Jim Ramstad

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, the President has said for more than 4 years that he would follow the advice of his commanders on the ground with respect to troop levels in Iraq. That is why I am both surprised and disappointed the President did not follow the advice given as recently as 2 months ago by the Army and Marine Corps Chiefs of Staff, as well as General John Abizaid, General George Casey, and General Colin Powell. All of these highly respected commanders expressed their opposition to increasing the number of U.S. troops in Iraq. As General Abizaid, the top commander in the Middle East said, an increase in U.S. troops would be counterproductive because it will perpetuate the dependency of Iraqi forces, create more targets and stretch our military too thin. Until recently the top ground commander in Iraq, General George Casey, has said that sending more American troops into Baghdad and Anbar province would increase the Iraqi dependency on Washington. As General Colin Powell, one of the most respected military leaders of our generation put it, a surge was already tried in Baghdad last fall and it failed. Now it will only further delay Iraqis taking control of their own security. ``It will only further delay Iraqis taking control of their own security.'' That is from General Colin Powell, who also noted that he had not heard any generals on the ground in Iraq ask for more troops. Mr. Speaker, the original mission of U.S. troops in Iraq was to liberate the country and turn it over to the Iraqi people. We need to get back to that original mission. Our brave troops have done an absolutely heroic job of liberating the people of Iraq. Now our troops should get back to the original mission of training Iraqi security forces so they can secure their own country and turn it over to the Iraqi people. General Casey has long argued that the principal emphasis of American policy should be training Iraqi security forces and handing over responsibility to the Iraqis. Mr. Speaker, the resolution authorizing the use of force in Iraq that we passed in the fall of 2002 was never intended to authorize the use of American troops to police a civil war. It was never intended to provide justification for sending 21,500 more American troops into the middle of a civil war. As former Navy Secretary in Virginia, Senator John Warner, put it: ``Whom do they shoot at, the Sunni or the Shia?'' With 325,000 Iraqi security forces already trained, Mr. Speaker, that is according to our Defense Department, it is time for Iraqi troops to step up to the frontlines in Baghdad, Anbar province, and Fallujah. It is time to accelerate the training of Iraqi security forces and the turnover of security to the Iraqis so our troops can come home with their mission completed. It is time for enforceable benchmarks to measure the progress of Iraqi security forces. Mr. Speaker, it is time for a surge in diplomacy, not a surge in troops to mend a broken country. It is time for a stepped-up regional peace effort in the Middle East to settle this conflict. Mr. Speaker, Congress should listen to our commanders on the ground. We should follow the advice of the Army and Marine Corps Chiefs of Staff. We should follow the advice of General Abizaid, General Casey, and General Powell when they spoke up in December. It is time for Congress to step up and express our strong support of our brave troops, our continued support of the original mission, and our opposition to the increase of U.S. troops to police a civil war in Iraq. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the resolution.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, it is a special privilege to welcome today's guest chaplain, the Reverend Dr. John Ross, Senior Minister of Wayzata Community Church in Wayzata, MN. On behalf of the entire House, thank you, J.R., as Dr. Ross is known back home, for your moving and very timely prayer and for serving as guest chaplain here today. I know Dr. Ross and his wonderful wife, Sheila, very well as Kathryn and I, our family are members of Wayzata Community Church. We are proud to call Dr. Ross our senior minister and grateful to call John and Sheila and their four wonderful children our dear friends. Mr. Speaker, the Reverend Dr. John Ross is a true servant-leader who personifies faith, compassion and service to people in need. Dr. Ross came to Wayzata Community Church in 2004, after a 14-year ministry in Columbus, OH. Our Wayzata Community Church and indeed our entire Lake Minnetonka community are truly blessed by Dr. Ross' strong and principled leadership as well as his inspiring commitment to help people in need. Every summer since 1996, Dr. Ross has led a mission of primarily young people to Mexico where they have built over 100 homes for the poorest of the poor. As one 8th grader from our church told me, J.R. not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. He is always the first one up the ladder in the morning and the last one down from the roof in the evening. Mr. Speaker, the Reverend Dr. John Ross is truly a man of God who lives out the Biblical command to love God, love others, and serve the least amongst us. Thank you again, Dr. Ross. Thank you, J.R., for serving the House of Representatives today and for doing the Lord's work in our church and community every day.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Shaw for yielding. I rise in strong support of H.R. 6406, which includes the legislation I introduced to extend permanent normal trade relations to Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, the bottom line here is economic growth and jobs. Fully 95 percent of the world's population lives outside the United States, and the global economy is projected to grow at three times the rate of the U.S. economy. We must, we must, continue to take steps to make sure that American farmers, businesses, and service providers remain leaders in the international marketplace and that our products have fair and open access to foreign markets. As was said by Mr. Cardin, Vietnam is the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia. It continues to grow in significance as a United States trading partner. By giving Vietnam PNTR status, our businesses and farmers will be able to take advantage of increased market access opportunities that the Vietnamese have offered in return. And increased market access in Vietnam will also help provide our companies a competitive sourcing counterbalance to China in this region. Without passage of this legislation, U.S. companies will not be able to take advantage of the Vietnamese concessions. And the United States will not be able to engage in dispute settlement cases with Vietnam in the World Trade Organization. So not to pass this legislation with respect to Vietnam, extending PNTR to Vietnam, is a lose-lose situation. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Thomas and Chairman Shaw for their leadership and key efforts in crafting this package and also for including Vietnam PNTR. The House is truly losing two legislative giants, and it has been a great privilege to serve with Chairman Thomas and Chairman Shaw on the Ways and Means Committee. I also want to thank my friends on the other side of the aisle, Ranking Member Rangel and Mr. Cardin, for working on this important package in a bipartisan way. It has also been a great privilege to serve with you, and we are going to miss you, Ben, when you move to the other body. I also want to thank Representative Thompson for his bipartisan support, his steadfast support, and hard work on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 6406.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers on this bill, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6111, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 6111, a bill to provide the U.S. Tax Court with jurisdiction to review innocent spouse relief claims. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation introduced by our distinguished colleague and friend from California, Representative Tauscher. Under current law, married couples who submit joint tax returns are individually responsible for paying the taxes owed to the Federal Government. The Internal Revenue Service can, however, relieve this responsibility, Mr. Speaker, in situations where one spouse was unaware that the other spouse understated the amount of taxes due on their joint return. This type of relief, called innocent spouse relief, is granted at the discretion of the IRS. Currently, if the IRS denies a claim for innocent spouse relief, the tax court which specializes in tax law, does not have jurisdiction to review the IRS decision. This bill would provide the tax court with authority to review these claims by innocent spouses. Mr. Speaker, we have the opportunity today to allow innocent spouses to take their cases to the Federal court with the most knowledge and expertise in handling tax matters. The tax court's experience with tax cases should ensure that denials of claims for innocent spouse relief are handled both fairly and expeditiously. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague and friend, Representative Tauscher, for her leadership and key work on this issue. The Senate has passed a similar provision, and I urge my colleagues to do the same by voting in favor of this important commonsense legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6111) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the Tax Court may review claims for equitable innocent spouse relief and to suspend the running on the period of limitations while such claims are pending, as amended.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on the subject of the bill just passed.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend and a true Minnesota hero, Jeffrey Bangsberg. Jeff will be retiring from full-time work this month, and it is fitting that we recognize the accomplishments this great Minnesotan has achieved and the perseverance and courage he has shown in the face of extraordinary challenges. Jeff suffered a spinal cord injury 30 years ago. While this injury left him in a wheelchair, he never gave up and became a tremendous advocate for expanding access to health care and other critical services for people with disabilities and the elderly. Since 1991, Jeff has brought his insight, passion and experience to a variety of important issues, including improving Social Security and the Medicare and Medicaid programs, especially for people living with disabilities. I have worked closely with Jeff for 26 years on a wide range of legislative initiatives in both the Minnesota State Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Jeff was instrumental in the creation and implementation of groundbreaking legislation, including the first personal care attendant program in Minnesota, Metro Mobility, Medicaid for Employed Persons with Disabilities, and the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act. All of these monumental achievements are the result of Jeff's great heart and his passion for helping others. Over the years, Minnesota governors have appointed Jeff to several councils and commissions, including the Minnesota State Council on Disability, the Minnesota State Rehabilitation Council, the Minnesota Health Care Commission and countless advisory committees for the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health. He was also a presidential appointee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. And in addition to all of these important commitments, Jeff also found time to serve as Government Relations Director for the Minnesota HomeCare Association. In this capacity, Jeff has effectively promoted home care services for seniors and people with disabilities at the local, state and federal levels. Because of his work, countless people are living independently and with dignity. Jeff is truly an extraordinary person, not only for his ability to overcome obstacles, but also in his dedication to knocking down barriers for others. Jeff understands that we all win when all Americans are empowered to live up to their full potential. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I have been grateful for Jeff's invaluable counsel, expertise and friendship over the years. While I could spend hours listing the many accomplishments of this tremendous individual, I can sum it all up by saying Jeff Bangsberg truly represents the best and the brightest, and I am honored to call him my friend. Congratulations, Jeff, on your well-deserved retirement, and best wishes to you and your wonderful wife, Anita.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I have long been an ardent supporter of trade expansion because the bottom line is jobs. Fully 95 percent of the world's population lives outside the United States, and the global economy is projected to grow at three times the rate of the U.S. economy. We must continue to take steps to make sure American farmers, manufacturers and service providers remain leaders in the international marketplace and our products have fair access to foreign markets. Vietnam is the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia and continues to grow in significance as a U.S. trading partner. By our granting Vietnam PNTR status, U.S. businesses will be able to take advantage of the increased market-access opportunities the Vietnamese have offered in return. And increased market access to Vietnam will also help provide U.S. companies a competitive sourcing counterbalance to China in the region. Without passage of this legislation, U.S. companies will not be able to take advantage of the Vietnamese concessions. And in addition, the United States will not be able to engage in dispute-settlement cases with Vietnam in the World Trade Organization. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairmen Thomas and Shaw for their leadership on bringing forward this important legislation, and I would also like to thank Ranking Member Rangel and Representative Thompson for their support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 5602.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today with an uplifting story of a high school band from the Third Congressional District of Minnesota. Christine Porter, the Director of the Brooklyn Center High School Band, has done amazing things with the band and in the process has touched the lives of numerous young people and their parents. And the entire Brooklyn Center community has rallied around these inspirational students with an uplifting melody of support and encouragement. The band program was in jeopardy when Chris Porter took over and turned the program around. Now, the band has received high praise from many places--including the Grammys! In fact, they received their Grammy right here in the Nation's Capital at the Grammy Enterprise Signature School Award at the ``Grammys on the Hill'' event. I had the great pleasure of meeting Director Porter and one of her talented musicians, Chanel Chathum, who were in Washington for the event. Mr. Speaker, the Brooklyn Center High School Band program, which serves many students from disadvantaged families, was in disarray and far short of instruments, funding and teachers when Ms. Porter took over. She took immediate steps, such as finding music students from the University of Minnesota to teach the band members. And she reached out to the community, and the community responded. Mr. Speaker, the crescendo of support started with the Brooklyn Center Rotary Club, which saw the problem and marched forward. Under the leadership of ``Mr. Brooklyn Center,'' Phil Cohen, past Rotary President Carrie Engh of Bremer Bank Brooklyn Center and current President Frank Slawson of American Express Financial Planners, the Rotary Club contributed $10,000. The Lions Club also made financial contributions and the Brooklyn Center Business Association held a golf tournament to help the band. And the Brooklyn Center Taxpayers Association pitched in, too. The people of Brooklyn Center have really come together to support the band. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Porter's inspired leadership and the band's hard work resulted in the Grammy Foundation personally delivering the $15,000 Grammy Enterprise Award to the band at Brooklyn Center High School! Chris Porter and Chanel Chathum received a well-deserved standing ovation. The tremendous outpouring of affection and support for the band made it all worthwhile! The story of the Brooklyn Center High School Band even brought tears to the eyes of singer Kelly Clarkson, who was a guest of honor at the event. The story reminded Clarkson of her own high school band, and the story has warmed all of our hearts. From the trombones to the tubas, the Brooklyn Center High Band is truly playing a joyful tune! There was a lot of hard work that went into this masterpiece. Thank you, Chris Porter and the wonderful Brooklyn Center High School Band, for bringing so much great music into our lives and the lives of young people. You have all showed us that hard work, creativity, talent and the right instruments can make a beautiful song!

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, this month marks the 55th anniversary of Al-Anon Family Groups. As co-chair of the Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus, I want to recognize the tremendous work of this dedicated organization. For over half a century, Al-Anon and Alateen have been a key source of support and hope for families and friends of alcoholics and addicts all over the world, with over 26,000 groups in 115 different countries. Policymakers often focus attention on the individual with chemical addiction and forget or underestimate how devastating a loved one's disease can be on friends and family members. Thankfully, Al-Anon and Alateen have never forgotten and are always there whenever a hurting person reaches out for help. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Al-Anon and Alateen. This month not only marks the 55th anniversary of Al-Anon, it is also the 17th annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. As we celebrate the promise and possibility of recovery this month, we must also remember the loved ones impacted by this devastating disease. As the chemical dependency professionals tell us, chemical addiction is truly a ``family disease.'' Thanks to Al-Anon, these individuals have a place to go where they can find hope and support. For that we owe this wonderful organization and all of its members our support and gratitude for 55 years of dedicated service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Al-Anon and Alateen.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Wayzata Community Church of Wayzata, MN, on its 125th anniversary of ministry and mission. Founded in 1881 by a dozen early settlers on Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata Congregational Church grew to 70 members within 2 years. In 1912, a new church was built, but it burned down 4 years later. Remarkably, it was rebuilt by a determined congregation in only 7 months. Then, in 1948, the church officially became Wayzata Community Church, and ground was broken for a new building at Ferndale Road and Wayzata Boulevard in Wayzata, where this dynamic community of faith is located today. With nearly 3,000 members, Wayzata Community Church is one of the five largest congregations of the United Church of Christ. My family and I are grateful members of this loving and nurturing congregation. Our church is a place of spiritual growth, compassionate support and committed service. For 125 years, Wayzata Community Church has been a place of growth and renewal, fellowship, outreach, community service, music ministries, and children and youth ministries. For 125 years, Wayzata Community Church has been there to help people in need, people suffering the ravages of poverty, homelessness, hunger, addiction, broken homes, disease and despair. One hundred twenty-five years of providing food, shelter, clothing, transportation, counseling and support groups. Wayzata Community Church, Mr. Speaker, is a key partner of Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, a partnership of faith communities, other community organizations and individuals that serve low-income people in eight of our west suburban communities. Wayzata Community Church's extensive commitment to doing the Lord's work here on Earth also includes programs such as Adopt a Family, Families Moving Forward, Hurricane Relief, Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army bell ringers, the legendary Women's Fellowship annual rummage sale, and the Sleep Out for the Homeless, to name but a few. Wayzata Community Church, Mr. Speaker, is truly a church that lives out the biblical command to love God, love others and serve the least amongst us. The church is also a lively hub of activity in the Lake Minnetonka area for seniors, children and their friends and people of all ages. From music performances, authors, workshops, scouting, support groups, basketball games, nursery schools, you name it, it is all there at Wayzata Community Church. Wayzata Community Church has also been blessed with truly visionary and dedicated leadership over the past 125 years. On this historic anniversary, we are especially grateful for our current senior minister, Reverend Dr. John Ross, and the entire pastoral staff, the Reverends Teresa Chamberlain, Kristen Jeide, Dr. James Newby and S. Linda Purdy. We are also very thankful to all of the clergy who have served Wayzata Community Church during the past 125 years, as well as the other church staff, lay leaders, teachers, musicians, choir members, volunteers and other friends and members of Wayzata Community Church. Mr. Speaker, on this special anniversary of Wayzata Community Church, let us pay tribute to 125 years of ministry and mission and pray that this wonderful community of faith will provide many more years of spiritual growth, support and service to the people of the Lake Minnetonka community.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a strong and consistent supporter of Israel to urge my colleagues to pass H. Res. 921. This important resolution condemns the recent attacks on Israel by the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist groups and expresses continued U.S. support for the right of Israel to defend itself. The State of Israel was created in 1948, and the United States was the first country to formally recognize its right to exist. Since that time, Israel has been one of our strongest allies in the world and a glimmer of hope in the Middle East as the only developed democracy in a region that has known too much war, too much terror and too much violence. Israel consistently stands shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. in countering the most dangerous threats we face today, including the use of terror by groups attempting to destabilize moderate regimes and disrupt various peacemaking efforts. In August 2005, Israel began its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and gave the Palestinian Authority (PA) the opportunity to prove themselves capable of exercising just and rightful authority over their own people. Since that time, the PA has proven to be ineffective at immobilizing terrorist activities, as shown by Hamas' frequent rocket attacks on Israeli cities and the cross-border ambush that took place only a few weeks ago, which resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and the kidnapping of another. In addition, Iran's public declarations calling for both the destruction of the state of Israel and greater development of nuclear arms have produced a dangerous and volatile situation both regionally and globally. As Iran continues to provide weapons and supplies to terrorist groups like Hezbollah, we must allow Israel to continue to take necessary action to protect itself. This is a critical time for Israel. We must allow Israel to continue its self defense efforts and attempts to prevent terrorist organizations from destroying the Middle East. As Prime Minister Olmert stated in his address to Congress, ``[We must] replace the `Culture of Hate' with an `Outlook of Hope.' '' Hezbollah and Hamas are organizations that have proven to be committed to this ``Culture of Hate.'' Consequently, their removal from the Middle East is essential to instill hope into a region that has seen far too much destruction of innocent life. Once again, I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, President Bush unfortunately vetoed funding for life-saving research on stem cells from donated, surplus embryos because he maintains it's wrong to ``promote science which destroys life in order to save life.'' As the leading pro-life legislator in Washington, Sen. Orrin Hatch put it, ``Since when does human life begin in a petri dish in a refrigerator?'' To reduce this issue to an abortion issue is a horrible injustice to 100 million Americans suffering the ravages of diabetes, spinal cord paralysis, heart disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease and other fatal, debilitating diseases. I've met with medical researchers from the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute, the Mayo Clinic, the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins University. As one prominent researcher told me, ``The real irony of the President's policy is that at least 400,000 surplus frozen embryos could be used to produce stem cells for research to save lives. Instead, these surplus embryos are being thrown into the garbage and treated as medical waste.'' Only 22 of the 78 stem cell lines approved by the President in 2001 remain today. This limit on research has stunted progress on finding cures for a number of debilitating and fatal diseases according to scientists and patient advocacy groups. Mr. Speaker, the scientific evidence is overwhelming that embryonic stem cells have great potential to regenerate specific types of human tissues, offering hope for millions of Americans suffering from debilitating diseases. Mr. Speaker, it's too late for my beloved mother who was totally debilitated by Alzheimer's disease which led to her death. It's too late for my cousin who died a cruel, tragic death from diabetes in his 20s. But it's not too late for 100 million other American people counting on us to support funding for life-saving research on stem cells derived from donated surplus embryos created through in vitro fertilization. Let's not turn our backs on these people. Let's not take away their hope. Let's make it clear that abortion politics should not determine this critical medical research. Embryonic stem cell research will prolong life, improve life and give hope for life to millions of people. I urge members to override the President's veto of funding for life- saving and life-enhancing embryonic stem cell research.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit an article on promoting civic responsibility that was brought to my attention by a constituent, Gopal Khanna. Mr. Khanna knows a great deal about civic responsibility, having served as a community and business leader, as well as Chief Financial Officer of the Peace Corps. This article outlines the very significant work being done to promote civic responsibility among immigrants, citizens and institutions in America. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Cherian Pushes Civic Responsibility as Medium For Change [From the India Abroad, May 19, 2006] (By Aziz Haniffa) Dr Joy Cherian has embarked on yet another mission, and discovered another outlet for his social activism. The man who, 25 years ago, founded the Indian American Forum for Political Education, the first ever Indian American political organization, and went on to become the first Indian American to hold a sub-cabinet level rank position in the US government when he served as Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the Ronald Reagan and George H W Bush administrations, signaled his latest direction when, last month, he convened a roundtable conference of the Association of Americans for Civic Responsibility. Following his stint at the EEOC, Cherian had started his own company, J Cherian Consultants, Inc, which blossomed into a highly successful international government and public relations firm based in Washington, DC. A year ago, he wound that company up and founded the AACR, in conjunction with Syracuse University's School of International Affairs. The conference, at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of International Relations in Washington, DC, touched on topics as varied as `The American Immigrant Community and US Immigrant Organizations' and `The Role of Small and Midsized Enterprises in Promoting Civic Responsibility by Immigrants'. Panelists included Dr Michael Schneider, director, Maxwell School of International Relations, who is also chairman of AACR's Advisory Committee; Alysia Wilson, Senior Policy Adviser, US Department of Commerce; Tess Scannell, Director, Senior Corps, Corporation for National and Community Services in Washington, DC; Chad Tragakis and Pavlina Majorosova, vice president and account executive respectively of Hill & Knowlton, Washington, DC; Jennifer K Woofter, president, Strategic Sustainability Consulting, Washington, DC; Mahadeva (Matt) Mani, director, Strategic Markets, AT & T, Oakton, Virginia; Joseph Melookaran, member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian and Pacific Islanders and Dr Piyush C Agrawal, national coordinator, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin. While acknowledging that there are no rules and regulations or even informal encouragement of civic responsibility in the federal government, Wilson noted that several agencies have taken their own initiatives in this direction. Wilson said that it is likely the Administration would soon start a program to train `private and public sector decision- makers in other countries on ethical issues and on how lack of transparency in their own countries impedes growth and progress.' Agrawal, who kicked off the immigration panel discussion, spoke of the `socio-political climate' in the United States, `which for the most part has created an extremely conducive environment for the immigrants to prosper and become whatever they wanted to be,' and argued that in this process the nation has also progressed to be the affluent superpower that it is. But, he said, `it must be pointed out that the history of immigration, as well as the assimilation in this country has not been smooth, Every wave of migrants has paid its dues, going through various types of suffering and discrimination, and even the laws enacted in this country of immigrants have not always been fair and equitable despite the claim of liberty and justice for all.' Agrawal said the oldest immigrant organization, the Association of Indians in America, established in 1967 `when the USA opened its borders for the first time for legal migration from India,' was an exemplar of communities organizing to fight for their rights. Such organizations, he said, `usually take their civic responsibility seriously', and by way of example pointed to the activist role played by the community's various bodies following disasters such as 9/11, the tsunami in South Asia, the Gujarat earthquake, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. `Besides raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for these causes, we continue to serve the daily needs of the poor, the indigent and the downtrodden here in the US through helping out in homeless shelters, food banks, soup kitchens, medical clinics and other civic activities, including but not limited to, voter registration and `get the vote out' campaigns,' and `Be Counted' operation for the US Census.' Melookaran said that small and medium enterprises' (SME) involvement in corporate civic responsibility (CCR) is a vast untapped potential that could dramatically change the face of our communities. He said that corporate social responsibility or corporate civic responsibility is often built into the strategic planning of big corporate entities. However, `If you ask a small business owner about his CCR initiatives, you will draw a blank.' These, he said, was not because such small businesses did nothing in this area, but because big business did not view the work as corporate initiatives, or dignify such efforts by terming them CCRs. The flip side, he said, was that many SMEs did nothing in terms of CCR, and said such films needed encouragement and guidance. He suggested that the MCR should serve as a clearinghouse for activities and training of CCR for such businesses. A significant majority of employees in the US are SMEs, and therefore a broad-based effort to stimulate CCR initiatives among this group could have a tremendous impact, and be the vehicle for change in communities across the country. Mani expanded on the theme, from his perspective of a diversity initiative that is an integral part of AT&T in its CCR activities, while Majorosova talked about charity and volunteerism from a Central and East European perspective from the experiences she has had. She distinguished how volunteerism is abused under repressive regimes and compared it to how it finds a sense of purpose in free and civic-minded societies. Scannell, who was the featured luncheon speaker, emphasized the importance of the pool of baby-boomers `who will be ready to share their civic responsibilities if the activities are tailored to their skills and tastes.' Cherian told India Abroad that his philosophy in founding AACR was to ``educate and encourage all individuals and institutions in the United States to advance the public good of all the people by engaging in civic responsibilities such as volunteerism, social involvement and community service.'' He said the mission statement of AACR, which he authored, holds that this civic responsibility, that ``springs from one's ethical and moral obligations, is more than just a `social responsibility,' because `civic responsibility' requires all members of all sectors of life in the United States to give back to the country based on their privilege or living, working, learning, or doing business in the United States. ``The essence of democracy is the participation of the very people and entities that benefit from its fruits,'' Cherian said, adding that consequently, ``the active performance of civic responsibility is essential for the continuance of the democratic process in tile United States.'' To this end, he said, AACR seeks to foster understanding of the concept of civic responsibility among American citizens, non-citizen US residents, institutions of all kinds. Admitting that critics see the vision as utopian, Cherian said this was no new thought, but the very philosophy that had guided his founding of the IAFPE more than two decades ago. He carried that same philosophy over to the Asian American Voters Coalition, which he chaired, and later during his tenure as Commissioner of the EEOC. ``This is something I believe is vital for the future generations of Indian Americans, including my children and grandchildren and everyone else who came here and have made America their home,''he said. ``All of our children and grandchildren will benefit if we give back to society,'' he said. ``We have only to see some of the incidents and historical antecedents of immigrants, including Indians in various parts of the world when they isolate themselves and don't integrate and become part of the mainstream.'' Cherian said the conference ``will be a sort of historic conference because it's the first conference ever exclusively focused on immigrants and civic responsibility.''

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished ranking member and also my cosponsor. I rise as the cosponsor of this amendment. President Clinton was right back in 1994 when many of us worked in a bipartisan way to fashion the 1994 Crime Control Act and when community policing was made part of that important legislation. I remember those meetings at the White House, talking about community policing, and President Clinton was right. The COPS program has been a key component of the Federal effort to keep our communities safe, and crime has dropped significantly. President Clinton was right that community policing works to reduce crime. Ask any cop on the street, whether it is in the Third and Fourth Precincts of Minneapolis Police Department or my suburban police departments in the Third Congressional District, they all say it is shortsighted and counterproductive to underfund this critical law enforcement tool. I think it is simply wrong to shortchange public policy, and I understand the dilemma faced by the appropriators, believe me. This amendment, the Weiner-Ramstad amendment, would fund the COPS program at its fully authorized level by adding about $476 million for the program. I understand how painful that offset is to many of you who prioritize NASA, but I think we have to ask ourselves, all of us, the simple question: What is more important, spending more money to fly to Mars or keeping millions of Americans safe here on earth? That is the key question. As I said, I have seen in my home State of Minnesota firsthand the importance of the COPS program to local police in reducing crime and improving public safety. The COPS program really does work, and it has helped State and local law enforcement agencies in their hiring, technology, school safety grants, personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance. In short, the COPS program has been a critical tool in the war on drugs and now in homeland security efforts. So as cochair with my friend from Michigan, Mr. Stupak, of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment to increase the funding levels for the COPS program. I think it is critical to all Americans. Certainly Edmund Burke had it right over 200 years ago when he said, the main reason we have government is to keep people safe. No question the COPS program has kept people safer, and I believe we should pass this amendment to increase the funding here today. By passing this funding, we also honor the sacrifices made each and every day by our country's law enforcement community and give our Nation's finest the support they need. Again, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, as cochair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, I believe it is short-sighted and counterproductive to underfund Byrne grants for law enforcement. I have seen in my home State of Minnesota firsthand the importance of Byrne grants to local police in reducing crime and improving public safety. They have funded overtime pay, task forces to fight the war on drugs, equipment, and buy money to enforce our drug laws. We must never forget our cops are on the front lines in the war on crime and fighting drug dealers and protecting our homeland. And before we bleed too much for our Census Bureau, I think we should remember, this agency in this bill already receives a $72 million increase. We are talking about funding cops, the war on drugs, homeland security, or $72 million more for the Bureau of Census. To me that is a no-brainer: we fund Byrne grants, which every law enforcement official in America is pleading for. I urge adoption of the Kennedy amendment. Mr. Chairman, Edmund Burke once said the most important reason we have government is to keep people safe. The Edward Byrne Memorial Grant program is a key component of the federal efforts to make our communities safe. Named for a fallen New York City police officer, the Byrne Grant program has been a vital tool since 1988 in helping state and local law enforcement fight violent and drug-related crime. Although I respect the difficult job our Appropriations Committee is faced with when setting spending priorities, we cannot afford to shortchange public safety. As co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, Mr. Chairman, I believe it's short-sighted and counter productive to underfund Byrne Grants for law enforcement. This amendment would increase funding for the Byrne-JAG program by $50 million and is offset by a reduction to the Bureau of the Census-- an agency that already receives a $72 million increase in this bill! Byrne Grants have been essential to better coordination between local and federal law enforcement in protecting our homeland. They have been key to providing personnel, equipment, training and technical assistance in the war on drugs. They have bolstered prosecution efforts. And they have been used to administer critical programs--multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement teams, anti-drug education, treatment and alternative sentencing, such as drug courts. In my home state of Minnesota, I've seen, firsthand, the importance of Byrne Grants to local police in reducing crime and improving public safety. They have funded overtime pay, task forces, equipment and ``buy'' money to enforce our drug laws. We must never forget our cops are on the front lines--in the war on crime, fighting drug dealers and protecting our homeland. As Chris Matthews of MSNBC said after the attacks of September 11: ``Before the attacks on our homeland, America's heroes were the rich and famous. Since Sept. 11, America's heroes are the cops and firefighters. And that's good for America.'' Today, America's heroes are counting on us. Congress owes it to these brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day they put on the badge. Our Nation's law enforcement officers need all the tools Congress can provide. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment to increase the maximum funding levels for Byrne Grants. It's time to honor the sacrifices made each and every day by our Nation's law enforcement community and give our Nation's finest the support they need.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a member of the Greatest Generation who recently passed away. Minnesota lost a true hero in Robert Brown of Plymouth, MN, of the 3rd Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, Bob was a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. His education at Columbia University was interrupted by World War II. He eagerly enlisted in the Marines and proudly served his nation during World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. Bob retired from the military in 1967 and began a career with Rockwell International that sent him on other missions to promote freedom and economic opportunity all over the world, including Iran and South Korea. Mr. Speaker, Bob Brown was one of our nation's best and brightest. And the legacy of his courage will live on forever in the hearts of freedom-loving people everywhere. Lt. Colonel Brown earned many decorations during his 23 years of service to his country: the American Campaign Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, the WWII Victory Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with Bernidine Brown, Bob's wife of 58 years, as well as sons Michael (Barbara), Stephen (Laurie) and Mark, and grandsons Jacob, Kyle and Travis. A grateful nation joins them in their mourning and thanks Bob for his courageous service to his country and the cause of freedom.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 861, which, above all, honors our brave men and women prosecuting the Global War on Terror and declares that the United States will prevail. I am pleased we are debating this resolution today, because it is imperative that Congress confirm to the world that Americans stand united in support of our troops. It's also imperative to leave no doubt that the U.S. has the unity and resolve to defeat the terrorists and win the War on Terror. U.S. and coalition forces have made great strides in these efforts to date. We have liberated Afghanistan from the brutal Taliban and continue to support the democratically elected government of President Hamid Karzai. We have overthrown the world's most depraved genocidal maniac in Saddam Hussein, who now sits in a jail cell awaiting judgment before the people who not long ago suffered greatly under his brutality. And we have significantly disrupted al Qaeda's terrorist network by systematically hunting down its leaders, its financiers and its footsoldiers. Our brave troops deserve great credit for killing the murderous head of al Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Now we are engaged in the difficult task of rebuilding Iraq and training Iraqi security forces and police officers. We need to expedite the training of Iraqi security forces so they can secure their country, and our troops can come home with their mission completed. Mr. Speaker, I urge an overwhelming ``yes'' vote on this resolution to show our brave troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the War on Terror that they continue to have strong, bipartisan support in Congress. Our prayers are with all our brave troops. More than 2,600 Minnesota National Guard troops are serving in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. An additional 367 are serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere. All our brave troops are in my daily prayers, along with their families who are making great sacrifices at home. We also pay tribute to our brave troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom. May these American heroes rest in peace and may God comfort their grieving families. Mr. Speaker, great moments and triumphs in American history require bravery, valor and selfless service. The men and women of our Armed Forces personify these values. Moreover, our troops have the skills, dedication and full support of the American people to prevail in the War on Terror. Today, the Congress can demonstrate our continuing strong support, as well.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of this important amendment, which seeks to end a pay disparity for our brave men and women who are serving in harm's way. Today, Mr. Chairman, Minnesota National Guard troops are serving in the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, with more than 3,000 citizen soldiers recently called to service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As my colleague has previously explained, at least 400 of these 3,000 Minnesotans in Iraq will not be receiving the same pay as many others in their unit. These are troops who have now bravely served our country in two foreign theaters. These troops not only deserve our utmost respect and gratitude, they also deserve their full compensation for their service and sacrifice. Mr. Chairman, the Minnesota National Guard truly represents the very best of duty, honor and country. I join the people of the Third Congressional District in thanking our Guard members for their selfless service. And I'd like to thank my colleague from Minnesota for sponsoring this important amendment and thank all my colleagues from the Minnesota delegation for cosponsoring the amendment and working to end this pay disparity. I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier).

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the fallen American heroes on United Flight 93, heroes like Tom Burnett, Jr., from Minnesota, who put country ahead of self on September 11, 2001, as he made the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Tom Burnett and the other brave American heroes that day overpowered the terrorist hijackers who sought to crash Flight 93 into the United States Capitol. America owes all the brave passengers on Flight 93 a deep debt of gratitude for the remarkable bravery. And, Mr. Speaker, those of us who work here in this building, in this Capitol, literally owe our lives to the heroes of United Flight 93. This week, as family members of the 33 passengers and seven crew of Flight 93 have been here on Capitol Hill, it is time to say ``yes'' to funding the Flight 93 National Memorial plan for the site in Pennsylvania where the plane ultimately crashed. Tom Burnett and the other brave passengers deserve this fitting memorial, and we should move ahead with the project immediately so the land can be secured. Mr. Speaker, I have been in frequent contact with Tom Burnett's parents, Tom, Sr., and Beverly Burnett, about the site and about the memorial. They have long expressed concern that this sacred ground was still in jeopardy of purchase by other parties and not properly protected. On that fateful day, on his last phone call to his wife, Deena, Tom Burnett said, and I am quoting, ``We have got to do something. I know we are all going to die. There's three of us who are going to do something about it.'' Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what Tom Burnett and the other passengers of Flight 93 did. They stepped forward in an amazing show of patriotism and self-sacrifice. Now it is time for Congress to step forward and do something about it. Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely outrageous to continue to block this memorial to honor the heroic actions of the passengers of Flight 93. Let me repeat that: it is absolutely outrageous to continue to block this memorial to honor the heroic actions of the passengers on Flight 93. It is time for Congress to come together and do what is right, just as the passengers of Flight 93 did what was right at the cost of their own lives. Mr. Speaker, we should live up to our commitment now. Flight 93 family members have passionately explained to us again this week why the 1,200 acres are needed to properly tell the story of Flight 93. Now it is our turn to do our part. Tom Burnett, Jr., and the other heroes of Flight 93 showed us what bravery is all about. Now we need to step forward to honor their courageous legacy. We must never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Let's do the right thing. Let's do the honorable thing. Let's support full funding for the Flight 93 memorial.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I too pay tribute to Colonel Kline for your heroic service to the country that we all love. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 371, to honor, congratulate and thank the brave men and women of the Minnesota National Guard on its 150th anniversary. The Minnesota National Guard represents the very best of duty, honor and country. I join the people of the Third Congressional District of Minnesota in thanking each and every Guard member, past and present, for their selfless service. Mr. Speaker, as has been pointed out by previous speakers today, the Minnesota National Guard traces its origins to the Pioneer Guard of the Minnesota territory in 1856, formed 2 years before Minnesota became the 32nd State. The 1st Minnesota Infantry was among the very first regiments to respond to President Lincoln's call for troops during the Civil War. In fact, the 1st Minnesota Infantry had the highest casualty rate of any unit in the Civil War. The Minnesota National Guard went on to serve bravely in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. The Minnesota National Guard also served with great distinction on the ground and in the air during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Minnesota Guard troops have helped keep the peace in the former Yugoslav republics. Following the September 11, 2001, attacks by the terrorists on our country, the Minnesota National Guard provided airport security and the 148th Fighter Wing flew F-16 security patrols over United States cities for a longer time than any other air defense unit. Today, Mr. Speaker, Minnesota National Guard troops are serving in the war on terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. More than 3,000 citizen soldiers just recently were called to service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and our thoughts and prayers are with each of those Minnesota troops. In addition, Minnesota National Guard troops are serving in national defense missions in numerous other countries as well. Off the battlefield, Mr. Speaker, the Minnesota National Guard has provided countless services to our communities, assisting citizens devastated by natural disasters and maintaining law and order. Mr. Speaker, great moments and triumphs in American history require valor, bravery, and selfless service, and the brave men and women of the Minnesota National Guard have led the charge for 150 years. To the men and women of the Minnesota National Guard, congratulations on your 150th anniversary, and thank you. Thank you for your service to Minnesota and your service to our Nation.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, Minnesota lost a true hero and sports legend this past week. Like Minnesota's Paul Bunyan, he was instantly recognizable, from his name to his gigantic smile to his unique frame. But Kirby Puckett was very real, and the pain all Minnesotans feel is too real, as we say farewell to a Minnesota icon. Mr. Speaker, Minnesota is heartbroken. Kirby Puckett was known as much for his great spirit, enthusiasm and energy as he was for his remarkable baseball skills. He did so much to help people in need, and he was always there for civic and charitable causes of every kind. He never said no to Children's Heartlink, Big Brothers Big Sisters or numerous other charities. And his ``Puckett Scholars'' program helped enable so many minority students to attend college and pursue their dreams. To say that Kirby is known as much for his community service as his baseball is really saying something, Mr. Speaker. Because Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett in his baseball career put up some historic statistics and gave baseball fans many memorable thrills on the field. Remember October 27, 1991? In Minnesota, we all know where we were that night. I was at the Metrodome, and I will never forget Kirby's impossibly high leap at the centerfield fence and his amazing catch in the third inning of Game 6 of the 1991 World Series. And no Minnesota Twins fan will ever forget Kirby's dramatic 11th- inning, game-ending home run to almost the same spot in the very same game. Mr. Speaker, Kirby did it all in 12 short seasons and was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame on the very first ballot upon eligibility. Twelve short seasons, and a .318 career average, 2,304 hits, 1,085 runs batted in, 207 homers, 1,071 runs--all in just 1,783 games. And the numbers do not begin to tell the whole story. Kirby Puckett was the leader, the favorite teammate, the name the kids screamed and the name the public address announcer lingered over and stretched out for maximum dramatic effect. He ran all out at break-neck speed--in center field and around the bases. And his teammates got the clue. They were driven to match his intensity and love for the game. Minnesota Twins fans loved him so for that. And we always will. Mr. Speaker, our entire state has an extended lower lip, and our heads are bowed. We are so very saddened by the death of Kirby Puckett. Just the mention of his name has always brought smiles to the faces of Minnesotans of all ages--and so many great memories. Mr. Speaker, you will find many kids in Minnesota named Kirby and the reason is simple: Kirby captured all our hearts. In summers past, Kirby made our hearts race with his tremendous athletic feats. His powerful batting stroke produced so many clutch hits. Mr. Speaker, Kirby Puckett is to Minnesota baseball what Hubert Humphrey is to Minnesota politics. We have lost a real warrior, a very special person who brought so much energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the field. Kirby was one of a kind. There will never be another like him. Kirby, your huge smile, big heart and great play will live forever in our hearts. We will never forget you and we will always be thankful God put you in our midst. And let us always remember that wonderful, trademark Kirby Puckett smile that lit up a room, inspired us and gave us hope. Rest in peace, Kirby, in the loving arms of our Lord. And may your kind and gentle spirit live forever in the hearts of all of us.