Jerry Moran

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I continue to reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to support the legislation introduced by the gentleman from Washington, and I appreciate his explanation for what this legislation does. I am here to encourage my colleagues both in the House and the Senate to support this legislation to level the playing field in the Air Force tanker competition. This is an unending story, presumably. It has gone on for a long time. But at this stage in the process, we need to make certain that there is fairness. We need fairness for our workers, fairness for American companies, and fairness for the American taxpayer. Earlier this year, the World Trade Organization found that European governments are guilty of providing nearly $6 billion in illegal subsidies to Airbus to develop aircraft. These subsidies can put our American workers at a disadvantage in the world marketplace. Tens of thousands of U.S. aerospace jobs have already been lost overseas; the Department of Defense, we risk job loss in the $35 billion tanker competition with these subsidies. In Wichita, Kansas, alone, where the finishing center for the new Boeing tanker will take place, the tanker contract could mean 7,500 jobs. Common sense today tells us that when we are so desperate for employment in the United States, we need to make certain that the competition we are engaged in is based upon fairness. But even with the WTO decision, the Department of Defense has ignored the facts. The Pentagon must not be working against millions of Americans who are looking for work, nor should our own government ask American taxpayers to foot the bill for a European economic stimulus. The Defense Level Playing Field Act tells the Pentagon it can no longer close its eyes to the unfair European subsidies. This bill says that the tanker bidding process must be conducted fairly. Its intent is to require the DOD to take into account the price impact of illegal European subsidies. It makes sure that there is a level playing field so that no bidder, whether it's foreign or domestic, has an unfair competitive advantage. American aerospace workers are ready to support our men and women in uniform with the best tanker, and they must be given a fair opportunity to do so. Please join me in standing up for the American worker and for the U.S. taxpayer by voting favorably for the Defense Level Playing Field Act. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, once again, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I thank the gentleman for his comments. I would point out to the House that an amendment to the defense authorization bill of a similar nature passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 408-10. I would let the gentleman from Washington know that I have no other speakers and am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I thank the gentleman from Washington for his comments today and look forward to this bill's passage. I encourage my colleagues to vote for it. I, too, would like to recognize the work of my colleague from Kansas (Mr. Tiahrt) in his efforts on this topic over a long period of time and appreciate his leadership on behalf of the people of Kansas on this and many other issues.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening in memory of my friend, Ross Beach. The House rules only allow me 5 minutes to speak, and it's difficult to summarize anyone's life in such a short time, but impossible to do justice to the life of Mr. Beach. Ross passed away this weekend at his home at the age of 92. Ross was defined by family and friends, business success, and charity. A lifelong Kansan, Ross received his education in my hometown of Hays. Following a childhood upbringing in the oil and gas fields of western Kansas, Ross enrolled at Kansas State University, where he met and later married the love of his life, Marianna Kistler. They were married in 1941. Ross's service as a naval aviator during World War II sparked an interest in flying that would continue throughout his life. Ross was a pioneer in our State in banking, radio and television, and in oil and gas. His many professional endeavors created jobs and economic opportunity for many Kansans. He was the president of Kansas Natural Gas Company and chairman of the board of Douglas County Bank. His success in the business world was overshadowed only by his and his wife's generosity. Ross and Marianna are among our State's most prolific supporters of arts and education--the greatest supporters that perhaps we will ever see in our State. On the campus of Fort Hays State University, the Beach family helped fund the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center, and Ross's generosity made possible the construction of the nationally renowned Sternberg Museum of National History. The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art on the campus of Kansas State University bears the name of Mrs. Beach, which was named for her in commemoration of their 50th wedding anniversary. My wife, Robba, and I have been honored to serve on the board of visitors at the art museum that bears the Beach name, and we're able to witness firsthand the passion and commitment Ross and Marianna had for culture and the arts in Kansas. On the campus of the University of Kansas, Ross assisted in the formation of the Beach Center on Disability, where Kansans with disabilities and their families are helped to lead healthier and more productive lives. Kansans from all walks of life have benefited from Ross's compassion to others and his service to community. He was recognized on many, many occasions, including his designation as Kansan of the Year in 2002; the President's Award from Kansas State University in 1989; and, along with his wife, the Citations for Distinguished Service from both the University of Kansas and Fort Hays State University. Despite his stature in our community and State, Mr. Beach always treated every person he encountered with respect and dignity. Anyone who met Ross easily became a lifelong friend. As a young newlywed couple starting out our new life in Hays, the first invitation Robba and I received was to come to Ross and Marianna's home for dinner. There was never a more gracious couple than the Beaches. For a large portion of my life, I joined Ross and other businessmen and professionals for lunch at The Roundtable. While there was a lot of talk of sports and politics, I learned a lot more about life by listening to Mr. Beach. From our earliest meeting to just last month, he was my friend and adviser. I hate the thought that no longer do I have the ability to pick up the phone and see what Mr. Beach thought of one of my ideas or to discuss what was going on in our small-town neighborhood or what was happening on the world stage. My friendship with Mr. Beach certainly opened doors in business and politics; but, more importantly, he gave me the confidence to realize that this small-town Kansas kid could one day be able to serve his State and the Congress of the United States of America. While my family and I are saddened by the death of Ross Beach, we take comfort in knowing the legacy of Mr. Beach will endure far beyond our own generation. While Ross Beach may have donated his talents and treasure, it is his caring nature and generous soul that I and many others will miss most. To Marianna and daughters Mary McDowell and husband Gary; Terry Edwards and husband R.A.; and Jane Hipp and husband Steve, I offer my deepest sympathies. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of a man dedicated to service and committed to making Kansas and America a better place to live and work. We are told to whom much is given much is expected. Ross Beach more than fulfilled this expectation, and I'm honored this evening to pay tribute to an amazing, larger-than-life man that I had the fortune to know for nearly 35 years. The man who loved to fly soared throughout his life and landed safely on heaven's shore.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, on October 10th, the Republic of China and Taiwanese Americans will celebrate National Day. The holiday, also known as Double Ten Day, marks the start of an uprising that led to the establishment of the Republic of China. Similar to Independence Day here, National Day is celebrated with parades and firework displays. As the Republic of China, or as most Americans know it--Taiwan, celebrates its 99th anniversary, the people of Taiwan have much to be proud of. Taiwan is a modern democracy with a strong, advanced economy, and a proud culture. But, like most any other country, Taiwan must remain vigilant in defending its 23 million citizens. Since passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, the United States has been an ally of Taiwan, helping it meet its defensive needs. Working in partnership, we can continue to meet the security challenges in East Asia to ensure peace and stability. I therefore, urge all my colleagues to join me in congratulating Taiwan on its proud 99-year history.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I thank the gentleman from Florida. My amendment that was proposed to the Rules Committee is one of those that's been denied under this very closed rule. This appropriation bill does much to honor our Nation's commitment to veterans who have sacrificed for our freedoms, but I'm concerned that our own government is unfairly taking away freedom from those veterans. Many Americans should be shocked to learn that an outrageous Department of Veterans Affairs process is arbitrarily stripping the Second Amendment rights of veterans and their families who simply receive assistance managing their financial affairs. I offered an amendment to reform the VA practice that wrongly denies gun ownership rights to veterans. Despite the support for this change by a number of veterans organizations, like the American Legion, as well as the National Rifle Association, I am disappointed that the majority did not allow my amendment to go forward and be heard and offered on the floor today. Federal law prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms because they pose a danger to society or themselves, such as convicted felons, illegal aliens, and those who are adjudicated mentally ill. The Brady Act requires the FBI to maintain a database of these individuals called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System which prevents them from purchasing firearms. Over the past 10 years, the VA has sent names of over 100,000 veterans, their spouses, and their children to the FBI, not because they pose any danger, but simply because the VA determined they could not handle their VA benefits. The VA appoints fiduciaries to help veterans who, for example, have a credit problem or who cannot manage their financial affairs due to health reasons. The VA's review process for assigning a fiduciary only examines a veteran's financial responsibility and does not look at whether the veteran is a danger to himself or others. But when veterans are appointed fiduciaries, the VA automatically deems them as ``mentally defective'' and forwards their names to the FBI. Without so much as a hearing, these veterans are then prohibited by law from purchasing firearms. By comparison, the Social Security Administration has assisted over 5 million beneficiaries with their finances, but the Social Security Administration does not send those names to the FBI. It is wrong to take away any veteran's constitutional right to keep and bear arms simply because they cannot manage their financial affairs. My amendment would have ended this unjust practice. The amendment would have required that before the VA can forward the veteran's name to the FBI, an appropriate judicial authority must rule that the veteran poses a danger to himself or to others should he own a firearm. I am disappointed my amendment was denied, and as a result veterans will continue to be denied their due process and constitutional rights. I encourage my colleagues to support legislation that I and the gentleman from Texas have introduced called the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act, H.R. 2547, to correct this wrong and restore gun rights to our country's veterans.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the job- killing bill, H.R. 4173, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. All this so-called financial reform legislation accomplishes is to heap additional regulations and burdens upon community financial institutions which, by and large, were not the cause of the financial crisis. Even worse, this legislation doesn't adequately address the issue of too big to fail for Wall Street firms that were the root of the problem. The added regulatory cost on the community banks in this bill will further slow job growth in our economy. In Kansas, this will especially hurt businesses and farmers and ranchers that need loans from their community banks to help make payroll and grow their crops. The added costs of the regulations and increased capital requirements on these financial institutions will lead to an even worse credit market. Mr. Speaker, Congress should reject the bill and pass commonsense legislation that addresses the problems of Wall Street that caused our financial crisis, not add further regulation and costs to Main Street.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I want to share a story about the value of studying history, the importance of great teachers, the power of educating students, and the glory of a life lived in service to others. In 1999, Norm Conard, a history and social studies teacher in Uniontown High School in southeast Kansas came across a clipping from U.S. News and World Report explaining the story of Irena Sendler, who helped rescue as many as 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust. Mr. Conard, along with his students, ninth graders Megan Stewart, Elizabeth Cambers, Jessica Shelton, and 11th grader Sabrina Coons, wondered if the article could just be a misprint. Mr. Conard encouraged his students to participate in the National History Day and learn more, find out the answer. An initial Internet search found just one additional article about Irena Sendler, but the students dug deeper and discovered an amazing story that was nearly lost to history. While searching for Irena's resting place, the students discovered that she was, in fact, alive. After many letters were exchanged, the Kansas students traveled to Poland to meet Irena in 2001, and they were able to visit with her about her heroic work during the Holocaust. Irena Sendler was a Catholic social worker living in Poland when the Nazis first invaded Warsaw. As early as 1939, Irena began helping Jews by offering food and shelter and falsifying documents. When the Nazis erected the Warsaw ghetto in 1940 to imprison 450,000 Jews, Irena and her collaborators created false papers allowing them access in and out of the ghetto. During World War II, Irena helped 2,500 Jewish children escape from near certain death by sneaking them out of the ghetto. Irena took these children to Polish families, orphanages, and convents and recorded a list of their names to ensure that their identities were preserved so that after the war she could help reunite them with their parents. After the records were nearly discovered in her home by the Gestapo, she put them in jars and buried them. In 1943, Irena was arrested by the Nazis and placed in prison and interrogated and tortured. When pressured about the names and locations of those she helped, Irena gave a false story that she had created in the event of her capture. She was sentenced to death. Unbeknown to her, a group called Zegota quietly negotiated with the Nazi executioner for her release. Despite her escape, the Nazis publicized Irena's death throughout the city. For the remainder of the war, Irena remained hidden, just like the children she had helped. After the war ended, she dug up the jars and worked to reunite the children with their parents. Unfortunately, sadly, most of the parents died in the Holocaust. The Uniontown students used Irena's story as an inspiration for a play called ``Life in a Jar'' to honor her contributions and to share her story with the world. Since 1999, these students, along with others from southeast Kansas, have presented ``Life in a Jar'' to over 270 venues around the world, including a performance in Warsaw. They have also performed for Holocaust survivors, many of whom were saved by Irena. Since the students' discovery, Irena has received international recognition for her brave work. She was awarded the 2003 Jan Karski Award for Valor and Courage. She was recognized by Pope John Paul II and the President of Poland. Additionally, Irena was considered for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. Irena passed away in 2008 at the age of 98. The students' legacy lives on in Kansas as well. Mr. Conard was awarded a grant from the Milken Family Foundation to build a center in Fort Scott, Kansas, committed to the teaching of the importance of respect, understanding, and religious tolerance, and to develop diversity projects about unsung heroes like Irena Sendler. The Lowell Milken Center also provides Holocaust lesson plans to teachers and uses ``Life in a Jar'' to demonstrate what students are capable of achieving. In addition, the Center has also produced a DVD to share Irena's story. Funds raised by the performance of the play and the DVD are for the care of those who worked to rescue Jewish children in Poland, like Irena. When the students from Kansas met Irena, she told them they were ``continuing the effort she began 50 years ago'' and expressed appreciation, as we should, for their work to make this piece of history known. Now their efforts to share this story inspire others. It is the hope of the project that all who learn of Irena Sendler's efforts to save the children of Poland will embrace their classroom motto, ``He who changes one person changes the world entire.''

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today we have before us the toughest, most comprehensive Iran sanctions ever considered by Congress, and I pray that we're not too late. Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, funding and arming terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. It has already produced enough low enriched uranium to produce two nuclear weapons. And since February, Iran has been converting its low enriched uranium to a level of 20 percent, which represents 85 percent of the work necessary to produce weapons-grade fuel. This legislation imposes critical energy and financial sanctions that, if implemented, will make Iran think twice--at least we hope and pray will they will think twice--about continuing their illegal nuclear program. There is a key to all of this: These sanctions must be implemented. For too long, our efforts to stop Iran have been half-hearted. Our determination to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability must exceed Iran's determination to get a bomb. President Obama must immediately enforce these sanctions. We cannot and must not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons capability.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. I traveled to Colombia in April of 2008 to see our U.S.-Colombia partnership at work. Colombia has overcome many, many challenges and more remain, and it's essential that the United States continue a positive relationship with this critical ally in South America. While it's good we're here today to discuss and pass this nonbinding resolution in support of Colombia, the better way to show our support for the Colombian people is to approve a still pending--4 years now-- trade agreement. It has been nearly 4 years since the FTA, the free trade agreement, was signed, and yet Congress has failed to act. The longer we wait to approve the free trade agreement, the more we alienate this important ally and harm the American economy. Currently, over 90 percent of Colombian goods enter our country duty free, but U.S. goods, including wheat and other agriculture commodities, are assessed at significant tariffs upon their entry to Colombia. If the Colombian Free Trade Agreement was approved, duties on U.S. wheat would immediately be eliminated, creating new opportunities for wheat exports. It's harvest time in Kansas, and new market access is critical for Kansas wheat farmers who are encountering growing wheat supplies and declining prices. Unable to move wheat on the world market, grain elevators are dropping cash prices paid to our local farmers. I support this resolution, but it is not a substitute for what we ought to be doing, approving the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I state the obvious. The Federal Government has failed when it comes to immigration. It is no surprise that Arizona is stepping forward to do the job the Federal Government has not done. Our country is a nation of laws, and they must be enforced. Whether or not this administration likes it, it is a Federal crime not to carry status documents in the United States. If they would read it, administration officials would know that Arizona's new law gives local law enforcement the authority to enforce our laws by making it a State crime for illegal immigrants to fail to carry such documents. Despite all of the misinformation and criticism, 71 percent of Arizonans, who live with this problem every day, support the new law. Though, it's not just Arizonans who are fed up with the government's failure. Many Kansans share their concern, and they support their efforts. It is the responsibility of the President to defend the United States and its people. Rather than agreeing with foreign criticism, President Obama should stand with the American people who are demanding that the Federal Government address this problem and secure our border.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I thank the gentlewoman from Kansas for yielding to me. It's one of the rare occasions in which all four Members of the House delegation from our State are together on the floor. And I am honored to be here with my colleagues. For nearly 130 years, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, has played a central role in educating military commanders and producing world leaders. Many of this college's alumni are the legendary names that my generation grew up reading about and who continue to inspire us and our country today: Marshall, MacArthur, Eisenhower, Arnold, Bradley. The legislation we consider today, introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) directs the Mint to create a coin in recognition of these 5-star generals. The proceeds will benefit the nonprofit foundation formed in 2005 to enhance the education programs offered at the Command and General Staff College. Ret. Gen. Gordon Sullivan described the Command and General Staff College as the intellectual heart of the Army. Part of what makes the heart beat so strong in recent years is the Command and General Staff College Foundation. Under the leadership of Ret. Col. Bob Ulin, the foundation has successfully supported our country's oldest and largest military staff college by offering many programs and activities to promote excellence. This success was recently acknowledged with a tremendous pledge by Ross Perot for two new education initiatives. With no shortage of threats today from around our world, our country is demanding much from those who serve us in uniform. Our servicemembers deserve the best education and training to accomplish these missions. The proceeds of these coins will help ensure that we meet this commitment to America's military men and women. I want to especially acknowledge my fellow Member from Kansas, the Honorable Lynn Jenkins, for her work in moving this legislation forward. I also want to thank my friend and colleague, Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell, who personally secured many of the bill's 300 cosponsors. Mr. Boswell is a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and a former instructor at the college. Last week I had the pleasure of watching him be inducted into Fort Leavenworth's Hall of Fame. Congratulations and best regards to my colleague from Iowa (Mr. Boswell) on this great honor. This legislation both honors these great soldiers and alumni of the Command and General Staff College, but also helps the college continue its vital mission of professional military education. I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise and join my colleagues here today to recognize a group of young women from Kansas who exemplify the meaning of teamwork: the 2010 Emporia State University Lady Hornets, who this year won the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship. Teams in my home State of Kansas and across the plains know the Emporia State University Lady Hornets all too well. Under the direction of Head Coach Brandon Schneider, the Lady Hornets have developed into a powerhouse of women's college basketball from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, the MIAA. Heading into the 2009-2010 season, Coach Schneider had led the Lady Hornets to 10 NCAA tournament appearances, six MIAA regular season conference championships, three MIAA tournament conference championships, four NCAA South Central Regional Championships, and two NCAA Division II Final Four appearances. Moreover, at the conclusion of this season, Emporia State University had been ranked as the NCAA Division II Top 25 for the last 13 seasons and has been ranked in the top 10 in weekly polls for a total of 125 weeks since 1998, more than any other program in the country. So what's the secret to success with this program? Ask anyone at Emporia State University, and they will point out that the young women are more than just a collection of basketball players. As the 2009-2010 Women's Basketball Media Guide explains: ``Being part of a women's basketball program is special because not only do the Lady Hornets come together to win games on the court, but they also come together as a family off the court.'' Even while players have been selected to the All-MIAA team, the MIAA- All Tournament team and even the Division II All-American Team, being a part of the Lady Hornets is not about the individual accolades, it is about teamwork, and teamwork has been their recipe for success. Expectations were high for the 2010 season. And the Lady Hornets did not disappoint. They began the season by winning 19 of their first 20 games and were ranked as high as number four in the national polls. However, they lost three of their last five games, including the second round upset in the MIAA tournament in Kansas City. Their season seemed to be heading off track. Most teams with such high hopes and high expectations would have easily lost that hope, but the Lady Hornets were determined to overcome these setbacks and never let their dream of becoming a national championship team die. After a quiet trip home from Kansas City to Emporia following the loss, and a little time together, the team refocused on their ultimate goal and traveled to Canyon, Texas, for the South Central Regional. Emporia State University dominated the regional and left West Texas with a ticket to the Elite 8 where the Hornets would next meet some of their fiercest competition of the year. After wins against the number 3-ranked Michigan Technological University Huskies and the number 1-ranked Gannon University Lady Knights, the Hornets headed to the national championship game. On March 26, 2010, the Lady Hornets defeated the Fort Lewis Skyhawks by a score of 65-53 to capture their first-ever women's basketball championship. Emporia State University athletes, coaches, students, alumni, faculty, and fans have much to be proud of after a season of hard work and dedication. After appearances in six national championship games in four sports, this is the first national championship in any sport since being crowned the 1984 MIAA Women's Softball National Champions. But this victory is special because it a testament to the power of teamwork. Good teams are able to overcome adversity, and that is exactly what the 2010 Emporia State University Lady Hornets managed to do en route to a national championship. Congratulations to the Lady Hornets team, seniors Cassondra Boston, Jamie Augustyn, Lacy Corker, and Sophia Lenard; juniors Ashley Ferrell, Negesti Taylor, Kayla Krueger, Dava Logsdon, and Alli Volkens; sophomore Brittney Miller; and freshmen Rachel Hanf, Jocelyn Cummings, and Kelsey Newman. Congratulations to the ESU coaches, head coach Brandon Schneider and assistant coaches Jory Collins and Kiel Unruh. Also, ESU athletic director Kent Weiser and ESU president Michael Lane deserve credit for all of their support of the team, as does assistant athletic director for media relations Donald Weast. Finally, congratulations to the Emporia State fans, some of the most dedicated in all of college basketball who have waited a long time for this accomplishment. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in commending the outstanding accomplishments of the 2010 Emporia State University Lady Hornets, a truly great team of players who know there is no ``I'' in team. Please join me in supporting H. Res. 1292 today.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development unanimously voted to admit Israel last week as its newest member. The decision to welcome Israel into this group of 30-plus nations is significant recognition that Israel has much to offer the world and a setback to international efforts to delegitimize the Jewish State. Israel is a democratic nation with an economy based on free market principles. It shares American goals of creating prosperity and new economic opportunities. Israel's high tech- and innovation-driven economy has been one of the world's strongest. It grew last year during the worldwide economic downturn and is expected to grow by 3.7 percent this year. As a member of OECD, Israel will offer an important perspective on global challenges and will help nations solve difficult problems. I congratulate Israel for overcoming unfounded objections to its membership and look forward to the contributions Israel will make to this international body.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, the security of our ally Israel is threatened by the proliferation of rockets its enemies possess along its borders. In both the south and the north, millions of Israelis live within range of Hamas and Hizballah rockets. In the last decade, more than 16,000 rockets and mortars have been launched over Gaza and Lebanese borders into Israel. These attacks have targeted and killed innocent civilians. With the backing and support of Iran and Syria, Hizballah now has an arsenal of more than 42,000 short- and long-range rockets, which are aimed at Israel. This number of rockets is more than three times larger than what Hizballah had prior to the 2006 war with Israel. U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has warned that Hizballah's ``arsenal of rockets and missiles now dwarfs the inventory of many nation- states.'' The ability of Hamas and Hizballah to launch attacks on Israeli civilians is a threat to Israel's security that must be countered. To protect its people, Israel developed Iron Dome, a short-range rocket defense system that will protect civilians living near Israel's border. H.R. 5327, the United States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act, authorizes U.S. assistance to help Israel speed up production and deployment of this rocket defense system so that more Israelis are protected from the indiscriminate attacks of its enemies. But this legislation does more than improve Israeli security; it also enhances the security of the U.S. The missile defense technology being developed in cooperation with the U.S. will help us better defend ourselves, and may one day help protect U.S. military bases in the Middle East. I support the legislation before us and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation that will help Israel maintain its qualitative military edge.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, as I travel across Kansas, I frequently visit classrooms to speak with high school and college students about the importance of civic engagement and to let young people know that their thoughts and opinions matter. Today, the House of Representatives is considering legislation that in many ways is the result of civic engagement among young people, including hundreds of Kansans. We have before us S. 1067, the Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. It is important legislation that requires the President to create a strategy to deal with the 24-year-old conflict in central Africa that has killed thousands and disrupted the lives of an entire generation. Many young Kansans have passionately advocated for vulnerable children and defenseless communities in Africa. They have participated in events like the Rescue and met with government officials. They have signed petitions, written letters to the editor, and educated others about the terrible violence committed by the LRA. They have done all of this and more knowing that they will not benefit in any material way-- they have done it simply because it is the right thing to do. The hundreds of thousands of young Americans that have advocated for this cause demonstrate to their peers and those younger than them that the voices of young people matter, that young people can make a difference. I commend the concerned young people in Kansas and across the country for their hard work and dedication. You have reason to be proud today that your efforts are paying off. As a sponsor of the Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, I encourage my colleagues to vote for this important bill. Let's do the right thing and bring an end to the LRA violence in central Africa.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, for 7 years now, my colleague Mr. Pomeroy and I have worked to preserve transportation connections for communities that would be disconnected but for their short line and regional freight railroads. Our bill, H.R. 1132, which extends the section 45G short line railroad tax credit, is supported by 259 of our colleagues. Unfortunately for Kansas businesses that depend upon rail service, the 45G credit expired last year. As a result, small railroads like the Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, the Kyle Railroad, and the Nebraska, Kansas & Colorado Railway are unable to maximize their infrastructure investments to best serve their customers. The 45G tax credit generates nearly 7 million good-paying track worker hours each year. More importantly, the tax credit helps farmers and coops in rural communities of Kansas move grain to food processors in Kansas City and manufacturers in Wichita to move steel and their finished goods to market. I rise today to express my hope that we can find a path forward to continue the economic development and sound transportation policy fostered by the tax provisions contained in H.R. 1132.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, Kansans continue to suffer from the effects of the recession. Times remain tough for many. Small business owners are struggling to keep the doors of their businesses open. Families are struggling to pay their bills. When faced with difficult times, Kansans make sacrifices. They cut back where they can and stretch every dollar to make ends meet. Times are also tough for the Federal Government. The national debt is more than $12 trillion and it continues to grow every day. When times are tough, Kansans expect their government to act like they do--to make sacrifices and cut spending. Yet, the Federal Government is spending more than ever before. One of the first places Congress should look to cut spending is the annual cost-of-living increase for Members of Congress. Representatives and Senators do not deserve a raise, especially when many Kansans will not receive a raise this year and the unemployment rate remains high. I have long been opposed to the hidden process by which Members of Congress get an increase in their pay. The lack of transparency in the yearly raise only serves to increase skepticism, disillusion and distrust of government. Last year, I sponsored H.R. 1597, which eliminates the automatic pay increase for Members of Congress. If Members of Congress believe they have earned a raise, they should vote on it in full view of the public. I am pleased today, that the House of Representatives is considering a bill in clear view of the public that would do away with the cost-of- living increase for next year. While this legislation, H.R. 5146, is only a one-year fix to the problem, it is an important first step and I am proud to be one of the sponsors of this legislation. I oppose the yearly automatic increase in pay and strongly support today's legislation to make sure Members of Congress do not get a raise next year. Our employers, the voters, are right to be unhappy with Washington's spending spree. There should be no increase in congressional pay until Congress listens to the public and cuts spending.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, Today is Yom Ha'atzmaut--Israel's Independence Day. On this day, Israelis celebrate the establishment of the State of Israel as a place of refuge and national homeland for the Jewish people. Although Jews have maintained a continuous presence in the Land of Israel for more than 3,000 years, it was not until 1948 that they reestablished a state in their traditional land. Since that time, Israel has faced many challenges to its existence. Neighboring Arab nations have launched wars against Israel and attempted to cripple its economy through boycotts. Terrorists have attacked repeatedly, killing civilians and soldiers alike. Iranian leaders have threatened to ``wipe Israel off the map'' and are steadily moving toward acquiring the means to do so. Israel's enemies are engaged in a campaign to delegitimize the Jewish state. Even in the face of continual efforts to defeat and destroy Israel, the Jewish state has been successful in establishing more peaceful relations with its neighbors and making its people more secure. Israel has signed peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. Its efforts to combat terrorism have resulted in a reduction in terrorist attacks--cutting that number in half since 2006. Israel also continues to seek peace with the Palestinians. Despite overwhelming odds, Israel has not only survived, but it has flourished for the past 62 years. Israel has established a representative democracy with an independent judicial system and strong rule of law. Its citizens are free to worship and speak as they wish. Israel has also established itself as a world leader in technological innovation. Despite more than half its land being desert, Israelis have ``made the desert bloom,'' growing food for consumption and export. Its universities are first-rate, producing new generations of artists, entrepreneurs, scientists and doctors. And, despite its size, Israel produces more start ups than many larger nations. In fact, there are more Israeli companies than European companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange. Israel is also a nation that cares about the fate of others. Immediately after learning of the devastating earthquake in Haiti this January, Israel sent hundreds of its citizens to treat the injured and search for survivors. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported after the earthquake that only an estimated 25 Jews lived in Haiti. But, that didn't stop Israel from committing manpower and money to do everything it could to save and preserve all life in Haiti. Through struggles and achievements both, the United States has stood by Israel's side. Our nations share many of the same values and are partners in an effort to build a better world. There are those that argue, however, that the United States would be better off if we distanced ourselves from Israel, if we weakened our alliance. I am here to say that this would be the worst thing we could do. The United States and Israel are both stronger when we work together against common threats. Economic and cultural ties between our two nations enrich the lives of Americans and Israelis. Our friendship is important and must remain strong. Today, on Israel's Independence Day, I commend the people of Israel for their many remarkable achievements, congratulate them as they celebrate their 62nd anniversary of independence, and look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Today is April 15, Tax Day, and across the country citizens concerned with the direction our Nation is headed are rallying together to send Washington, D.C., a message. Though I was unable to join the people at these rallies, it is my duty to be here in the House of Representatives today to share their message and to speak and to vote against this bill. First, this bill is shortsighted because it increases the deficit by $18 billion, a cost to be paid for by future generations. This Congress has spent and borrowed its way into record deficits. Second, the so-called doc fix in this bill is an example of Congress avoiding real solutions necessary to improve health care for Americans. The short-term doc fix included in this bill is hardly a fix when Kansas hospitals and doctors have to endure this wait-and-see game every few months while still working to care for folks and keep their doors open. We need a permanent solution to this ongoing problem so that doctors can regain a sense of stability and predictability in their practices. And thirdly, despite its intention, this bill does little to address our country's persistent high unemployment rate. Rather than continuing to spend money we do not have, Congress needs to pursue a strategy of job creation. This legislation is yet another unfortunate example of ``business as usual'' in our Nation's capital; same old story from a Congress that needs to learn its lessons from the American people, a story told one more time on this Tax Day, April 15.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, in these final hours of this year's tax season, Americans are finishing up their tax returns. For a majority of these taxpayers, it's painfully clear that our Nation's tax system is deeply flawed and in need of significant reform. American workers are asked to work for 3 full months to fulfill their yearly Federal, State, and local tax obligations. This is unacceptable. To require already stressed family budgets to forfeit at least a quarter of their income to prop up expanding bureaucracy and increasing Federal employment is just wrong. We are taught at a young age to work hard and that we will reap the benefits of hard work. Americans have witnessed that government is claiming more and more of those hard-earned benefits from the fruits of our labors. Instead of searching for a way to provide relief to American households, some officials within the administration have proposed new taxes that will further burden small businesses and consumers. The European-style value-added tax would levy a tax at each stage of manufacturing, thereby increasing the cost of the finished product. This is damaging not only to the consumer, but also to many industries involved in manufacturing production. I'm a member of the Anti-VAT Caucus. I recognize the dangers of imposing this new tax upon the American economy, and I've joined over a dozen of my colleagues in working to educate Members of Congress on the problems posed by establishing a whole new series of taxes. Instead of adding new taxes, Congress should be focused on reforming the current tax structure. I've called upon the new chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), to schedule hearings on Tax Code simplification. The FairTax proposal was one of those ideas that I've asked his committee to consider. The FairTax can start the conversation on tax reform, and I encourage my colleagues who are serious about having this discussion to join me in contacting the chairman. People across the country are demanding that Congress listen to their concerns and find a more equitable and less burdensome way of paying taxes. I share their frustration and have called upon my colleagues in Congress to put the politics aside and provide tax relief and reform for this country. Americans have made it known that they are in need of serious tax reform. Through increased spending and budget deficits, Congress has awakened an American majority dedicated to government reform. Members of Congress have an obligation to be responsive to our people's needs. As the American people gather this week to make their voices heard, Congress must listen. These gatherings are occurring all over our country and here on Capitol Hill. In my home State of Kansas, these engaged citizens will be meeting in Mound City this evening; Kansas City, Hutchinson, Salina, Manhattan, Wamego, and Wichita tomorrow; and Ottawa and Emporia will have meetings on Saturday. While these gatherings are occurring, millions of other Americans unable to attend will join in spirit to protest the expansion of government in our daily lives. As we approach the end of tax season, Congress must remember the sacrifices made by each American household. While this is the end of tax season, the rest of the year should be deemed the season of tax reform. The American people need relief, and Congress should respond. Jobs today and the health of the U.S. economy tomorrow demand our action.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. The National Right to Life Committee and Planned Parenthood don't agree on much, but over the past few days they both agree that the executive order regarding abortion that President Obama signed is meaningless. This order states that no public funds will be used to pay for abortions in the health care insurance exchanges set up under the plan. But an executive order cannot change law, and the bill President Obama signed into law on Tuesday allows taxpayer money to fund abortion. Directing taxpayer dollars to fund abortion is a violation of many Americans' deeply held beliefs, and we should not be forced to compromise our core moral principles as a means to health care reform. This new law represents a retreat from the Hyde amendment, which has banned the use of taxpayer funds for abortions since 1976. Republicans and Democrats in the House have agreed on little during the health care debate. The one amendment that passed with bipartisan support was eliminated in the rush to pass health care reform using reconciliation. Expediency replaced principle.