Adam Putnam

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the seven brave men and women of the Space Shuttle Columbia: Commander Rick Husband; Pilot William McCool; Payload Commander Michael Anderson; Specialist Kalpana Chawla; Specialist David Brown; Specialist Laurel Clark; and Specialist Ilan Ramon. Today America and the entire world grieves with the families and victims of the Space Shuttle Columbia. While there is no way one can adequately express in words the sense of sorrow that we all feel, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of tragedy, and know their loss was part of a larger manifest destiny of human understanding, the continual exploration, the continual search for knowledge below our seas, in our heavens, around this Earth, and in planets beyond, a part of the continued tradition of American leadership in exploration, discovery, and technology. We have lost seven brave individuals, men and women, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives. We will never forget their courage, bravery, and service to our Nation. Each of these individuals was a pioneer who gave their lives in the name of science and exploration. They epitomized the best that America and mankind have to offer, and their efforts will not be lost or forgotten. We must finish the quest that they started, and we must continue on with our manned space exploration. I believe the crew of Columbia would expect nothing less. While America mourned your tragic loss, we will never forget your heroism. You will forever be remembered in our hearts and in our minds as heroes.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. BrownWaite).

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and senior member of the Florida delegation.

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is a great day in the State of Florida. The jubilation, the celebration is still going on in the streets of Tampa and in large cities and small towns all over the Sunshine State as we rejoice in the victory of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl XXXVII, a decisive win, the second highest number of points scored in any Super Bowl. The Buccaneers brought forth a talented offense and a legendary defense with undoubtedly several future Hall of Famers. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if we did not begin by recognizing the man who brought us to the top of that mountain, the youngest coach to ever coach a winning team in the Super Bowl, Jon Gruden, who built on the foundation laid by Tony Dungy and brought spirit, hope and promise to that team by repeating the same mantra: pound the rock, pound the rock, keep pounding away at the opportunities, keep pounding away at the other team's offense, seize the moments and capitalize on the other team's mistakes and weaknesses. Those outstanding players who were there to back him up, under the visionary leadership of the owners, the Glazer family, were able to capitalize on an opportunity to bring the Tampa Bay area their first Super Bowl championship. Mr. Speaker, the community spirit that was there, the fans who have suffered through a number of seasons of poor performances, of missed opportunities, they were well rewarded last Sunday afternoon in San Diego. Those fans who have scrimped and saved to purchase season tickets, they have endured a series of coaches, a series of top-notch draft opportunities. They have endured heart-breaking losses in the final seconds, and frankly, embarrassing losses at the beginning of the game for seasons on end. Their determination, their patience paid off; and so this victory, while it is incredibly sweet for the team, it is very altogether fitting and proper for the owners, the real victory is for the fans who have done so much and given so much to keep that team spirit alive, and the Tampa Bay area is, therefore, rewarded with this Super Bowl championship. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Palm Beach, Florida (Mr. Foley).

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 31) congratulating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for winning Super Bowl XXXVII.

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I having no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, there is a tremendous amount of pride from the Florida delegation in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We certainly are grateful to Tampa's hometown Congressman, the gentleman from downtown Tampa, Florida (Mr. Davis), for introducing this resolution. He serves with a great deal of class, just as the Buccaneers were victorious with class, and the fans have celebrated with class. This team gives back to the community, and the community is rightfully joyful in this celebration today. All of us are so proud of the work the Glazer family and Coach Gruden has done, and so I urge adoption of this resolution.

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Harris). (Ms. HARRIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order against the motion to recommit because it violates section 302(c) of the Congressional Budget Act. Section 302(c) prohibits the consideration of any amendment that provides new budget authority for a fiscal year until the Committee on Appropriations has made the suballocations required by section 302(b) of the Congressional Budget Act. This motion to recommit increases the amount of budget authorities provided by the measure. The suballocations published by the Committee on Appropriations on October 10, 2002, lapsed upon the adjournment of the 107th Congress and no new 302(b) suballocations have been made for the 108th Congress. Hence, I make a point of order that this motion to recommit violates section 302(c) of the Congressional Budget Act.

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order against the motion to recommit.

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to lay the appeal on the table.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my retiring friend and colleague on the Government Reform Committee Congressman Dan Miller, the distinguished Representative of Florida's 13th District. Representative Miller was elected to Congress in 1992 and in his five terms has accumulated a record of accomplishment as an advocate for his district and as a guardian of the hard earned tax dollars of all Americans. Representative Miller was born in Highland Park, Michigan. However, like so many of our State's citizens, he came to Florida as soon as he heard about it and, having graduated from high school in our great State, he thereby attained the status of ``semi-native'' Floridian. As Congressman Miller proudly told the voters throughout his five terms he is not a professional politician, in fact the only office he ever ran for was Congress. After winning a crowded primary his appeal as a candidate who focused on substance, not rhetoric, crossed party lines and he was routinely re-elected with 60 percent plus margins. Through his background as a successful entrepreneur and as a university professor he brought a unique skill-set to Congress, which will be sorely missed next session. As I complete my first term in Congress I wish to thank Representative Miller for his kindness and courtesy during my freshman year, he is a consummate gentleman. In addition to always maintaining an open door to a freshman Dan Miller and I share the unique bond of having been together on Air Force One on September 11, 2001. I shall always remember and cherish his encouragement, fortitude and calm in the face of the terrorist attacks that shook our country that day. God bless you Dan and Glenda, I want to assure you that, while you may be retiring from Congress, your friends and colleagues recognize that the good work you have done here and for our great State of Florida will continue.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, as we enter the waning days of the 107 Congress, action has finally been taken on the issue of concurrent receipt for America's military retirees. The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2003 Conference Report that has come before this body does include language to provide concurrent receipt for some of our military retirees. Unfortunately, it falls far short of the proposal I supported in the House Budget Committee, and which passed this body by a vote of 221 to 209. On March 20 of this year the House Budget Committee, of which I am a Member, took the initiative to include funding for concurrent receipt in its budget for FY 2003. This budget, H. Con. Res. 353, A Wartime Budget to Secure America's Future, was endorsed by the Administration, and included over a half a billion dollars for partial repeal of the dollar-for-dollar offset of military retired pay and VA disability compensation. Specifically, H. Con. Res. 353 earmarked over $500 million as a first step in FY 2003, with increasing amounts over the next five years, providing a cumulative total of $5.8 billion to fund concurrent receipt for America's most severely disabled military retirees. Just over one month ago, on October 10, 2002, the House reiterated its dedication to righting this long-standing injustice. We passed, by a vote of 391-0, instructions to the conferees to retain the concurrent receipt language during their negotiations with the Senate. Unfortunately, that was not enough to bring the conference to closure and give our military retirees what they deserve. I would like to thank Rep. Mike Bilirakis for his vigorous work on this issue. And I would like to thank the 402 members of this House, who in addition to myself, cosponsored his bill, H.R. 303 to provide full concurrent receipt for our veterans. Over 400 Members were committed to ending this unfair penalization of our military retirees who were disabled during their military service. I am disappointed that despite strong support for this initiative, and budget neutral funding for the program, the conferees were unable to keep the promise made to our military retirees. I will continue to work for just treatment for all disabled military retirees and I will continue to support legislation that will provide full funding of concurrent receipt for disabled military retirees. I have the highest respect for our departing friend Chairman Bob Stump, and it is because of my great admiration for him, that I will vote to send this legislation to the President.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, today's Guest Chaplain, Dr. Jay Dennis, is a constituent of mine serving the First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Florida. I would like to take a moment to speak of his ministry, not only in central Florida, but around this Nation as well. Throughout his tenure as pastor, Dr. Dennis' congregation has experienced extraordinary spiritual and physical growth, and has been identified by the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as being among the top 4 percent of growing churches in America today. He is a gifted lecturer and author and broadcasts a daily radio and a weekly television show. Dr. Dennis is immediate past President of the Florida Baptist Convention. But Dr. Dennis is in Washington on another matter today. In furtherance of their mission and ministry, Dr. Dennis and members of his congregation will be distributing a leather-bound study Bible to every Member of Congress, the Supreme Court and the administration. We often speak in this Chamber about the dedication of individuals to their community and to their country. Dr. Dennis is making a difference in the lives of the people of central Florida and in so doing serves as an example for all of us to follow. I would like to take this moment to commend and thank Dr. Dennis on behalf of Congress for his ministry and commitment to the United States of America.N O T I C E Effective January 1, 2003, the subscription price of the Congressional Record will be $434 per year or $217 for six months. Individual issues may be purchased for $6.00 per copy. Subscriptions in microfiche format will be $141 per year with single copies priced at $1.50. This price increase is necessary based upon the cost of printing and distribution. Michael F. DiMario, Public Printer May God continue to bless and guide these United States, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, On the occasion of Republic of China's 91st National Day, I wish to express my best wishes and congratulations to the leaders and people of Taiwan. While I regret that our government does not have formal relations with Taiwan, we do enjoy a flourishing relationship with Taiwan. I have met with President Chen Shui-bian, and others members of the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan, and congratulate them on their commitment to maintaining Taiwan as a vibrant democracy and a free market economy. Indeed, through the free market system Taiwan's economy has grown spectacularly. In terms of Taiwan's trade with us, Taiwan is our eighth largest trading partner and seventh-largest export market. Our exports to Taiwan in 2001 totaled US$18.2 billion and Taiwan exported $27.7 billion of 'goods to us. Taiwan's importance as a world economy can be witnessed in Taiwan's accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO) earlier this year, the culmination of twelve years of collaborative efforts with the government of the United States. Due to its strong free market economy Taiwan is a likely candidate for future free trade negotiations with the United States. The signing of such an agreement could promote even stronger bilateral economic relations. It is now universally acknowledged that Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and Taiwan should be accorded a proper place in the family of nations. It has been unproductive to keep Taiwan out of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other major international organizations. Over the past decade, Taiwan has become a successful model of rapid political reform. Taiwan is today home to more than 90 political parties and virtually every political office is hotly contested through free and fair elections. And just two years ago, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, a former political dissident, was elected the tenth president of the Republic of China. Democracy is doing very well in Taiwan. It is my pleasure to extend my congratulations to the people of Taiwan as they celebrate their National Day this October 1Oth. It is my hope that our relations with Taiwan will continue to be maintained in friendship, based on the mutual commitment of our peoples to free enterprise, democratic values and respect for individual liberty.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, during this Congress I have been honored to serve as Vice Chairman of the Government Reform Committee's Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs and International Relations. Under Chairman Shays' leadership our Subcommittee has conducted at least 14 hearings and briefings, many of them well before September 11, 2001, which addressed in some measure the threat from the proliferation of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. Congress has recently conducted hearings on who missed the signals leading to 9/11. The signals of the potential for an even greater catastrophe have been writ large before our subcommittee over the past two years of testimony. These hearings provided ample evidence establishing that Iraq is one of the premier consumers--if not the-- premier consumer of the components and precursors of weapons of mass destruction. This unprecedented build-up serves no positive purpose, but rather demonstrates an attempt to dominate the region and threaten our peaceful interests. Let me share with you just a few examples: 1. Iraq is seeking to purchase chemical weapons agent precursors and applicable production equipment, and is making an effort to hide activities at the Fallujah plant, which was one of Iraq's chemical weapons production facilities before the Gulf War. 2. At Fallujah and three other plants, Iraq now has chlorine production capacity far higher than any civilian need for water treatment, and the evidence indicates that some of its chlorine imports are being diverted for military purposes. 3. Saddam Hussein is continuing to seek and develop biological weapons. In 2001, an Iraqi defector, Adnan Ihsan Saeed al-Haideri, said he had visited twenty secret facilities for chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. Mr. Saeed, a civil engineer, supported his claims with stacks of Iraqi government contracts, complete with technical specifications. 4. Saddam Hussein is continuing to seek and develop nuclear weapons. A new repot released on September 9, 2002, from the International Institute for Strategic Studies--an independent research organization-- concludes that Saddam Hussein could build a nuclear bomb within months if he were able to obtain fissile material. 5. Saddam Hussein is continuing to seek and develop prohibited long- range, ballistic missiles. Iraq is believed to be developing ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150 kilometers--as prohibited by the U.N. Security Council Resolution 687. Discrepancies identified by UNSCOM in Saddam Hussein's declarations suggest that Iraq retains a small force of Scud-type missiles and an undetermined number of launchers and warheads. 6. There is ample evidence that Saddam Hussein is using his Presidential palace sites to hide prohibited WMD and missile technologies. In December 1997 Richard Butler reported to the U.N. Security Council that Iraq had created a new category of sites, ``Presidential'' and ``sovereign'' from which it claimed that UNSCOM inspectors would henceforth be barred. The terms of the ceasefire in 1991 foresaw no such limitations. However, Iraq consistently refused to allow UNSCOM inspectors access to any of these eight Presidential sites. Many of these so-called ``palaces'' are in fact large compounds, which are an integral part of Iraqi counter-measures designed to hide prohibited weapons and material. 7. To implement the agreement that ended the gulf war the United Nations Security Council passed a number of resolutions demanding that President Saddam Hussein stop pursuing weapons of mass destruction and allow inspectors total access to his country to verify his compliance. In 1998 Saddam Hussein suspended cooperation with the U.N. inspectors. The U.N. General Assembly has subsequently failed to enforce the sixteen (16) existing Security Council Resolutions that Iraq has violated. While the United States is working with our allies to craft yet another resolution for consideration by the Security Council, it should be noted that the Saddam Hussein regime has already rejected this proposal before it has even been brought before the Security Council. Mr. Speaker, this is a particularly difficult decision for me, because I recognize that it is largely the men and women of my generation, those in their twenties or younger, who will fight this war--if war comes. Today, Marine Lance Cpl. Antonio J. Sledd, 20 rests in honor under our flag somewhere between Kuwait and his home in Hillsborough County, Florida. We would be remiss in our responsibilities if we do not acknowledge that there will be a cost, and there is a price being paid this very day, by America's young defenders and their families. Opponents of military action against Iraq argue that until it is clear that Iraq poses an imminent threat, the United States should continue to contain and deter Saddam Hussein. Our hearings have demonstrated that Saddam Hussein is not deterred, and that the threat posed by his regime's continued pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and missile technology is in fact imminent. Today, we are at the point, very much as the democracies of the world once were in their great confrontation with Hitler, where we have a choice to confront or appease an aggressor. I intend to vote in favor of House Joint Resolution 114 and support President Bush in his decision to confront Saddam Hussein and end the threat to the United States, and the world, posed by Iraq's development of weapons of mass destruction.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate the centennial of 4-H in America. After a century of inclusion and collaboration, has spanned the nation from family farms to urban cityscapes. 4-H brings together youth and adults to build a nation of stronger communities. More than 6.8 million youth, ages 5 to 19, across the Nation are involved in 4-H programs from aerospace to zoology. 4-H members are still rooted in the historic base of rural America but more than 35 percent of today's 4-H youth live in our major urban centers and suburbs. The Florida 4-H program is active in all of Florida's 67 counties and on the Seminole Tribes reservations in south Florida. The total number of youth participating in Florida 4-H last year was 287,156 youth. Florida's children and youth began enjoying educational activities provided in cooperation with the state's land-grant institutions as early as 1909. Leadership for the Florida 4-H program was found in three major academic institutions. State 4-H club agents were housed at the University of Florida and Florida State University. In addition, District Extension agents working with 4-H programs for black youth were housed at Florida A&M University. This long-standing relationship brings academic excellence to youth development as strategies and curriculum are created for the coming century. Florida 4-H type programs were first established in the north Florida area. The boys participated in corn clubs, and the girls were active in tomato clubs. County and regional fairs in Florida have a long tradition of providing opportunities for 4-H'ers to publicly show their projects and compete for awards. Agricultural judging teams, organized in many counties, participated in regional, state and national contests. These teams provided a way for youth to travel and meet people from outside their communities, and learn more about the world around them. Camping has always been a key component in the Florida 4-H program with Camp Timpoochee in northwest Florida being one of the first 4-H residential camps in the country, established in 1926. One of the most successful programs is Florida 4-H Legislature, founded in 1973, and annually held in the State Capital of Tallahassee. The youth participants conduct a mock legislature in the State Capitol building by filling the roles of legislators, lobbyists, reporters and legislative staff. Over 45 million 4-H alumni, including myself, and 4-H members are celebrating the centennial of the 4-H youth development movement. 4-H provides a positive environment, a relationship with caring adults, and exciting educational experiences for today's youth. Thanks, 4-H for molding and shaping so many great Americans. Here's to another 100 years of outstanding youth development and leadership growth.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.C.R. 337 and particularly wish to recognize the Negro League teams that played in Florida and the players who now reside in our great State. While there were other minor or semi-professional teams in our State, Florida's most recognized Negro League team was the Jacksonville Red Caps, who played in the Negro American League. Their numbers are dwindling, there are now only 150 or so former Negro League players left in the entire country, so it is important that, as we consider H.C.R. 337, I also recognize former players of the Negro Leagues who now live in Florida. While I'm sure my list of Florida's remaining Negro League players is not complete, each year the Jacksonville Suns honor former Negro League players, and on June 9 of this year they met at Wolfson Park and honored the following former Negro League players: Herb Barnhill, who began his baseball career in 1936 and played for the Jacksonville Red Caps in 1938 and 1941-42; Henry ``Bird'' Clark, who began his baseball career in 1955 at the age of 16 with the Kansas City Monarchs; Art Hamilton, a catcher who started with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1953, played with the Detroit Stars and closed his career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1961; and Harold ``Buster'' Hair Jr., who played for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1953, was drafted and played in Canada and then in 1958 played with the Kansas City Monarchs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to join my colleagues today in recognizing the contributions of these African-American baseball players who now reside in Florida, and their surviving Negro League teammates. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, this is an emotional time for this country and an emotional time for this body. All of us have participated in events in our communities, tributes to the victims and their families in New York and the Pentagon, and that is right and proper. But I want to take this opportunity on this first Patriot Day to look forward, to remember and pause and reflect on why they envy us so, why the terrorists hate us so. What is it that would cause them to bring about the death and destruction of so many innocent lives, so many hopes and dreams shattered, so many communities who have lost church members, PTA officers, rotary club presidents, chamber directors, so many children who have lost a parent? They despise the fact that we stand for freedom; that we represent all that is great, all that is tolerant and hopeful and helpful and strong about communities. They misunderstood us. They thought we were no stronger than the celluloid films that come out of Hollywood; that we would buckle and cave, that we would wither up and shrink from the fight. What they did not understand was that we had an army of ordinary American citizens who would rally; who would stand in line for hours to give their blood; who would contribute their paychecks to strangers; whose children would go to schools and have penny drives and carwashes and other fund-raisers to send off to the victims, their families, and even the children in Afghanistan. They hate the fact that in America little girls have the same opportunities as little boys, to dream, to hope, to be whatever they want to be, from a teacher to a firefighter to a Member of Congress, to President of the United States. They are afforded equal opportunity. They resent the fact that different faiths have every opportunity to worship together, side by side, on the same city block, in peace. They resent the fact that we have heroic civil servants who deliver the mail, who put out fires, who comfort victims, who run into buildings that everyone else is running out of; that we have teachers who instill values and character into the next generation of Americans; that we have health care workers, doctors and nurses, who rally to the scene and give so much of their heart and soul to putting lives and bodies back together. People still risk their life to come to this country. People still see the United States as that shining city on a hill. They still risk their family's safety, they give up all of their worldly possessions, to stow away in a tanker or to cobble together a rickety raft and brave the straits of Florida or the Atlantic, to become a part of this country that those terrorists tried to destroy. If given the opportunity, most free people, most thoughtful people, would choose that way of life, would choose that equality, that tolerance, that hope, that dream that is America. And while all of us fight on a regular basis in this Chamber over things great and small, we never question the legitimacy of the debate or the legitimacy of the leadership or of the system or of the institution. While we criticize the policies of our President or administration, we do not question his right to be there and be our leader. That is what they hated, that is what they envied, that is what they attempted to destroy, and they have succeeded only in bringing out the best in all Americans, leaving America today stronger than she was last September 11; a little closer together, still fairly complacent, still fairly naive about the dangers this world poses, but still very much in love with all things American, very much in love with our ability to debate on this floor, our ability to hope and dream and be whatever we want to be, and to instill that in our young people. America is stronger today than she was a year ago; a little bruised, very bloodied in some areas, but stronger. Mr. Speaker, God bless these United States of America.

Mr. PUTNAM

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

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) for bringing this measure to the House's attention. I urge adoption of this measure.

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 492) expressing gratitude for the 10-month-long World Trade Center cleanup and recovery efforts at the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island, New York, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Mr. PUTNAM

Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), who has taken up the mantle of leadership from Mr. Cramer as the lead advocate for Florida's infrastructure needs. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.