Frank LoBiondo

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the members and coaches of the Holy Spirit High School Girls' Crew Team of Absecon, New Jersey on their winning the coveted Peabody Cup world championship at the 16th Annual Henley Women's Regatta held at Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England on June 22, 2003. The girls' varsity eight defeated the Kingston Grammar School in the final 1,500 meter race by two boat lengths in a time of five minutes, eighteen seconds. This victory in the final came just hours after Holy Spirit defeated the British national junior champion team in the morning semifinal. Holy Spirit's proud championship tradition is well-known in the world's rowing community and this team has upheld and enhanced that tradition with their victory this year. They have a direct link with another world championship Holy Spirit crew. Their coach, Joe Welsh, was a member of the Holy Spirit boys' crew team that won a world championship at Henley in 1976. No doubt, the achievements of the girls' varsity eight in the 2003 Henley are a welcome addition to the Holy Spirit championship tradition and will serve to inspire young rowers. I congratulate Coach Welsh and the members of the Holy Spirit girls' varsity eight--bow Robin Cascoli, Kristen Haneman, Robyn Brennan, Jen Maslanka, Andrea Haneman, Eileen Welsh, Christa Laquinta, stroke Teri Francesco and coxswain Jamie Marcone--on their victory at the Henley Women's Regatta to become world champions and offer on behalf of all the residents of the Second Congressional District of New Jersey our appreciation for their achievements.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, will the chairman enter into a colloquy with me on this subject?

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this issue and recognize the very difficult decision-making process he was confronted with in development of this bill. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that continues my campaign and the campaign of many others to ensure that our maritime security efforts have as much resources available to defend against the potential disaster of an attack at one or more of our ports. My amendment would increase funding for the Coast Guard by $110 million; $35 million would go to fund the congressionally mandated review and approval of approximately 10,000 facilities and vessel security plans that owners and operators must submit to the Coast Guard next year; and $75 million to help get the critically needed Deep Water Acquisition Program back on track. My amendment would provide roughly half of what has been requested for support by the Coast Guard for these programs. Tomorrow in the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure session, we will be marking up the 2004 Coast Guard Authorization Act, which provides the funding for these important programs at the level requested and supported by the Coast Guard. I would add that over 85 Members of the House have sent the appropriators a letter in support of our authorized level of funding. At a May 22 hearing before my subcommittee, the commandant of the Coast Guard explained that the Coast Guard would need an additional $70 million to fund 150 full-time personnel to review and approve of the Vessel and Facility Security Plans mandated by the MTSA. If these plans are not reviewed and approved by the Coast Guard within a year of its submission, the owners will not be allowed to operate their vessels in U.S. waters, and noncompliant port facilities would be shut down. With 95 percent of our Nation's trade entering and leaving our ports, this will have a chilling effect on our economy. Moreover, without additional funding to meet this congressionally imposed mandate, the Coast Guard will have to divert precious resources and personnel from other traditional missions, including search and rescue, drug interdiction, and fisheries enforcement. My amendment would provide $35 million for this purpose, half of what is needed. At a June 3 hearing before my subcommittee, the commandant announced his support for the $702 million in funding for Deepwater. This level of funding represents what is needed to counteract 3 years of underfunding and would get the program back on track. The Coast Guard operates the second oldest naval fleet in the world, and some assets have been commissioned since World War II. Nearly half of the 110-foot Patrol Boat Fleet is in immediate need of repair for structural deterioration and has cost over 6 months of lost patrol days on the west coast. On average, the High Endurance Cutter Fleet is having a fire in their main engineering spaces on every patrol, and the fleet's main search and rescue helicopter is equipped with radar designed and installed nearly 20 years ago. Therefore, the successful and timely implementation of Deepwater would ensure that the Coast Guard would have the modern assets necessary to respond to any threats necessary. Mr. Chairman, I understand the very difficult decision-making process that confronted the appropriators in drafting this bill. I commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) for their work, and at this point I would indicate my willingness to withdraw my amendment if the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) would be willing to enter into a colloquy with me.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, as I have said, I am willing to withdraw my amendment if the gentleman agrees to work with me as the bill moves forward to increase funding for the Deepwater program and provide additional funding for the review and approval of the Vessel and Facility Security Plans.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I wish to thank Chairman Hunter, for yielding me this time and thank you for including my language in your en-bloc amendment. Mr. Chairman, the horrific events of September 11th reminded us all of the importance of protecting our Nation and its people. Unfortunately, these emerging terrorist threats will continue to be an issue for many years to come. National homeland defense must be our highest priority. We must utilize the unique capabilities and expertise of all agencies in this effort, including the Department of Defense. The military's mission has been fundamentally changed by the new homeland defense requirements. This mission change has been significant enough to warrant the creation of another major combatant command-- Northern Command--to be responsible for national homeland defense. We must identify exactly what the Department of Defense needs to execute this vital mission. Major steps are already being taken in this area. However, it is essential that we continue to closely examine what is needed to protect America during this dangerous time. Military construction to support the homeland defense mission is an integral part of the picture. Homeland defense has not been traditionally used as a determining factor in the funding of MILCON projects. I remain concerned that we do not evaluate our military construction needs in light of the new homeland defense mission. This amendment will ensure that all MILCON projects, regardless of when submitted, be evaluated in part for their contribution to the homeland defense mission. Postponing needed military construction required for homeland defense is something we cannot afford to do. We need to make homeland defense one of the principle criteria for all future military construction programs. For example, in my district, the 177th Fighter Wing has been worldwide-deployable, but is now focused on homeland defense. NORAD and NORTHCOM have given this wing responsibility for 24-hour alert and combat air patrol along the mid-Atlantic, including responsibility for cap missions over New York City and Washington, DC. Because of this new 24-hour alert site status, the wing's needs have changed. Their military construction requirements have changed and this amendment will ensure the MILCON process recognizes this trend nationwide. I encourage you to vote for this amendment to help preserve our homeland defense. Finally, I join with you to commend the men and women of our Nation's Armed Forces for service and thank them for securing the freedom we all enjoy.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. I thank the gentlewoman from Washington for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of H.R. 2185 which will provide an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to workers whose State jobless benefits will expire at the end of this month. I believe that we need to make sure that unemployed workers can continue to look for work with a degree of security that they can pay their bills. This legislation is the right way to accomplish this goal. I supported an extension of unemployment benefits in January and at that time signaled my belief that we should extend benefits throughout all of 2003 to give the economy time to recover and Congress a chance to pass a strong jobs and growth package. Tonight, we will pass that package, and we will also make unemployed workers eligible for unemployment benefits through the end of the year. I would like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means; I would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), a colleague whom I have worked with closely to help working men and women; and I would like for all of my colleagues to think about, as we prepare to go back to our districts to answer to the folks that we represent next week, that we think about people in the real world, people who are around that kitchen table who know that they have a problem on their hands. This gives us an opportunity to say that we have listened, we have recognized the problem, and we are willing to do something about it. People will argue maybe that this is not perfect, but it is a good step that everyone should support, and we should look for additional ways to help working men and women get through these troubled times.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of House Resolution 173. This resolution recognizes the achievements and contributions of the National Wildlife Refuge System on the occasion of its centennial anniversary and expresses strong support for the continued success of the National Wildlife Refuge System. On March 14, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt set aside Pelican Island off Florida's east coast to preserve the natural beauty of the islands for future generations. This act gave birth to a vision for America that has become the National Wildlife Refuge System. Each year, millions of people who share Teddy Roosevelt's passion for the outdoors and his devotion to preserving these places visit and enjoy more than 540 refuges and nearly 100 million acres nationwide all set aside for the wildlife that live and visit these areas and for the people that treasure these natural wonders. In my Southern New Jersey District, we have much to be thankful for with the trio of jewels that are the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Salem County, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Atlantic and Burlington Counties, and the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge in Cape May County. These three refuges provide both a welcome respite for important species who visit in this area as well as places for thousands of visitors to see these species in their natural habitat. Throughout my service in Congress, I have been proud to work to preserve and enhance these wildlife refuges. However, much of the credit for the hard work of protecting our wildlife refuges must go to the dedicated employees and volunteers at each of our local refuges. Without their dedication and drive, these refuges would not be a living realization off Teddy Roosevelt's dream which began a century ago. It is my hope that one hundred years from now, those who visit these national treasures are as astounded and inspired by the same beauty that the National Wildlife Refuge System is working so hard to preserve today.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, in the coming months we will be marking the third anniversary of the tragic death of one of my constituents. U.S. Navy Ensign John Elliott, who had just received his commission to Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, was struck and killed by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000. The accident instantly killed Elliott and seriously injured his passenger, Kristen Hohenwarter. Sadly, it was later discovered that the driver responsible for Elliott's death had been arrested for drunken driving earlier that evening. Elliott was on his way home for his mother's birthday party when he crossed paths with the intoxicated driver. Nearly three years after that tragic accident, his parents continue the fight to save other families from the grief they have endured. Lobbying the New Jersey State Legislature, the Elliotts saw to fruition the drafting, passage and ultimate enactment of John's Law. The law ensures that individuals who pick up an arrested driver sign a document accepting custody. Additionally, it gives State Police the authorization to impound the automobile of an arrested driver for up to 12 hours. Today, I am introducing a bill expressing the sense of Congress that funding should be made available from the Highway Trust Fund to encourage all states to enact legislation to require law enforcement officers to impound motor vehicles of those charged with driving while intoxicated and to issue responsibility warnings to those who take custody of suspects driving while intoxicated. The legislation also requires the National Traffic Safety Board to report to Congress on the number and severity of traffic accidents caused by individuals who were released by state and local police hours after being charged with DWI and to make recommendations on the need for states to adopt statutes similar to John's Law. We are making important strides to eliminate the senseless deaths caused by the lethal mix of alcohol and automobiles. Annual deaths from drinking and driving have decreased from approximately 28,000 in 1980 to 16,068 in 2000. In 1982, 57 percent of all traffic fatalities were alcohol-related. In 2000, that percentage fell to 38 percent. However, much work remains to be done. Each death is a preventable one and I am sure this resolution will go a long way in ensuring deaths like Ensign Elliott's are prevented and families are saved from the pain the Elliotts and other families across the nation have endured. I urge my colleagues in the House to support this resolution.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to offer, with the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), a resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the Laborers' International Union of North America and to congratulate their members on the union's many achievements over this century. On April 13, 1903, laborers from across America rose to the challenge set forth by American Federation of Labor President Samuel Gompers to come to Washington and to meet and form a union to represent their interests. Made up of hardworking immigrants and minorities focused on construction work, these workers formed the Laborers' Union, and for 100 years, this union has helped build America into the strong Nation that it is today. The union also pioneered equal treatment on the job for all workers, regardless of race, established union-led training and career development centers, and fought hard to improve worker safety. In 1965, the Laborers' Union officially changed its name to the Laborers' International Union of North America to show a growing diversification from construction into health care, food service, shipbuilding, mail handling, as well as local, State and government service. While the name of the union has changed, the spirit and dedication of those laborers 100 years ago has neither changed nor diminished, but instead has grown into a mighty work force for a better America. I wish the hard-working men and women a very much deserved happy 100th birthday, and I encourage them to keep up their impressive work well into the future.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Education and the Workforce be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 186) recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Laborers' International Union of North America and congratulating the members and officers of the Laborers' International Union of North America for the Union's many achievements, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 186.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of the Women's Cancer Recovery Act, a bill I introduced today with my colleague, Representative Sue Myrick. This important piece of legislation would provide a significant measure of relief for women across our Nation who are confronted by breast cancer. We introduce this bill on behalf of women who are now fighting the battle against breast cancer, and for any friends and relatives who may have lost a loved one to this terrible disease. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this year 182,000 new breast cancer diagnoses are expected in the United States. Fortunately, with increased early detection through mammography and improved surgery options, the past two decades have seen large improvements in the treatment of breast cancer. However, although some of the trauma associated with breast cancer treatment has been reduced, in recent years there has been a sharp rise in the number of outpatient, or ``drive-through,'' mastectomies. Of particular concern to me is that insurance plans, rather than the patient and her physician, have been determining the appropriate length of postoperative hospital stay. Specifically, our legislation would address these concerns by requiring insurance plans that provide breast cancer medical and surgical benefits to guarantee medically appropriate and adequate inpatient care following a mastectomy, lumpectomy or lymph node dissection. This legislation will help to end the practice of ``drive- through'' mastectomies and will also protect doctors from any penalties or reductions in reimbursement from insurance plans when they follow their judgment on what is medically appropriate and necessary for the patient. Most importantly, group health insurers will not be able to provide ``bonuses'' or any other financial incentives to a physician in order to keep in-patient stays below certain limits, or limit referrals to second opinions. Our legislation also requires health care providers to pay for secondary consultations when test results come back either negative or positive. This provision will give all patients the benefit of a second opinion in relation to diagnosing all types of cancer, not just breast cancer. I am proud to say that the Women's Cancer Recovery Act will empower women to determine the best course of care. Recovery time from a mastectomy will not be decided by an insurance company actuary. Rather, it will be decided by someone with medical expertise, which, in most cases, is the familiar face of the woman's doctor. I hope that this legislation will at least ease some of the fear associated with mas- tectomies. Breast cancer is devastating enough for a woman and her family to cope with, without the added burden of overcoming obstacles to treatment. I urge my colleagues to support and adopt the Women's Cancer Recovery Act of 2003.

Mr. LoBIONDO

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

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), who has led us in this effort, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), and our entire staff. We have outlined why this is such a critical and important bill, and I would like to take a moment to reemphasize the job that the Coast Guard is doing for the Nation. On September 10, 2001, the Coast Guard was dedicating about 2 percent of its resources to port and homeland security. On September 12, 2001, that percentage rose to 60 percent. They have been doing a magnificent job in protecting our ports and deploying for homeland security. Many Members have expressed their strong support for the Coast Guard and the job that they have done, but it is time for us to recognize by more than words and saying thank you, that they need more operational dollars, more acquisition dollars, and more personnel. With the provisions outlined in this piece of legislation for authorization of almost $6 billion, honoring the request of the President of the United States, we are taking a large step towards making sure that the Coast Guard will have the assets that they need to continue to do a great job. ]

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chair of our full committee, who has done such a great job in helping pull this together. (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. I would first like to thank the members of the conference committee who have provided the leadership and vision to create this landmark legislation, especially the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young), the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), Senator Hollings, and Senator McCain and Senator Lott. The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 establishes a comprehensive national system to increase transportation security for our ports and waterways. This legislation was developed to prevent a terrorist attack along our Nation's largest and perhaps most vulnerable border, consisting of 95,000 miles of coastline with hundreds of ports. The United States maritime industry contributes $742 billion to the gross domestic product each year, and a ripple effect of an attack on an American port would be absolutely devastating. The goal of S. 1214 is to deter terrorist attacks against ocean shipping without adversely affecting the flow of U.S. commerce through our ports. Striking this balance has been a key and essential element of my approach to this issue, and I believe that this bill achieves this goal. S. 1214 requires the Coast Guard to conduct vulnerability assessments of our United States ports. The results of the assessments will be used to implement a national maritime transportation security planning system, consisting of a comprehensive national plan, specific area plans, and local vessel and marine facility plans. S. 1214 also establishes a requirement for the Coast Guard to assess the effectiveness of security systems in certain foreign ports and to deny entry to vessels from ports that do not maintain effective security. Under S. 1214 individuals who enter secure areas on vessels or facilities will be required to have background checks and transportation security cards that will be issued by the Federal Government. The Maritime Transportation Security Act authorizes grants for enhanced facilities security at U.S. ports for the next 6 fiscal years. These grants will help cover the costs of port security improvements and fund research and development projects to determine which technologies will best improve port security. I have personally visited ports located in and around my home State of New Jersey and have seen the security challenges facing these facilities. Securing our ports is a critical Federal responsibility and the grant program is helping ports around America increase security and deter any would-be attackers. Shipping containers are particularly adaptable to use by a terrorist, and S. 1214 contains several provisions to improve the securities of our containers. The bill requires the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to maintain a cargo tracking, identification and screening system for shipping containers shipped to and from the United States. Finally, the bill requires the establishment of performance standards to enhance the physical security of shipping containers, including standards for container seals and locks. Mr. Speaker, this bill contains other important security enhancements concerning enhanced vessel crew member identification, Coast Guard sea marshals and vessel transponders to track the movement of vessels in United States waters. Equally significant, the bill contains several additional security enhancements and other Coast Guard provisions previously passed by the House. The Coast Guard, as one of the Nation's five armed services, has a key role in homeland security, particularly as it relates to port security and defense readiness. These provisions strengthen the authority of the Coast Guard to confront the terrorist threat facing us today. Strong maritime homeland security requires a strong Coast Guard with the resources it needs to protect the country from a terrorist attack. During my chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I have long said that the Coast Guard needs three things, essentially, to be successful: More money, more manpower, and more modern assets. Fortunately, this measure addresses all three needs and will help the Coast Guard to keep serving America both proudly and successfully. The bill authorizes expenditures for the United States Coast Guard for fiscal year 2003. Title V of the bill authorizes approximately $6 billion for Coast Guard programs and operations for fiscal year 2003. The bill funds the Coast Guard at levels requested by the President of the United States. An injection of $550 million in additional operating resources will also allow the Coast Guard to address chronic budget shortfalls. The bill fully embraces the President's call for an additional 2,000 Coast Guard personnel. Many of the Coast Guard's most urgent needs are similar to those experienced by the Department of Defense, including spare parts shortages and personnel training deficits. Title V authorizes $725 million for Coast Guard acquisitions. This funding will help support the recapitalization of the Coast Guard's vital assets, especially the Coast Guard's deep water program, which is so long overdue. Immediately following the events of September 11, 2001, the Coast Guard launched the largest home port security operation since World War II. And as part of operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom, the Coast Guard established ports and coast line patrols with 55 cutters, 42 aircraft, and hundreds of small boats. Over 2,800 Coast Guard reservists were called to active duty to support maritime homeland security operations in 350 of our Nation's ports. The Coast Guard enforced over 118 Maritime security zones around Navy vessels, cruise ships, nuclear power plants and other facilities. The Coast Guard now requires a 96-hour advance notice for all ships entering U.S. ports. I want to commend the Coast Guard for their rapid response to the September 11 attacks and thank them for their tremendous service to our Nation. Fortunately, we have already provided the Coast Guard with broad legal authorities to implement the necessary security measures within U.S. ports. However, without substantial additional Coast Guard resources, we are not going to be able to significantly enhance maritime security. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to commend the men and women of the Coast Guard who, as I said before, have done such an exceptional job in service to their country. America benefits from a small Coast Guard that is equipped to stop terrorists and drug smugglers and support the country's defense to respond to national emergencies. We must now act to put the Coast Guard on a sound financial footing to be ready to respond to increasing homeland security demands and to carry out other critical missions. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hard working House staff members who really have made this bill possible. Both from the House and Senate side the staff members worked extremely hard with long hours on this bill. An accomplishment of this magnitude is in large part due to their efforts. I would like to single out one person in particular, Rebecca Dye, who I have had the pleasure of working with as my tenure as chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, who has worked tirelessly throughout the 2 years that I have been chair and especially worked tirelessly on this bill. She will be leaving us shortly, and I want to take the opportunity to say what is our loss will be the gain for the United States of America. I thank Rebecca very much for her service to this committee, and I wish her the best of luck in the future. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this conference report. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Pursuant to House Resolution 605, I call up the conference report on the Senate bill (S. 1214) to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to establish a program to ensure greater security for United States seaports, and for other purposes, and ask for its consideration.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the conference report on S. 1214.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a South Jerseyan who has been honored for his brave service in World War II. Charles Palermo of Ocean City, New Jersey, a World War II veteran, was presented with the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal on December 17, 2001 at the Cumberland County College. The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal is the State's top military award and was given to Mr. Palermo in honor of the sacrifices he made for his country as a combat soldier. Sergeant Palermo enlisted in the Marine Corps and was shipped out to the Pacific Theater where he spent nearly three years in combat, coming face to face with death several times. In the South Pacific, Sgt. Palermo escaped death more than once, when Japanese bombs hit the amphibious tank he was aboard. He recalled this harrowing escape later saying, ``The worst experience was on August 11th and 12th at Guadalcanal. We had 13 men and four tanks. All the lights went out and we were stranded in the ocean. There was a big battle (during which Palermo's tank got hit by a bomb seconds after he and his crew jumped out). The next morning, there were a lot of dead bodies in the water-- both Americans and Japanese,'' he said. Another time, Palermo did not escape the tank before an enemy bomb hit struck the vehicle. This time he was injured, suffering burns from the waist up. ``It wasn't that bad,'' Palermo commented. On the island of Peleliu, he witnessed two of his friends enter a cave to seek out the enemy. But they never came out, he said. The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal was authorized by the State of New Jersey to honor all of the returning combat veterans and acknowledge the debt the State owed them for their service. ``The New Jersey veterans receiving the Distinguished Service Medal are a credit to our State and our Nation. Their sacrifice and their bravery in combat is truly deserving of New Jersey's highest military award,'' said Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco, of the honorees. Mr. Speaker, I concur with that sentiment and extend my thanks and appreciation to Mr. Charles Palermo who, like so many of his fellow World War II veterans, came forward to defend America and freedom.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the second anniversary of the tragic death of one of my constituents. U.S. Navy Ensign John Elliott, who had just received his commission to Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, was struck and killed by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000. The accident instantly killed Elliott and seriously injured his passenger, Kristen Hohenwarter. Sadly, it was later discovered that Michael Pangle, the driver responsible for Elliott's death, had been arrested for drunken driving earlier that evening. Having called for a ride, he was picked up by a friend and returned to his car. Elliott was on his way home for his mother's birthday party when he crossed paths with Pangle and both were killed. Two years after that tragic accident, John's parents continue the fight to save other families from the grief they have endured. Lobbying the New Jersey State Legislature, the Elliotts saw to fruition the drafting, passage and ultimate enactment of John's Law. The law ensures that individuals who pick up an arrested driver sign a document accepting custody. Additionally, it gives State Police the authorization to impound the automobile of an arrested driver for up to 12 hours. Today, I am introducing a resolution expressing the sense of the House that funding should be made available from the Highway Trust Fund to encourage all states to enact legislation to require law enforcement officers to impound motor vehicles of those charged with driving while intoxicated and to issue responsibility warnings to those who take custody of suspects driving while intoxicated. We are making important strides to eliminate the senseless deaths caused by the lethal mix of alcohol and automobiles. Annual deaths from drinking and driving have decreased from approximately 28,000 in 1980 to 16,068 in 2000. In 1982, 57 percent of all traffic fatalities were alcohol-related. In 2000, that percentage fell to 38 percent. However, much work remains to be done. Each death is a preventable one and I am sure this resolution will go a long way in ensuring deaths like Ensign Elliott's are prevented and families are saved from the pain the Elliotts and other families across the nation have endured. I urge my colleagues in the House to support this resolution.