Jim Ryun

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, partial-birth abortion is a risky procedure. A doctor blindly stabbing scissors into a baby's skull leaves too much room for error. A small slip can have life-threatening consequences for the woman. Women deserve better. They deserve better than being subjected to a procedure as horrific as a partial-birth abortion. They deserve better than enduring a painful 3-day process that puts their health in jeopardy. But women usually do not choose to have partial-birth abortions. It is done to them because, as in the words of Dr. Martin Haskell he finds, ``dismemberment at 20 weeks and beyond to be difficult due to the toughness of fetal tissues at this stage.'' It also spares the abortionist the messy task of counting baby body parts. And contrary to what many Americans think, a partial-birth abortion may be legally performed up until the day a healthy baby is born for virtually any reason. I oppose this violent procedure for many reasons, but everyone should oppose it for this reason alone, because women deserve much better. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting this week to ban partial-birth abortions forever.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express appreciation to a true American hero, Frankie Mayo. Frankie's son, Corporal Christopher Tomlinson, is serving in Iraq as part of the 300th Military Police Company, which is based in my district, Fort Riley, Kansas. Frankie, like all military mothers, is proud of her son's service. What makes Frankie different is what she is doing to care for her son and the soldiers serving alongside him. In an e-mail to his mom, Corporal Tomlinson jokingly asked for an air conditioner to combat the scorching desert heat. Much to his surprise, a package arrived containing air conditioners, along with other units for others serving with him and his company. This news resulted in hundreds of requests for air conditioners. With the help of individuals and corporate donations, Frankie and her family have shipped hundreds of units to soldiers in Iraq. I rise today to thank Frankie, but also point others to her example. Frankie's dedication is a perfect example of how we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to stand before you today to honor Mrs. Eve Butler-Gee, a Virginian by birth but a Kansan by marriage, on her 20 years of service in the House of Representatives. Eve's husband, Tom, was raised in Leavenworth, Kansas, and his mother, Gertrude, still lives there as a constituent of mine. In addition to seeing Eve on the House floor, we have run into each other at social events as we are both members of the Kansas Society. In 1987, Eve was appointed as the Minority Enrolling Clerk of the House by Minority Leader Bob Michel. In 1995, she became the first woman appointed as Chief Journal Clerk of the House, and in this position she has faithfully served for the past 8 years. Eve's many years of service were performed with character worthy of praise and emulation. Her attentiveness and thoroughness were proved by successfully fulfilling her duties as Journal Clerk, duties which require great attention to details. Her initiative, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness were proved by her promotion to Chief Journal Clerk. And her dependability, endurance, faithfulness, and loyalty were proved by her 20 years of selfless public service to the House of Representatives. Not only does Eve serve others at her job, but she also actively serves others in her private life as well. She is Head Verger of the Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Virginia, and she has recently been invited to serve as Volunteer Verger at the National Cathedral. Also, Eve plans on returning to her activities in the community theater, which she has been unable to participate in due to the demanding schedule of the House. An ancient Hebrew Proverb teaches that, ``A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.'' To earn the ``good name'' spoken of in this Proverb, one must be committed to utmost integrity. Eve's unwavering commitment to integrity has rewarded her with a ``good name.'' Moreover, Eve's shining inner character allows her to leave the House with truly significant ``riches'' worth far more than money or wealth-- a legacy of 20 years of honorable service and an unscathed reputation of utmost integrity.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I understand this amendment will not be considered in order under the rules of the House. Therefore, I intend to withdraw my amendment at the end of my remarks. I want to thank the chairman of the subcommittee for allowing me to speak on this important issue. Additionally, I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) for his fine leadership on international development issues. His dedication and compassion on issues of poverty, famine, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, among other things, is greatly appreciated throughout this House and the developing world. This amendment is quite simple. It would deny bilateral economic assistance and military assistance to any country which the Secretary of State deemed to have materially hindered the U.S.-led efforts in Iraq. The purpose of this amendment is to encourage the realignment of America's overarching foreign policy with our international development agenda. It deeply concerns me that American taxpayers have spent billions of dollars on foreign aid to various countries, but during one of our Nation's difficult moments, several of these same countries actively hindered our efforts. Obviously, foreign aid recipients do not exchange their sovereignty for food or medical aid. At the same time, I cannot accept that these countries would actively strive to hinder the United States from taking action it deemed necessary and justified in defense of this Nation's interests. And, therefore, I cannot in good conscience support providing aid to such countries. Like the rest of the budget, our international developing budget is limited. We must make wise and prudent choices, choices that work to promote our foreign policy agenda and not hinder it. Therefore, although this amendment cannot be part of the bill, I hope Secretary Powell and Administrator Natsios will use the utmost of discretion and institute the policy objectives found in this amendment. The American people should not be forced to support those countries that will not support us. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I missed three votes in the House of Representatives on July 21, 2003. Had I been in attendance I would have made the following votes: The Van Hollen Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 1308, All- American Tax Relief Act of 2003. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``no.'' Passage of H.R. 1516, the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.'' Passage of H. Con. Res. 212, Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the Korean War Veteran. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a true patriot. It will soon be July 4, a date etched in America's heart. A day that serves as a time of reflection and celebration in the memory of sacrifices made; sacrifices made throughout history that granted us the freedoms that we enjoy today. As our Nation celebrates our independence, it seems appropriate to pay tribute to an Army sergeant that meant a great deal to Kansas and our country. Sergeant Jacob Butler, from Wellsville, Kansas, joined the Army as a private at the young age of 19. He later rose to the rank of sergeant and accepted the demanding task of a scout. Unfortunately, Jacob Butler was killed April 1 when a rocket propelled grenade hit his vehicle in Iraq. It was an honor to attend Jacob's memorial service and funeral with his parents, Jim and Cindy, his friends, his family, and his fellow soldiers. The ceremony reminded me once again that great sacrifices for the causes of freedom did not end on July 4, 1776. Sacrifices continue today. Jacob is no longer only a blessing to his friends and family, he is now a blessing to an entire Nation. On behalf of the people of Kansas and this grateful Nation, I ask that we remember Sergeant Jacob Butler as a son, a friend, a soldier, and a patriot.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I missed four votes in the House of Representatives on June 24, 2003. Had I been in attendance I would have made the following votes: The Previous Question on H.R. 293, the Rule for H.R. 2555, Homeland Security Appropriations Act for FY04. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.'' Passage of H. Res, 293, Rule for H.R. 2555, Homeland Security Appropriations Act for FY04. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.'' Passage of H.R. 923, Premier Certified Lenders Program Improvement Act of 2003. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.'' Passage of H.R. 1460, Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2003. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, my constituent Mary Ann wrote me about the effect of the estate tax on her family's farm. Her mother's family owned that farm for five generations. Mary Ann promised her mother it would stay in the family for generations to come. After her parents passed away, Mary Ann was faced with the high cost of the estate tax on the valuable family land she had inherited. Sadly, the family had to part with the farm in part due to the death tax. Examples such as this have become far too common in my district and across this great Nation. The estate tax has devastated numerous family farms and businesses. It discourages entrepreneurship, thrift, and diligence. We should not penalize an individual's efforts to make life better for their children. I am opposed to the government taxing anyone's property simply because the owner has died. The time has come to permanently repeal the estate tax. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in ending the death tax once and for all.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, Unfortunately, I missed the votes in the House of Representatives on June 16, 2003. Had I been in attendance I would have made the following votes: H.R. 2254, the Bruce Woodbury Post Office Building Designation Act. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.'' H. Con. Res. 220, Commending Medgar Wiley Evers and his widow, Myrlie Evers-Williams, for their lives and accomplishments. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.'' S. 703, the Carl T. Curtis National Park Service Midwest Regional Headquarters Building Designation Act. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Father's Day, I rise to emphasize the importance of the father in a child's life. A father's presence at home contributes to a child's success in school. It also encourages a child to abstain from drugs and remain crime-free. Until we recognize these facts, we will struggle to defeat many of society's problems. We provide funding to alleviate problems that are caused by absent fathers, but what we really need are fathers who are physically, emotionally, and spiritually present in their child's life. I hope that this Father's Day will not just be a day for children to honor their fathers, but also a day for fathers to honor their children by investing in their lives. Rather than writing legislation, I am calling on my fellow fathers in Congress to lead by example. Doing so will leave a powerful and lasting legacy. It is my prayer that our actions will set a standard for fathers across America and awaken the hearts of many to the necessity and the responsibility of fatherhood.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today we have the opportunity to protect the lives of women and children in the United States. We must ban partial-birth abortions. This type of abortion procedure is gruesome. I cannot imagine how anyone could have the stomach to perform it. Who, may I ask, who could possibly pull a baby from the womb by its feet first, and then stab the half-delivered child in the head and then vacuum out its brain? The child was inches from taking its first breath, but now it is dead and discarded as garbage. The last five Congresses have supported a ban on partial-birth abortion because a partial-birth abortion is never medically necessary, and because a partial-birth abortion poses significant health risks to the mother, and because partial-birth abortion is not recognized as a valid medical procedure by the mainstream medical community. For this reason, I support the rule. I support H.R. 760, and I oppose the Greenwood substitute. I urge my colleagues to join me in banning this inhuman procedure once and for all.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey). (Mr. GINGREY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, if I could clarify the record just briefly, I am not suggesting, nor is anyone else, that they have to fly to Afghanistan, but they have the opportunity to return to this country on a space- available situation. I do not want to see our military installations turned into abortion clinics. I urge a strong ``no'' in opposition to the Sanchez amendment.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I claim time in opposition to the Sanchez amendment.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Under this amendment, abortions could be performed in military medical facilities outside of the United States for any reason. Self- funded abortions would no longer be limited to cases in which the life of the mother is in danger or in cases of rape or incest. The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Loretta Sanchez) stated the reason for offering this amendment is that female servicemembers and dependents overseas are denied equal access to health care, effectively putting their lives and health in harm's way, and that simply is wrong. In overseas countries where safe and legal abortions are not available, servicemembers and their dependents have the option of using space- available travel for returning to the United States or traveling to another overseas country for the purpose of obtaining an abortion. Additionally, DOD doctors are still required to obey the abortion laws of the countries where they are providing services. Thus, if this amendment became law, they still could not perform abortions in these locations where abortion is restricted or is not permitted. In such cases, pregnant women would be able, as they are now, to travel to a nearby country or back to the United States on a military flight or on a space-available basis. Ask any military doctor if they joined up to perform abortions, and they will simply say they entered to save lives. Congress should not take a step towards putting these doctors in a position of taking the most innocent of human life. There is no demonstrated need to increase the number of abortion procedures at military installations. This amendment does not seek to address an operational requirement or ensure access to an entitlement. It is simply aimed at introducing this very contentious and divisive issue in the defense authorization fight, and I encourage my colleagues to oppose this amendment. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Musgrave).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me just respond a little bit to some of the comments that have been made. If there is rape and incest involved, there is access to an abortion overseas. I want to clarify that for the record. Mr. Chairman, I am happy to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Akin).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, we all know that our sluggish economy is in need of a shot in the arm. As I travel my district and talk with constituents in Kansas, I am hearing one constant theme: reduce the tax burden on working families. They tell me that on their tight budgets, even an additional $100 per month would make a significant difference. I believe their request is reasonable. They understand what many in Washington never seem to comprehend: their hard-earned money belongs to them and not to us. They know how best to stretch every dollar to take care of their family. Tax relief for American families has always been one of my top priorities, so the plan that the House passed comes as a breath of fresh air. Under the House plan, a typical family of four in Kansas would see their earlier tax bill reduced by over $1,100. That is almost $100 per month. Best of all, our plan would create almost 1 million jobs next year, 8,000 of those jobs in Kansas. Job creation through tax relief, this truly is a victory for American families.