council reached out to veterans and encouraged them to share their stories. Called the ``Preserving History Project,'' each member had to interview a veteran. Then the student had to submit a lengthy paper detailing the veteran's service and sharing what the student learned from that experience. The students submitted a summary of their work. Today I'm proud to submit the briefs provided so the hard and valuable work of the Youth Council may be preserved for antiquity in the Congressional Record. Someday, each member will be able to share with children and grandchildren--``In high school I served my community and my work will always be recognized in the official Congressional Record.'' A copy of each submitted student summary follows. To each member of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, thank you for your time, effort and sacrifice to help make the Congressional Youth Advisory Council a success. You are the voices of the future and I salute you. God bless you and God bless America. My name is Lauren Huber and I had the great opportunity to interview my grandfather, Second Lieutenant Robert W. Jensen. My grandfather was a bombardier pilot in World War II. He has accomplished a lot in his lifetime and has survived being a prisoner of war, and living on barely anything. He has received many medals for his service in World War II, including: the Oakleaf Medal Cluster, Air Medal, and a Purple Heart. It was a pleasure and an honor to interview my grandfather and listen to what he had to say about his experience as a bombardier in WWII. I have learned a great deal about my grandfather I did not know, such as his strength. I have learned that conditions were horrible during the war and that many innocent people were killed because of WWII. I now have even deeper respect for not only my grandfather, but for all the veterans of every war in the world. I have a deeper gratitude for the soldiers who are currently fighting in Iraq and honor them with all my heart. I am very lucky to have known my grandfather long enough for him to tell his war stories for me, and I will be sure his legacy will live on in me and in the stories that I will tell my children and grandchildren of Robert W. Jensen.--Lauren Huber Carl Eugene Beck, my grandfather, is an American veteran who relied on determination and dedication as he proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War. Carl finished the Navy as an aviation mechanic third class. Mr. Beck's experience in the Navy greatly allowed him to mature because, as he states, this was his first time to be independent. The Navy also matured Mr. Beck through discipline and hard work, all that he is thankful to have acquired. Finally, in the work field, the Navy provided Carl with a strong work ethic and an education that Carl states allowed him to keep his job. Thanks to the G.I. Bill, Mr. Beck was also able to have financial advantages not only in his education, but also later in life, such as when he bought his first house. Overall, the Navy taught Carl to be self-sufficient and gave him motivation to work hard in college and in life. Although Carl never actually fought, the very fact that he voluntarily joined the military, to me, is something that anyone should be proud of. Even though he came from a poor family, Carol's dedication and determination ultimately led to his successes in the Navy, as well as later in life.--Patrick Dyer George William Wallis served during World War II in the 96th, 69th, and 3rd Infantry divisions. The Army gave him a battlefield commission in which he became a Second Lieutenant. Wallis was stationed primarily in Germany where his division gradually moved from town to town across Germany until it was the first to reach the Russians. George Wallis received an Air Medal, a European Theatre Ribbon, and two battle stars for his service. In addition to these tangibles, Wallis gained an increased level of maturity and a greater sense of teamwork and responsibility as a direct result of being in our Armed Forces. Oftentimes the media, as well as many others, portray the military in a negative light. Because of this, I developed a somewhat faulty image of what life in the military was like. As opposed to hearing horror stories about cruel sergeants, rampant diseases, and lack of food, Wallis told me generally positive accounts of tough but kind sergeants, adequate food, and pretty decent conditions. My discussions with George Wallis helped to change my somewhat myopic view of military life, and it allowed me to gain a greater sense of what it was like to live let alone fight during a war that engulfed the entirety of the world.--Alyssa DeLorenz I interviewed Private First Class Leo Serian. Leo Serian was drafted from New York into the Army in 1943 as part of the last company of soldiers to be shipped across to Europe where they advanced farther than any other company in WWII and ultimately liberated the concentration camp, Hersbruck. Although not a Christian during the war, Serian now looks back and believes the Lord held him in His hands during his whole enlistment. This includes many miracles like near misses by machine guns, to safe crossings of minefields, and even his placement in his company. For Serian, his experience in World War II was truly unforgettable, and he now resides in Dallas, Texas. Being devoted to Christ, Serian blended his faith with his war experiences in the poems he wrote, which are included in the essay.--Austin Lutz Tony Brigham attended Sunset High School in South Oak Cliff and graduated in 1969. In 1971, at the young age of 20, he sought a future in the military. Before he got drafted for the Vietnam War, he decided to join the Air Force. He was stationed on the island of Okinawa for the majority of his time in the United States Air Force, and he experienced unforgettable moments while over there. He played a leading role in Operation BabyLift, as he coordinated the special flights coming into Hawaii. He is proud of his role helping infants and newborn children escape the perils of Vietnam. As it happened, many of the soldiers formed anti-Vietnam War opinions. Tony Brigham was one of those soldiers who enlisted with one opinion, which soon changed during his time of service. Seven years later, Tony retired from the Air Force. He decided to attend Eastroundsbourg St. Pennsylvania College, Steven F. Austin University, and the University of Texas at Dallas, all on the G.I. Bill. He received two undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Environmental Science and in Forestry, and one graduate degree in Science Education. He applies all this knowledge in the classroom where he has been teaching for the past 22 years of his life.--Michael McCleary I interviewed Chief Warrant Officer Jarvis W. Coburn, U.S. Army (Ret.). He served his country from 1965 through 1969. During his time in uniform, he served in the 176th Aviation Company of I Corps in the Vietnam War. He flew both lift and attack helicopters and received numerous awards and citations, including two Purple Hearts, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, thirty-nine air medals, one Presidential Unit Citation, and one Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Several times he was in life and death situations, and each time he managed to find a way through. He experienced the thrill of fighting alongside the United States Marine Corps and the agony of losing fellow soldiers in horrific battle. He returned to the United States, became a flight instructor and taught the next generation of Army pilots. His work in the private sector with Ross Perot's EDS led to the heroic rescue of two captured American prisoners as recorded in Ken Follett's On Wings of Eagles. After interviewing Mr. Coburn, I gained a newfound respect, not only for the man himself, but also for all the soldiers that have served our country. Listening to the stories he shared with me reinforced how important the Armed Forces are to our Nation.--J. Andrew Clark For the Preserving History: Veteran's Interview Project, I had the opportunity to interview a veteran of World War II. My grandfather, Michael Pessalano, was the veteran who shared his personal experiences with me. This man accomplished a lot in my eyes. He was a Codman in the United States Navy during World War II. He was awarded three ribbons: the American European Theater and Victory medal, and the American and European medals from serving overseas. Although he didn't see much combat, hearing his stories were still really interesting. Just by serving in the U.S. armed service I believe that you have been able to accomplish a lot. Having the determination, strength, risks taken, and dedication to one's country will vastly benefit anyone who serves. After having the opportunity to interview and hear the personal story of one's experience, I was shown the truth. Many people today, including myself, are clueless on what a soldier's life is really like. From this interview experience, I have learned to have more pride in my country, respect the people who are fighting for me, and we need to preserve the history so others can see the reality to how and who got our country where it is today.--Ashlea Banick For this project I interviewed Captain Rick Burges. Captain Burges served in the Marine Corps of the United States of America from 1980 to 1984. He was positioned in artillery at Camp Le Jeune in North Carolina. Although he was never a part of combat or enlisted during a time of declared war, Captain Burges established himself as a Marine Corps hero by selflessly serving and climbing up the ranks for four years. This was an opportunity to open my mind up to the rigors of war and military training. Captain Burges was able to explain how military training is very long, hard, and tedious, but it also provides the greatest sense of satisfaction. But the greatest lesson is that I must always fulfill my dreams, no matter how hard or tiresome it may be, because only then can I live life completely satisfied.--Hansini Sharma I interviewed my grandfather, Bentley Byrd Hinman. He served in the United States Army for two years as a Master Sergeant between the years of 1950 and 1952. During that time the United States was involved in the Korean War. My grandfather, however, was far removed from any field of combat. He spent the majority of his service in Germany serving as a superintendent for a collecting station, the place where the wounded were brought after battle. He was not exactly the definition of a war hero; in fact, he never even fought a battle. That fact, however, does nothing to demean the sacrifice he made. When he was drafted for the military in 1950, he was not anxious or excited to go. It was simply something that must be done, so he went. He traveled to Germany for two years performing a thankless job, but he fulfilled his duty and that is all we can ask. I discovered what many men serving our country feel like. Oftentimes, men are not required to enter battle but are simply called. That calling is duty and the men who are strong enough to hear its call and answer are the true heroes.--Jennifer Smart I interviewed Captain Andrew George Schneider, formerly of the United States Navy Supply Corps. Mr. Schneider joined the Navy voluntarily during the Korean War. He served first on the USS Elderado as a seaman recruit. Later, he transferred to a Navy destroyer, the USS Watts, where he was a Lieutenant (junior grade). Only in his early twenties, he was a Supply Officer and head of the supply department. After several years of active duty, Andrew joined the reserves where he remained on alert status for 22 years. During that time he worked with classified missile plans and as a government auditor. In 1979, he retired after 29 years of service. I learned a lot about Mr. Schneider through this project. I never knew what he had done in the Navy, and I found his story particularly interesting because Andrew Schneider is my grandfather. He is a true hero!--Kristin Schneider Mr. Johnson is dedicated to God, his country and his family. He has lived the story of a POW war hero that had determination to survive. He made his way back to Texas and his family. During the time of Mr. Johnson's captivity, Mrs. Johnson never believed that her husband was dead. Two years after he had been shot down she received evidence to prove that he was still alive. She has said that her main goal was to keep continuity in the children's lives, while her husband was away. Many supporters and friends offered her prayers of hope and wore Mr. Johnson's POW bracelet in his honor. The bracelet told the prisoner of wars' name and rank and date captured. My family was among those who did so, and they all remember the day Mrs. Johnson received the message of her husband being shot down and missing in action and then when she had heard that he was coming home. Sam Johnson is a decorated hero. He has earned 2 Silver Hearts, 2 Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, and 9 other medals, including 2 Purple Hearts, as written in his book. He now serves his country as a United States Congressman. I am very thankful to have heard his story because it made my understanding of past war history even greater. Although I was not alive at the time, I can empathize and only imagine how horrible Mr. Johnson was treated as a captive prisoner. I gain strength in my Faith through the telling of his life story, and I admire all of his accomplishments.--Amanda Lipscomb As part of the ``Preserving History Project'' I completed for Congressman Sam Johnson and the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Bud Taylor who served in World War II as a Navy seaman. His exploits in the Pacific theater included the attack on Pearl Harbor, the bombardment Atu in the Aleutian Island chain, and minesweeping at Bikini Atoll and around Japan. Upon being transferred to the Atlantic theater, he was assigned to a convoy escort destroyer and participated in D-Day at Normandy. Mr. Taylor joined the Navy in 1940 as a sailor, rose to Seaman's 2nd Class, Seaman's 1st Class, and eventually his final rank of Gunner's Mate 3rd Class. As a result of this interview with Mr. Taylor, I saw how some of the men in the U.S. Armed Forces in Pearl Harbor fought against the odds to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S. I was confronted with how men gave their lives and Herculean efforts to protect America. My interview with Mr. Taylor opened my eyes to the privilege of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces; that in the time of need, we must all be ready to serve.--Michael Scott Private First Class, George C. Powell was a member of the field artillery unit of the 66th Black Panther Division of the United States Army during World War II. Powell was born on November 6, 1924 in McKinney, Texas and was drafted by the U.S. military by the time he was eighteen. Upon completion of his training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Powell was sent to the European Theater of Operations, where his unit was engaged in the campaign on Northern France, where he fought until the end of the war in 1945. As part of the Baker 2 firing battery of the 66th field artillery unit, Powell was involved in several successes and achievements, namely the sinking of a German submarine. As a veteran of World War II Powell was able to serve his country and the United States of America, which is indeed his biggest accomplishment of all. From this interview, I have gained so much more respect for the people who serve this country, as they truly understand the value of freedom. I have also come to realize the importance and the gift of living in a country where my rights are protected, and some day I hope to pass this on to others to make them realize the values of such a nation as the United States of America.--Morgan Bailey

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is budget time again. This is when people in Washington outline a blueprint of how much money the government is going to spend on what. Sadly, some in Congress want to spend, spend, spend. It is a shame because the American people deserve better. They deserve a commonsense budget that controls spending and eliminates wasteful programs. The RSC budget balances the budget by 2011 and cuts useless programs like Asian elephant conservation historic whaling programs. It is time for Congress to take a hard look at how we spend our money and support the RSC budget for a better America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when you think of the leaders of the future--what qualities come to mind? Civic activism? Community awareness? Personal leadership? Academic excellence? It is a privilege to recognize the members of the 2005-2006 Congressional Youth Advisory Council because they embody these qualities and more. For the last 2 years, the members of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council have represented the young people of the Third District well by working as ambassadors of the future. Several times a year the members of the Youth Council would share a valuable youth perspective on the current issues before Congress. This year 42 students from public, private, and home schools in grades 10 through 12 made their voices heard and made a difference to Congress. For the first time, this year there was a philanthropy element to the Youth Council. For the community service project, the members of the Youth Council reached out to veterans and encouraged them to share their stories. Called the ``Preserving History Project,'' each member had to interview a veteran. Then the student had to submit a lengthy paper detailing the veteran's service and sharing what the student learned from that experience. The students submitted a summary of their work. Today I'm proud to submit the briefs provided so the hard and valuable work of the Youth Council may be preserved for antiquity in the Congressional Record. Someday, each member will be able to share with children and grandchildren--``In high school I served my community and my work will always be recognized in the official Congressional Record.'' A copy of each submitted student summary follows. To each member of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, thank you for your time, effort and sacrifice to help make the Congressional Youth Advisory Council a success. You're the voices of the future and I salute you. God bless you and God bless America. I was thankful for my list of questions as my Grandpa (William Frank Morgan) began relating his military experiences to me. I learned about his life, sacrifices, and service. He was a Seaman First Class in the Navy, and later a Senior Master Sergeant when he retired from the Air Force. This opportunity to talk with him and hear his story has strengthened our relationship, and I'm so thankful for this chance to glean more knowledge about my family. Grandpa and Grandma Morgan visit once a year at Thanksgiving and I always look forward to their arrival. Reconnection through our talks and the time we spend together has become more precious each year. We also try to visit them, and keep in touch through phone calls and letters. Surprisingly, although Grandpa is not talkative, he will sporadically crack the funniest jokes. He is a good example in studying the Bible and desiring a life of a Godly character. He has a talented green thumb, and I enjoy stepping into his untidy greenhouse to watch him care for his healthy plants. When he isn't gardening, Grandpa spends time among his books, or checking the weather for the coming week. Grandpa's traveling, distance from loved ones, disrupted education, interesting experiences with food, and dangerous challenges have molded his character and sacrificially ensured the freedoms and safety Americans enjoy today.--Meredith Morgan A native of Elmira, New York, William Stone, Jr. served in the U.S. Army for two years as an officer stationed in Germany. There he was assigned as a motor officer responsible for CMMI's beginning in 1967. Stone entered the Army as a 2nd lieutenant and reached the rank of 1st lieutenant prior to returning to civilian life. After working for several years as an insurance adjuster in New York, Stone moved to Texas, where he and his wife have been teaching in the Plano Independent School District. As a result of this interview, I was able to gain insight into the role of our nation's military. Mr. Stone, like many others, is among those who have helped safeguard the freedoms we enjoy in the United States. Listening to his experiences has allowed me to better understand the sacrifices the men and women of the military have made on our behalf.--Albert Chang Joe McAnally is a great man. He is my neighbor, who I have known for about four years, and is very active, knowledgeable and helpful. His tour doesn't even seem to have affected him in any adverse way. He was born, raised and still lives in the Dallas area. He chose to be in the Army R.O.T.C. because he knew, since his birthday was 12th on the draft list, he would have to serve anyway. Since he was already an officer his enlistment and boot camp were an easier transition, and since his family knew he was going to be drafted, they supported him fully. He served in the Vietnam War and had to find his own way, because he landed at midnight when everyone was asleep. He earned two Bronze Stars, the third highest medal in the service. His food was good, especially the food mailed from home, except for the mutton. His platoon was well supplied and was entertained by Bob Hope once. On leave he went to Thailand and Australia. When he returned home he was offered his old job back, got married and eventually bought a business making plastic molds, which he still owns and runs to this day.--Elliot Post I interviewed Mr. Spencer Guimarin, a retired first class petty officer in the United States Navy. Mr. Guimarin surmounted obstacles in his life that most men would consider their worst fear. He survived the first wave of D-Day landings at Omaha Beach, the invasion of Okinawa, and every other confrontation that war threw his way. I have read books and seen movies and documentaries about Okinawa and D-Day, but to actually have the chance to sit down and talk with someone that was there was an experience I will never forget. The movies just don't do it justice. I was excited when I heard that we were going to have the chance to do a project like this, and I couldn't wait to get started. It was a humbling experience hearing his stories, yet not being able to appreciate it for what it is worth because I was not there. I learned about the lasting effects a war can have on a veteran. As I will be entering Merchant Marine Academy in July of 2006 and hope to pursue a career in the military, I realize that I may be faced with some of the same repercussions.--Doug Hermann For my Preserving History project, I interviewed Lieutenant Colonel Charles Beck. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a jet fighter pilot in the Air Force. He flew reconnaissance and bombing missions over North Vietnam, tracking enemy base movement, taking surveillance pictures, and calling and participating in air strikes. He was deployed for three years. Survival rate for his fighter group was less than 50%, but Lt. Beck made it through the war without ever being captured by enemy forces. For his service to our country, Lt. Beck was awarded 27 medals, including a Silver Star. I found it interesting how a man from such humble beginnings pursed a passion for flying. He served heroically during major combat operations. His pride and his service to our country and his love for the United States have helped me understand the important role that our veterans have played in preserving the freedoms we enjoy in America. I think that it is very important that we capture our veteran's stories so that we have documented history of not only their military service, but of the values that led them to serve their country so honorably.--Jocelyn Sedlet For my veteran project, I interviewed Robert L. Staib, former Captain in the United States Air Force. By the end of his service, he had fought in the Vietnam War and the Cold War as a fighter pilot and a forward air controller. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross, seventeen Air Medals, and Air Force Commendation Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon. He flew in over at least sixteen countries. He was brave and courageous in all his endeavors. From this project, I learned what a hero really is. I learned that my grandfather is a hero because he was willing to sacrifice his life for the freedom of people he didn't even know. I also learned about the deep love he felt for my grandmother and mother. Most importantly, I learned that heroes don't just do great things, they do them with great motives. If my grandfather had gone into the service for glory, he would not have been a hero. He went into the Air Force knowing he might die, because he wanted to preserve and spread freedom, a freedom that I sometimes take for granted. This is a freedom that must be fought for. This project taught me about Robert L. Staib and about my freedom.--Britney Thomas What I gained from this interesting interview was not just another few hours spent, but an insightful and rather intriguing conversation with the most well versed person I know, Mr. John Neese. Beginning as a private, Mr. Neese escalated to the height of full colonel. He became a very outspoken individual during the interview, however his personal anecdotes and stories kept me asking for more. His impact on the conflict in Vietnam may have been easily overlooked, however, his objectives and goals at dropping leaflets and speaking in an ultimately ``fire arm free'' duty, was an amazing opportunity, as well as daily routine as a member of the U.S. Air Force. He gained a new insight as to how he could survive in a ``dog eat dog society.'' By simply joining the Air Force, he received tools he could use the rest of his life--tools that are hardly apparent in everyday Americans. What I gained from the interview was a new friend. A new friend that thinks the same way I do. A man that stands for God and represents his country to the fullest.--Bryan Blair Around the first of the year, my mom introduced me to Lt. Colonel Kirk Chandler, a den leader in my younger brother's Cub Scout pack. His military service in the Navy spanned fourteen years from May 1991, to his retirement in October 2005. With many veterans you find battle-hardiness seeping in them, and an unwillingness to recount their combat tales. With Mr. Chandler, I found a laid back former soldier who was quite positive in his descriptions of his time in the service. Although he didn't do anything extraordinary in the field of battle, I feel his accomplishments lie in the soldiers he inspired, and in the connections he still maintains to this day with the people that he served with. In interviewing Mr. Chandler, I was given a whole new dimension with regards to the military. In talking to him, I found someone who experienced much in the realm of the world--someone who's traveled around the world, meeting new people and new cultures. I learned how one enjoys life even in the toughest of times. In meeting Mr. Chandler, I met the embodiment of an American hero and a true stand up guy who serves the community with pride.--Adam Rosenfield I interviewed Marvin Alan Sternberg who was a part of the Army during the Vietnam War. He started as a private and ended as a 1st Lieutenant when his service ended. Mr. Sternberg gained a lot from his experience in the Army, but the biggest lesson that he was taught and forced into was growing up and becoming a man. After interviewing Mr. Sternberg, I realize how much a person can go through just for the protection of others. It amazes me how someone like Mr. Sternberg can dedicate part of their life so selflessly in order to protect their country and fellow citizens that are totally unknown to them. I have always had a respect for veterans, but now, after this interview, I have a different kind of respect for all of those men and women who have served in our country. There is something special about people that go into the service, and I have come to find that it is people like that that I look up to and admire. It all has become a reality to me, because I actually heard what happens behind the scenes and what they really go through instead of a sugarcoated testimony that we hear in school or out of a textbook. I'm so thankful that Mr. Sternberg took time out of his day to sit down, talk, and explain to me his experiences he faced during his journey. This is an experience that I will treasure forever, because I learned firsthand how veterans are affected by war. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this preserving history project.--Kristy MacDonnell In my interview with my grandfather, Thomas Dale Alexander, Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired), I learned quite a few things about why he does things the way he does and all sorts of things that I never knew about my mother's family. He is a much wiser man than the young high school graduate that joined the Air Force in 1943. He served in the occupation of Japan, fought in Korea, worked with the FAA for a while, fought in Vietnam, and retired after commanding a supply squadron. His plane was shot up badly three times in Korea, but he did always manage to fly home--feats for which he was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses. In Vietnam, he commanded a squadron of Forward Air Controllers, who interfaced with the troops on the ground and marked targets for the fighter-bombers with smoke rockets. After he retired, he moved to Junction, Texas, to build a house by the Llano River and was hired as Director of Operations at the Texas Tech Center in Junction, now called Texas Tech at Junction. After he retired for the second time, he continued to keep up with the hobbies he had started in the Air Force, like playing golf and building.--Evan Dale Wise While his time in the Army was limited to the Postal Services, my grandfather, Charles Wallander Junior, was an excellent soldier who defined the traits of discipline, diligence, and obedience. At the completion of his military work my grandfather obtained the rank of Corporal in the Army, and was awarded with the mark of excellence in the Post Office. Through his work with the Army Post Office, my grandfather was a key factor in organizing the Korean mail infrastructure, and allowing for the Postal Service to function, in his post as Postmaster General. From this experience I can undoubtedly say that I have gained a sense of unmatched pride in my grandfather and all he has done for this country and the world. My appreciation for him is only matched by my respect for the Armed Forces at large, and my gained trust in the American way that helps to guide this country.--Andrew Schreiber Stanley S. Malewicki was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 19 at the outset of the Second World War. After leaving his home in New York, he received five months of training before deploying to Oxford where he remained for two more months until the invasion of France. Private Malewicki entered Normandy at D-Day plus three along with the 204th Combat Engineering Battalion and General Patton's third Army. For the greater part of his service, Malewicki and his unit where tasked with transporting infantry and vehicles across the rivers of France and Germany. Whether by boat or portable bridge, they always got the job done despite fierce opposition. During his time in the service, Pvt. Malewicki earned a Purple Heart and several campaign medals. After the war was over, he got married and had two children. He also went on to become a supervisor for the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO). Mr. Malewicki says that he did not mind being drafted one bit, and the United States of America is one great country. After completing this interview, I have gained knowledge of my grandfather I had never expected to experience. To fully understand the nature of war, you have to see it through the eyes of someone that was actually in the arena.--Erik De Sousa The veteran I interviewed is my uncle, Matthew Hancock. The branch that he served in was the U.S. Army. His initial rank was Private, and his finishing rank was CW3. Most of the work he did during his service to this country revolved around weapons specialty. He was living in Davenport, Iowa, which was his hometown, at the time that he signed up for the military. Mr. Hancock served in the military for over 20 years, and fought in both Iraqi Wars: Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He chose to serve in the military because he felt the military offered the best opportunity for him, and he had always wanted to be in the Army since he was young. He accomplished a great deal during his impressive span of service, winning several medals, including three bronze stars. I am very glad for having done this interview, for it has given me a much more indepth understanding of what our soldiers go through in order to protect the rest of us. Before this, I mostly knew general things, but now what I know is much more specific.--Jordan Schmittou

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to bring before this Congress the following outstanding people who have voluntarily served orphans, public school children, college students, juvenile delinquents, and needy families under the official invitation and authority of government agencies in Russia, Mongolia, Romania, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and China. The excellent character demonstrated by these people, as well as their commitment to the principles upon which our Nation was founded, have not only attracted the attention of leaders, parents, the media, and students, but it has also brought honor to the United States of America and to the Lord Jesus Christ whom they serve. Aguilar, Dominique, (CA); Allison, Caleb, (OK); Allison, Rachel, (CT); Anders, Erin, (MI); Atkinson, Bobby, (NC); Atkinson, Rachael, (NC); Baggot, Jessica, (CA); Bair, Aileen, (IL); Bair, Robert, (IL); Baker, Aaron, (LA); Baker, Christa, (LA); Baptista, Elizabeth, (NC); Bartlow, Jeremy, (TX); Bartlow, Joel, (TX); Bavido, Bonnie, (OK); Bavido, Samuel, (OK); Becker, Jeremy, (MS); Becker, Jordan, (MS); Beekman, Valerie, (NC); Beeman, Jedidiah, (TX); Behrens, Katherine, (MI). Beiler, Phoebe, (PA); Beiler, Timothy, (PA); Bell, Amy, (TX); Bell, Elaine, (TX); Bell, Mike, (TX); Bender, Anthony, (CA); Bender, Steven, (CA); Benz, Kendra, (IN); Bonstrom, Peter, (IA); Bourne, Daniel, (PA); Bousfield, Leah, (CA); Bowman, Bethany, (MI); Bowman, Diane, (MI); Bowman, Joshua, (MI); Bowman, Luke, (MI); Bowman, Philip, (MI); Bowman, Samuel, (MI); Boyd, Hannah, (TX); Brachey, Danielle, (CA); Brink, Garret, (VA); Brizendine, Christy, (WA). Brook, Darcy, (VA); Brown, Jimmy, (NY); Brown, Sarah, (NY); Brown, Tim, (NY); Brown, Zach, (NY); Brubaker, David, (PA); Brubaker, Emily, (PA); Brubaker, Jeni, (PA); Brubaker, Leon, (PA); Brubaker, Luke, (PA); Brubaker, Mary, (PA); Brubaker, Nathan, (PA); Bruccoleri, Berea, (CT); Buckner, Dawn, (AR); Bullinger, Jonathan, (MI); Bunche, Cydni, (TX); Bushatz, Callie, (OH); Bushatz, Sandy, (OH); Canova, Ashley, (LA); Canterbury, Debbie, (GA); Cantrell, Bernadine, (GA). Cantrell, Wes, (GA); Carnley, David, (FL); Casy, Jonathan, (TX); Cavanaugh, Daniel, (KY); Cavanaugh, Micah, (KY); Chao, Angel, (NJ); Chen, Anna, (NY); Chen, Dr. Stephen, (NY); Chen, Faith, (NY); Chen, Grace, (NY); Chen, Karen, (NY); Chen, Timothy, (NY); Chism, Curtis, (CA); Chu, Evelyn, (IN); Chu, Everett, (IN); Clark, Amy, (LA); Clarke, Ryan, (GA); Coggin, Hope, (VA); Colbert, Nicole, (IL); Conner, Kathleen, (NC); Cook, Kristi, (SC). 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Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Plano West Senior High School girls basketball team for being the first Plano ladies team to capture a State basketball championship. They are the Lady Wolves. Earlier this month, the Lady Wolves of Plano West routed the Rockwall Yellowjackets. The girls in blue and black were trailing at half time 18-13. That all changed when they rallied in the second half to capture the lead and win. Not just win, but win big, 54-47. They are the girls basketball champions of Texas. Congratulations, Lady Wolves. Your parents are proud of you. Plano is proud of you. America is proud of you, and I salute every one of you. God bless each one of you and God bless America. Mr. Speaker, the following are the names of the players and I would like to congratulate them one and all: Becca Feagin, junior; Mary Rich, junior; Rachel Hester, senior; Alexis Morgan, senior; Lindsay Hughes, senior; Katie Makanani, sophomore; Taylor Shead, junior; Tawni Ichimura, senior; Kristen Nash, senior; Kathleen Nash, junior; and Micah Garoutte, junior.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Plano Senior High School boys basketball team. Under the leadership of Coach Inman, they made history on March 11 as the first Plano school team to capture a State basketball championship. The Wildcats, you know, come-from-behind victory over the defending State champs, Kingwood, on Saturday in overtime will go down as one of the most exciting basketball games in Texas high school history. They won 60-58 to clinch the coveted State title. I say, Congratulations, Wildcats. Y'all embody the school motto: A Tradition of Excellence. God bless you and God bless America. Boys, we are proud of you. Plano is proud of you. America is proud of you. And I salute you. Madam Speaker, at this point, I will insert the names of the players into the Record. Coach Tom Inman: 2005-2006 PIANO VARSITY ROSTER ------------------------------------------------------------------------ No. Player Position Height Class ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 00 Anton Korolev............... Post......... 7-0 Junior 1 Chris Hsiao................. Point........ 5-9 Senior 2 Nathan Christian............ Wing......... 6-4 Sophomore 3 Anteus Mann................. Wing......... 5-11 Junior 4 Eric Zastoupil.............. Post......... 6-8 Senior 5 Tyler Roof.................. Wing......... 6-1 Senior 10 Landon Skinner.............. Point........ 6-2 Junior 15 Rex Burkhead................ Wing......... 5-10 Freshman 21 John Roberson............... Point........ 5-11 Junior 22 Robert Jackson.............. Wing......... 6-2 Senior 23 Michael Daniel.............. Point........ 5-10 Sophomore 24 Joseph Fulce................ Wing......... 6-7 Senior 25 Raahul Ramakrishnan......... Post......... 6-4 Junior 32 Lawrence Mann............... Post......... 6-5 Senior 34 Cody Jones.................. Post......... 6-7 Senior ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Principal Dr. Doyle Dean

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Democratic motion to instruct conferees. You know, I voted for a bill that will strengthen pension plan funding. I want pension plans to have the right amount of money to pay benefits as promised. It is crazy to require overfunding, but it is also crazy to allow more time for them to recover. I mean, if, in fact, those plans were well managed, as the gentleman just said, we wouldn't be in this fix we are in. Too many companies make bigger promises than they can pay for, and they dump their underfunded pension plans on the PBGC. We are facing an ocean of red ink at the PBGC, and we need to be sure that companies put their money where their mouth is. I think that since we marked up our bill, we have heard from many sources that some of the bill needs to be modified in conference. We need to go to conference without restrictions. We need to be able to negotiate with our colleagues from the Senate to get a great bill signed into law. This Democrat motion would weaken the House bill, and I can't support pretending that plans aren't healthy. We need to be very clear with the pension plan sponsors and employees who are expecting benefits out of these plans there needs to be adequate funding to make good on the private promises. Unfortunately, fewer Americans every year are lucky enough to have one of these defined benefit plans. We are backed up by the Federal Government. We need to strike the right balance in pension funding rules so that the correct amount of money is there to pay benefits. The House bill is pretty close to the right answer. We should oppose the Democrat motion to undermine the good work of this House that was passed by a vote of 294 Members, and let us work with the Senate for a great bill.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield the remaining time to the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), the chairman of the committee.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 4 minutes. Listen up. According to the 9/11 Commission, up to 15 hijackers should have been deported, but our immigration laws are not being enforced. We cannot sit here as a body that makes laws and just watch them collect dust as our enemies plot against us. My amendment expresses a sense of Congress that immigration laws enacted by Congress must be enforced. This amendment sends a simple message from the Congress to the administration: Enforce the law. We can debate how to solve the illegal immigration problem until we are blue in the face, and I see some very blue faces around the room, but if the laws we enact are not being enforced, then it is just a bunch of hot air. I have got a four-page list of immigration laws in front of me that are currently being ignored. This is unacceptable. This non-enforcement must end. The United States Congress must demand it right now. Let me give my colleagues a couple of examples. In 2002, we enacted a law requiring implementation of a system known as Chimera. This means there will be information sharing from Federal databases in the intelligence community to any Federal official considering an immigrant's admissibility or deportability. Well, you knew as you heard information sharing, it is not happening. Did you know we have a law forbidding public colleges from giving in- State tuition to illegals unless they offer it to every citizen in the United States? It is going on in nine States. Federal law is being violated, and guess what, the Federal Government's doing nothing about it. Do you know that all registered aliens are required to notify DHS within 10 days of changing address? Failure to do so is a deportable offense. This has tremendous national security value, and it is not being enforced. In 1996, we made a law requiring the Department of State to suspend all visas to any country who refuses to receive a national who has been deported from the United States. So, hypothetically, if China would not accept people we are deporting back to China, which they are, then the Federal Government is not allowed to issue anymore visas to people coming from China. Who here thinks we are not giving visas to people from China? The list goes on and on. I will submit it for the Record at this point. Immigration Laws the Administration is NOT Enforcing Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 Integration of all databases and data systems maintained by [DHS] that process or contain information on aliens (Sec. 202). DHS has no plan to accomplish this. Implementation of an interoperable electronic data system (also known as the ``Chimera'' system) to provide current and immediate access to information in databases of Federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community that is needed to determine whether to issue a visa or to determine the admissibility or deportability of an alien (Sec. 202). Chimera is to incorporate the integrated alien data system; information in Chimera must be readily and easily accessible-- to any consular officer responsible for the issuance of visas; to any Federal official responsible for determining an alien's admissibility to or deportability from the United States; and to any Federal law enforcement or intelligence officer determined by regulation to be responsible for the investigation or identification of aliens. DHS has no plan to accomplish this. Make interoperable all security databases relevant to making determinations of admissibility under section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Sec. 302). DHS has no plan to accomplish this. Not later than October 26, 2004, DHS and the State Department shall issue to aliens only machine-readable, tamper-resistant visas and other travel and entry documents that use biometric identifiers (Sec. 303). DHS still issues easily counterfeited temporary cards until a more secure card is mailed to the alien. Not later than October 26, 2004, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall install at all ports of entry of the United States equipment and software (i.e., machine readers) to allow biometric comparison and authentication of all United States visas and other travel and entry documents issued to aliens, and passports (Sec. 303). About 500 readers have been put in place in only some POEs, and all are in secondary, rather than primary, inspection. Beginning upon implementation of Chimera, not later than 72 hours after receiving notification of the loss or theft of a United States or foreign passport, DHS and State, as appropriate, shall enter into Chimera the corresponding identification number for every lost or stolen passport (Sec. 308). illegal immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 An alien presenting a border crossing identification card (i.e., a laser visa) is not permitted to cross over the border into the United States unless the biometric identifier contained on the card matches the appropriate biometric characteristic of the alien (Sec. 104). The Administration exempted Mexico from participation in US-VISIT, so biometrics are not being verified and border crossing cards are merely inspected visually. Process all aliens through US-VISIT (the automated entry- exit control system) so as to ``collect a record of departure for every alien departing the United States and match the records of departure with the record of the alien's arrival in the United States'' (Sec. 110). Only about 20 percent of nonimmigrants are being processed through the entry part of US-VISIT; the other 80 percent of nonimmigrants have been exempted; immigrants (lawful permanent residents) also have been exempted; and the exit part of the system is still being tested in pilots at a handful of POEs. Aliens who have resided illegally in the United States for more than six months but less than one year and voluntarily departed are barred from re-entry for three years; aliens who have resided illegally in the United States for more than one year are barred from re-entry for ten years (Sec. 301). Only about 12,000 aliens were subjected to these bars on re-entry during the first four years after this provision took effect: it is estimated that the bars could have been applied to up to 2.5 mi11ion aliens during that period. Mandatory detention pending removal of all aggravated felons and other aliens who are inadmissible or removable due to criminal convictions (Sec. 303). Limited detention space and mismanagement of budgets result in criminal aliens being routinely released from detention prior to removal: more than 80,000 criminal aliens are free in American communities. Mandatory detention of aliens from the time they are issued a final order of removal until the alien is actually removed or until 90 days have passed if the alien cannot be removed within that period (Sec. 305). In 2004, almost half (34,800) of the more than 75,000 ``other than Mexicans'' apprehended by the Border Patrol were released on their own recognizance pending removal: an estimated 90 percent of nondetained aliens abscond after being issued an order of removal. Upon notification by DHS or the AG that a foreign government refuses or unreasonably delays the return a national of that country who is ordered removed from the United States, the State Department shall suspend the issuance of immigrant and/or nonimmigrant visas to nationals of that country (Sec. 307). A handful of governments routinely refuse to issue travel documents to their nationals who have been ordered removed from the United States, but this provision is not invoked. Each Department of the Federal Government shall elect to participate in a pilot program to verify employment authorization of its employees and shall comply with the terms and conditions of such election (Sec. 402). The 1996 law created three different pilot programs from which government agencies could choose; when two of them were allowed to lapse and only one, the Basic Pilot, was extended, agencies using one of the lapsed pilots simply stopped participating rather than sign up for the remaining one. Public institutions of higher education may not offer in- state tuition to illegal aliens unless they also offer it to every citizen of the United States (Sec. 505). Neither DHS nor the Justice Department has challenged any of the nine states that have passed laws that violate this law, despite the fact that Federal law clearly supersedes state law in the area of immigration. Any alien seeking admission to the United States or a change of status who is likely to become a public charge or who is a public charge is excludable, if seeking admission, or removable, if already here and seeking adjustment of status (Sec. 531). DHS has yet to come up with a definition of ``public charge'' to implement this provision. Upon notification that a sponsored alien has received any means-tested public benefit, the entity (nongovernmental, Federal, state or local) that provided the benefit shall request full reimbursement by the sponsor (Sec. 551). Only one lawsuit seeking reimbursement has been filed, and it was filed by private citizens trying to force the Los Angeles public hospital system to seek reimbursement from sponsors: the case was dismissed on technical, not substantive, grounds. States and localities may not adopt policies, formally or informally, that prohibit employees from communicating with DHS regarding the immigration status of individuals (sanctuary policies) (Sec. 642). Neither of the two sanctuary states, Maine and New Mexico, nor any of the multitude of sanctuary cities have been challenged by DHS or DOJ for violating this provision: soon after this law passed, the City of New York challenged the law in court and the court upheld the law and ordered the City to rescind its sanctuary policy: instead, the City modified its policy slightly, but the Federal Government has not challenged it. DHS shall respond to an inquiry by a Federal, State, or local government agency seeking to verify or ascertain the citizenship or immigration status of any individual within the jurisdiction of the agency for any purpose authorized by law (Sec. 642). This law also required the establishment by then-INS of the Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC), which is available 24/ 7 to state and local police seeking information on alienage and citizenship: however, state and local police who contact ICE about illegal aliens they have taken into custody are routinely rebuffed and told to simply release the aliens. immigration and Nationality Act The Secretary of DHS is authorized to expand expedited removal procedures to any or all aliens who have not been admitted or paroled into the United States and who have not affirmatively shown to the satisfaction of an immigration officer that they have been physically present in the United States continuously for two years immediately prior to this determination (Sec. 235). The Secretary has only recently used this authority to expand expedited removal to nine Border Patrol sectors. The fact that our Federal court system is clogged with appeals of removal orders--the number of cases filed in Federal court rose from just over 2,000 in 1994 to more than 14,500 in 2004--and the fact that the illegal alien population in the United States continues to grow would suggest that expedited removal needs to be expanded along the entire land border of the United States. Once an alien is apprehended and removal proceedings are initiated, DHS may detain the alien, release him on a minimum $1,500 bond, or release him on conditional parole (Sec. 236). Since on estimated 90 percent of non-detained aliens abscond after being issued an order of removal, and since DHS has the authority to detain aliens pending removal, it makes no sense that almost half (34,800) of the more than 75,000 ``other than Mexicans'' apprehended by the Border Patrol were released on their own recognizance pending removal in 2004. Marriage fraud, used in the past by at least nine terrorists to prolong their stay in the United States, is a deportable offense (Sec. 237). ICE has announced that single-instance marriage fraud is a low priority and so will not be investigated or prosecuted. Domestic violence, false claims to US citizenship and voting illegally are deportable offenses (Sec. 237). Illegal aliens who are victims of domestic violence can obtain green cards through the Violence Against Women Act, but the abuser is rarely prosecuted and even more rarely deported; as happened in New York City with Mayor Giuliani's ``broken-window policing,'' stepped up enforcement of these ``low priority'' violations would begin to reassert the rule of law in our immigration system. Failure of an alien intending to remain in the United States for thirty days or longer to apply for registration and fingerprinting during that thirty-day period is a deportable offense (Sec. 262). Enforcement of this provision would be of obvious national security value, and it would send a clear message that security is our top priority. All registered aliens are required to notify DHS within ten days of changing addresses; failure to do so is a deportable offense (Sec. 266). This, too, has important national security value. Any individual or entity that ``encourages or induces an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will be in violation of law'' is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment (Sec. 274). A strong case could be made that localities like Herndon, Virginia, that are using taxpayer funds to build and promote day-labor sites for aliens they know to be illegal, and government entities like the Illinois Housing Development Authority, which has set aside taxpayer funds to provide mortgages to illegal aliens, are ``encourag[ing illegal aliens] to reside in the United States.'' The same case can be made against banks that accept consular ID cards to open accounts or allow illegal aliens to use individual taxpayer ID numbers to get home loans. It is unlawful to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer for a fee an alien who is not authorized to work in the United States, and it is unlawful to hire any individual without verifying the employment authorization of that individual, either through the I-9 process alone or combined with the Basic Pilot program (Sec. 274A). While it is exceedingly difficult to establish that an employer knew an employee was illegal, it is not difficult to establish that an employer failed to complete the I-9 process; it is also not difficult to encourage employers to use the Basic Pilot to verify work eligibility. Aliens who commit fraud, use false or altered documents, or make misrepresentations on applications for immigration benefits are ineligible for the benefits (Sec. Sec. 212, 237, 340, among others). Not only does USCIS grant benefits to aliens despite indications of, and sometimes even evidence of, fraud or misrepresentation, ICE rarely investigates cases of alleged benefits fraud referred by USCIS. USCIS estimates that ICE declines to investigate over 70 percent of the benefits fraud referrals it receives. It is exceedingly rare for either agency to attempt to rescind a benefit once it is granted. Millions of new immigrants come to America every year, and the numbers are rising. Do you know why these numbers continue to increase? Because when we don't enforce the laws, we send the message that we don't take our laws seriously. We don't pass laws to be ignored. Join me in supporting this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from Houston for her comments. I appreciate it. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goode).

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I have the honor of chairing a subcommittee that has jurisdiction over pension law and being an original sponsor of the Pension Protection Act. As a member of both the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Ways and Means Committee, we have been working for the last 2 years to get a pension bill to the House floor, and I am proud to rise in strong support of the bill. The Pension Protection Act is good and it is tough. Our bill makes companies put their money behind their promises and keep employees well informed on the health of their pension plans. While this bill is tough, it does not go overboard with more red tape that has almost killed traditional pension plans. Even with all the red tape that currently binds up these pension plans, there still are some loopholes in current law that have allowed companies to run away from their responsibilities and dump pension promises onto the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The PBGC says it is $23 billion in the hole, and they say that, with expected terminations, they are close to $28 billion. Our bill will tighten up pension laws so that companies making promises to employees for their retirement security actually put the money behind their promises. It is a shame our pension laws have allowed those most directly affected, workers and retirees, to be left unaware that there may be little money behind the promises of a secure retirement. United Airlines' pilots' pension plan was only 30 percent funded when it was dumped on the government. Those pilots and their families did not know how bad the situation was, and they are the ones that are now trying to figure out how to live on one-third of what they had planned to receive. Our bill requires a company to tell their employees if the pension plan is less than 80 percent funded. Employees will now push their bosses to put money into the plans to match the promises being made. This is a really important reform and should not be minimized. Also, not to be underestimated is a provision that will allow for a phased retirement of older workers. The provision would allow people to continue working, but also collect their employer-based pension after the age of 62. Current rules prohibit working for the same employer while also collecting a pension today. This prohibition simply forces many people to change jobs or work for a competitor or stop working altogether. My constituents have been really happy to hear about this additional way to step lightly into retirement. The bill also helps to modernize the pension law on cash balance pension plans. This type of pension plan represents the best chance we have at maintaining defined benefit plans in the future. Cash balance plans are a better fit than traditional plans with today's mobile workforce where employees generally do not stay with one employer for their entire career. The bill clarifies that in the future these plans are not age discriminatory. We need to provide this certainty. In fact, we should go further in providing certainty for plans regardless of when they were created, but because of litigation we cannot. We need to get this bill through the House and on to conference with the Senate and quickly enacted early next year. The number of traditional pension plans has been declining rapidly. The companies dropping these plans are in two groups. The first group is those that do not put their money behind their pension promises and turn their liabilities over to the government. We have seen that in the steel and airline industries. The second group is companies that are just sick of the red tape and uncertainty of our laws so they decide to stop offering plans altogether, like Verizon announced last week. In the many hearings on pension issues we have heard over and over again that companies need predictability and stability in their plans. We need to get this bill enacted so that companies put their money behind their promises so they can plan with certainty in the long term. Support this bill.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of this bill and the resilient American economy. This act will build on our legacy of tax relief that is fueling our economy, and will extend some very important tax provisions that will keep America's economy moving forward. Freedom and free enterprise go hand-in-hand. And keeping tax rates low so people have more of their hard-earned money in their pockets is the right way to go. Texans want, need, and deserve to have their sales tax deduction extended. It is vitally important for Texas. In Texas, we like to say ``no new taxes.'' We finance our spending through a sales tax. In 2004, we made sales taxes deductible from Federal taxes again, but that deduction expires in just a few weeks. My constituents want to keep the sales tax deduction. This bill will allow any American to choose to deduct either State sales tax or their State income tax through 2006. That is a great idea. Next, this bill extends the popular research and experiment tax credit. Luckily, we fine-tuned it to make it work even better. Many companies in our districts will be able to use this new alternative simplified credit. They will be able to add good research and create new jobs because of it. This extension and expansion of the credit are great for American jobs and our economy. Finally, we must extend the tax rate reduction on capital gains and dividends. This pro-growth policy helped spark the economy that we are seeing today. People and companies need to have some certainty for making decisions about long-term capital gains and dividend policy. Forcing folks to work with short-sighted tax policy just does not make sense. We have to change that if we want to see our economy stay the course. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill and urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Stealth Tax Relief Act. The AMT is not just a stealth tax, it is a sneaky tax. It is a parallel tax system where normal rules of income and deductions don't apply--you lose most of your deductions and your children become a liability! The bill we are debating today, the Stealth Tax Relief Act, will keep the AMT from hitting millions of additional middle class Americans. However, we are just holding back the tide of the AMT that in 2008 will swamp the tax system and actually collect more money than the underlying income tax system. We need to repeal the AMT. But until we can repeal it, we must hold harmless those Americans whose taxes are being raised in the next year. But even before we repeal the AMT we need to be sure that those Americans who have pre-paid future tax liability under AMT be able to use the pre-paid tax credits that they have accumulated. Unfortunately, there are thousands of Americans who have pre-paid future tax liability through the AMT but have never been able to use their credits. These credits amount to an interest free loan to the Federal government. Some Americans have been floating an interest free loan to the government for years and years. This is just plain wrong. To add insult to injury, many of these Americans have had to take out second mortgages on their homes and are paying interest on those loans to give the government an interest free loan! Some families raided their retirement plans or their children's education savings in order to give the government an interest free loan. I have a bill, the AMT Credit Fairness Act that would correct this inequity and would allow Americans to use their pre-paid tax credits. Unfortunately, the AMT Credit Fairness Act is not part of the Stealth Tax Relief Act that we will pass today but I will continue to work for its enactment.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask, What part of al Qaeda do you want operating here in America? Al Qaeda is a worldwide organization and a worldwide threat. I do not want any part of this. Americans do not want, need, or deserve al Qaeda. Our troops are over in Iraq fighting not just for our freedom and protection, but the freedom of the world. We must fight the bad guys over there, not over here. We must support our troops to the hilt so they do not go to bed at night covered in talcum-powder-thin white sand wondering, Does America really support me? In case people have forgotten, this is the same thing that happened in Vietnam. Peaceniks and people in Congress, and America, started saying bad things about what was going on in Vietnam, and it did a terrible thing to troop morale. I just pray that our troops and their families can block this noise out and know that we will all fight like mad to make sure our troops have everything they need for as long as they need it to win the global war on terrorism. Withdrawal is not an option. To our men and women in uniform, I simply say, God bless you. I salute you. All of America salutes our troops.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Thank you, Mr. Hunter. You are a great man yourself. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the American men and women in uniform and their families. I did spend 29 years in the Air Force, and I served in Korea and Vietnam and spent 7 years as a POW in Vietnam and more than half of that in solitary confinement. I know what it is like to be far from home, serving your country, risking your life, hearing that America doesn't care about you as happened in Vietnam. Your Congress does not care about you. Your Congress just cut off all the funding for your war. They are packing up, going home, and leaving you here. When I was a POW, I was scared to death when our Congress talked about pulling the plug that I would be left there forever. I know what it does to morale, I know what it does to the mission, and so help me God, I will never, ever let our Nation make that mistake again. Our men and women in uniform need our full support. They need to know that when they are in Iraq driving from Camp Blue Diamond to Camp Victory that the Congress is behind them, to give them the best armored trucks they can drive, the best weapons they can fire, and the best ammunition they can use. They need to have full faith that a few nay-sayers in Washington will not cut and run and leave them high and dry. They need to know these things because that is mandatory for mission success and troop morale. America, and the Congress, must stand behind our men and women in uniform because they stand up for us every minute of every day. Any talk, even so much as a murmur, of leaving now just emboldens the enemy and weakens the resolve of our troops in the field. That is dangerous. If you do not believe me, check out al Jazeera. The withdrawal story is on the front page. We cannot do that to our fellow Americans over there. Mr. Speaker, we are making great progress in Iraq. Remember in January how we saw pictures from Iraq of that first election. For weeks, the media predicted gloom and doom. Remember that? What did we see? We watched people as they waited in line for hours, defying death threats just to cast their vote for democracy. Remember the picture of the woman in the black hair cover flashing her purple finger in the ``V'' after voting in the first Iraqi elections? It was a breakthrough for democracy, and it was just the beginning. Remember the recent vote on the referendum when people came out in droves to make their voices heard? You would not have known about it because there was so little mention of it in our press, but the people got out there and they voted and they showed their support for democracy, a new government, hope, and a future. These people are thirsting for something more. They are risking their lives in the name of a new government, and we must stay the course if we want to foster a stable Iraq and create hope for millions in the Middle East. Our work is paying off, not just at the ballot box. Remember when we were waking up that Sunday morning in shock as we caught Saddam Hussein cowering in a rathole? He is gone. And you know what? At least 46 of Hussein's 55 most-wanted regime members are either dead or incarcerated. Nationwide, thousands and thousands of police officers have been hired, and nearly 200,000 Iraqi soldiers are trained and serving their country. It is going to take time, but our guys on the ground are working with other nations to make inroads to create leadership and inspire democracy in a country that has only known hate, fear, and death from a ruler. However, sadly, some here want to embolden the enemy by saying we just cut and run. That is just irresponsible and unconscionable. I have to ask, what would Iraq be like if the United States pulled out, allowing dangerous people like the head of al Qaeda, Zarqawi, to run the country? What would that mean for the region, the world? Al Qaeda rules with death, fear, terror, and blood. Al Qaeda takes innocent people hostage, and then beheads them, and then brags about it on the Internet. Al Qaeda has no respect for human life. They prey on innocent people to do their dirty work, because they know we do not target schools and hospitals and mosques; yet those are the exact places they run for cover. Al Qaeda will kidnap loved ones, especially very young children, of people trying to build democracy, to scare them out of helping the country. They are taking kids hostage because parents want a new life and a better life for their children.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove Representative Sander Levin as a cosponsor of H.R. 3385.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that we need to really recognize our guys that are fighting for this country. The Reserve and the Guard are a major part of the effort today.

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

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), my good friend from the Education Committee.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my good friend from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1953.