Joseph Pitts

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, as we remember 9/11, it should renew our determination to see justice brought to those responsible and to protect our homeland against further attack. This week, we will take up legislation on both of those points. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our intelligence community, we have captured most of those responsible for murdering nearly 3,000 of our innocent civilians on 9/11. This week, we will create a framework to bring these terrorists to justice. It will provide a system that is fair and firm and ensures that these terrorists are never again given the chance to do us harm. We will also work to prevent further attacks on America by strengthening our surveillance capabilities on terrorist activities. In the war on terror, intelligence-gathering is crucial, and we must give our intelligence community the tools it needs to protect America. Mr. Speaker, nothing is more urgent than strengthening our national security.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to comment on Senator Jim DeMint's decision to put a hold on Andrew van Eschenbach's nomination to head the FDA. This has to do with a drug, an abortifacient called RU-486. This drug has been linked to eight deaths, nine life- threatening incidents and more than 200 hospitalizations. The FDA is charged with safeguarding public health, so it only makes sense that the FDA Commissioner would support suspension of the drug, RU-486, until a full investigation can be completed on its effect on women's health. Nine other drugs have been suspended in the past 8 years that didn't cause a single death, yet this known health threat remains on the market as we speak. Madam Speaker, this is nothing less than irresponsible, and it is time the FDA exerted some leadership on the issue. Senator DeMint has acted in the interest of women's health and common sense. I thank him for his leadership.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague from Michigan how this bill will impact those whose religious convictions prevent them from having their photo taken for government ID. I represent some 25,000 members of the Amish community. Many of them do vote, but, because of their religious beliefs, will not allow their photo to be taken. They wouldn't object to a fingerprint or biometrics. But I would respectfully ask the gentleman to explain how the bill deals with this issue, given our Nation's long tradition of protecting freedom of religion, and if this matter could be addressed as the bill moves along.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, in the 5 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we have made great strides in fighting global terrorism, but this war is not over. The recently uncovered plot to bomb U.S.-bound passenger jets made it clear that we are still threatened. As we remember 9/11, we must renew our commitment to winning this war against Islamic terrorists. Make no mistake, the enemy hasn't lost its resolve. Osama bin Laden put it this way. He said, ``The whole world is watching this war and the two adversaries. It is either victory and glory or misery and humiliation.'' Our enemies are determined, but they will be defeated if we remain vigilant. As Congress deliberates this month, we must continue to make the protection of the American people our top priority. America's greatest strength lies with our people's love of freedom. By doing what it takes to win this war, we will show that our love for freedom is stronger than our enemy's desire for bloodshed and tyranny.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, since this Chamber last met, there has been some good news regarding American energy. Over the past 2 weeks, gas prices have been dropping, providing some relief for Labor Day travelers. Just this week a group of oil companies announced a discovery of a petroleum reserve that could increase America's proven reserves by as much as 50 percent. This is good news, Mr. Speaker. But more can be done. This year alone, the House has passed several meaningful bills aimed at boosting our domestic energy supply. In May we authorized environmentally responsible energy exploration in Alaska. In June we passed legislation to streamline the process for building new refineries in our country. We also authorized access to the enormous reserves known to exist off our coast on the Outer Continental Shelf. Mr. Speaker, the House has a strong record on energy independence. But there are only a limited number of days left on the calendar. Now it is time for the Senate to take action on these bills and keep the good energy news coming for the American consumer.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, as we head into August, it is worth noting our record so far this year in defense of traditional values. Last month this body affirmed the role of fathers by passing a resolution to promote responsible fatherhood in America. Also in June, we got serious about enforcing broadcast decency standards by increasing fines for violating the law tenfold. Just this week the President signed the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act. Last week we defended the Pledge of Allegiance from the whims of activist judges who seek to ban it from our schools. Although the Marriage Protection Amendment failed to get two-thirds support, it gained votes in both the House and Senate this year. Earlier this month we passed legislation to enforce laws prohibiting illegal online gambling. And last week we affirmed the dignity of human life by rejecting taxpayer funding of human embryo-destroying research. Mr. Speaker, it has been a good first half of the year for millions of Americans who wish to see traditional American values defended on Capitol Hill. And I look forward to future successes when we reconvene after August.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. domination of the Tour-de-France continues. For 7 consecutive years, Lance Armstrong dominated the event, but his departure last year left the cycling world wondering who would step up to claim his crown. On Sunday we found out. His name is Floyd Landis. Floyd hails from Farmersville, Pennsylvania, just outside of Ephrata, in the heart of Lancaster County. His parents were attending a service at Martindale Mennonite Church during their son's triumphant ride through the streets of Paris. His dad said, ``I was praying for him.'' Mr. Speaker, Floyd's performance was an inspiration. Though in need of a hip replacement, his determination and willpower was unwavering. One writer who has been covering the event for 18 years called it, ``the best performance in the modern history of the tour.'' On behalf of the entire 16th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, as well as Lancaster, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Floyd and his family. He has represented his hometown and his country well, and I applaud his tremendous performance in cycling's most prestigious event.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, President Bush issued the first veto of his Presidency yesterday, and it was the right thing to do. By sustaining that veto last night, after more than a year of rhetoric, much of it misleading, we have come down on the side of protecting human life. And we have saved the American taxpayer from being forced to fund unethical and unsuccessful research involving the destruction of human embryos. Though a chapter in this debate has now been closed, this issue is not going away. As we move forward, I hope we will keep in mind what we have learned. The choice doesn't have to be between doing stem cell research and not doing stem cell research. There are ethical, life- affirming methods of doing this research that are producing successful treatments today using adult stem cells. Let's move forward with stem cell research, Mr. Speaker, but let's do it in an ethical way.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority leader for yielding. In her opening remarks, the chief Democratic sponsor of this bill told us that embryonic stem cell research will cure Alzheimer's. This is yet another example of the misinformation the bill's proponents have been spreading for the past year. Let me read from a Washington Post article by Rick Weiss: ``Given the lack of any serious suggestion that stem cells themselves have practical potential to treat Alzheimer's, the Reagan-inspired tidal wave of enthusiasm stands as an example of how easily a modest line of scientific inquiry can grow in the public mind to mythological proportions. It is a distortion that some admit is not being aggressively corrected by scientists.'' Said Ronald D.G. McKay, stem cell researcher at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, ``Embryonic stem cell research may never cure any disease.'' However, ethical adult stem cell research has already resulted in nine FDA-approved therapies for major diseases. We should support ethical research that works. In this binder I have information from established medical journals for over 70, 72 to be exact, successful treatments that have been discovered using ethical research of adult stem cells; not a single embryo has been destroyed in the process. In this binder I have the successful treatments derived from embryo- destroying stem cell research. Not a single cure. The score is 72-0. All it has to show for itself are failed experiments, disgraced researchers, tumors and dead laboratory rats. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the President for doing the right thing and vetoing this unethical and unnecessary legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to sustain the President's veto. Reject H.R. 810.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, marriage has been under attack for years in America. Regardless of where we look, we have seen a gradual weakening of the institution that historically we have relied on to nurture America's kids. And while marriage has taken a beating from divorce and other factors, the statistics still show that the best home for kids is still with a mom and dad who are married and love each other. That is the ideal we are talking about here: the best home for kids. By protecting marriage, this amendment promotes such an environment for our kids. Statistics show children living with their mom and dad are safer, that they are less likely to be abused or neglected, that they have fewer health problems, that they engage in fewer risky behaviors than their peers, that they are more likely to do well in school, that they are better off economically, that they display increased ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Study after study shows us this, Mr. Speaker. But most Americans do not need a scientific study to tell them that marriage is important for our children and our families. When given the chance to have their voices heard on this issue, they have overwhelmingly come down on the side of protecting marriage. Twenty States have now passed voter referendums to amend their constitution to protect marriage. Six more will have it on the ballot this November. Six more next year. There is a pattern here. Every time the people are actually given a chance to vote on this, they choose to protect marriage overwhelmingly. In more than half of the 20 States, they have amended their constitution with over 70 percent of the vote or more. These numbers should tell us something, Mr. Speaker. They should tell us that people understand intuitively what studies show us empirically: Marriage is important, it is the foundation of the family and it is the safest harbor to raise children. This amendment protects marriage from the whims of activist courts that would further undermine this institution by radically redefining its definition. It would see to it that the people have a say on an issue of fundamental importance to our Nation. It is the right policy, Mr. Speaker, and I urge all my colleagues to support the Marriage Protection Amendment today.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, it has been less than a month since President Bush signed the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act into law, and it is already working. By increasing fines tenfold, this law seeks to deter broadcasters from breaking indecency laws. And yesterday, The Washington Post reported that this deterrent is working. Orders for electronic editing equipment used to filter on-air obscenities have spiked. Some radio stations are requiring their DJs to either clean up or pay fines out of their own pockets. Radio giant Clear Channel has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for their on-air personalities, allowing them to be fired for using offensive language. Some claim this is creating a chilling effect on free expression. Mr. Speaker, this is not a chilling effect, it is enforcing the law. Decency standards have not changed, but the incentive for obeying them has changed significantly, and that is exactly what the President and this Congress intended when we passed this important legislation. For the sake of parents and children across the Nation, I am glad to see this law having an impact on cleaning up the airwaves.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Goodlatte, Mr. Leach, Mr. Sensenbrenner, for their hard work and leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, it is time that we enforce the law when it comes to Internet gambling. Dozens of Web sites entice Web surfers to bet online with free software offers. Online sites advertise openly on TV. Stores carry books on how to get rich by gambling online. The only problem? Online gambling is illegal. This bill makes that clear and provides mechanisms to effectively enforce the law. This year Americans will send $5.9 billion to offshore, unregulated online casinos. The Justice Department warns that many of these sites are fronts for money laundering, drug trafficking, and even terrorist financing. And unregulated online gambling also takes a toll in untold numbers of personal lives destroyed. Gambling online is unique. No casinos, horse tracks, or betting parlors are required. All you need is a computer, credit card, and Internet access. With that, players are able to play 24 hours a day from the privacy of their homes. Minors are easily able to defy age requirements if they wish to play. And the online environment and credit card payment system combine to promote addiction, bankruptcy, and crime. Currently, online gambling operations avoid Federal and State law enforcement by locating offshore, and this bill addresses this loophole in three ways: first, it clarifies previous law, making it a Federal felony to use wire communications facilities to transmit bets or wagers. Secondly, it cuts off the flow of money to online gambling sites by regulating the payment systems they use to collect the money. And, finally, it authorizes penalties against those who facilitate illegal online gambling. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, the law is being flouted, and this bill does something about it. I strongly urge its adoption.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, the plague of child pornography is a global program in need of a global response. A study released recently by the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children paints a sad and sobering picture. Of the 184 countries studied, more than half have no laws addressing child pornography at all, and in most of the countries, the existing laws are inadequate. This perverse form of exploitation horribly scars its victims, not only in the actual production of this sordid smut, but their pictures are then broadcast to the world online. At a meeting recently of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, I offered a resolution on behalf of Chairman Chris Smith and the U.S. delegation, calling on the nations of the world to address this growing problem. The resolution calls on lawmaking bodies of the world to take a hard- line stance against this horrific practice and enact stiff criminal penalties for production and consumption. I am pleased the resolution was unanimously adopted. Child pornography is a despicable business, and this resolution is a positive first step in the fight against it.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Corporal Brandon M. Hardy of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, who laid down his life for his country. At the age of 10, Brandon watched on television as the U.S. military liberated the people of Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. This was his inspiration to dedicate his own life to serving his country. And that's what he did. In July of 1999, directly after graduating from Octorara Area High School, Brandon enlisted in the United States Air Force. After serving for 5 years in the Air Force, Brandon joined the Marines and was sent to Iraq. On April 28 of this year, Brandon lost his life while conducting combat operations in Iraq. Brandon Hardy understood what it means to live a life with purpose. He served a cause greater than himself. He served the cause of liberty. He gave his life so that we might be safer, and so 26 million Iraqis might have the chance to live in freedom. In May, I had the opportunity to travel to Iraq, and each Iraqi official I met with--from the Prime Minister down to a local police chief--thanked America for sacrificing so much on Iraq's behalf. They deeply understand the difference that men and women like Brandon Hardy have made for Iraq and for the world. And we at home know that the Global War on Terror is being waged to keep us safe, as well. Marine Corporal Brandon Hardy served others and gave back to his country, and his life made a tremendous difference in the world because of it. As an airman, Brandon served in supply management, and he completed his service with the Air Force as a staff sergeant on July 6, 2004. Brandon further demonstrated his dedication to defending our Nation when he re-enlisted in the military--but, this time, with the Marine Corps on January 19, 2005. On June 3, 2005, Brandon graduated from Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, South Carolina. He was assigned to the Hawaii-based 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment as an amphibious assault vehicle crewman and was promoted to corporal on April 1, 2006. The 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion's mission is ``to transport the surface assault elements of the landing force from amphibious shipping to inland objectives during the amphibious assault and to provide support to mechanized operations ashore. The amphibious assault vehicles are primarily utilized to transport personnel in tactical operations.'' The battalion is part of the 1st Marine Division, a multi-role, expeditionary ground combat force, that provides fully trained units and personnel to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and other objectives in the Global War on Terrorism. On April 28, 2006, Brandon made the supreme sacrifice for his country. He was killed while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar Province in Iraq when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Brandon earned a number of awards throughout his career in both the Air Force and Marine Corps, which demonstrates his professionalism and outstanding ability as an airman and a Marine. His awards include an Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal with Valor, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Purple Heart (death), and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. May God grant to Brandon's family and his fiancee the peace that passes all understanding. My prayers and most heartfelt gratitude go out to them, and I offer them my deepest condolences. I am humbled by the dedicated service and sacrifice of their loved one, Corporal Brandon Hardy. Brandon joins the revered ranks of the many thousands of men and women throughout American history who have gone before him in battle to secure the liberty of the United States of America. He is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, last week newspapers disclosed the details of a secret program used to track terrorist financial activity. Some newspaper editors make vague references to the public interest as their justification for publishing national security secrets. The greater public interest is protecting our homeland from another savage terror attack. Our terrorist enemies are crystal clear about their intention. They seek the death not of hundreds or thousands but tens of thousands of innocent Americans. The program revealed last week by the media had been successful in stopping the terrorists from achieving their murderous aims. But now, thanks to the media, one more tool used to protect each and every one of us has been compromised. Should this disclosure contribute to another attack on America, I wonder how the media will explain itself to the husbands, wives, sons, and daughters of those killed. Mr. Speaker, the media got it wrong in this case. Because of them, we are in greater danger today than we were yesterday. In a time of war, this is truly disgraceful.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, the pictures running with recent news reports tell the story: The Palestinians are in upheaval. Earlier this month, hundreds of supporters of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah faction stormed parliament buildings in Ramallah, setting parts of them ablaze. This was in response to earlier Hamas-led attacks on Fatah security forces in Gaza. Madam Speaker, this escalating violence among rival Palestinian factions should teach the world a lesson. Elections alone do not make people democratic. The elections are important, but without the foundation of a civil society and certain values, they will not guarantee democratic freedom. The Palestinian people must also embrace basic democratic values and principles: the rule of law; freedom of speech; due process protections; respect for honest, civil debate; religious liberties. The list goes on. Continuing to choose extremism rather than fundamental civil reforms like these will only lead to further upheaval and hardship.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of visiting our troops in Iraq last month. I asked General Casey, the commander of our troops, how the political carping in Washington affected the troops. He responded, It doesn't really affect the troops so much, but it really grates on their families back home. During Vietnam, I will never forget, as a young Air Force officer flying combat, how much we despised the politicians in Washington who were undermining the war effort. We visited the Iraqi leaders and Prime Minister al Maliki said, Welcome to a free and democratic Iraq. He said, Please tell the American people of our deep gratitude for the sacrifices that your sons and daughters have made to give us our freedom. He said, Please finish the job. Don't abandon us. Don't go backward. Mr. Speaker, I don't question the patriotism of our opponents in this manner, just their judgment. The cause of freedom is too important to quit. The world and the terrorists are watching. Let's not lose our resolve.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, the Federal activist courts have dealt yet another blow to religious freedom in America. Earlier this month a Federal district court ruled that a faith-based prisoner rehabilitation program in an Iowa prison be shut down. The court ruled that the program sponsored by Prison Fellowship goes too far in blending church and state. But consider the facts. The program is completely voluntary. The prisoners can opt out of it at any time. It is open to persons of all faiths or no faith, and prisoners are not required to assimilate into any certain faith in order to graduate into the program. Mr. Speaker, this is sad news for those who wish to see prisoners undergo real change and rehabilitation. This program works. Their recidivism rate is only 8 percent for their graduates compared to about 80 percent for the prison system. Having worked with Prison Fellowship since its founding 30 years ago, I can personally attest to the tremendous life-changing success it has had in our Nation's prisons for many, many prisoners. This ruling seeks to stop a very successful program of change or renewal. For the sake of our prison population, I hope it is overturned.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution. We often hear about deadbeat and delinquent dads. So it is easy to forget the millions of dads across America who are striving to be good husbands and positive role models for their kids. Today, we recognize those dads and the tremendous importance of promoting fatherhood in America. There is no denying the invaluable role that a father plays in a child's life. According to research from the National Fatherhood Initiative, children with involved and loving fathers have a significant advantage in life. They tend to perform better in school, have a healthy self- esteem, exhibit positive social behavior, and avoid drug use and other criminal activity. But this kind of statistical research really just affirms what we already know to be true: Fatherhood is important. A loving father plays an integral role in the family, and healthy families are the foundation for a healthy society. This resolution acknowledges that fact, Mr. Speaker, and it is worthy of our consideration and adoption today. I commend the gentleman, Mr. Sullivan, for his leadership on the issue and urge support for the resolution.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, today is an important day in the global war on terror. One of al Qaeda's most evil and ruthless terrorists, al- Zarqawi, has been eliminated, along with seven of his top aides. Justice has prevailed. As the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, Zarqawi was the mastermind behind the brutal murder of countless innocent Iraqis, car bombings, assassinations, kidnappings and attacks on our troops. It was Zarqawi who appeared on Internet videos personally beheading innocent civilians for the whole world to see. News like this shows that we are making steady progress in Iraq. The death of al-Zarqawi strengthens the new Iraqi government and Prime Minister al-Maliki and sends a clear message to the terrorists of the world. The courage and dedication of the U.S. and Iraqi and coalition security forces remind the world that the forces of freedom and liberty will ultimately prevail over the forces of murder and terror.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Leach for his leadership on this issue. I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 828, a resolution that I authored with strong bipartisan support from the members of the International Relations Committee. And I thank the committee members for their support and I thank the House leadership for bringing it to the House floor today. America has a long and proud tradition of standing with those who stand for freedom and democracy in the world, and that is why it is altogether appropriate that we recognize the people of Mongolia on the occasion of their 800th anniversary of statehood. The history of Mongolia is a great testament to the power of freedom. Once a communist state closely allied with the Soviet Union, Mongolia has undergone remarkable changes in recent years. After peacefully severing communist ties in 1990, the people of Mongolia have established a stable democracy in Asia. The reforms Mongolia has undertaken have set a shining example for its region of the world. In 1992, Mongolia adopted a Constitution. Five parliamentary elections and four presidential elections have now been held in Mongolia. I personally became involved after the parliament heard of the Contract With America in 1994 and what happened here. In the mid-1990s, they created the Contract With the Mongolia Voter. They printed 400,000 copies, distributed it by horse and yak and camel all over the country. They had a 92 percent voter turnout and swept the existing then- communist government out of power. At that point I went over with others and gave a seminar to the young members of parliament. Over half were under the age of 35. It was an inspiring experience. Mongolia has introduced economic reforms that reflect its commitment to establishing a free market economy. In the wake of September 11, 2001, the terrorist attacks, Mongolia has been a steadfast partner in the global war on terror. Mongolia has repeatedly sent troops to serve in the cause of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, six rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are standing with us, and they have also made troop commitments to NATO to peacekeeping missions. In an expression of our appreciation for their support, President Bush traveled to Mongolia last November, the first sitting American President ever to do so. During his visit, President Bush addressed the Mongolian people. He expressed the relationship and appreciation for the relationships our nations share. He said, ``As you build a free society in the heart of Central Asia, the American people stand with you.'' We echo those sentiments today. By passing this bipartisan resolution, we send a clear message that this House stands firmly with the people of a free and democratic Mongolia.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Record.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, the effort to bring real decency standards to our airwaves is taking a major step forward this week. A couple of weeks ago, the Senate passed the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act ending months of inaction by that body on the issue, and the House had passed its own version earlier last year. While there are differences between the two bills, they both send a clear message: If you violate decency standards over broadcast airwaves, you will pay a price, a big price. Under current law, fines are limited to $32,500 per violation. The bill we will vote on today gives the FCC real teeth to enforce decency standards by increasing fines to 10 times that amount. Broadcasters will think twice about airing obscene material if they know it will cost them more than a quarter million dollars to do so. Mr. Speaker, common decency is under attack in our society. The airwaves often lead the charge. Broadcast decency legislation seeks to do something about that. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for acting on the issue, urge the Members to vote for the bill, send it to the President for his signature, and once again, enforce broadcast decency laws in our country.

Mr. PITTS

Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, public opinion polls show shrinking support for the war in Iraq. No doubt the nonstop media coverage questioning President Bush's motives for going to war have contributed greatly to these poll numbers. But where is the coverage of the progress being made in Iraq? A recent 230-page Pentagon report analyzing thousands of Iraqi documents and interviews with officials from Saddam Hussein's regime is extremely enlightening. The report shows Saddam's well-established support of terrorist activities dating back to 1994. This includes the establishment of terror training camps within Iraq's borders, and one document shows Saddam's son, Uday, coordinating a martyrdom operation called Blessed July aimed at targets in the West. Russian President Putin has publicly stated that Russian Special Services had received information that Saddam's officials were preparing attacks on the U.S., and he reported this to the U.S. Mr. Speaker, it is time the American people hear more about the facts that supported our decision to go to war. We must maintain our resolve to fight extremist terrorists, and we must finish the job in Iraq.