Ted Poe

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, San Francisco city officials are encouraging illegals to find their home in this California town. The city recently began an expensive public relations campaign reminding illegals that it is still a sanctuary city and that local law enforcement will not cooperate with Federal officials to enforce immigration laws. This bold announcement comes at a good time. Many other American cities actually believe in enforcing the law and cooperating with the Feds to arrest international trespassers. This causes illegals that live in the shadows of those cities to be perplexed as to what to do. They certainly don't want to go home because they cannot receive free social services like health care, welfare, and education. So to be completely compassionate and caring, San Francisco should expand its PR campaign to include those hardline, narrow-minded, nonsanctuary cities and encourage their illegals to go to San Francisco. The PR campaign should be ``The City by the Bay welcomes all, including those that violate the law.'' Meanwhile, Congress should prohibit all Federal money from going to sanctuary cities like San Francisco that laugh at the rule of law and pander to illegals. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to pay tribute to Lisa Vander Laan, Plant Manager of ExxonMobil's Chemical Polyethylene Plant, in Beaumont, Texas. Mrs. Vander Laan earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University, graduating summa cum laude and receiving the University Medal. She joined Exxon Corporation in 1989 as a process engineer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and spent her first decade in various manufacturing assignments in engineering and supervision before becoming intermediates technical manager. Vander Laan spent the next 7 years at the corporation's Houston headquarters for chemicals in marketing and business planning, as global basic chemicals financial manager, americas low density polyethylene product manager; and ExxonMobil Chemicals global manufacturing planning manager. In February 2007, she took over at the polyethylene plant in Beaumont as plant manager. Mrs. Vander Laan is seeing more women in leadership roles in the petrochemical industry. When she started in engineering, there were very few female supervisors and managers. She now believes there are significantly more women in the petrochemical industry jobs like chemical engineering. She says ExxonMobil encourages girls to get into math and science, and has an ``Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day'' in the spring. Chemical Engineering seems to run in the family. Vander Laan's father is a chemical engineer as well as an older and younger sister, in addition, ``all the girls married ExxonMobil guys''. She is married to Jeffrey Dale Vander Laan and has two children, Cecilia and Abigail. She doesn't know if her daughters will show interest in chemical engineering like she and her sisters, who love math. Mrs. Vander Laan is on the board of the Beaumont Area United Way and a member of the Southeast Texas Plant Manager's Forum, for which she serves as chairman of the environmental committee. Madam speaker, Lisa Vander Laan is a success story in the male dominated petrochemical industry, and I am proud to celebrate her accomplishments.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I come to recognize the many achievements of the man known as ``the wizard of trial law,'' John G. Tucker, who passed away at the age of 100 in January 2008. With his signature bow tie and flat top hair cut, Tucker was a fixture of the legal profession in Southeast Texas for over 75 years. Tucker's father was an Army officer serving in Cuba as part of a peacekeeping force where officers were allowed to have their families live with them. His wife was 8 months pregnant when they found out that if born on Cuban soil, their son could never run for President of the United States. Knowing her son was destined for greatness, Tucker's mother set sail for New York City and eventually landed in Kansas City, Kansas, where John was born. Though he never ascended to the highest office in the United States, Tucker was rather successful in all of his endeavors. He attended college in Pennsylvania and went on to graduate from Harvard Law School. John moved to Southeast Texas in the middle of the Great Depression of the 1930s, determined to take advantage of the boom created by the oil refineries. He joined the law firm created by William Orgain in 1933. The name was changed to Orgain, Bell, and Tucker in 1945 and continues to set the bar for legal excellence to this very day. John Tucker tried over 90 cases in state and federal court and has argued cases before the Texas Supreme Court. He was deemed a Southeast Texas Legend by the Beaumont Foundation of America scholarship board in February 2007, becoming only the second person at the time to earn such honor. On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I want to honor John G. Tucker for his lifetime of accomplishments. Through his diligent efforts and dedication he has made Southeast Texas a better place to live for generations to come.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate the members of Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this community church that modestly began in 1918. During the 1900s, it was common that church services took place in private homes. In 1918, the Alcorn Family invited John W. Anderson to preach at their home in Goose Creek. Later that year, John W. Anderson became the first pastor of First Baptist Church, Goose Creek known today as Memorial Baptist Church. Blessed with outstanding leadership and unshakable faith, the congregation continues to be a treasure to the city of Baytown. Memorial Baptist Church is a good example of the positive role that churches play in our communities. Through their ministry and outreach efforts, lead by current pastor Brad Hoffman, they are making a difference in the lives of people. Today, more than ever, our Nation needs the spiritual nourishment and support that our local churches can provide. It is for this reason that I congratulate the members of Memorial Baptist Church for their dedication and faith as they celebrate 90 years of serving our community.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, North Korea and Syria were working together with Pakistan rogue scientist Abdul Khan to build a nuclear reactor in Syria, capable of producing plutonium for two nuclear weapons within a year of when it was destroyed by Israeli jets in September of 2007. Israel, by the way, has not confirmed or denied the air strikes. But Israel acted in self-defense and self-interest because of the fact that Israel is so close to Syria. Mr. Speaker, here is a map of the area. We have Syria and, of course, we have Israel and Iraq and then, of course, Iran on the other side. And here is the location in Eastern Syria where the nuclear facility was being built, with the aid of the North Koreans. From that location, in Alkibar facility, it is only 450 miles to Tel Aviv, where the majority of the Israelis live. This whole area, of course, is in somewhat of a turmoil because of the fact you have Syria and the rogue dictator in Iran working together with the North Koreans to facilitate the development of nuclear weapons for all three countries. The CIA has reported recently that North Korea is building Syria a reactor similar to the one that they have in North Korea. And North Korea then helped the Syrians cover up the results of the bombing after the reactor was destroyed. Here are four photographs that the CIA has released and declassified just this week. Over on the top corner here is a photograph of North Korea's nuclear reactor that is capable of producing plutonium. You will see right next to it Syria's nuclear reactor as it was being built. It was built with the same floor plan, the same design as the North Korean facility that is in North Korea. This photograph was taken of Syria's reactor shortly before it was blown up. Here is an aerial photograph of Syria's reactor, and you can see, Mr. Speaker, it's camouflaged to the extent that it looks just like a boxed building just in the eastern part of Syria with nothing anywhere close to it. And after Israeli jets came in and bombed the facility, this photograph on the bottom corner shows the results of the Syrian reactor after it was bombed by the Israeli jets. And what is interesting, after the Israeli jets came in and bombed this facility, the North Koreans and the Syrians started working together very quickly to destroy what was left of this facility and bury it in the desert and then put in its place another facility, a building that looks just like this one but obviously, based on intelligence, is just a shell and not really used for any purpose whatsoever. The purpose, of course, to build the second building was to let the world know that they didn't have anything in this area, but of course, we know that they buried all of their equipment and all of their nuclear devices or equipment, I should say, in the desert underneath the bombing that was done by the Israeli pilots. So it's important for us to be aware of the contact and the working of North Korea with Syria. It is not a recent development. North Korea started working with Syria to build this facility in 2001, and they have continued to work with them until they started actually building this facility that would be capable of producing plutonium and at least to be able to build two nuclear weapons within a year. North Korea is a nuclear threat and appears to help any nation with evil intentions, and the whole world needs to know about it. The countries of Iran, North Korea, and now Syria need to be known to all the world that they are nations with hearts that are fatally built on mischief and with malice aforethought. They build nuclear facilities with no redeemable, peaceful intentions. The normal, peaceful countries of our planet, especially those in the Middle East, cannot allow these three nations to have nuclear nonsense continue. They are on a path of destruction for at least somebody else, other than themselves, if their intentions are not stopped. As for the nameless Israeli bomber pilots who flew these missions to destroy this nuclear facility capable of later being able to build nuclear weapons, they are thanked for their job well done, and the world needs to be aware that North Korea, Syria, and Iran seem to continue to work together to thwart world peace by building facilities that are capable of destruction for other countries, especially their neighbors. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, teachers plant the seeds of learning in the minds of their students. I support America's teachers and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution. This measure recognizes significant roles and contributions that America's teachers have had and continue to have building and enhancing our country's civic, cultural and economic well-being. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are 6 million teachers in the United States. I, like many others in this House, turned out the way I did because of teachers that were in my background, like my seventh grade Texas history teacher, Mrs. Wilson. She formed early on a desire in my soul to go into public service, and she gets the credit or the blame, whichever people see, for my lifetime career in public service. I also come from a long line of teachers. My mother was a teacher; my wife is a teacher; my three daughters are teachers, and two of those teach at elementary school level and one of my daughters teaches at Baylor University. And even while I was prosecuting back in Houston, Texas, I spent some time teaching law at the University of Houston. But teaching isn't just a tradition in my family. Teaching has been a tradition in this country since its very inception. Back then, of course, most teaching happened at home under the instruction of parents. Today, parents have many options when it comes to education of their children. Some are taught in private schools, others public schools, some at charter schools, and others continue to home school. Teachers play a primary role in equipping our youth to be good citizens, to take pride in the democratic heritage of our Nation, and to be competitive on the world marketplace of ideas. Teachers spend a long week and long hours teaching our greatest resource, children. This year, we celebrate National Teachers Week on May 4 through 10, and let's be sure to let teachers know that those, especially that have touched our lives, how important they are. And like the bumper sticker says, ``If you can read, thank a teacher.'' And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the United States is intending to send $1.4 billion in taxpayer money to Mexico to fight the cartel drug criminals on the border. This may sound good on the surface, but there are problems with sending money south of the border. It's an unfortunate reality that border corruption exists between Mexican law enforcement and the drug cartels. America has no assurance that some of that money or equipment won't end up in the very hands of the people we're trying to stop. This $1.4 billion would be better spent if it stayed in America. It should go to the Border Sheriffs Coalition. These are hard-nosed lawmen from Brownsville, Texas, to San Diego, California, that operate on a shoestring budget, and they know better how to stop the drug smugglers and coyotes from entering their counties. I have met with them numerous times along our southern border. These border lawmen are amazing crime fighters and protectors of America. The 18 Texas border sheriffs unanimously believe that, ``the culture of corruption and smuggling both in narcotics and humans and the threat of terrorism on the border will increase'' if this money is sent to Mexico. Mr. Speaker, let's help out our first responders and give them the tools to fight crime on the border and keep the money in America. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Texas is known for its legendary Lawmen that bring criminals to justice. Today, I want to recognize the life of Assistant Chief Deputy Larry Shiflet. He is a lifetime member of what is referred to in my part of Texas as the Poe-leece. It is an informal organization made up of my long-time friends in the Texas law enforcement community. It is an honor to pay tribute to him today as he retires from public service. Larry Eugene Shiflet was born in Houston on Sept. 2, 1940 and was destined to be a Texas Lawman. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Air Force. After serving his country for four years, a friend got him a job in the Union Pacific Railroad Police Department. He got to do what most boys from Texas only dream about doing: being a real cowboy that protected railroad cars from bandits. He worked in the special investigative unit that tracked down thieves, drug smugglers and hobo stowaways. He later became the head of the investigative unit and had jurisdiction over four states. He worked for 20 years with the railroad before retiring for the first time. After leaving the rail road police, he obtained additional police training and he was soon hired by the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office in Houston, Texas. His attitude as a deputy was to enforce the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law. Chief Shiflet's personality and professionalism earned him respect from both those he worked with and with those he arrested. He inspired many young deputies to strive for excellence and they credit his leadership as the reason for their professional success. His boss and close friend, Constable Ron Hickman, described Chief Shiflet as being a part of the backbone of the organization. ``Chief Shiflet's keen sense of community involvement, understanding of law enforcement responsibility, leadership skills, wisdom and experience have made him an indispensable part of our organization,'' said Hickman. ``His fair, but firm hand has provided a stalwart position that many of us have looked to for resolution during difficult times. I have had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Larry for 25 years and count him among my best friends.'' Hickman also described Chief Shiflet as a man that is fully aware of the real dangers of police work, but at the same time is deathly afraid of snakes. Even after working for years along the Texas border for the railroad police, Hickman said that Chief Shiflet is still very likely to shoot somebody to get out of the way of a snake. Along the way during his career in the Constable's office, Chief Shiflet met his wife Cynthia Calvert when he worked in Atascocita. She was the editor of a local newspaper at the time and called him to ask about the violent crime wave of bicycle thefts in Kingwood. Chief Shiflet suggested that it would be best to discuss the bike thefts over a cup of coffee. That face to face meeting request was the beginning of a relationship that later led to their marriage. In addition to his law enforcement career, Chief Shiflet had a brief stint as an unofficial U.S. Ambassador to Ireland during a family vacation. At every pub his family stopped at for a meal and a drink, Chief Shiflet would have to defend America and President George W. Bush's foreign policies. As soon as the natives heard the warm, southern drawl in Chief Shiflet's voice, they knew he was from Texas and would launch into anti-American foreign policy tirades. Chief Shiflet patiently, respectfully and eloquently explained that they were wrong and America was right. As only a true American patriot would, Chief Shiflet spent his entire family vacation defending America and our President from Irish criticism. Ironically, even though he has spent 50 years in public service through the military and law enforcement, Chief Shiflet started his working career in the newspaper business and it looks like he will end it with newspapers. When he was 10 years old he delivered newspapers by hand from his bike for an old city paper called the Houston Press. In 2007, he and his wife started a community newspaper company called the Tribune newspapers. Instead of delivering papers on a bicycle, he will soon be delivering issues of the Tribune from his red Corvette. As Chief Shiflet retires today from the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office, I am honored to recognize his lifetime of law enforcement service. For 46 years, he has put on a badge and a gun to protect and serve the people and communities that he loves. As he hangs up his gun for the last time today and turns in his badge, he can ride off into the sunset in his Corvette knowing that he is loved, respected and appreciated by so many. Happy Trails to you, Chief Shiflet. Thank you for a job well done and for all your hard work to make our Texas neighborhoods safer. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am proud to have introduced this National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month resolution with my friend, Congresswoman Baldwin from Wisconsin. I appreciate her leadership in bringing this issue to the national attention of all of us. When I was an assistant district attorney back in Texas, I prosecuted rapists for 8 years, and then I sat on the bench as a judge in Houston for 22 years, hearing felony criminal cases. During those 30 years, I learned a lot about sexual assault and the devastation it has on victims. Probably one of the best statements ever made about a sexual assault and how it affects the victim was a sexual assault victim who was 90 years old and had been raped. She testified on the witness stand that what happened to her ``was a fate worse than death.'' And, yes, many times it is a fate worse than murder itself, the crime that occurs against these individuals throughout our country. It devastates the victim, and after the crime occurs the victim faces a lifetime of battle to recover. In many cases, sexual assault or rape is an attempt on the part of the offender to destroy the inner soul and being of the victim, and sometimes that actually occurs. When I came to Congress, I founded the Victims' Rights Caucus to advocate on behalf of victims so that this caucus could be a voice for all crime victims. The gentlewoman from Wisconsin who introduced this resolution is a member of this caucus and continues to be a leader in public awareness. With this resolution, I hope we can educate the public about this horrendous crime, but also thank the outstanding victim advocates who hold the victim's hand from the time the crime is committed and sometimes throughout the entire episode until the trial is over with. Rape and sexual assault statistics are difficult to determine because many victims are ashamed and afraid to come forward and report these crimes. There are outstanding support services in this country, like the National Sexual Assault Hotline, and many, many hundreds of thousands of crisis centers throughout the country, but still sexual assault victims are reluctant to come forward. By drawing attention to sexual violence and speaking about it on the national level here in our Congress, we can encourage victims to report these crimes and get the help they need. Predators intimidate and threaten victims with the hope that these victims will never tell anyone about it. Victims need to understand that American citizens support victims and are on their side. Of those reported sexual assaults, there are haunting statistics. Three out of four victims knew the perpetrator that committed the crime against them. The rapist is not a stranger. I would like to relate one case that occurred many years ago when I was prosecuting these types of cases. I will call this young lady Lisa, to protect the privacy of her family. She was a student at one of our universities in Houston. She left the university one night and stopped at a service station for help, because her car was having difficulty in moving down the highway. She came in contact with an individual that I will call Luke. He was not a service station attendant. He was just a criminal. He kidnapped Lisa. He sexually assaulted her. He pistol-whipped her. He beat her so bad that he thought he had killed her, and when he was arrested, he was mad that he hadn't killed her. He was captured and he was tried. A jury in Houston, Texas, convicted him and gave him 99 years in the Texas penitentiary, which he earned and deserved. But Lisa's life fell apart. She never went back to school. She lost her job. Her husband, the kind of individual he was, sued her for divorce, got all the children and left the State. She started using drugs, first alcohol and then everything else. Not long after the trial, I received a phone call from Lisa's mother telling me that she had taken her own life, and she left a note that I still have today that says, ``I am tired of running from Luke Johnson in my nightmares.'' You see, crime occurs. Victims are victimized. But sometimes they live a short life thereafter because of the crime that has occurred. And no crime is more devastating to a victim than sexual assault. So it is important that we designate April as National Sexual Assault and Awareness Month so we can educate our fellow citizens on these statistics and encourage rape and sexual assault victims to no longer be afraid. We need to promote justice for sexual assault victims, because justice is what we do in America. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, brutal actions of local and state police are going unpunished; and, as the founder of the Victims Right Caucus, I bring this serious matter to the House's attention. Two years ago, on May 3 and 4, 2006, there was a lawful protest in support of local flower sellers who had been displaced from their business because a new airport was being built. During the protest, law enforcement officers arrested and detained 47 separate women. The police officers didn't read the women their rights; the women were just arrest arrested, locked up, and taken into custody. Then, Madam Speaker, the officers beat and sexually assaulted them. I repeat, they beat and sexually assaulted the 47 women that were arrested. Obviously, lawmen have become outlaws. One of the 47 women was Barbara Mendez, a 27-year-old student and a child advocate. Barbara went to the protest because she heard a child was killed in the violence between the police and the protesters. As a child advocate, Barbara went to show her support for the child and her community. But after Barbara arrived at the protest, the police beat her and arrested her because she was with the protesters and supposedly blocking a road. Barbara was placed in a police vehicle and forced to take off her clothes. She was then gang raped by the police officers, as other officers watched and cheered on the rapists. Barbara was then locked up in jail for 12 days. Madam Speaker, this is a case of police gone wild. Jail doctors then examined Barbara, but it just so happened that they failed to document her physical injuries or gather any forensic evidence of the rape. This evidence is crucial for any prosecution. Madam Speaker, rape is a crime that tries to destroy the soul of the victim. And of these 47 women arrested and assaulted, 26 of them later filed complaints with authorities claiming physical, psychological, and sexual abuse during the arrest and detention. But since these assaults occurred, none of the police criminals have been brought to justice. No, not one. And this ought not to be. Five months after the assaults, a national human rights commission called for criminal investigations into the assaults, but no investigations have occurred. In February of 2007, the Supreme Court instructed a special judicial commission to investigate the crimes by the police in the arrest of these 47 women. Then, Barbara Mendez and several other victims filed another complaint with federal authorities, but the federal authorities are sitting on these cases refusing to move forward. Why isn't there any justice for these women? Next week marks the second year anniversary of these assaults, and yet none of these women have seen a courtroom. Obviously, no justice for these rape victims. Of the 47 women, two are from Spain, one is from Germany, two are from Chile, and the rest are Mexican citizens. But none of them received any justice. Basic human rights is obviously being denied. Madam Speaker, these assaults did not occur in the United States. They occurred in San Salvador Atenco, Mexico, just 30 miles outside of Mexico City. This issue is a world human rights issue, and this type of abuse cannot be tolerated and peace officers cannot enjoy impunity. Police officers are supposed to protect the community and keep people safe from harm, not cause harm to people. And, of course, this includes Mexican police officers. These officers must be held accountable. They need to have their day in court. And, if they are guilty, they need to be sent off to the jailhouse. As we approach Mother's Day in the United States, Madam Speaker, we need to proclaim that mothers and women throughout the world receive the respect and honor due them. That includes justice, because justice is the one thing we should always find, even in Mexico. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, last week, President Bush and President Calderon of Mexico met in New Orleans to discuss mutual concerns of both nations, such as trade. Electronic devices by staff are not permitted in these meetings, and are left on a table outside the room. After the high level talks concluded, a senior official with Mexico, Rafael Curiel, was caught on video grabbing seven White House BlackBerrys off the outside table. He was nabbed with the booty by the Secret Service at the airport as he was about to make good his getaway. He gave numerous contradictory accounts about why he had the White House BlackBerrys. Then he said he was innocent. When all else failed, he claimed diplomatic immunity, and left the United States for Mexico. Mr. Speaker, Rafael Curiel is just misunderstood. Obviously, when the White House discussion centered around free trade with the two countries, Curiel took the phrase ``free trade'' literally and did a little free trading on his own with those American BlackBerrys. Mexico has since fired the free trader. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize a lifelong volunteer and inspiration to the Beaumont community, Helen Kovak. Mrs. Kovak is a pillar of the Beaumont community, and has a heart the size of Texas. For almost her entire life, she has given to back to the community she holds so dear. Her friends have even described her as, ``the best volunteer in the world; always ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done.'' Mrs. Kovak has served in a number of areas, one of which is the political arena, where she has been volunteering since the day she could vote. She is responsible for starting one of the first direct mail campaigns, which she carried out from her home, way back when Goldwater was running for office, and she serves as a Precinct Chairman for the Republican Party to this day. A graduate of the University of Texas, Mrs. Kovak still sports a UT sticker on the back of her VW Beetle. She celebrated her 90th birthday on April 26th, and at a recent party with friends she stressed that people should appreciate what they have and ``live each day to the fullest, because you never know when it's gonna end.'' I am proud to recognize this gem of Southeast Texas on her 90th birthday. She is a true inspiration to us all.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, as a growing number of political leaders jump on the ethanol bandwagon, people across the world are dying of starvation. The increasing shift of America's agricultural industry from food production to biofuel production is contributing to mass food shortages on a global scale. Riots have broken out in Haiti, Egypt, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon as food prices soar to unprecedented levels. According to the U.N., ``it takes 232 kg of corn to fill a 50-liter car tank with ethanol. That is enough to feed a child for a year''. Contrast that against the fact that, ``if every bushel of U.S. corn, wheat, rice and soybean were used to produce ethanol, it would only cover about 4% of U.S. energy needs on a net basis''. Why are we wasting our resources here? Ethanol is not even proven to be environmentally friendly. In fact, a recent article from the AP stated that, ``The widespread use of ethanol from corn could result in nearly twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the gasoline it would replace because of expected land-use changes''. We need to wake up and take a real look at current energy policy and actually consider the consequences of simply hopping on every global warming fad that comes along. Responsibility and foresight are critical to the decisions this Congress makes. This current ethanol policy needs to be changed. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Congress has a love affair with corn-based ethanol, and that love affair, Mr. Speaker, is on the rocks. Ethanol has led to increased food prices, food shortages, and more pollution and less energy. As we have increased our reliance on ethanol, food supplies and prices have soared and have led to a global food shortage as customers stock up before stores run out. Shortages have led to food riots in Egypt, Haiti and other nations. There is an international shortage of basic commodities such as rice and wheat, and this has resulted in protests and riots. American consumers are reactionary. They read about the international shortage and the riots and they run to the store to buy more food, stocking up. Yesterday, Wal-Mart and Costco announced they were limiting purchases of rice. You can only buy four bags of rice on any one trip at Wal-Mart. Mr. Speaker, who would have thought that in the United States we would start having food rationing? Also, because of inflation of the prices of corn-based ethanol, other food products are going up. Prices on beer, bread, coffee, pizza and rice are dramatically increasing. Anything that has a corn-based product has also increased in price. In Mexico, cornmeal prices are up 60 percent. In Pakistan, flour prices have doubled. And even China is having a food inflation problem. In America, the cost of all groceries is skyrocketing. The shortage of staple food has larger consequences for our country, and, of course, it adds to inflation. Also, we are now finding out that corn-based ethanol contributes to global warming. In March, Science Magazine reported that ``Using good cropland to expand biofuels increases global warming.'' Under Congress' ethanol mandates, farmers must plow more land to grow enough corn to use in our vehicles. This releases carbon stored in plants and in the soil. And Science Magazine continues to say that corn-based ethanol will increase greenhouse gasses by 93 percent in 30 years. Ethanol also pollutes. Factories that convert corn into ethanol release carbon monoxide, methanol and some carcinogens at a very high level. The science that predicted less CO2 from corn ethanol is now being questioned as junk science. Ethanol pollution has also contributed to the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. What that is, Mr. Speaker, is the water that runs down into the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the Mississippi, because of the pollutants in that water, it causes a dead zone about the size of New Jersey where nothing lives and nothing grows. As Congress continues to subsidize corn-based ethanol, farmers are using more and more fertilizer to plant corn, and thus more fertilizer runs into the Mississippi River, down the river to the Gulf of Mexico, and the dead zone continues to grow. You see, we don't eat corn anymore. We burn it in our cars. Farmers planting more corn only increase the dead zone problem. So now we are having a problem with food production that comes from the sea, from the Gulf of Mexico, all because of corn-based ethanol. And, of course, ethanol hurts other industries. While grain producers have benefited from ethanol mandates because of record profits, some other industries are hurting. The losers are livestock farmers and ranchers, who have lost about $30 more an animal since the fall. In other words, corn prices going up cost more to feed their beef, and then beef prices continue to go up as well. And we pay. The consumer always pays. So, Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to rethink its love affair with ethanol. We need to lift the offshore drilling prohibition against drilling for crude oil and for natural gas. We need to develop our own natural resources. We need to allow permits for clean coal production. We need to use safe nuclear energy. And, we need to get back to eating corn instead of burning it in our vehicles. It is time for us to get a divorce from corn-based ethanol. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. I want to thank the chairman of the committee and the chairman of the subcommittee for their support on this important legislation. It will make our country safer. I hope that it is adopted by our Congress immediately. With that, I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. POE. Madam Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to my friend from Texas (Mr. Culberson).

Mr. POE. Madam Chairman, I inquire as to how much time is left on each side.

Mr. POE. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren).

Mr. POE. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is a photograph regarding the amendment we will talk about this morning. These are mini-submarines. They are currently being made in the jungles of Colombia, alongside much of the drugs that they carry, probably from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia which is the military wing of the Colombian Communist Party. These vessels are made out of fiberglass. They are about 100-feet long. They carry a crew of five and up to 13 tons of drugs with a street value of about $300 million. They travel about 14 miles per hour, and they are barely below the surface. They are constructed to remain below the surface of the water, making them difficult for the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard to track. And they can travel all of the way from the north coast of South America to the southeastern United States without refueling. These vessels that the Coast Guard are encountering are stateless vessels with no legitimate use. They are built for stealth and the capability to rapidly scuttle the illicit drugs they are carrying. What happens is when the United States Coast Guard or the Navy comes upon one of these vessels, the crew scuttles the ship, it sinks, and all of the contraband sinks to the bottom of the ocean. The only one prosecution that has taken place, reflected here on the bottom, occurred when a bale of cocaine floated back to the surface. The five crewmen are now being prosecuted in Tampa, Florida. And let me mention that these vessels can not only be used for drugs, they can bring explosives into the United States. They come up our waterways. They can attack crude ships, ships that are bringing in oil tankers, our military ships like the U.S.S. Cole, or even cruise ships, as we mentioned earlier. This amendment would simply state the findings of Congress that these stateless vehicles have no legitimate use on international waters, and the crew that is operating one of these is committing a Federal crime. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. POE. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentlelady from California for yielding, and I want to thank Ms. Matsui and her brave constituent, Laurie Dishman, for bringing this very important issue before Congress. Every year 10 million American citizens board cruise ships and sail from American ports. These cruise ships are floating cities. But unlike cities, there are no peace officers or properly trained security personnel to protect passengers on board these ships. There is really no oversight or accountability for the cruise industry to properly or timely report secret crimes that occur on ships. Our amendment just requires the Coast Guard to publicly maintain and regularly update a numerical accounting of crimes and number of missing persons on each ship. This is commonsense. We value information on college campuses, and this Congress under the Cleary Act requires reporting of crimes on college campuses. But when there is a crime on the high sea, it is a public relations cover-up because of the travel industry. This amendment will create a better-informed passenger and, of course, safer cruise ships.

Mr. POE. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made in order on behalf of myself and Mr. Lungren of California.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Canada is the largest crude oil supplier to the United States. About half of that crude is derived from what is called oil sands. Also, the military wants to buy Canadian ``unconventional fuels'' instead of buying fuel from rogue dictators. The Air Force wants to use Canadian ``coal to liquid fuel'' and turn it into jet fuel. But the nonenergy bill passed by Congress prohibits such purchases because of absurd environmental restrictions. Now, not only is it harder for Americans to obtain affordable gasoline, our military is at risk of having a fuel shortage to carry out its mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. This Nation is at war. Our troops need fuel. The latest congressional attempt to hurt the military as a way of appeasing environmental fear mongers could result in what happened to General George Patton in World War II. On August 31, 1944, General Patton was charging toward Germany and just outside of Metz, France, his tanks ran out of gas because bureaucrats here in the United States denied him fuel. So unless Congress acts, our troops may be charging into battle riding cavalry horses, while our tanks and planes rust and gather dust because they are out of gas. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I may not exactly be the biggest Texas A&M fan around. And, I possibly ruffle a few maroon feathers from time-to- time poking fun at the Aggies. But, one thing I can say without a doubt is that there is no school known to man that has as loyal a following and dedication to tradition as Texas A&M. Trust me I know, I hear about every little quirky thing they do from my friend and former case manager, Patti Chapman--or ``Aggie Mama'' as her license plate proudly reads, and from Congressman Louie Gohmert from East Texas, with his maroon boots adorned with the Aggie logo. You can always spot an Aggie, either from their personalized license plate, their maroon pickup adorned with A&M stickers, or the ring-- don't forget the ring! And I have yet to meet an Aggie that doesn't work in to any conversation that you are having that they are an Aggie and what year they graduated, especially if you are not one. But with all their whooping and hissing, comes one tradition that I have the greatest respect for--Aggie Muster. Last week, on April 21st, Aggies all around the world paid tribute to those that have gone before them. This time honored tradition began in June of 1883 as a reunion of sorts of former students reliving their college days from the ball field to the battlefield. By 1889 it had evolved into a celebration of Texas Independence, and in 1922 it became the official ceremony it is today that is held every year on April 21st--San Jacinto Day--the day Texas won its independence in 1836--to account for every Aggie around the world by honoring the ``Roll Call of the Absent.'' According to tradition, ``if there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.'' The most famous example of this edict was the Muster of 1942 under the command of General George Moore during World War II. Amid fierce enemy fire, General Moore and 25 fellow Aggies mustered in the trenches on Corregidor in the Philippines. A war correspondent observed the make- shift ceremony and the world was introduced to the Aggie spirit. During times of war, Muster is especially poignant. Texas A&M has produced more officers in the United States military than even West Point. It has the distinction, other than West Point, of having more Medal of Honor winners than any other university in the United States. When General George Patton was in Europe going to combat in the Third Army, he made a comment about the Texas Aggies and the soldiers that he had under his command. He said, ``Give me an army of West Point graduates and I will win a battle. You give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I will win the war.'' The Aggies' long tradition of duty and service to our great nation dates back their beginning, to the days when A&M was an all-male military academy. Texas A&M trained nearly 4000 troops during World War I and over 20,000 Aggies served in World War II, 14,000 as officers. The entire graduating classes of 1941 and 1942 enlisted in the military. The Aggie War Hymn was written by Aggie Marine J.V. ``Pinky'' Wilson while standing guard on the Rhine River during World War I and it remains the most recognizable school fight song across the country-- probably the world. Today, Muster is observed in more than 400 places worldwide and this year's ``Roll Call of the Absent'' honored 970 people around the world, including those remarkable young men and women who gave their lives for our country today. While this is a time to honor those that have died, it also is a time when Aggies, young and old, come together to reconnect and celebrate a way of life known only to those that proudly call themselves an Aggie. Muster means different things to different people. Every Aggie will tell you something different, something personal about what it means to them as an Aggie. One thing that is consistent in every answer is their dedication to tradition. It is the rich heritage of tradition that sets Texas A&M apart from all the rest. It is the Corps, the Aggie War Hymn, the 12th Man, Midnight Yell, Bonfire, State pride, and as much as it pains me to say it--it's TU. It's the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, Silver Taps and ``Hallabaloo, Canek, Canek.'' It's the Junction Boys, Howdy, Gig'em, Reville, the Dixie Chicken and of course, the ring. But above all else--it's Muster. Gig'em Ags! And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, it has been 16 months since two of America's border protectors have been locked up in Federal prison in solitary confinement. Ramos and Compean tonight are in two different places in the United States but both are in a Federal penitentiary for enforcing the law that we have entrusted them to enforce on the Texas-Mexico border. Now, we understand that in this case, the case that was based upon the testimony of a drug smuggler that brought drugs worth $750,000 into the United States, the entire Federal Government's case was based upon his testimony. His testimony, when the Federal Government gave him a back-room deal, promised not to prosecute him, let him go back and forth across the Texas-Mexico border, all for his testimony to testify against two border agents, claiming in his testimony that he was unarmed when he was shot fleeing the two border agents a couple of years ago when he brought drugs into the United States. Now, we know that while he was waiting to testify, this star witness, this back-room deal witness, he brought another load of drugs into the United States, and the U.S. Attorney's Office kept that from the jury that was hearing the case against Ramos and Compean. The U.S. Attorney's Office denied for months that that ever occurred, and finally, the truth came out when Members of Congress found out about it. And last week, the drug smuggler, the back-room deal witness, the witness whose testimony was bought at a price of freedom, was convicted in Federal prison for bringing in that load of drugs the U.S. Attorney's Office denied ever occurred. Mr. Speaker, Ramos and Compean were convicted on tainted testimony, testimony that, as the U.S. Attorney's Office admitted before Congress, had some lies in it said by this star, back-room witness. And it's time that these two individuals be pardoned, that their case be reversed, that the next year we find out the truth that the U.S. Attorney's Office hid that second deal. All the while, let's leave the drug dealer in the Federal penitentiary where drug dealers belong. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, gasoline prices keep going up, and Americans want some answers and some action. One reason gasoline is rising is because the U.S. dollar continues to get weaker. The weaker it gets, the more it costs to buy that crude oil from the OPEC monopoly and the dictator of Venezuela. Another reason is the U.S. is the only major nation that ignores its own natural resources. This stubborn, hard-headed Congress refuses to let American oil companies drill offshore. Plus, subsidizing the corn industry to make ethanol has driven world food prices to an all-time high; and now, African nations are even going hungry. Mr. Speaker, we have crude oil in all of these red zones outside the United States. But environmental intimidation and fear tactics prevent drilling in this gold mine of crude. We only drill off Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The rest of these red zones don't have a problem taking that crude oil and gasoline, but they say ``No!'' to drilling off their shore. Unless we drill offshore and in ANWR, we are all going to be walking to work, and come winter, freezing in the dark. And that's just the way it is.