Jim Langevin

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the bill. Despite the claims of those who support the Administration, this measure does nothing to protect those overseas who intend to do us harm. Instead, it is an important and vital effort to clarify the role of the FISA Court in light of advances in communications technology. As every member of the intelligence committee knows, the FISA Court already supervises aspects of foreign intelligence collection. The bill keeps the FISA Court engaged at the programmatic level, while ensuring that the Administration does not need individual warrants for foreign targets. The administration's proposal would cut the court out of the process and let the Attorney General decide when American's liberties are infringed. Our legislation establishes meaningful, independent judicial oversight by the FISA Court. It protects America without sacrificing our civil liberties. Our legislation is the responsible course, and I urge a YES vote.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act. I know that this was not an easy piece of legislation to put together and I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues on the Committees on Rules, Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means. This bill is an important step in addressing the health care crisis faced by millions of families. Access to affordable insurance and quality preventive care is critical to the well-being and security of all Americans. The CHAMP Act will ensure that all eligible children are afforded the opportunity to enroll in State Children's Health Insurance Programs and takes important steps to improve efficiency and secure the solvency of the Medicare program, relied on by so many of our seniors. The State Children's Health Insurance Program SCHIP, known as RIte Care in Rhode Island, has made health insurance a reality for over 12,000 children in my home State this year--the majority of them in families where one or more adult is part of the workforce. It is a critical component of health care delivery in Rhode Island, as it is across the country. I am so honored to be part of a Congress that is taking steps to ensure that all children who are eligible for this program are able to participate. By reauthorizing the SCHIP program, we renew our national commitment to achieving the goal of insuring all children whose parents cannot afford private health insurance coverage. This bill also contains important components for Medicare beneficiaries. The elimination of overpayments to private plans that participate in Medicare delivery is a necessary step to increasing efficiency of this program. This action will go a long way in preventing premium increases for Medicare beneficiaries and will strengthen Medicare's finances for the future. While we still have work to do in improving certain aspects of the Medicare program-- particularly the prescription drug benefit--this bill will ease the process for seniors who wish to change their prescription drug plan, and it will increase access to preventive services, saving lives and money. Finally, I would also note that this legislation contains a fix to the scheduled 10 percent cut in physician payments under Medicare. I am pleased to support this fix and look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a permanent solution to the flawed funding formula that continues to recommend such cuts. We cannot offer high quality health care to our Nation's seniors if health care providers cannot afford to see Medicare patients. I am pleased that this Congress has made access to health care a priority, particularly for our Nation's children and seniors. I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of the CHAMP Act.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 180, the Darfur Divestment and Accountability Act. This measure supports State, city, and university efforts to divest funds from, or restrict investments in, companies that conduct business operations in Sudan. H.R. 180 works toward a goal of ending a travesty that has resonated with people all over the world. My home State of Rhode Island has been active on this tragic issue for many years, with Providence becoming the first U.S. city to divest from companies tied to the Sudanese Government in 2006. Just this past month, Rhode Island passed Sudan divestment into law. These actions would not have been possible without our very active student population, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their persistent advocacy. Like my constituents, I am deeply concerned over the ongoing violence and humanitarian disaster in the Darfur region. It is truly a tragedy that we have not learned from our mistakes in the past regarding genocide, but it is not too late to change the situation in Sudan. It is our duty to end this human suffering, and as a member of the Sudan Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to stop this conflict and promote peace in Sudan. Passing H.R. 180 is an important and necessary step for Congress to take as we work to achieve this goal.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007, better known as the Farm Bill. This measure reflects Rhode Island's priorities: protecting our farmers and surrounding environment and caring for the most vulnerable members of society. There has been much discussion about reforming the Farm Bill, particularly with regard to how payments are structured to producers of certain commodities like cotton, rice and sugar. H.R. 2419 begins this process by lowering the annual adjusted gross income of farmers eligible for subsidies from $2.5 million to $1 million. For farmers making $500,000 to $1 million, 67 percent of their income must come from farming or they cannot receive Federal subsidies. This structure will prevent millionaires from receiving farm subsidy benefits, and will also make payments transparent. While I believe we should go further with reform, I look forward to building on this restructuring in future legislation. This legislation increases funding for important conservation programs for Rhode Island, including the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program, and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program. I am also pleased that H.R. 2419 includes funding for specialty crops, which will benefit our fruit, vegetable and nursery crop farmers. These farmers, which make up a large percentage of Rhode Island's farming landscape, will now receive equal assistance and access to conservation programs. H.R. 2419 increases funding for the nutrition title, which includes food stamps and other programs aimed to combat hunger and improve nutrition for children, the elderly and low-income Americans. This bill reauthorizes programs such as the Community Food Projects program, which awards grants to non-profit groups that establish community food projects targeted to low-income individuals. This measure also increases funding for school nutrition programs for purchasing fruits, vegetables and nuts, and creates more avenues for produce to flow from local farmers to schools. Finally, H.R. 2419 also encourages the expansion of renewable energy research and production, contains a new section for horticulture and organic agriculture, and includes funding to make sure our food supply is safe and stable. Mr. Chairman, this legislation helps farmers meet growing environmental challenges, gives consumers more health food choices, and promotes critical renewable energy development. I look forward to passing this measure into law.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3123, which would allow Liberians living in the United States to be eligible for a 1-year extension of their temporary protected status. This measure, introduced by my colleague from Rhode Island, Representative Kennedy, will give Liberian refugees in our State an opportunity to plan their return home instead of being forced back before they are ready. For many years, Liberians were ruled by the cruel hands of dictators, including Samuel Doe and Charles Taylor. They controlled their country by fear and violence, which provoked the United States Government in 1991 to seek temporary protected status for Liberian nationals who were in the U.S. Since Charles Taylor was forced out of office, Liberia has made progress in peace and democracy building efforts, and the election of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2005 has brought stability to the region. President Johnson Sirleaf has made many efforts to improve relations with both the U.S. Government and Liberian communities across our country. However, Liberia's security situation, while stable, is still fragile, and its economy and state structures remain devastated by war. In Rhode Island, our Liberian population has become part of the fabric of our community. They work for local companies, they attend our schools, and they enrich cities and towns. The majority of Liberians in our State wants to return to their homeland, but they understandably wish to first ensure the country's safety and stability. In the meantime, they are learning how to better serve their country by taking advantage of opportunities offered to them in the United States. They are an integral part of our communities, and in return, we owe them the chance to return when they are ready--and without fear--to Liberia.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to thank the gentleman from Mississippi, the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee for his outstanding leadership on this bill. Mr. Speaker, the 9/11 Commission provided an eye-opening assessment of how terrorists were able to exploit security vulnerabilities on September 11. It made 41 key recommendations to address these shortcomings. We promised the American people that the Commission's efforts would not be in vain, and today we made good on that promise. Our threat environment presents unique challenges. While good intelligence will always be the pointy tip of the spear, it will always be critical to our anti-terror efforts. We know that it's not foolproof. Among the many things that this conference report accomplishes, it fulfills a key commission recommendation by creating a stand-alone program for communications interoperability. It also requires 100 percent advance screening of maritime cargo, which will ensure a weapon of mass destruction never even has a chance of reaching American shores by being smuggled in a cargo container. I am proud to have served as a conferee on this bill, and I believe we have an excellent final product before us today. The best way to honor those who died on September 11 is to learn from the lessons of that tragic day and take action. This conference report represents a major step towards that goal of which the American people can be proud. I thank the distinguished chairman of the committee for his great work on this bill.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding friend and fellow Rhode Islander, Mr. Angelo S. Rotella, Esq. Our Nation faces a considerable public health challenge in providing for the long term care needs of frail, elderly, and disabled Americans. Meeting this challenge, and especially caring for those who have sacrificed so much in defense of our great nation, requires both leadership and expertise. Without a doubt, Angelo Rotella has both. The owner and administrator of the Friendly Home and Berkshire Place skilled nursing facilities in Rhode Island, Angelo also serves as Chair of the American Health Care Association, AHCA, which represents nearly 11,000 nursing homes, assisted living residences, and facilities for the care of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. In October, Angelo will conclude his term as Chair of the AHCA. A healthcare professional with more than twenty years of long term care experience, Angelo has been an elected leader of AHCA for more than a decade and has also served in many leadership roles with the Rhode Island Health Care Association. In addition to these responsibilities, he maintains professional membership in the National Fire Protection Association and the National Health Lawyers Association. Angelo's first-hand knowledge of facilities and experience at the state level make him a formidable advocate for quality long term care-- one who appreciates the challenges ahead while working now to ensure that all Americans will continue to have access to the best care. Madam Speaker, I salute my good friend Angelo Rotella for his years of service with the American Health Care Association, and for his example to those who care for our Nation's most vulnerable citizens. He has truly made a difference in countless lives, and I know my colleagues will join me in expressing our appreciation for his efforts. Congratulations, Angelo, and thanks for all you have done.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce legislation this evening requiring the establishment of a Quadrennial National Security Review. I am joined in this effort by my friend and colleague on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry) who has been an advocate for enhanced interagency cooperation and improved strategic planning on national security issues. His input and support on this bill have been invaluable. This measure has the support of Armed Services Committee Chairman Skelton, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Lantos, and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson, as well as numerous other Members with strong national security credentials. Currently, the United States establishes its national security goals in the National Security Strategy, required by law to be submitted annually to Congress. However, only two versions have been published in the last 6 years and those documents provide little insight into how we can harness all assets of national power to achieve our national security goals. Many experts in the field of national security, including members of the 9/11 Commission, have emphasized the importance of using all of our Nation's capabilities and levers of influence to advance our national security goals. Dr. Joe Nye, the former dean of the Kennedy School of Government and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, has written extensively about the need to supplement our military might with ``soft power,'' efforts to win the world's hearts and minds with our values and culture. Successfully exercising this type of power requires that we pursue many fronts, including international diplomacy, democracy building, cultural exchanges, economic development, educational initiatives, and communication about our values and ideals. Even though our Nation has many assets and capabilities to advance our national security goals, we have done a poor job of integrating them all. From my experience on the House Intelligence Committee, as well as the Homeland Security and Armed Services Committees, I am deeply concerned about the tendency of agencies with national security responsibilities to focus exclusively on their own programs' initiatives, while losing sight of the larger strategic goals, an unfortunate phenomenon that leads to stovepiping when information and intelligence are not shared among Departments and agencies. Madam Speaker, we must ensure that all components of our Federal Government are working together toward the same purpose and that they are able to coordinate their efforts to the greatest extent possible. In its ``Beyond Goldwater-Nichols'' study, the Center for Strategic and International Studies recommended the establishment of a Quadrennial National Security Review to create an interagency process that would identify national security goals, assess existing needs and capabilities, establish priorities for funding, and recommend specific policy and budget proposals. From that recommendation, I have worked with other experts, Members of Congress, and committee staff to draft the legislation that we are introducing today. This bill would create a Quadrennial National Security Review, a process to coordinate all assets of national power and identify and achieve our national security objectives. Under the measure, every 4 years the President would conduct a review of the national security goals of the United States in consultation with all relevant national security related Departments and agencies, as well as Congress. The process would include a thorough investigation of America's national security interests and objectives, the strategy for implementing security goals, risk assessments, identification of all assets of national power needed to meet security goals, an explanation of how agencies would coordinate their efforts, and an assessment of what additional resources are needed. The effort would culminate in a comprehensive national security strategy document, policy recommendations, and a unified security budget proposal that reflects national security priorities. Finally, after publication of the QNSR, an outside panel of the national security experts would conduct independent review and perform their own analysis, reporting their findings to Congress and the administration within 2 years. I am hopeful that the establishment of a QNSR and an independent review process will lead to greater coordination and cooperation and facilitate strategic budget and resource decision-making. In closing, I would like to thank the many Members, staff and national security experts who have provided feedback and guidance in the crafting of this bill. It is not an easy task to move our entire national security decision-making structure forward from the status quo, but I know many people in this body recognize the importance of doing so, and I am optimistic that we are moving in the right direction. I urge my colleagues to join me in this vital effort.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on the vote on passage of H.R. 404. Had I been present on rollcall vote No. 687, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Chairman, I am pleased to rise in strong support of the Ferguson-Langevin amendment. Last year, I was so pleased to work closely with Mr. Ferguson to ensure the passage of the Lifespan Respite Care Act, which will offer relief to so many family caregivers across the country. I had the privilege of traveling with Mr. Ferguson to Iraq going back a couple of years now, and I know his personal commitment to this issue. He shared the story with me about his mom, and so I know, as in my case as well as with Mr. Ferguson, this is certainly a very personal issue that we have personal knowledge about and we care passionately about. So I am pleased to join him today and in the effort to direct funding now for this important program. As I mentioned, I know firsthand what a difference a dedicated caregiver can make in the life of a person with a disability or chronic condition. Family caregiving is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of our Nation's health care system. The ability to live at home and remain a part of one's community can make a tremendous difference in a person achieving independence, recovery, or treatment. And whether they are caring for a child with a behavioral disorder or a parent with ALS or a spouse with multiple sclerosis, we all know someone who is a family caregiver. They live in all of our communities and they are often silent heroes, ensuring family stability and helping those who struggle with disease or disability to avoid more costly out-of-home placements. We were so excited last year when this Congress really took a bold initiative in enacting the Lifespan Respite Care Act, and it gave hope to so many families across America. Today, this amendment that we are proposing directs $10 million toward the Lifespan Respite Care Act, which would authorize grants to make quality respite care available and accessible to family caregivers regardless of age or disability. So it is exciting if we can actually put now the funding into the Lifespan Respite Care Act that we so desperately need to help America's families who are providing this type of care in the home. I urge all of my colleagues who are so supportive of the passage of this bill to vote in favor of the Ferguson-Langevin amendment. I also want to commend my colleague Mr. Ferguson, the gentleman from New Jersey, for his passion and dedication on this issue. It has truly been a team effort. And, again, I urge my colleagues to support it. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, over the recess I had the opportunity to have several public hearings back home, and Iraq was one on everyone's mind. The overwhelming consensus was that we need a new strategy in Iraq, a view shared by national security experts and illustrated by continued violence in the region. Today, we can chart a new path so that we can finally bring our troops home. Americans know the Bush strategy isn't working, and today's Iraq status report confirms the lack of progress. The Iraqi Government has failed to promote political reconciliation, and our military is paying the price. Our troops have done a superb job, but they were not sent to Iraq to referee a civil war. Today's bill requires our military to start redeploying out of Iraq within 120 days, to be completed by April 1, 2008. We will not abandon Iraq, but we must implement a new strategy based on political, economic and diplomatic initiatives. I want to thank Chairman Skelton for his leadership on this measure, and I urge all my colleagues to support it.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, every day now, it's becoming more and more apparent that the President's troop escalation plan is not stemming the civil war in Iraq. In fact, since the plan took effect earlier this year, violence in Iraq is up, and our soldiers are paying a heavy price on the battlefield. For months now, Democrats have stood united in our commitment to forge a new direction in Iraq, but our efforts have received very little support from congressional Republicans. It appears that is beginning to change. Earlier this week, one of the most respected Members of the Republican party on international affairs, Senator Richard Lugar, said that we must recalibrate our strategy in Iraq to fit our domestic political conditions and broader needs of national security. Then yesterday, Senator Voinovich said that he doesn't believe the Iraqis are going to get it until they know we are leaving. Both Senator Lugar and Senator Voinovich's comments are a blow to the White House and serve as yet another example of long-time supporters of the President's Iraq policy believing we are long overdue for a new direction. It's time for the congressional Republicans to face the reality and join us in dramatically changing course in Iraq.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I unfortunately must rise in opposition to the Smith-Stupak amendment. I have great respect for the passion displayed by Mr. Smith and Mr. Stupak and I share their opposition to abortion. However, in this instance I must strongly disagree with their decision to prevent the distribution of contraception to some of the most poor and needy people and nations in the world. Mr. Chairman, we are asked to make an important decision in this year's debate on the Foreign Operations bill. Our commitment to providing international family planning speaks volumes about who we are as a nation. These funds reach some of the most vulnerable populations in the world and can literally mean the difference between life and death. I know that Americans regardless of their position on abortion are horrified by the statistics on HIV/AIDS in Africa and the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions throughout the developing world. I believe that it is our responsibility, as people committed to the sanctity of life and the basic human dignity of all people, to respond to this crisis. I believe that it is also our responsibility to do so in the most effective manner possible while staying true to our core values. The language that Chairwoman Lowey proposes makes it possible for the United States to provide developing nations access to contraceptive products, products that save lives. The Lowey language ensures that the organizations best equipped to distribute these products to the neediest, poorest parts of the world are able to do so. Finally, it respects the law of the land that prohibits Federal financial assistance to organizations that provide abortions or abortion counseling. I know that crafting this language was no easy feat and I commend Mrs. Lowey for her dedication to moving forward with a bill that reflects the values of our Nation and respects the strong feelings that Members have on both sides of the abortion debate. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Smith-Stupak amendment and allow this critical, lifesaving assistance to reach those who so desperately need it. I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I am grateful to have this opportunity to rise in support of the Lowey amendment. I share Chairwoman Lowey's concerns about the lack of access to contraceptives, the lifesaving tool for disease prevention in the developing word. The World Health Organization estimates that 80 million women face unwanted pregnancies each year. More than 150 million couples have no access to family planning, and more than 75,000 women die each year due to complications related to unsafe abortion. These staggering statistics reflect the dire situation in countries such as Ghana, Ethiopia, Romania and many others as nations struggle to provide health care and basic services to their citizens. It is a tragedy that 24.5 million people are living with HIV in sub- Saharan Africa, where more than 12 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. I know that I speak for the vast majority of Americans when I say that we have a responsibility to respond to this crisis. Like so many of my colleagues, I am opposed to abortion. And this position compels me to work to promote access to contraception and other methods of pregnancy prevention. I also feel that being pro-life means working to protect life at all stages, and to alleviate suffering wherever I am able to do so is an important priority. Rarely has the world known such intense suffering as that faced by sub-Saharan Africa today. Mr. Chairman, we must do everything in our power to ensure that the money we spend on international family planning, $441 million in this bill, will be used in the most effective way. The Lowey amendment makes sure that we do that. I want to thank Chairwoman Lowey for her leadership.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentlelady for yielding for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Chairwoman Lowey and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar). Madam Chairman, thank you for engaging in this discussion to clarify the language related to international family planning and abortion restrictions in the bill. I understand that you have included a provision in the underlying bill that makes certain exemptions for contraceptives from the Mexico City policy. I further understand that the intent of this provision is to allow international nongovernmental organizations, otherwise known as NGOs, to receive U.S.-donated contraceptives for distribution to the poorest men and women in the poorest regions of the world. As the chairwoman knows, I do not support providing direct funding to international NGOs that do not adhere to the Mexico City policy. I have concerns that the language, as it is currently drafted, could be interpreted more broadly than intended and could be construed to permit not only the provision of contraceptives, but also the provision of funding directly to organizations that perform or advocate for abortions. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentleman. I would like to thank the chairwoman for her comments and her willingness to offer this clarifying amendment and to make it absolutely clear that the bill would only allow for the provision of contraceptives and not for direct funding.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2641, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2008. I commend Chairman Visclosky for his efforts on this measure and for investing in the needs of our Nation's future. As a former member of the House Armed Services Committee and as chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I am particularly pleased that this bill recognizes the importance of nuclear non-proliferation efforts. I have become convinced that the nuclear terrorist threat is real, requiring the full and urgent attention of our government. We have learned about the relative ease with which a terrorist can build a crude nuclear device, and we need to do all we can to prevent the nightmare scenario in which someone smuggles a device onto U.S. soil and detonates it in a city. We must pursue a three-pronged approach of prevention, detection, and response. I have supported efforts to increase our radiation detection capabilities at our ports of entry, as well as to improve our government response efforts if our nation is ever attacked with a nuclear or radiological device. This bill addresses the third component of that strategy--securing nuclear material at its source. This measure increases funds for the National Nuclear Security Administration to secure nuclear weapons and materials in the former Soviet Republic. The NNSA's efforts are vital to improving the security of nuclear materials at civilian, naval, and nuclear weapons complex facilities, and helping Russia dispose of plutonium removed from nuclear weapons. However, the challenge of fissile material security goes far beyond Russia and the former Soviet Union and will require our government to expand its non-proliferation programs outside of the former Soviet Union. The revelations of A.Q. Khan's black market proliferation network, for example, provided a striking wake-up call that we must focus on other nuclear states if we are going to be successful in deterring nuclear terrorism. Consequently, the bill more than doubles funding--providing $251 million--for the Global Threat Reduction Initiative, which aims to identify, secure, remove, and facilitate the disposition of high-risk, vulnerable nuclear and radiological materials and equipment around the world. Again, I thank Chairman Visclosky for his leadership on nuclear non- proliferation programs and for his fine work in crafting this bill.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2642, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008. This measure shows what a high priority our Nation places on providing for our servicemembers, their families and our veterans. The new Democratic leadership in Congress has faced many challenges in recent months regarding the treatment of servicemembers and veterans. Earlier this year, we learned about horrific conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, including overused outpatient housing in disrepair, patients confused about where to go after serious operations, and the tangled bureaucracy confronting servicemembers and their families. It was clear that administrative policies needed to be revised, not only at Walter Reed, but across the system at locations both here and abroad. It was also clear that increasing the funding level for military health care was a priority. As a result, Congress passed a supplemental spending bill that contained an additional $1.8 billion for veterans' health care, and today we will pass a bill that is $6.7 billion above fiscal year 2007 funds and $3.8 billion over President Bush's request. The total amount in this bill is even more than what is requested in the Independent Budget, a needs estimate published by four veterans' service groups. If passed, H.R. 2642 will mark the largest annual increase to VA health care funding in over 75 years. Mr. Chairman, we must ensure that servicemembers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan have the services they require and as well anticipate the increasing number of returning veterans who have earned their promised benefits. To that end, H.R. 2642 provides $43.2 billion for veterans medical care to alleviate the backlogged claims processing system and fund improvements for VA facilities. I am also pleased that this measure allots $600 million for new initiatives for improving mental health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) centers, $1.9 billion to improve the electronic health records system, and $130 million to assist homeless veterans. After a recent visit to the Providence VA Medical Center, I was impressed with the treatment of veterans, as well as the ongoing innovative research at the facility. I am also optimistic that upcoming construction projects will improve the facility, especially knowing that the VA will play a larger role in the coming years as more servicemembers return from ongoing conflicts. Today's bill provides $4.1 billion for ongoing maintenance and renovations of existing facilities, which will help Providence attain its goals. I am also pleased that $15 million is allocated for the Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, which allows the Department of Defense and VA to increase research, improve access to care, and ensure a seamless transition for our veterans. H.R. 2642 also includes $21.4 billion for military construction. This amount is $5.1 billion above the amount for fiscal year 2007, and will fully fund Base Realignment and Closure. This funding will also help improve training and quality of life facilities for active duty troops and members of the National Guard and Reserves, all of whom are playing critical roles in ongoing conflicts and need our support now more than ever. Finally, this measure includes $2.8 billion to help increase the size of the Army, Marine Corps, the National Guard and Reserves over the next five years. Mr. Chairman, we must maintain strong support for our men and women in uniform and all those who have bravely served our nation, and H.R. 2642 will do just that. May we all keep those currently serving abroad in our thoughts and wish them a safe return home.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentleman, and again I want to thank you for your attention to this matter of national significance, and I do look forward to working with you. And I also appreciate all your hard work on the Homeland Security appropriations bill in general. Again, I appreciate the gentleman's efforts.

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, as chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have worked to bring greater attention to the issue of cybersecurity, which remains a vulnerability in our national infrastructure. I believe it is critical that adequate funding for cybersecurity research and development be made a priority at the Science and Technology Directorate. Unfortunately, this issue has been largely overlooked within the Department of Homeland Security. In fact, out of the $22.7 million in fiscal year 2007 funding appropriated for the S&T Directorate for Cybersecurity R&D, only $13 million actually has been spent on cybersecurity. The rest has been reallocated to other programs at the directorate. For fiscal year 2008, the President slashed the budget again, requesting only $14.8 million, which is an $8 million cut from the previous year. As the chairman knows, my subcommittee has raised attention to this issue, and the full committee authorized $50 million for cybersecurity research and development. As the committee's authorization and appropriations bills move forward, I would like to work with the chairman so that we can assure appropriate funding for cybersecurity research.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I want to say that I rise in strong support of the FY 2008 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. I want to begin by commending Chairman Price's leadership in crafting a measure that will provide an additional $2.1 billion above the President's request and fill many of our remaining security gaps. As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I am particularly pleased that this bill incorporates language I worked on to strengthen chemical security by allowing State and local governments to set chemical safety rules that are stronger than Federal mandates. Further, this legislation incorporates an additional $307 million for aviation security, an area the 9/11 Commission highlighted as a priority. This bill will allow TSA to install vital explosive detection systems at commercial airports nationwide and will double the amount of cargo screened on passenger aircrafts. This bill also takes the critical step of lifting the cap on TSA airport screeners, a provision which is of tremendous importance to T.F. Green Airport in my district. In addition, H.R. 2638 incorporates robust funding to strengthen border protection, including $8.8 billion to fund an additional 3,000 Border Patrol agents for FY08. Finally, this legislation will help our first responders who place their lives on the line each and every day by restoring funding to the local law enforcement terrorism prevention program and the assistance to firefighter grants program. Of course, no appropriations measure is perfect and this bill is no exception. I am especially disappointed with the inadequate funding level for R&D for cybersecurity. Cybersecurity poses potentially devastating threats to our Nation's critical infrastructure, and I hope we can improve the bill in this area. I have a later amendment to that effect that I hope to discuss with the chairman. Overall, however, this is an excellent bill. I again want to commend the chairman and the committee for their outstanding work on this measure. It provides support to many critical programs, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act and to be a part of a Congress that has made this a top priority. I particularly want to recognize the great work of Congresswoman DeGette, the gentlewoman from Colorado, for her outstanding leadership in this issue, and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for his leadership as well. This legislation, Mr. Speaker, has strong bipartisan support in both Chambers of Congress. It enjoys the support of up to 70 percent of the American people, and this legislation, stem cell research, offers hope and the promise of a cure to millions of people around the world who are struggling with some of life's most challenging chronic conditions and diseases and disabilities. Mr. Speaker, I became paralyzed almost 27 years ago as a young police cadet, standing in a locker room when a police officer's gun accidentally discharged, the bullet going into my neck and severing my spinal cord. It's been an incredible journey and, at times, a difficult one. I was told back then that I would never walk again, but I have hope and faith, and I've always believed that somehow, through the miracle of science and research, that some day they would find a cure for spinal cord injuries. That day, that hope of a cure, has never been more real than it is today because of stem cell research. Now, I recognize, though, this isn't just about Jim Langevin or people suffering from spinal cord injuries. This is also about the millions of other people across America and throughout the world who are suffering from diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes, cancer and so many others, that could potentially be helped by stem cell research. Now, I have to be the first to admit that my understanding of stem cell research has evolved and involved ongoing education, thought and prayer. In fact, unlike many of my colleagues who support the stem cell research bill before us, I'm opposed to abortion. The fact that my life hung by a thread, I'm reminded every day how precious a gift life truly is. But I'm committed to the protection of life at all stages, and I've not taken my decision to support this legislation lightly. Over the years, I had the good fortune to learn about stem cell research from some of America's renowned scientists, pro-life leaders like Senator Orrin Hatch and also a dear friend who is certainly on my mind today, Christopher Reeve. So many people have helped me to come to the position to support this research, again because of the hope that it offers. Now, in addition to all of these reasons, I believe that this legislation is vitally important because it provides appropriate safeguards for those that are in S. 5 so it can be done ethically and responsibly. This offers great hope, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2560, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act. In recent years, Congress has debated various means of banning human cloning. In an area that can be complex and confusing, I am pleased that this bill, which is exceptionally simple and straightforward, has come to the floor here today. Clearly some of my colleagues on the other side of this issue are among those who find it too complex and are confused. Hopefully we can clarify that before the vote today. H.R. 2560 would make it illegal to use cloning technology to initiate a pregnancy and thereby create a cloned human being. The bill also includes strict penalties to insure that such an Act is prevented from taking place. Unfortunately, there seems to be some misinformation circulating among my colleagues and outside groups surrounding the implications of this bill. I want to be very clear, this legislation in no way encourages or endorses therapeutic cloning, otherwise known as somatic cell nuclear transfer or any other type of research. On the contrary, this legislation will simply ensure that as technology advances, ethical safeguards are in place to keep human cloning, something we all agree would be a frightening development, from occurring. For the record, there are no incentives included in this bill, not even any words of encouragement, for any specific types of research. This bill is a simple ban on human cloning once and for all. Regardless of my colleagues' feelings on stem cell research or any other type of medical research, I cannot imagine why any of them would oppose a ban on human cloning. Mr. Speaker, I hope all of my colleagues will take the time to understand what this bill does and what it does not do and why it is important and vote in favor of H.R. 2560.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to the supplemental spending measure before us. Though I originally voted against giving the President authority to invade Iraq in October 2002, I supported every supplemental appropriations bill since then because I believed that, irrespective of how we might feel about our operations in Iraq, we must stand together in support of our troops in the field. Those spending bills provided much-needed body armor, up-armored Humvees and lED jammers and helped our men and women and uniform as they undertook challenging and often unconventional missions. However, in the last 4 years, the situation on the ground in Iraq has changed, and we must adapt our strategy accordingly. We can no longer allow our military to referee what has become a civil war. The underlying causes of violence are now primarily sectarian in nature and can only be resolved by the Iraqis--a conclusion that nearly all foreign security experts accept. Consequently, we need a new approach that will support the Iraqi political process to end sectarian divisions in Iraq, help rebuild the economy and infrastructure, and promote maximum diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the violence. We can meet these goals by redeploying our troops out of Iraq--allowing a limited U.S. military presence solely for training Iraqi Security Forces, protecting our citizens and interests and hunting down al Qaeda and combating terrorism. Earlier this year, the Democratic-led Congress passed a supplemental spending bill that would have demanded accountability of the Bush Administration and set the groundwork for bringing our troops home. Despite Americans' strong dissatisfaction with his handling of the war, President Bush vetoed that measure. I am deeply disappointed with that decision and with his subsequent unwillingness to work with congressional leadership on a true compromise that funds the needs of our troops while pursuing a new strategy for success in Iraq. The bill before us today does require that the President certify that Iraq is making progress in attaining certain benchmarks--a provision that will help Congress conduct greater oversight. However, it falls short of the accountability requirements in the earlier House-passed measure and gives the President far too much authority to continue prosecuting a war that has been mismanaged from the start by the civilian leadership. Despite my past support of supplemental spending bills, I simply cannot vote for the measure before us today. If we do not shift our mission in Iraq from a military approach to a comprehensive diplomatic and economic one, we run the serious risk of damaging the readiness of our military, doing long-term harm to our armed forces and endangering our national security. I will vote today to support our troops, and the best way we can do that is by getting them out of a civil war and bringing them home.