Michael McCaul

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 976) condemning human rights abuses by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressing solidarity with the Iranian people.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. I thank the chairman for his leadership on this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, in the past we have seen abusive earmarks in appropriation bills while the Members responsible hide from the scrutiny of the American taxpayer. We have also seen earmarks included in the conference process in the darkness of night. Well, this bill changes all that. As a former Federal prosecutor in the Public Integrity Section, I have always said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. From now on, our appropriations tax and authorizing earmarks will have a bright light shined upon them. From now on, all reported bills and conference reports will include a list of earmarks and the name of the Member requesting them. Members will also be able to challenge any ``air-dropped earmark.'' This is exactly the transparency and accountability that the House needs, and it is something that the American people have come to expect and deserve. I urge my colleagues to vote for this important step to restoring integrity to the process.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, five years ago this week, our generation was defined by the heroic actions of hundreds of first responders, brave Americans and innocent victims who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. That day, 19 Al Qaeda hijackers murdered nearly 3,000 innocent people. Those terrorists had a simple cause: inflict the highest loss of life and the most damage they could to our Nation. They may have succeeded in murdering thousands of people going about their daily lives, but they failed miserably to defeat the patriotic spirit of America and of freedom everywhere. In the days, weeks and months following the tragic events of September 11th, we saw the patriotic spirit of every American emerge and rally in support of repair and recovery. We saw a nation unified in finding the perpetrators of these crimes and bringing them to justice, and we saw the free world awakened to the possibility of terrorist attacks anywhere and at any time. Simply, 9/11 changed our Nation and the world forever. Not only did these terrorists steal the lives of thousands, but they opened our eyes to our false sense of security. Like someone who has been robbed at home by a vicious criminal, we must now lock our doors and windows at all times to make sure that those who mean us harm are not allowed to break in. That being said, I believe that we are safer at home today than we were 5 years ago, but we are still not safe. Our borders are more secure, our intelligence services are more robust and now work closely together, and our armed services have routed out the terrorists in their homes and brought them to justice. But we are still at war. We cannot afford to stand idly by while terrorists operate in this or any country around the world, because we cannot afford another 9/11. Never again can this happen. We owe to the American people who depend on us to provide a safe and secure homeland, and we owe to it the hundreds of thousands of Americans who throughout history have died defending the democracy and freedom we enjoy today. Most of all we owe it to the thousands of innocent victims who died 5 years ago. We have been battling terrorism for a long time, but September 11th was the day our enemies woke the sleeping giant. Since then, we have seen success in the Global War on Terror and captured some of the world's most dangerous terrorists. We have also made great strides to cripple the organizations and countries that support them. However, we are still faced with an evil enemy who is supported by a rogue nation that's determined to develop nuclear weapons and use them on their enemies. Allowing a nation like Iran, who sponsors terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, to possess nuclear weapons would be a dishonor to those who died on 9/11 and an insult to those who continue to defend America's freedom. We promised to help make the world a safer place, free from the threat of terrorism at the hands of mad men. Keeping that promise means preventing terrorists and their supporters from getting weapons of mass destruction. Let's remember those who gave their lives on 9/11 by keeping our promise. When we remember the events of 9/11, we remember not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. We must remember the police officers and firefighters that responded to the attacks on the W orId Trade Center and the Pentagon who went in to save lives, but gave their lives in the process. We remember the first responders from every corner of our nation who came to ground zero in the days after to lend their strength, skills and support. And we must remember the innocent people--the husbands and wives, the parents and children and the entire families who were torn apart the day the towers fell. We must always remember. That is our duty as Americans--that is our charge as patriots.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman King and Majority Leader Boehner for their leadership in bringing this important piece of legislation to the floor. It cannot be overstated how crucial the need is for America to have secure borders, and this bill is a step in that direction. For too long we have seen the effects of a porous border. An estimated eight to twelve million undocumented aliens are here illegally in the United States. Last year alone, over a million illegal aliens were apprehended at the border, but the Border Patrol estimates that many more have crossed undetected. In addition, there is evidence to support that Al Qaeda would like to exploit our South West Border. We cannot let this happen I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation which is vital to the security of our borders and our Nation.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we stand here today not as Republicans or Democrats, but united as Americans to remember the events of September 11, as it should be. I find this debate should not fall into election year politics. It is fitting the resolution contains border security in it, as the 9/11 Commission recommended border security. It is an issue of national security. Five years ago this week, our generation was defined by the heroic actions of the hundreds of first responders, brave Americans, and innocent victims who gave their lives on 9/11. That day, 19 al Qaeda hijackers murdered nearly 3,000 Americans. Those terrorists had a simple cause, inflict the highest loss of life and the most damage they could to our Nation. They may have succeeded in murdering thousands of people going about their daily lives, but they failed miserably to defeat the patriotic spirit of America and of freedom everywhere. When we remember the events of September 11, we must also remember the police officers and firefighters that responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon who went in to save lives but gave their own lives in the process. We must remember the first responders from every corner of our Nation who came to Ground Zero in the days after to lend their strength, their skills, and their support. And we must remember the innocent people, the husbands and wives, the parents and children, and the entire families who were ripped apart that fateful day that the Towers fell. We must always remember. We will never forget and we will never surrender. That is our duty as Americans, and that is our charge as patriots.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the birth of Chloe Jane Sweet. Chloe was born on September 3, 2006 to her very proud parents and my good friends, Julie and Chad. There is no accomplishment or gift greater in life than the birth of a son or daughter. As the father of five wonderful children who are the light of my life, I know how happy and fulfilled Julie and Chad are to have a healthy and beautiful newborn baby daughter. It is my hope, and the hope of all of their friends and family, that they continue to be blessed with the great fortune they have enjoyed in the birth of Chloe Jane. Linda, my children and I wish them all the best as Julie and Chad begin their lives as Chloe's parents, and as Chloe begins her life as their daughter.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of an institution that prides itself on excellence, distinction and integrity--my alma mater St. Mary's Law School. Located in San Antonio, Texas, St. Mary's Law School is a community of faith and an independent Catholic institution that instills in its students a commitment to public service, and a profound moral and intellectual obligation to the public that its students will someday serve. I am proud to say that I graduated from St. Mary's Law School in 1987, and the great education of the law and public service that I received there built the foundation for my career as a Member of Congress. Recently, St. Mary's Law School dedicated their new Center for Terrorism Law. The St. Mary's Center for Terrorism Law is committed to the study of the legal issues associated with both antiterrorism and counterterrorism, with a particular emphasis on cyberterrorism and information assurance technologies. Through its exceptional curriculum, the Center for Terrorism Law is dedicated to increasing the professional and public understanding of terrorism law, and the balance between ensuring global security and protecting the civil liberties of all Americans. As a Member of the Homeland Security Committee and a St. Mary's alumnus, I am encouraged by their commitment to these complex and crucial issues that are at the foundation of America's national security. The education they are providing their students, and the work they are doing in the field of terrorism law will make America a safer place.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the great County of Austin in my home State of Texas. There are few places in our great Nation where the people of one county take such pride and interest in their politics and the issues which affect their lives. Austin County is one of those few and special places. I am particularly fortunate to represent the Republicans of Austin County. It is from this special group of people that I am able to gain insight and perspective on the issues we deal with everyday right here in our Nation's Capitol. This exceptional community of loyal Americans strongly supports America's efforts against terrorism, both at home and abroad in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. The Republicans of Austin County also respect the traditional and American values that we work so hard to protect here in Washington. In Austin County, they know marriage is between one man and one woman, and they know the words ``Under God'' belong in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag which flies over our great land. Austin County Republicans also appreciate and understand the need to secure America's borders. I know when we discuss real ways to solidify the security of our borders, this Congress has the full support of the Austin County GOP. I know we have their backing when we explore ways to stop the growing problem of illegal immigrants breaking into our Nation. And, I know the elected leaders of our land have the support of Austin County Republicans when we pass laws aimed at providing legal citizens with America's social services, and not those in our Nation illegally. But it's not just about immigration and protecting America's values. The Republicans of Austin County are a fiscally sound and smart bunch of men and women who care very deeply about America's financial welfare. This is why we have their full support for tax cuts which keep more money in American pockets, and their support for legislation that has added more than 5 million new jobs to our economy. Mr. Speaker, when we pass legislation to help make our Nation more secure and prosperous, we are doing so for people like my friends in Austin County, TX. When we develop new and cheaper ways to power our homes and cars as we have in this Congress, we are doing so for people like those living in Austin County. So Mr. Speaker, it is my hope you will join me tonight in honoring those hard working and God fearing people of Austin County, TX's GOP. Each day they work very hard to help the Members of this body keep the United States a secure and prosperous nation, and for that they deserve our continued appreciation.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Reichert for his outstanding leadership on this important piece of legislation, which, in my view, will ultimately save lives. Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year, the Nation witnessed emergency response problems at all levels of government, especially with interoperability between our first responders. After Katrina and Rita, like on September 11, first responders and military personnel on the scene could not communicate effectively with each other. This crucial piece of legislation will work to improve interoperability for our first responders by bolstering the national standards for emergency communications equipment. The bill also gives incentives to the States to improve their emergency communications plans and creates regional working groups to help Federal first responders better coordinate with their State and local counterparts. Prior to coming to Congress, I served as chief of terrorism and national security in the U.S. Attorney's office in Texas. I also led the joint terrorism task force charged with detecting, deterring and preventing terrorist activity. I have worked with first responders for most of my professional career and have learned through experience that the ability to communicate between the Federal, State and local levels means saving lives, whether it is a terrorist attack or destruction at the hands of Mother Nature. The time to fix and improve communications for our first responders is now, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this important bill.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Israel, our ally in the Middle East. I would like to thank Majority Leader Boehner and Chairman Hyde for their leadership in bringing this timely resolution to the floor. Since its inception nearly sixty years ago, Israel has been engaged in a war for its survival. It has conducted that war according to every rule set out by the international community and has always acted with restraint when it comes to civilians. Israel's enemies have not only acted without restraint, they have deliberately targeted civilians in an effort to terrorize the nation. Israel is now engaged in a new chapter of its war on terror. I fully support Israel's right to defend its citizens by using all means necessary to destroy terrorists and those that support them. However, we must also consider the root cause of today's violence. For nearly thirty years, the government of Iran has been monetarily and militarily supporting Hezbollah around the world. Evidence of Syrian and Iranian complicity in Hezbollah's abduction of two Israeli soldiers last week is abundant. The scourge of terrorism will never go away until the state sponsors of terrorism have been dealt with decisively. Iran today remains the world's largest state sponsor of terror. Iran's president has repeatedly threatened to bring a rain of fire to Israel and the United States. Imagine what might happen if they get a nuclear weapon to back up those threats. The majority of the Iranian people oppose the theocratic dictators that rule their country. The time has come for the United States to actively support the Iranian people and help them bring about democratic change in their country.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is amazing to me that anybody could agree that state sponsors of terrorism, that it is somehow acceptable that they serve on the Human Rights Council, and specifically countries like China, when we look at their human rights record in Tiananmen Square and the oppression that they have put on their people, countries like Iran, which is a state sponsor of terrorism, which has oppressed women in their society, oppressed their own people to a great extent. Also Libya and Syria. I think this is a commonsense amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett).

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to offer this amendment, which will prevent individuals who are under investigation for human rights violations, including sexual abuse, from participating in current peacekeeping missions. The underlying bill includes good language that will prevent funds in the bill from being spent on new peacekeeping programs until the allegations of human rights violations have been investigated and the guilty have been purged. My amendment simply expands on this initiative and makes current U.N. peacekeeping missions accountable for human rights violations. Over the past year, several cases of human rights abuses, specifically sexual exploitation and abuse, by individuals involved in U.N. peacekeeping operations have raised the suspicions of many Members of Congress and members of the International Relations Committee. The U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services has opened an investigation into these allegations, and the evidence in several of these cases is compelling and very disturbing. Sadly, in some cases, the U.N. has failed to remove the accused individuals from their posts, leaving them in a position to continue abusing innocent victims. Whatever the world gains by placing peacekeeping forces in an embattled country or region we lose tenfold by having deviant and abusive members of the peacekeeping force exploit the local populations. Peacekeeping funds are an important and necessary part of what America does for humanity and the rest of the world. It is a worthwhile cause and a very important resource in spreading American goodwill to other nations. However, I believe the U.N. peacekeeping program must be reformed and Americans should not be spending their valuable tax dollars on the program until this serious problem has been fixed. I thank the chairman for allowing me to discuss this issue. I understand it is subject to a point of order, and I will withdraw my amendment with the hope that the chairman and ranking member will address this issue in conference and in future appropriations bills. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer this amendment, which simply seeks to prevent the funding of a Human Rights Council that represents state-sponsored terrorists. Currently, the United States provides 22 percent of the U.N. annual budgets, over $900 million in fiscal year 2007, and some of that funding goes to the Human Rights Council. My amendment states that no funds in this bill may be used to fund the administration or operation of the Human Rights Council while countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism remain as members of the council. The reforms to the Human Rights Council by the United Nations over the last year are purely cosmetic and without substantive change. Today, countries that sponsor terrorism and countries that have atrocious human rights records still remain on this council, and the American taxpayer funds them. And in my opinion, that is unacceptable. Any Human Rights Council reform that allows countries that sponsor terrorism to remain as members, such as Cuba, is not real reform. And in the past, countries such as Libya, Iran and Syria have participated on this council. Additionally, any Human Rights Council reform that allows countries with despicable human rights records to remain as members, such as China and Saudi Arabia, is not real reform. I believe that it would not only be a waste of America's valuable tax dollars, but it would be an insult to some of our taxpayers who are also soldiers who have fought so hard to defeat terrorism worldwide. It is an insult to elevate countries that sponsor terrorism to a position of authority over other countries for human rights abuses. Until the United Nations engages in true reform to defeat terrorism, we should send them a strong message through this amendment by cutting off U.S. funding to the Human Rights Council. I urge all my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment which will work to prevent terrorism worldwide. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank my friend and colleague from Texas for this amendment. My hometown of Austin has seen the horrifying effects that a sanctuary policy can have on a community. Nearly 3 years ago, an 18-year-old woman by the name of Jenny Garcia was found stabbed to death in her northwest Austin home. An illegal alien by the name of David Diaz Morales was one of Jenny's coworkers. He made it clear to her that he wanted to be more than that. When Jenny rejected his advances, this put him into a rage. And on January 26, 2004, Morales broke into Jenny's home, forcefully grabbed her, held her down, raped her and brutally stabbed her to death. In less than 24 hours, the Austin Police Department arrested this 20- year-old criminal who had absolutely no business being in the United States, let alone Jenny's home. However, Mr. Morales had no business being free to walk America's streets either. You see, before murdering Jenny, he had been previously arrested for molesting a child in Austin. Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle declined to prosecute the case. Morales wasn't deported. Instead, he was released on the streets of Austin, resulting in the murder of Jenny Garcia. Jenny did not have to die that day. This is one of many horrific examples of the many preventable injustices that have resulted from this irresponsible sanctuary policy. We owe it to victims like Jenny Garcia and so many others to include this language in the underlying bill, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support the Culberson amendment.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain James Alexander Funkhouser, a brave soldier and fallen hero from Katy, Texas. Captain Funkhouser was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in Fort Hood, and he was their Headquarters and Company Commander in Iraq. The son of a 31-year Army Veteran, Captain Funkhouser was born in Okinawa, Japan, but he eventually became a Texan, graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1999 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Captain Funkhouser spent the next six years stationed in Vilseck, Germany, Fort Knox, KY, Fort Polk, LA and finally to Fort Hood, TX where he was then deployed with his unit to Baghdad, Iraq in early December 2005. A highly decorated soldier and American hero, Captain Funkhouser's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. During a reconnaissance operation in Baghdad, Captain Funkhouser, his Iraqi interpreter and two CBS reporters were killed when a vehicle- borne improvised explosive devise detonated near his Humvee. Captain Funkhouser loved his country, and he gave his life defending America and the freedom and opportunity for which our flag flies. Captain Funkhouser is survived by his wife, Jennifer; daughters, Kaitlyn and Allison; parents, Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. James Alexander Funkhouser, Sr.; grandmother, Oneita Funkhouser; parents-in-law, Henry and Rosemary Garza and numerous extended family members, friends and fellow soldiers of the United States Army.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address this body with a heavy heart. Judy Jones, the mother of my dear friend Melinda Little, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2006 with her family by her side. Judy was a proud Texan, a native Houstonian and a staunch Republican. She graduated from the first graduating class of Bellaire High School in 1958, attended the University of Houston, and for the last fifteen years, she worked at the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems. Judy was also a founding member of Heritage Republican Women's club and spent years working in grassroots for the Republican Party in Harris County and also statewide. She chaired two successful campaigns to elect her husband Sonny Jones to the Texas House of Representatives as the first Republican to be elected to that body since Reconstruction, and she worked tirelessly to successfully give Harris County and Texas a Republican majority. Judy loved life. She will always be remembered for the love she gave to her husband Sonny and her three children Melinda, Michael and Maggie. She will also be remembered for the love she received from her family and friends, her wonderful sense of humor and her joy in celebrating the holidays. Judy will truly be missed.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution to fight childhood cancer. I would like to especially thank Congresswoman Pryce for her leadership and strong dedication to this issue, which I can't think of any issue more important than this one. My father died from this disease, but no parent should ever have to bury a child. As the father of five, I wake up every morning thanking God for the health and happiness of my children. Not all parents are as fortunate. Unfortunately, cancer is the number one killer of children in this country today, and it destroys not only these innocent victims, but their families as well. In too many cases, the moms, the dads, the sisters and brothers of children with cancer must stand by a hospital bed and watch helplessly as this horrible disease consumes the life of an innocent child. Two of my constituents, Tim and Donna Culliver, lost their son Adam to childhood cancer. Faced with the loss no parent could put into words and a lifetime of pain they will feel forever in their hearts, they bravely have chosen to honor Adam by leading the fight to cure childhood cancer and by courageously working to ensure that no other mom or dad has to suffer as they did. And we should help them. We can and must increase the funding for childhood cancer research. Underfunding this cancer research delays the goal of finding a cure for children like Adam Culliver. This is an investment we cannot afford to pass up. Unlike many of the investments that we make here in the Congress, this one will actually save the lives of innocent children. Every day we do get closer to a cure. Three out of four children who are diagnosed with cancer will survive the disease, but that is not good enough. The loss of one child to this disease is too much. Congresswoman Pryce and I have introduced legislation called the Conquer Childhood Cancer Research Act, which provides for $100 million in desperately needed grants for childhood cancer research, and I urge all my colleagues to show their support for this important bill. I spent the last 2 days with the families whose children have been afflicted by this terrible disease. They gave me a baseball bat that was signed by children at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. The fortunate thing is that some of the children who signed that bat are survivors. The unfortunate thing is some of the children who signed that bat no longer are alive. I want to take that bat and get our bill passed through the Congress, and, once and for all, defeat childhood cancer. Many of my colleagues' offices will be visited today by the families who have suffered through this nightmare. I urge them to listen to the compelling stories the families have to tell and imagine how you would feel if you were in their place, and find the compassion in your hearts to help. This is an issue that no Member of Congress should say no to. I ask you to fight for these families so no more families will have to suffer again.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this, and, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this important piece of legislation that will work to deter fraud in the wake of disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Disaster assistance fraud is something I have been fighting for quite some time now. I recently held a hearing in the Homeland Security Investigation Subcommittee to uncover the findings of a 6-month fraud investigation by the GAO. What they found was nothing short of shocking. The GAO testified before my subcommittee that FEMA disaster assistance after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was applied for and received by criminals who used deceased individuals' identities, and even a cemetery as an address to receive the emergency funding. Federal investigators also testified that prisoners in jail before the hurricanes were able to receive almost $11 million from their jail cells by fraudulently applying for the FEMA disaster assistance funds. The total price tag for the fraud committed after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is not yet known; but GAO investigators have testified that it will, at the very least, be in the billions of dollars. This is an insult to the victims of these natural disasters and an insult to the ultimate victim, the American taxpayer. Through this investigation, we have referred over 7,000 fraud cases to the Department of Justice Task Force for prosecution, and this legislation will ensure that they receive the harshest penalty for their actions. It saddens me to think about the gulf coast families that could have used this money to rebuild their homes and their lives. We need to make sure that these disaster victims and the American taxpayer are never robbed like this again. This legislation is a great first step in making that happen, and I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for the Emergency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty Enhancement Act.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, September 11 changed our lives forever. But the war on terror started long before that. The year 1979 changed the world. When Iran took our embassy hostage, the seeds of Islamic jihad were spread all over the Middle East. These seeds planted hatred and contempt for freedom in the souls of men like Osama bin Laden. In 1983, they murdered our marines in Beirut. In 1993, Ramzi Yousef and his al Qaeda associates bombed the World Trade Center. They were supposed to fall that day, but that day would come later. They struck the Khobar Towers in 1996. They bombed our embassies in Africa. They defeated us in Somalia. And they deliberately attacked the USS Cole. Each time we failed to respond. And then came September 11. It was as if the United States was a sleeping giant. And not until the bloodiest alarm of 9/11 did the giant finally awake. America cannot afford to go back to sleep again. We are fighting this war in distant lands, and we are winning. Our struggle in Iraq and Afghanistan is the great stand in this war on terror. The terrorists are there. Zarqawi was there before, and we are there. And if we fail, the terrorists will prevail just as they have over the last 30 years. Behind me is a picture of Sergeant Byron Norwood taken moments before he died for his country in this global war on terror. In Fallujah, Sergeant Norwood helped save seven of his fellow marines in a gun battle with insurgents and gave his own life in the process. Simply put, Byron was a hero. His story reminds me of the Bible verse found in the Gospel of John: ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'' Some say we should retreat in this war on terror, but to them I say to cut and run now would not only be an insult to those waging this liberating battle but a dishonor to those like Byron who made the ultimate sacrifice because few causes are as worthy, few prices are as great. I received a letter from Byron's mother expressing her concern that the American people would soon forget about Byron and his sacrifice for freedom. To Janet and all of the other Gold Star Mothers, I say we will never forget Byron, and we will never forget about the other fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Whether it is Bill and Janet Norwood or the wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital or the soldiers I met with in Iraq, they all tell me the same thing, Congressman, finish the job. And finish the job we will. I would like to close with a message that Byron's father gave to me to deliver to this Chamber. Byron's father said, ``Byron understood the meaning of Semper Fidelis, always faithful, as do all marines who were there that day in Fallujah. He willingly gave his life, and others were seriously and permanently wounded as they sacrificed for their band of brothers and their country. He would never have traded honor for political advantage.''

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, a man of God, a man of faith, a man who has devoted his entire career, indeed his entire life, to the service of his fellow man. Monsignor Edward Jordan, who offered this morning's prayer for the House of Representatives is revered, admired, and loved by all in his congregation and by all those whose life he has touched. He is the voice and shepherd of our parish at St. John Neumann's Catholic Church in Austin, Texas. Born in Springfield, Ohio, Monsignor Jordan entered the priesthood after receiving his doctorate in theology from the Angelicum University in Rome. From there he served and strengthened the Catholic Church and its flock in central Texas for over four decades. It has been a great privilege to call Monsignor Jordan my pastor. And everyone who knows him experiences the true message of Christ. In his words and in his deeds, and above all, in his heart, his example is a beacon of light which draws us all closer to the Creator. His faith and devotion to the life of Christ is an inspiration to us all. Both as a candidate and as a Member of Congress, Monsignor Jordan gave me the spiritual guidance and taught me the true meaning of sacrifice and public service. He baptized my triplets, not an easy accomplishment, and he administered the Sacrament of Holy Communion to my oldest daughters. And while his retirement this Sunday marks the end of one spiritual journey, it also marks the beginning of another. As you move on from your official role within the Church, you will always remain our shepherd, our spiritual leader, and, above all, our friend. Monsignor Jordan, I know that I speak for all of us in the Catholic community when I say that we will miss you, but we know that you will always be there for your flock. I am reminded of the Gospel of Matthew when Jesus said, ``Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.'' May the peace of Christ be with you and may He hold you in the palm of his hand.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has for the past 31 years brought honesty, integrity and distinction to this Chamber, to his party and to the people of Sixth District of Illinois. I consider myself fortunate to have my congressional career overlap with his, even if only for one term. At several points throughout Chairman Hyde's career, he served in a position of leadership within the U.S. House of Representatives when a strong and competent leader was needed, and at all times he was the right man for the job. He served as chairman of the Judiciary Committee during a difficult time in our country's history, and brought the highest level of integrity to his position. Mr. Hyde was appointed chairman of the International Relations Committee shortly before 9/11, where he has valiantly led us through the early crucial years of the War on Terror. In his career, Chairman Hyde has worked diligently to protect and expand the freedoms of unborn children, to protect the honored symbols of this Nation from desecration and to protect the freedoms of citizens all over the world. Chairman Hyde has dedicated his career in public service to ideals worthy of a great Republican, and to principles worthy of a great statesman. His determination to seek truth and justice has earned him the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. My single regret is that I only had 2 years to learn from Chairman Hyde, but those are lessons I will carry with me throughout my career. I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce today the Early Career Research Act and the Research for Competitiveness Act. These bills expand and strengthen science and engineering research programs at the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy to encourage young scientists and engineers to pursue innovative research that could lead to the major scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow. President Bush, in his State of the Union Address, articulated the link between science and engineering research and national competitiveness. I agree with the President. Like him, I believe that science shapes the future. And, like him, I believe that for America to remain number one in the world, it must remain number one in science. I want to ensure that the highly-innovative, highly-productive industries of tomorrow are created here in America and stay in America to provide high-wage jobs for our children and grandchildren. Texas is one of the world's leading technology centers and I have the privilege of representing Texas' high-tech core. In Texas, we know that science and technology are the wellsprings of economic competitiveness and national strength. In December of last year, Mr. Richard Templeton, President and CEO of Texas Instruments, came to Washington to lead the National Summit on Competitiveness. The theme of that Summit was ``Investing in U.S. Innovation.'' Mr. Templeton and 60 business, academic, and government leaders, including four Cabinet Secretaries, came together to discuss the competitiveness challenge posed by globalization and the rise of new economic competitors, such as India and China. Mr. Templeton and his business and academic colleagues told the President and the Congress that our government must do more to foster America's capacity to innovate by focusing on the health of the American scientific enterprise. The President rose to the challenge and proposed The American Competitiveness Initiative, a bold plan to double Federal investments in fundamental physical science research over 10 years at three science agencies: the National Science Foundation, the Office of Science in the Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. My bills build upon the President's initiative and focus on fostering innovation by providing grants to promising young researchers to pursue research that could lead to the technology breakthroughs of tomorrow. One of my bills provides for matching funds from industry to promote closer ties between academic and industrial researchers. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that so many business, science, and educational organizations have endorsed my bill, including Texas Instruments, AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association), the Telecommunications Industry Association, the Electronics Industries Alliance, the Council on Competitiveness, the Battelle Memorial Institute, the American Chemical Society, the Association of American Universities, and a host of other organizations. I am grateful for their support. Together, we can ensure that America remains first in science and first in economic competitiveness--so that Americans can continue to enjoy the highest standard of living in the world.