Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Ohio State Senator John Carey is an exceptional individual worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Senator Carey has been appointed to Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee by Senator Bill Harris; and Whereas, Senator Carey should be commended for his excellence, professionalism, integrity, and for his ongoing efforts to work for the constituents of the 17th District in Ohio. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Senator John Carey for his appointment to the Finance Committee.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Ohio State Senator Ron Amstutz is an exceptional individual worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Senator Amstutz has been appointed to lead the Senate Ways and Means Committee by Senator Bill Harris; and Whereas, Senator Amstutz should be commended for his excellence, professionalism, integrity, and for his ongoing efforts to work for the constituents of the 22nd District in Ohio. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Senator Ron Amstutz for his appointment to the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Cpl. Nathan Anderson upon the death of this outstanding Marine. Cpl. Anderson was a member of the Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division serving his great nation in the country of Iraq. He was a loving son, brother, and friend to all who knew him. Cpl. Anderson was an active citizen in his community and did his best to make his country a better place to live. Cpl. Anderson will be remembered for his unsurpassed sacrifice of self while protecting others. His example of strength and fortitude will be remembered by all those who knew him. While words cannot express our grief during the loss of such a courageous Marine, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Cpl. Nathan R. Anderson.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Jeanne Crotty has served diligently as an intern for the office of Congressman Bob Ney in the United States House of Representatives; and Whereas, Jeanne Crotty has demonstrated that she is an extremely talented individual who understands public policy, government relations and the American political system; and Whereas, Jeanne Crotty should be commended for her excellent service, her integrity and dedication to the projects she was asked to perform. Therefore, I join with Members of Congress and their staff in thanking Jeanne Crotty for her outstanding service as an intern in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Anthony Gentile has received his honorary Bachelor of Science degree from Youngstown State University; and Whereas, Anthony Gentile gave up his college education to serve his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army; and Whereas, Anthony Gentile should be commended for his service to the United States and for his dedication to furthering his education. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Anthony ``Tony'' Gentile for his outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Bev Riley has served continuously as the office manager for the Chillicothe Mayor's Office for twenty years; and Whereas, Bev Riley provided her services as office manager through the administration of three different Chillicothe mayors; and Whereas, Bev Riley's service to the residents of Chillicothe is greatly appreciated by all who have worked with her. She should be commended for the help that she provided to the people of Chillicothe and the surrounding area. Therefore, I join with the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in celebrating Bev Riley's twenty years of service to the Village of Chillicothe.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Robert Wilson has served as the mayor of Toronto, Ohio for thirteen years; and Whereas, Mr. Wilson oversaw projects in Toronto including the Sloan Station Square, the Veterans Victory Pavilion, Newburg Landing, and the installation of the beautification committee; and Whereas, Mr. Wilson maintained a friendly, caring, and hardworking demeanor not only in his post as mayor, but also in his personal life. He should be commended for the leadership he provided to the people of Toronto and the surrounding area. Therefore, I join with the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in celebrating Mr. Robert Wilson's service to the Village of Toronto, Ohio.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement at the end of January 2005, we rise to thank Ms. Jacqueline (Jackie) Aamot for her long career of outstanding service to the United States government, most recently here in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jackie began her career with the House ten years ago on January 4, 1995, and served in positions within the Administrative Counsel and Finance offices of the Chief Administrative Officer. As the Finance Office's Director of Financial Counseling, she provided financial assistance and guidance to all Member and Committee offices including monitoring and projecting available fund balances and ensuring expenditures comply with both House and Committee rules and regulations. Jackie made significant contributions to the financial management of the U.S. House of Representatives, implementing consolidated electronic billings, which have lessened the administrative burdens both for Member and Committee offices and for the Office of Finance. In addition, she instituted more efficient processes that have resulted in the issuing of payments by the Office of Finance in less than two days following receipt of a voucher. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Jackie for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the financial management of the House. We wish Jackie many wonderful years of fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement in December 2004, we rise to thank Ms. Dolly Seelmeyer for over 32 years of outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Dolly began her career in government in 1972 in a ``temporary 6-week position'' in the Office of Photography. She followed that with being hired as the first female Photographer for the House of Representatives. Her passionate customer service, organizational knowledge and resourcefulness benefited six Speakers of the House, and more than 4,000 Members of Congress over three decades. Some say Dolly, herself, is an institution within the Office of Photography. Dolly has displayed great passion for her work and dedicated herself to ensuring the needs of her customers were met with great enthusiasm. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Dolly for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Dolly many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Mr. William Gotschall has served his community and state as the Governor's Regional Representative for Economic Development in Region 10 of East Central Ohio; and Whereas, Mr. Gotschall provided his services as Columbiana County Commissioner, during which time he received the Ohio Department of Transportation Outstanding Local Leader Award; and Whereas, Mr. Gotschall's service to the people of Ohio and Columbiana County earned him the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Calcutta Chamber in St. Clair Township, Columbiana County, the Honorary Citizen Award for Byesville, Guernsey County, and a key to the village of Byesville, Ohio. He should be commended for the help that he provided to the residents of Columbiana County and the surrounding area. Therefore, I join with the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in celebration of Mr. William Gotschall's service to East Central Ohio.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Rhode Island seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that John F. Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received 4 votes for President, and John Edwards of the State of North Carolina received 4 votes for Vice President. Senator LOTT. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of South Carolina seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 8 votes for President, and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 8 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of South Dakota seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 3 votes for President, and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 3 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Utah seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 5 votes for President, and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 5 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Vermont seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that John F. Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received 3 votes for President and John Edwards of the State of North Carolina received 3 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of West Virginia seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 5 votes for President and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 5 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Wisconsin seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that John F. Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received 10 votes for President and John Edwards from the State of North Carolina received 10 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Colorado seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 9 votes for President and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 9 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Florida seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 27 votes for President and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 27 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Georgia seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 15 votes for President and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 15 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Illinois seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that John F. Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received 21 votes for President and John Edwards of the State of North Carolina received 21 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Indiana seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 11 votes for President and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 11 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the Commonwealth of Kentucky seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 8 votes for President and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 8 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Louisiana seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 9 votes for President and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 9 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that John F. Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received 12 votes for President, and John Edwards of the State of North Carolina received 12 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Michigan seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that John F. Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received 17 votes for President, and John Edwards of the State of North Carolina received 17 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Missouri seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 11 votes for President, and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 11 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Montana seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 3 votes for President, and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 3 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of New Hampshire seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that John F. Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received 4 votes for President, and John Edwards of the State of North Carolina received 4 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of New Jersey seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that John F. Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received 15 votes for President, and John Edwards of the State of North Carolina received 15 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of North Carolina seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 15 votes for President, and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 15 votes for Vice President. Senator JOHNSON. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of North Dakota seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 3 votes for President, and Dick Cheney of the State of Wyoming received 3 votes for Vice President

Mr. NEY. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the well-known and great State of Ohio seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that George W. Bush of the State of Texas received 20 votes for President and Dick Cheney from the from the State of Wyoming received 20 votes for Vice President.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask to be recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day. It saddens me that we have to be here today debating this issue. Politics in America can be bitter. Campaigns can divide people and breed resentment. That is a given. It also used to be a given that once a campaign was over the winner claimed victory, the loser accepted defeat, everybody else went on with their lives, and the country moved forward. Now, unfortunately, it seems the bitterness and resentments do not end with the campaign. Instead, the divisions are stoked by individuals who simply do not like the results. The curious thing about this challenge today is that it is taking place in spite of the fact that the losing candidate has admitted defeat. I have to applaud John Kerry for the gracious and magnanimous speech that he made the day after the election where he acknowledged he had been beaten. He also called for unity. I wish those bringing this challenge had heeded his call. I know there are some problems obviously with this election. They are not frivolous. These problems were not unique, however, or confined to Ohio. Nor were they limited just to Democratic voters. There is no such thing as a perfect election. There has not been. There never will be a perfect election. The question, then, is not whether or not mistakes were made. Of course they were. The question is did those mistakes affect the outcome of this election? The answer is no. No serious person, no objective observer, could claim that they did today. Now let us talk a little bit about the so-called evidence that has been presented about what happened in Ohio. Much has been made about the long waits for voters in some precincts. The distribution of voting machines in the State has been criticized, the claim being that minority precincts did not have enough machines while white or suburban precincts had too many. Ken Blackwell, our Secretary of State, has been a frequent target and basically blamed for everything. But, in fact, elections in Ohio are run by and large by the county election boards. If my colleagues are not familiar, these bipartisan boards consist of four members, two Democrats, two Republicans. Decisions about how many machines to have in each precinct are made by those boards, not by the Secretary of State. It is possible they could have miscalculated or underestimated. In a recent article that appeared in the Columbus Dispatch, and this is important, Franklin County Board of Elections Chairman William A. Anthony, Jr. said long lines were not caused by the allocation of machines, a process controlled by a Democrat supervisor, he added, but by the high voter turnout, the overall lack of voting machines, and a ballot that included more than 100 choices for voters. For those thinking Mr. Anthony must be a part of this conspiracy, I would point out that in addition to his position on the elections board, Mr. Anthony serves as chairman of the Franklin County Democrat Party. He said that he is offended by accusations from a band of conspiracy theorists. He further added, ``I am a black man. Why would I sit here and disenfranchise voters in my own community? I feel like they're accusing me of suppressing the black vote. I've fought my whole life for people's rights to vote.'' I could go on, Mr. Speaker, but basically what is the point? Those who believe this election was stolen will always believe it. No amount of facts or evidence will convince them otherwise. The bottom line is those bringing this challenge today simply cannot accept the fact that George Bush has been elected President of the United States. It is too painful for them. We must always be seeking ways to improve the process. We announced weeks ago we are going to have bipartisan hearings to look at these issues, and they are not frivolous. They are important issues. But it would not have changed the outcome of the election. Mr. Speaker, it does not elevate those who are bringing this challenge. It does not elevate our House. It does not elevate the debate. It debases all of us, and it merits a sad day in the history of this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 10) and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.