Michael McMahon

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Chairman, I thank you for the minute. I have a longer statement which I will submit to the Record. I rise today to urge my colleagues to adopt the sense of Congress in this amendment which would recognize Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a decorated hometown hero from my district in Staten Island, in Brooklyn, New York, for his military accomplishments and his commitment to faith. We would like the Department of the Navy to commission a Navy destroyer in his name. Father Capodanno, to put it in summation, received a Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism in the line of fire in Vietnam. He was sent there as a chaplain, but he quickly became much more than a chaplain as he became the friend and accompanier of every soldier on the battlefield. He could have come home after a year's service, but instead he stayed and earned the name of ``the grunt padre,'' because with his fellow Marines, he raced into battle and was at their side all the way. On the morning of September 4, 1967, during Operation Swift in the Thang Binh district of the Que Son Valley, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines encountered a large North Vietnamese unit of approximately 2,500 men.

Mr. McMAHON. On that day, Father Capodanno lost his life. He could have come home. But as a great priest, as a great man of faith, he stayed by his fellow soldiers and gave his life that day. He won the Congressional Medal of Honor. We are asking the Navy to name a ship after him. I thank the chairman. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to adopt a sense of Congress recognizing Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a decorated hometown hero from my district for his military accomplishments and commitment to his faith. We would like the Department of Navy to commission a Navy Destroyer in his name. On June 7, 1957, Father Capodanno was ordained by the late Cardinal Spellman and shortly after, fervently devoted eight years of Catholic Missionary service to the needy peoples of Taiwan and Hong Kong. Volunteering his services as Navy Chaplain on December 28, 1965, Father Capodanno received his commission as a Lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Naval Reserve. After completing orientation at the Naval Chaplain's School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Capodanno requested duty with the Marines in Vietnam. His first assignment was the First Marine Division in 1966, where he immediately began making his presence in the combat operation of Chu Lai a regular part of his duties as Battalion Chaplain. To stay with his men, Chaplain Capodanno relinquished thirty days of Christmas holiday leave and after serving one year, he extended his tour of duty for six months as the condition that he be allowed to remain with the infantry. Father Capodanno's greatest desire was just that--to remain with his troops and to give them moral support. Then on the morning of September 4, 1967, the decision was no longer his to make. During Operation Swift in the Thang Binh District of the Que Son Valley the 1st battalion, fifth Marines encountered a large North Vietnamese unit of approximately 2500 men. Father Capodanno went among the wounded and dying, giving last rites and taking care of his Marines. Wounded once in the face and having his hand almost severed, he went to help a wounded corpsman only yards from an enemy machinegun and was killed. For his selfless acts and bravery beyond the call of duty, a man fellow marines referred to on the battlefield as the ``the `grunt' padre,'' Father Vincent R. Capodanno was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. In 1973, Father Capodanno had a ship commissioned in his honor. The USS Capodanno's lifespan was just as decorated as her namesake's, being the only naval vessel to be blessed by the Pope and saving approximately 22 lives in her first deployment as a search and rescue vessel in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, this ship was decommissioned and then sold to Turkey in 2005: Today, Father Capodanno's legacy in the Navy goes untold. The people of New York's 13th District and I would be incredibly honored if the Department of Navy the recognize these amazing accomplishments by commissioning the next Navy Destroyer in the memory of Father Capodanno, an American Hero.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to adopt a sense of Congress recognizing Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a decorated hometown hero from my district, for his military accomplishments and commitment to his faith. We ask that Department of Navy commission the next Navy Destroyer in the memory of Father Capodanno. On June 7, 1957, Father Capodanno was ordained by the late Cardinal Spellman and shortly after, fervently devoted 8 years of Catholic Missionary service to the needy peoples of Taiwan and Hong Kong. Volunteering his services as Navy Chaplain on December 28, 1965, Father Capodanno received his commission as a Lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Naval Reserve. After completing orientation at the Naval Chaplain's School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Capodanno requested duty with the Marines in Vietnam. His first assignment was the First Marine Division in 1966, where he immediately began making his presence in the combat operation of Chu Lai a regular part of his duties as Battalion Chaplain. To stay with his men, Chaplain Capodanno relinquished 30 days of Christmas holiday leave and after serving one year, he extended his tour of duty for 6 months on the condition that he be allowed to remain with the infantry. Father Capodanno's greatest desire was just that--to remain with his troops and to give them moral support. Then on the morning of September 4, 1967, the decision was no longer his to make. During Operation Swift in the Thang Binh District of the Que Son Valley the 1st battalion, fifth Marines encountered a large North Vietnamese unit of approximately 2500 men. Father Capodanno went among the wounded and dying, giving last rites and taking care of his marines. Wounded once in the face and having his hand almost severed, he went to help a wounded corpsman only yards from an enemy machinegun and was killed. For his selfless acts and bravery beyond the call of duty, a man fellow marines referred to on the battlefield as the ``the 'grunt' padre,'' Father Vincent R. Capodanno was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. In 1973, Father Capodanno had a ship commissioned in his honor. The USS Capodanno's lifespan was just as decorated as her namesake's, being the only naval vessel to be blessed by the Pope and saving approximately 22 lives in her first deployment as a search and rescue vessel in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, this ship was decommissioned and then sold to Turkey in 2005. Today, Father Capodanno's legacy in the Navy goes untold. The people of New York's 13th district and I would be incredibly honored if the Department of Navy would recognize these amazing accomplishments by commissioning the next Navy Destroyer in the memory of Father Capodanno, an American Hero!

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I thank the House Committee on Armed Services, led by the great gentleman from Missouri, for recognizing the significance of the increasing suicide rates in our armed services and the need to increase mental health professionals to combat this disturbing trend. I would also like to thank my colleagues, Congressman Tom Rooney, Harry Teague and Ben Lujan for their partnership with me on this amendment and on veterans' mental health issues we have tackled in a very bipartisan fashion. Mr. Chairman, serving in the military can have lingering effects on servicemembers and the families that support them. For this reason, the mental health care needs of the TRICARE population are large and diverse, requiring a skilled group of professionals to diagnose and treat a variety of disorders. Unfortunately, these professionals do not currently exist, and the mental health needs of our servicemen and - women are, quite frankly, not being met. But Congress can help increase this pool by implementing the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Institute of Medicine study, which makes recommendations for permitting counselors to practice independently under the TRICARE program. In addition, the committee recommends that TRICARE implement a comprehensive quality management system for all its mental health professionals. Under current TRICARE rules, mental health counselors are required to practice under a physician's supervision, and their patients must be referred to them by a physician in order for their services to be eligible for reimbursement. This requirement distinguishes them from other mental health professionals who practice without such restrictions. This amendment would encourage the Secretary of Defense to implement these goals by the end of the year and to increase mental health professionals available to our men and women in uniform. We need to provide the coverage, but we also need to provide the professionals who can provide the care. We see in so many cases the high rates of suicides of our returning warriors, and we must address this. Eventually, this increase will reduce the stigma of seeking mental health treatment and reduce the aberrantly high levels of suicide in the armed services, as I mentioned. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the remainder of my time. Mr. Chairman, I must apologize to my good friend, the gentleman from California, because perhaps my New York accent wasn't, my pronunciation wasn't clear enough, or perhaps I did not speak loudly enough. The amendment that I am proposing seeks to provide to our returning warriors when they come home and when they continue their lives here in this country, to get the mental health treatment that they need that they cannot currently have. Mr. Chairman, the issue that I spoke to in my remarks dealt with a very important issue, and that is how to make sure that this country provides the mental health services for our returning warriors. I did not think that that issue would be one that would be picked up, in my eloquence, by Fox News. I'm not quite sure how it dealt with the other issues, but I just want to be clear, and I want the record to be clear that I was speaking to amendment 62, which is, I think, a very important issue, a very important issue that everyone in this body addresses and deals with, and that is providing adequate mental health services for our returning warriors. That's all I spoke to. That being said, at this time, I yield the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the one year anniversary of the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Although the war ended on May 19th, 2009, much work still needs to be done to ensure peace and stability on the island. Despite a pending debt crisis, the Sri Lankan government is still expanding its military footprint, including a $300 million loan from Russia to purchase new weapons systems. I would urge the Congress to include language in the FY11 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill similar to language included last year. This would restrict all military assistance to Sri Lanka until the government: First, suspends and brings to justice members of the military who have violated internationally recognized human rights or international law; respects internationally recognized human rights, including the right of due process for suspected ex-combatants; treats IDPs in accordance with international standards, and is actively working to resettle individuals in their former homes; provides unrestricted access to conflict-affected areas and populations by humanitarian organizations and journalists; and implements policies to promote reconciliation and justice. I would encourage my colleagues to support this language until the Government of Sri Lanka can prove it is taking the necessary steps to secure lasting peace and stability for the island.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5139) to provide for the International Organizations Immunities Act to be extended to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo, as amended.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 873) establishing a United States Consulate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as amended.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and yield myself such time as I may consume. This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should establish a consulate in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. As the United States military presence in Iraq winds down and our diplomatic presence increases, a consulate in northern Iraq will prove indispensable to America. Fifteen countries, including Iran, Turkey, and a leading number of European countries, have already opened consulates in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan regional government. It would benefit U.S. national security to follow suit. American economic interests would also be served by opening a consulate in northern Iraq. Indeed, Iraqi Kurdistan offers numerous business opportunities across a number of important sectors, including energy development and infrastructure. The lack of a consulate in northern Iraq is preventing U.S. firms from taking full advantage of these new economic opportunities in a rapidly developing region. Instead, contracts are going to Iranian, European, Turkish, and Asian corporations. Finally, the absence of a U.S. consulate in northern Iraq makes it extremely difficult for the residents of that region--Kurds, Arabs, and others--to gain access to U.S. consular services. Iraqis from the north must drive more than 200 miles to reach the American Embassy in Baghdad. And some of the territory they are forced to cover is treacherous. This is no way to encourage Iraqi communication with American diplomats or to handle passport issues. Madam Speaker, this year, the State Department modified its travel warning for Iraq, reflecting the relative safety and security in the Kurdistan region. And we must not forget that the Kurdish people of Iraq have been partners with the United States for many years. I believe that the establishment of the United States consulate in the Kurdistan region of Iraq will demonstrate our strong commitment to maintaining and building upon a success and stability that has already been achieved in that part of Iraq, thanks in large part to the proud, brave, and courageous warriors from our armed services. I also believe that we should open consulates in the majority Shia south and the majority Sunni Arab center of the country to expand America's diplomatic reach and presence throughout Iraq. Madam Speaker, the future of United States-Iraqi relations will be based on diplomacy and security. Expanding our consular access in northern Iraq will contribute both to our national security goals and to the stabilization and success of the Iraqi nation. I encourage all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 873. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Davis).

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5327) to authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, as amended.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation and yield myself as much time as I may consume. H.R. 5327, the United States-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act of which I am a proud original cosponsor, authorizes funds for the State of Israel to facilitate the deployment of the Iron Dome missile defense system. I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye) for introducing this important legislation. Madam Speaker, as we all know, the residents of Israel are subject to the constant threat of terrorist attack--not just threat but actual attack. Israelis living in the southern city of Sderot have been terrorized by more than 8,000 indiscriminate rocket and mortar attacks on their homes, schools and communities. Passage of the U.S.-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act today will help provide Israel with a reliable missile shield that could lead to a major strategic shift in Israel's approach to dealing with the persistent missile threat. For years, the primary tool that Israel has used to protect its citizens from Hamas and Hezbollah missile attacks is an early warning system that sets off sirens telling people to hurry into bomb shelters. This is a passive defense which aims to minimize fatalities among helpless, unprotected civilians. The deployment of the Iron Dome missile shield will give Israel the capability to provide active defense. This advanced system has the capability of knocking Qassams, Katyushas, mortars and other deadly projectiles out of the sky, rendering them harmless. President Obama's decision to provide the necessary funding to support Israel's deployment of the Iron Dome system demonstrates America's enduring commitment to Israel's enduring defense and the Obama administration's commitment to ensuring Israel's security. As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently said, ``President Obama has affirmed, the United States' commitment to Israel's security is unshakable, and our defense relationship is stronger than ever, to the mutual benefit of both nations.'' Madam Speaker, U.S.-Israeli cooperation on the Iron Dome system will help advance the cause of peace by supporting Israel's ability to defend herself against terrorist attacks. This will give Israel the security it requires to live in peace and to make difficult sacrifices for peace. I believe defensive technologies like Iron Dome are a real-world necessity for Israel as it moves from proximity talks to direct talks and eventually to a final two-state solution. Madam Speaker, the United States and our ally Israel share many of the same security challenges, from combating terrorism to confronting the threat posed by Iran's nuclear weapons program. President Obama and the Democrats in Congress recognize the threat posed by Hamas and Hezbollah to Israel, and we will continue to do what is necessary to keep Israel safe and promote the cause of peace, but we cannot have peace until Israel is safe. Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel in their quest for peace and the right to live lives free of terrorism. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yea'' on this important legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to Representative Moran from Virginia, a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), a member of the Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), chairwoman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), the chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I thank my colleague, Congressman Manzullo of Illinois, for his support, and yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, on April 14, 2010, an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the Qinghai province of southwest China. With over 18 aftershocks measuring more than 6.0 on the Richter scale, the devastation and suffering that followed was immeasurable. The earthquake killed over 2,000 residents of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which is 97 percent Tibetan and has been a cradle for Tibetan culture and religion for centuries. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the quake, countless schools, government buildings, and local monasteries stood in ruins. First on the scene were local Tibetan Buddhist monks who worked in very treacherous conditions to stabilize schools, clinics, and homes to rescue survivors. These monks, many working in their robes with the most basic of tools, worked for hours without breaking until heavy machinery could be moved in. They were joined in their efforts by local and national Chinese authorities who worked in conjunction with the community groups on search and rescue and now join in the rebuilding. The worst-hit town of Kyegu still contains over 100,000 homeless residents, on top of the 20,000 migrants, described as ``mostly herders and farmers,'' already living there. Yet, 5 weeks after the earthquake, we are seeing the silver lining, as plans to reconstruct all of Kyegu, including the destroyed Buddhist holy sites, and build new homes for those who tragically lost their own, take place. On May 1, 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced a plan to rebuild Kyegu in an ``eco-friendly'' manner during a meeting on postdisaster rehabilitation and reconstruction. I commend the Chinese government's efforts to rehabilitate and modernize the region, but encourage them also to include the local Tibetan population in their reconstruction plans, given the distinctiveness of the region as a center of Tibetan culture. On behalf of the over 50,000 Chinese Americans who reside in my congressional district, I express my condolences for all the people of the Qinghai province, Tibetan Americans, Chinese Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or are otherwise affected by this tragedy, including rescue and humanitarian workers. I also want to commend Ambassador Huntsmann, who presented a check for $100,000 to the Chinese Red Cross Society for their efforts to rebuild after the Qinghai earthquake. Ambassador Huntsmann's remarks demonstrated that we stand with the Chinese people to rebuild Qinghai and further develop stronger ties between our two nations. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Just to continue on a point that I failed to mention, the issue of the Tibetan people is, of course, very near and dear to me as well. I have in my district the only Tibetan cultural museum in North America. And it's a site that we have worked with and honored for years--the importance of the Tibetan people, their culture, and what it means to the whole world, and that they are allowed to continue to survive and flourish in this world. And so on many points I agree with the gentleman from Texas. I have no further requests for time, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.