John Mica

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, June 25, 2001 marks the fifth anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the U.S. military housing facility Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. Nineteen American servicemen were killed and hundreds wounded in that vicious attack. Last week the United States indicted some of those responsible for those murders. However long it takes to bring those indicted and those responsible for this terrorist act to justice, our country must pursue all guilty parties. Until those who perpetrated this heinous international crime are brought to justice, we cannot rest. I commend the Bush Administration, the Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for making certain that this case is not forgotten. Florida and our nation lost too many innocent victims for this matter to be brushed aside. My Congressional District and the mother and family of AIC Brian McVeigh who was killed in Khobar Towers, continue to feel the pain of that great loss. The United States Congress, these surviving relatives, and all the others who lost their loved ones cannot rest until justice prevails.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, on Flag Day and as we approach Fathers' Day 2000, I thought it would be appropriate to share with my colleagues and include in the Congressional Record excerpts from the publication ``War Letters: Extraordinary Correspondence from American Wars'', and a subsequent article authored by Andrew Carroll. I do not recall ever having read anything that better captures the joy of fatherhood, the scale of individual sacrifice for our Nation, or that conveys more fitting appreciation of our national insignia--our flag. In an era when nearly a third of our sons and daughters are raised without a father, when the traditional family and patriotism are wavering, it is my hope that these powerful letters may serve as a small inspiration. Author Andrew Carroll provides a preface introduction and details the circumstances relating to the writing of each letter. Twenty-six-year-old Capt. George Rarey, stationed in England, was informed of the birth of his first child just moments after coming back from a mission on March 22, 1944. Overwhelmed with joy, Rarey sent a letter to his wife Betty Lou (nicknamed June) in Washington, DC. A talented artist, Rarey drew a sketch to commemorate the event. Darling, Darling, Junie! Junie, this happiness is nigh unbearable--Got back from a mission at 4:00 this afternoon and came up to the hut for a quick shave before chow and what did I see the deacon waving at me as I walked up the road to the shack? A small yellow envelope--I thought it was a little early but I quit breathing completely until the wonderful news was unfolded--A son! Darling, Junie! How did you do it?--I'm so proud of you I'm beside myself--Oh you darling. All of the boys in the squadron went wild. Oh its wonderful! I had saved my tobacco ration for the last two weeks and had obtained a box of good American cigars--Old Doc Finn trotted out two quarts of Black and White from his medicine chest and we all toasted the fine new son and his beautiful Mother . . . . Junie if this letter makes no sense forget it--I'm sort of delirious--Today everything is special--This iron hut looks like a castle--The low hanging overcast outside is the most beautiful kind of blue I've ever seen--I'm a father--I have a son! My darling Wife has had a fine boy and I'm a king-- Junie, Darling, I hope it wasn't too bad--Oh I'm so glad its over--Thank you, Junie--Thank you--thank you . . . . Oh, Junie, I wish I could be there--Now I think maybe I could be of some help--There are so many things to be done-- What a ridiculous and worthless thing a war is in the light of such a wonderful event. that there will be no war for Damon!--Junie, isn't there anything I can do to help out . . . . Oh my beautiful darling, I love you more and more and more--Gosh, I'm happy!--Sweet dreams my sweet mother, Love-- Rarey. Capt. George Rarey was killed three months after writing this letter. Even in the Internet age, many servicemen and women continued to send their letters the old-fashioned way-- through the mail. In 1997, 36-year-old Major Tom O'Sullivan was in Bosnia, serving as the officer in charge of the first Armored Division Assault Command Post and, later, as the operations officer of the 4th Battalion, 67th Armor at Camp Colt. O'Sullivan frequently wrote home to his wife Pam and their two children, Tara and Conor, and on September 16, 1996--the day Conor turned seven--O'Sullivan (at far right, with his Bosnian translator) sent a birthday gift he hoped would have special meaning to his son: Dear Conor, I am very sorry that I could not be home for your seventh birthday, but I will soon be finished with my time here in Bosnia and will return to be with you again. You know how much I love you, and that's what counts the most. I think that all I will think about on your birthday is how proud I am to be your dad and what a great kid you are. I remember the day you were born and how happy I was. It was the happiest I have ever been in my life and I will never forget that day. You were very little and had white hair. I didn't let anyone else hold you much because I wanted to hold you all the time . . . . There aren't any stores here in Bosnia, so I couldn't buy you any toys or souvenirs for your birthday. What I am sending you is something very special, though. It is a flag. This flag represents America and makes me proud each time I see it. When the people here in Bosnia see it on our uniforms, on our vehicles, or flying above our camps, they know that it represents freedom, and, for them, peace after many ears of war. Sometimes, this flag is even more important to them than it is to people who live in America because some Americans don't know much about the sacrifices it represents or the peace it has brought to places like Bosnia. This flag was flown on the flagpole over the headquarters of Task Force 4-67 Armor, Camp Colt, in the Posavina Corridor of northern Bosnia-Herzegovina, on 16 September 1996. It was flown in honor of you on your seventh birthday. Keep it and honor it always. Love, Dad.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, this is a bad day for the tax-and-spenders. They have had a terrible morning. It has sort of been like giving birth to a porcupine. But most of the suffering is over and at least until June 5, the people of this Nation will have an opportunity to have some of their money returned. Part of the problem they had, Mr. Speaker, is they did not hear the roar. They did not hear the roar. Most of my colleagues were out on that rainy day like this morning when we inaugurated George W. Bush on the west side of the Capitol building and some people did not hear the roar. I remember everyone politely applauded after George W. gave different lines in his inaugural statement, but the people on the platform, the elected officials, some of them did not hear the roar. They all applauded politely. But when the President was giving his inaugural remarks, he pledged a tax cut. He pledged to give people back their own money and there was this huge roar and there was silence among the politicians, because some people did not hear the roar. So this morning we have an opportunity, today we have an opportunity to hear the roar, to give back a little bit of the money to the people who are out there today and tomorrow working, saving, earning, and sending that money, that hard-earned money to Washington. Some people heard the roar.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, the West Palm Beach Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Florida was inspired by the life, military service and death of Pfc. John Mica. Army Corpsman Mica was born on April 3, 1915 in Binghamton, NY, served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1943-44, and died July 16, 1972 in a crowded veterans hospital in Miami, Florida. Because of the circumstances of John Mica's death in that veterans facility, which was strained to capacity, his son Daniel A. Mica made construction of a new South Florida veterans hospital one of his goals when elected to the U.S. Congress. From 1978 to 1988, Congressman Daniel Mica, a member of the House Veterans Committee, cited the need for additional veterans medical facilities in Florida at every meeting of that Congressional panel over the decade of his service. Congressman Daniel Mica, on February 8, 1983 during the 98th Congress, introduced H.R. 1348, ``A bill to construct a new Veterans Administration hospital in the State of Florida.'' Construction of the Palm Beach County Veterans' Hospital was completed in 1994. This history has been submitted into the Congressional Record by Congressman John L. Mica in memory of his father, Pfc. John Mica, and also in recognition of his brother Daniel's contribution to the veterans of the State of Florida.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, as the State of Florida recently celebrated its 156th anniversary, Stetson University and President H. Douglas Lee, along with the Dean Gary Vauss of the School of Law, recognized the occasion by hosting an event attended by Floridians in Washington, D.C. Stetson University was founded in 1883 with a population of only 13 students. It established Florida's first professional schools in Business, Law and Music. The University, with 2,491 students and a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, embraces six core values of education: (1) Ethical Decisions, (2) Religious and Spiritual Life, (3) Environmental Responsibility, (4) Diversity and Global Awareness, (5) Community Service and (6) Gender Equality. The School of Law, with 708 students and a student-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, has established centers of excellence in Advocacy, Elder Law, Dispute Resolution Health Law and Litigation Ethics. It also ranks in the top three of accredited Law Schools in the United States for Trial Advocacy. I am pleased and honored to represent Stetson University, which lies within the Seventh Congressional District, in DeLand Florida. I am also delighted that the School of Law, which is located in the Tenth Congressional District, in St. Petersburg Florida, is represented by my friend and colleague Representative C.W. Bill Young. Finally Mr. Speaker, the attendees of the State of Florida anniversary event received a copy of the March 15, 1845, edition of the St. Augustine Newspaper which detailed the Congressional action that confirmed Florida as America's 27th State. Some of the advice given by the editor in the article, to give us your ``good, tried and honest men'' who will lay ``party feelings . . . aside'' to represent the new state, should be equally important today. I submit for the Record the article from the March 15, 1845, edition of The News of St. Augustine, Florida. The State of Florida The Bill for the admission of the State of Florida into the Union has passed Congress. The day of trial has come, and the people will soon feel the full benefits arising from the change and from the visits of the tax collector. The die is cast, and all, who have opposed State Government, must submit. They can support the burdens of a State as well as those, who have heretofore been most clamorous for it. In many instances, the personal interests of those, who have opposed our admission at this time, will probably be promoted by the change. They resisted it not from personal considerations, but because they entertained the sincere conviction, that the interests of Florida and its prosperity would be injuriously affected by it. Such is their belief still. But the measure has been brought about despite of their opposition. With others rests the responsibility, whatever the result. Now it is the duty of all to adapt themselves to the new order of things, and to make the most of it. All should unite in organizing the new government in the best and most economical manner. The intelligence and the integrity of the whole Territory should be sought out and employed in putting the government in motion. Much, very much of the future prosperity and greatness of the country will depend on our action now. More than the mere party politicians is needed at this time. The occasion requires those, who have made our free institutions and the science of government their study. A direction and an impulse are now to be given to the machinery of our institutions. Much nearly everything depends on a right commencement. To do this, the mind of the country must be put in requisition. Good, tried and intelligent men must be sent to the Legislature. Party feeling should be laid aside. Partialities and prejudices should be sacrificed to the good of the country. The inquiry should be, who can lend the most efficient aid in imparting the right impulse to our State Government. By no other consideration should any be influenced. At the first session of the Legislature, Officers are to be selected, and their salaries determined; Taxes levied, and their amount fixed and adjusted; the representation of the Counties is to be apportioned; and all the expenses of the new government is to be settled, and whether our burdens are to be light or heavy, whether we are to be free or oppressed, must be determined. The consequences of the action of the first Legislature will be long felt for good or ill. Under these circumstances, we call upon our friends in the country to reflect, and to act with that deliberation, in preparing for the State Government and in the selection of members of the next Legislature, which the importance of the occasion and the momentous interests at stake, demand of all. The power lies with the country, and we trust it may be exercised with discretion and fidelity. They are called upon to act not only for themselves, but for their children. As the stream is now caused to flow, so it will continue. Great effort will be required to divert from its wanted channel. Reflect seriously, deliberate cautiously, determine justly, and act patriotically.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and could not vote on rollcall Nos. 85 and 86. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 85 and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 86.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding to me, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this request today in consideration of House Joint Resolution 19 provides for the appointment of Dr. Walter Massey to serve on the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. This governing board of the Smithsonian is composed of 17 members, which includes the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Vice President of the United States, three members of each of the U.S. House of Representatives and the other body, the Senate, and nine citizens who are nominated by the board and approved jointly in a resolution of Congress. The nine citizen members serve for a term of 6 years each, and are eligible for reappointment to one additional term. Currently, Dr. Walter Massey is the President of Morehouse College, which is the Nation's only historically black all-male 4-year liberal arts institution. I am pleased also to report to the House that Dr. Massey has broad academic and administrative experience, serving as a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of California. His career encompasses service as a former director of the National Science Foundation, to which he was appointed by former President George Bush. The Foundation is the government's lead agency for support of research and education in mathematics, science, and engineering, and furthermore, Dr. Massey's teaching experience includes work as the dean of the college, and also a professor of physics at Brown University, and as assistant professor at the University of Illinois. He has an extensive science background, and is involved in numerous research studies. Dr. Walter Massey's qualification as an educator, coupled with his extensive science background, makes him a very strong candidate for serving on this the Smithsonian Board of Regents for that Institution. So I rise in support of House Joint Resolution 19 and urge its adoption.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 19) providing for the appointment of Walter E. Massey as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 55) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a day of celebration in honor of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.

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 House Resolution 55, the legislation before us.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have before the House for consideration House Resolution 55, legislation introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald). Mr. Speaker, this legislation honors the work of Dorothy Height. Throughout her career, Dr. Height has been recognized as a leader in the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. As president of the National Council on Negro Women, Dr. Height has an outstanding record of accomplishments. Under her leadership, the council developed model programs on topics ranging from teenage parenting to eradicating hunger and established the Bethune Museum and Archives for Black Women, which was the first institution devoted to the history of black women. Dr. Height organized the Black Family Reunion Celebration which is now in its 11th year with over 14 million participants. Dr. Height's contributions have earned her more than 50 awards and honors from every level, local, State and national organizations. For her tireless efforts on behalf of the less fortunate, President Ronald Reagan presented her the Citizens Medal award for distinguished service to the country in 1989. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to encourage all of the Members of the House to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) for introducing this important resolution, for her efforts to bring to the floor this resolution today, and also to recognize, at a time when our young people so desperately need role models, someone who follows in the footsteps of some of my African-American female heroes: Mary McLeod Bethune; Zora Neal Hurston, someone who I love and adore as a black author, and whose works have not been properly recognized until late; Barbara Jordan; and today I saw so many Barbara Jordans on the floor who I am very proud of, and who serve as role models in the House of Representatives, again for so many young people across this land who need role models. Dorothy Height's life exemplifies her passionate commitment to a just society, and her vision of a much better world for everyone. It is fitting today that Congress acknowledge more than 6 decades of distinguished leadership and service provided by Dorothy Irene Height. I want to again thank the sponsors of this legislation, and thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), chairman of our full committee, and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service of the Committee on Government Reform, for bringing this legislation forward; and also the ranking member, and the chief ranking member, of course, is the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), and also Mr. Davis, for working expeditiously to bring this resolution to the floor today. I urge Members to lend their support to this resolution.

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

Mr. MICA

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 57) recognizing and honoring Dale Earnhardt and expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to his family on his death.

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. Res. 57.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I doubt that there has ever been a day in American sports history as full of rapidly changing emotions as we experienced at this year's Daytona 500 race. Millions of NASCAR fans watched as Michael Waltrip won his first victory in 463 starts as Dale Earnhardt, Jr. finished a very close second. Both cars were owned by racing legend Dale Earnhardt. But back coming out of turn four, the familiar black numbered car three of Dale Earnhardt himself was sitting motionless after striking hard into the wall in a multi-car accident. Jubilation for Michael Waltrip's victory rapidly turned to concern for Dale. Sadly, the worst fears of millions were confirmed that evening when NASCAR President Mike Helton announced, ``we've lost Dale Earnhardt.'' Mr. Speaker, the man NASCAR Chairman Bill France called NASCAR's ``greatest driver'' was dead. With this resolution today, the House of Representatives recognizes Dale Earnhardt as one of the greatest drivers ever to participate in the sport of racing and for his contributions to the Nation throughout his lifetime. It honors him for transcending the sport of racing to become a role model as both a talented competitor and also as a loving husband and father. The resolution also expresses our very deepest condolences to Dale's family. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to overestimate the impact Dale Earnhardt had on the sport of auto racing. He was well known as ``the Intimidator.'' He was a fiercely competitive driver who would, in the words of NASCAR driver Jimmy Spencer, and I quote, ``race you just as hard for the 20th as he would for the win.'' His accomplishments are familiar. He won seven NASCAR Winston Cup titles and three IROC championships. He was motorsports' leading all-time money winner, and sixth on the career Winston Cup victories list, with 76, and was closing in on Terry Labonte's record of 655 consecutive starts. But this list of accomplishments really does not convey the respect that other drivers and racing experts held for Dale Earnhardt's skill. They talked about his so-called car control, about how he could save his car when others would have wrecked. They said he was so good that he could, as they have been quoted, ``see the air.'' Nor does it convey the affection that so many held for this fierce competitor. Jimmy Spencer has said ``there were two Dale Earnhardts; the Dale Earnhardt that raced you for every inch on the track, and the Dale Earnhardt who cared about making people happy.'' Dale Jarret called Earnhardt ``the greatest driving talent NASCAR has ever seen,'' but chose to remember him, as I would like to quote, ``for his caring and giving personality.'' His popularity among those involved in NASCAR, as well as with racing fans, was demonstrated when, after many years, Dale finally won the Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious race. The Intimidator drove to the victory lane amidst the outstretched hands of virtually every member of his competitors' teams as they lined up to cheer him. Richard Childress, for whom Dale Earnhardt raced for almost 20 years, reminded us that Dale, and I quote, ``was a loving husband and a proud father and grandfather.'' Mr. Speaker, I have the great honor and privilege of representing the most famous auto raceway in the world, the Daytona Beach Speedway. At Daytona a week ago this past Sunday, racing fans and the Dale Earnhardt family lost their hero. From Daytona Beach to Kannapolis, North Carolina, from our Atlantic to Pacific shores, Dale Earnhardt's sudden death made us all pause. Over and over, millions of Americans and fans throughout the world have viewed those television clips of that crash. Having seen Dale Earnhardt survive much more ferocious-looking wrecks made it even more difficult to accept his lost. While his legend still lives, Dale Earnhardt has taken his place in history. Many may race, but no one will ever match the fame or admiration this man has achieved. That admiration is reflected in the tributes, not that I just cited, but the tributes I have seen across our country in the past few days, not just the words of people in high places, but in the small shop marquees, on local business signs and handmade placards throughout our land. Our only consolation is that, as Dale's son has said, his dad went to be in a better place. I somehow know that this is true having personally witnessed Dale and other race car drivers in their pre-race gatherings and driver meetings. I remember them well, particularly in Daytona. What struck me as I observed these racing stars in these pre-race sessions was not a rowdy, boisterous racing group, but a prayerful gathering of gentlemen, many surrounded by their family. We saw this past week that faith, those same family members and countless fans who came most respectfully together to honor his memory. I believe Dale Earnhardt would be as proud of the way he has been remembered as we are as proud of his memory. Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out today to Dale's wife Teresa and to Dale's family as they grieve the loss of this remarkable man. I encourage all Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), a sponsor of this resolution. (Mr. HAYES asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick).

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend both the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) for introducing this resolution. I also want to take a moment to thank the chairman of our full Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton); the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), who is chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization; as well as the ranking members of the full committee and subcommittee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), for expediting consideration of the resolution today. Mr. Speaker, there is really little that we can do to ease the pain of the Earnhardt family, but I hope they will look upon today's House action as well as the outpouring of support from fans and friends across the Nation as evidence of how the man they loved and who loved them elevated this sport to new levels and touched the lives of so many who never even met him. I hope it will offer some consolation to them in their time of grief and help them to look back on their life with Dale with pride on his many accomplishments and also the knowledge that he meant so much to so many. I urge all Members to support this resolution.

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.