Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Jimmy W. Nelson family for being selected the 2005 Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family. The Nelson family has been involved in farming in Northwest Florida through four generations. Both Jimmy and his wife Wynell are fourth generation farmers born in Santa Rosa County in my district. Their extensive history with working the land has helped them instill in their children the same love and appreciation of farming. Their son and two daughters helped with the family's farmwork up until the time they went off to college, and they still frequently visit to make sure the family business is still going strong. Active in farming through all of his school years, Jimmy was also a member of the FFA in high school. In 1967, Jimmy began working as a pilot with Jay Flying Service, which he and his wife Wynell now own. The company has been the longest running crop spraying business in the Jay area, and Jimmy has helped with spraying crops since his first day with the business in addition to farming the 80 acres that he and his wife live on. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my sincere commendation to a family that could serve as a role model to us all. A deep sense of work ethic and values has been instilled through all the generations of the Jimmy W. Nelson Family. It is my hope that this family tradition continues for many generations to come.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am sure it is no surprise to many of you that some of my constituents do oppose personal retirement accounts, so when they do I ask them this very question: Would you agree or disagree Congress should have, when it created Social Security, set up a really true lockbox that earned interest on their FICA contributions? Of course they eagerly agree that the money should have been set aside and used only for Social Security benefits. I then follow up with the question: Then why in the world would you be opposed to a personal lockbox, if you will? It is not secret here in Congress we have not had the discipline in many instances to keep our hands out of the cookie jar of Social Security. Now to stop this I propose that in the future that Congress cannot get its hands on the money in the first place. As soon as workers can start to save part of their Social Security money in a personal retirement account, with their very name on it, this Congress will have to find its money elsewhere. Growing Real Ownership for Workers legislation is something that our colleague, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. McCrery) introduced, that would strictly use Social Security dollars for Social Security benefits. Now these GROW accounts mandate that Social Security taxes be used for benefit payments to those people who have worked hard, who have followed the rules and have earned the right to a secure retirement. The accounts would be created for workers under the age of 55 unless they choose not to participate. The current Social Security surplus would be dedicated to individual GROW accounts where it would be invested in guaranteed marketable Treasury securities, real assets that workers themselves would own and on which account balances would, in fact, be inheritable. Workers age 55 and older will continue to participate in the Social Security system that we know today. Nothing changes. People should have the right if they wish to invest their Social Security taxes in safe, diversified funds like a Thrift Savings Plan that Federal employees and Members of Congress have. The return, in fact, has been proven to be better than the government's 1.6 percent return on Social Security. Younger workers should have the opportunity to receive a higher retirement income than the current system will be able to pay by the time that they can retire themselves. Workers between the ages of 22 and 55 should have the option of joining the personal account system, and people younger than 22 could, in fact, be required to join that system. Those retiring after about 2042 can really expect to receive only about 73 percent or less of what they are being promised today. A reasonable reform would allow them the opportunity to improve their retirement incomes by investing a portion of their current payroll taxes. The current system owes some $10.4 trillion more in promised benefits than it can afford to pay, and each passing year adds an additional $600 million to the cost of permanently fixing the Social Security system. Benefits will be reduced and taxes may have to be raised. As I have been visiting high school seniors in my district over the last few months, I have entered into a dialogue with many of the students over the future of Social Security, and I have asked some students if they believe that Social Security will be around for them to collect when they retire. Out of the five classrooms, only one hand was raised. That is one out of approximately 175 young adults around the age of 18 who actually have faith in our current Social Security system. Young adults are supportive of personal accounts because they understand that they will be better off during their retirement years. And they also realize that they will not have to worry about placing a financial burden on their children and grandchildren who would otherwise have to act as a financial caretaker in their retirement years. I have received correspondence from my constituents 50 years and older eagerly opposing the accounts due to a very common misconception. The middle-aged and elderly residents in my area have a fear of not receiving the benefits that they have been promised in the system. To them I say this: they will receive their benefits just as promised. For them the Social Security system will not change in any way. However, I think it would be a disgrace to deny our younger generation and generations to come the opportunity to build a nest egg, if you will, and prepare adequately for their future. Many people ask what safeguards will the government have to protect these personal accounts if someone invests poorly or recklessly. Clearly, not everyone is comfortable in investing. So Social Security reform will have to include some type of safeguard for its participants in the personal account system. Aside from the strong performance of financial markets over the long term, as well as the fact that a majority of your account will remain in the Social Security trust fund as a safety net, the personal accounts that will be offered will be fully diversified. Another idea that has been talked about is having participants purchase an inflation-adjusted annuity that is at least equal to 100 percent of the poverty level for their retirement. Democrats have said this: they think that we should eliminate the $90,000 cap on income. Even completely eliminating the cap on taxable wages would only postpone permanent deficits by 6 years, from 2018 to 2024. A temporary fix would likely require future generations to raise taxes over and over, and I think that our constituents deserve better than that. Now more than ever, those of us here in Congress have a responsibility to make the tough decision while not making the financial burden any harder on the American people. Voluntary personal retirement accounts are very beneficial for the workers and retirees of the future. They would be accumulating money in their own account throughout their working life. And that money would grow through investment over the years. Because their dollars are growing over the course of decades, they would be able to have a more comfortable retirement without relying entirely on the next generation of workers coming after them. Mr. Speaker, I think we all agree that we need to move towards change now. Let us pass legislation that includes some type of personal retirement accounts. And as we talk about this issue tonight, again I want to thank the gentlewoman from Kentucky (Mrs. Northup) for bringing this issue forward. I look forward to the opportunity of conversing with my other colleagues on the this very important issue.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall Votes Nos. 363-379 from July 11 to July 14, 2005. Following Hurricane Dennis' landfall in my district on July 10, 2005, it wasn't possible for 3 days to fly out of the area, and it became clear during that time that it was most prudent to remain in the district for the balance of the week to survey and assist with immediate needs following the storm's passage. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted: Rollcall vote No. 363, H. Con. Res. 168, condemning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for the abductions and continued captivity of citizens of the Republic of Korea and Japan as acts of terrorism and gross violations of human rights, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 364, H. Res. 333, supporting the goals and ideals of a National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection for Darfur, Sudan, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 365, Previous Question on H. Res. 352, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 366, H. Res. 351, the rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 739, H.R. 740, H.R. 741, and H.R. 742, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 367, H. Res. 352, providing that the House of Representatives will focus on removing barriers to competitiveness of the United States economy, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 368, H. Res. 343, commending the State of Kuwait for granting women certain important political rights, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 369, H.R. 739, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide for adjudicative flexibility with regard to the filing of a notice of contest by an employer following the issuance of a citation or proposed assessment of a penalty by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 370, H.R. 740, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide for greater efficiency at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 371, H.R. 741, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide for judicial deference to conclusions of law determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission with respect to an order issued by the Commission, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 372, H.R. 742, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide for the award of attorneys' fees and costs to small employers when such employers prevail in litigation prompted by the issuance of a citation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 373, Capps Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 6, ``nay''; Rollcall vote No. 374, H.R. 3100, to authorize measures to deter arms transfers by foreign countries to the People's Republic of China, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 375, H. Res. 356, condemning in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in London, England, on July 7, 2005, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 376, Rohrbacher Amendment to H.R. 2864, ``nay''; Rollcall vote No. 377, Flake Amendment to H.R. 2864, ``aye''; Rollcall vote No. 378, final passage of H.R. 2864, Water Resources Development Act of 2005, ``nay''; and Rollcall vote No. 379, H. Con. Res. 191, Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the conclusion of the War in the Pacific and honoring veterans of both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of the Second World War, ``aye''.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of Clifford W. Barnhart. Mr. Barnhart had a tremendous impact in my district over his tenure as editor of the Pensacola News Journal and as an appointed Escambia County Commissioner. A native of New Alexandria, PA who began his career in Pittsburgh, he was already a seasoned newspaper man when he arrived in Pensacola. Not only was he respected for his business acumen, but he was also admired for his service to community, whether in the form of supporting local sporting events for youngsters or making sure that readers were always well informed. When Hurricane Frederic, a dangerous Category 3 storm hit the Gulf Coast in 1979, Mr. Barnhart managed to get the paper on the street the very next morning. When Governor Jeb Bush needed to replace four elected county commissioners who had been removed from office because of scandal, Mr. Barnhart was one of the people that he knew could be trusted to restore integrity to the position. Even though he had been retired from the Pensacola News Journal for 18 years, Mr. Barnhart gladly stepped forward to serve his community. My prayers go out to Clifford's wife Zee, his son Scott Barnhart, his daughters Bonnie Mae Barnhart and Sue Glenn, and all others who mourn the loss of this great man. He loved his family as they loved him, and his loss will have a vast impact on so many. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with no small amount of sorrow that I tell of the passing of Clifford Barnhart from this world, and his family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce H.R. 3200 the Service members' Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005. Honorable Shelley Berkley, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, joins me as an original cosponsor of the bill. H.R. 3200 would amend and make permanent certain provisions of Public Law 109-13, the War Supplemental, as they pertain to the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs, which expire on September 30, 2005. Specifically, this bill would make permanent the maximum increases in coverage for both Servicemembers' and Veterans' Group Life Insurance from $250,000 to $400,000, and make permanent the increments of SGLI coverage a servicemember may elect from $10,000 to $50,000. It would also require the military service Secretary concerned to notify a servicemember's spouse or an unmarried servicemember's next-of-kin, in writing, if the servicemember declines coverage or chooses an amount of coverage less than the maximum, as well as ensure that a servicemember's spouse be notified if the servicemember designates someone other than the spouse or child as the policy beneficiary. Finally, the bill would amend the new Traumatic Injury Protection program, established in Public Law 109-13, to allow a servicemember to opt out of the program. Mr. Speaker, Congress recognized the need to enhance VA insurance benefits provided to our servicemen and women and did so in the Supplemental. This bill builds on the provisions enacted in Public Law 109-13 and ensures that servicemembers are provided with adequate insurance options to protect their families and loved ones. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 188.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume I rise today in support of this resolution which reminds us that brave American service men and women willingly risk their lives to defend the United States' interests and the freedom and values that we all enjoy as citizens. Such commitment imposes on the rest of us an obligation, an obligation to ensure that we do not break faith with those who serve, and that we respond to such commitment by resolving to provide the necessary resources for our military forces to successfully carry out the missions assigned to them. Nine years ago this past Saturday, a truck bomb exploded outside the fence around the Khobar Towers compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The bomb, estimated at more than 3,000 pounds, detonated about 85 feet from a residential housing unit that housed U.S. troops, killing 19 U.S. Air Force servicemen, and wounding hundreds of other Americans. The force of that explosion destroyed or damaged six high-rise apartment buildings and shattered windows throughout the residential compound. Today, we honor the 19 airmen who gave their lives, the supreme sacrifice, at the hands of terrorists 20 miles away from Dhahran. This Congress joins me in paying tribute to those men who are individually recognized in H. Con. Res. 188. Mr. Speaker, I thought when I was drafting this resolution that it is ironic that just a month ago we celebrated Memorial Day, where we honored the men and women who have died in the pursuit, and subsequently the defense, of freedom in wars, domestic and foreign, since the founding of our country. One week from today, we will be celebrating the founding of America, our birthday, the Declaration of Independence, upon which our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. As we celebrate our Fourth of July or Memorial Day on their designated day, they are a constant reminder of the sacrifice of these men. Twelve of the 19 men killed were based at Eglin Air Force Base in my district and several, along with their families, were constituents. It is my hope that all of America will pause and give thanks to their sacrifice. This week in Washington, D.C., the parents and loved ones of many of those who sacrificed their lives are the guests of the FBI, and some of them are here today in the House gallery as we present this resolution. I want to personally pay a word of deepest appreciation to the families of these heroes. We can never undo the tragedy that they have lived. We can never alleviate the pain that I know is with each of them every day, but I would hope and I know my colleagues join me in this hope, that with the adoption of this resolution, they will take from our action some solace in the fact that we do not forget the contributions and sacrifices of their loved ones. They are much more than men in uniform to them; they were their lives. Bridget Brooks, mother of Airman First Class Joseph E. Rimkus, is a constituent of mine and works at Eglin even today. I regret that she is not able to be here today, so, Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues the kind of man who was lost, in his mother's own words. ``When Joseph joined the military, he told me that now he could have a flag on his coffin like his grandfather. He knew I worried about his safety and had not allowed him to join when he was 17, but he was so devoted to the military that in his last letter to me, he told me that I was his hero and he was going to make a career out of serving his country. He was so proud to be in the Air Force. ``As for his youth, he became the man of the house when his father abandoned us while serving a tour in Korea, and Joseph was my biggest supporter as I put myself through college. He called me the day he died, and his last words to me were that he loved me. ``He was the tenth firstborn son to be named Joseph. He did not talk about being a father because that was a done deal. Instead, he talked in great length of what kind of grandfather he would be. ``My family may never recover from this loss. Joseph was one of those rare souls who gave all. Before he left, he made sure that I knew he was a Christian and he would be a Catholic all of his life. Can you imagine how that knowledge has comforted me? There is no amount of money to pay for that. Even to this day, people still tell me how wonderful he was. ``In the court case against Iran, one airman, who I did not know, testified that while they were all huddled in mass after the bombing, and they knew the boys who were killed, it was Joseph's presence that he felt. That does not surprise me. Joseph was there for his friends. That is just what he would do.'' Mr. Speaker, our action on this resolution is a message to those who died, their family members, our Nation and the rest of the world that we honor the sacrifices of these 19 airmen and the families that they left behind. They served with the highest and best military traditions. No one could have served better or given more. I urge all of my colleagues to join me and the 47 original cosponsors in support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, again, I have no more speakers and I would suffice to say that we urge passage of this resolution and the fact that these nomads will forever be protecting us. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize several members of my district who have given their time in support of Congressional Award program. Since 1979, the Congressional Award program has encouraged young people around the Nation to learn about their community, their government and themselves. Taking part in the program, young men and women ages 14 through 23 challenge themselves to accomplish established goals in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and an expedition. Participants earn bronze, silver and gold medals based on their levels of achievement. This is a non-competitive, highly individualized program allowing all young people, whether fit or disabled, affluent or disadvantaged, to get involved. Within Florida's First District, I have had the unparalleled support of the Congressional Award Council, most recently led by Martha Krehely. This council is one of only four chartered in the nation and has been a backbone in nurturing the program over the last decade. Mrs. Krehely, along with her husband Don, Ann Ball, Jacqualine Young, Margaret Restucher, James Sheffer, Lamar Smith, Thomas Gilliam, Honor Bell, Henry Giles and Jeff Weeks, have selflessly devoted hundreds of hours over the years to young men and women working to achieve their goals. Through their efforts the program has grown so that over 120 young adults are currently participating. Their tireless commitment led to dozens of participants earning their bronze, silver and gold medals. As several members move on to other challenges, we can all be grateful for the strength and character they helped foster in the lives of our future leaders. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the First Congressional District's Congressional Award Council and wish them continued success in all their endeavors.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, ``They tried and that was important,'' said Colonel Thomas Schaefer, the U.S. Embassy defense attache and one of hostages. ``It is tragic 8 men died, but it is important America had the courage to attempt the rescue.'' It was 90 young men who volunteered to go to the desert, and 9 of them never made it home. The oldest, 35; the youngest, 21. Between them, they left 13 children. Captain Harold Lewis has 2 children, Dr. Jim Lewis, now on the medical staff at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, and Kimberly Lewis, who joined the Coast Guard. Captain Lynn McIntosh has 3 children, Scott, Stewart and Mark, who is currently enrolled in Lincoln Memorial University, Tennessee. Sergeant John Harvey has 2 children, Lauren and John. Tech Sergeant Joel Mayo has 4 children, Douglas, Joel, Jr., Brett, and Kurt, who also served in the Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1998. Finally, Staff Sergeant Dewey Johnson has 2 children, Wesley and Lee Ann. One of those who died was Air Force Tech Sergeant Joel C Mayo. He was 34. He was from Bonifay, Florida in my district near Hurlburt Field. Sergeant Mayo, the flight engineer on EC-130, performed his fire control duties so others might escape, until it was too late for him to save his own life. He died while trying to rescue his pilot, Captain Lewis. One of his comrades and good friends, retired Master Sergeant Taco Sanchez, had this to say about his friend Sergeant Mayo: ``I talked to him that night. It is important people understand. Joel had no idea he was going to give his life that night. But if you told him that he was going to die, he still would've gone.'' Not only did he die a true hero. But his death gave life to what we now know today as Special Operations Command and the Air Force Special Operations Command. The Air Force personnel who died were members of the 8th Special Operations Squadron based at Hurlburt Field. At Desert One the 8th SOS was given its motto: ``The Guts to Try.'' The patch of the 15th SOS has 5 burning fires, representing the 5 Air Force personnel who lost their lives. The men who died have not and never will be forgotten. To all the families we say this: If your loved ones had not died that fateful day, the enormity of the task of integrating the military at the time might not have been realized. The urgency of the situation might not have been fully understood and the creation of the truly Joint Special Operations Command could have been delayed for a number of years, resulting in who knows how many further U.S. causalities. Of course, this does not bring them back to us, and nothing can replace the emptiness where they once were. Hopefully, time has done all that it can in that regard, but you should know that every citizen of this country owes a special debt of gratitude to your husbands, brothers, sons, fathers, cousins, and comrades who died on that day. Can you imagine if we had not had the capabilities of Special Operations Command after September 11? We would have still pursued and destroyed the enemy, but who knows how many more American lives would have been lost if we had only had conventional forces to rely on. Cailin Mayo is one of Joel's grandchildren. She is old enough now to understand our grandfather's sacrifice. It is to her and all the other grandchildren of those eight men that I say this: do not ever forget the sacrifices of your grandfathers. Know that they are all with God and that they will forever look down upon and continue to protect each of you. Retired Master Sergeant Sanchez's words about his friend Joel Mayo capture the essence of every man on this mission. They were a brave, courageous group of men attempting the impossible for a noble and a worthy cause. They were Marines and airmen, but they came together for one purpose, and that was to rescue Americans, and as Americans, they died together in the desert. They had the guts to try. God bless them, their families and these United States.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal) for yielding. I thank my colleague and good friend, the chairman, for allowing this time. As co-chair of the Congressional POW/MIA Caucus I appreciate the leadership of the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal) on this issue. The POW-MIA Caucus recognizes that policy coordination and cooperation must include not only congressional oversight but also a continued strong working relationship with nongovernmental organizations such as those you have talked about, the National League of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, the Organization of Korea/Cold War Families of Missing. It is the members of these organizations and others like them who stand to gain the most by the implementation of government policy. The elimination of nongovernmental organization participation in this process would impede progress, and the caucus supports the leadership of the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal) on this issue and looks forward to working with the Defense POW/Missing Persons Office, the committees of jurisdiction, and these organizations to ensure that our shared goals are met. Mr. Deal of Georgia. I thank the chairman of the subcommittee, and I look forward to working with him on this issue in conference. Amendment Offered by Ms. Pelosi

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman on rollcall No. 251, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, talk of bipartisanship in legislating real solutions for the American people must have been just that; talk. The 109th Congress commenced just 6 months ago, and some Members on the other side of the aisle are still scheming on how to derail practical solutions for reforming Social Security. One promising proposal, the creation of personal retirement accounts, has already been taken off the table by the Democrats before genuine debate has even begun. I believe that younger workers should have the opportunity to plan for a higher retirement income than that which the current system would allow. Workers retiring after about 2042 can only expect to receive about 73 percent or less of what they are being promised today. I hear from my constituents daily about broken promises by our government. Personal accounts are a perfect example of a way we can give the American public control of their hard-earned income and avoid broken promises to its people. Mr. Speaker, it is only fair to working Americans that we have true debate on Social Security reform before tossing out so-called partisan ideas.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as I listen to the national debate on Social Security reform, I am left wondering why no one is talking about America's greatest principles, and that is property rights. I get letters, e-mails, and phone calls every day from my constituents demanding that I do not take away their guaranteed Social Security benefits. That leads me to believe that our Nation's citizens may not understand that they really have no legal right to their Social Security benefits. The Supreme Court ruled in Flemming v. Nestor that there is no legal right to Social Security benefits. In the eyes of the Court, it is deemed a tax-and-spend program in which Congress can change the rules regarding eligibility at any time, and it has many times over in past years. That is how our current system works. Mr. Speaker, it is time for reform. It is time to give American taxpayers back their personal property rights. Personal accounts would give workers true legal property rights to their contributions and their benefits. They could not be raided to pay for other programs. Personal accounts are the ultimate lockbox.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to continue to shine the light on the need for reform of our Social Security. On Monday, an editorial ran in The Washington Post which criticized the Democratic leadership for not having or supporting a plan for Social Security reform. The editorial also hammered the plan offered by Democrat Robert Wexler as a lopsided quick fix, calling the proposal both unbalanced and inadequate. They say the plan would merely raise payroll taxes and would fail to provide long-term relief. Further, the proposal shows little or no benefit for workers under the age of 55. One solution which could help improve Social Security and provide long-term relief is through personal retirement accounts. Giving Americans the option of putting a portion of their payroll taxes into small personal accounts is a more balanced and better solution to the Social Security problem. Quick fixes, such as the one proposed by Robert Wexler, will only pass the problem of Social Security to younger generations. Madam Speaker, our children and grandchildren deserve the best, including a Social Security program which provides generational fairness. And clearly Americans are hearing this clarion call. In fact, a recent Fox News poll showed that 84 percent of workers age 18 to 55 would support having the option of personal accounts.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2528--The Military Quality of Life and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal year 2006. Let me begin by commending the gentleman from New York, Mr. Walsh, for his work on this important bill. I'd like to comment briefly on an issue that is important to me as the Chairman of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee on the Veterans' Affairs Committee--the National Shrine Commitment. As you may know, pursuant to Public Law 106-117 the Department of Veterans Affairs entered into a contract to assess the state of VA's national cemeteries. That study identified $279 million of needed repairs and maintenance. While the President requested $14.4 million to fund this initiative, the Veterans' Affairs Committee, in its views and estimates letter to the Budget Committee, recommended an additional $45.6 million in minor construction funding to begin a 5-year plan to fully fund needed repairs and maintenance. It is necessary that Congress ensure our national cemeteries are maintained in a manner that pays proper tribute to our fallen veterans. Funding the National Shrine Commitment achieves that end. I look forward to working with Chairman Walsh to see if we can find the necessary resources to fund the National Shrine Commitment.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. We hear a lot of conversation today here on the floor about national security and not depending upon foreign sources of oil and gas. Let me just say that this particular issue is in fact a national security issue. Most of the focus we hear, obviously, is on the potential environmental impacts and impacts on tourism and all of the environmental things we enjoy along our coasts in Florida and in California. But let me just say that the biggest impact that could happen with oil and natural gas, drilling or exploration in the eastern Gulf of Mexico is a potential to harm our ability to test and evaluate all of the Air Force weaponry that is used around the globe. In fact, let me read a quote to you. ``Wilbert Patterson, Brigadier General, United States Air Force, June of 2000. We are deeply concerned over the construction of any oil or gas structures that could impact on our critical test programs performed by the Air Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base.'' This is an issue of national security. We have to be able to test in the Gulf ranges and this drilling will harm that testing.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank my good friend for yielding time. Mr. Chairman, obviously we are here tonight to talk about just a commonsense issue in regards to this blending issue. I, in fact, have been involved in the construction of and the management of wastewater treatment plants. Blending is used obviously in very high water times and I think that that is an issue that we have heard raised tonight. We are not in any way trying to stop the issue of blending during the storm season, but the fact of the matter is, in 2003 there were more than 18,000 closings or advisories around the United States and that was 5,000 more than ever at any time before. These closings were due to fecal coliform increases in bacterial levels outside of the norm. The fact of the matter is it does not take a medical degree to understand that this is a health issue for our families and our children that are out there that are actually swimming sometimes in this waste. In fact, we are looking at the blending of untreated solid free waste with treated sewage. The Clean Water Act already allows for that blending to take place. As the gentleman from Michigan says, we are not trying to change the last resort issue. What we are trying to do is to set up an issue where we cannot have these wastewater treatment plants continue to dump more less treated or smaller treated wastewater into our waterways.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall votes Nos. 176-178 on May 17, 2005. These were votes on amendments to H.R. 2360 The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill for FY 06. due to personal circumstances I was detained until after these votes had concluded. If present, I would have voted rollcall Vote No. 176, the Menendez Amendment ``no''; rollcall Vote No. 177, the Tancredo Amendment ``aye''; rollcall Vote No. 178, the Meeks (NY) Amendment, ``no.'' Amendment Offered by Mr. Obey

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was saddened to learn recently of the passing of Mr. George Poole, a distinguished senior manager with the Department of Veterans Affairs' Insurance Service. VA's Insurance Service has long been recognized as one of the finest-managed organizations within the federal government, due in no small measure to Mr. Poole and his commitment to our servicemembers, veterans, and their survivors. Few Americans can match George's years of devoted service to country. He began his public career by serving in the United States Air Force from 1964 through 1968. Following his honorable discharge, he received bachelor and law degrees, taking full advantage of the VA-administered GI Bill. Who can doubt that his military service and studies made possible by the GI Bill inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to helping fellow veterans. This dedication translated into a distinguished 28-year career with the VA's Insurance Service, where he served from 1977 until his death April 27th. While it is difficult to highlight just one of his many accomplishments, surely his creation and development of the Insurance Service's ``Special Outreach'' effort warrants particular mention. This outreach involves matching insurance participation and disability reports from various sources to identify recently separated, seriously injured veterans who have not taken advantage of VA's life insurance programs. Based on the efforts of George and his staff, over $96 million in insurance proceeds have been provided to veterans' survivors. Few among us have had such a dramatic and positive impact on the lives of so many others. Mr. Poole was always available to provide invaluable research, data, and program explanations to the members and staff of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs--often on short notice. As such, his expertise and professional manner were essential to the Committee when crafting bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, the subcommittee with jurisdiction over VA's insurance programs, I extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Poole's wife, Denise; his two sons, Todd and Corey; his granddaughter, Madeline; and his equally dedicated coworkers at the VA Regional Office and Insurance Center in Philadelphia.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I rise today to recognize Gulf Islands National Seashore for receiving a grant from the National Park Foundation and Unilever. Unilever's Recycling at Work competitive grants program funds enhancement projects such as seating, boardwalks, overlooks, pullouts and educational/interpretive displays using sustainable lumber throughout the National Park System. The projects highlight the environmental leadership of the National Park Service in demonstrating how people may live more lightly on the land through the use of sustainable materials and techniques. In Northwest Florida, Gulf Islands National Seashore is proud to be a part of this program. As a result of the generous grant, the park will construct the only accessible nature trail on the seashore. This trail will be a universal design boardwalk made of recyclable materials which will not only enhance the visitors' experience, but will also protect the fragile underbrush of the forest. Mr. Speaker, this grant, in conjunction with the Florida National Trails Association's hard work and manpower, will greatly benefit all those who visit Northwest Florida's scenic wonders. I, along with Northwest Florida, am very appreciative of Unilever's generosity.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. There is little doubt that, without certified public accountants, the area of financial reporting would be a quagmire. Financial statements would be meaningless as everyone would strive to show favorable results without worrying much about honesty or accuracy. For these reasons, I am grateful that the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants has worked diligently over the past 100 years to work with CPAs throughout my state and ensure that the profession of public accounting remains safe and stable for 100 years more. The FICPA has been instrumental in bringing the first accountancy law to my home state of Florida 100 years ago, and since then has worked diligently to bring the highest sense of professionalism to all areas of accounting. The Institute has also been a key supporter of legislation to require an ethics course for all Certified Public Accountants in addition to working closely with universities to provide aspiring CPAs the skills and education they will need to succeed, even going so far as to establish a foundation. Thanks to the FICPA, CPAs in the state of Florida also are required by law to take continuing education courses, further ensuring that citizens receive high-quality accounting services from well educated professionals. The FICPA has not only focused on helping qualified accountants, but has also worked hard to prevent unqualified accountants from providing low-quality, unethical services to the citizens of Florida through an unlicensed accounting awareness campaign. Steps such as this have helped guarantee that CPAs in Florida will provide the quality service that the public deserves, and that Floridians can rest assured that their financial reporting will be of the caliber they are entitled to. With the continued help of their Chief Executive Officer Buddy Turman, I am confident that the FICP A will continue to build upon its legacy from the last 100 years and allow the profession of accounting to maintain its prominent role in our society. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to bring to the attention of all the members of this Congress some good news and some bad news. First, the bad news; Lieutenant Colonel McGivern will no longer be serving the U.S. Congress as the Deputy Director of the Air Force's Congressional Liaison Office on Capitol Hill. He's retiring after 23 years of exceptionally patriotic and honorable service in the United States Air Force. The good news is that he's going to enjoy a well-earned retirement from military duty while pursuing a new civilian career. We are certain his infectious, ``we're the Air Force, we can do anything'' attitude, will uplift any organization he comes in contact with. Unfortunately for us, as nearly every member of this body knows who has traveled with'' Slug,'' we are losing one of the best liaison officers we've ever had. He is one of those unique military members who knows and understands the intricacies of Congress and the complexities of overseas travel to often-hostile environments. During the past 23 years, Lieutenant Colonel McGivern has served in the Air Force with honor and distinction. He's a master navigator/ weapons officer with over 2,300 hours. He flew over 100 combat hours in Southwest Asia and was the operations officer of an F-15E squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC. As a result of his operational expertise and consummate professional he was twice selected to work in the congressional arena for the USAF. As we all know, we are engaged in a war different than those we have fought in the past. The war on terrorism is often a war of individuals and not a war of massed forces on a battle line. Lieutenant Colonel McGivern has contributed greatly to our success in this global war on terrorism by his individual attention and counsel to members of the U.S. Congress during trips to Iraq and Afghanistan. His insightful comments and professional skill has, on numerous occasions, been the difference between a safe and productive trip to visit our troops in the field. He's treated everyone of us like we were family and we couldn't appreciate it more. Despite the conflict and the natural frictions that develop in such an atmosphere, the relationship between the Congress and our military services has never been better. I attribute much of this to the unquestioned judgment and integrity of individual officers up and down the line--officers like LTC Rick McGivern. Whether it was responding to a constituent inquiry, providing information about force modernization or escorting our delegations to all corners of the world, we could count on the Air Force and it's congressional affairs officers to respond quickly, accurately and courteously. As LTC Rick ``Slug'' McGivern departs from his active duty service to the United States Air Force and the Nation, we the members of the U.S. House of Representatives on behalf of all of our constituents, the citizens of this great nation, wish him the fondest farewell and deepest thanks for a job well done and mission complete.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of a week that throughout history and the world over has signified the sanctity of human life. Tonight we are here on Palm Sunday to afford the greatest presumption of life possible under our United States Constitution to a woman who has never truly been afforded representation and whose wishes are truly unknown. This is not about the sanctity of the Schiavo marriage. That is a matter between Terri and Michael. Mr. Schiavo has got some answering to do himself. Any insinuation otherwise is clear hypocrisy and nothing more. And this is not about congressional interference into a family issue. I agree that it should be a family issue. The problem is Terri's parents want her to live, and Terri's husband wants her to die. And Terri did not use a living will to tell us what she would want. So before an irreversible decision is made, her country must afford her the due process to which she is entitled under the 14th amendment of our Constitution. That means that the State of Florida may not starve Terri to death unless every legal resource to prevent it has been taken. Death by starvation, as we have already heard tonight, is lengthy and incredibly painful. And Terri Schiavo can feel pain. The bill that we are going to pass is going to give her due process before she is sentenced to die in this painful manner. Convicted serial killers and other death row inmates are afforded Federal review in their cases. The Constitution confers upon this Congress the power to effect the authority on the Federal courts to conduct this kind of review, and that is what I hope we do here tonight. It is square within our powers, it respects the separation between the legislative and the judicial branches, and it holds to the principles of federalism. There is going to be hollow rhetoric in this Chamber tonight about the need for investigations and about reviewing facts before acting and about attempts to politicize religious beliefs. But where were these arguments last Wednesday night when we passed a bill for Terri unanimously under voice vote? And where were these arguments Friday afternoon when Judge Greer ignored a congressional subpoena designed to allow us the chance to get more information? The Supreme Court has stated that the authority to subpoena is an ``indispensable ingredient'' of Congress' legislative power. Judge Greer's Friday order expressly disregards that authority, and he should be held in contempt of this body. Like Michael Schiavo, the Judge has some answering to do. We have a woman who hasn't had food or drink in over two days. We made efforts in the ordinary course of legislative business to afford Terri Schiavo her constitutional rights, and they were rejected. Now, we are left with no choice but to implement extraordinary means in the middle of the night. Whether you're using morality, or religion, or the Golden Rule, or legal analysis to guide your decision, at the root of all this is a living, breathing American citizen who has been deprived of her rights. This measure will correct that, so I urge all my colleagues to support it.