John Mica

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 357.

Mr. MICA

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

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 357) permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy Height.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 264) authorizing and requesting the President to issue a proclamation to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Constantino Brumidi.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 264, a resolution again recognizing the 200th anniversary of the birth of Constantino Brumidi. I urge its adoption.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to offer a resolution, the fourth measure today. This bill passed the Committee on Government Reform and will be considered by the full House at this time, a resolution which would honor the memory of Constantino Brumidi. Not too many people have probably heard of Constantino Brumidi. He is not exactly a household word or name in America, but Constantino Brumidi has been called the Michelangelo of the United States Capitol Building. House Concurrent Resolution 264 was introduced to honor both the life and also the work and creative genius of Constantino Brumidi. Mr. Brumidi was an Italian immigrant who spent 25 years, from 1855 to 1880, painting, decorating and making the United States Capitol as we know it even today a more beautiful place to live and visit and have as a treasure for our country. Brumidi was born in Italy in 1805, and he worked as an artist in Rome. He also worked in the Vatican, where he had many commissions, including a famous portrait of Pope Pius IX. In 1852, Brumidi immigrated to the United States; and he dedicated really the balance of his life to making this building, our United States Capitol, one of the most impressive structures in our great Nation. In 1865, Brumidi spent 11 months walking dangerously and working high atop the Capitol rotunda where he labored on his masterpiece. His masterpiece, and we can see it today if we walk out into the rotunda and look up, is called The Apotheosis of Washington, and it is located in the very center, in the eye of the dome of the ceiling of the Capitol. Six years later, he created the first tribute to an African American in the Capitol when he placed the figure of Crispus Attucks at the center of his painting of the Boston Massacre. In 1878, at the age of 72 and in poor health, Brumidi began work on the rotunda frieze. If we look in the Capitol around the frieze, about midway, we can see his work. The frieze chronicles the history of the United States. Constantino Brumidi's life and work exemplifies the lives of millions of immigrants who came to the United States, and they came from all lands, sometimes to escape adverse conditions, to build a better life, to leave the problems of their native lands, and they brought their skills and their hard work and their talents, which not only bettered their lives and those of their children but immensely created the art, the trade, the richness that we have in the United States and enjoy today. There are many organizations supporting this resolution, including NAIF, which is the National American Italian Foundation. That is an organization that promotes Italian American relations, cultural and business relations. We also have other numerous United States Italian American groups who support the recognition that we are bringing forward today, again to recognize the life and talents of Constantino Brumidi. The year 2005 is the bicentennial of Brumidi's work, and I can think of no better way to honor this patriotic Italian American's contribution to our great Nation, to this incredibly historic building, than by passing this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of H. Con. Res. 264, the concurrent resolution just considered.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of H. Con. Res. 359.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Again, I would like to close on this particular resolution before the House, a simple resolution to allow the use of the rotunda for this ceremony. But when we enter the rotunda, the sacred center of the Capitol building on April 22, it is important that we do remember those victims who were lost in this horrific slaughter of human beings in World War II. We remember, as the gentleman from Ohio said so eloquently, that there were incidents like the turning away of the steamship St. Louis that went from port to port, and hundreds met a horrible fate because of the nations, and even the United States, who turned their backs. The good Lord gave the United States the responsibility now, as the superpower of the world, an important responsibility that we should not lose sight of. So as we reflect upon those victims, as we reflect upon those who ignored their responsibility, and as we recognize our responsibility in the world today, it is important that again we reflect at this time on what occurred, what was done, and what was left undone, and that we also make certain as we reflect on April 22 that we do not allow a holocaust of our time. So with those comments, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 359) permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 358) authorizing the printing of ``History of the United States Capitol'' as a House document.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield back the balance of my time and ask for passage of this resolution.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just in conclusion, I am very pleased that we can come together and take care of this housekeeping chore. During the discussion this afternoon on the passage of this resolution I would have liked to have been presented a copy of Mr. Brown's book. I am told the only volumes we have the Architect has, and they are too tattered to even leave his office. So it is time that Congress meet its obligation of preserving the rich history of this great building that is a symbol of liberty and democracy.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 358. This is somewhat of a mundane measure. As a member of the Committee on House Administration, it is a housekeeping responsibility that we take care of obligations such as this. This particular measure authorizes the printing of a new annotated edition of the United States Capitol by Glenn Brown. Brown's History of the United States Capitol represents the most scholarly publication on the United States Capitol to date. This book was originally written to celebrate the centennial of the move of Congress to the Capitol in 1800. The volume by Brown continues to provide important information on the development of the United States Capitol building and is also a visual record of the building and the art collection at the turn of the century. The publication sets a new standard for architectural history, as well as being very well received in both this country and abroad. Glenn Brown's book also played an important role in the revival of Pierre Charles L'Enfant's plan for Washington, D.C., through its influence on the 1901 McMillan Plan; and thus it has also had a very significant effect on the shape of this city, the District of Columbia, and how we see it through the twentieth century. The idea of publishing a new annotated edition of Glenn Brown's history of the Capitol, published in 1900 and 1903, was first discussed back in 1987. This new annotated history will provide both historical context and contemporary perspective. Glenn Brown and his philosophy and achievements will be examined in the introductory biographical profile. Annotation of the text will correct errors, review some very important, sometimes controversial issues, mention recently discovered documentation and direct the reader to relevant sources. The publication will be illustrated with high-quality photographs based on Glenn Brown's selection and will introduce color when appropriate to enhance the architectural renderings. The book will be prepared under the auspices of the Architect of the Capitol, with support from the United States Capitol Preservation Commission and the United States Capitol Historical Society. Glenn Brown's History of the United States Capitol will be of interest not only to Members of Congress but of significant value to the public, to libraries across the United States, and also to scholars investigating the rich history of the United States Capitol. Mr. Speaker, I urge full support of House Concurrent Resolution 358. I am pleased to present it on behalf of the Committee on House Administration this afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 358.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, it is with the deepest sadness that I report the death of Corporal Robert D. Roberts, a native of Winter Park, Florida, who died in service to our Nation on November 22nd while serving in Iraq. I extend my deepest sympathy to his widow Jill, his 3 year old son Jacob, and his family. Bobby, as he was affectionately known, died in a tragic accident as he was fulfilling his military obligation to our Nation. Cpl. Roberts was a member of the United States Army and served in the position of Tank Gunner. His devotion and commitment to our U.S. Military were legendary among the family members he leaves behind. Prior to his death, he personally reiterated to his family the importance of his mission and his dedication to serving our Nation in this time of international conflict. I am most saddened to lose this dedicated American soldier, a Winter Park native and the son-in-law of a wonderful friend, Karen Mendenhall. During services that were conducted at the First Baptist Church of Oviedo on Friday, December 5th, Bobby was remembered by his brother and parents as a wonderful member of the family, a devoted Christian and a committed American soldier. We extend our deepest sympathies to Cpl. Roberts' parents, Chuck and Joann, on the loss of their beloved son. We commend his brother, Lance Corporal Chris Roberts, for his courage and dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps. And to all those in Bobby's family who have suffered this great loss, we give the eternal thanks of a grateful Nation.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, President Bush today signs for $87 billion to aid our United States Military and assist both Iraq and Afghanistan. I wanted to include in the record a copy of a letter I received from a young man who served as a Congressional Intern. Jeff states much better than anyone why today's action by Congress and President Bush is necessary. Dear Congressman Mica: I don't know if you remember me, but I worked as an unpaid intern in your Casselberry office about 7 years ago. Right now I am in Northern Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. I have been with the Division during the entire war and also served in Afghanistan for a few months with the division's 3rd brigade Rakkasans. I am writing to you because I am concerned about the debate over the cost of rebuilding Iraq. From what I see on the news, people back home, especially the Democratic candidates for President, have not put two and two together. They complain about the attacks and the danger to our troops, but yet they do not want to give the cause any more money. We are in support of stability operations. There is no field manual on the things we are doing here but rebuilding a country is something that takes time. Relationships must be formed. With that, America has to realize that the fighting is still going on. We are fighting for the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. Our ammunition is therefore money. I am in charge of multiple renovation and reconstruction projects and each one takes money to complete. The last few weeks, the money source has been cut off, and I am sure the debate over how much to spend is a leading cause to this. I have met many Iraqis that are growing impatient, asking for work, wanting to do anything to feed their family. Sir, please let your fellow Representatives and Senators know that if we are going remain here, fighting for the hearts and minds of the Iraqis, we need to have the ammunition to support it. We have to have money to help rebuild the country, put people to work and get the economy going. I am certain that by doing the right thing for these people now, it will pay off in the long run. WWII was not fought because of the concentration camps and the social injustices in Germany, but looking back now, that is cited as probably the most important good that came out of it. This war was fought for many reasons, but WMD or not, the mass graves and the social injustices by the old regime have ceased. Iraq's new found freedom far outweighs any sacrifices that myself or my men had to make by coming here. All we want to do is to finish the job that we started. Please urge those on the Hill to support the troops, not just in voice but in action. I appreciate you listening to what I have to say. Sincerely, Jeffrey David Harvey, 1LT, FA.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me just correct the record at this time. I have heard two Members from the minority side cite that on September 11 that some 4 to 5,000 planes that were flying in the air were brought down safely by our air traffic control system. That is correct. But, in fact, some 219 of approximately 470 towers were contract towers, are contract towers, private towers. This is the statement that was put out in a $7 million NATCA, National Air Traffic Controllers, misinformation campaign. We have a system now today, we had a system on September 11 with contract towers and with fully staffed FAA towers. So they question the safety and security. We advocate no change. Nada. None. Zip. We have taken any mention of privatization out of this. We are only instituting the status quo, the status quo that we had on September 11. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Beauprez), one of the outstanding members of the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young). (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the distinguished chairman of the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we finally come to the conference report on H.R. 2115, the Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act. It has been a struggle to get here, but I believe it is critical to the success of aviation that we complete our mission, particularly on this 100th anniversary of the first flight in the United States by the Wright Brothers. I want to take this time as we finish this conference report and this legislation to commend the Members of the minority. My ranking member, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), has been an outstanding leader on transportation issues in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and I have been honored to have him as a subcommittee ranking member. He has worked diligently in a bipartisan manner to craft what I consider to be an excellent piece of legislation. During the rule debate, it was cited how many provisions were added by the Members of the minority, and I compliment the Members of the minority for their contributions to this well-crafted piece of legislation. Also, I want to take time to thank the ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar). The gentleman is one of the most knowledgeable people on transportation issues. When I came to the Congress in 1993, he chaired the Subcommittee on Aviation. I have learned a great deal under his stewardship. He is also a font of historical institutional knowledge, both to the subcommittee and also to the committee, and has contributed greatly to the text of this measure. Now, this is a sizable measure and there are, again, some 70-plus Members on here, and there are some issues where folks did not get their entire provision included in this bill. It is difficult when you have such a diverse committee, and subcommittee of over 40 members, to please everyone and put every provision in possible. But, for the most part, this is a bipartisan piece of legislation, crafted in a bipartisan spirit, in the tradition of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. This past week I attended the funeral ceremony of my former boss, William C. Cramer. He was the first Republican Member of Congress to represent Florida since the postreconstruction period, and I always looked up to him as ``Mr. Public Works.'' He added tremendously to the bipartisan working relationship that has continued, even when he was the only Republican from the State of Florida. I am pleased now, we have 18 out of 25 Republican Members from Florida. I appreciate his contributions. I also appreciate those of the minority in crafting this. Now, one would have to live on another planet to not know that there has been controversy over one primary issue, and that is the issue of privatization. We did include initially in this legislation a provision that did allow this President to look at some 69 specified VFR fully FAA-staffed towers and possibly consider them for future privatization or conversion to contract towers. After some 3 months. Since this past July 24, I believe, we filed the report and the conference met, and we did agree to take that provision out. We did not have a formal meeting of the conference committee. We knew after months of conflict that the issue was tearing us apart. But now we have taken that out, and we are in a situation where we have a piece of legislation, and this conference report, that is totally, completely silent on the issue of privatization. And now we are prepared hopefully to go beyond that, because this bill has many important provisions that we need. First of all, this measure aids in restoring jobs and opportunities in the American aviation industry. We all know how hard hit this industry has been since the effects of the horrible day of September 11. No industry has lost more jobs. We talk about the loss of 2.7 million jobs in the economy; I would venture to say that at least 1 million are related either directly or indirectly to aviation. And it is slowly coming back, and this bill will aid it in coming back. So this will help us in creating jobs and opportunities for people in one of our most dynamic industries in this country. Finally, there are several other points that I would like to make about this legislation. It does release the money for aviation trust funds to pay for airport improvements. All across this country, airports are beginning to again rebuild the passenger traffic, to rebuild; we can almost feel some of the economy coming back. If we do not pass this, those improvements come to a halt, not only for improving the airports and the infrastructure, but also for security improvements that are so important. We have provided in this bill to again assist our airports with that important mission. So there are a whole host of areas where this is beneficial to the whole country. I urge the passage of this conference report. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to rise and I wanted to clarify a couple of issues that have been raised. Let me say, we all have our roles in this august body, and I am honored and privileged to have as my ranking member the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), the gentleman who just spoke. He is an incredibly hardworking, dedicated, ranking member and has contributed immensely to this product that we have before us today. But there is a question on which we have a separation, and we just heard some of the history of the air traffic control structure in our country. Under the Clinton administration, if we go back to 1994, when I came as a freshman, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) was the chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation. Under the Clinton administration, Mr. Clinton in that year, 1994, privatized. He took from FAA towers to contract towers some 24 towers. Was there an outcry? No. During the remainder of the balance of the Clinton term, President Clinton converted 116 FAA towers to contract towers. Was there an outcry? No. In the 3 years that President Bush has been in office, how many FAA towers has he converted to private contract towers? Zero. The other side complained when we put 69 towers that were mentioned in this FAA report under the Inspector General, 69 towers based on cost and safety, primarily on safety, that these towers that are now all FAA towers would be safer, based on their evaluation, if they converted to contract towers, and cost about $900,000 less, read the report. That is what we put in there. They protested. So what did we do? We took these out. We now have no reference to privatization, but they do not want this President to have the same right that President Clinton had for some 7.9 years. We have taken every single mention of privatization, any specific tower, out of the bill. So that is where we find ourselves now. We cannot please them no matter what we do. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.