Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to recognize Mr. Salvador A. Lopez of Glade Park, Colorado for the selfless act of courage he displayed last March of 2002. On September 18, Mr. Lopez will be awarded the prestigious Special Carrier Alert Award from the National Association of Letter Carriers, and as he receives his award, I would like to pay tribute to his extraordinary act of courage. Mr. Lopez is a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he has worked for the last 28 years. Not too long ago, while he was busy delivering mail along his route, Mr. Lopez noticed a runaway car with a child inside who was too young to take control of the vehicle. Mr. Lopez hurriedly ran alongside of the car, jumped into the car window, and pulled the emergency break. Fortunately, Mr. Lopez was able to stop the vehicle before the car drove into a busy intersection which could have brought certain injury to himself and the child. Due to Mr. Lopez's quick thinking and heroic actions, the child only suffered minor bruises, while Mr. Lopez escaped with three broken ribs. Last April, the Carnegie Hero Fund honored Mr. Lopez with one of its 23 nationally recognized awards for his heroism. Tomorrow, he will be recognized again by the National Association of Letter Carriers for his courageous actions here in Washington D.C. The true magnitude of his bravery can only be fully illustrated by the fact that the child whom he saved, Nicholas Reyes, will have the opportunity to reach his full potential. Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct honor to recognize Mr. Salvador A. Lopez before this body of Congress and this nation for his bravery and composure in a time of adversity. Mr. Lopez's courage is an example of what all Americans throughout the country are capable of demonstrating when faced with extraordinary circumstances. Congratulations on your achievement, Salvador, and good luck in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding organization that continuously renders emergency medical aid at a moments notice. The St. Anthony Hospitals' Flight for Life program based in Denver, Colorado has saved thousands of lives since its inception. It is with great pleasure I stand and honor these courageous men and women who are so willingly dedicate their lives to help those in crisis. Founded in 1972, Flight for Life was the first civilian emergency air ambulance in the nation. Some 200 air ambulance programs all over the world have since patterned their emergency response units after Flight for Life's excellence. This commendable program serves the people of Colorado and eight surrounding states, and its members have registered over 65,000 missions in the first 30 years of service. Over its history, Flight for Life's crews responded to the 1976 gondola accident in Vail, Colorado; the 1985 Keystone Teller Lift collapse; and the Columbine High School shootings in 2000, among the thousands of missions flown. Medical missions have taken them to 40 states as well as Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. In order to meet each challenge, Flight for Life maintains an elite core of medical professionals and pilots; each one with specialized experience and that allows them to react professionally to any life- threatening experience in a variety of environments. To help in that mission, the program also maintains a mountain base outside the Denver Metro area, the highest medical helicopter base in the country, at the Summit Medical Center in Frisco, Colorado. From there, they operate a specialized avalanche rescue team and often help transport search teams to the scene. With so many professions ready to respond to any emergency situation, Flight for Life continues to stand out as a leader in emergency response excellence. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to the men and women of this organization before this body of Congress and this nation. The Flight for Life program has raised the bar for emergency response throughout the world. These courageous professionals have served the people of this nation with distinction for 30 years and deserve our praise.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you and this body of Congress today to honor a remarkable veteran of the United States Navy who recently passed away. Nick Papadakis of Pueblo, Colorado contributed selflessly to our nation and I thank him for his commitment to this country. As a Navy veteran who served in time of war, Nick is an example of what is best about our country: the passion and valor of its citizens. In 1959, after service in the Navy, Nick received an honorable discharge and started a career with the Prudential Insurance Company, which lasted for twenty-eight years. He moved to Colorado in 1971 and immediately found his calling. Nick and his wife dearly missed the deli specialties of San Francisco and opened their own restaurant, ``The Deli.'' The Deli was a success because aside from good food, Nick provided a personal atmosphere where customers could discuss sports, politics and the Pueblo Community. Nick's deli has been a vital part of the Pueblo community since it opened. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in celebrating the life of Nick Papadakis, who tragically lost his battle with cancer recently. Nick dutifully served our country and selflessly committed himself to the betterment of Pueblo. His legacy of love includes his wife, June; his two daughters, Michele and Alison; and their husbands; as well as three precious granddaughters who doted on their grandfather. Nick's remarkable spirit empowered all who knew him. I would like to express my deepest condolences to his friends and family as I pay tribute to the power of his life today before this body of Congress.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness and respect that I recognize the life and passing of Mr. Jess J. Campbell of Orchard Mesa, Colorado. Mr. Campbell, a resident of Colorado for over a hundred years, witnessed the state's changes and transformations over the course of a century. His loss will be felt by many in his community and I am honored to tell his story before this body of Congress today. Jess Campbell was born in Steamboat Springs on July 16, 1901. He grew up in the Montrose and Hotchkiss areas of Colorado and lived his entire life on the Western Slope. Mr. Campbell worked as a rancher, a miner, and in real estate and then in 1921, he began working for the Rio Grande Railroad and retired as an engineer after 52 years of service. Mr. Campbell was also a lifetime member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen and the Rio Grande Veterans. Although Mr. Campbell had an interesting and eventful career, he was also a loving and devoted husband and father. Together, Mr. Campbell and his wife Blanche raised 10 children, 21 grandchildren, 30 great- grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. During his free time, Mr. Campbell enjoyed gardening, woodworking, camping, and fishing and enjoyed spending time with friends and family at his cabin on Poncha Pass. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Jess J. Campbell before this House of Representatives and this nation for the wonderful contributions he has made to the State of Colorado. Mr. Campbell was a pioneer of the state and has left an indelible impression upon its history. As his friends and family gather to mourn their loss, there is solace in knowing that the legacy of Jess J. Campbell will continue into the future generations of this country.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I take this opportunity to recognize the life and accomplishments of John A.F. Wendt, Jr., of Delta, Colorado, before this body of Congress. Mr. Wendt has just recently passed away and as his family mourns their loss, I would like to pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions he made to his community and to his country. Throughout his life, Mr. Wendt embodied the unrelenting principles of honor, character, and sincerity that we, as Americans, should always strive to emulate. Mr. Wendt was a World War II and Korean War veteran who courageously served his country in the Army's elite 11th Airborne unit in the Pacific. His resolute character and principled demeanor won him the approval and respect of his fellow servicemen who viewed him as a dedicated soldier and a loyal comrade. In fact, Mr. Wendt's courage was so commendable that he was awarded the prestigious Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart medals for his military service. After graduating from University of Colorado in 1951, Mr. Wendt became a very successful and distinguished lawyer. He was a practicing attorney his entire life; he served as a judge and a district attorney and was on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Bar Association for many years. Mr. Wendt loved the law profession and the genuine interest and enthusiasm that he brought to his work won him the esteem and admiration of his colleagues. Despite the pressures of a demanding career, Mr. Wendt found the time to make significant contributions within his community. Mr. Wendt was a committed member of the Pony Club, a horsemanship education program for children. Mr. Wendt served on the Board of the Pony Club but also took the time to participate directly with the children within the organization. Mr. Wendt was also a sportsman and founded the Roaring Fork Hounds Club, where he eagerly participated in the organization's events. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I recognize Mr. John A.F. Wendt before this body of Congress and this nation for the outstanding service and commitment he made to his country. My condolences go out to his brother Allan and his children John, Eric, Wendy, and Hilary. Mr. Wendt lived his life with courage and with honor and I commend him for his conduct. His loss will be deeply felt and a grateful nation will be forever in his debt.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the life and memory of Marshall Duane ``Whitey'' Sherman, a longtime resident of Kremmling, Colorado. Mr. Sherman lived an extraordinary life and accomplished many things, he began his career as a lineman with the Estes Park Light and Power Company. Soon after, he worked as a consultant and inspector for various power companies throughout the state including the Department of Energy. Despite his busy career, Mr. Sherman also managed to find time to make significant contributions within his community and throughout the State of Colorado. A cordial and responsible individual, Mr. Sherman spent much of his free time as a mentor to Colorado's future generations. He served as a 4-H leader and was involved in a number of church youth summer programs. Mr. Sherman also served on a host of other organizations that became influential to the welfare of the Kremmling community. He was president of the Middle Park Fair Board for ten years, served on the Kremmling Hospital board of directors, was the president of the West Grand Education Foundation, and was active in many groups within the Kremmling Community Church where he was a member. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I take the time to pay tribute to a man that has epitomized what it means to be a benefactor of his state and a role model for future generations to emulate. He was a decent, hard working American who found the time to help others and helped to make the Town of Kremmling, Colorado a better place to live. My condolences go out to the Sherman family, his wife Geneva and their sons Marshall, Mike, and Rich. Although the loss of Mr. Sherman will be deeply felt throughout the Kremmling community, there is solace in knowing that his life has made an impression that will transcend his death for many years to come.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this opportunity to pay respect to the passing of Faye Fleming at the age of fifty-nine. Faye served ten years in the Colorado House of Representatives, representing House District 31, which included Western Adams, Southern Weld and Eastern Boulder Counties from 1982 to 1984 and from 1986 to 1994. During her legislative tenure, Faye served as Chairman of the House Transportation and Energy Committee and Joint Transportation Legislation Review Committee. She was an innovative leader and played a key role in the implementation of the Colorado Clean Air Act and the state's underground petroleum storage tank remediation program. Faye Fleming was a remarkable woman and her accomplishments most certainly deserves the recognition of this body of Congress and this nation. Faye was born on February 19, 1943 in Johnson City, New York. She attended Iowa Weslyan College and the University of Colorado at Boulder prior to receiving her B.A. from Metropolitan State College in Denver. Before her legislative career, Faye held numerous civic positions including Chairman of Adams County Planning Commission, member of the Adams County Head Start Policy Council, and President of Adams County League of Women Voters. Faye is survived by her husband, Larry French of Thornton, Colorado, her son, Dr. Andrew Barnard of Alana, Maine; and her daughter, Heather Schultze of San Francisco. Mr. Speaker, Faye Fleming was a remarkable woman whose leadership and goodwill towards her fellow Coloradans inspired many and whose good deeds certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Faye's departure leaves a gap in many hearts but her memory will surely survive in the lives of those who knew her. Faye Fleming committed her life in the service of her state, and I join many others in mourning Faye's loss and celebrating her life.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Judge Joe Ulibarri of Pueblo, Colorado and recognize his contributions and service to his community. After twenty-three years in the Pueblo Municipal Court, Judge Ulibarri has retired. Throughout his tenure, Judge Ulibarri has made a number of important rulings, notably his 1991 decision that allowed the Municipal Court to accept juvenile citations and relieve the state Court of their backlog, leading to the expeditious handling of juvenile cases in Pueblo. The career and accomplishments of Joe Ulibarri are a testament to fine public service and most certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress and this nation. Judge Joe Ulibarri was born on July 31, 1943 and was educated at Southern Colorado State College where he received an Associate of Arts degree in Social Studies and English. He went on to study law at the University of Denver School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1970. Following graduation he earned a job as a staff attorney working for the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Denver, Colorado. In 1979, Judge Ulibarri became the Assistant Municipal Judge for the City of Pueblo, and after ten years was promoted to the position of Presiding Municipal Judge. In retirement, Joe plans to spend more time with his new granddaughter, Noelle Elora, who was born January 3, 2002. Joe also hopes to travel with his lovely wife Juanita and perhaps even return to teaching part-time. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege that I recognize Judge Joe Ulibarri and his selfless contributions to our legal system and to his community. Joe has worked hard throughout his career and it is my honor to bring forth his accomplishment before this body of Congress and this nation. Good luck to you Joe in all your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding individual who has selflessly contributed her time and energy towards the betterment of her community and her nation. Wanda Sothen, of Durango, Colorado, has donated countless hours to aid the people of Durango and its surrounding communities following this wildfire season. She has been a true inspiration to her friends, family, and community and it is with pleasure that I applaud her efforts before this body of Congress and this nation. When wildfires ravaged Colorado and the devastation proved too widespread for the Red Cross and other aid organizations to care for the specific needs of the 1,700 households displaced by the 70,000 acre Missionary Ridge fire, Wanda stepped up to meet the challenge. Recognizing that her friends and neighbors needed more than just the basics of food and shelter, Wanda founded Helping Hands, a relief organization based out of Durango. Starting with only a telephone and a stack of index cards at a desk in the local mall, Wanda carefully put together every piece of relief she could find. Wanda learned quickly that many residents needed help, and many also had something to give, the problem was trying to bring everyone together. After the creation of Helping Hands neighbors began to donate items such as candles, clothing, food, school supplies, along with professional veterinarian services for local animals. Wanda's understanding of community needs extended beyond the ordinary, as animals from the size of goldfish to horses found help or homes through her organization. Her untiring spirit of charity continues to bless the lives of those affected by the fire as she continues to turn each donation into a gift of relief. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to Wanda Sothen, a true community activist, before this body of Congress and this nation. Her diligence in bringing her community together in the face of crisis, by creating and running Helping Hands, has made her an inspiration to us all. She truly stands as an example of American values and civic virtue and deserves our praise.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 5319. The record should reflect that the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings) was intended to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 5319.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, today I stand before you with great pride to honor the accomplishments of Andrea Aragon of Pueblo, Colorado. Andrea was one of the six distinguished women to receive the 2002 YWCA Anna Taussig Tribute to Women Awards on Thursday, June 6, 2002. She was selected for her unparalled dedication to the education of the youth of Pueblo, her personal philanthropy. Andrea Aragon has exemplified unrelenting passion in not only her professional life, but her personal one as well, and I am honored to pay tribute to her accomplishments today. Andrea is the perfect example of a model citizen who commits selflessly to the betterment of her community. She currently dedicates her time to countless boards that strive to improve the integrity of the community, such as the Colorado Student Loan Obligation Authority, the University of Southern Colorado President's Leadership Program Advisory Board, the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation Board, the Columbine Girl Scouts Board, and the El Pueblo Boys and Girls Ranch Board and previously served as Executive Director for the Latino Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her term as Executive Director, Andrea increased membership by seventy-five percent which provided the Chamber with new, renovated offices and space. In July, Andrea was elevated to become the proctor of the office of development and alumni relations for the University of Southern Colorado. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize the compassion of Andrea Aragon of Pueblo, Colorado and her ability to inspire the community of Pueblo to strive for their dreams. Her actions are an integral asset to those around her, and the entire State of Colorado. Congratulations on your achievement Andrea, and I wish the best of luck to you and you future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow as I rise to pay tribute to the memory and passing of Colorado Division of Wildlife biologist, Jim Olterman of Dolores, Colorado. Jim Olterman had an exemplary career in his time at the agency and embodied the principles of honesty, hardwork, and courage that Coloradans and all Americans should strive to exemplify. As his family mourns his loss, we should pay tribute to a man who has contributed so much not only to the vitality of the region's wildlife, but also to the State of Colorado. Mr. Olterman tragically lost his life Wednesday when his plane crashed while he was carrying out aerial fish-stocking duties high in the lakes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As the most experienced pilot in the CDOW, Jim understood the danger that was involved in flying these high risk operations, but he chose the assignment because he believed in the division's mission to ensure the vitality of animal species in the wild. Mr. Olterman served a very distinguished career in 27 years at the division. After attending Oregon State graduate school, Mr. Olterman entered into Division of Wildlife training classes and, in 1972, began to work for the Colorado Division of Wildlife's Ridgeway District. In 1979, Jim was promoted to the position of senior terrestrial biologist for the district, followed by a promotion in 1994 to senior terrestrial biologist for the entire Western Slope of Colorado. Jim was involved in the reintroduction of many wildlife species in Western Colorado such as moose, lynx, and the black foot ferret. He was also the lead biologist of big game species in his district and played a crucial role in the expansion of big game herds throughout the region. Well-liked and widely respected throughout the agency, Jim Olterman was known as the ``go to guy'' who could always provide assistance and a thoughtful opinion on a broad range of subjects. It has been widely expressed throughout the CDOW that his pleasant company will be deeply missed and the proficiency and expertise that he brought to his work will be irreplaceable. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect and great sadness that I recognize Mr. Jim Olterman before this body of Congress and this nation for the definitive contributions he made to his profession, to Colorado, and this nation. He devoted his life to the protection and management of Colorado's wildlife, and I commend him for the diligence and commitment he displayed in his professional endeavors. He will be missed by the many souls he touched in his life and I express my sincere condolences to his wife Robin and his family.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Let me finish off this article with this quote from President Clinton in 1998: ``We have to defend our future from these predators of the 21st century.'' This is President Clinton I am referring to. Let me repeat my comment. From President Clinton: ``We have to defend our future from these predators of the 21st century.'' To leave the quote for a minute, I absolutely agree 100 percent with what President Clinton was saying here. He was right then and George W. Bush is right today. Continuing: ``We have to defend our future from these predators of the 21st century,'' he argued. ``They will be all the more lethal if we allow them to build arsenals of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and the missiles to deliver them. We simply cannot allow that to happen. There is no more clear example of this threat than Saddam Hussein.'' And as the article says: ``What more do you need to say?" Now, we have taken some steps and we have taken some bipartisan steps, our missile defense system. The President has made commitment and we, as a Congress, have increased significantly the budgets, our military budgets, our defense mechanisms, but here is our biggest weakness. We have a very large Nation geographically. It is very tough to defend these borders. For example, shipping containers that come in. We cannot inspect even close to the number of shipping containers that come into this Nation every day. It is kind of like having a village in the mountains and from somewhere on the mountain every day you got a sniper, somebody shooting into your village. You cannot possibly put up a wall to stop these bullets from coming in. Every day that goes by the sniper fires another shot into the village. At some point the village has to decide we cannot defend our perimeter. We will have to take the fight to them. We will have to go up on that mountain and find where that sniper is. That is the situation we face here today. We cannot just retract on our borders within the United States, as some of our allies may suggest, that the United States is poking their nose into somebody else's business. Well, it became everybody's business after September 11. And what President Clinton accurately forecasted in 1998 came into place on September 11, 1 year ago. The time of being able to just sit comfortably here and hope that it was not happening out there or enjoying the privilege of the fact that it had not happened within the borders of the United States for a long time, assuming that Pearl Harbor could go into that classification, and it does, those days are gone. We now have to engage in this fight, and we have to engage in this in every way possible. I am not condemning diplomatic pursuit of some peaceful resolution. I am not condemning using prayers if you are trying to fight cancer. I think it is very, very helpful. And I think diplomatic efforts are very, very necessary. And I am not saying that we should not have congressional debate. I think it is constitutionally required. I think it is healthy for this Congress, for the people who have elected us to represent their views to have that type of debate. But what I am saying is we cannot dilly dally around. We cannot any longer afford to ignore the fact that the malignant cancer is out there. We cannot afford to debate the accuracy of the x-ray very long. The x-ray tells us there is cancer. It told us we had cancer 4 years ago when President Clinton very accurately said what he has, what Saddam Hussein had, and what Saddam Hussein, by the way, supplies to the al Qaeda. We know it is there. And it does not do us any good in my opinion to continue to try to pretend it is not happening, to try to pretend that there is some clean way to handle this, that we can call Saddam up on the phone and say, Knock it off. What are you doing? Put those weapons in the closet and quit doing this and live peacefully with the rest of the world. They have no intention of doing anything but destroying as much of the rest of the world as they can. And at the top of their list are our kindergartens. Every mother and father in America should be in a state of absolute dismay and anger today after this quote was released yesterday about targeting kindergartens. These are kindergartens in America, kindergartens in the United States. Some of us knew that, obviously, we think they will target some of these other areas; but for them to come out and say, your kindergartens, that is what we will target in America, that ought to wake everybody up. The time for a debate is rapidly approaching. We should have a resolution on this floor as quickly as we can get a resolution on this floor. Our allies that belong to the United Nations ought to wake up, a lot of them are; but they need to come to the table too. America does not want to do it alone. America can do it alone, but America wants to be a partner. And I will tell you, our partnership, whether it is France, whether it is Hamburg, Germany, whether it is in Poland, all free-loving countries in the world are under the threat of this cancer of Iraq and the al Qaeda. And we, frankly, despite my criticism today or my expression of dismay by some of the remarks we see coming from our European allies, I do want to take a moment to tell you that as most of you know our European allies have assisted us in many ways with this fight against terrorism. But for some reason, I am a little baffled by the fact that we cannot get them to come over to this side of the line to face the reality of the threat that Iraq has against the world. It is the United States today. Sure, that is their number one target, the United States and Israel. But I can assure our allies it is like the big bad wolf. It is at our door today, but it will be at your door tomorrow. And we have to team up. This partnership has to stay together. This partner, the United States of America, does not want to take Iraq on by itself or take on the war against terrorism. And our partners have come to the table in large part against the war on terrorism. But they are not coming to the table like they ought to be on Iraq. And it is time for this partnership meeting, for us to cut to the chase, to get down to the work that has to be done, and it is dirty work and it is a large task in front of us; but if we do not do it today, we will have let down, in my opinion I do not think it is too strong a word to use the word betrayed, we will have betrayed future generations by knowingly allowing a threat to be built of nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, biological weapons, to knowingly let that threat and those weapons be built by a mad man with the kind of commitments they have made to target our kindergartens and we do not take the fight to them. It is inherently a responsibility of those of us in Congress to debate this. I do not argue that, I said that earlier. But as inherently, as strong as the debate is to get that debate completed and to move in a unified fashion as this Congress and as the United States Senate signaled it would with President Clinton in 1998, and the threat has only grown greater. I think it is time for both of these Houses to come together in 2002 and move against the cancer that exists out there as a threat against the borders of this country, and as I have said, against the borders of our allies wherever they might be located throughout the worlds. So I would hope that in the next, I hope in the very immediate future, I know that the President is going to the United Nations this week, I hope our allies in the United Nations and the people of the United Nations understand what a threat this malignancy is out there, understand how unsuccessful we have been to convince through diplomatic efforts, through inspections, through economic sanctions, through no- fly zones, how unsuccessful these efforts have been to get Saddam Hussein to stop proceeding with these weapons, what the ramifications are of these weapons. Do my colleagues think that the al Qaeda, if they would have had nuclear weapons within their hands, do my colleagues think they would have used aircraft on September 11? They would have used nuclear weapons. Do not forget, this country suffered an attack, a chemical attack, anthrax within days of September 11. We got hit with a chemical, with a biological attack against this country. Do my colleagues not think if the al Qaeda did not have that in their hands in sufficient quantities that they would not have used that? They were probably surprised that the World Trade towers collapsed. We know from the video that we have seen, they were elated by the success of their attack, but this only set the base for the al Qaeda. This only sets a base for countries like Iraq. The next attack, they want to make sure those casualties, children, women and men, they want to make sure those casualties are many, many multiples of what September 11, the horror that September 11 brought to this Nation. As I said at the beginning of my remarks, I am trying to think of my history. I have been in Congress 10 years. The horrible fires we suffered in Colorado this year, all of the different things, big issues that I think over these last few years we have dealt with, I cannot think of anything that is of a more of a threat, that has more serious future consequences than the international situation that we face today. Not the economy, not the impeachment several years ago, not the fires. We have got to go after that cancer that has centered itself in Iraq and has spread to al Qaeda and throughout rest of the world. Again, at the conclusion of my remarks this evening, let me repeat what President Bill Clinton said 4\1/2\ years ago. President Clinton, ``We have to defend our future from these predators of the 21st century,'' he argued. ``They will be all the more lethal if we allow them to build arsenals of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and the missiles to deliver them. We simply cannot allow that to happen. There is no more clear example of this threat than Saddam Hussein.'' I will wrap up my comments with 15 more seconds. I would ask my colleagues to take 15 seconds and read the poster, and once again, what more of a threat, what more of a warning do we need, do we need as a Nation than exists out there today? If in 1998 what Saddam Hussein did in 1998 was not enough, then was September 11 enough? Then was the acts of aggression against Kuwait enough? Was the assassination against Bush, Senior enough? If that was not enough, if all of that was not enough, this statement standing alone, this statement standing alone ought to be enough to bring all of us to bear arms to assure the security of this Nation and our friends throughout the world.

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I found the previous speakers' comments interesting. In part their comments were accurate, but I should point out that when we talk about the Kyoto treaty, what they should bring to the attention of the body is that when it was voted on by the United States Senate, the vote was 99-0. 99-0. That was not all Republicans, that was Democrats and Republicans combined in the United States Senate. Not one vote in favor of that so-called treaty. Why? Because that treaty unfairly assaulted the United States of America. Obviously we as elected representatives of this country want to stand in front of this body and stand in front of the American public and commit to do things that are better. We can do a lot more to conserve, everybody in this country, in this world, can do more to conserve and, frankly, conservation right now is going to get us a lot further than my colleague's suggestion that the President of the United States convert his ranch in Texas to solar power. Conservation is the answer right now. In the long run, solar power, in the long run energy from waves, in the long run energy from other sources is what is going to be the answer, but in the short time, sitting here and condemning the United States of America as some people might do or feeling that the United States of America should hang its head low is wrong. The leading technologies in the world on environmental control, on assisting us with stopping pollution, on making coal cleaner burning and so on, without a doubt the leading technologies in the world are developed by the scientists in the United States of America. There is no other country in the world that has helped more other countries with their environmental problems, assisting them, sending them financial aid, doing anything we can to assist, than the United States of America. The United States of America has nothing to apologize about. The United States of America is committed to do things better. But I for one am tired of seeing foreign country after foreign country after foreign country bash the United States of America. And we see it come to this floor. Some of our colleagues, while well intended, seem to get up here and become apologists for the greatest country in the history of the world. This country, the United States of America, has fought for other countries, has gone overseas more than any other country in the history of the world to fight not for American land but to fight for other people in this world. Who do you think led the battle in Bosnia? Who do you think got communism out of Europe? You can go to example after example after example. It is the United States of America. To see some of my colleagues, or to see people stand up and continually bash the United States and put a spin on it is discouraging. Take a look at Berkeley University. I cannot even imagine. There is an actual debate at Berkeley University on the commemoration for September 11, whether they should allow red, white and blue to be worn. Not a flag, just the colors red, white and blue, whether they should be allowed to be worn on campus because it might offend somebody. The American flag might offend somebody, so maybe we ought to take it down. Come on. Give me a break. Patriotism in this country today is still very strong. This country has got a lot more things going right for it than it does wrong. This country will stand head to head with any other nation, not just existing nations today, but look in the history of the world, and I challenge my colleagues, look in the history of the world to find one nation that has done as much as this Nation has done for the poor people in the world, for hungry people in the world, gone to the defense of many, many nations in the history of the world, educated more people than any other country in the world, educated them to a higher level than any other country in the world. And what is the biggest export of this country that no other country can match? In fact, cumulatively, if you put all the history of the countries together in the world, they do not even come close to exporting what the United States of America exports as its biggest item. What is that item? It is freedom. The United States of America has broken the ice. It has taken the lead. It has put the footprints in the sand for freedom. And we see that some of our citizens for some reason act ashamed of being an American. The beauty of freedom is that they can always move. If the beauty of this country is so bad that you do not think it can be improved or you think that you have to continually criticize this Nation, go somewhere else. I am one of those people that likes to look at the good things that this Nation does. Look what this Nation has done for the world in the development of medicine, in the development of vaccinations, in the fight against cancer. We can go down a list of a thousand different items. You pick the items. And amongst the very top of doing positive things, of doing good things, is the United States of America. 2045 Many times, many times the United States of America, when nobody else would stand up, it is the United States of America that ends up standing up. It is the United States of America that is the first one out of the foxhole, and it has not come without cost. Many years ago, remember when the United States put weapons on European soil to stop the Russian Communist machine from moving in? And not all the students, but a bunch of student protests were organized, frankly organized by professionals in Europe; and the European leaders got pretty fragile, and I understand it. They were under a lot of pressure, get American troops off European soil. Americans go home. Americans, you are not welcome. The doctrine of appeasement. Communism is not going to take us. Communism, Americans are trying to over- exaggerate the situation. In fact it went to the state where de Gaulle calls Johnson, gets Johnson on the phone. ``Mr. President,'' he says, ``I want all American troops off European soil.'' And, as the story goes, President Johnson replies to Mr. de Gaulle, ``Mr. de Gaulle, does that include all of the American troops buried beneath your soil?'' America is a great country, but, once again, as we speak today, America will be called to a great task, a task not only brought to light by the events of 1 year ago on September 11, but a task that because of our strength, because of our capability to lead, the United States must answer the call; and it is not a small task, it is a great task, to which we have been called. We have got to go out, and we have got to stop the proliferation amongst terrorists, amongst mad people, of these types of weapons that they are currently right now underneath our noses and in many cases with the knowledge of the world developing. So this evening I really want to focus my comments on our situation with the al Qaeda, and our situation with Iraq. I do not know how many Members saw the headline today, what the al Qaeda said in the last few days, or at least it has now come to our attention. Pay very careful attention. Please, if you are doing something out there, colleagues, put it down. All I want, if you do not listen to anything else I say this evening, if you do not listen or do not remember anything else I say this evening, give me 15 seconds. That is all I am asking you for, 15 seconds. If this does not shake you up, I do not know what will. Give me 15 seconds. This is the quote from the al Qaeda. For those of you colleagues out there, here is your 15 seconds. Take 15 seconds to look at this poster. Let me read it. I was stunned when I saw this; not surprised, but stunned. Let us go through it. This is the al Qaeda, the leadership of the al Qaeda. This is not directed at the U.K.; it is not directed at France. It is directed at the United States of America, and, in turn, when it is focused on the United States of America, to our good friends overseas. And we have many allies overseas, and we have good allies overseas. Do not be mistaken. Just because they are at the door of America's kindergartens today does not mean that they will not be at the door of your kindergartens tomorrow. Look at what this says. This is why I want this 15 seconds: ``We are emerging stronger, and we will hit America. We will hit America's shopping malls, their stadiums and kindergartens. This is our promise. Al Qaeda.'' As I go on with my remarks this evening, I want to build a case for some of my constituents and for some of my colleagues who wonder whether or not we should not just kind of look the other way when it comes to the situation in Iraq. Keep in mind that Iraq and the al Qaeda are comrades in arms. These people have one very strong common bond: they want to see the destruction of every man, woman and child, and keep in mind, child, kindergartners, of America. And when they are done with America, they will want to see the destruction of every man, woman and child in Canada. And when they are done with Canada, they will want to see it in France, and they will want to see it in the United Kingdom. They will want to see it wherever they can get it. These people are mad people, but they are smart and they are intelligent. That is obvious by the strike they carried out against the United States. This is a cancer we are dealing with. The people that speak like this, that carry out these acts, they are the equivalent of a horrible, fast-moving malignant cancer. I spoke recently back in my district, and I said it is kind of like you are walking around and you go to the doctor, and the doctor says, ``We just did an x-ray, and inside your foot, you do not feel it, but inside your foot our x-ray tells us that you have a malignant cancer that is developing and spreading very quickly.'' You say to the doctor, ``Doc, my foot feels fine. I do not feel anything in my foot. I really do not want to face cancer.'' The doctor says, ``Look, in trying to attack this cancer we may very well have to amputate your foot, which means you will never run again. It is going to be a severe interruption in your life. It is going to interrupt your financial status. It is going to have an impact psychologically on you. And the chemotherapy that may be necessary may have to be very aggressive, and it too will interrupt your lifestyle.'' But you say to the doctor, ``Doctor, I do not have any pain in my foot. I did not come in to see you about my foot. You show me this x- ray, but, I don't know, I am not feeling the pain. I am not feeling the pain. I do not know whether I want you to do what you say you have to do with my foot.'' That is what we are dealing with here. We have got people in this country who say out of sight, out of mind. Do not be mistaken, Iraq is not an idle threat sitting out there. It is a very realistic threat that could happen today, it could happen tomorrow, or it could happen 5 years from now. Saddam Hussein, keep in mind, I saw Bill O'Reilly tonight on TV, and Bill O'Reilly on TV was talking about a guy in jail in Texas that had allegedly killed 80 women, the most horrible criminal they have ever seen in their lives. Eighty women. It is a horrible person. All of us gasp at how horrible a person must be that commits these kind of murders. That is a serial killer. We all feel that way. But, for some reason, when I talk to some about Saddam Hussein, when I listen to some of my colleagues, they hold that individual with higher esteem than they do serial killers within our own borders. And keep in mind what Saddam Hussein did. He invaded Kuwait. What did he do in Kuwait? They killed thousands of men, women and children in Kuwait in their invasion. His armies went in without provocation, and the reason his armies went in was to grab that oil in Kuwait. And, once again, the country that I find more and more people apologizing for, or bashing, the United States of America is the one that led to the freedom and the liberation of Kuwait against a murderous tyrant, Saddam Hussein. Keep in mind that it was Saddam Hussein for the first time, I think, and I am not a historian, a professor of history, but it was the first time I think that you had a coordinated assassination effort by the president of a country against the United States President. Saddam Hussein, the evidence is absolutely clear, it was clear to the Clinton administration and it is clear to any law enforcement investigative agency, attempted to assassinate George Bush, Sr.; and it was only by a little luck that that assassination did not come off. So we know that Saddam Hussein has killed thousands and thousands of men, women and children when he invaded Kuwait without provocation. That, standing alone, that standing alone ought to put him at the bottom of your list as far as respect or any kind of justification of why Saddam Hussein is still alive. This guy is a bad guy. He is a malignant cancer out there. But Kuwait, if Kuwait is not enough, then take a look at what he tried to do to the President, our own President of this country, George Bush, Sr. If that is not enough, keep in mind our young men and women that are in the military, that are stationed in Turkey. Every day, almost every day of the week in the no-fly zones as designated by the United Nations, as agreed upon by Iraq, every day Iraq fires missiles at United States or allied aircraft in an attempt to destroy them. These aircraft are not flying out of their territory. They are flying within the territory designated as a no-fly zone by Iraq in joint agreement with United Nations. And yet for some reason people are reluctant to take out Saddam Hussein. Look at the people within his own country that he gassed. Look at the Kurds. You can list example after example after example of how horribly evil, how malignant Saddam Hussein is and why we have got to do something. We do not have any choice here; at least we do not have any viable choice. I guess we do have a choice. We can pretend that these weapons that they are developing, that they would have never used them or will never use them. Frankly, I do not think Saddam Hussein, certainly if he had nuclear weapons today, and we know he has biological weapons, and I am going to read you some information about that here in a few minutes, I really do not think that Saddam would use them against the United States of America today. I think he would use them against Israel, but I do not think he would use them against the United States. He is no fool. He is a smart man. That is what I said earlier. He is a smart man. He knows that if he used them against the United States of America and the United States was able to track down, which we could probably do pretty quickly, as to where those weapons came from, who used them against us, that we have the weapon capability to destroy Iraq within minutes. So he is no fool. He does not want to see the United States of America retaliate with a massive, overwhelming attack that would destroy his country. So do not think that Saddam Hussein will probably use the weapons himself. What he will do with these weapons is he will give them out. He will give them to the people like the al Qaeda, the people that swear that they are not done with America, that they are going after our kindergartens. Notice they do not say they are going after the military; notice they do not say they will engage in open warfare. They are going to go to the shopping malls, to the stadiums, and to the kindergartens. The thing for me in Oklahoma City, what appalled me, the whole thing was horrible, a criminal act, but what was especially embedded in my memory of Oklahoma City was the fact that they had that preschool in there and Timothy McVeigh and his coconspirators, they did not care that there were small children in the Federal building in Oklahoma City. They killed those children without thought. But that number was in the tens and tens. These numbers, if these people continue to develop the weapons and are given the weapons by people like Saddam Hussein, the next time they tally a hit against the kindergarten like we see in Oklahoma City, we will see numbers in the thousands and tens of thousands. New York City was 3,000; the Pentagon was a couple of hundred. Those casualties are stunning casualties, horrible, tragic; but the next time, their goal will be to add another comma to the fatalities, to the ravage that they wield upon the United States of America or upon our allies. Now let me say that this problem of Saddam Hussein is not something that just came up under the Bush administration. I am amazed, frankly. And this is a bipartisan effort that we have to make. But I am amazed at the position that the Democratic party has taken. I am amazed at some of the leading Democrats in the United States Congress, the demands that they are making upon President Bush, the implications that they are making upon the President, that somehow he is some kind of wild Texas cowboy that wants to start a war. I am going to go through what President Bill Clinton, their favorite President, the President most strongly supported by the liberal community, I am going to go through some quotes that President Clinton said several years ago about Saddam Hussein. This is a very serious problem we are dealing with. I have never been more, I guess, in deep thought or sober about a situation than I am about the situation that we face today on the international circuit with the al Qaeda and with Iraq. I am stunned. Obviously, I do not disagree at all that the United States Congress, it is our obligation to be engaged in debate and to be engaged in the public policy, and to be engaged in the declaration of any type of war that this country might engage in. So the comments that I am making are not whether or not we should have public debate in the United States Congress. I think that is good. What I am talking about this evening are how all of a sudden some of the individuals who stood right behind Bill Clinton and urged President Clinton, and these are Democrats, urged President Clinton to take immediate action to adopt a war resolution against Iraq, have done a complete reverse, saying, well, President Bush is going to have to answer a whole bunch of questions. We are not sure. Where is the justification for taking on Iraq? Where 3 or 4 years ago they were standing side by side, shoulder to shoulder, demanding that President Clinton and supporting him: We have to go into Iraq. We have to do something about that. That is not stuff I am just making up. I have it right here. Let us go through it a little. This is probably an appropriate time. Let us look at President Clinton here. President Clinton understood the threat then. Now, I think there has been a little spin put on it. I noticed that the other day the President said, or reported, and the President did not say it to me, I did not hear it from his mouth, but the President said if we were to take on Iraq, Saddam Hussein, that he, the President, that he does possess weapons, and the concern would be that he would use those weapons. If we take that out logically, what we are saying is we should not go against Saddam because he might use these weapons. That is exactly the kind of leverage that Saddam Hussein wants to have with the rest of the world, the doctrine of nonproliferation. And keep in mind, it was the liberals, and I am not trying to assail a particular affiliation, but there is a clear line here as to our ideas and our policies. It was the liberals that said, look, nonproliferation; let us hope this cancer goes away. Let us pray it away. Let us have peace throughout the world. There are a lot of these countries out there that, unfortunately, no matter how much we pray, and I pray, and prayer is good, but no matter how much we pray, no matter how many hands we offer, no matter what we do, they are determined to wipe us off the face of the Earth. And it is not an idle threat. It was not an idle threat a year ago on September 11, and it will not be an idle threat a year from now. We have to face up to the fact that there is a malignant cancer, no matter how much we pray, and it helps, and no matter how much we hope, no matter how well our neighbor talks to us and says, look, things are going to be all right, and they hold hands and we have lots of hugs and lots of tears and lots of love; people come up and say, we are going to help you, and all of that; that is all good, but the fact is that evil devil of malignant cancer is still in us, and that is the problem we have right here. This kind of thing, this kind of thing right here, ``We are emerging stronger, and we will hit America's shopping malls, stadiums, and kindergartens,'' that is a malignant cancer. We are not going to pray or hope that thought away. The only way we are going to be able to eliminate this threat is we have to take the fight to them. Let us look at Bill Clinton's comments, the former President. I will read them: ``What if Saddam Hussein fails to comply and we fail to act, or we take some ambiguous third route which gives him yet more opportunities to develop his programs of weapons of mass destruction, and continue to press for the release of sanctions, and continue to ignore the solemn commitments that he made? Well, he will conclude that the international community has lost its will. He will then conclude that he can go right on and do more to rebuild an arsenal of devastating destruction.'' That was President Bill Clinton, February 18, 1998, 4 years ago; over 4 years ago; 4\1/2\ years ago those were the profound and well-spoken words, and right on point, of President Clinton. Does anybody in these Chambers believe that the capability, the destructive capability, of Saddam Hussein has reduced, has been reduced? Does anybody in here believe, really, truly in their hearts, that this madman has abandoned his weapons of mass destruction, which include chemical warfare and the attempt to get nuclear weapons? We know in our hearts that he has not. We wish it were not true. Again, going to the example, we wish in our heart we did not have the cancer, we wish it was not true, we wish we were having a bad dream, and tomorrow morning we could wake up and it would be a bad dream, but it is reality. We have a commitment. We have a solemn commitment to the American people that we are willing and able to stand up to the great task which sits in front of us, and that great task, of course, is to secure the safety of not only this Nation but our allies, as well. I know we are getting a lot of bashing by our allies, and we have a lot of allies that say, look, do it on your own. This is a dirty job. This is going to require some dirty work. We have some fair-weathered friends out there, but nonetheless, they are friends. They do not want to get their hands dirty. They do not want to get out there in the battlefield. They want the United States to do it. If the United States does it alone and succeeds, we will be criticized for having done it on our own. But the reality of it is, somebody has got to do it. We cannot continue to let this cancer fester, because if we do, they are going to be successful. Knock on wood, and with the blessing of God, they have not hit our kindergarten yet. But Members know that is one of their targets. That is what they have told us. The statement is clear. Let us go through some history here: ``Administration rhetoric could hardly be stronger.'' This is an article, by the way, taken out of the Weekly Standard, the newsletter. ``The President asked the Nation to consider this question.'' This is President Bill Clinton: ``What if Saddam Hussein fails to comply, and we fail to act,'' as I said on the chart that I showed you, and this guy is allowed to continue. This article goes on: ``The President,'' again, referring to President Clinton, ``His warnings are firm. If we fail to respond today, Saddam and all those who would follow in his footsteps will be emboldened tomorrow. The stakes,'' again, Bill Clinton, 4\1/2\ years ago on Iraq, ``The stakes could not be higher.'' This is a quote from Bill Clinton: ``Some day, some way, I guarantee you he will use the arsenal.'' That is 4\1/2\ years ago, and our President ably and quite accurately recognized the threat. I can tell the Members that several of the leading Democrats, the Democrat leadership, got right behind the President in regard to the statement. Yet those very leaders today are questioning President Bush: He is overreacting, he is overstating, he had better have the evidence to prove all of this. What a 360-degree or a 180-degree turn in the last 4\1/2\ years. Let me continue on. Those are not the words of President George W. Bush in September of 2002, but of President Bill Clinton on February 18, 1998. Clinton was speaking at the Pentagon after the Joint Chiefs and other top national security advisors had briefed him on U.S. military readiness. The televised speech followed a month-long buildup of United States troops and equipment in the Persian Gulf, and it won applause from leading Democrats on Capitol Hill. But just 5 days later, Kofi Annan, with the United Nations, struck yet another deal with the Iraqi dictator which once more gave the United Nations inspectors permission to inspect, and Saddam won again. Of course, much has changed since President Clinton gave that speech. The situation has gotten worse. ``Ten months after Saddam accepted Annan's offer, he kicked U.N. inspectors out of Iraq for good. We complained and the United States bombed a little. Then we stopped bombing. Later we stepped up our enforcement of the no-fly zones. A year after the inspectors were banished, the United Nations created a new toothless inspection regime. The new inspectors inspected nothing.'' If Saddam Hussein was a major threat in February of 1998 when President Bill Clinton prepared this country for war, and United Nations inspectors were still inside Iraq, it stands to reason that in the absence of those inspectors monitoring this weapons buildup, that Saddam is even a greater threat today. Now, keep in mind the history that we have seen with the Germans, for example, in World War I. The complaints that we see coming out of Iraq, oh, this is the proprietary area of our borders, for protection of our country; we should not be forced to have inspectors in the country; they are picking on poor old me; well, look at the arguments against inspections, although Germany agreed to it after World War I, as compared to what Saddam Hussein. And by the way, he has agreed to all of this. He signed a compact never to have these weapons in the history of his country. But compare that back in history with after World War I, what the Germans did, and what the European response was to the Germans. It was a doctrine of, well, we are picking on him. We really should not be inspecting this country. We really ought to respect their borders. We ought to take them on their word, or make them promise. But U.S., you are exaggerating. What was happening? The Germans were building up their gas munitions. We all know what happened a few years later when the Germans utilized these things. That is what is happening here, and that is what this article says. The quotes that we have been giving, with the exception of this, this is not from 1998, this is very recent, but the quotes were from President Bill Clinton. He recognized the threat in 1998, and so did the Democratic leadership. Why is it that in 2002, the Democratic leadership is pretending as if none of this has occurred? They are making demands upon President Bush that they never made upon President Clinton. I think every President has an obligation to their Nation, and I think they are constitutionally required to justify taking this country into a military action. After all, we are asking our sons and daughters to go in in defense of this country and to take an affirmative action against another country where the probability of loss of life is very high. We ought to meet the highest of standards. But it is my position today, and I think it ought to be Members' positions, that those standards have been met for some time; that right underneath our nose we have a man who has cooperated with people like al Qaeda; a man who invaded another country and killed thousands and thousands of people; a leader, a man who poisoned and gassed his own people; a man who, almost on a daily basis, fires missiles against American and allied aircraft. We know what he is doing. We are meeting the standards that demand that America do something about this. I would hope that our allies come on board. I would hope we get assistance from our allies. We cannot turn a blind eye to a malignant cancer, and we cannot turn a blind eye to Saddam Hussein. You cannot do it. It will always come back to get you, and it will be your kindergartens that will suffer in the future if we do not respond affirmatively today. Now does that mean we send in more inspectors? The only way you should send in more inspectors is on a time basis and those inspectors have unconditional entry into that country and they can go wherever they want in Iraq and do whatever kind of tests are necessary to run to ascertain that these weapons are, in fact, not in existence. I doubt seriously that that will occur. Now, Iraq, by the way, may say, just to stall, they may say, okay, we will agree to it. But a week later you will find that there is a flat tire on the bus, that they are not going to let them go where they need to go. We cannot continue to fool around with this malignant cancer. We have got to sit up to reality. We have got to face reality. We have got to aggressively attack this cancer. Now, I am not a military expert. I do not know what the military strategy should be. But I do know this, diplomatically we have not achieved the goal of concurring the cancer. It is like saying to a patient, I know you have prayed very hard about this. I know you have got a lot of family support in fighting this cancer. I know you have got a lot of hugs. I know that you have changed your diet. But the fact is the malignant cancer is still in your foot and it is aggressively moving up into the rest of your body. You face a very tough decision. It will inconvenience your life. But in the long run, it is the only decision for the preservation of your life that you can make, and that is that you have got to accept the reality that it is there, it is moving and it will kill you. It is the same thing with Iraq. It is there. They are developing and have in their possession weapons of mass destruction and they will kill us. And if they do not attempt to kill us, they will give it to people like the al Qaeda that will carry this out. They do not care about our morality, values and our respect for our children and the preservation of life. That is obvious by their acts of September 11. Let me continue with a few comments. Summing up the Clinton administration argument, Senator Daschle said, ``Look, we have exhausted virtually all our diplomatic efforts to get the Iraqis to comply with their own agreements and with international law. Given that, what other option is there but to force them to do so? That is what they are saying. This is the key question. And the answer is we do not have another option. We have to force them to comply and we are doing so militarily.'' That is from the majority leader, the Democratic majority leader, the president of Senate. All of the sudden that is not what we are hearing today. Let me continue. ``John Kerry was equally hawkish. 'If there is not unfettered, unrestricted, unlimited access per the United Nations' resolution for inspections and UNSCOM cannot in our judgment appropriately perform its functions, then we obviously reserve the rights to press the case internationally and do what we need to do in order to enforce those rights. Saddam Hussein has already used these weapons and has made it clear that he has the intent to continue to try by virtue of his duplicity and secrecy to continue to do so. That is a threat to the stability of the Middle East. It is a threat with respect to the potential of terrorist activities on a global basis. It is a threat even to regions near but not exactly in the Middle East.'" These are comments made by leadership of the Democratic Party in 1998; and yet today when you read the paper, well, we should defer this decision until after the elections, as if Saddam Hussein schedules his development of weapons of mass destruction, he sets them so that they are convenient with our election dates in this country. It amazes me that with these kinds of threats in existence, with the knowledge that we had in 1998 that we know has not changed in 4\1/2\ years, in fact, has only increased, that we have hesitancy, that we have hesitancy by some of these very leaders that advocated action in 1998, not to do action in 2002 or to delay it and wait and wait and wait. Maybe the doctrine of appeasement does not work. The fact is we have to deal with it. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and memory of the late Dr. Robert L. Campbell. His achievements and accomplishments in Colorado City, Colorado have assisted in bettering the community and its surrounding areas. Dr. Campbell was known as the ``typical'' country doctor, and served as the only physician in the Colorado City area. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure we honor today Dr. Robert Campbell, and remember the joy and compassionate inspiration he provided. Dr. Campbell, known as Robert, was born on November 29, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa. He spent his entire childhood in Iowa, and attained his Bachelors degree at the University of Iowa. In 1961, Robert moved to Englewood, Colorado, and while practicing medicine, assisted in reorganizing the current Community Health Center for Retarded and Handicapped Children and Adults. As an active member in the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, Public Relations Committee, and Selective Service Board, Robert succeeded as being a phenomenal role model and beacon to his friends, family, and the City of Englewood. Robert's ascent to success was accompanied by his loving wife, Evelyn, and his children, Debbie, Parn, Julie, Robert, and Joan. He also leaves behind two grandchildren Robin and Aaron. Many knew Robert as a caring father and wonderful husband. He worked hard, and took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and wife. Robert himself was a modest individual, very humble, and never one to seek the rewards of his labor. For numerous years, Robert was the only doctor in his area, and provided countless house calls to the many residents of Colorado City, Colorado. He was the only physician assigned to the Pueblo City Jail, where he administered treatment and medicine to many incarcerated individuals. Truly, such a person of great integrity and respect deserves a word or praise, for without his efforts; many residents would have been without healthcare. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sincere heart I honor the life of Dr. Robert Campbell. He was an extraordinary person who donated 100% of his knowledge and talents to anyone in need. Although we mourn the loss of Robert, we celebrate the many years of joy and care he provided to everyone he touched. I extend my deepest sympathy to Robert's family and friends during their time of grieving.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I speak here to recognize the life and passing of Mrs. Claire Traylor of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Mrs. Traylor was a state legislator who worked diligently on behalf of Colorado to promote fair and effective legislation throughout the state. Mrs. Claire Traylor served in the Colorado General Assembly from 1982 to 1994, first in the House and then in the Senate. One of her most renowned accomplishments as a legislator was her strong commitment to education. Mrs. Traylor was a member of the Joint Budget Committee and Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she used her Position to approve funding for the repair and reconstruction of buildings on college campuses. It was for these efforts that the Colorado School of Mines just recently announced plans to recognize Mrs. Traylor by naming a building in her honor. Mrs. Traylor also fought hard for healthcare legislation that would benefit all citizens of Colorado, including the poor and uninsured. Mrs. Traylor was a proud Republican who understood the necessities of sound fiscal responsibility. However, on any given issue she didn't hesitate to follow her own principles and convictions. But no matter how difficult the opposition or how controversial the issue, it was her integrity and reputation for fair dealing that won her the bipartisan esteem of her colleagues. For all the legislative achievements that can be accredited to Mrs. Claire Traylor, it will be her amiable personality, her gracious demeanor, and her impeccable character that we will remember the most. Mr. Speaker, it is with genuine gratitude that I recognize the life of Mrs. Claire Traylor before this House of Representatives and before this Nation today; she lived life to the fullest, a public servant who worked diligently for her constituents and the State of Colorado. Claire Traylor will be missed, but her presence will continue to be felt in the thousands of lives which she touched.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute today to the life and memory of five courageous firefighters. The wildfires, that have swept through Colorado, Oregon and other western states, have engulfed thousands of acres, requiring the assistance of brave firefighters from across the nation. Today we honor Jacob Brent Martindale, Daniel Rama, Retha Mae Shirley, Zachary Zigich, and Bartholomew Bailey, all dedicated, heroic, brave individuals who selflessly sacrificed personal safety, and ultimately their lives for the state of Colorado and fellow citizens of our nation. I honor the legacy of each fallen firefighter, and praise the accomplishments their selfless dedication has brought to our country. It is with great sadness that I recount the lives of each, and express my condolences to their friends and family. Zachary Zigich, 18 years of age, was a resident of Twin Falls, Idaho; he was an athletically talented individual who excelled in tennis, football, and music. He was the middle child of two siblings, and the son of Mike and Angie Zigich. He was an emphatic individual who provided his firefighting skills and services nobly to his community. Jacob Brent Martindale, 20 years of age, was a resident of Boise, Idaho. His devotion to nature and environmental protection explains his courageous dedication to firefighting. When not working, Jacob could be found in the wilderness fishing, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. He was a wonderful friend to many, and he graduated with honors from Centennial High School. Bartholomew Bailey, 20 years of age, was a resident of Corvallis, Oregon and excelled as a skilled, knowledgeable firefighter. Although young in age, he surpassed all expectations and impressed his colleagues with numerous accomplishments. Bartholomew was noted as an exceptional vocalist participating in numerous chamber chorale performances. Additionally, he was an exquisite performer on stage, awing crowds and packed theaters. Retha Mae Shirley, 19 years of age, was a resident of La Grande, Oregon who had a flare for exploration. Whether rain or shine, Retha was a dependable asset and a key member of her firefighting team. Truly, her death is an enormous loss to her peers, and a saddening time for her friends and family. Retha was studying at the Oregon Institute of Technology's nursing program, working with steadfast determination toward her goal to become a doctor. Her brother Jesse and parents Larry and Linda survive her. Daniel Rama, 28 years of age, was a resident of Baker City, Oregon, and lived his existence to fight fires. Dan returned the previous evening from two extensive weeks of ``Fire Prevention Training.'' Dan was an exceptional student in school, and well respected by his peers. Although his family grieves his loss, they embrace the memories of joy and comfort he provided. Dan was a valiant firefighter, who devoted his life toward the service of his community. It is an honor to acknowledge someone of such great integrity and character. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sincere heart, I commend these five individuals as honorable leaders, patriots, and loyal, dignified servicemen and woman of our firefighting community. It is with a heavy heart, we pay tribute to each person who gave their life so selflessly for the great people of Colorado. I mention each of their names and achievements briefly, but in truth, they each deserve more recognition than I can offer today. Each courageous firefighter nobly surrendered their lives in defense of our nation's forests, and I am honored to pay tribute and remembrance in this body of Congress, and before this nation's forests and people who live nearby and I am honored to pay tribute in this body of Congress, and before this nation to their sacrifice. Though each of these young firefighters is no longer with us, their impact will continue to be felt in the lives of the many they touched and remembered by the thousands they worked to protect.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a master craftsman and brave veteran who bravely fought for our country during World War II. Bob Carlino, of Pueblo, Colorado has repaired thousands of shoes for Coloradans since he became an apprentice shoe repairman at age fourteen. He continues to repair shoes today with his wife, Mary, at their shop in Pueblo. Bob has provided his services to Pueblo for over 60 years, including serving his country, and I am proud to tell of his accomplishments before this body of Congress today. Bob, age 81, grew up on Pueblo's Goat Hill and learned the craft of shoe repair from his uncle at E. Pfost's Shoe Repair shop, where he received fifteen cents a week which he used for a Saturday movie. Bob joined the military after World War II began and became a member of the 224th Quartermaster Company where his work helped to contribute to the repairing hundreds of thousands of soldier's boots. During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, Bob's unit dropped their shoe repair equipment and picked up their rifles to fight and defeat the Germans. In the aftermath of the war, the 224th Quartermaster Company disbanded and Bob returned to Pueblo in early 1946 to reopen his shoe business. Bob was a devoted father and husband. He was an example for his community, ethically, morally, and honorably. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to recognize Bob Carlino and his contributions to the community of Pueblo and this nation. I would like to thank him for his years of hard work and dedication to this nation. His efforts deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Thank you Bob and I look forward to your continued service in your community.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my respect and utmost appreciation for a woman of remarkable caliber. Maggie Divelbiss's hard work and integrity have immeasurably contributed to one of Colorado's most beautiful displays of art, the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center in Pueblo. Maggie's diligence in her community is an inspiration to us all. Maggie is a remarkable woman, and her outstanding work earned her the 2002 YWCA Anna Taussig Tribute to Women Award. It is my pleasure to highlight her accomplishments and successes throughout her life. Maggie currently serves as the Executive Director of the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, and was actively involved in the creation of the Center from its inception. Throughout her tenure as Executive Director, she has made it her personal mission to represent all aspects of the diverse community of Pueblo and its various cultures, as is demonstrated in the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. Outside of her profession, Maggie is a dedicated community advocate. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Endowment for the Humanities and is a member of the Western Alliance of Arts Administrators, The Western States Arts Federation, The Rocky Mountain Arts Consortium, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Moreover, Maggie served a six-year term as a councilwoman on the Colorado Council on the Arts. Mr. Speaker, it is clear why Maggie Divelbiss was chosen as a recipient for the 2002 YWCA Anna Taussig Tribute to Women Award. I thank her for her extraordinary contributions to revive the spirit of art in us all. Her passion for art has been clearly expressed and recognized and I wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to stand before you today and honor Dan Griffin for his contributions towards the betterment of his community. Dan was honored by the Grand Junction Lions Club, as the ``Lion of the Year.'' He is deserving of this prestigious honor, and it is a privilege to applaud him for all his hard work and dedication. Dan completed his undergraduate education at Stanford and went on to become a law student at the University of Colorado. He joined the U.S. Air Force, but was forced to retire due to a knee injury. Dan returned to Grand Junction and was employed by the firm of Younge, Hockensmith Robb. He later became President of the Mesa City Bar Association, and served on the Board of Governor's of the Colorado Bar Association. During the Lions Club ceremony, family spoke of Dan as a `` . . . genuine, superb, wonderful individual.'' Dan received this award because he demonstrates unwavering support and dedication to the organization and the community. Dan's wisdom in law helped him serve area citizens, and address concerns people had about wills, trusts, and estates. Truly, Dan's expertise is cherished and appreciated by all whom he encounters. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a man of great character and conduct. It is a pleasure to honor him before this body of Congress and this nation. Thank you Dan for every contribution you have selflessly made to our community and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this opportunity to pay respect to the passing of James Suckla, who recently passed away at the age of 82 in Cortez, Colorado. James, known as Jack to his family and friends, will always be remembered as a generous, wise cattleman. His voice was heard at many a rodeo, his auctioneering at many a livestock sale, and his advice was sought by many in his community. Jack's wise management of his ranches and his wisdom and whit on committees earned him a respect that many only dream of and his love and care for his family and friends should be a guide for all to live by. Jack Suckla was born in Frederick, Colorado on July 25th, 1919, to Anthony and Dorothy Suckla. The youngest of seven children, Jack learned many important lessons in his childhood, which served him well throughout his life. He married Helen Bradfield in Aztec, New Mexico on July 29, 1941 and remained with her for the following sixty years in which they were blessed with children and eight grandchildren. Jack joined the Navy during World War II, and after being wounded, returned to Cortez and followed the rodeo circuit as an announcer for twenty years. Jack awed the crowd during his rodeo career as a saddle bronco rider. He purchased the Cortez sale barn in 1953, and operated it with two of his sons, Larry and Jimmy. Jack went on to serve on numerous committees, including the NCA, SWCLA, BLM advisory board, the Forest Service, Vectra Bank Board of Directors, and the American Legion. His service stands as a testament to his dedication to not only his life long love of ranching but to his community and country Mr. Speaker, Jack Suckla was a remarkable man whose leadership and goodwill towards people have inspired so many and whose good deeds certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress and this nation. Jack's departure leaves a gap in many hearts but his memory will surely live on in the thoughts and lives of those who know him. I join many others in expressing my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Jack Suckla.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate an outstanding individual from Colorado whose hard work and dedication have earned him the Colorado Division of Wildlife Officer of the Year Award. Willie Travnicek, 59 years of age, has been kicked by deer and poked by horns, he has trapped dangerous bears and looked death in the eye in an upside down kayak. Throughout his obstacles and exciting situations, Willie prevailed and today we applaud his 32 superb years with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Willie's efforts and achievements deserve the recognition before this body of Congress and this nation. Willie, of Salida, Colorado, began his career in 1970 as a technician in Hot Sulphur Springs in Northern Colorado. For numerous years, he helped round up and relocate herds of deer and elk. Never one to shy away from danger, Willie worked closely with Ron Dobson and became one of the first wildlife managers in the state to use a kayak for fishing- law enforcement purposes. During his thirty-year career and many years living in Salida, Willie has built a memorable reputation as a biologist, education specialist, and law enforcement officer. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Willie Travnicek is a man of great dedication and commitment to his profession and to the people of Colorado. His efforts have greatly added to the protection of Colorado's wildlife and I am honored to bring forth his accomplishments before this body of Congress today. He is a remarkable man and it is my privilege to extend to him my congratulations on his selection as the Colorado Division of Wildlife Officer of the Year. Willie, congratulations and all the best to you in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you, this body of Congress, and our nation to recognize Parkview Medical Center of Pueblo, Colorado. For the past eighty years, Parkview Hospital has provided medical care to the community in a kind, friendly, and dedicated manner. It is hard to match the kind of integrity and honesty provided by the staff of Parkview, and I thank the staff for their extraordinary contributions. Parkview Hospital fist emerged because of the influence of six prominent physicians in 1921 after a disastrous flood in 1921. Parkview was officially established in 1923 and had great success from its inception, which required the facility to expand and renovate every ten years. Today, several additional wings have been added to create what is today a state-of-the-art medical center in Southern Colorado. Parkview offers the citizens of Pueblo and surrounding communities a radiological cancer treatment department, obstetrical floor, surgical section, Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Unit, Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Computer Axial Tomography Whole Body Scanner, Same-Day Surgery Wing, and Kidsville Pediatric Unit. Moreover, Parkview fulfilled requirements to classify their Emergency Room as a Level II Trauma Center. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the hard work and determination of the staff of Parkview Medical Center. The compassion illustrated by staff members will be reflected in the hearts of patients for years to come. I would especially like to recognize Chief Executive Officer C.W. Smith and former Chief of Staff Dr. Janice Elaine Kulik for their unrelenting dedication to the medical treatment of patients and coordination of all Parkview activities. Congratulations to Parkview Medical Center on your recent milestone and I wish all the best to the staff.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Keller Hayes of Colorado, a remarkable individual who has assisted in building economic prosperity and equality in the Denver business market. It is my honor to applaud an individual who demonstrates determination and perseverance despite the obstacles, and a privilege to pay tribute to such a deserving Coloradan who has donated countless hours towards the betterment of the Denver community. Keller Hayes was raised on a rural Nebraska ranch, where her grandmother instilled in her ethics and morals that she fervently displays today. Keller overcame hurdle after hurdle throughout her life, and after graduating from college with a minor in women's studies, she embarked on her mission to bring equality to women in the workplace. Keller is a beacon to women everywhere, and she serves on numerous boards and panels working to ensure the rights of working women nationwide. She is an active member of the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce, the largest women's chamber in the country. Her assistance in training, mentoring, counseling, and advising women of all ages, has helped build a strong community. Because of Keller's diligence and perseverance, she received the prestigious award of 'Women Business Advocate of the Year'. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere honor to pay tribute to Keller Hayes before this body of Congress and this nation. Thank you Keller for providing integrity and dignity to our society, and selflessly donating countless volunteer hours to your community. Congratulations on your award, and good luck in all your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding individual from Grand Junction, Colorado. Over the years, Warren Bystedt has grown to love cross-country running and he continues to run competitively today at the age 72. It is a great pleasure today, to honor Warren Bystedt for his numerous achievements and accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation. Earlier in Warren's life when he was an amateur boxer, he trained consistently, but avoided running because he disliked that element of conditioning. Today the Grand Junction resident has a different view, and can be seen pounding the pavement diligently every morning. Warren's passion for running has motivated him to train everyday for fifty or so yearly races. Gus said, ``If I didn't start my morning with that, (run) I wouldn't know what to do.'' Warren provides the same determination and thoroughness to his daily activities and events. Warren consistently finishes among the top in the sixty or seventy and older of age divisions in races throughout the country. His competitive nature comes from his earlier days as an amateur boxer when he lost only seven of seventy bouts fighting in the flyweight division. A long time educator and administrator in Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, he took up running after taking a hard look at his family history noting that his brothers and father all died of heart attacks and not wanting to suffer the same fate, he began running around his neighborhood in Davenport, Iowa, in 1979. Grand Junction, Colorado, has given Warren the optimum climate in which to run on a year-round basis and he is an active member the Mesa Monument Striders. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the work and contributions of Warren Bystedt, a distinguished citizen and role model for his community. His achievements are impressive, and it is my honor to recognize his accomplishments today. Best wishes to Warren, and good luck on all your future races.