Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

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

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following article by Kay Blythe Tracy, Ph.D.: Americans now are inspired and united by every musical note of ``God Bless America.'' But back in the sixties, we were a nation in discord, singing many different tunes. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote songs of Camelot, while Pete Seeger asked, ``Where have all the young men gone?'' The story I'm going to tell you today is about what happened to one of those young men. This story began in the sixties, when POW/MIA bracelets were conceived as a way to remember missing or captive American prisoners of war in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, a POW/MIA bracelet is worn until the man named on the bracelet is accounted for, whether it be 30 days or 35 years. I bought my bracelet in 1970 for $2.50. It has, ``Lt. Col. Samuel Johnson, April 16, 1966'' engraved on it. I wore the bracelet faithfully for many years, but eventually took it off and put it away. But every time I opened my jewelry box, I saw it. And every time I saw it, I was saddened, and I thought of Lt. Col. Johnson, and I said a little prayer. The bracelet led to my first foray into the wonderful world of e-Bay, the on-line auction service, where I listed it for sale. I thought that anyone who would buy it would treasure it and it would be out of my sight, out of my mind. To my surprise, bidding on the bracelet was brisk. On the seventh, and final, day of the auction, my husband George asked me if I knew what had happened to Col. Johnson. ``No,'' I replied. ``I never wanted to know.'' But George went to the Internet, and returned with information. Of the more than twenty-five hundred POWs, and the three to six thousand MIAs, only 591 men returned. My brother did not. After spending seven years as a prisoner of war, Sam Johnson did. I was so happy I cried. When I contacted Congressman Johnson's office, his aide, McCall Cameron, told me that he and Mrs. Johnson were on vacation with their grandchildren. Grandchildren! More tears. Congressman Johnson said he would very much like to have his bracelet. So, I cancelled the e-Bay auction, and today I am returning this souvenir. In the words of Randy Sparks, ``A million tomorrows will all pass away, ere I forget all the joy that is mine today.'' And in my own words, I say to Sam, finally, ``Welcome home.'' To Dr. Tracy, I say, ``Thank you. We will never forget. God bless you.''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, what was just said is totally out of line. We are providing health care to people. Americans want action and they want it now, and for the second time in 2 months Republicans in the House have passed a bill to stimulate the economy and get Americans back to work. This bill does strike a bipartisan compromise, and it provides health insurance and benefits to those who lost their jobs. Unemployed workers and their families need extra assistance in order to afford health care coverage after they lose their jobs. In addition, dislocated workers need access to job training programs, child care, transportation, and other assistance in order to get back to work quickly. That is what we are talking about is creating jobs. National emergency grants which are in this bill are the right approach. It allows each Governor to implement a seamless package of assistance for the needs of dislocated workers in their State. Importantly, it recognizes that a displaced worker's true goal ultimately is the right to return to work. It gives people more of their own money back, and it provides incentives to businesses to invest in new equipment and create new jobs. Mr. Speaker, the Members know there is $14 billion, $14 billion going to low-income workers. There are stimulus payments. Also, the bill includes national emergency grants, which I just talked about, which I introduced, that target workers who are laid off by paying part of their health insurance. Can Members believe this: this government is going to pay 60 percent of the health insurance costs of laid-off workers. It makes no difference whether or not they had health care insurance when they were employed, we are paying it to the unemployed. The bottom line is this: the American people want, need, and deserve help, and it is time for one Senator to stop running for President. Point of Order

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to a scheduling conflict I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall votes 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, and 476 on December 5 and 6, 2001. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Con. Res. 242, H.R. 3348, H. Con. Res. 102, H. Res. 298, H. Con. Res. 232, H. Con. Res. 280, the Motion, and H. Res. 305, respectively.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is important for me to bring this informative article to the attention of the U.S. Congress. [From the New York Times, Nov. 12, 2001] Making Sure Painful Stories Are Told Just Once (By Donna Wilkinson) Name: Collin County Children's Advocacy Center. Founded: 1992, in Plano, Tex. Mission: To help children cope with the trauma of abuse through a team approach--an alliance of law enforcement agencies, child protection services, legal and medical professionals--to investigate, treat and prosecute abuse cases. Constituency: Children under 18. Collin County, including several suburban and rural communities outside Dallas, has a population of about 500,000. Last year, the center received 2,488 referrals of child abuse; since it opened, it has served 8,000 children. Financing: Most of the $1.4 million annual budget comes from charities, foundations and corporations: the United Way, Meadows Foundation, Jenesis Foundation, B. B. Owen Trust, Texas Instruments and State Farm Insurance. The rest is from the Guardian Angels Society, a local group of individuals and religious and civic organizations who pledge $1,000 a year for five years. The center was inspired by the ideas of Representative Bud Cramer, Democrat of Alabama, who, as a district attorney in Huntsville in the 1980's, found that children were being revictimized by a system that was intended to protect them. Often bounced from one agency to another, youngsters had to repeat painful experiences to police, doctors, social workers and others, compromising evidence and traumatizing them again. Representative Cramer had proposed creating one central place where children could tell their stories. Besides filling that role, the center, which is located in a colorful 32,000-square-foot former supermarket, provides the children with immediate access to child protection services, law enforcement officials, district attorneys, sexual assault nurse examiners, therapists and community resource representatives who all work together under one roof. Attending to young victims requires special considerations. ``Almost 70 percent of the children we see are under the age of 7,'' said Jane Donovan, the center's community educator. ``When you ask a child that age a story over and over, the story changes.'' To protect the integrity of testimony for evidence, each child is interviewed by a forensic specialist and videotaped. What distinguishes the center is the partnerships among various services. ``Traditionally, there has been some contentiousness between child protective agencies and law enforcement,'' Ms. Donovan said. ``At our center, that just flat out doesn't exist.'' The center is not a residential facility, but placement is arranged when a child's safety at home is in question. ``We talk to our kids about `stranger danger,' but the reality is, 96 percent of the children we see know their abuser,'' Ms. Donovan said. ``Our goal is to help children deal with the trauma of abuse by empowering them to become survivors rather than remain victims.''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday's front page of the Wall Street Journal reads like this: ``The U.S. fell into a recession in March for the first time in a decade.'' By historical standards, the current contraction is unusual. Despite some optimism that the recession has run its course, turmoil in the commodity markets could indicate that a recovery will not arrive until summer at best, at best. If the American economy has been in a recession since March, it is obvious the American people need help now. We cannot wait until next summer for a turnaround. History has shown that providing tax relief is a better way to jump- start the economy than increasing spending. By enacting some commonsense stimulus policies, we can get our economy back on track. Our House-passed tax relief bill does just that. More tax relief would be great news for American families, American companies, and the American economy. Our friends at the other end of the Capitol need to quit stalling, get in gear and pass tax relief now. America will say thank you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), who is a member of the Committee on Ways and Means and who has a long history of working on retirement issues.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first of all, the process is entirely voluntary for the employees. The workers have full control over their investment decisions, not the investment advisor. H.R. 2269 does not require any employer to contract with an investment advisor, and no employee is under any obligation to accept or follow any of the advice. Furthermore, it requires financial service providers to fully disclose their fees and any potential conflict because investment advice may be offered only by fiduciary advisers, qualified entities that are already fully regulated under other Federal and State laws. The courts have consistently held that fiduciary duty is the highest form of financial responsibility to which an investment advisor can be held under the law. This bill authorizes, contrary to what the gentleman tried to imply, the individual participant and the Department of Labor can seek both criminal and civil penalties for infractions of such fiduciary duty. Comprehensive disclosure will inform participants of any financial interest advisors may have, the nature of the advisor's affiliation, if any, and any limits that may be placed on the advisor's ability. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to serve as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations under the wing of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and I am also the only Member of the House on both committees. I am pleased to report that both committees have passed this bill, and it was passed with bipartisan support. Now, more than ever, economic security goes hand in hand with retirement security. People are concerned when they watch their nest egg dwindle. Russell Morgan, a defined contribution consultant at Watson Wyatt Worldwide in Dallas, a management consulting firm, said ``Employees are having a tough time doing it on their own. For those who choose poorly, retirement may not be an option.'' That is just plain wrong. It is obvious that people need investment advice and they need it now. This bill does just that. This measure removes the obstacles for employers to provide millions of workers access to professional investment advice. The bill requires financial service providers to fully disclose their fees and any potential conflicts, as I said before. This bill protects people from fly-by-night groups or people trying to make a quick buck. There are a number of safeguards. One, under this bill, sound investment advice can only be offered by fiduciary advisors, qualified entities that are already fully regulated under other Federal and State laws. Courts have consistently held that fiduciary duty is the highest form of financial responsibility to which an investment advisor can be held under the law. Two, this bill authorizes the individual plan participant and the Department of Labor to seek both criminal and civil penalties for infractions of fiduciary duty. Three, comprehensive disclosure will inform participants of any financial interest, outside interest, that advisors may have. The nature of the advisor's affiliation, if any, with the available investment options, and any limits that may be placed on the advisor's ability to provide advice, these types of disclosure obligations, along with fiduciary duties, have worked well in regulating the conduct of advisors under Federal security laws for more than 60 years in protecting innocent people from scams and fraud. Both committees have worked hard to take a balanced approach to increasing access to advice while including safeguards to protect employers and employees. Without this bill, employees will continue to fend for themselves in today's roller-coaster market when it comes to planning their retirement. Help people who want to help themselves and vote for this bill. It is the right thing to do. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. There is a broad consensus that workers need access to expert investment advice. I did not know we were going to talk about tax relief and other subjects, but there are only 16 percent of 401(k) participants that have access to investment advice through their retirement plans, and only 17 percent have access through outside advisors. Seventy-five percent of full-time employees surveyed said they would take advantage of individualized advice service if their employers offered it, and we have been hearing about banks. Banks are regularly examined. Examinations occur frequently. Bank tellers cannot provide investment advice. Bank trust departments have a long history of trust investment, and they have been managing trusts for over two centuries. Banks manage over $2 trillion in employment benefit trusts, and banks have strong capital, which provides added protection for funds being invested. I doubt there is a bank in this country that would allow their trust department to make bad advice because the bank would be out of business. Recent market volatility tells us investment decisions must be based on solid and experienced judgment. Yet, as of today, we continue to deny our employees the same tools that corporations and unions are allowed to use in making sound investment decisions for their defined benefit plans. This bill changes that. Simply put, this measure ends investment ignorance and provides workers full control over their investment decisions. It repeals an outdated 1974 law that denies millions of Americans access to investment advice that could help them make the most of their retirement savings. No longer will wealthy individuals be the only ones to enjoy the luxury of being able to afford their own professional investment advice. Now low and middle income Americans will have the same choice. Since individuals bear the risk of stock market volatility in their 401(k) accounts, they are the ones who must have advice on how to better diversify their portfolios so they are financially prepared for retirement. H.R. 2269 will permit employers to offer investment advice as an employee benefit. This legislation does not require any employer to contract with an investment advisor and no employee is under any obligation to accept or follow any advice. This bill is good policy for today's workers and tomorrow's retirees. That is why the bill has been endorsed by the Department of Labor, the Department of Treasury and the Department of Commerce. In testifying before my subcommittee, Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Ann Combs praised the bill and said, ``We believe the bill creates a strong protective framework for the provision of investment advice to participants. Both the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Education and the Workforce have worked hard to take a balanced approach for increasing worker access to advice while including safeguards to protect employees' interests. I urge Members to join all of us in supporting H.R. 2269. Without it, millions of Americans will be in the dark in protecting and growing their retirement nest egg. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we talk about two advisors. I do not know how we keep both of them from being bad. As I mentioned, our measure removes the obstacles for employers to provide millions of workers professional investment advice. The bill requires financial service providers to fully disclose their fees and any potential conflicts. In this bill's current form, we protect people from fly-by-night groups and scam artists looking to make a fast buck. There are a number of safeguards that will protect workers and ensure that they receive investment advice on their 401(k) plans that is in their best interest. The pension fund managers at corporations and unions who make decisions about their defined benefit funds have access to professional portfolio managers. Now this bill will give rank and file the same protections. The Democrat substitute will not help people. It will just add layers of bureaucracy and could prevent people from seeking advice. People value their time, and they do not have time to seek and sift through paperwork and bureaucracy and two advisors. Importantly, our bill retains critical safeguards and includes new protections to guarantee that people receive sound investment advice. Since employees will work with a plan fiduciary advisor, people will be protected by State law, Federal law, as well as the SEC. People value their time, and they do not have time to sift through a whole bunch of new regulations. That is just wrong. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject the Democrat substitute and pass H.R. 2269 the way it is.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, over in the Senate, the majority leader said of our stimulus package it is not a front-burner issue as other legislation is, particularly government spending. On behalf of the nearly 7.7 million unemployed Americans, that is just plain wrong. These people know that bills do not stop coming just because someone stops working. These people need relief and they need it now. We need to give our economy a much-needed boost. Giving people the kind of economic security with more money will do just that. The House-passed tax bill will give the average family of four approximately 944 more dollars every year. That is nearly $1,000 to pay off credit, school, charity or save for retirement. That is a car payment, insurance and gas for a month. Tom Daschle was wrong. To the 700,000 who filed for unemployment last month alone, economic security is a front-burner issue. I urge the Senate majority leader to think about the 7.7 million unemployed and make economic security a front-burner issue.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the tragedy of September 11 is going to live forever in the hearts and minds of those who value peace and prosperity. Now more than ever people want economic security as well as personal security, and one way to give Americans peace of mind during these trying times is to give people more confidence about their bank accounts, about retirement plans and, ultimately, about our national economy. Cutting taxes and helping businesses is a surefire way to do that. Under this plan, the average family of four would see their disposable annual income increased by $940 a year. But economic stimulus bill is not just for people. If we are going to help our economy, we must help our businesses, from Wall Street to Main Street. Corporate AMT relief, also known as the Alternative Minimum Tax, will give businesses a fresh infusion of cash into the market. In short, it is going to help people and companies expand and encourage them to hire more people. We know the AMT is a parallel tax system meant to prevent companies from zeroing out their tax liability and forces them to calculate their taxes a second time without the benefit of deductions such as depreciation. The problem is that corporations and individuals fall into AMT and never get back out. AMT is a cyclical tax. When the cycle is down, the AMT kicks in and requires payment of taxes at 20 percent, even though they have lost money. It makes recessionary times worse, because it takes money away from businesses that should be retaining workers or investing. The payment of taxes under AMT amounts to an interest-free loan to the United States Government. There are companies that fell into AMT during the recession of 1991 and 1992 that have not used up yet all of their credits. During that recession, roughly 50 percent of American businesses in America were caught by AMT. When companies are in AMT, they cannot use their additional targeted tax benefits either. The corporate tax breaks that Congress might consider must take this into account. Depreciation and other incentives to invest are of no use to companies in AMT. It is time to renew our Constitution. This is a war effort and free enterprise must prevail.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I hate to respond to the gentleman, but he is wrong. Airline safety is great. It is better than it has ever been. The gentleman ought to go through D-FW airport. He would find out. When I was there, I got screened three times. They are looking for bombs. September 11 is going to live forever in the hearts and minds of those who value freedom and prosperity. One way to give Americans peace of mind during these trying times is to give people more confidence about their bank accounts, retirement plans, and the national economy. Now more than ever people want economic security as well as personal security. The House economic stimulus plan which we will try to pass next week will do just that by cutting taxes and helping businesses. Under this plan, the average family of four would see their disposable annual income increase by $940 a year. Knowing I had an extra $940 every year sure would make me sleep better tonight. The old adage applies: Success is the best revenge. I cannot think of a better way to spite those who want to harm our quality of life and capitalist society than by putting more money back into the economy and showing those who wish us harm what we are made of. Terrorists will never take away our hopes and dreams of a better America and a better economy.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to introduce a small business tax relief measure that will assist thousands of insurance agents throughout this country as they prepare for retirement. Many exclusive insurance agents who leave or retire from their jobs receive what is known as a ``termination payment'' under a contractual agreement with their respective insurance companies. These payments are paid for intangible assets, including the agent's ``book of business'' and goodwill, and are usually spread out over a series of years. Currently, there is confusion about the tax treatment of these termination payments, which has caused some IRS field agents to question the capital gains treatment of these payments. My bill, the ``Fair Tax Treatment for Insurance Agents'' Termination Payments Act of 2000,'' will make it clear that these termination payments are for the sale or other disposition of intangible capital assets and therefore should be subject to capital gains treatment. A clarification of current law is needed to ensure the correct result and prevent unknowing IRS agents from subjecting innocent insurance agents around the country to attack and audit on an Issue that has no basis for controversy. I urge my colleagues to support my bill and work with me to clarify the law to ensure that insurance agent ``termination payments'' are subject to capital gains treatment for Federal income tax purposes.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, one month ago, the most lethal terrorist attack in history was visited upon this Nation. Today, about 25,000 people attended the Department of Defense's ``United in Memory'' memorial service to celebrate the lives and mourn the loss of the people claimed in this attack. Members of the Cabinet and Congress joined the public on the grounds of the Pentagon ``to console and pray'' with the families of the victims and, as Secretary Rumsfeld said, ``remember them as believers in the heroic ideal for which this Nation stands and for which this building exists.'' The President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff all spoke of the loss we suffered on September 11 and the resolve that it has spawned. In the words of President Bush, ``Brick by brick we will quickly rebuild the Pentagon. In the missions ahead for the military you will have everything you need, every resource, every weapon, every means to assure full victory for the United States and the cause of freedom.'' I'd like to insert the following remarks into the Record so that they may forever pay tribute to those affected by terror on September 11th. President Pays Tribute at Pentagon Memorial The President. Please be seated. President and Senator Clinton, thank you all for being here. We have come here to pay our respects to 125 men and women who died in the service of America. We also remember 64 passengers on a hijacked plane; those men and women, boys and girls who fell into the hands of evildoers, and also died here exactly one month ago. On September 11th, great sorrow came to our country. And from that sorrow has come great resolve. Today, we are a nation awakened to the evil of terrorism, and determined to destroy it. That work began the moment we were attacked; and it will continue until justice is delivered. Americans are returning, as we must, to the normal pursuits of life. (Applause.) Americans are returning, as we must, to the normal pursuits of life. But we know that if you lost a son or daughter here, or a husband, or a wife, or a mom or dad, life will never again be as it was. The loss was sudden, and hard, and permanent. So difficult to explain. So difficult to accept. Three schoolchildren traveling with their teacher. An Army general. A budget analyst who reported to work here for 30 years. A lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserve who left behind a wife, a four-year-old son, and another child on the way. One life touches so many others. One death can leave sorrow that seems almost unbearable. But to all of you who lost someone here, I want to say: You are not alone. The American people will never forget the cruelty that was done here and in New York, and in the sky over Pennsylvania. We will never forget all the innocent people killed by the hatred of a few. We know the loneliness you feel in your loss. The entire nation, entire nation shares in your sadness. And we pray for you and your loved ones. And we will always honor their memory. The hijackers were instruments of evil who died in vain. Behind them is a cult of evil which seeks to harm the innocent and thrives on human suffering. Theirs is the worst kind of cruelty, the cruelty that is fed, not weakened, by tears. Theirs is the worst kind of violence, pure malice, while daring to claim the authority of God. We cannot fully understand the designs and power of evil. It is enough to know that evil, like goodness, exists. And in the terrorists, evil has found a willing servant. In New York, the terrorists chose as their target a symbol of America's freedom and confidence. Here, they struck a symbol of our strength in the world. And the attack on the Pentagon, on that day, was more symbolic than they knew. It was on another September 11th--September 11th, 1941--that construction on this building first began. America was just then awakening to another menace: The Nazi terror in Europe. And on that very night, President Franklin Roosevelt spoke to the nation. The danger, he warned, has long ceased to be a mere possibility. The danger is here now. Not only from a military enemy, but from an enemy of all law, all liberty, all morality, all religion. For us too, in the year 2001, an enemy has emerged that rejects every limit of law, morality, and religion. The terrorists have no true home in any country, or culture, or faith. They dwell in dark corners of earth. And there, we will find them. This week, I have called--(applause)--this week, I have called the Armed Forces into action. One by one, we are eliminating power centers of a regime that harbors al Qaeda terrorists. We gave that regime a choice: Turn over the terrorists, or face your ruin. They chose unwisely. (Applause.) The Taliban regime has brought nothing but fear and misery to the people of Afghanistan. These rulers call themselves holy men, even with their record of drawing money from heroin trafficking. They consider themselves pious and devout, while subjecting women to fierce brutality. The Taliban has allied itself with murderers and gave them shelter. But today, for al Qaeda and the Taliban, there is no shelter. (Applause.) As Americans did 60 years ago, we have entered a struggle of uncertain duration. But now, as then, we can be certain of the outcome, because we have a number of decisive assets. We have a unified country. We have the patience to fight and win on many fronts: Blocking terrorist plans, seizing their funds, arresting their networks, disrupting their communications, opposing their sponsors. And we have one more great asset in this cause: The brave men and women of the United States military. (Applause.) From my first days in this office, I have felt and seen the strong spirit of the Armed Forces. I saw it at Fort Stewart, Georgia, when I first reviewed our troops as Commander-in- Chief, and looked into the faces of proud and determined soldiers. I saw it in Annapolis on a graduation day, at Camp Pendleton in California, Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo. And I have seen this spirit at the Pentagon, before and after the attack on this building. You've responded to a great emergency with calm and courage. And for that, your country honors you. A Commander- in-Chief must know, must know that he can count on the skill and readiness of servicemen and women at every point in the chain of command. You have given me that confidence. And I give you these commitments. The wound to this building will not be forgotten, but it will be repaired. Brick by brick, we will quickly rebuild the Pentagon. (Applause.) In the missions ahead for the military, you will have everything you need, every resource, every weapon-- (applause)--every means to assure full victory for the United States and the cause of freedom. (Applause.) And I pledge to you that America will never relent on this war against terror. (Applause.) There will be times of swift, dramatic action. There will be times of steady, quiet progress. Over time, with patience and precision, the terrorists will be pursued. They will be isolated, surrounded, cornered, until there is no place to run, or hide, or rest. (Applause.) As military and civilian personnel in the Pentagon, you are an important part of the struggle we have entered. You know the risks of your calling, and you have willingly accepted them. You believe in our country, and our country believes in you. (Applause.) Within sight of this building is Arlington Cemetery, the final resting place of many thousands who died for our country over the generations. Enemies of America have now added to these graves, and they wish to add more. Unlike our enemies, we value every life, and we mourn every loss. Yet we're not afraid. Our cause is just, and worthy of sacrifice. Our nation is strong of heart, firm of purpose. Inspired by all the courage that has come before, we will meet our moment and we will prevail. (Applause.) May God bless you all, and may God bless America. (Applause.)

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, like many Americans, on Sunday, October 7, I left church to find that Operation Enduring Freedom was underway; that is, America's war on terrorism. The Taliban had their chance to cooperate. Instead, they chose to protect terrorists. The United States had no choice but to serve justice for the nearly 7,000 lives lost on September 11. But this is not just about Osama bin Laden, this is about any regime that harbors terrorists, and they will suffer the same fate as the Taliban. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran of two wars, no one knows better than I that on Sunday America started a different kind of war with a different kind of enemy. This war is going to take a long time, perhaps years. We must, we will, be patient. This is not a war against Islam. That is why more than 40 countries in the Middle East, Africa and across Asia have offered to help the United States. They, too, are disgusted with the horrific images of September 11. We are fortunate to call our great Nation the land of the free and the home of the brave, but freedom is not free. This is a war, a war against terrorism. That is why we will fight. That is why we will win. God bless our America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize some brave heroes in the Third Congressional District of Texas. Last week, I visited the Collin County Fire Academy. There were about 100 firefighters there from all over the area: Plano, Richardson, Frisco, McKinney. Those guys are just great. I went to visit them with the sole purpose of expressing my sincere appreciation for their dedication and efforts to protect the home front and for raising over $36,000 for the New York Fire Department September 11 Fund. September 11 is going to forever live in the hearts and minds of not just Americans but every single person who values freedom, peace, and security. The firefighters and those in training in Collin County recognize that. They make our neighborhood safer and our lives better. I am just sorry we had to have this devastating tragedy to thrust this heroic, selfless occupation into the spotlight. Again, to all firefighters, please know that we appreciate all they are preparing to do or have done. I thank them, and God bless them all. God bless America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, as a nation, we have unfortunately witnessed firsthand the true threats to our Nation's security. It is vital for every Member to support our men and women in uniform--and this bill. Right now, our troops are being sent into harm's way--to protect us. They are being asked to leave their families and defend this country against an enemy we do not fully understand, for an amount of time we cannot determine. For 8 long years, we neglected our forces. For America to win the war against terrorism, our military must have the best equipment, the best training, and the best resources available. Our lives have changed forever, but the role of our military is still the same--to protect America. It is time to give them what they need now. They deserve our help and support. You know, we live in the greatest nation on Earth. And we have a President and Commander-in-Chief who believes in our strength and in our military's might. This bill today reflects that confidence. Rest assured, we can and will win this war against freedom. Vote for freedom. Vote for our men and women in uniform. Vote for this bill.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, America is strong, America is united, and America will prevail over evil. The terrorist attacks against us have failed; and they have only made us more determined, more focused, more resolute. Mr. Speaker, the President will, at the appropriate time, use the full force of the United States to stop those who are opposed to freedom and the American way of life. Do you remember our Declaration of Independence? ``We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.'' These words should remind anyone who tries to destroy our freedoms that Americans always stand together. Mr. Speaker, I fought in a couple of wars myself; and this is a war, and I am ready to do it. That is why we remain the greatest, most powerful country on Earth. Let us go to war for freedom. God bless America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of our great Nation and against the dastardly acts of terrorism that we have seen. September 11, 2001, will forever live in the hearts and minds of not just Americans, but every single person who values freedom, peace, and security. The loved ones of the victims and aid workers are in my thoughts and prayers, and the most important thing is that America remains strong, and we will certainly overcome this tragedy. I saw the pictures of that destruction, especially in New York and at the Pentagon, which is where I was just 5 minutes before that happened. I was in Vietnam as a POW. I saw B-52s bomb Hanoi day after day after day, and I am telling the Members, with over 100 bombs from each one of those bombers, the destruction was not as great as what I have seen in New York City and at the Pentagon yesterday. It is horrible. Members can bet we will hunt down and punish the cowards responsible for that act. This declaration, this resolution that we have in front of us today, declares that these premeditated attacks struck not only at the people of the United States, but also at the symbols and structures of our economic and military strength, and that the United States is entitled to respond under international law. The problem with that is it does not declare war. It is a war, Mr. Speaker. Let me read what the Canada National Post said today: ``When foreign governments are discovered to be giving aid and succor to terrorists, they, too, must be hit. They must be hit as hard as possible and as often as possible to deter them forever.'' The Dallas Morning News said today, this morning: ``We must remind the world of how precious freedom is and how relentlessly we will defend it. The rest of the world must know that we will not rest until we capture and punish the terrorists responsible, and any nation who protects them.'' May God bless and protect each and every one of us, and all America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to rise to pay tribute to a great American, General Michael E. Ryan, the chief of staff of the United States Air Force. His departure on September 6 last week from active duty signaled an evolutionary change: the first time in 63 years, if you can believe that, that a Ryan is absent from the roles of the United States Air Force. His father, General John Ryan, also served as a senior uniformed Air Force officer. General Mike Ryan's career spanned over 3 decades during which he distinguished himself as an airman leader and trusted advisor to both the President and the United States Congress. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1965, General Ryan began his illustrious career of faithful service to this Nation. During his 36 years of service, he commanded at the squadron, wing, numbered air force and major command levels. He flew combat missions in southeast Asia, including 100 missions over north Vietnam. He was a fighter pilot, I can tell you that. I was one, too; and he was a fighter pilot's fighter pilot. He also served in key assignments at the major command level, headquarters of the United States Air Force and the joint staff right here in Washington, DC. As commander of the 16th Air Force and allied forces southern Europe in Italy, he directed the NATO air combat operations in Bosnia- Herzegovina that directly contributed to the Dayton peace accords. He was the head of the Air Force at the time when we used the B-2 bomber to great effectiveness in that war. General Ryan is a command pilot with more than 4,100 hours flying time in seven different aircraft, including 153 combat missions. His decorations and medals include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; the Distinguished Service Medal; the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters; the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; and the Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars. After serving as the commander of the United States Air Force in Europe and commander of the allied air forces in central Europe, General Ryan took the stick of the Air Force as its 16th chief of staff. He has exemplified the quiet dignity and honor of that office. His leadership, integrity and foresight set the right vector for our 21st century Air Force, and his expeditionary force concept is now in being. History has proven that a true leader sets the right vector and then clears the path to allow his commanders to truly command their units. General Ryan personifies this type of leader, and I quote, ``I do not think leadership should be personalized. Good ideas are best when they do not have a single identity. Leadership is a team effort.'' I want to take a moment, if I can, to identify the remarkable accomplishments of General Ryan's team effort. He and his leadership team have successfully arrested the Air Force readiness decline of the last decade. They have built stability into the expeditionary operations our Nation demands by reorganizing the United States Air Force. He has led the Air Force retention and recruiting effort that ensured quality was never sacrificed for quantity in an all-volunteer force competing in a strong job market. He led the effort to provide lifetime health care and a retirement system that properly compensates the member's service to his country. He was a people person, and he believed in the people that were in the United States Air Force. In a period of leadership challenges, General Ryan led our Air Force through 4 tumultuous years, balancing reduction in force with increased operational tasking. Without question, the United States Air Force is the world's premier aerospace force, and our country owes a debt of gratitude to General Mike Ryan. One key contributor to the U.S. Air Force ``One family, one Air Force'' and a person General Ryan owes much of his success to is his wife, Jane Ryan, who was instrumental in dealing with the personnel problems of the military throughout the Air Force. With dignity and grace, she selflessly gave her time and attention to the men and women of the Air Force family. Her sacrifice and devotion served as an example and inspiration for others. The Air Force lost not one but two very exceptional people. Last Thursday's review ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base was a demonstration of the total force concept that exemplified the superb ability of our airmen and officers that General Ryan has led and improved during his tenure. Those F-4D that flew by were a symbol of his career as fighter pilot and his combat excellence. He actually flew in an F-16 the day before. In closing, the Air Force is a better institution today than it was 4 years ago. General Ryan's distinguished and faithful service provided a significant and lasting contribution to our Air Force and our Nation's security. He has served our Nation with honor and distinction. I know the Members of both the House and Senate join me in paying tribute to this outstanding American patriot upon his retirement from the United States Air Force. We thank him, wish him and his family much health, happiness and God speed. General Ryan, good flight, mission complete.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Tonight I rise to pay tribute to a great American. Everybody has said it, he was, and he was also a true patriot, my friend, Floyd Spence. Floyd and I first became friends when I came to the Congress in 1991. As a career Air Force fighter pilot for 29 years, I felt inclined to keep abreast of issues of importance to our national security and Armed Forces. Knowing my passion for the military, Floyd went out of his way to update me early and often, even though I had not served on his committee. In fact, because I was a POW in Vietnam and also a veteran of the Korean War, Floyd turned to me in confidence regarding issues before his committees, the Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services, and he found it important to hear an outside perspective. He was a true conservative. He did support our American military and our American way of life in all that he did. Floyd was a true friend and a faithful leader for our men and women in the Armed Forces, and he always put our services' interest first and foremost. Mr. Speaker, just this year Floyd traveled with us to the Paris air show, where he looked there at foreign airplanes and ours in demonstration, and how proud he was of our own Armed Forces when they were out there performing before the world. It was a reflection that just made me admire him all the more. In reflection, I am sad that I can no longer turn to my friend Floyd on the floor. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I know he is in a better place. Floyd Spence was and is a great American.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Shame on the trial lawyers who are trying to win millions of dollars on your bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Thune).