Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the majority has already explained the purpose of H. Con. Res. 456, which would correct an inadvertent error in the House-passed version of S. 203 involving the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route. Correcting this error would ensure the proper inclusion of language from H.R. 472, introduced by my colleague from New Jersey, Mr. LoBiondo. I was proud to join the rest of the New Jersey congressional delegation in being an original cosponsor of this bill, which would reauthorize appropriations for the route and requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a strategic plan. The Coastal Heritage Trail extends for nearly 300 miles from Perth Amboy south to Cape May, then along the Delaware Bay to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. It is a partnership between the National Park Service and the State of New Jersey, with the help of other organizations working to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the New Jersey coastline. The Coastal Heritage Trail program has done a great deal to help New Jersey residents and tourists better understand the Shore area, and it is critical that it be reauthorized. Mr. Speaker, we support H. Con. Res. 456. I urge its adoption by the House today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to express concern about the Bush administration's $5 billion arms sale to Pakistan. Though little can be done to stop the deal, I believe the plan is misguided. Considering the recent linkage of the Mumbai bombing to terrorist groups operating in Pakistan, this sale may further slow a 2-year peace process between India and Pakistan. The government of India has made a strong commitment to fighting terrorism all over the world. Like the United States, nothing has deterred their firm policy to fight this regional and global menace. Unfortunately, Pakistan has not yet figured out a way to deter terrorist cells from growing within their borders. We have to be careful where we are sending such highly sophisticated weaponry. While Pakistan has been an ally in the global war on terror, the government has simply watched while terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayyaba committed terrorist acts in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. Its actions within its own country proved themselves not fit for receiving these arms. Mr. Speaker, foreign military assistance to Pakistan has been used against India in the past. This new U.S. policy of military sales to Pakistan will contribute to increasing security concerns throughout South Asia, particularly in India. This material is not being used against al Qaeda, but there is a potential that it would be used in a war against India. We don't need to reward Pakistan for being our friend in the war on terrorism by giving them advanced weapons systems that are not likely to be used in that effort. Pakistan has also faltered on proliferation in the past. In fact, just last week Pakistan announced that it is increasing its capacity to produce nuclear fuel, a move which signals a major expansion of the country's nuclear weapons capabilities. These reactors paired with some of our most highly technological jets and materials could be disastrous to the region. Mr. Speaker, we may be supporting the Pakistani military, but we may also be increasing the rift in peace relations between India and Pakistan and in the South Asia region. Mr. Speaker, economic assistance is certainly necessary to reform Pakistan's schools, provide health care programs and support economic restructuring that will stop Pakistan from being a breeding ground for terrorists. But military assistance is another matter. Allowing this sale sends the wrong message to the government and the people of India. I fear that it will mean a step backwards in U.S.-India relations and in South Asia's regional stability.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take the time of the gentlewoman from New York.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to express my concerns with the nomination of Robert Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia. Many questions remain regarding U.S. policy on the Armenian genocide, and they remain unanswered. Key Senate Foreign Relations Committee members continue to have serious misgivings about the nomination. Two weeks ago, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considered Mr. Hoagland's nomination. During the hearing, Mr. Hoagland failed to adequately respond to the questions asked by the Senators, including not clarifying the U.S.'s policy in the denial of the Armenian genocide. In many instances, he did not respond to specific Senate inquires. He diverted his answers by responding with what seemed like prepared talking points, and went to great lengths to avoid using the term genocide. Additionally, in response to a written inquiry from Senator John Kerry concerning Turkey's criminal prosecution of journalists for writing about the Armenian genocide, Mr. Hoagland referred to these writings as allegations. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. has historically taken a leadership role in preventing genocide and human rights violations, but the Bush administration continues to play word games by not calling evil by its proper name. Instead, they refer to the mass killings of 1.5 million Armenians as tragic events. This term cannot be substituted for genocide. The two words are simply not synonymous. Mr. Speaker, there are historical documents that cannot be refuted, yet somehow the administration continues to ignore the truth in fear of offending another government. The Bush administration has not offered a meaningful explanation of its reasons for firing the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans. In fact, the State Department's assertion that it did not receive any communications from the Turkish Government concerning Ambassador Evans' February 2005 affirmation of the Armenian genocide is simply not credible. Official Department of Justice filings by the Turkish Government's registered foreign agent, the Livingston Group, document that there are at least four different occasions of communications with State Department officials following Ambassador Evans' remarks affirming the Armenian genocide. Still, the State Department refutes these claims. Mr. Speaker, this lack of honesty has been an all too common practice of the Bush administration. The American people and this Congress deserve a full and truthful account of the role of the Turkish Government in denying the Armenian genocide. Our Nation's response to genocide should not be denigrated to a level acceptable to the Turkish Government. It is about time the Bush administration started dictating a policy for Americans and not for a foreign government. Mr. Speaker, I fear that sending an ambassador to Yerevan who denies the Armenian genocide would represent a tragic escalation in the Bush administration's ignorance and support in Turkey's campaign of genocide denial. The State Department has reported to Senate offices that they expect Ambassador Designate Hoagland to be confirmed during a business meeting early next week. I would urge the Senate to block his nomination until this administration recognizes the Armenian genocide.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the subject of my Special Order is Tim Friedman, who as many of you know is the assistant manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom. I don't know where to begin. I don't know what I am going to do without Tim being here. I think this is his last week and he is retiring after so many years in the Cloakroom. But just to give you an idea of some of the things that I don't know who is going to do these things for me anymore: usually I bring my cell phone on the floor. And he has to remind me that I am not allowed to have a cell phone on the floor, so I have to put it in the back and leave it there. And I tell him he doesn't have to answer it, but he usually answers it. A lot of times late at night when we are doing Special Orders, those of you who know that basically the food area in the back is closed, so I have to ask him to open up the refrigerator and I leave a dollar in the refrigerator and he gets me a Coke. My beeper breaks down on a regular basis, and I have to leave it for Tim to fix. Half the time it is not even broken, but he doesn't want to tell me that I don't realize it is not broken so he just says, Oh, yeah, I fixed it, even though it probably wasn't broken from the beginning. Let me see what else. I have made a list here. When we doze off in the Cloakroom, that is big. Many of us, as you know, are here late at night or even during the day. If we are tired, we lie down on the couch, and he has to come around and gently nudge us to make sure that we don't miss a vote. I don't know, the list goes on and on. I don't even know where to begin. Oh, my yellow pads. I always carry yellow pads and I use my blue marker to cross things out. And a lot of times I leave them on the seat, and then I will go back to my office and Tim will call me up and say, Oh, Frank, you left your yellow pad. Come on down here and get it. He is going to save it for me. So the list goes on. The other thing is we have this triumvirate, or three people, who are the managers here that, as far as I know, they have been here for as long as I can remember, and that is Tim, Bob, and Barry. And I cannot imagine what it is going to be like when we are missing one of them. So it is not only Tim, but it is the fact that this triumvirate is going to be gone or is going to be broken up, and I can't imagine who is going to replace Tim because I always think of them as the three people that I can always rely on. But the list goes on. Have you ever noticed that Tim brings that green book, he brought it down here today, that green book which we have to sign in, I guess, for Special Orders. It goes back I don't know how many years. I mean, that thing probably belongs in the Smithsonian Institution. It goes back 30, 40 years. Who keeps it, who gets that green book once you leave? I guess it will have to be either Barry or Bob. Then the list goes on. Let me say, Tim has an incredible sense of humor. Not only the Clerks and the people that work behind us, but he as well as the other managers have to stay late at night when we do Special Orders. And I think you know that the Democrats are determined to fill every last hour of Special Orders, and so he or Bob or Barry has to stay here very late, usually until midnight because that is when they are cut off. And I always come in and kid him and say, Are you working tonight? And I tell him, Well, maybe I won't do the Special Order. And he says, Oh, no, you can do it, you can do it. He doesn't really mean it. He hopes I go home, but he tolerates us anyway. And he has a tremendous sense of humor and makes us laugh, which is so important, particularly with all the problems that you have around this place. Having somebody with a great sense of humor is really important, needless to say. My staff think that Tim is more important than them. I mean, that is what they will constantly tell me, because I call here all the time, not only every day, not only every hour, but sometimes every five minutes to see what is going on, and he never says, Why are you calling? He is never grumpy. He is always like, Mr. Pallone, you called. And he gives me an update on what is going on, and he never makes me feel like I shouldn't call again, even though I probably shouldn't. So I could go on forever, Tim, but I just want to thank you for all you have done not only on behalf of myself and not only on behalf of the Democratic Members, but on behalf of all Members. I know others told me that they want to enter statements in the Record, so that is why I asked unanimous consent that the Record be kept open. You certainly deserve your retirement. I can't believe you are retiring. You don't look old enough to retire, but I know you are going to enjoy your retirement. Let me say a little bit of his history, if I could. He is a native of Lackawanna, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. He arrived in Washington in 1976 and started his career in the House in July 1976 under the patronage of Congressman Dan Rostenkowski. He worked as a doorkeeper under the Honorable James T. Molloy from 1976 to 1982. In 1982, he transferred to the Office of the House Sergeant at Arms and worked as an assistant to Jack Russ, and Tim was appointed as assistant manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985, before I got here, by then Speaker Tip O'Neill, Speaker of the House. Tim married, he actually got married a few years ago to Colleen Early in 2003, probably one of the reasons he wants to retire, so he could spend more time with his wife. And they are avid golfers. They are building a home in Wallace, North Carolina. I know he can't wait to enjoy his retirement, but we will sorely miss you and I personally will, for sure.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order today.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, the American taxpayer is being ripped off by the Republican prescription drug law. Any Republican who wants to dispute this fact should take a look at yesterday's New York Times. Under the headline ``A Windfall from Shifts to Medicare,'' we have yet another example of how the pharmaceutical companies are reaping record profits while the American taxpayer is left holding the bill. Before the Republican law went into effect this year, more than 6.5 million low-income Americans received help with their prescription drug bills through Medicaid. Under the Medicaid system, States could purchase the drugs at the lowest available prices. While this was good news for the taxpayer, it certainly cut into the profits of the pharmaceutical companies. So now those 6.5 million Americans have been moved into the Republican plan, and they are no longer receiving the lowest prices. And the higher costs, adding up to as much as $2 billion this year alone, will be passed on to the American taxpayer. And House Republicans still claim to be fiscal conservatives? House Republicans sold out to the pharmaceutical companies, and now the American taxpayers are paying the price.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take the time of Mr. Emanuel.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, this week people all around the world are hearing about the small island of Cyprus. Today, Cyprus is serving as a safe haven for thousands of Americans and others who have fled the violence of the Middle East. I would suspect, however, that most people around the world do not know that tomorrow Cyprus marks the 32nd anniversary of a very dark day in its history. That is the day Turkey illegally invaded the northern third of Cyprus. At a time when Cypriots are inviting thousands of people to their island as a way to leave behind violence, the actual island itself remains divided. I commend the Cypriot government for its effective work in coordinating evacuation efforts with both the U.S. Government and the world community. According to a State Department official, ``Cypriots have met every helicopter and ship with sandwiches and water and juice. They're just being fantastic.'' And this is nothing new, Madam Speaker. Cyprus has always been a strong ally of the United States. I hope Cyprus' actions of the last week will help the Bush administration reevaluate its relationship with the island Nation, a relationship that has cooled over the last couple of years. Until 2 years ago, both Democratic and Republican administrations consistently condemned the Turkish government for this illegal occupation and pressured the government to come to the negotiating table in an attempt to finally reunite Cyprus. Past administrations understood that the invading Nation of Turkey was to blame for the division and should, therefore, be punished accordingly. As a result, past administrations specifically forbid trade with the illegal government of the occupied north. Our government also prohibited directly flights into the occupied north. As long as Turkey continued its intransigence and refused to leave Cyprus, U.S. administrations correctly believed that they should not be rewarded. While this has been consistent U.S. policy, I am deeply concerned that over the past 2 years we have witnessed a blatant shift in Cyprus policy from the Bush administration, specifically from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The U.S. State Department and Secretary Rice seem much more interested in rewarding those who illegally occupied the northern third of the Nation back in 1974 than actually reunifying the island. Over the past year, our State Department decided to allow Americans to fly into the occupied north, in direct violation of international law and the law of the Republic of Cyprus. Last year, I joined many of my colleagues from the Congressional Hellenic Caucus in sending a letter expressing our deep concern regarding the legality of these flights. In response, the State Department said that it was encouraging the elimination of unnecessary restrictions and barriers that isolate and impede the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. Unfortunately, it did not end there. The State Department agreed to resume trade with the occupied north, a direct violation of both domestic law in law Cyprus and international law. Madam Speaker, I am deeply concerned that the State Department's new policy towards the government and the people of the occupied north will only delay reunification of the entire island. If the U.S. allows direct trade through routes in the north, what incentive do the illegal occupiers have to make any concessions? It is as if the State Department had completely for gotten who is responsible for the division of Cyprus in the first place. I have repeatedly encouraged Secretary Rice to take a historic look at the Cyprus problem over the past 32 years. Madam Speaker, I hope that the Bush administration remembers how helpful both the Cyprus government and the people of Cyprus have been over the last week. It is time that we return to the fair-minded policies enacted prior to 2005 so that we can finally bring about real negotiations that will finally reunify Cyprus. The 32 years of occupation must come to an end. And so as we recognize this dark anniversary, I hope that the Bush administration rewards the actions of Cyprus over this last week by returning to the policies of the past. They were the right policies then, and they would be the best policies now to foster an environment to end this division of Cyprus.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and of Israel's right to defend itself from terrorist attacks. The world community has a responsibility to support Israel during these difficult times. Israel has complied with international demands by withdrawing from both the Gaza Strip and from Lebanon. Unfortunately, it seems like the governments in both of these areas are not interested in peace. Lebanon in particular has failed to abide by UN Security Council Resolution 1559, which requires the disarmament of Hezbollah and other militias and the deployment of the Lebanese army along its southern border. Israel has simply requested that Lebanon comply with this resolution and that Hezbollah end its attacks and return of its kidnapped soldiers. There has been little effort on the part of the Lebanese or Hezbollah to actually meet any of these requests however, and that is why it is critical that the United States and the world community stand behind Israel and condemn the actions of Hezbollah, the Lebanese government and Hamas. As we condemn these acts we must recognize the connection between Hezbollah and its international backers, Iran and Syria. It is clear that both of these nations are aiding Hezbollah with funding, munitions and even direct military advice, which is why Israel felt compelled to impose the blockade on Lebanon. We must ratchet up the pressure on Syria and Iran to give up their support for organized terrorist groups like Hezbollah. That is why I joined many of my other colleagues in calling on President Bush to fully implement all of the sanctions available under the Syria Accountability Act, which we passed during the last Congress. Syria is continuing its support for terrorism, and we must demonstrate the consequence of such actions. Madam Speaker, as Israel continues to defend itself, we should stand in support of her by putting greater pressure on nations who support terrorist attacks against her. We should do nothing less and expect nothing less of our allies if we were in such a situation. I urge my colleagues to pass this important resolution, and I urge the Bush administration to do more to hold accountable those countries who support terrorism against Israel.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express concern about Pakistan's links to last week's terrorist attacks on Indian civilians. Although slow moving, the peace process between India and Pakistan was promising, and I am afraid that Pakistan now stands in the way of further progress. First, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of these devastating attacks. On the same day that terrorists hit Mumbai trains in the evening, similar coordinated attacks occurred in Srinagar, Kashmir earlier in the morning. As a result, over 200 people have died and more than 700 have been injured. These attacks were senseless acts of terrorism and violence. I am confident that Indian officials will find the person or organization responsible for these actions and bring them to swift justice. Mr. Speaker, the government of India has made a strong commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms. Like the United States, nothing has deterred their firm policy to fight this regional and global menace. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, Pakistan has not proven the same commitment. The government of Pakistan still lacks the appropriate law and order that is necessary to deter terrorist cells from looming and growing within their borders. Over the past few days, it is becoming clearer that the terror units responsible for the attacks in India and Jammu and Kashmir were initiated and supported by elements in Pakistan. Leads are now pointing to the involvement of Lashkar-e-Tayiba, a terrorist organization that has received support from Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence. This group is active in the anti-Indian insurgency in Kashmir. Although outlawed in Pakistan, it continues to function under other guises. In fact, their leader Hafiz Muhammad Saeed enjoys freedom in Pakistan despite this official ban on his organizations by the Pakistani administration. Lashkar-e-Tayiba is also blamed for several other attacks on Indian soil in recent years, including the attack on the Indian parliament in December 2001 that almost instigated another war between the two countries. Since then, India and Pakistan have been engaged in peace talks over Kashmir. Violence had declined until recent weeks. Though no official deal over Kashmir has yet been made, talks between the countries have led to prisoner releases, increased tourist visas in each country, and bus and train links across the divided region of Kashmir. However, Pakistan's failure to rein in terrorist organizations operating within its borders is threatening the peace process. Despite having vowed in 2004 not to allow any part of its territory to be used by terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayiba, the Pakistani government has simply watched while terrorist attacks took place in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. Pakistan has not implemented its promise to stop the terrorism. Acts of violence continue to occur on their watch, and the people of India and Kashmir are suffering. Pakistan must begin to demonstrate their commitment to the global war on terrorism. It must live up to its end of the bargain and control the violence. Otherwise, it will become exceedingly difficult for India to sustain the peace initiative. Mr. Speaker, the spirit of the people of Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir has demonstrated very strongly that terrorism cannot and will not succeed in destroying a people or a nation. My only hope is that these attacks strengthen the resolve of the government of Pakistan in combating Islamic terrorism. Pakistan must not let Islamic extremism undermine the peace process.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support, my strong support, for the Nation of Israel as it exercises its right to self- defense in the face of terrorist attacks. I am sure my colleagues are aware that back on June 25th, members of the Hamas terrorist organization attacked an Israeli military post outside the Gaza Strip. Two Israeli soldiers were killed and another was captured. Israel responded to this clear act of war with appropriate force, seeking the return of its soldier and an end to rocket attacks coming from the Gaza Strip. The violence continued, though, with Gaza-based terrorists firing a rocket into a high school in the city of Ashkelon. Many of Hamas' top leaders have advocated the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers, including the Palestinian Foreign Minister, who said in March that Hamas should kidnap Israeli soldiers and exchange them for jailed Palestinian terrorists. Of course, attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip were just the beginning. Last week, Hezbollah terrorists attacked Israeli soldiers in northern Israel, killing eight and kidnapping two. They also began firing rockets on northern Israeli towns, including Haifa, the third- largest city in the country. Israel again responded to this act of war by seeking to defend themselves. They entered Lebanon in an attempt both to rescue the kidnapped soldiers and prevent Hezbollah terrorists from committing further acts against Israel. They also blockaded the country to prevent Iran and Syria from sending further supplies, arms, and terrorists into Lebanon to support Hezbollah's actions. This weekend, however, with increasing attacks from Hezbollah, Israel officials are now warning civilians as far south as Tel Aviv to be on alert for rocket attacks. There is also word that Iranian Revolutionary Guard soldiers are in southern Lebanon, helping to train Hezbollah and equip them with new, longer-range missiles and rockets, so they can threaten more Israeli citizens. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, world leaders have not solidly backed Israel's right to self-defense. While the Bush administration expressed support for Israel's actions, support for our ally in the Middle East has not come from all corners. In fact, last week the European Union criticized Israel's response as ``disproportionate.'' I would like to know what the EU would think if one of their member nations were attacked by terrorists and the U.S. referred to their response as ``disproportionate.'' The EU has also condemned Israel for its air and sea blockade of Lebanon. That blockade is necessary, however, because we know that otherwise Iran and Syria would continue to funnel more and more weapons and personnel into southern Lebanon. Mr. Speaker, on Friday I wrote to the current EU president to express my strong disapproval of the European Union's comments. I will include for the Record that letter. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, that Israel has complied with international agreements, such as U.N. Security Council Resolution 425, by withdrawing from Lebanon. Unfortunately, the Lebanese Government has not held up its end of the bargain, failing to control southern Lebanon, rein in Hezbollah and support peace and security on their southern border, as required by Security Council Resolution 1559 from September 2004. Hamas, meanwhile, called Hezbollah's actions ``a heroic operation.'' Despite what many international observers thought might happen, Hamas is not acting like a responsible government. Instead, they are sticking to their roots as a terrorist organization, encouraging the sort of attacks that flared up in the recent violence. Mr. Speaker, the international community needs to stand behind the State of Israel and support it as they defend themselves against terrorist attacks. I understand that tomorrow we are going to consider a resolution on the House floor that would express support for Israel and condemn the attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah, and I urge my colleagues in the strongest possible terms to vote for this resolution. For the sake of the Israeli people and all residents of the region, I hope the current violence ends soon. But we must recognize Israel's right to defend itself and do what it must to end terrorist attacks against their soldiers and their people. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the letter referred to earlier. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, July 14, 2006. Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, President in Office, Council of the European Union, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. Dear Prime Minister Vanhanen: I am writing to express my strong disapproval of comments made by the European Union (EU) and individual member nations in reaction to Israel's response to terrorist attacks against them. As you know, on June 25 members of the Hamas terrorist group attacked an Israeli military post in southern Israel, killing two Israeli soldiers and kidnapping another, Cpl. Galid Shalit. In response, Israel took actions to try to rescue Shalit, end attacks against its citizens, and hold the Palestinian Authority responsible. It is well-known that top Hamas leaders, including Ahmed Jaabari and Jamal Abu Samhadna, helped plan the attack on the Israeli post. Later, on July 12, members of the Lebanese-based Hezbollah terrorist group attacked northern Israel, killing eight soldiers and kidnapping two others. These actions came despite the fact that UN Security Council Resolution 425 requires Lebanon to reestablish its authority in the southern portion of the country and to work towards international peace and security along its border with Israel. In response, Israel has imposed an air and sea blockade on Lebanon and sought to reduce Hezbollah's ability to attack Haifa and other Israeli population centers. Despite the fact that Israel has exercised past restraint and is now acting in clear self-defense to protect its people, the EU issued a statement criticizing Israel for a ``disproportionate use of force''--comments echoed by French President Jacques Chirac and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. The EU also said that ``the imposition of an air and sea blockade on Lebanon cannot be justified.'' I find those comments to be misguided and unfair to Israel. In order to defend itself and its citizens from attacks on two sides, Israel has responded with the intent of ending the terrorist organizations' capacity to carry out further violence. The blockade is necessary to prevent further arms, military supplies, and terrorists from entering Lebanon and being used against Israel. It is widely known that Hezbollah has long been funded and aided by both Syria and Iran, and that assistance would continue during the violence if Israel were not to impose the blockade. The United States has stood behind Israel and supported them as a democratic ally in a troubled region. It is disappointing to see that the EU does not seem to understand the need for Israel to defend itself against terrorist attacks. I strongly urge you to reconsider your comments and instead issue a statement in support of Israel's right to defend itself. Sincerely, Frank Pallone, Jr. Member of Congress.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, last week's disappointing job creation numbers once again highlight that the Bush economic recovery is a failure, is really not a recovery at all, and continues to fail America's families. In June, the Bush economy added only 121,000 jobs. That is less than the 150,000 needed just to keep pace with population growth. President Bush still has the worst jobs record since the Great Depression, creating, on average, only 42,000 jobs per month. Now, in the meantime, millions of American families are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet and going deeper into debt. With an economic record like this, you would think Washington Republicans would be coming up with some ideas on how to improve the economy. But, instead, Republicans say the economy is great. Now, Democrats know better. We are fighting to expand economic opportunity for all by increasing the minimum wage, eliminating tax giveaways that encourage companies to move jobs overseas, and giving tax breaks to parents and students to better afford a higher education. The problem, Mr. Speaker, is that Republicans are content with the status quo. Democrats are proposing creative ideas.

Mr. PALLONE

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

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, we on this side of the aisle support passage of H.R. 122. The majority has adequately explained this legislation, and I would simply note that the pending measure would enable the Eastern Municipal Water District to make improvements to its reclaimed water distribution system in Riverside County, California. The Eastern Municipal Water District is the fifth largest water district in the State of California. This agency has been a leader in building water recycling projects, and this legislation is worthy of our support.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, last week House Republicans held two field hearings on the issue of border security, and they plan to hold more hearings next month. But, Madam Speaker, the time for hearings is over. It is unprecedented for House Republicans to be holding hearings on legislation that has already passed the House. Instead, it is time for the Senate and the House to begin the tough task of reconciling differences between the two bills so that we can pass a comprehensive border security and immigration bill this year. That is how things in Washington are supposed to be done. But this Republican ``Do Nothing'' Congress refuses to lead. Last week President Bush said negotiations were already under way between the two Chambers. And that is simply not true. Negotiations are not taking place because House Republicans say they want to wait until they have conducted the hearings. Now, it is bad enough that Washington Republicans refuse to properly fund border security efforts. But now they want to stall any movement on legislation that would secure our borders and reform our Nation's immigration laws. If comprehensive legislation is not passed this year, House Republicans will have nobody to blame but themselves.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just wanted to mention, yesterday I had the occasion with Senator Menendez to be at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in New Jersey, which is actually in my home county; and it was amazing to me not only was the memorial such a beautiful place to visit. They had an educational center there, and there were so many veterans that just man the place on a voluntary basis just because of their dedication. It just shows me how so many years after the Vietnam War, many years after other wars, we still have the dedication on the part of our veterans that just volunteer their time and their service just because they believe so strongly in the cause, and in this case, the memorial that represents the sacrifice of Vietnam veterans. So I just wanted to mention that in conjunction with this service and the resolution that we are about to pass. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 427, authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda on July 19 of this year for a ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As my colleagues are well aware, Congress must pass a concurrent resolution to use the Capitol rotunda, the respected location of America's historic ceremonies. I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana for introducing this resolution. This event will mark the 75th anniversary of the Department of VA in which Congress will use the historic rotunda location to commemorate the service of the VA professionals who provide Federal benefits to veterans and their families. On July 21, 1930, President Hoover issued an executive order to consolidate various veterans programs to create the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has grown from an organization of 48 hospitals and 30,000 employees into the Nation's second largest Federal agency. Today, the VA employs over 237,000 professionals, is comprised of 157 hospitals and over 850 community-based clinics, provides pensions and disability compensation to more than 3.4 million veterans, and provides a dignified and permanent resting place at the 120 national cemeteries that honor the men and women who served in our Nation's military. The responsibility to care for veterans, spouses, survivors and dependents can last a long time. For example, five children of Civil War veterans still draw VA benefits. About 440 children and widows of Spanish-American War veterans still receive VA compensation or pensions. Also currently receiving VA benefits are nearly 160,000 survivors of Vietnam-era veterans and over 256,000 survivors of World War II veterans. Approximately 63 million people are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans. More than half of the citizen soldiers who have ever served in uniform throughout our Nation's history are living today, 25 million of whom are living veterans to whom we owe the greatest debt for our freedom. Madam Speaker, this celebration honors our veterans' sacrifice and dignifies the cause they served by commemorating the very people who serve them. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the 75 years of dutiful service the Department of Veterans Affairs has provided to our Nation's veterans by supporting passage of this concurrent resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, as introduced, both the Bush administration and Democrats on the Resources Committee had serious concerns with several provisions of this legislation. However, important improvements were made to the bill during consideration by the Resources Committee. The conveyance authorized by this legislation will now include a deed restriction requiring the land to remain as open space for public recreation, will honor all valid existing rights in the parcels, and will be conveyed for fair market value. As it now stands, we will not oppose H.R. 3462. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, we have no objection to passage of H.R. 2563. This legislation gives the Bureau of Reclamation the authority to conduct specific feasibility studies to look at projects that might address the water shortages in the Snake, Boise, and Payette River systems in Idaho. We have no objection to the current system in its current form.

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

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)