Mike McIntyre

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 256, an important measure that recognizes the brave servicemen who perished during Operation Eagle Claw, the unfortunate April 24, 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran. The resolution also recognizes the sacrifice of those who survived and commends all of the Special Operations Forces currently in service. Operation Eagle Claw is truly a moment in our military's history that must be remembered, and I urge my colleagues to come together out of compassion, cooperation and commitment to recognize the valiant soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who participated in this difficult mission. First, we must demonstrate compassion for the servicemen who participated in Operation Eagle Claw and those that made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives. These dedicated individuals left their families and friends behind to protect American citizens from those who were being held against their will. Although unsuccessful, their mission will be remembered. We must never forget their bravery, and we must do all we can to honor their lives, their sacrifice and their patriotism. We must also demonstrate a sense of cooperation to ensure that the efforts of the servicemen of Operation Eagle Claw will not go unrecognized. On that tragic day, members of the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, Army Rangers, Air Force Special Operations, the U.S. Navy, Marines and Air Force all joined together to conduct their mission. Because of their valiant efforts to conduct the mission while dealing with poor equipment and a lack of funding, the U.S. Congress subsequently formed the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Today, USSOCOM continues to prove its immense value to our national defense, and it is important that we come together today and properly honor their courage by cooperating here in Congress to support these fine men and women in every way possible! And, finally, we must uphold our commitment to ensure that our Special Operations Forces and our military have all the resources they need to continue to protect our country in the days to come. During my tenure in Congress, I have had the honor to represent or share representation of Fort Bragg, which is home to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the Joint Special Operations Command--vital components of USSOCOM. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure that we do our part to meet the needs of our special operators and the officers who are charged with leading them into the battlefield. In fact, I have spearheaded the Special Operations Forces Caucus, along with four of my colleagues, Representatives Robin Hayes (NC), Jeff Miller (FL) and Jim Davis (FL) to ensure that the needs of our special operators are met. Each and every day, our Special Operations Forces, along with our other servicemen and women in all the branches of our military, put themselves in harm's way to fight for our nation's freedoms here at home and abroad. Now is the time that we come together with compassion, cooperation and commitment to remember those that served during Operation Eagle Claw and ensure that they are properly recognized and honored. They are our heroes, and I am pleased to support H. Res. 256, which takes the necessary step to honor not only those who perished on that tragic day, but also those courageous individuals who make up our Special Operations Forces. May God bless all of them and their families.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sgt. John ``Mac'' Smith of Wilmington, North Carolina, for serving his country valiantly with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On May 11, 2005, Sgt. Smith lost his life when a roadside bomb hit his convoy. He was courageously serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, and our heartfelt thanks and prayers go out to his family and friends in this time of grief. At an early age, John's family knew that he was destined for the U.S. Army. As a toddler, he wore camouflage clothing and once spent a summer at Ft. Bragg. As a student at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, John was in the Army JROTC program, and during his senior year he served as drill team commander. John enlisted in the Army in 2000. As a member of the Army, he dedicated his career to defending the values this nation holds dear. By risking his life to ensure the safety of others, John made the ultimate sacrifice. His valiant actions and steadfast service remind us of the gratitude we feel toward him and all the other servicemen and women who have lost their lives serving as guardians of this great country. John was indeed a man of courage and integrity. Mr. Speaker, may the memory of Sgt. John ``Mac'' Campbell live on in our hearts, and may God's strength and peace be with his family.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, 9 weeks ago, 17 young men from the University of North Carolina stood here on the floor of this chamber. They came here to visit us in Washington and to visit our national Capitol during the ACC tournament. Today, those same young men are now national champions. In the 3 weeks following their visit to Washington, they went from Chapel Hill to Charlotte to Syracuse to St. Louis where the road to the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Final Four ended, and with their reign as national basketball champions began. As a double graduate of UNC, but more importantly, as a father, I was thrilled to be in St. Louis for the Final Four along with my colleague the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller) and so many others, to witness the Tar Heels' triumph, that I also shared with two Carolina students, my sons, Joshua and Stephen. Since they knew many of the Carolina players personally, we were particularly pleased to see this team soar from the agony of an 8 and 20 season 3 years earlier, to a 34 and 4 season that exemplified the very best in the Carolina tradition and the very best in collegiate basketball. With the return of Coach Roy Williams to his alma mater 2 years ago, a rebuilding program began that ended in a storybook finish. Sean May, the son of one of the best ever in Final Four history, repeated his father's, Scott May's, exploits from the National Championship game of 1976. And Sean, on his birthday, April 4, became the most outstanding player of the 2005 Final Four. It was a team effort, emblematic of the Carolina way, as former Head Coach Dean Smith would call it. There were a host of heroes: Raymond Felton, the hard-charging point guard from the little town of Latta, South Carolina, which is just across the border from my small hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina, who made the critical free- throws, a steal and a rebound in the closing minutes to seal the victory over the University of Illinois in the championship game. Rashad McCants, the All America swingman, whose blocked shot and steal and barrage of points against Wisconsin a week earlier in Eastern Regional propelled Carolina to the next level. Jawad Williams, the senior who could do it all, offensively and defensively, and whose faith and character were a powerful witness. Jackie Manuel, the 2004 defensive player of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference; Melvin Scott, the senior whose 3-point threat often opened up an opponent's defense; David Noel, the critical cog in the Tarheels explosive machine off the bench; Marvin Williams, the fabulous freshman phenomenon whose tip-in put Carolina ahead for good in the championship game; and all the rest of the players managers, trainers, assistant coaches, and other critical staff to whom we are grateful for their example of excellence, their patience, passion, purpose, and persistence, all characteristics that constitute the courage and the commitment of champions. With five national championships, four of them since the NCAA officially started the tournament, as well as 16 Final Four appearances, 15 ACC tournament titles, and over 1,850 wins, the Carolina way is one that represents the very best of those attributes which so many other colleges and universities emulate. My wife's sons and I were thrilled in March to host the National Champions at the national capital, and we now look forward to their visit to the White House. And we look forward to that long-awaited National Championship banner, when it is raised in the rafters in the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill this fall. May God bless those Tarheels. Indeed, the dream has come true for those who wear Carolina blue.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, 4 weeks ago this coming Friday, in this very well, there was a group of young men that came from the Old Well in Chapel Hill to tour these hallowed halls of Congress. On Monday night, those young men won the National Basketball Championship, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. They came here and spent time with us and looked at this wonderful place and performed like champions Monday night. As a double graduate of the University of North Carolina myself, but more importantly I was there in St. Louis with my two sons who are currently students at UNC and who know several of the players, we want to extend from the halls of Congress our congratulations to the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and wish them Godspeed.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor all of those of Scottish ancestry who have had an impact on America in the present and the past, and we know they will in the future. April 6, Tartan Day, is a significant day for all Americans. Since the founding of our Nation, Scottish-Americans have played a key role in the growth of the United States. Contributions made by Scottish- Americans have helped America's preeminence in the fields of science, technology, medicine, government, politics, economics, architecture, literature, the media, visual and performing arts, and yes, athletics and entertainment as well. Tartan Day has a special significance for all of us who share Scottish heritage. Next month, the 685th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of independence, will be celebrated. The Declaration of Arbroath was signed on April 6, 1320. This declaration of independence includes these inspirational lines: ``We fight not for glory, nor riches nor honors, but for freedom alone, which no good man gives up except with his life.'' Since that important day, April 6 has been set aside to honor the millions of Scottish descendants who have made outstanding contributions to our great society. Over 450 years later, the American Declaration of Independence was modeled in part on that inspirational document. When our Nation was founded, almost half of the signers of America's Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, and nine of the Governors of the original 13 States were of Scottish ancestry. Throughout the history of our country, three-fourths of our Presidents have been of Scottish ancestry. This tells us despite the fact we are few in number, Scots tend to take seriously the words from the Declaration of Arbroath. Many of us in the House of Representatives can claim Scottish ancestry as well, including the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), an original cosponsor of this resolution. Every day those of us of Scottish descent in this Chamber live by the words of the Declaration of Arbroath that I quoted a moment ago. We are here to advance freedom. Today it is my honor to recognize the 685th anniversary of this historic declaration. We have friends in the gallery from the National Capital Society, St. Andrew's Society, and if they would stand. Many of them are in their Scottish dress and kilts as well. We thank them for their presence as well. Scottish-Americans have left their mark on America as pioneers and innovators. Their contributions to the history and development of the United States are invaluable. Who are we talking about? Here are some examples of great Scottish-Americans past and present: Neil Armstrong; Alexander Graham Bell; Andrew Carnegie; Julia Child; Hugh Downs; Thomas Edison; Malcolm S. Forbes; Katherine Hepburn; Billy Graham; Washington Irving; Andrew Mellon; Samuel F.B. Morse; Grandma Moses; and with the ACC tournament coming to Washington, James Naismith; Edgar Allan Poe; Willard Scott; Robert Louis Stevenson; Elizabeth Taylor; and James McNeil Whistler, just to mention a few. In fact, one in 10 of all Nobel prizes awarded have gone to people of Scottish ancestry. Today, there are more than 200 organizations throughout the United States that honor Scottish heritage, tradition and culture, representing hundreds of thousands of Americans who are of Scottish descent. Every year, the observance of Tartan Day on April 6 is a success because of these fine organizations. There are Scottish- American clan societies, clubs, fraternal associations and individual Scottish Americans that represent literally millions of Americans nationwide. In North Carolina, my home State, Mecklenburg County first officially observed Tartan Day in 1996. The City of Greensboro has followed suit. Tennessee and Colorado also have special days honoring Scottish heritage. The Alaska Highlanders pipe band in Anchorage has celebrated this special time as has California with proclamations issued by several cities and counties as well. Later this month, a congressional delegation will be traveling as guests of the British government to Scotland. It will be our great honor to present this resolution to the Scottish Parliament with a declaration that the United States has officially recognized at long last the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scots everywhere. A Tartan provides instant recognition of family and kinship. Passing this resolution honoring Tartan Day will further emphasize the many Scottish contributions to the growth and development of our great country, the United States of America. On behalf of all of us of Scottish descent, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. Help us officially honor the contributions made by Scottish Americans by voting ``yes'' on H. Res. 41, a resolution recognizing National Tartan Day. Announcement By the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Willard D. Small of Fair Bluff, North Carolina for his 48 years of service as councilman to the citizens of Fair Bluff in Columbus County. Mr. Small's tenure as councilman is the longest in North Carolina, and his work has made a tremendous difference in the town and the community. Samuel Logan Bringle, the legendary leader in the Salvation Army, once said some very important words that reflect the character and life of Willard Small. He said, ``The final estimate of a man will show that history cares not one iota about the title he has carried or the rank he has borne, but only about the quality of his deeds and the character of his heart.'' Indeed, Willard has reflected this through his sacrifice and commitment. From his service as the Fair Bluff Town Councilman to local businessman to Director for the Cape Fear Farm Credit to Trustee for both Southeastern Community College and Campbell University to member of the Columbus County Economic Development Commission to active member of the Fair Bluff Baptist Church to devoted husband, father, and friend, Willard Small has truly been a foundation on which Fair Bluff and Columbus County have continued to thrive. Service to others has been the embodiment of his life--service that sets a path for others to follow and that we all should emulate. As we celebrate Presidents' Day this month, let each of us remember the words of a great President, Thomas Jefferson, who said, ``To do our fellow man the most good, we must lead where we can, follow where we cannot, and still go with him, always watching for that favorable moment to help him another step forward!'' We thank Willard, on behalf of the citizens of Fair Bluff, Columbus County, and the State of North Carolina, for always looking for that favorable moment and for always helping his fellow citizens. May God's strength, joy and peace be with him always.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, today I want to extend my warmest thanks and my most sincere best wishes to Mr. Steve F. Aiken who is retiring after 35 years of faithful service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District. Currently serving as Chief of the Programs Management Branch, Steve has had a distinguished career with the Corps of Engineers. A recipient of the Sustained Superior Performance Award and the Exceptional Performance Award several times, Steve has also received the District Humanitarian Award, the South Atlantic Division Program Management Chief of the Year award, and the Commander's Award for Civilian Service. Clearly, his record has been one of stellar performance and superb leadership. In addition, both my staff in Washington and in the Wilmington area have immensely enjoyed working with Steve and benefiting from his professional advice on some many key projects in our area. Each of them joins me in thanking you for being so accessible and informed. As the father of an Eagle Scout, I am also very grateful for his dedication and service to the Boy Scouts of America. When I think of Steve's commitment to the public good, the words ``spirit, sacrifice, and service'' come to mind. Steve's positive spirit has always been to do the task at hand--a spirit that inspires others to achieve. Steve's sacrifice in time and commitment has been to make southeastern North Carolina a better place to live and work--a sacrifice that meant doing the right thing and not being concerned with who gets the credit. Pearl S. Buck once said, ``To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and free mind.'' There is no question that his years of service have been the epitome of this statement. Service to others has been the embodiment of his life--service that sets a path for others to follow and that we all should emulate. As he enters this next stage of life, I am confident that his talents and energy will continue to be of benefit to many. Through his commitment to family and community, a shining gem he will continue to be. Bart Giamatti, the former president of Yale University, said it well in 1987, ``Be mindful of what we share and must share; not the least of which is that each of our hopes for a full and decent life depends upon others hoping the same and all of us sustaining each other's hopes . . . If there is no striving for the good life for any of us, there cannot be a good life for any of us.'' On behalf of the citizens of the Seventh Congressional District of North Carolina, thanks to Steve so much for the good life he has given to so many. Now, may he enjoy the same, and may God's strength, peace and joy be with him always.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today and honor Lance Corporal Benjamin Saxon Bryan of my hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina. Earlier this week, Lance Corporal Bryan was killed in the line of duty while serving the people of this great nation in Iraq. Ben Bryan joined the Marines in 2000 after graduating from Lumberton High School and was serving in the infantry Company L, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment stationed out of Camp Pendleton, California. Lance Corporal Bryan was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. Lance Corporal Bryan's love for his fellow man and for the values this nation holds dear--and his life's commitment to defending those values--can best be described by three simple, but profound words: spirit, service, sacrifice. It was Lance Corporal Bryan's spirit that made him the man that he was--a spirit that recognized and honored values beyond the material, temporal, and physical things of this world. Lance Corporal Bryan's unselfish and unabated service was reflected in his strong work ethic, his strong sense of patriotism, and his strong love for his family and his country. With a strong spirit and unwavering service, Lance Corporal Bryan made the ultimate sacrifice. He risked his life to ensure the safety of others. His valiant actions demonstrated that he knew that freedom is not free. His sacrifice was rich in integrity and reminds us of the gratitude we, as citizens of this great nation, should have toward him and toward all of our servicemen and women. We owe Lance Corporal Benjamin Saxon Bryan our sincere appreciation for his years of committed service to our nation. His devotion to the people of the United States should serve as an example to us all. May God bless his family, and may God bless this great nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 306, of which I am a cosponsor, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on October 5, 2004. This important legislation honors the service of Native American Indians in the U.S. Armed Forces. I have the privilege of representing the largest tribe of Native Americans east of the Mississippi River--the Lumbee Tribe. Approximately 52,000 strong, about 40,000 members of this tribe live in my home county--Robeson County, North Carolina. Many Lumbee Indians have served our Nation with distinction, such as Rear Admiral Michael Holmes, who hails from my hometown of Lumberton and who is the first Native American to become an admiral in the U.S. Navy. I visited with Admiral Holmes in Europe last year, as I did with Army Specialist Jonathan Brooks of Pembroke, who also is from Robeson County. These gentlemen are just two of the many Lumbees serving our country. Lumbee veterans also serve on my Seventh Congressional District Advisory Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. In addition to the Lumbee Tribe, I also represent two other tribes-- the Coharie Tribe, which has a tribal membership of more than 2,400, and the Waccamaw-Siouan Tribe, which consists of a membership of approximately 2,000. Members of each of these tribes have served honorably in the military. For example, the Coharie Tribal Chief, Mr. Gene Faircloth, is a Vietnam combat veteran and served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 6 years. And, approximately 100 members of the Waccamaw-Siouan Tribe have served honorably in conflicts since World War II. Unfortunately, on October 2, 2004, the Waccamaw-Siouan Tribe lost one of its esteemed members, Mr. Ernest Sylvester ``E.S.'' Jacobs, who valiantly served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. I am proud of the contributions that all Native Americans, including those that make up the Lumbee, Coharie and Waccamaw-Siouan Tribes, have made to our great country, and I applaud them for their rich tradition of strength, wisdom, commitment and service. I commend them and all those in uniform who have volunteered to defend the rights and freedoms that we all hold dear. May God bless each of them and their families as they continue to serve valiantly our country.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on October 5, 2004, I was unavoidably absent for rollcall votes 494, 495, and 496. Had I been present I would have voted, ``no'' on rollcall vote no. 494, H.R. 163; ``yes'' on rollcall vote no. 495, H.R. 2929, and ``yes'' on rollcall vote no. 496, H.R. 5011.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference report for the American Jobs Creation Act. This carefully crafted and skillfully negotiated piece of legislation would end the unfair tariffs that have been targeted at textile, agriculture, high-tech and manufacturing industries. For thousands of families not only in my home State of North Carolina, but also from tobacco producing States from across the south, this legislation is monumental because it ends the Federal tobacco price support system and gets our farmers out from under a government mandate. The current Federal tobacco price support system is the last depression-era farm program in America. Indeed, it is time to get out of the 1930s. This is not a bailout. It is a buyout. It is a buyout of a Federal property interest that dictates what a farmer can and cannot do with his own land. Indeed, with this, our farmers, everywhere, will be relieved from the possibility of facing yet another 30 percent cut in their income this coming winter for the new growing season next year, farmers who have already suffered a 50 percent cut in income in the last 5 years. I want to thank Members of both parties who have courageously stepped forward to pass this bill, and especially the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) for his commitment. Let us give our farmers a choice. Get the government off their backs and out of their pockets. Let us do what is right and stop the uncertainty that has existed for everyone: the farmers, our government, and the American taxpayer. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Conference Report for H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act. This carefully crafted and skillfully negotiated piece of legislation would end the punitive tariffs that have been targeted at our Nation's textile, agriculture, high-tech, and manufacturing industries, and would replace those portions of our tax code found to be non-compliant in international law with provisions that will INSOURCE jobs to our Nation's economy. This must be done, and it must be done now! For thousands of families--not only in my home state of North Carolina, but also from tobacco-producing states across the South--this legislation is monumental because it ends the federal tobacco price support system, allows our farmers to compete in a free market system, and gets them out from under a government mandate. By including the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act with the American Jobs Creation Act, with which I had the privilege to coauthor with my friend from Tennessee, Rep. Bill Jenkins, we create trade opportunities for American farmers and prevent our farm jobs from going overseas. The current federal tobacco price support system is the last Depression-era farm program in America! It's time to get out of the 1930s! Tobacco production has dramatically changed. Our federal tobacco policy, unfortunately, has remained the same: farmers producing tobacco in an overly-bureaucratic, government-controlled system which is unable to respond to market pressures and opportunities. This is not a bailout, it's a buyout--a buyout of a federal property interest that dictates what a farmer can and cannot do with his own land. Without this bill, tobacco farmers everywhere face the real possibility of a quota cut of over 30 percent next year under this antiquated price support system. When I introduced the first comprehensive tobacco buyout proposal two and one-half years ago, I said then what I say now, ``It's time for the uncertainty to end!'' Although this bill before us is not perfect, it puts an end to the uncertainty that has plagued our farm communities for so many years. This bill is the right bill for our families, our farm communities, and our future. While the underlying Jobs bill will Create, Cultivate, and Conserve American jobs, the long-awaited tobacco reform will Replace lost jobs, Revitalize rural communities, and Restore the American farmer to a competitive role in the world marketplace. Instead of turning our backs on the families and rural communities across our Nation, we are on the cutting edge of ending discrimination against our farmers, and we are providing them with the tools to compete on the world market. So many people have worked so hard to get us to this momentous time. I thank the Members of both parties who courageously stepped forward to pass this buyout. I also thank Chairman Thomas for his commitment to helping our tobacco producing communities by including tobacco reform legislation in the FSC/ETA Conference Report. Let's give our farmers a choice! Get the government off their backs and out of their pockets. Do what's right, and stop the uncertainty for everyone--the farmer and his children, the government, and the American taxpayer. Support passage of this Conference Report!

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. I was in Scotland as part of a U.S. Delegation at the 13th annual session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and was therefore unavoidably absent for rollcall votes 326 and 327. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 326, H. Con. Res. 410, and ``yes'' on rollcall vote 327, H. Con. Res. 257.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. I was unavoidably absent for rollcall vote 348. Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 348, on Tabling the Ruling of the Chair.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for rollcall vote 391, 392, and 393. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 391, H.R. 1587; ``yes'' on rollcall vote 392, S. Con. Res. 114; and ``yes'' on rollcall vote 393, S. 2264.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. This is not a bailout. It is a buyout. And if we do nothing, it will be a wipe-out for our farmers. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Flake Amendment. By combining the American Jobs Creation Act with the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act, which I had the privilege to coauthor with my friend from Tennessee, Bill Jenkins, we have created trade opportunities for American farmers and prevented our farm jobs from going overseas. The tobacco market reform legislation will create tens of thousands of new jobs in rural areas throughout the South and Midwest. This ill-advised amendment would jeopardize that monumental agreement. The current federal tobacco price support system is the last Depression-era farm program in America! It is time to get out of the 1930s. The current federal tobacco policy was created during the Depression to manage the price and supply of tobacco. And, in the beginning, the price support program was effective. But, the world of tobacco production has dramatically changed. Our federal tobacco policy, unfortunately, has remained the same: too many farmers producing less and less tobacco in an overly-bureaucratic, government-controlled system, unable to respond to market pressures and opportunities. This is not a ``bailout'', it is a ``buyout'', and if we continue to do nothing, it will be a ``wipe-out''. What if your income was cut by 50 percent like the farmers have suffered over the last 5 to 6 years? That's exactly what has happened! Why? Because the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to set the quota each year. And, the farmers could be facing another 20 percent to 30 percent quota cut to their income later this year. Tobacco produces 6 to 7 times the cash that other crops do. You can't tell a farmer simply to grow something else. With the average tobacco farm size being 19 acres, a farmer does not have 6 to 7 times the acreage to grow other crops to make up the difference. Under current federal tobacco policy, American farmers lose, while farmers in countries like Brazil win. For example, when political instability in Zimbabwe opened up a 350 million pound opportunity for tobacco farmers, it was Brazil--not the United States--that took over hundreds of millions of pounds of tobacco production from Zimbabwe. The American Jobs Creation Act, coupled with tobacco reform, ends the Depression-era price support program, buy back the federal property interest from quota holders and allow farmers to make the decision to stay in tobacco production under the free enterprise system or get out. And, this gets the government out of the tobacco business! A vote for the Flake amendment is a vote against this important legislation that passed this body overwhelmingly on June 17, 2004, and is currently awaiting action by the Senate. The American farmer is not the only one who suffers from this outdated federal tobacco policy. Banks and mortgage Brokers; Grocery stores and Gas stations; Fertilizer distributors and Farm equipment dealers; Automobile dealerships and Academic institutions, and the ripple effect on local, regional, and state economies is devastating for all types of restaurants and retail businesses everywhere. All sectors of the southern economy depend on the cash flow from tobacco production. Tobacco farmers' problems don't stop at the farm. It is not only the farmers' issue, it affects the entire community! Our farmers and our rural, regional and state economies have suffered for too long under a government program that left them with an uncertain outlook to the future. It is time for the uncertainty to end! Don't turn your back on the families and rural communities across out Nation by voting for this amendment. This is the time to get the federal government out of the tobacco business and let the farmers have freedom of choice--not a government mandate that dictates how much a farmer can earn or lose. We wound not stand for that for any other vocation in our society. It is time for the discrimination against farmers to end. Give them a choice! Get the government off their backs and out of their pockets. Do what's right, and stop the uncertainty for everyone-- the farmer and his children, the government, and the American Taxpayer! I urge my colleagues to vote against the Flake Amendment.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) as we talk about the Vice Presidential candidate, John Edwards, our friend. John Edwards is a man of distinction, of dedication, and of determination. He has been distinct in all that he has undertaken. Distinguished personally, professionally, and politically. In everything that he has tackled, he has gone at it with integrity and with the utmost sincerity and authenticity to show that his heart, his mind, and his whole being is engaged. When he puts himself into it, he does it all the way in the best and in the most distinguished way possible. He is dedicated. He is dedicated not only to the job at hand but dedicated to the people he serves. In fact, that is the hallmark of John's life. He has always cared about people, shown that interest, and gone the extra mile to care for people whether they were in his hometown where he grew up in Robbins, North Carolina, whether it was the people he served and worked with when he was practicing law, or whether it is the people now who have served in North Carolina and that he, indeed, serves and will serve in our entire Nation. And he is determined. He is determined to provide opportunities for all so that no one is left behind but that all have an equal chance to succeed in life, and this has been evidence in his life. His extraordinary vision will help lift America to a better and brighter tomorrow. Whether we are talking about the farmers to the factory workers, from health care to homeownership, from childhood to college, from the armed services to agriculture, from the environment to energy, from fighting crime to fighting terrorism, in every one of these areas, Senator Edwards has distinguished himself, shown his dedication, and lived out his determination. In particular, when we talk about farmers, being a member, as I know the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) is, as we serve together on the House Committee on Agriculture, we know that Senator Edwards's commitment to helping our farmers, too often the forgotten ones in today's society, but yet we know if we go over to the Library of Congress and walk into that great hall and look at all the disciplines of learning and science and engineering and literature, what is listed first? And they are not in alphabetical order, necessarily. What is listed first is agriculture. The great tillers of the soil and tillers of civilization, as Noah Webster once said. And John Edwards understands the needs of rural America. Having grown up in a small town, he understands small-town needs, small business, and the understanding of what it means to be able to try to make a living when economic circumstances are not the best. He spent time in rural America and in rural communities. He spent time on the farms and in the factories and in the rural health clinics and in the rural hospitals that I have spent time with myself and in the rural public school system such as the one we have in Robinson County, my home county, where we have spent time there together looking at students' needs and spending time with students and administrators and parents. John Edwards also understands, as was mentioned a moment ago by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) and as the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) and I know, both representing Fort Bragg, that he understands our military. In fact, one of the first bills he introduced was to help with the pay raise for our military and to also offer better health care for our military. John Edwards understands these practical needs, and he exhibits and lives the values of faith and family and freedom. John Edwards is a man of faith. In fact, not only has he been involved in the Senate Prayer Breakfast, which is nondenominational and bipartisan, but, in fact, he was co-chairman of the National Prayer Breakfast just a few years ago here in Washington. And we know the great importance that that has played historically in this Nation that every President since President Eisenhower, of both parties, has participated in. John is a man of faith, and that is reflected in his passion for people and in the high integrity and ideals that he upholds and the way he conducts himself. He lives his faith and does not just talk about it. John Edwards is a man that does not have a shrill tone or speak with bombastic language or unacceptable language, but instead his message is plain. His message is positive. His message is powerful. His message is persuasive. And that is what has won the hearts and minds of so many people who have known him through the years. He will make sure that rural America, as well as urban and suburban America, will not be forgotten. It says in the Old Testament that ``Where there is no vision, the people perish.'' It has been evident in John Edwards's life that he has always had vision. He has seen fare beyond even what other people said he could not do, and he has helped take not only many people that he has served, our State but now our Nation, to the future. John Edwards is that kind of leader, that kind of man that will help shape a vision for America.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act. In North Carolina, we have known something about losing jobs and we know what it means to be able to gain jobs back. That is why these WTO penalties that we are concerned about are being discussed today in many areas like textile, agriculture, and high-tech. But my point today is a concern about tobacco. There are some things that are rather disparaging that are simply not true. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is about helping families and helping gain jobs for those who have suffered enough under the only remaining Depression-era Federal farm program in America. Members are concerned about American government being involved in tobacco. Well, let us get out of the 1930s. This is not a bail-out; it is a buy-out. And if we continue to do nothing, it will be a wipe-out. What if Members' income was cut by 50 percent in the last 5 years like our tobacco farmers and you do not have control over it? It is done through a formula set by the Secretary of Agriculture, and this fall you may face another 20 to 30 percent cut in income. How are you going to pay for your kids, their education, their health care, their families? Are we going to take these farmers and put them on welfare? We have to get the American government out of the tobacco business, and we can do that with this buy-out. We are not just paying off farmers, we are giving back to them what the Federal Government has taken from them. There is a Federal property interest in a tobacco allotment. Farmers can put it in deed, lease it, rent it, and that is controlled through the Federal Government. This would be an opportunity to help our farmers make a decision: Are they going to continue to farm tobacco or get out? This is an opportunity for us to make a decision for the American taxpayer: Will the American taxpayer continue to subsidize tobacco or will we get out of the tobacco business, which so many people want to do? This is a logical situation to help the American tobacco farmer and their family to be able to have the interest that the Federal Government has taken from them and now controls their income to be able to buy back that interest and then let them make the decision. Our farmers in our rural regional and State economies have suffered enough. It is time for this uncertainty to end, not only for these families but for the American government's involvement in tobacco. It is also time to give farmers the freedom of choice and get them out from under a government mandate where they have no control over the amount of income they can make. Let us do right by our farmers and their families. Let this be a win for the farmer, a win for the taxpayer, and a win for the American government.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1663, a bill to replace certain Coastal Barrier Resources System maps relevant to Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Having worked with the U.S. House Committee on Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on making these necessary corrections to the maps pertaining to Bald Head Island, I am pleased that the U.S. House of Representatives will be moving forward and passing this legislation today. Congress enacted the Coastal Barrier Resources Act in 1982 in order to address problems caused by coastal barrier development. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act restricts Federal expenditures and financial assistance, including Federal flood insurance, for development on coastal barriers. Later, the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 1990 added ``otherwise protected areas'' to the System. Otherwise protected areas are undeveloped coastal barriers within the boundaries of lands reserved for conservation purposes such as wildlife refuges and parks. While they were not made part of the Coastal Barrier Resources System, Congress forbade the issuance of new flood insurance or any Federal development-related assistance in otherwise protected areas. Three years ago, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the citizens of Bald Head Island informed me that the maps of the area on the island, known as NC07P, were inaccurate. The errors in the maps deny flood insurance to certain property owners on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. These errors resulted from the problems inherent in translating lines drawn on the large-scale maps used for designations into precise, on-the-ground property lines. However, this problem is now fixable due to improved technology available to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The mistakes that led to the Bald Head Island properties being placed within the outer boundary of NC07P were clearly not intended by Congress when maps were created. While correcting the lines around Bald Head Island, the Fish and Wildlife Service--working with the State of North Carolina and the local communities contained within NC07P--identified additional acres that are eligible for addition to NC07P. As such, the technical changes called for in this legislation, which I was pleased to work so closely on with Senator Elizabeth Dole, have the added benefit of vastly increasing the overall acreage in the map. Many people were involved in this process. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the work of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Resources, U.S. Representatives Richard Pombo and Nick Rahall, as well as the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, U.S. Representatives Wayne Gilchrest and Frank Pallone. I would also like to thank Senator Dole for her hard work on this; Dave Jansen of the Resources Committee; Katie Nemi, Paul Suza, and all of the staff over at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Becky King, former Village Manager of Bald Head Island; and Mary Ellen Simmons of my staff for all of her hard work in coordinating this incredible effort. As hurricane season approaches, there are landowners on Bald Head Island who, by no fault of their own, would be left unprotected if a storm were to hit the lower Cape Fear region. That is why this matter requires immediate attention, and why I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important piece of legislation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 66, a resolution that speaks to the importance of fathers and the role that they play in our society. I thank my colleague, Mr. Sullivan, for his work on this important matter. Six days from now, our nation will celebrate the special place that fathers have in our country. From helping with homework to playing ball, from reading a book to offering advice, and from praying with and just listening, each and every day fathers of all ages contribute to the mental, moral, physical and spiritual development of children, teenagers, and adults. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have a healthy self esteem, show empathy, exhibit good behavior, and avoid high risk activity such as drug use and criminal activity. H.J. Resolution 66 recognizes the wonderful work that both parents do on behalf of their kids, and I encourage my colleagues to join with us as we all recommit ourselves to being the best father we can to children everywhere. And in conclusion, I would like to publicly thank my father, Dr. Douglas McIntyre of my hometown of Lumberton, for the great example he has been to me and for the dedication and support he has shown in my every endeavor.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the courageous servicemen and women who have given their lives to protect us in this time of war. These selfless warriors have dedicated their lives to fighting for this great country and our freedoms, and it is only fitting that we honor them this Memorial Day. As President John F. Kennedy once said, ``Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.'' Although we are forced with the difficult decision of sending our servicemen and women into the battlefield, it is they who make the conscious decision to leave their families and friends behind. Every day of every month, these valiant members of our armed forces make the call to duty--always aware of the challenges they face and the painful reality that they may not make it back home. Yet, they still make the admirable choice, and they do it honorably and without complaint. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and women are the true heroes and heroines in this world, and they are the ones who will help to bring an end to war. As we observe this Memorial Day, our hearts will be filled with gratitude to the brave men and women in uniform who have laid down their lives for this great country. And, the voices of those who have fallen will echo in our memories as we are comforted by the legacy of courage that they have established for us. We must all remember that freedom, and the blessings it brings, often exacts the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to the remarkable servicemen and women who have lost their lives so that we may continue ours. They have proudly served our country, and now we proudly recognize and honor them. May God's grace be upon each and every one of them.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Healthy Vision Month and to highlight the important recommendations of the Vision Problems Action Plan, a National Public Health Strategy as a way to prevent blindness and vision loss. As Proverbs 29:18 states, ``Where there is no vision, the people perish.'' As the son of an optometrist and someone who has focused carefully on proper eye care, I know that good vision is critical to conducting activities of daily living. Vision not only affects our ability to learn and work, but it also affects our ability to adequately communicate with others. Therefore, it is essential that we in Congress have the foresight and insight to put forth measures that will improve our eyesight. And, by encouraging awareness, early diagnosis and prevention of eye disorders, I am confident that we can. First, it's about having the foresight to recognize the problems associated with eye disorders. Unfortunately, far too many people are at risk for losing their eyesight. In fact, more than 80 million Americans have a potentially blinding eye disease, 3 million have low vision, 1.1 million are legally blind, and an additional 200,000 are more severely visually impaired. In my state of North Carolina, over 6 million people over the age of 18 have some case of vision impairment or age-related eye disease. However, despite the fact that half of all blindness and some eye disorders can be prevented, far too many people do not access the care they need. If nothing is done, the number of blind and visually impaired individuals will double by 2030. That is why it is so important that we have the insight to address these concerns now. And, what better way to do that than to highlight May as Healthy Vision Month--a national eye campaign to raise awareness about the various conditions that can affect eyesight and cause vision loss. A component of Healthy People 2010, this initiative will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst to highlight the horrors of serious vision problems. Additionally, it is important that we highlight the recently released report, Vision Problems Action Plan, a National Public Health Strategy. Developed by a coalition of leading eye health experts, including Prevent Blindness American, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lighthouse International, the American Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this report will provide our nation with a framework for preventing vision loss. In addition to its focus on preventing vision loss, this groundbreaking study also recommends that in order to reduce the occurrence of vision loss and its accompanying disabilities, our nation must concentrate on access to care and treatment including rehabilitation and research. The report also states that we must ensure that vision problems at the National Eye Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have the resources they need to improve communication and education campaigns and prevention research. To better ensure access to and the availability of treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals with vision loss, the report recommends the importance of supporting programs at the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the Department of Health and Human Services that remove barriers and improve access to eye exams currently covered under Medicare, such as diabetic eye exams and glaucoma detection for high risk populations. The report also recommends bolstering our research efforts to improve our understanding of the eye and visual system in health and disease, as well as developing the most appropriate and effective means of prevention, and access to treatment and rehabilitation. Finally, it's about improving our eyesight. Working in conjunction with Healthy Vision Month, the Vision report will undeniably provide the roadmap that is necessary to raise awareness about vision loss, provide individuals with the tools they need to prevent it, and give hope to the millions already suffering from vision loss that better treatments can and will be found. I applaud those who played an integral role in developing this report, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to adopt its recommendations. As a member of the Congressional Vision Caucus, I recognize the severity of eye disorders and the risks associated with not having regular check-ups. At the very least, proper eye care should be a basic component of adequate health care. Today, I stand committed to making it a national priority.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 29, 2004, 1 was unavoidably absent for rollcall vote 94, on passage of H.R. 3917, and rollcall vote 95, on passage of H.R. 2584. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall votes 94 and 95.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 77,015 veterans in my district. These selfless warriors have dedicated their lives to fighting for this great country and our freedoms, and it is disheartening that many of them do not have access to adequate and affordable health care. Long ago, we made a promise to our veterans and military retirees that we would provide quality health care in return for their service. Unfortunately, over time, this promise has been broken, and too often today quality veterans' facilities are too far away to be truly accessible to rural veterans. How can we continue to sit back and ignore our veterans' requests for better access to health care? Don't we owe it to them to ensure that they are properly cared for? It is time that we take on a new attitude and put forth real actions that will help us to make achievements for veterans for years to come. First, it's about attitude--the attitude to change the way we provide health care to our veterans today. In my district in rural southeastern North Carolina, there has been enormous growth within the veteran population. In addition to being the home of or near to important military installations, including Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, and three Coast Guard stations, the area is widely known for its pristine beaches and recreational activities. These amenities make the area a popular destination for retirement, and I am pleased that so many of our courageous service men and women either move to or remain in the area after their retirement. However, with this increase in the veterans' population comes the important issue of how best to serve our veterans' health care needs. Although Southeastern North Carolina is represented by two commendable VA facilities, access to care remains limited. Veterans in the town of Supply must drive over two hours to be seen at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center. And those who need more specialized care must drive an additional two hours to the Durham VA Medical Center. One trip alone could equal eight hours of driving! In addition, because both the Fayetteville VA Medical Center and the Wilmington VA Clinic are operating over their budgeted capacity, there is concern that if these facilities are not expanded, they will face difficulties taking new patients. We need to develop a direct and positive attitude to change this system properly and bring our veterans in closer contact with their health care providers! Secondly, we must put forth actions that will ensure that our rural veterans receive the proper care that they deserve. That is why I am cosponsoring legislation that would set aside a percentage of funds appropriated to the VA medical care funds to be used for highly rural or geographically-remote veterans. The Rural Veterans Access to Care Act would also encourage the Secretary of the VA to use his contract authority to assist highly rural veterans in obtaining health care services closer to home. In my district, most of the veterans fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf, and they are suffering medical conditions that make traveling any distance extremely difficult, if not impossible. These veterans also have to travel in inclement weather to receive basic health care from the VA. In addition, many times they have to reschedule their appointments, which could mean waiting over a month for a simple test. It is disgraceful that veterans have to travel hundreds of miles to get their blood pressure checked or to have routine blood tests done. Mr. Speaker, I stand committed to improving health care benefits for our veterans--not only for those who have duly served our country, but also for those valiant soldiers who will become the veterans of tomorrow. That's why I am also cosponsoring the Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act, which would take an additional step toward restoring adequate health care to military retirees by allowing them to participate in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. We must continue to support our promise so that all veterans will receive the health care benefits that they deserve. In addition, I am supporting legislation, the Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act, which would provide for a guaranteed adequate level of funding for veterans health care. Unfortunately, the money that is set aside for VA hospitals and clinics falls under discretionary spending, meaning that there is no guarantee that it will be increased as the demand grows. Without this funding, rural veterans will continue to be served in outdated or understaffed facilities--or continue to receive inadequate health care due to a lack of health care services in their area. Finally, it's about achievement! Let us make the commitment to achieve new incentives for our veterans. As I talk to veterans in my district, I become increasingly concerned that their needs are simply not being met. As you know, the Department of Veterans Affairs is directing an initiative--the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES)--to redirect resources within the department and address the changing needs of veterans. Recently, the CARES Commission released its report, which the Secretary is in the process of reviewing. While I am pleased that the report effectively recognized access and capacity concerns, I am hopeful that the VA Secretary's final report will provide additional incentives for our veterans. Specifically, I urge the Secretary to provide not only an expansion of the Fayetteville VA Medical Center and the expansion of the Wilmington VA Clinic to a satellite outpatient clinic, but also two community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) for my district--one in Supply (Brunswick County) and one in Lumberton (Robeson County). If we could achieve these vital expansions and new facilities, access to care would no longer be a problem and veterans would not be forced to drive long distances to receive vital health care services. This would be a real achievement for the veterans in my district, and I am confident that these initiatives will provide the services that they are lacking now. Mr. Speaker, I think we can all agree that timely access to health care is an important national priority to provide veterans the benefits they earned in military service to our country. As we find ourselves in times that threaten our very freedom, our nation must never forget those who have fought so hard to ensure that our freedom endures. Therefore, I say to my colleagues, let us join together today with a new and positive attitude towards health care for veterans, and let us work together to put forth the necessary actions to help us to achieve our goal! Our veterans are counting on us! And may God's blessings be with you!

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise here today to pay tribute to one of North Carolina's greatest public servants, former Congressman David Henderson. With true dedication and talent, Congressman Henderson left a lasting mark on his community, his state, and his country. Born in Wallace, North Carolina, in 1921, David Henderson began a life of accomplishment that spanned from a Major in the U.S. Air Corps to Congressman of the United States. After graduating from Davidson College in 1942, Henderson served his country overseas in India, China, and Okinawa, only to return to the University of North Carolina Law School to earn a law degree in 1949. He held numerous leadership positions throughout his career including: solicitor and judge of the Duplin County General Court, Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Post Office and Civil Service Committee, Member of the Governor's Advisory Boards for Economic Development and Aviation, Member of the Duplin County Board of Economic Development, and even Fireman of the Year for the Wallace County Volunteer Fire Department. Although Congressman Henderson earned many achievements throughout his life, his greatest accomplishment was securing legislation to establish the Cape Lookout National Seashore along the Outer Banks. His commitment to preserving this natural landmark created one of the most popular coastal parks in the United States. Prior to serving sixteen years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Henderson came to Washington to serve as Assistant Counsel to the House Education and Labor Committee, and the Chief Staffer of an investigating sub- committee chaired by Congressman John F. Kennedy. Former Congressman Henderson passed away on January 7, 2004, but will be remembered for his endless contributions to our society. This nation was blessed to have known and honored a true public servant.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, January 27, 2004, I was unavoidably absent due to inclement weather for roll call vote 6 on passage of H.R 1385, and roll call vote 7 on passage of H.R. 3493. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on roll call votes 6 and 7. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, January 28, 2004, I was unavoidably absent due to inclement weather for roll call vote 8 on passage of the Baldwin amendment; roll call vote 9 on the Schakowsky motion to recommit; roll call vote 10 on final passage of S. 1920; and roll call vote 11 on the motion to instruct conferees. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on roll call votes 8, 9, 10, and 11.