Sue Myrick

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would just say to the gentleman that we do have a bit of a philosophical difference here because, throughout history, every time we have done tax relief, the economy improves, and we put more money into the system, and it pays for itself over and over and over and over and over again. So this is just a philosophical difference we have. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert). (Mr. BOEHLERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert).

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume and would just say that I am glad the gentleman agrees that we need tax relief and we need fiscal constraint, because the budget we are looking at bringing forward, of course, has a freeze on spending, which is a very important part of this to reduce the deficit. And again I would just say that we have a difference in how we look at this and how we pay for the tax cuts, because we believe that there will be increased monies coming in to the Treasury through the economic generation that is done with the tax relief. It has happened throughout history. And because of that, we will see the tax cuts paid for and the deficit reduced. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder), another distinguished member of the Committee on Rules.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I say to my friend from Massachusetts that tax cuts do not cost money, they make money. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox).

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 580 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. On Thursday, March 25, 2004, the Committee on Rules announced that it may meet the week of March 29 to grant a rule which could limit the amendment process for floor consideration of H.R. 3966. The announcement further stated that any Member wishing to offer an amendment submit the amendment to the Committee on Rules by 1 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2004. No amendments were submitted to the Committee on Rules for their consideration. H.R. 3966 is based on a simple principle. Colleges and universities that accept Federal funding should also be willing to provide military recruiters the same access as other prospective employers to students in ROTC scholarship programs. This legislation would improve the ability of the Department of Defense to establish and maintain ROTC detachments and ensure that military recruiters have access to college campuses and students. Successful recruitment for our military relies heavily on the ability of these recruiters to have access to the students and the students to be able to have access to the recruiter easily. This bill also requires an annual verification of colleges and universities who already support ROTC that they will continue to do so in the upcoming academic year. The Department of Defense seeks nothing more than the opportunity to compete for students on an equal footing with other prospective employers. At no time since World War II has our Nation's freedom and security relied more upon our military than now as we engage in the global war on terrorism. Our Nation's all-volunteer armed services have been called upon to serve, and they are performing their mission with the highest standards. The military's ability to perform at this standard can only be maintained with effective and uninhibited recruitment programs. As many of my colleagues know, the Armed Forces face a constant challenge in recruiting top-quality personnel, and I believe that ROTC programs are ideally suited to meet those needs. To that end, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would just like to note, Mr. Speaker, that Albania is a country that is a NATO aspirant and Albania's Prime Minister Fatos Nano is visiting Washington today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, in a tragedy personified by the killing of a young woman from middle America, we were reminded of the unsung goodness and bravery of so many Americans serving their country overseas. On March 9, 2004, Fern Holland, of Miami, Oklahoma, was the first American civilian killed in the Iraq war. Her death has sparked over 200 national news reports, and an outpouring of grief from around the globe. Fern's story has touched people like me who never knew her, but who can now never forget her. It's rare these days to know someone who is willing to sacrifice the comforts America offers to serve others who are less fortunate. It is even more rare to know a person who is willing to sacrifice their own life in order to improve the lives of others around the world. Fern Holland was an American hero who sacrificed both the comforts of home, and indeed even her life, to make the world a better place. People who exemplify such compassion and courage should be honored, and by telling her story I hope that she will be remembered. Fern was a successful attorney, first in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and later in Washington, DC. She walked away from a lucrative career to carry out human rights work in violence plagued Guinea, Liberia, and later Iraq. In her first effort to help others overseas, Fern lived in a remote village in Namibia as a Peace Corps volunteer. She helped the villagers there learn English, and built a computer laboratory to access the internet. Later, Fern worked for the American Refugee Committee where she investigated sexual assaults in a violence-plagued refugee camp in Guinea. There, she established the first sex violence legal clinic that to date has processed more than 100 cases. Last year, after major combat operations in Iraq concluded, Fern traveled to Iraq and worked for the Coalition Provisional Authority as a women's rights specialist. She helped establish women's rights, she established service centers throughout Iraq, and she helped found an Iraqi women's political party. The day before her death, Iraqi leaders signed an interim constitution that includes a controversial provision Fern helped draft. It establishes a goal for 25 percent female membership in the national assembly. Knowing of the dangers in Iraq, especially in working to extend women's rights, Fern wrote to friends only weeks before her death, ``I love the work and if I die, know that I'm doing precisely what I want to be doing--working to organize and educate human rights activists and women's groups''. These are but a few of Fern Holland's contributions to the world, a world which is a better place because of her. In this day and time, when the world seems dark and dreary, we look to people like Fern Holland who's bright light gives us hope. Fern displayed a compassion and commitment to people that Jesus spoke about when he said, ``Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'' Her sacrifice is an example and inspiration to all who strive for a better world, and she will be missed.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to lend my strong support to the Republican Study Committee budget. As chairman of the RSC, I am very proud of this budget and I want the thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling) for all of his hard work on making this possible. I also want to commend the gentleman from Iowa (Chairman Nussle) for his hard work and dedication to reining in spending. The gentleman from Iowa and the leadership of the House spent a lot of time honestly listening to Members' concerns. The underlying budget is an important first step for our conference, and I am very proud to support it. However, I had hoped that we could do more. Hardworking Americans have to watch their spending, and so should Congress. Congress has got to get in the mind-set of spending less. I will continue to remind my colleagues that Americans expect us to be responsible with their tax dollars. It takes them a long time to earn those dollars to send up here for us to spend. This RSC budget reduces nondefense, nonhomeland security discretionary spending by 1 percent compared to last year's level. It assumes the President's numbers for tax relief over the next 5 years. The Committee on the Budget calls for $152.6 billion in tax relief. We call for $182.6 billion. Most importantly, it establishes a fire wall, preventing the consideration of appropriations bills until at least $402 billion is provided for defense and military construction. The RSC budget brings true accountability to the Federal budget. It is time Congress gets serious about reining in wasteful spending and getting our budget under control. This is what we were sent here to do. That is what the American people expect us to do. They want us to stop business as usual and stop the excuses.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. September 11, 2001, is a day that should be etched in the mind of every American, because that is the day that terrorists chose to attack America and that threat is still here. The primary function of our Federal Government is to protect our citizens and we are doing our best to see that happens. It is now 1 year since the coalition forces entered Iraq to free those people from Saddam Hussein's rule of terror. Freedom is flourishing and the Iraqi people know they are better off. However, terrorists are still doing everything they can to interrupt that and see that does not happen. The Iraqi people are in control of their destiny for the first time, and we are here today to encourage them in that effort, and we are here today to say thank you to our troops, all those men and women who have served in the past in this effort and who are serving now over there, giving of themselves and giving their lives so they can protect these freedoms that we all enjoy. We know the world is safer today without Saddam Hussein. We must never forget 9/11 and that we are fighting over there so we do not have to fight the terrorists here at home. And no matter what the terrorists try to do, they need to be reminded that these colors do not run.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 554 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost); pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. On Tuesday, the Committee on Rules met and granted a structured rule for H.R. 3717, the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004. H.R. 3717 is a direct response to the increasing levels of indecency on broadcast television and radio. The bill has strong bipartisan support, with over 145 cosponsors, and is a comprehensive measure that is reasonable, fair and firm. The problem of obscenity on TV has been going on for far too long. However, the Super Bowl brought it to national attention. On February 1, millions of families were at home watching the Super Bowl together. I myself was watching the game, cheering on my Carolina Panthers. This was a moment of pride for my district, and in one moment the attention was shifted. I was appalled by the shameless stunt that took place during the Super Bowl. And the excuses I have heard ring very hollow. Obviously, if it was deliberate, then Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake thought they could get away with it. Mr. Speaker, my constituents are very tired of having to cover over their children's eyes and ears every time they turn on the television set, especially during the time that is supposed to be considered family time. H.R. 3717 the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004 raises the maximum penalty cap for broadcast stations, networks, and performers to $500,000 for each indecency violation. By significantly increasing the FCC fines for indecency, networks and individuals will do more than just apologize for airing such brazen material, they will be paying big bucks for their offenses. I am very pleased that this legislation streamlines the Federal Communication Commission enforcement process for networks and individuals who willfully and intentionally put indecent material over the broadcast airwaves. So complaints do not languish at the FCC, the bill requires them to complete action on indecency complaints within 270 days of receipt. In the past, there have been examples where it has taken several years, and the broadcasters know they will not be taken to task until long after the offense is over. I want to commend the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), for moving this legislation so swiftly through his committee. I also want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) for his resolve to protect our Nation's airwaves. He has been working on this issue for a long, long time. Broadcast airwaves belong to the American people, not to the networks. So I believe it is time for Congress to defend and protect America's parents and children and pass a tough bill to ensure decency on the airwaves. To that end, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder), a fellow member of the Committee on Rules.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), the subcommittee chairman whose bill this is.

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Paul). (Mr. PAUL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take note of the decision recently issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that upholds the intent of Congress in passing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. In the years since the Telecom Act was passed we have seen many important advances in the telecom sector, both technologically and in terms of lower prices for consumers. The Appeals Court found that the FCC did not comply with the Telecom Act when it voted 3-2 last year to adopt its Triennial Review Order. This marks the third time since 1996 that the FCC's rules have been rejected by U.S. Courts. The FCC's failure to get the rules right once again is damaging to consumers, the economy, and the industry. The seemingly never ending intra-industry legal and regulatory battles are resulting in continued uncertainty in the telecommunications and technology sectors. What is at stake is consumer choice, deployment of new and advanced technology, and the livelihood of tens of thousands of workers whose jobs have been lost in this telecommunications recession. I urge not only the FCC but also the industry itself to end these battles and to devise rules that make sense and which will provide the certainty and incentives needed to free up major investment in the telecommunications sector. Consumers and workers will win only when this happens.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, when a baby is in the womb and someone violently attacks the mother and causes injuries or takes the life of that child, then the offender should be held responsible, and current law is unjust in that case. An individual who commits a Federal crime of violence against a pregnant woman receives no additional punishment for killing or injuring the woman's unborn child while committing the crime. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act protects the unborn child from violent crime. Those who injure or kill the child will be charged with a separate offense. The legislation is being called merely symbolic by its opponents. But how many women in America would view the loss of their wanted unborn child through violent means as merely symbolic? All we have to do is ask the woman who has just lost her child after a violent attack, it is not the same thing as a simple assault. Clearly it is more serious, and it is more emotionally jarring to that woman, and it should be treated accordingly. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this rule and to support the underlying legislation.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor and recognize UNC Charlotte Chancellor Emeritus Dean Wallace Colvard. On February 24, 2004 he will receive an award that recognizes his lasting impact on our nation. Dr. Colvard, 90, is the 2004 recipient of The Echo Award Against Indifference, given by the Echo Foundation in honor of his lifelong commitment to equity and justice. Dr. Colvard is best known for his courageous stand against racial discrimination in 1963 as president of Mississippi State University, when he challenged an unwritten state policy and allowed the basketball team to travel to Loyola of Chicago to compete in the NCAA tournament against African American players. Although his team lost, 61-51, Colvard and Mississippi State won national respect for their quest to end segregation--and opened doors of opportunity for future generations. Forty years later, in 2003, Mississippi State made national news for earning its second trip to the NCAA, and Colvard's actions were chronicled in a Sports Illustrated story looking back on the historic event. To this day, Colvard downplays the significance of his decision, saying he only did what was right. Dr. Colvard was born in the Appalachian Mountains in Grassy Creek, N.C. in 1913--in a home with no electricity, indoor plumbing or running water. He was the first member of his family to go to college, entering the work-study program at Berea College in Kentucky with $100 in his pocket. Those humble beginnings instilled in him a lifelong commitment to equity and justice. He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in animal physiology from the University of Missouri and a doctoral degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University. He has served as superintendent of North Carolina Agricultural Research Stations; professor and head of the animal science department and later, dean of agriculture at North Carolina State College; president of Mississippi State University; and first chancellor of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He played an instrumental role in shaping the new university by securing regional and national accreditation for its programs and building a campus to accommodate enrollment that swelled from 1,700 to 8,705 students during his chancellorship. Dr. Colvard was also instrumental in creating University Research Park and Discovery Place Science Museum in Charlotte, and the North Carolina School for Math and Science in Durham--the nation's first public, residential high school that emphasizes a science and mathematics curriculum. Among Colvard's many honors are the United States Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Award (1966); the University of North Carolina University Award (1989); the North Carolina Public Service Award, presented by Gov. James Martin (1990); and honorary degrees from Purdue University, Belmont Abbey College, UNC Charlotte and Berea College.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor and recognize UNC Charlotte Chancellor Emeritus Dean Wallace Colvard. On February 24, 2004 he will receive an award that recognizes his lasting impact on our nation. Dr. Colvard, 90, is the 2004 recipient of The Echo Award Against Indifference, given by the Echo Foundation in honor of his lifelong commitment to equity and justice. Dr. Colvard is best known for his courageous stand against racial discrimination in 1963 as president of Mississippi State University, when he challenged an unwritten state policy and allowed the basketball team to travel to Loyola of Chicago to compete in the NCAA tournament against African-American players. Although his team lost, 61-51, Colvard and Mississippi State won national respect for their quest to end segregation--and opened doors of opportunity for future generations. Forty years later, in 2003, Mississippi State made national news for earning its second trip to the NCAA, and Colvard's actions were chronicled in a Sports Illustrated story looking back on the historic event. To this day, Colvard downplays the significance of his decision, saying he only did what was right. Dr. Colvard was born in the Appalachian Mountains in Grassy Creek, N.C. in 1913--in a home with no electricity, indoor plumbing or running water. He was the first member of his family to go to college, entering the work-study program at Berea College in Kentucky with $100 in his pocket. Those humble beginnings instilled in him a lifelong commitment to equity and justice. He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in animal physiology from the University of Missouri and a doctoral degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University. He has served as superintendent of North Carolina Agricultural Research Stations; professor and head of the animal science department and later, dean of agriculture at North Carolina State College; president of Mississippi State University; and first chancellor of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He played an instrumental role in shaping the new university by securing regional and national accreditation for its programs and building a campus to accommodate enrollment that swelled from 1,700 to 8,705 students during his chancellorship. Dr. Colvard was also instrumental in creating University Research Park and Discovery Place Science Museum in Charlotte, and the North Carolina School for Math and Science in Durham--the nation's first public, residential high school that emphasizes a science and mathematics curriculum. Among Colvard's many honors are the United States Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Award (1966); the University of North Carolina University Award (1989); the North Carolina Public Service Award, presented by Gov. James Martin (1990); and honorary degrees from Purdue University, Belmont Abbey College, UNC Charlotte and Berea College.

Mrs. MYRICK

Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 513 and ask for its immediate consideration.