Jim Ryun

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4965, the partial-birth abortion ban. Since 1995, a ban on this horrendous procedure has been passed three times by both the House and the Senate. Unfortunately, due to vetoes by President Clinton, the practice continues today. In the partial-birth abortion procedure, the baby is partially delivered before being brutally killed. The vast majority of partial-birth abortions are performed on healthy babies and healthy mothers. In fact, according to the American Medical Association, a partial-birth abortion is never necessary to protect the health of a woman and can even lead to additional serious health risks. Although language banning this procedure has been struck down in the past by the Supreme Court, this new legislation has been tailored to address the Court's concerns. Partial-birth abortion is infanticide. It is crucial that we act on the wishes of the American people and outlaw this dangerous and gruesome procedure once and for all.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak out against resurrecting the death tax. This tax allows the Federal Government to take up to 55 percent of the assets of an individual or small business when the owner dies, and this simply is not fair. These people have already paid taxes on everything they own. The death tax is simply a double taxation at the rate of nearly 50 percent higher than the highest income tax. Countless farmers and small business owners in Kansas have urged me to do all I can to end this unfair tax. Who can blame them for wanting to leave their hard-earned businesses to their children? I am proud that last year we voted to phase out the death tax, but this will become a hollow victory if a Senate provision allowing the death tax to be resurrected at the end of 7 years is allowed to stand. I am forced to tell my farmers and small businessmen that the death tax will not affect them, but only if they die in the year 2010. Death should not be a taxable event. Let us finish what we started and kill the death tax once and for all.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, while today our colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue their dilatory tactics, our Armed Forces are in combat and the Nation is at war. The bill before us represents Congress' simple role in fighting that war. It provides necessary funds for our ongoing military operations, and it improves our security at home. The bill provides a total of $15.7 billion for the Department of Defense. These additional funds represent the additional personnel costs associated with force mobilization, the replacement of critical spare parts, and the procurement of essential high-priority munitions. We need to pass this and encourage our troops. However, our friends on the other side of the aisle are only willing to approve these necessary funds if, and I emphasize if, they are brought to the floor under the terms that they would dictate. Admittedly, the bill contains funding that would not go to the war effort and homeland security, but that is nothing really new with any kind of supplemental. Nothing new in this Chamber. The reality is each of us can find something wrong with this bill, but overall the bill is necessary and our colleagues know that that is true. Mr. Chairman, it is now time to end the debate and move on and pass this bill.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2002 Kansas Principal of the Year, Danny Brown. Mr. Brown currently serves at the Fort Scott High School in Fort Scott, Kansas. For almost 3 decades Danny Brown has demonstrated outstanding educational leadership and has humbly served his community and students. In a letter recommending Brown for the honor, an associate wrote: ``Danny's contributions to this community, to the school district and, most of all, to the students are immeasurable.'' I, for one, am heartened to hear stories of educators like Danny Brown who live a life dedicated to serving their communities and helping students reach their dreams. As Oswald Spengler once said, ``The influence of a genuine educator lies in what he is rather than what he says.'' I am pleased that Mr. Brown is being properly recognized for his exceptional performance and character, and I want to add my congratulations to this outstanding educator.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from New Jersey, for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this legislation renaming the Wichita Veterans Medical and Regional Office Center for Senator Bob Dole. As we wage war against terrorism, it is particularly appropriate that we in Congress recognize the service and sacrifice of Senator Dole. Senator Dole's service in combat during World War II, his leadership in the Senate, and his commitment to America serve as examples for each of us to emulate. Senator Dole joined the Army's Enlisted Reserve Corps in 1942 to fight in World War II. After graduating from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Lieutenant Dole was sent to Italy to join the Tenth Mountain Division. As a result of his service in World War II, Senator Dole has sacrificed in many ways, in ways that all of us can imagine. In April, 1945, while Dole crawled from a foxhole to rescue a wounded radioman, German machine gunfire tore through Dole's back and right arm. His injuries were so severe that he was not expected to live. However, Senator Dole never gave up. Through his faith in God, his determination, the support of his family, and the people of his hometown of Russell, Kansas, Senator Dole fought back to recover from his wounds. Through adversity, Senator Dole has exhibited an overcoming spirit that should inspire all of us. Perhaps the successes of his political career were gained through the tenacity that can only come through hardship. Senator Dole was twice decorated for his action in combat, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Senator Dole first entered politics in 1951, when he was elected to the Kansas legislature in 1960. Dole sought and won election to the House of Representatives, where he served four terms before entering the Senate. For the next 27 years, Senator Dole served the Nation and Kansas in the Senate. Through his service there, he became the longest-serving Republican leader in that Chamber's history. In a speech he gave in 2000 as part of the Senate Leadership Lecture Series, Senator Dole remarked that those in politics have a unique opportunity to use their personal experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout his career, Senator Dole did just that. Senator Dole's first Senate floor speech highlighted the challenges faced by disabled Americans. Never forgetting the people of Russell and his Kansas roots, he tirelessly championed for farmers in rural America. Understanding the importance of America's leadership, he worked to ensure that the Nation remained strong, able to protect freedom and peace. And knowing of the sacrifices of those who served in our military, he worked to ensure that America kept its promise to its veterans. President Reagan once said of Senator Dole, ``The title of leadership is not just a job title, it is the description of the man.'' Throughout his service to our country, Senator Dole has exemplified commitment, courage, and integrity, and it is only fitting that we honor him in this way. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hostettler). (Mr. HOSTETTLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4714) to prohibit members of the Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia from being required or formally or informally compelled to wear the abaya garment, and for other purposes.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4714.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to the bill offered by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hostettler) and the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin). Mr. Speaker, this legislation establishes certain requirements relating to the wear of the abaya garment by Members of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This bill represents a compromise bill on an amendment proposed during the markup of H.R. 4546, the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003. Mr. Speaker, I think many Members feel the wearing of the abaya uniform by female service members should be entirely voluntary. I agree with that particular view. The pending legislation provides for such voluntary wear, except under specific circumstances that the Commander of the United States Central Command may designate when the CINC determines that mandatory wear constitutes an operational requirement essential for the conduct of the military mission. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), a member of the Committee on Armed Services. (Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a result of the concerted efforts of several members of the Committee on Armed Services, this bill expresses the views of many Members of Congress regarding the wearing of the abaya by our military personnel serving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it affords the commanders the latitude necessary to educate service members about the threats and allows such force protection measures as may be dictated by a unit's mission and location. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez). This amendment simply introduces a controversial issue of abortion into a national security debate. The amendment does not address an operational need for the Armed Services or ensure health care benefits extended to our men and women in uniforms and their families. Under current law, government-funded abortions may be performed in the Department of Defense medical treatment facilities whenever the life of the mother would be endangered if the baby were carried to term. Additionally, self-funded abortions may be performed in these medical treatment facilities in cases in which the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest. If this amendment is adopted, self-funded abortions would not be limited in military medical treatment facilities outside the United States to cases in which the life of the mother would be endangered if the baby were carried to full term or in cases in which the pregnancy is the result of the act of rape or incest. Elective abortions can be performed in military medical treatment facilities outside the United States. Proponents of the amendment claim that the amendment is necessary because female service members and dependents overseas are denied equal access to health care. This is simply not true. In those overseas locations where safe and legal abortions are not available, service members and their dependents currently have the option of using space available travel to return to the United States or to some other overseas location to obtain an abortion. As a result, the argument that the DOD personnel overseas are denied equal access to health care just is not true. Additionally, abortions are generally available overseas. For example, in Italy abortion services comparable to those in the United States are available from Italian providers. In Japan abortion is legal and generally unrestricted. And in Germany when a woman has an abortion she can have it during the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy. In short, there is simply not any truth to the claim that our servicewomen and dependents overseas do not have equal access to abortion services. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Bartlett). (Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute and 10 seconds to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Sullivan).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I object.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the motion; but in fairness to Members and staff that are here, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of the time to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde). (Mr. HYDE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to welcome my good friend, Pastor Jim Congdon, to the floor of the House of Representatives. It was my distinct honor to invite Pastor Congdon to deliver our opening prayer this morning, and I am grateful for his willingness to do so. Pastor Congdon is from Topeka, Kansas, and pastors the Topeka Bible Church, which my family and I attended for several years. It was a privilege to call Jim my pastor, and I am grateful for his continued friendship and dedication to the ministry. I also want to welcome Jim's wife, Melody, to the House Chamber. I know she came with Jim and she speaks for a lot of different people in the church. She is a constant source of strength and support in the ministry at the Topeka Bible Church. Finally, I want to welcome the 62 students from Cair Paravel Latin School that are seated in the gallery. Pastor Congdon teaches philosophy at Cair Paravel, and these 9th and 10th graders are in D.C. for part of their studies. I thank them all for being here. I thank Jim and Melody for their presence, and God bless them.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I come to the House in support of the National Better Hearing and Speech Month. For 75 years, the month of May has been designated as a time to celebrate the hope available to Americans with speech and hearing impairments and to raise awareness about the need to protect their hearing. Speech and hearing impairments impair the lives of many Americans. In fact, almost 28 million people in the United States suffer from a hearing loss. One out of every three people in the United States of an age greater than 65 suffer some sort of a hearing loss and every day in the United States approximately 33 babies are born with significant hearing loss. As someone who has had a hearing impairment, I certainly know what a gift sound is, and I also know some of the struggles that go along with finding a proper hearing aid. My hearing loss is as a result of an illness that I had as a child. It was discovered a time later, and then it was decades before I could find the proper hearing devices to help me. My wife, Ann, served as my hearing aid. She graciously helped me communicate for years before I could find the solution that would help me and I could work with. Many dedicated professionals have assisted me over the years in my quest to find the help I have sought. And I would like to thank them for the work they have done in making not only my life better but so many others. For those who have yet to have a hearing loss and have good hearing, I urge you to avoid harsh environments with noises that can damage your hearing and cause permanent hearing loss. Any sounds over 85 decibels can damage your hearing. For example, listening to an ambulance siren for 9 seconds, a smoke alarm for a minute and a half, or airplane cabin noise for a couple of minutes can damage your hearing. And I will say it is not retraceable. It is much easier to protect your hearing now than to suffering from hearing impairments. I urge my colleagues to support May as National Better Hearing and Speech Month. It would be an encouragement not only to your constituents but those who suffer some sort of hearing and speech impairment back in the district, as well as those dedicated professionals who have worked together to help make this a better field.