Rick Larsen

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, many of whom lost loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods. Many constituents have contacted my office, concerned about relatives, friends, and fellow Americans in that area. A member of my own staff has been touched by this tragedy and has dozens of family members displaced and in distress. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those other families who have been affected by this disaster. While we are devastated by this tragedy, our faith, perseverance and American spirit of generosity will ensure that we help the region and its residents recover and rebuild. The Pacific Northwest, where my Congressional District is located, is about as far north and west of this tragedy as you can get in the continental U.S. Yet even there, Governor Gregoire is coordinating with state and Federal officials nationwide to get state employees and volunteers on the ground in the affected areas. Our state has readied 600 Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen. We have offered up our State's refueling aircraft, support personnel, helicopters, and satellite communications systems, among other assets. Washington State's residents are giving generously to aid relief efforts and victims. It is likely that we will soon provide a temporary home to thousands of displaced hurricane victims. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to organizations such as the Red Cross for their significant disaster relief efforts. The Red Cross has said that this is their largest relief effort ever-- larger than after September 11, 2001, and larger than all four Florida hurricanes last year. We continue hearing heartwarming stories of American Red Cross volunteers from across the Nation, including in my Congressional District, who have already headed down to help with relief efforts. As we respond to this tragedy, I will continue working with my colleagues to provide needed Federal assistance to the people harmed by this disaster. I know that in months ahead there will be much work to do. As Americans, we have pulled together through tragedies in the past. I am confident that we will demonstrate that same unity and perseverance in overcoming the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I would like to express my support for the Souder-Larsen amendment to restore adequate funding to the National Youth and Anti-Drug Media Campaign. I thank and recognize the subcommittee chair and ranking member for their efforts on drafting this bill. They have done an admirable job considering the tight budgetary restraints. Unfortunately, the funding level for the media campaign is not adequate. The media campaign is an important component in our fight against drugs. It reduces demand for all drugs, not just marijuana. Reducing demand means reducing the number of lives lost to the scourge of drugs, particularly methamphetamine. According to a leading global marketing firm, teens frequently exposed to strong anti-drug messages are 38 percent less likely to have tried meth and 31 percent less likely to have tried crack and cocaine. When the media campaign began in 1998, it had a budget of $195 million. While the campaign has proven effective, it has continually been cut. This last year it was funded at $120 million. Meanwhile, the costs of advertising have skyrocketed. So in real advertising dollars, the campaign is operating at less than half of its original strength. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that the average child watches 3 hours of television a day. That is about 21 hours a week, 1,008 hours a year. The media campaign uses the amount of time our kids are watching TV and gives them negative messages about drug use. Without additional funds, the campaign would not be able to produce our air-targeted ads against meth, ecstasy, or other emerging drug threats. This current level of funding will fund only the bare minimum for a campaign that educates millions of young people on the dangers of drug abuse. To increase the ads on meth, we must increase funding for this important program. I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana for his work on this issue, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on the Souder-Larsen amendment.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I would like to express my support for the Byrne-JAG restoration amendment. Byrne and Justice Assistance Grants are critical to our local law enforcement and in the fight against methamphetamine. As cochair of the Congressional Meth Caucus, I know firsthand the importance of these funds to our local drug task forces as they work to bust meth labs. I want to thank and recognize the subcommittee chair and ranking member for their great efforts in drafting this bill. Despite those efforts, the level of Byrne grant funding in this bill would cause harm to Washington State's drug task forces. These cuts would eliminate at least three task forces and potentially six others, and small police departments in my district rely on Byrne grants to make communities safer. This past week there were two clear examples in my district of why Byrne grants are needed. One of those is in Whatcom County, where close to 40 arrests were made of Bandidos motorcycle gang members and their associates in Operation Roadhouse. This effort was a culmination of a 2-year investigation by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agents. The entire Northwest Regional Drug Task Force was closely involved in this investigation, expending literally thousands of dollars in resources and man hours to ensure the success of this operation. As one sheriff from my district told me, these cuts cannot come at a worse time. So we need to be sure to fund Byrne grants. I thank the gentleman from Nebraska for his hard work and urge a ``yes'' vote on the Byrne-JAG restoration amendment.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I also want to stand in support of the Blunt/Kirk amendment to the Defense Authorization Act. Today our Guard and Reserve are protecting our security abroad. And, frankly, it is Congress's job and responsibility to create a network of job security when they come home. That is why I support this amendment. Our Guard and Reserve are overextended. Their Nation has called on them to serve. In most cases they have left a place of employment to do so, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure that we do not create any barriers for our Guard and Reserve that would keep them from returning to those jobs. This amendment will help ensure that if you are a member of the National Guard Or Reserve you will not be at a disadvantage if working on a DOD contract through your employment. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will push the DOD to consider the employment of Guard and Reserve members when they award contracts. When serving, these women and men of the Guard and Reserve protect this Nation. This amendment gives us one more way that we can protect these brave women and men and their families when they come home.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to bring attention to what can potentially be the worst drought season the State of Washington has experienced in nearly 3 decades. In my district and throughout the State precipitation levels are hovering at or near record lows. Mountain snow pack levels are at 26 percent of normal averages. Many rivers and streams are flowing at levels well below normal for this time of the year. Unfortunately, it looks as though the worst is yet to come as the National Weather Service has predicted that dry, warm weather will continue through the spring. If these conditions persist as predicted, the drought will have a devastating impact on our State's agriculture, fishing, and recreation industries and will increase the potential of destructive forest fires this spring and summer. I would like to commend Washington State's Governor Christine Gregoire for her leadership and foresight in declaring a statewide drought emergency and forming a Drought Emergency Command Center. This emergency declaration will allow the State Department of Ecology to provide assistance and relief, including the issuance of emergency water permits and the temporary transfer of water rights. The Emergency Command Center will be able to work with State and local agencies to ensure that resources are reaching the areas that need assistance the most. Governor Gregoire has set an example of proactive leadership. I look forward to working with her and my fellow members of the Washington State delegation to help the people of our State through this difficult time.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act, A Legacy For Users. While I support this bill, it is important to note that it barely scratches the surface of America's transportation needs. Although someone claimed that the $284 billion is more than adequate, the funding in this bill is slightly more than an inflationary increase over TEA-21. We owe it to America's economy to invest in our highway and transit infrastructure to help keep freight and people moving. As this bill moves through the House, I hope that we can secure a funding level that meets the needs of our transportation systems and that helps provide job opportunities for more Americans. Having said that, I want to thank the chairman of the committee, the chairman of the subcommittee and the ranking members of the committee and subcommittee for their work on this bill which will help the Pacific Northwest with its critical freight corridors, border and congestion needs. Specifically, TEA-LU doubles the funding for the Ferry Boat Discretionary program. The Puget Sound is home to the largest ferry system in the country. Washington State Ferries service 26 million passengers a year. That is more than Amtrak. These funds are vital to the Washington State Ferries' efforts to service and replace aging vessels and continue providing service to many island communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues in conference to increase these funds so that we can keep America's ferry systems afloat for years to come. In addition, the bill includes funding for projects of national and regional significance. The Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle, damaged by an earthquake in February 2001, is threatening to collapse and shut off the movement of goods from ports in Washington State and locations all across the country. I hope that as we pass this bill out of the House, we can further improve this new and exciting program that targets projects with huge impacts on freight congestion. In conclusion, I hope the final version of this legislation will continue to invest in our freight corridors and transborder infrastructure needs. In Washington State and along the West Coast, we are seeing record levels of NAFTA and Asian-Pacific freight. Federal funds are necessary in order to keep our West Coast ports and border crossings open and flowing smoothly. These Federal funds must target and maintain the trade arteries that bring goods from Seattle and Tacoma to Chicago, New York and destinations all across the country. We have a great start in TEA-LU. I am confident that we will only make this bill better as it progresses through Congress.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the service of the sailors and Marine Corps of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group who bravely and compassionately served the Nation and the world in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean in the wake of December's tragic tsunami. These women and men began their new year by delivering vital food, water, and medicine around the clock to the people of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. They showed the world the values that we represent and why this country is so great. From January 1 until February 4, carrier group aircraft flew over 1,700 missions in support of Operation Unified Assistance, carrying almost 6 million pounds of supplies. Over 1,200 crew mechanics from the group volunteered to go ashore and help. Tomorrow I will attend the USS Lincoln and USS Shoup homecoming to Everett Washington. The VAQ 131 Prowler Squadron out of NAS Whidbey, the Lancers, just returned; and they are all part of Operation Unified Assistance. Tomorrow, with their return, will be a great day for our country, a great day for our Navy and Marine Corps and for their families to celebrate.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Paul Allen, Scaled Composites founder Burt Rutan, and SpaceShipOne pilots Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie for winning the Ansari X Prize. SpaceShipOne's two successful flights into space indicate a bright future for space travel and exploration. Just over 100 years after the Wright brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Paul Allen has proven that we continue to dream and dare to tackle ever-more daunting challenges each day. The success of SpaceShipOne is truly a great victory for Scaled Composites and for innovators around the world, as well as an indication of great things to come. It is my pleasure to specifically congratulate Paul Allen for his crucial role in this endeavor. SpaceShipOne's success would not have been possible without his vision and confidence. Communities in my district have long benefited from Mr. Allen's investments in businesses and charities. Now the whole world will have the opportunity to benefit from his efforts to make Scaled Composites a success and to never hold back from pushing Americans' innovation to the next level. Private space travel has been nothing more than a dream since the advent of space flight. The success of Spaceship One has prompted new fields of business and recreation. It is this kind of innovation that will bring the next generation of jobs and strengthen our economy. This breakthrough will provide the economic stimulus to financially and scientifically motivate individuals around the globe to look toward the sky. It will inspire us to surpass current scientific limitations and travel to places our grandparents could only imagine. Innovation is the key to our future. Mr. Allen and the talented team at Scaled Composites have shown us that any goal is achievable when coupled with ambition and the drive to succeed. I congratulate all involved and look forward to seeing Paul Allen, Burt Rutan and others reach new heights and overcome new challenges.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment along with my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk). We need to consider making the DEA part of our intelligence network. Before our own eyes, Afghanistan is re-emerging as the international leader in the heroin trade. As this problem grows, the less control our Nation will have over the funding sources of international terrorism. A direct relationship exists between terrorism and the drug trade. Therefore, a direct relationship is needed between the DEA and our intelligence agencies. The DEA not only combats the drug trade around the world but can gather valuable information that can transcend drug trafficking and reach into the shadowy corners of international terrorism. According to the State Department, 12 of the 28 terrorist organizations listed in the Department of State October, 2001, Report on Foreign Terrorist Organizations have links to foreign drug trafficking. One fitting example of this relationship happened in 2003 when a seizure of hashish from a trafficking group included suspected al Qaeda members and involved drugs worth nearly $30 million at wholesale. The drug trade not only has a role in funding terrorists but also plays a significant destabilizing role in Afghanistan. Just yesterday, drug smugglers were implicated in a terrorist attack on Hamid Karzai's vice presidential candidate. Free elections in Afghanistan are a threat to the drug trade, just as free elections in Afghanistan are a threat to global terrorism. According to our Office of National Drug Control Policy, the challenging security situation in Afghanistan has complicated the task of fighting the war against drugs and vice versa. As the terrorists lose ground, the opium poppy growers win, and much of the money from Afghanistan's opium sales goes right back to the terrorists. Drug traffickers and terror networks work out of the same rule book. They both strive to undermine democratic institutions and engage in widespread violence and corruption. Both groups also depend on money laundering, forgery and arms deals to implement their deadly goals. We cannot separate international terrorism from the drug trade. They are intertwined. This amendment will examine the ways DEA can maintain its current role while sharing information to help further protect our Nation. I believe this amendment is in the spirit of the 9/11 Commission recommendations and will help create and consolidate the whole intelligence picture that a president needs to defend our Nation. I urge its support.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation for the outstanding work for the Oak Harbor School District and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, both of which are in my district. Currently, NAS Whidbey has five squadrons and one logistical unit deployed, roughly 1,000 servicewomen and -men, many who have children in the Oak Harbor School District. This week representatives from the Oak Harbor School District visited my office to discuss how deployment impacts schools and students. Last year almost 60 percent of their students were children of active Navy personnel, 70 percent of which had at least one parent deployed overseas. Teachers, counselors, and staff have taken on the additional task of helping those dealing with the incredible stress of having a loved one deployed. NAS Whidbey has partnered with the Oak Harbor School District in this endeavor. Through ongoing communication, training for school staff and tutoring, they have contributed thousands of volunteer hours to work with the Oak Harbor School District to ease the burden placed on these families. Military families are making honorable sacrifices for our Nation and deserve our heartfelt thanks and support. We must also thank the individuals like those at the Oak Harbor School District at NAS Whidbey who are doing their part to help families through this challenging time.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 567 which congratulates the American Dental Association for once again successfully administering the Give Kids a Smile program. The Give Kids a Smile program has worked hard to emphasize the importance of kids' access to high quality dental care. This year's program, held on February 6, 2004, resulted in an estimated one million children receiving dental education, screening and care. The Give Kids a Smile program highlights not only the importance of children's dental care but also the need to help those that may not have access. Access to dental care for children is a critical component of overall health care. Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease and results in thousands of children experiencing poor eating and sleeping patterns and suffering decreased attention spans at school. Congress must join the American Dental Association in recognizing our role in providing assistance to children in need. I want to thank the dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and others who volunteered their time during this year's Give Kids a Smile program. In addition to the success of this program, America's dental community deserves our thanks for the services and help they provide year round.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, to reiterate, I do also urge support on our side of the aisle for H. Con. Res. 439. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this concurrent resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 439. Introduced by the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson, this bill honors the participants of the ``Red Ball Express'', an Army Motor Transport Brigade that served during World War II. The Red Ball Express was the code name of a huge convoy operation which began on August 21, 1944, to provide provisions and supplies to American and Allied soldiers fighting their way across Europe following their successful landing at Normandy. The convoy system stretched from Normandy to Paris and eventually to the front of the northeastern borderland of France. The 82-day convoy got its name because the route that was used was marked with red balls. Members of the Army Motor Transportation Brigade that comprised the Red Ball Express were constantly on the road. An average day for these dedicated troops meant 900 fully loaded vehicles driving around the clock. These trucks often traveled during the night in blackout conditions at speeds higher than 25 miles an hour to meet the growing demand for food and supplies, all while facing constant threats from ground ambushes and aerial bombing by the enemy. What is most remarkable about the Red Ball Express are the soldiers who served in this brigade. Nearly seventy-five percent of the drivers were African-Americans who were denied the opportunity to serve in combat units, and whose families and loved ones were being denied the very freedoms and rights that they were fighting for in Europe. Yet, these patriotic Americans persevered and succeeded. Many stories were written about their achievements, and their ability to overcome obstacles. These dedicated soldiers truly ``shocked and awed'' all those who depended upon them. At the peak of the Red Ball Express a round trip took nearly 54 hours and stretched nearly 400 miles to the First army. When the Red Ball Express ended in mid-November 1944, over 412,000 tons of fuel, ammunition, food and other essential supplies had been delivered to troops on the front line. The success of the American and Allied offensive in France was due to the achievements of these outstanding soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution that honor the members of the Red Ball Express for their service during World War II. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), the prime sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Homeland Security has understandably operated without a consolidated headquarters since its inception. The bill before us will convey property from the Navy to the GSA to help consolidate headquarters for the Department. Given the critical nature of the Department's mission, we must allow Secretary Ridge to operate the Department as efficiently as possible. This bill is a significant step in the growth of this new agency; and that is why the Committee on Armed Services, in a bipartisan way, supports relocating the Navy from its Nebraska Avenue Complex in northwest Washington, D.C., to accommodate the Department of Homeland Security. We should be under no illusion, however, that the headquarters provided under this bill is a permanent or ideal solution. In fact, some have even questioned whether this is truly a headquarters at all. We are consolidating some of the leadership elements of the departments on one site, but workers will still be spread among more than a dozen buildings. It is not yet clear that the site can fully accommodate the Department's headquarters, in part because the Department is still evolving and is itself a patchwork of agencies. Several of the Department's key agencies will maintain separate headquarters elsewhere. These concerns have led some in Congress to question whether we should even designate the Nebraska Avenue Complex as the headquarters of the Department at all. I am also aware that the distinguished gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) has concerns with portions of the bill, and she will seek time to speak on this, in particular, the provision that calls for the selling of property if the Navy is not fully reimbursed for the cost of its move. This provision was inserted to help ensure the Navy does not pay a financial penalty to accommodate the Department of Homeland Security, but the potential mandatory sale of 38 acres in the District raises legitimate concerns. We will continue to work with everyone, including the gentlewoman from the District, to address these concerns when we conference with the Senate on this matter. The bill before us is imperfect. It still needs some work, but a lot of changes have been made to it. In a sense it is a reflection of the nature and the status of the Department of Homeland Security itself. Despite some of these flaws, though, the bill is a step in the right direction, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

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

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in favor of H.R. 4323, a bill to provide rapid acquisition authority to the Secretary of Defense to respond to combat emergencies. This is a bill that passed the Committee on Armed Services under the leadership of the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) last month on a voice vote, and I urge its support here. I might also note that this is just one other example of the laser- like focus of the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) on getting the kinds of tools and resources our troops in the field need. This is one example of that. We have seen it in other subcommittee hearings, the gentleman coming to encourage the Department of Defense to do all it can as quickly as possible to get our troops what they need as quickly as possible. We all know the importance of body armor and armored vehicles for our soldiers in Iraq. These capabilities save lives, but the Department's acquisition system often is not agile enough to get these capabilities in the field when we need them. In fact, a recent hearing in the Committee on Armed Services showed the acquisition system is in many ways badly broken when it comes to getting our troops what they need when they need it. This bill will go a long way to meeting the deficiencies in the current system. It requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a process within 30 days of enactment for the rapid acquisition of equipment needed by a combatant commander to eliminate a deficiency that has resulted in combat fatalities. The goal is to award the contract within 15 days or to provide an interim solution if there will be a substantial delay. To get these capabilities to our troops in the field fast, we allow the department to waive acquisition laws relating to competition. This is something we should take seriously given the problems in Iraq and elsewhere with the lack of competition for contracts. But the authority in this bill is narrowly drawn and is used to prevent the deaths of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. There is congressional notification so that we can watch how the authority is used. All of us in Congress appreciate the tremendous sacrifice of our servicemen and women. We are providing enormous amounts of money to ensure that they have the best training and equipment they need to complete their missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. This authority will ensure that the department can get that equipment to them as quickly as we should and fix the deficiencies in the acquisition system. We owe that to our troops. I urge support for this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the young men and women who have given their lives while serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. A monument now stands in our Nation's capital to recognize the service and sacrifice of our service men and women during World War II. The long-overdue monument comes at a time when our Nation is reminded each day of the painful reality of war--not everyone returns home. The 2nd Congressional District of Washington state that I represent has not stayed immune from this reality. This coming Memorial Day I will join with veterans of wars past to honor those who did not return home--including the four young men from the 2nd District who gave their lives for this nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. On Memorial Day, today, and every day, I honor Air Force Staff Sergeant Juan M. Ridout of Oak Harbor, Washington; Army Private First Class Kerry D. Scott of Concrete, Washington; Army Specialist Justin W. Hebert of Silvana, Washington; and Army Specialist Nathan W. Nakis of Sedro-Woolley, Washington. You will not be forgotten.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker: Whereas Kenneth Clark Loggins was born in Everett, Washington, on January 7, 1948 and is now professionally known as Kenny Loggins; and Whereas Kenny Loggins has become one of the most world-renowned singers/songwriters and guitarists of his time; and Whereas Kenny Loggins has enjoyed a music career that has spanned more than three decades; and Whereas Kenny Loggins has sold over 20 million albums worldwide; and, he has attained 12 Platinum Plus albums and 14 Gold albums; and Whereas the music of Kenny Loggins has spanned many genres, earning both the respect of his peers and a widely-diverse fan base; and Whereas Kenny Loggins has earned a reputation of historical importance in the field of film music for his creative contribution to movie soundtracks; and Whereas Kenny Loggins is active in environmental and social projects; and Whereas Kenny Loggins tirelessly gives his time, talents, and resources to benefit these organizatons and his community; and Whereas Kenny Loggins is well respected and admired throughout the entertainment industry for his enormous impact on the world of music; and Whereas Kenny Loggins is loved and appreciated by his family, friends, and devoted fans; and Whereas in the month of August of 2000, Kenny Loggins was the first recipient of the Hollywood Film Festival's Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting Award; and in that same month, he also received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and Whereas in August 2003, Kenny Loggins' fans launched a year-long Celebration in tribute to the longevity of his outstanding music career; and Whereas the United States Congress now wishes to recognize Kenny Loggins for his many accomplishments. Whereas it is the overwhelming consensus of all concerned parties that Kenny Loggins is much deserving of this honor. Therefore, I, Rick Larsen, Member of the Congress representing the Second Congressional District of Washington State, do hereby hold up Kenny Loggins for great honor and recognition and declare the month of August to be Kenny Loggins Appreciation Month. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States Congress to be affixed this 22nd day of April 2004.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I want to rise in support of H.R. 3550, but I do want to note that this bill barely scratches the surface of America's transportation needs. At $275 billion, this bill is certainly a lot, but it is only slightly more than an inflationary increase over TEA 21. Furthermore, at this amount, the United States loses out on almost 4.8 million new jobs in Washington State. Specifically, my State could lose out on thousands and thousands of jobs as a result of the funding level in this bill. In a year when millions of Americans are looking for work, this does not come close to helping the thousands of Americans get back to work. I hope as this bill moves through this House and to conference, we can pursue a funding level that will meet the needs of our transportation systems and help provide job opportunities for more Americans. Having said all that, I surely want to thank the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young); the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri); and the ranking members, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), for their work on this bill, which has helped out the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, TEA LU doubles the funding for the Ferry Boat Discretionary program. The Puget Sound is home to the largest ferry system in the country, and these funds are vital to the Washington State ferries' efforts to service and replace aging vessels. I look forward to working with all of you in conference to increasing these funds in order to keep America's ferry systems afloat for years to come. In addition, the bill includes funding for projects of national and regional significance. The Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle, damaged by an earthquake in February 2001, is threatening to collapse and shut off the transport of goods from ports in Washington State to locations all across the country. So I hope we can further improve this new and exciting program. In conclusion, I want to say that I hope the final version of this legislation will make very clear that the existing high-priority corridors continue to be eligible for funding. I also hope that the House conferees in this legislation will make every effort to strike the restrictions in the trade corridor provision approved by the other body limiting freight corridor only to multi-State corridors. Mr. Chairman, again I want to thank the committee leadership and the committee staff for their hard work on this bill, and I look forward to working with all of you on these issues as the bill moves forward.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a man with a distinguished record of community service in the state of Washington. R.H. Anderson is set to retire after an exemplary career that has spanned six decades. His colleagues and friends know him as Andy. The people of the Second Congressional District also know him as a dedicated public servant who has worked to improve the quality of life for thousands of residents and businesses in Washington State. A graduate of Seattle's Lincoln High School, Andy began his career as a photojournalist. He began learning about the world of politics as a student at the University of Washington when he was assigned to cover the HUAC hearings being held in Seattle. Andy developed a love of radio and began spending time at a local jazz station. Soon he was doing odd jobs such as pulling records for late night disc jockey Bill Apple at KRSC, a radio station in Seattle. Apple soon recognized that Andy had real talent and a tremendous voice for radio. Andy began doing some news stories on the air, unpaid at first, before landing a job on the 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. slot. Andy was then hired at Seattle radio station KVI, which had a jazz format at the time, as a temporary replacement for their regular disc jockey. Upon the return of the regular broadcaster, Andy found a niche at Everett station KRKO, where he was hired as a newscaster. His love of politics had been ignited while covering the HUAC hearings, and Andy was delighted to be covering the political world. Andy began working at Bellingham radio and television station KVOS in 1955. He was on the cutting edge of the television era, and began covering politics and elections on camera. Andy could finally show his community the political universe that he had been describing with his voice for nearly a decade. In 1956, KVOS hired a young radio announcer by the name of Al Swift. Andy and Al formed a close friendship during their work together. In 1965 Andy worked in Canada as an assistant to the president of Canawest Film Productions, an arm of KVOS. Andy wrote scripts and produced feature films, commercials, and corporate films. Andy moved back to Bellingham in 1976 and back into his role as news director after Al Swift left KVOS to work for Representative Lloyd Meeds. Andy set up a major news organization at KVOS TV. His efforts brought a sizable viewing audience to local news programming, providing a great lead-in audience to the CBS evening news. The news department ran soundly under Andy's direction until 1983, when KVOS was sold and the news department eliminated. Andy's old friend Al Swift, meanwhile, had been serving as a Member of Congress since 1979. Swift's District Manager, Bill McDonald, had passed away and Al Swift hired Andy as his new District Manager. While serving as District Manager for Congressman Al Swift, Andy was instrumental in creating the PACE (now NEXUS) lane for frequent travelers between the United States and Canada. This expanded trade and reduced waiting time at the border. Thousands of individuals and businesses benefited from Andy's involvement in bringing rapid travel between the two nations. After Congressman Swift chose to retire in 1994, Andy began a consulting business that he successfully ran for several years. Andy then retired but still maintained a burning desire for public service. After I won election to Congress in 2000, I asked Andy to come out of retirement to join my team. For the past three years, he served as director of my Bellingham office, representing me in the northern area of my district. His tireless and outstanding efforts on behalf of the people of Washington's Second Congressional District are legendary and will be truly missed. Andy's career in public service can be measured not only in economic benefits, but also in the amount of improved quality he brought to the lives of those in the region. He was always available to answer a question, investigate and solve a problem, and to champion programs to help the residents of Washington state. Mr. Speaker, Andy's friends, colleagues, and family are holding numerous gatherings to celebrate his great career. I am honored to pay tribute to Andy Anderson, a true friend and a dedicated public servant. His direct work with the public may be ending, but the public will always know the impact of his service. The achievements of Andy Anderson will be felt for many decades due to his passion for improving the lives of his fellow residents. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Andy on his fine career and his unwavering commitment to Washington State, and our nation.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1588, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the ranking member, for their hard work on this bill. I must, however, express my deep reservations with regards to what I see as the inadequacy of the concurrent receipt provision. This Congress is expanding concurrent receipt to only 30 percent of disabled retirees. Where is our commitment to all of our veterans? Congress must not forget those veteran retirees who will still be denied their hard-earned retirement pay. All veteran retirees give at least 20 years of service to this country. They have stood ready to serve in times of war and times of peace. This country owes them more than a tax on the disability compensation. I fear the partial phase-in of concurrent receipt will create two classes of veterans: those who will continue to suffer under the disabled veterans tax and those who will be deemed disabled enough to receive their compensation. Their sacrifice and service was equal. Congress should treat them with the same equity with which they served. Whether being drafted into service or volunteering, every disabled veteran was prepared to give their last full measure. Each was prepared to demonstrate the ultimate commitment; yet Congress cannot even muster for them half a loaf. Mr. Speaker, as we head home to observe Veterans' Day, this is no way to honor our veterans. To divide veterans into the haves and have-nots is not befitting the sacrifices they made. They gave our country 100 percent, whether in times of war or peace; and they deserve 100 percent of what they earned. In closing, I will be supporting H.R. 1588, but also will be supporting the Marshall motion to recommit to expand concurrent receipt to all of our disabled veterans.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, let the Record show that although I voted ``no'' on rollcall 548, my intention was to vote ``aye.'' Amendment Offered by Mr. Kirk

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, the resignation of Mahmoud Abbas and the appointment of Ahmed Queria as his replacement as the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority has fully thrown off course the Road Map to Peace. Two months ago I traveled to Israel as a member of the largest Congressional delegation to ever visit Israel. While there, I had an opportunity to meet with both then Prime Minister Abbas and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. At the time, both Israel and the Palestinian Authority were struggling to implement the Road Map requirements. Abbas's humble welcome to the delegation belied a history of being one of Yasser Arafat's right hand men in the Palestinian Liberation Organization's past terror campaigns. This history makes it all the more interesting that Silvan Shalom, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, told us that it was official Israeli policy to take actions to enhance the credibility of Abbas within the Palestinian Authority. Abbas's message to us was a recounting of key issues that impact the Road Map peace process. He argued that the security fence, which he referred to as a wall, should be dismantled. However, when pressed on this issue, he conceded that the fence might be less of an issue if Israel built it on non-West Bank lands. He argued that Israel's announcement that they would release 545 political prisoners, in addition to those 248 released before the Akaba summit, was inadequate. His sentiment echoed Arafat's claim that the release was a fraud. What Abbas failed to explain is that the Israeli government's difficult decision to release prisoners was not a required element of the Road Map peace process. The Israeli government took this step unilaterally and specifically as a confidence-building measure for the peace process and to help enhance Abbas's credibility. Abbas's third issue was the continued presence of Israeli forces in Palestinian settlements and cities in the West Bank. Recent suicide bombers have come from these cities. The Israeli government's position is that, short of a Palestinian Authority effort to dismantle all terrorist infrastructure, Israeli troops will be present in the West Bank. Finally, the issue of terrorist infrastructure hung out there. The most important action that Abbas could have taken to silence all of his critics is the step necessary during the now dead temporary ceasefire to dismantle the infrastructure supporting terrorist groups like Hamas and others. The number one obstacle to that step was Yasser Arafat, a picture of whom hung over the meeting as a constant reminder of who was really in charge. We drove back to the bus for the 90-minute ride back to Jerusalem for our meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Sharon met us in his office within the large government complex located on one of the many hills in Israel's capital. Sharon's message was simple: For real peace, Israel is ready to make painful compromises. He noted that Israel is a small country but has a determined people. He went on to echo Minister Shalom's earlier comments that Israeli policy is to enhance Abbas's credibility, and he went on to point out recent changes the Palestinian Authority have implemented. He noted that incitements, or the agitating of anti-Israeli opinion, have decreased. He emphasized that, except for the recent shooting north of Bethlehem, the temporary ceasefire had held. Sharon cautioned, however, that the Road Map peace process would not move forward to the next phase without completing the current phase in full. What he emphasized the most was a full cessation of terror. Sharon noted that Arafat's strategy of terror has not changed, and Arafat continues to undermine every step that Abbas takes. Thinking back to the Abbas meeting, the Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister expressed his sincere belief in two main goals for his government. First, a rule of law must exist for all Palestinian people. Second, it is his goal to have one security force. This was important because there are currently 13 separate security forces, ten of which Arafat controls. I bring this up because two things strike me most about this pair of meetings. Both men have a vision for their people. Sharon's vision is a vision that most Jews have, an Israel for the Jewish people with secure borders living in peace with its neighbors. Abbas's vision was not expressed as clearly but was still there: a state for Palestinians living securely under the rule of law. Abbas's resignation and the seeming resurrection of Arafat now mean these visions are on hold. If the Palestinian Authority cannot have leadership that is willing to wrest itself from the hold of Arafat and terrorist groups, then Israel must continue to defend itself from suicide bombers. As a strong supporter of Israel, however, I believe the United States has a responsibility to help Israel take steps forward--not backward--including improving the average Palestinian's quality of life. I am no supporter of Arafat. But, honestly, hints at efforts to assassinate Arafat took the peace process backward in the eyes of many. I applaud the foreign minister's efforts to back away from the statement made by the deputy prime minister. I am much less hopeful now than I was just two months ago about the short-term prospects for peace and resolution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. However, I am more certain now than ever that the United States must stay involved for there to be any success of the Road Map or any long-term future peace process. The ground rules may have changed with Abbas's resignation but our interests have not.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edward) for bringing this motion to instruct to the floor today. Today, I met with Corporal Jeremiah Olsen, a soldier from Coupeville, Washington, which is in my district. Corporal Olsen will be awarded the Silver Star medal by the President for his heroic actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Corporate Olsen and his fellow servicemembers have fought bravely, and they have represented our country honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and around the world on our behalf. They deserve our respect and our thanks. For this reason, I think it is important that we pass an extension of the pay increase that we authorized earlier this year. In April, Congress provided a temporary increase in imminent danger pay and the family separation allowance that will both expire at the end of this month. In addition, we authorized a monthly increase for family separation allowance that helps military families pay rent, pay for child care, or pay for other expenses while their loved ones are away. As a member of the Committee on Armed Services and as a representative of thousands of service men and women, it is my view that we need to do everything we can for our troops and their families. The Senate-passed defense authorization bill provides an increase for all of our troops in imminent danger, increases the family separation allowance provisions, and makes these increases permanent. The House bill, in my opinion, does not go far enough. The motion to instruct conferees to accept the Senate provision is an important step forward toward providing our troops the compensations they deserve, and it provides it to all of our Armed Forces. In my view, our women and men in the military are not paid enough as it is. Now that we are asking them to risk their lives away from their families and asking their families to bear the burden while they are away, we should not cut their pay off. Corporate Olsen and all the other service men and women deserve more than that. So I urge my colleagues to pass this motion to instruct conferees and make it clear that this Congress supports our women and men in the Armed Forces and thanks them for their service.