Candice Miller

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, you know there has been a great deal of discussion for decades, really, about the issue of energy, specifically the need for our Nation to generate and to utilize renewable and clean energy. I have lived my entire life on the shores of the magnificent Great Lakes, and I have spent an awful lot of time boating as well on those magnificent waterways. I have always been awed by the power of that water, flowing from Lake Superior all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, actually. I have watched the St. Clair River under the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan, and I have been amazed at the swiftness and the consistency with which that water moves. I believe that the energy created by that water-flow is a source of energy that we must do more to harness for the use of our people and for industry. To that end, Mr. Chairman, my amendment would increase by $10 million the Water Power Energy Program within the Department of Energy. Increasing this vitally important program by $10 million will restore that program back to FY 2009 funding levels. The Water Power Energy Program within the Department of Energy is such an important program to our overall goal of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and of becoming a Nation more reliant on renewable and green sources of energy. The Water Power Energy Program is a program designed to develop, test and evaluate new water technologies and to address barriers to the development of hydrokinetics and hydropower. The program conducts important research and development, and it deploys new innovative water technologies in order to get those products out on the market in an expedient, cost- efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Additionally, this program allows for the testing and modeling of existing technologies. Hydropower technology has literally been around for hundreds of years, beginning with the earliest waterwheels and then water mills, which helped produce flour from grains, sawing timber and powering textile plants, to today's more advanced technologies, from hydroelectricity to harnessing wave and tidal power. Hydropower currently accounts for approximately 19 percent of the world's electrical needs and produces no harmful emissions, but it accounts for less than 6 percent of the total United States' electricity needs. Compare that to our neighbor to the north, Canada, who uses hydropower to meet 61 percent of its energy needs. While hydropower only accounts for less than 6 percent, as I said, here in the United States, it makes up 71 percent of our total renewable electricity and produces enough electrical power to power 28 million households. There are two examples from the great State of Michigan where this technology is being examined and needs to be looked at further, I think, Mr. Chairman. I already mentioned the St. Clair River, but I should also mention the Detroit River. These rivers are known for their very strong currents, moving along at approximately 6-plus knots. Water from Lake Huron funnels down into the St. Clair River through Lake St. Clair and then quickens again through the Detroit River before entering Lake Erie, where that energy is currently just dissipating. This technology can be put to work in rivers, harbors and other coastal areas to capture energy from currents and tides. The best part is that this can be achieved with minimal impact on our environment or the flow of the river. Harnessing this energy will create a truly renewable and green source of clean energy. Mr. Chairman, again, there has been a lot of interest, a lot of talk about alternative energy sources in the past week. I have heard many express strong support for wind power, and I certainly share their enthusiasm for that energy source. But I will remind my colleagues that sometimes the wind doesn't blow, but the water always flows. With that, I would ask all of my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: H.R. 3170--the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2010 Account: Salaries and Expenses Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Macomb County, Michigan Address of Requesting Entity: 1 S. Main St., 7th Floor, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $100,000.00, would be used to provide a variety of much needed programs and services including training such as business plan and marketing writing and assistance. Additionally, it would serve businesses and entrepreneurs in Macomb County who currently lack access to such vital services.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2892 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010 Requesting Member: Congresswoman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies and Appropriations Act of 2010 Account: Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: 477 Michigan Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $100,000.00, would be used to implement one or more priority projects that are consistent with the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair Management Plan. These projects were developed in a broad based and consensus driven process involving multiple counties, local governments, state governments, federal agencies and regional planners. Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: H.R. 3183 the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies and Appropriations Act of 2010 Account: EERE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: United Way of Southeastern Michigan Address of Requesting Entity: 1212 Griswold St. Detroit, MI 48226 Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $400,000.00, would be used by the United Way of Southeastern Michigan to assist two community non-profits to make energy efficiency and insulation upgrades at their facilities. The two organizations are Turning Point of Mt. Clemens, Michigan, a domestic violence shelter, as well as the Macomb County Rotating Shelter Team, a coalition of churches that provide overnight shelter to homeless persons and families.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 3081--Department of State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for 2010. Providing funding to our friend and steadfast ally Israel is in our national interest, and this bill provides $2.2 Billion Dollars for Israel in the form of Military Assistance. In a turbulent part of the world, we can count on the friendship of Israel because we share the important values of freedom of religion, speech and thought--values that aren't universally shared across the Middle East. Israel is the only mature democracy in a region that hungers for freedom from dictators and tyrants and whose people are distracted by a steady stream of vitriol directed at the Jewish people. We recently saw that hunger for freedom displayed on the streets of Iran in the wake of the disputed election and how it was brutally suppressed by the Iranian government, resulting in the death of several protesters. Freedom and Democracy should be supported wherever we find it and this bill supports a vital ally, who shares our commitment to the rule of law, and freedom of assembly. Israel has showed extraordinary restraint in response to terrorism and daily rocket attacks emanating from fanatical Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. I can think of no country in the world that would have shown such restraint in the face of direct attacks on their civilians. Every government of Israel has worked towards peace. Yet, except for Egypt and Jordan, no Arab government has even recognized the State of Israel. This bill calls for all Arab League States to normalize relations with Israel, which is an important step on the road to a durable peace in the region. I was happy to see that no support will be provided to support a Palestinian state unless the Secretary of State determines that they have demonstrated a commitment to peaceful coexistence with Israel and is taking appropriate measures to counter terrorism and terrorist financing in the West Bank and Gaza. This bill provides essential support to our friend and ally Israel, so I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I have the distinct honor to represent the Village of New Haven located in Macomb County. On July 17th and 18th, its residents will join together to celebrate the Village's 140th Anniversary, and officially recognize the history, traditions, and culture that has been cultivated over that time. This special occasion will be marked by a weekend of various festivities that the entire family can enjoy including a fireworks show, games, a tastefest, a classic car show, a musical concert, and numerous presentations commemorating the Village's history. New Haven was incorporated and organized in 1869. It was later that Spring when Benjamin L. Bates was elected the first Village President and oversaw the population growth and economic expansion of local businesses and industries. During its early origins, the Village was home of the Detroit Grand Trunk Railroad, a sawmill, an electrical powerhouse, a general store, a lumberyard, and numerous family farms spread out across the village. The Village of New Haven has witnessed significant changes and infrastructure upgrades that lead to its formation. From the first church ever built in 1854 and first telephone installed in 1885 to its current day proximity to easily access major transportation networks like Interstates 94 and 69 that lead to the City of Detroit and Canada; the Village remarkably has been able to preserve its unique identity and the closeness of a community that cares about its people. I commend Village President Jammie Kincaid for his leadership in organizing this celebration. As important as it is to set a course for the future, it is equally important to remember where we've been. New Haven's ancestors built the village that is enjoyed today; it is our obligation to provide better opportunities for the generations to come. I congratulate the citizens, officials, businesses, and sponsors on this extraordinary event, and offer my best wishes for a successful anniversary celebration and robust future for the Village of New Haven.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of National Defense Authorization Act of 2009. The Department of Defense directed the Army to restructure its premier modernization program known as Future Combat Systems--FCS program--which includes a network of new sensors, radios, robotic vehicles and a fleet of new combat vehicles. I personally commend the thousands of dedicated soldiers, department of defense civilians and their defense industry partners who worked on the project. More than 1,000 of these dedicated men and women that do the engineering work for the FCS program live and work in my district. Some 10,000 employees in 74 Michigan companies worked to provide the Army a new ground combat vehicle fleet. Many of them will be economically disadvantaged, despite their best efforts, by termination of the combat vehicle project. Legislation passed by the Armed Services committee recognizes the restructuring of the FCS program and provides guidance on how the Army should proceed. Providing for the national defense is in the preamble of the Constitution of the United States, it is this body's most solemn duty and responsibility. We must ensure that the men and women we send into harm's way have the very best training and equipment we can provide. It's imperative that we move rapidly to provide the Army a new ground combat vehicle that protects American soldiers against IEDs, road side bombs and anti-tank munitions. We must not lose the momentum gained during six years of research and development and the multibillion dollar taxpayer investment on this project. Any new program must consider both Army and Marine Corps needs for manned ground combat vehicles now and in the future. It must build on what we have learned from three separate FCS ground vehicle designs as well as lessons learned from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have the best trained and dedicated Armed Forces in the world. Will we ask them to go to combat with vehicles that are nearly two generations old, designed for a different enemy and more conventional warfare? Instead, let's build on the work that has already been done; ensure that billions of taxpayer dollars already spent are not wasted by starting from scratch, and provide U.S. Soldiers and Marines vehicles and systems that provide increased situational awareness for the conflicts of the future. I urge the members to make a new combat vehicle the centerpiece of Army's research and development efforts in a restructured program.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of HR 2892 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010 Requesting Member: Congresswoman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: HR2996 Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The office of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Address of Requesting Entity: Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner 1 Public Works Dr. Building 95 West, Waterford, MI 48328 Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $500,000.00, would be used to help rehabilitate the Oakland Macomb Interceptor. This is critical to the environment and health and safety of the region. This interceptor has experienced a catastrophic failure and is in need of major repairs.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2892 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010 Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: H.R. 2892 Account: State and Local Programs/Emergency Operations Center Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Macomb County Emergency Management and Communications Center Address of Requesting Entity: 10 N. Main St. 1st Floor, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $250,000.00, would be used to purchase and install communications and technology equipment for the Macomb County Emergency Communications Center. The EOC is paramount to assisting and supporting the response and recovery efforts of the local community. With this funding, the EOC will be able to provide both primary and secondary communication and technology modes that will allow them to be interoperable within our EOC at a local, state and federal level.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to show support for those in Iran who are standing up for their rights and for those who seek freedom across the globe. Tyrants who use violence and fear to suppress the voices of their citizens who seek freedom lose their legitimacy to govern. Those who seek freedom and liberty across this globe must know that the American people stand with you. We stand with you because we have a supreme desire to live up to the belief espoused in the founding document of our nation-- We hold these truths to be self evident--that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And to secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That is why we stand consistently with nations who conduct free, fair, and open elections. That is why we stand with citizens of nations who are brave enough to stand up and demand their freedom. America does not seek to impose any individual on the Iranian government or the Iranian people. But America will always stand with those who peacefully demand their voices are heard.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Congresswoman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Sterling Heights Police Department Address of Requesting Entity: 40333 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 Description of Request: The amount of $300,000 would be used by Sterling Heights Police Department to purchase and install updated law enforcement technologies, to improve law enforcement response time and the administration of justice programs. Requesting Member: Congresswoman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Shelby Township Police Department Address of Requesting Entity: 52700 Van Dyke, Shelby Township, MI 48316 Description of Request: The amount of $200,000 would be used by Shelby Township Police Department to purchase and install updated law enforcement technologies, to improve law enforcement response time and the administration of justice programs. Requesting Member: Congresswoman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Byrne Justice Grant Program Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Sterling Heights Police Department Address of Requesting Entity: 40333 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 Description of Request: The amount of $300,000 would be used by the Sterling Heights Police Department for law enforcement programs, prosecution, drug treatment and enforcement programs. Requesting Member: Congresswoman Candice S. Miller Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: Byrne Justice Grant Program Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Shelby Township Police Department Address of Requesting Entity: 52700 Van Dyke, Shelby Township, MI 48316 Description of Request: The amount of $200,000 would be used by the Sterling Heights Police Department for law enforcement programs, prosecution, drug treatment and enforcement programs.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Res. 410. This resolution commends the recreational boating industry and boating community for their sizable contribution to the economy of United States, and for their stewardship of the environment. There are more than 59 million boaters in the United States today, helping to generate $33 billion dollars annually in economic activity. As a result, the boating industry supports an estimated 337,000 employees, who manufacture and sell boats and operate the harbors and marinas. The goods and services purchased to build and maintain boats come from each of the fifty states. Therefore, boating does not only help the water regions of our country, but benefits America as a whole. That having been said, the boating industry and community are especially important to Michigan and to Michigan's economy. They provide invaluable assets to my district, which has Lakes Huron and St. Clair and the St. Clair River on its eastern border. Boating is not just an important recreational opportunity; for many, life on the water becomes a way of life. The impact of boating spills over into other sectors of the economy like tourism and hospitality industries. Unfortunately, when the economy falters, it is often the recreational boating industry that feels the impact first. Many people think of boating as a recreation for only the rich, but in Michigan we know that is simply not the case. The people who make the boating industry what it is are the working class individuals who spend their weekends out on the water with friends and family. When those people face economic challenges, you will find that the boating industry does as well. In this climate, the boating industry is facing some difficult times, nowhere more difficult than in the state of Michigan. In Michigan, we were once the number one state in terms of total boat registrations, but we have since slipped to fourth. Given the challenges that have faced the Michigan economy over the last few years, this is no surprise. The boat manufacturers, dealers, and marina operators should all be commended for their efforts to keep going through this economic period. Since coming to Congress, I have worked to promote issues that are important to maintaining a thriving and profitable boating industry. I am proud to co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus with Gene Taylor, and together we have worked on a number of issues to help the boating industry weather the storms that have come its way. This resolution will acknowledge the contributions of the boating industry as they fight through this difficult time. I urge all of you to please join with me in supporting this bi- partisan initiative to recognize our boaters and recommend that President Obama issue a proclamation calling for the observation of National Boating Day.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res 472, a resolution to congratulate the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association on their seventieth anniversary, and speak to their dedication to general aviation, to safety, and the important contribution general aviation provides to the United States. The AOPA was established seventy years ago, on the eve of World War II. This non-profit association has been dedicated to general aviation, improving general aviation safety, providing pilots with training, education and advocating on their behalf at every level of government. More than 75% of all flights in the United States are general aviation. America relies on general aviation for business, medical delivery services, sightseeing and for just plain fun and a love of flying. General aviation is a vital industry in America's economy. Currently there are 19,000 airports nationwide that provide jobs for 1.3 million Americans and bring in more than $100 billion dollars annually. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the AOPA responded by partnering with the TSA to develop a nationwide Airport Watch Program that uses pilots as eyes and ears for observing and reporting suspicious activity. Flight Safety has remained a principal focus for the AOPA, so they have supported new technologies to make aviation safer. AOPA was a principle advocator of the GPS navigation systems which helped lead the way for the Next Gen Air Transportation System--with aviation-specific applications and advanced innovations such as weather forecasting. And today, the AOPA represents more than 289,000 American general aviation pilots--including my husband who is a long time member. He started flying when he was a fighter pilot in Vietnam, and now we fly an RV-8, which he built in our garage. I am proud to support the resolution to honor the AOPA for the commendable work they do in the aviation field. Their dedication to aviation, aviation safety, training general aviation pilots, and to new technologies makes me proud to support this association. Congratulations on your first 70 years.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 498. Last week was the 85th anniversary of the United States Border Patrol. In 1924, Congress approved the Immigration Act, which established the U.S. Border Patrol. Their long and illustrious history began with 25 Patrol Inspectors in El Paso, Texas and Detroit Michigan with the mission of combating the illegal entry of aliens, contraband, and the flow of illicit liquor from Mexico and Canada into the U.S. During the height of prohibition, lawlessness and violence became more common along the water borders of the Detroit Sector. Several Detroit Sector Patrol Inspectors were killed in the line of duty, as smugglers attempting to bring contraband across the border resorted to violence to protect their cargo from the Border Patrol Inspectors. A lot has changed since 1924, but the core mission of the Border Patrol is still detecting and preventing the illegal entry of aliens and preventing the smuggling of contraband. Since the terrorist attacks of 9-11, the focus of the Border Patrol has changed to include detection, apprehension and deterrence of terrorists and terrorist weapons. America has given this vital task to a group of dedicated law- enforcement agents, who are our eyes and ears, in the air, land and sea. They work in a variety of climates, and seize a great deal of the drugs intended for our streets and our children. Coming from a border district, I have a real interest in ensuring that the Border Patrol is equipped with the right mix of personnel, technology, and equipment that will enhance our ability to separate legitimate travel and trade, from those that seek to do us harm or enter our nation illegally. The Detroit Sector of the Border Patrol is responsible for 863 miles of our liquid border with Canada, and in the last five years, Agents have made nearly 5,000 arrests--an impressive accomplishment. Chief Patrol Agent Randy Gallegos, and the men and women of Sector Detroit are dedicated professionals, who defend the border and our nation owes them and the entire U.S. Border Patrol a debt of gratitude for their distinguished service to our nation. They follow the proud tradition of securing our border that began eighty-five years ago in small stations, with only a handful of agents. Today, there are over 18,000 men and women who wear the green uniform of a Border Patrol Agent. Without these brave Americans our nation would be less secure, and for that I want to offer my sincerest thanks. Our Border Patrol agents epitomize the motto of the Border Patrol--Honor First. Congratulations on your first eight-five years! I urge my colleagues to support passage of this resolution.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in very strong support of this bill that will help support American jobs. We all understand the challenges facing our auto industry. This industry, which is so vital to our national economy, has been hit literally by an economic hurricane which has caused hardships not only for the automakers, but also the suppliers, the dealers, and everyone who has a stake in this industry and its success. This legislation is a very strong bipartisan approach that will help get the assembly lines moving, keep traffic in the showrooms, protect jobs, and give our economy a desperately needed jolt. And how do we know that it will work? Because it has already been implemented in nations across the globe. Because in every nation that has implemented a similar program, auto sales have risen, and in every nation that has not--like us--the sales continue to fall. That's why this legislation has the strong support of groups like the UAW, the National Auto Dealers, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Mazda, the Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, the National Paint and Coatings Association, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturer's Association, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association, the American Iron Steel Institute, the AFL, the CIO, the Chamber of Commerce. I could go on and on. And why do they all support this legislation? Because they understand that the best way to jump-start our economy is to get auto sales moving. The plight of the auto industry is a national problem affecting our entire Nation. And we know this because of the troubles of Chrysler and General Motors dealers across the Nation that are being closed with countless jobs being lost. We know this because suppliers who serve the industry are struggling to stay afloat with countless more jobs being lost and at risk. And we know this because two of our iconic industrial giants--both Chrysler and General Motors--are today in bankruptcy court. All of these providers are clamoring for action, and they deserve the help of this Congress. Simply put, we must act. So let us support legislation that will protect American manufacturing jobs. And this legislation will also give our economy the boost that it needs. I certainly do want to thank my colleagues for all of their support. And I urge support of this passage.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act. The men and women of the TSA are really dedicated professionals who ensure that our flying public arrive at their destinations safely. Although at times it might be a hassle for us to remove our shoes or to show our boarding passes and identification, these measures have made it much more difficult for terrorists to take advantage of dangerous situations or to bring weapons and explosives on commercial aircraft. It has been almost 8 years from that horrific day on 9/11 when terrorists turned our airplanes into missiles, taking the lives of almost 3,000 of our fellow Americans. Thankfully, we've not been attacked again, and it's not just because we're lucky. It's because dedicated professionals throughout the government are working day and night to prevent attacks, and we need to provide them with the means to prevent, to deter and to respond to terrorist attacks. A key piece of our success is that we have not become complacent. We must remain vigilant. Part of that vigilance requires that we make certain that those charged with ensuring our safety are adequately trained. So I was especially pleased to see that a section mandating advanced security training for flight attendants was included in this bill. As we are all too painfully aware, flight attendants were among the first victims on 9/11. Flight attendants need to know how to handle a crowd and how to be aware of all of the activity that might be surrounding them in such an enclosed space. So security training, good security training, will help prepare them for such a scenario on how to work with the other flight attendants in controlling a crowd or, again, being conscious of other things that are going on in the cabin as well. In fact, Richard Reid, the convicted shoe bomber, was prevented from detonating his shoe, filled with explosives, because alert flight attendants interrupted him from detonating those explosives. Also, providing adequate security to the flying public should be a principle goal of this body, so I was dismayed to see that our friends on the other side of the aisle rejected an amendment that would have placed all of the detainees from Guantanamo Bay on the No Fly List. Instead, they watered down this commonsense amendment and left that decision up to the discretion of the President. Now, I don't know about you, but I shudder to think that we might allow these detainees to actually board a commercial aircraft and to sit next to us and our families. Isn't the whole purpose of the No Fly List to keep dangerous people off these airplanes? I would say, if the Gitmo detainees don't qualify for the No Fly List, who in the world does qualify for that list? Congress shouldn't allow these dangerous detainees to fly on commercial aircraft. I think we should err on the side of caution and put them on the No Fly List. I want to recognize the good work of Chairman Thompson and certainly of Ranking Member King. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2200.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I represent a district in southeast Michigan. We are a part of the very heart and soul of our domestic auto industry, an industry that has served our country very well. It's built the weapons that America needed in times of war when our freedom itself was at risk. It's provided millions of Americans an opportunity for a good job with good benefits and a secure retirement. We all understand that the American auto industry has fallen on very, very hard times. Those of us in southeast Michigan understand it well. It's not a new development. We are painfully aware of it. We've dealt with plant closings and thousands of jobs lost. We've dealt with families torn apart, home foreclosures, and communities devastated. And we've endured massive new unfunded Federal mandates placed upon our industry, which have made it very difficult to compete. We've watched as Federal and State incentives have been offered to foreign competitors to come into our home market on equal terms, even though similar access to foreign markets has not been offered to our domestic companies. We've seen this government negligent in not formulating a manufacturing policy that protects vital American interests and good- paying American jobs. And for years we never asked for help. But when Wall Street melted down last year, our problems were made even worse because 80 percent of the people who are going to buy an automobile require credit and not enough credit was available, and, of course, auto sales have just fallen through the floor. And when the auto companies came to Capitol Hill to ask for similar assistance that's been given to the Wall Street banks, those whose actions made their problems even worse, the auto industry was treated with disdain and their pleas for help were rejected by this Congress, which seemed indifferent to the problem and to the desire to protect American jobs. This was a Michigan problem we were told, not an American problem. We tried to remind our colleagues of everything that this industry has meant to our great Nation, and again we received indifference and we were told, Just let them go into bankruptcy. We were told that these companies needed to shed their legacy costs. Well, guess what. Legacy costs have names. They are people. And we're told that this has to be done because these foreign competitors who were given free access to our market do not have such legacy costs. Or imports which are built by low-wage workers overseas do not have these legacy costs. We are told we need to drive American wages down to match Third World competitors in order to compete. Well, today we see that this is not just a Michigan problem anymore; today it is an American problem. Today Chrysler is in bankruptcy court, exactly what many in this Congress advocated for. And today Chrysler filed a list of 789 dealerships whose franchise agreements it is asking the bankruptcy court to sever. That means the closure of 789 dealerships in communities all across our great Nation. These businesses represent not just a place to buy a car, but they represent community leaders, the sponsors of the Little League teams or the chairman of the Rotary. In many cases the biggest job provider in the town. The average dealer in this Nation, Madam Speaker, employs over 50 people. So this move means the loss of over 40,000 more jobs. Now 789 communities across this Nation will feel the pain of a contracting domestic auto industry. The pain of a business shutting down, the pain of jobs lost, the pain of families who will be devastated. And tomorrow that pain will only get worse as General Motors is also set to release a list of dealers it hopes to shed and a list that will be much, much larger than 789 dealers. Madam Speaker, this list was submitted as a part of that bankruptcy filing, a bankruptcy that many Members were advocating for when they believed it was just a Michigan problem. And now we see Members lamenting the fact that dealerships in their districts are closing. And they fail to realize that if this bankruptcy had happened last December, when they voted against bridge loans for the auto industry, it would have included every Chrysler dealer, because a disorderly bankruptcy would have led to the liquidation of Chrysler. So some Members got what they advocated for, Chrysler in bankruptcy, which today has led to the loss of 40,000 jobs. And tomorrow it will get worse. It is time to understand that preserving, protecting, and defending our auto industry doesn't just solve a Michigan problem, it solves an American problem, and it defends jobs in every community in our great Nation. It is a shame, Madam Speaker, that we had to learn this lesson on the backs and the livelihoods of another 40,000 of our fellow Americans.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to praise the very hard work of this administration and the President's auto task force and the many stakeholders in Chrysler who came together in an effort to protect jobs and build a stronger, leaner and more competitive Chrysler. Chrysler's management is to be commended for making the hard decisions needed to form a new alliance with Fiat that will make the company stronger and more competitive in the future. Many of Chrysler's creditors are to be commended for accepting a return on their investment that is more commensurate with the current market and will allow Chrysler to weather this economic crisis. Most importantly, Chrysler's workers are to be commended for sacrificing, so greatly, really, in accepting painful concessions that will allow the company to better compete. Because of all of this hard work, the foundation was laid for Chrysler to successfully restructure outside of bankruptcy. But bankruptcy will now be required only because of the greed of a few Wall Street hedge funds that held a portion of Chrysler's debt. Much of that debt had been purchased at pennies on the dollar, but these hedge funds demanded a return much higher than what was being accepted by other lenders and much higher than what the current market would bear, Madam Speaker. These hedge funds operate in an unregulated area of the economy, and they seem to care only about maximizing their profit, no matter what the cost. They have seemingly no concern for the workers or families that would be devastated by the destruction of Chrysler. They demonstrate no concern for the communities across this Nation that depend on a healthy Chrysler. They show no concern for the myriad of companies that would be forced out of business because of their dependence on business with Chrysler. Their only concern seems to be their desire to squeeze the last drop of blood out of this company. Those who seek to game our financial system in a fashion that helps only them and hurts countless other Americans do not have the best interests of our economy or our Nation at heart. President Obama said today that he does not stand with these greedy hedge funds, and neither do I. But I believe that the plan developed by Chrysler and its stakeholders is strong and will fare very well in a quick bankruptcy proceeding. At the other end of this time, I believe that we will see a stronger, leaner, more competitive and healthy Chrysler that will continue to build some of the greatest cars in the world. Some of my colleagues, who may have advocated bankruptcy last December, will feel vindicated that this bankruptcy filing happened today, but they should not. Those who oppose bridge loans and called for a bankruptcy filing last December, in my opinion, held a position that would have led to a disorderly bankruptcy in the liquidation of this iconic American company. Such a bankruptcy would also have led to far greater burdens being placed on the American taxpayers when they would have had to absorb higher workers' pensions, health care costs and unemployment benefits. Those costs would have been much higher than what has been extended in bridge loans. Fortunately, President Bush thought better and provided those bridge loans and bought this important company important time to reconstruct and to construct a strong viability plan. Fortunately, President Obama and his auto task force worked in good faith with all of the stakeholders to put that viability plan together, and they are offering the continued support needed to see that the plan is going to have a successful conclusion. And what is included in that plan? Madam Speaker, most importantly, no plant closures or new job losses. It calls for a strategic partnership with Fiat that will provide innovative technology to build outstanding fuel-efficient vehicles based on that technology right here in America. And it will also give Chrysler's outstanding products, like Jeep, enhanced access to the European market. It also ensures that every single dime of taxpayer money will be repaid before Fiat can take majority control of Chrysler. So jobs will be saved. More fuel-efficient cars will be built here by American workers and the taxpayers will have their investment returned. Now we will continue to look to the future, and there is more that we must do here in Congress to make certain that not only does Chrysler have short-term viability and long-term viability as well, but also that the entirety of the American auto industry does as well. The most important thing that we can do here to help the auto industry is to help spur sales. Madam Speaker, we only need to look to Europe, South America or Asia for plans that are actually working. Eighteen countries already have implemented fleet modernization programs, and every Nation that has done so has seen auto sales rise, while every country that has not has seen auto sales plummet in this difficult economy. That's why I was proud to introduce my partisan implementation to implement a fleet modernization plan, better known as ``Cash for Clunkers,'' right here in America. Our plan would provide consumers with a point-of-sale voucher to turn in older, less fuel-efficient vehicles for new more modern more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. I would urge my colleagues to research our proposals and to join us in that.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1747, the Great Lakes Icebreaker Replacement Act, because it is so important to promoting commercial activity on the Great Lakes. Over a billion dollars worth of commerce takes place on the Great Lakes during the winter months, despite the harsh conditions. Half of Lake Michigan, for example, is covered in ice during the winter months. Especially in this economy, we cannot afford to have business shut down simply because ice-breakers are spread to thinly across the Great Lakes. My State of Michigan currently has the highest unemployment in the country at about 12 percent, and many counties in my district are already near 20 percent. We need every job we can get in our State, including jobs that are supported by commercial activity on the Great Lakes. One of the other impacts of unbroken ice is property damage. In my district along the St. Clair River, we have regularly seen problems caused by ice jams lead to flooding for many of my constituents. This year, we saw a fairly spectacular occurrence in the town of Linwood, Michigan, when literal mountains of ice were blown up from Saginaw Bay and into people's yards and homes. Chunks of ice were piled up to 10 feet high in some places and excavators had to be brought in to remove the ice so that people could go about repairing damage to their windows and homes. Many of the ice-breaking ships that we do have in the Great Lakes are nearing the end of their useful lives and have become vulnerable to mechanical failure in these harsh winter conditions. Last fall, I was very concerned about the approaching winter and whether the Coast Guard would have sufficient ice-breaking capabilities to keep critical channels open. In fact, I joined a number of members in writing to Admiral Allen at the Coast Guard and urging him to provide additional resources to the Great Lakes to deal with the coming winter. Finally, after that incident in Linwood, the Coast Guard did respond and assigned an additional cutter from Maine to come over and assist with ice-breaking, which has been of great assistance to us as we get the lakes fully opened up for the summer shipping season. But the need for this bill has already been well established. This bill will authorize the Coast Guard to design and construct a new replacement ice-breaker for the Great Lakes. In addition to assisting with ice-breaking problems we have had on the Great Lakes, this bill will also put Americans to work building this vessel. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I commend the chairman for putting this legislation forward.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule and this legislation as well, the National Water Resource and Development Initiative Act. As a Representative of Michigan, the Great Lakes State, water issues of all varieties are very important to all of my constituents. The Great Lakes are fully one-fifth, or 20 percent, of the world's freshwater drinking supply, and certainly that makes them a natural resource unparalleled on the planet. This legislation, which would establish a national committee to study our Nation's water needs and to make recommendations for a comprehensive national water strategy, sounds very good and very noncontroversial at first blush. But whenever a national water policy is first discussed, we in Michigan and the Great Lakes Basin get very nervous. And whether it is due to population expansion and to dryer areas of the Nation in the South or the West or global warming or whatever, water is going to be a very important need for many in the 21st century. In fact, just last year, Mr. Speaker, Business Week magazine did a cover story about why the great oilman T. Boone Pickens thinks water is actually the new oil. As a result of these challenges, some have begun to promote the idea of a natural water policy to deal with these challenges, and attention will undoubtedly turn to the places that have freshwater like the Great Lakes. There have been numerous examples of this over the decades on both sides of the aisle here. But let me illustrate a recent one. During the 2008 Presidential campaign, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who was then running for President, told the Las Vegas Sun, ``I want a national water policy. We need a dialogue between the States to deal with issues like water conservation, water reuse technology, water delivery, and water production.'' And he went on to say, ``States like Wisconsin are awash with water.'' Fortunately, in order to prevent efforts by others to divert Great Lakes water outside the Basin, last fall we enacted the Great Lakes Compact, which reserves for the Governors of the Great Lakes States the opportunity to regulate diversions of water from the Great Lakes Basin. The compact bans new and increased diversions of water outside the Great Lakes Basin with only limited, highly regulated exceptions, and it establishes a framework for each State and the two provinces in Canada to enact laws protecting the Basin. And after being ratified by the Great Lakes State, the compact passed this House last September by a vote of 390-25, and the Senate actually passed it under unanimous consent, was then signed into law by then-President Bush. In order to ensure that this new water initiative does not infringe on the principles associated with the Great Lakes Compact, I offered an amendment to the Rules Committee yesterday. Regrettably, it was not made in order. Quite simply, my amendment would have prevented the interagency committee, the National Water Initiative Coordination Office, the National Water Research and Assessment Plan from considering or promoting policies that would undermine or interfere with the principles of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. The Great Lakes, as I said, are the very identity of my State of Michigan and all of us in the Great Lakes Basin, and we all take their care very seriously. My constituents will not abide even the prospect of a diversion of the Great Lakes water to other areas of the country where growth is beginning to outstrip their resources. And some might argue that the Great Lakes Compact provides all of the protections that we need. I do agree that there are very strong protections in the compact, but I also fear that everything is subject to change. And while I am not suggesting that this legislation aims to divert Great Lakes water, it also does nothing to protect them or to protect and prohibit diversion either. Such protections would make, certainly, my constituents and all the people that live in the Great Lakes Basin much more comfortable with the establishment of a national water policy. And since those protections are not included in this legislation, Mr. Speaker, I will be opposing both this rule and the bill.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Detroit Free Press for winning journalism's most esteemed award, the Pulitzer Prize, in the category of Local Reporting. Through old- fashioned hard work and investigative journalism, reporters Jim Schaefer and M.L. Elrick helped to secure their newspaper's prize by uncovering evidence which revealed endemic corruption at Detroit City Hall. The Free Press's journalistic prowess and integrity provided a needed check to government power and corruption, a tradition which is firmly rooted in America's great tradition of a free press. The reporting of Schaefer and Elrick, and their work in uncovering the truth for the people of Detroit, is something that this entire country can be proud of. Regardless of all of the ways that the media have changed in recent years, one thing that will never go out of style in America is the ability of a free press to keep the public accurately and honestly informed about its government. Congratulations to the Detroit Free Press. You make us all proud, and you truly exemplify the spirit of the first amendment.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to let my colleagues know that there is no challenge that we in Michigan cannot handle. So when the administration's auto plan came out this week, and it was announced that some decisions have been made that might mean even tougher times ahead, I knew that we would just do what we have always done: roll up our sleeves and get to work. And that's exactly what we are doing. Recently, a bipartisan group of us in Congress introduced the CARS Act, which would offer vouchers to Americans to purchase new fuel- efficient cars made in North America, while trading in their old gas guzzlers. I was encouraged to hear the President say this week that he is in favor of such an incentive program. This ``cash for clunkers'' program is a win-win plan. It gives our auto industry a much-needed boost, it cleans up our environment at the same time, and it does what those in Michigan and this great country have always done. It creates an innovative solution to answer the call of a challenge. Let's support this plan and continue to work together to create solutions. That is the Michigan way. That is the American way.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, yesterday was a very, very tough medicine, I would say that is an understatement, tough medicine for the people of Michigan, as President Obama put down very quick timelines for General Motors and Chrysler to complete the restructuring plans that will make them viable both in the short term, and long-term viability as well. At that same time, the President indicated his support for the industry, which we took to heart, and we find that very, very encouraging, and the President indicated his desire to work with the Congress to produce an incentive to get customers in the showroom. And this is key: How can we incent people to actually purchase an automobile in these economic times? Madam Speaker, recently I was very proud to join with my Democratic colleagues, Betty Sutton of Ohio and Bruce Braley of Iowa, to sponsor H.R. 1550, which we call the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009, or the CARS Act, or as it is now commonly being referred to as the Cash for Clunkers bill. This bill, Madam Speaker, would provide consumers with up to a $7,500 incentive to trade in an older, less fuel-efficient vehicle for a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. And we know this is an idea that will work because it already has. In this case, consumers actually get the immediacy at the point of sale, not later on in the year when they might be doing their tax returns to get a credit or something, but when they are purchasing a car they would get a voucher for this. And the good thing is as well that dealers don't actually have to take that trade-in and have it sitting on the lot, either. That car would be scrapped. But, as I say, we know it would work because we have seen what has happened. Recently, the German Government introduced a similar incentive, and in February German car sales were up 22 percent, as sales fell, as we all are painfully aware, around the rest of the world. There was an op-ed in today's USA Today by Bill Ford, and it is titled, ``Cash in Old Cars for New Ones. Economy, Consumers, Automakers Would All Benefit.'' This is written by Bill Ford of the Ford Motor Company. And I will also say that this bill is supported by all of the Big Three, General Motors, and Chrysler, as well as supported by the UAW. I submit for printing in the Record this op-ed. Cash in Old Cars for New Ones (By Bill Ford) In spite of the many challenges our country faces, I strongly believe the government stimulus and other steps to thaw credit markets will be effective in driving economic growth over time. But we still face an immediate and serious challenge. Last week, President Obama observed that U.S. auto sales have seen a huge drop-off, starkly noting ``every automaker is getting killed right now.'' In just one year, U.S. auto sales have fallen by nearly 50%. And March's sales numbers promise to be sobering for foreign and domestic automakers. This unprecedented trend is sustainable for neither the industry nor the economy. We urgently need to draw reluctant consumers back into the marketplace. The good news is that there is a proven initiative, outlined by the president on Monday, that can help consumers overcome their fear. The plan also would help the environment and increase energy security. It has been called a ``fleet modernization'' or a ``scrappage'' program. Whatever the name--it works. In January, the German government enacted a consumer incentive equivalent to $3,200 to scrap automobiles that are at least 9 years old and buy new, more environmentally advanced vehicles. By February, sales of new vehicles jumped 21% over the same month a year before. Countries such as Japan, France, Italy, South Korea and others are considering or already have similar programs. This model can work in the U.S., too. President Obama said that he would like to use parts of the economic stimulus package to fund a program that would give consumers a ``generous credit'' when they replace an older car with a new, more fuel-efficient car. President Obama has rightly emphasized the importance of vehicle fuel-efficiency gains and expressed concern about shrinking U.S. auto sales and the risk it poses to the economy. This program could help the environment and jobs. How the program would work Here's how one bipartisan proposal before Congress would work to stimulate new vehicle purchases. The program would provide vouchers to consumers for vehicles at least 9 years old. The vouchers likely would be worth more than the current value of their vehicle. For example, a consumer who turns in an older car could get a voucher ranging from $4,000 to $5,000 to use as a down payment on a $20,000 car that exceeds 27 miles per gallon. Combined with current auto sales incentives, consumers likely will get unprecedented deals on more fuel-efficient cars. An independent analyst, Barclays Capital, estimates that this proposal could boost sales by 2.5 million units if 2% of eligible vehicles were traded in. This surge in sales would help preserve American jobs in communities across the country. Taxpayers are rightly concerned about the federal deficit given the significant spending on the economic stimulus. Let me clarify, Ford is in a different position and is not seeking emergency taxpayer assistance. Nonetheless, Congress needs to spur consumer demand for autos--the largest purchase a family makes after a home. This vehicle modernization idea would require additional investment by taxpayers. Its cost would be dependent on how Congress structures the incentive and its duration. The alternative, however, if sales do not rebound quickly, is more job losses, more home foreclosures, and less revenue for governments that must provide more jobless and health care benefits. In addition to its consumer benefits, this initiative would help reduce our carbon footprint. Automakers are accelerating efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, but the latest fuel- economy rules apply only to new cars. This proposal would help America get greener faster by retiring a portion of the 240 million vehicles on the road. It could reduce our CO2 emissions by millions of metric tons per year. fuel efficiency means lower costs The program also would help contribute to greater energy independence. Replacing an older car with a new, more fuel- efficient one drives down gas consumption. That helps consumers, too. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates a family could save $780 per year by moving from a vehicle with 18 miles per gallon to one with 30 mpg. The auto industry, both foreign and domestic, needs to work together to do our part in turning the economy around. But we also need to use the tools that our government possesses, and routinely deploys in so many other ways, to help move the economy more swiftly to a better place. Improved auto sales will be one of the key indicators that America is on the road to economic recovery. As Congress weighs a national energy policy, climate change or even more stimulus measures, we urge lawmakers to consider this market- based consumer incentive. This fleet modernization idea would be a win-win-win for the consumer, the economy, the environment. This is a bipartisan piece of legislation. It is very important to say this. This is bipartisan legislation, and it accomplishes two very important goals: First, it gets customers into the showrooms by buying vehicles and, of course, to help keep people working, as well as getting more fuel-efficient cars on the roads and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. So it is a win-win all the way around. I believe that this is a prescription that our auto industry needs. I think it is a critical component, Madam Speaker, of the road forward for the auto industry and our Nation, and I would urge all of my colleagues to join us to help preserve jobs, to help consumers, and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect this vital industry.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 178--expressing the need for enhanced public awareness of traumatic brain injury and support for the designation of a National Brain Injury Awareness Month. It is appropriate that we debate this bill today, since March is widely recognized as Brain Injury Awareness Month. Now, more than ever, we need to heighten the public's awareness to a growing issue-- Traumatic Brain Injury. Traumatic Brain Injury has been called the signature wound of the War on Terror, as thousands of American servicemen and women have been diagnosed with TBI and untold more have yet to be diagnosed. An estimated 360,000 soldiers have sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan. Furthermore, Military health screening programs have shown that as many as 20% of returning troops have suffered at least a mild concussion. The use of Improvised Explosive devices are the primary cause of this silent wound. Often, symptoms don't manifest themselves for some time. Many of the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury are similar to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, further hindering a proper diagnosis. The dramatic increase in Traumatic Brain Injuries among military veterans has created huge stresses on the VA system's capability to handle. While there was no way that the VA could have predicted the demand for Traumatic Brain Injuries treatment and rehabilitation before our troops were deployed in response to the attacks on our country, the fact remains that we need to provide better services to our veterans, and we need to be able to provide those services in their own communities rather than requiring them to travel for treatment. The Veterans Administration is already working with some private and nonprofit providers of Traumatic Brain Injury treatment and rehabilitation, but it can and should identify more opportunities to allow veterans to receive appropriate, high-quality care from providers in their own communities. And that is why I have joined with my colleagues here in Congress and joined the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. Our goal is to further educate and raise awareness of brain injury and support funding for basic and applied research on brain injury rehabilitation. It is important that we give brain injury the attention it is due to help us move beyond the ``silent epidemic'' and towards real treatments, supports, and eventually cures. The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force has worked to ensure that individuals have access to reliable information, effective prevention strategies, and, if injured, comprehensive and appropriate treatments. We owe our nation's veterans a debt we cannot fully repay, but we must make sure that every solider, sailor, airman or Marine exposed to an Improvised Explosive Device is properly screened and treated for Traumatic Brain Injury--we owe them no less. I support the recognition of March as National Brain Injury Awareness Month and I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I certainly thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, how amazing, quite amazing that we just heard this testimony and these remarks from our colleague from Louisiana, Representative Cao. But if there is any reason for our colleagues to support this resolution, it is by the words that he just spoke. What an unbelievable story he told. He is a Vietnamese-American, his father for 7 years in a re-education camp in Vietnam, and here he is as a result of our men and women fighting for freedom and democracy and liberty. That is certainly a vivid demonstration of why we need to pass this resolution today. I certainly support Resolution 234, which will designate a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. My district in McComb County, Michigan, is actually home to I think one of if not the largest chapter of Vietnam veterans, Chapter 154, in the entire Nation. My husband, a very proud Vietnam veteran, actually flew F-102s with the 509th Fighter-Interceptor group from air bases in both Danang and Saigon. These veterans served our Nation faithfully and with distinction and honor. But, to our everlasting shame, they received a horrible homecoming. One of the saddest times, Mr. Speaker, in American history was the way that we treated our Vietnam veterans when they returned from combat. Caught in the crossfire of the debate on the war in our Nation, they came home to taunts, insults, and worse. These brave men and women, these great war fighters, these great patriots, these great Americans, they answered our Nation's call to fight, and they fought, they bled, and they died in the service of our country. Not only did they have to bear their physical and psychological wounds of warfare, Mr. Speaker, but our Nation did not recognize them as the heroes that they were and that they are. There were no parades and no yellow ribbons and no thanks for serving when our Nation asked them to do so, and they stepped forward to defend freedom and liberty and democracy. These men and women deserved better, Mr. Speaker. And although it has taken many years to rectify the injustice some of our fellow citizens visited upon our Vietnam veterans, today we can honor them, and we should, with a day to welcome them home properly. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial here in Washington is one of the most visited memorials. This wall stands as a reminder that 58,000 of our fellow countrymen paid the ultimate price, and we must never forget them. We owe our Nation's veterans a debt that can never be fully repaid, but we want to thank them for their service and their sacrifice on behalf of our great Nation, and all of us will continue to work the halls of Congress to ensure that our veterans get the care, the help, the recognition, and the benefits that they so richly deserve. I know that I have a MIA/POW flag hanging right outside the door of my Congressional office, and if you walk up and down the halls of Congress, you will see many, many others displayed here as well. We can never forget. And I would encourage every community in America to observe the ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day'' so that we never forget our veterans' bravery, courage and sacrifice. And today let me say ``welcome home.'' I ask all of my colleagues to support this resolution.