Jim Ryun

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the American family, and to express my support to the Child Custody Protection Act. As elected officials, we have been entrusted with the great responsibility of protecting not only the rights of the individual, but also upholding and reinforcing the authority of the States in which they live. Before us is a bill that not only strengthens existing state laws, but also protects a very vulnerable group in today's society-- pregnant teens. A 1998 poll shows that 78 percent of Americans strongly disagreed with the transporting of a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion without her parents' knowledge. Our constituents have spoken, and it is our explicit responsibility to protect the rights of parents in the 43 States that have parental involvement statutes. One specific example is the Hope Clinic in Granite City, IL, which brazenly cites Illinois' lack of required parental consent through radio ads in St. Louis, essentially supporting the circumvention of Missouri State laws. We must prevent clinics from luring in teenagers from States where parental consent is required. If our genuine goal as Representatives is to improve the safety and well-being of the American public, then we must pass the Child Custody Protection Act.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, American families have recently completed the dreaded chore of preparing their tax returns, but this year, many found a bonus. The IRS reports that the average income tax refund is over $1,000, significantly higher than last year. What does this mean? Taxpayers are reaping the benefits of the Bush tax cut. Here in Congress, we should be proud of the cut that enables families to keep more of what they earn and for causing the economy to rebound as well. But there is trouble on the horizon. Unless Congress takes action, this significant tax cut will expire in the year 2010 and our taxes will be raised. It was over 2 centuries ago that Benjamin Franklin said, ``Nothing is certain but death and taxes.'' While death and taxes may be certain, the death of this tax cut does not have to be. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to act now to ensure that President Bush's tax relief is made permanent.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the enduring commitment the Army provides to our Nation. Throughout our history, we have relied on the Army to provide decisive force to defend America and her interests. In the aftermath of September 11, the Army again answered the call by effectively leading efforts to support victims and secure our borders. They continue to coordinate efforts to protect our Nation throughout this country through homeland defense. Last week General Shinseki testified about the need of the Army to increase its end strength. I believe we would do well to heed his advice. Today America only boasts the ninth largest army in the world. Of the top eight, six are potential adversaries. We must work to increase the Army force structure. It should be obvious that we must maintain stability through strong ground forces. Mr. Speaker, we rely on the Army to win wars and maintain the peace. Now more than ever, we must give these men and women adequate resources to meet these requirements.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to affirm the importance of strong marriages in America. A strong marriage is the foundation for a strong family. Strong families, in turn, are fundamental to the pursuit of stronger communities and a stronger Nation. There are numerous studies and statistics that document how critical it is for children to have a mother and a father dedicated to each other. If we genuinely desire to do what is right for our children, we must work to ensure that every child has the guidance that a strong marriage provides. As convincing as the statistics are, I know these principles to be true based upon my own experience. My wife Anne and I have been married for 33 wonderful years. Our four children are living examples of what a strong marriage can provide. While we are far from perfect, I have seen firsthand the incredible results of a strong marriage. We must continue to support measures that encourage and strengthen this sacred institution.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th birthday of Langston Hughes, which will take place on February 1, 2002. Langston Hughes grew up in Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City, Kansas. His mother, Carrie Hughes, raised him on her own as she worked in the office of Topeka's first African-American lawyer, James H. Guy. Langston discovered poetry in the eighth grade and published his first poem, ``The Negro Speaks of Rivers``, shortly after leaving Columbia University. After moving to Harlem he published many works including his first book of poems, ``The Weary Blues.'' He graduated from Lincoln University in 1929 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1943 he received an honorary doctorate. Both the Guggenheim and Roeswald granted Hughes fellowships and he later accepted assignments as Atlanta University's poet in residence and news correspondent during the Spanish Civil War. Langston Hughes was a prolific writer. In the forty-odd years between his first book and his death in 1967, he devoted his life to writing and lecturing. He wrote sixteen books of poems, two novels, three collections of short stories and much, much more. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Langston Hughes for holding strong the belief in equality, for being an influence in the literary community and for being the people's poet.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our national security. During most of the last decade, the United States military has been consistently asked to make do with inadequate budgets. By adding more than $19 billion over the funding made available last year, this bill marks a turn for the better in defense funding. Our nation has recently suffered a devastating blow from a new and faceless enemy. Terror was brought to our door on September 11th-- masterminded by an enemy as devious as he is evasive. As we witness the day-by-day actions of our military response to Operation Enduring Freedom, the importance of our readiness to dominate the conflict is a constant reminder. If we expect to control the battlefield, we must be prepared to fight quickly and with decisive force. We must allocate enough resources to support our troops at the highest level of readiness. By appropriating $317.5 billion, H.R. 3338 will give our fighting forces the funding levels needed to succeed in protecting our national security interests. I urge my colleagues to vote for this conference report and give our expectional military personnel the support and equipment they need to achieve current goals and those of the future.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for the extraordinary job they have done in bringing this Conference Report to the Floor. Never before in most of our lifetimes has the security of our Nation been more paramount than it is at this moment. All the Members in this body, indeed, every American, owe a great debt of gratitude to Chairman Lewis of California and the Ranking Member, Congressman Murtha of Pennsylvania along with their hard working staff. They have ensured that the men and women in uniform receive the pay increases that they deserve and the modern equipment that they need to defend our homeland and other freedom-loving people in harm's way. I was pleased to see in the Committee Report an initiative to accelerate and enhance the United States' intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities through a program called the Multi- Sensor Command and Control Aircraft or MC2A, a concept strongly advocated by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Such an aircraft will advance the capabilities of AWACS and Joint STARS air and ground surveillance radars and will serve as the airborne integrator for a large variety of battlefield information systems. This aircraft will be the cornerstone of our military's transformation to network centric warfare. However, due to overall budget constraints, the MC2A program was not funded. While this is a disappointment to the Air Force and to the warfighters that would readily benefit from this revolutionary capability, I strongly encourage the Air Force, along with their industry partners, to continue to find ways to bring this program forward. I look forward to working with this Committee next year to accelerate the MC2A program providing our forces dominance over the information battlefield.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, as our military forces continue to confront the terrorism, we must remember the burden that is being carried by our personnel and their families. They have been called on to make even greater sacrifices to protect the freedoms of our nation. For the past several years, military personnel accounts have been stretched at the expense of those who need it most. With the largest pay raise since 1982, S. 1438 allows every service member to receive a 5 to 10 percent raise. This bill acts to cut out- of-pocket housing costs for military personnel, with a goal to completely eliminate the expense by 2005. There are many pressures in today's force that influence the decision of a military family of whether or not to remain in the service. This body has witnessed an ever-increasing challenge of recruiting and retaining. We have found that providing a valuable, quality health care benefit is vital to maintaining the welfare of our families. This bill works to protect the health care choices of one important group: military spouses. I have worked hard to put women back in charge of their pregnancy-related healthcare. Provisions of this bill will eliminate burdensome red tape experienced when attempting to retain a physician of their choice. By fully funding the defense health program, we are striving to build a military healthcare system that attracts patients based on quality, not on rules & regulations. Now, more than ever before we realize that our presence represents a stabilizing force to countries around the globe. With pace of deployments likely to be increased, the Armed Services Committee has appropriately concentrated on enhancing quality of life issues in support of our deserving personnel. I am pleased that this bill directly addresses the quality-of-life problems of today's service members.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, we saw our Nation unite as never before. For a time this unity exhibited itself in Washington in a refreshing spirit of bipartisanship. Unfortunately, today while the American people remain united behind the war, some in the other body are united behind the majority leader in their desire to obstruct certain important pieces of legislation. Here in the House we passed an economic stimulus package, a ban on human cloning, a faith-based bill, an energy bill, just to name a few. What action has the other body taken on these items in response? Absolutely none. To borrow a word from the majority leader in the other body, this lack of action is disappointing. All of us in Congress are sent here to get a job done. The leader of the other body should not be allowed to single-handedly derail the people's business. Mr. Speaker, I urge the people on the other side of the Capitol to put business over politics and allow votes on these important bills.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, in my home State of Kansas, family farms are no longer able to make ends meet. Farmers tell me it is crucial that we expand markets for their products now or they will not be in business in 10 years. Today, one in three acres planted by our farmers is harvested for export. We can and should do better. Trade Promotion Authority is a tool that can boost the profits of American farmers and make them even more self-sufficient. If we streamline the trade agreement process that President Bush must follow, we will have increased competition, economic efficiency, and greater markets for our farm products. As the key player on the world stage, we should give President Bush our vote of confidence to promote trade without excessive barriers. I believe in the American farmer, and I trust President Bush. I urge my colleagues to allow the President to create more markets for American grains and products by granting Trade Promotion Authority.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, recent polls show 9 out of 10 Americans believe that all cloning should be banned. As Members of Congress, each of us has the responsibility to address this critical issue that the American people care about. Failure to do so is intolerable. I am categorically opposed to all human cloning, but I rise today on behalf of millions of American people who are concerned about cloning technology and the desire for it to be addressed. This Chamber has already voted overwhelmingly to ban all human cloning. However, a recent announcement that an embryo has been successfully cloned brings an added sense of urgency to banning this practice. Congress must complete consideration of this issue immediately and send a bill to the President for his signature. The leader of the other body can no longer sit on his hands and ignore his constituents. The American people deserve to be heard and deserve to be represented. This must not be ignored.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vision and achievements of Mr. Harry W. Colmery of Topeka, Kansas. Mr. Colmery's efforts led to the enactment of the GI Bill of Rights in 1944. This bill made a college education possible for 2 million veterans and has also allowed for more than 2 million others to buy homes for their families. In December of 1943, Harry Colmery, the National Commander of the American Legion, wrote the first draft of what became the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, known as the GI Bill. Thanks to the work of Mr. Colmery and others, his bill was signed into law by President Roosevelt some 6 months later. The GI Bill continues to serve as a fitting reward to servicemen and women who have risked their lives to protect our freedom. Millions were able to better themselves and their families through higher education. For this reason, I am asking President Bush to posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harry W. Colmery, and I ask my colleagues to join me.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, we stand at the threshold of discovery. However, there is a line that science must not cross. Human cloning threatens the physical identity of people, it violates their rights, and it demeans their unique individuality. In fact, even most scientists admit that most attempts to clone would end in failure. By allowing this practice, we are condoning mass creation and the destruction of human life. The truth is, we do not know what all the consequences of cloning a person really are. But we do know that cloning raises serious ethical and moral questions. The excuse of advancing science is not really worth the risk in this case. Time is of the essence. Scientists say that cloned human babies could be born next year. Earlier this year, the House passed a vote to ban human cloning in the United States. I urge my colleagues in the other body to follow along and to vote to ban human cloning. We must respect life or risk reaching a moral point of no return.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, as Americans start flying again, they deserve the peace of mind that can only come from knowing that strict security measures are in place for their protection. The stories we hear about baggage screeners with criminal records are appalling, but the answer is not merely placing these same people on the Federal payroll. The Federal Government should provide standards and provisions. The private sector should provide hard work and ingenuity in order to update and manage the security measures. We must allow airports to think creatively and act decisively, but always under the watchful eye of the Federal Government. Most importantly, we should give the President the flexibility to implement the measures by rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach and treating each airport as an individual unit. I urge my colleagues to support the Young-Mica bill, and ensure that traveling people have the safety and security they are entitled to.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to the chorus of support for President Bush's air strikes against those who are harboring terrorists in Afghanistan. Over the past month, the President has shown amazing leadership and moral fortitude in directing our Nation through this time of crisis. He has also shown extreme patience by gathering the necessary information and carefully setting up the framework and the foundation before launching strikes. We have planned carefully and acted decisively. I think of the famous adage, ``Beware the fury of a patient man.'' Like President Bush, we must also exercise patience. We are in a new kind of war, both in scope and timing. We must be prepared to make sacrifices for the long haul if we hope to win the greater war on terrorism. We must be confident that action is being taken, even if we do not see it on TV. Our patience for this effort is vital. I am absolutely confident that in the end we will succeed.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

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

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

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam 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. Madam Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Our military serves to protect the lives of the innocent. This is clear to us now more than ever. Military treatment centers are dedicated to healing and nurturing life. They should not be forced to facilitate the taking of the most innocent of human life, the child in the womb. Supporters of abortion in military hospitals argue that women in countries where abortion is not permitted will have nowhere else to turn. However, the U.S. military follows the prevailing laws and rules of the host country regarding abortions. Military doctors must obey the laws of the country where they are providing services, so abortions still could not be performed in these locations even if we passed this amendment that we are considering today. This is also the wrong time for Congress to allow overseas military treatment facilities to become abortion clinics. Our administration is working hard to recruit Muslim countries to be a part of our coalition against terrorism. They are working to build a partnership to allow our military to operate in these countries. It would be counterproductive to risk eroding relationships with these countries that oppose abortion. For the past 5 years, since 1996, the House has rejected attempts to overturn the ban on overseas abortions. The Sanchez amendment is simply one more attempt to reopen a contentious issue that this House has rejected from time to time. I urge my colleagues to maintain current law by voting ``no'' on the Sanchez amendment. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Weldon amendment against allowing the District of Columbia to endorse the controversial domestic partnership. Without this amendment, the District of Columbia will be able to recognize domestic partnerships, to offer domestic partners benefits to the city employees, and encourage businesses in the District to do the same. The requirements of domestic partnership are simply mutual caring and sharing of experience. No long-term commitment is required. Congress oversees D.C. law, and American taxpayers provide roughly one-third of its budget. I could not, in good conscience, commit the taxpayers in my district to subsidize benefits for domestic partners. It is our duty to uphold the traditional marriage and to stop this misguided law, as we have for the past 9 years. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the Weldon amendment.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Chairman, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the committee for their hard work on this bill. Madam Chairman, this Congress is still experiencing the pain of a tremendous tragedy. America's military personnel and their families will be called on to make even greater sacrifices to protect the freedoms of our Nation. Unfortunately, for too many years they have been called on to do more with less. Now, more than ever before, we realize our presence represents a stabilizing force to countries around the globe. With the pace of deployments likely to increase, the Committee on Armed Services has appropriately concentrated on enhancing quality-of-life issues in support of our deserving personnel. I support H.R. 2586, the Fiscal Year 2002 National Defense Authorization Act, because it directly addresses the quality-of-life problems today's service members are experiencing. In total, the bill authorizes $343 billion for defense spending in 2002. Of the $33 billion increase from last year, military health care receives a 54 percent increase in funding. Clearly, this is one of the largest given in this critical area in many years. It is a well-known adage in the military that you recruit soldiers and you retain families. Quality of life is essential in recruiting and retaining quality personnel. If we are serious about resolving the attrition problem, we must continue to focus on the quality of health care for the entire family. That is why I wanted to eliminate a burdensome requirement experienced by military spouses in maternity- related care. I believe that service members should not have to worry about administrative health care problems their families may suffer. It detracts from their focus on their work, when their work demands total attention to protect our Nation. This bill appropriately calls on the Pentagon to make some changes. They are required to report on how they are operating under recent changes made in this aspect of beneficiary health care. Congress must move ahead to remove the pressures felt by America's military personnel who put their lives on the line every day to protect America's freedom. H.R. 2586 makes great strides in adequately addressing pay, housing, and health care for our soldiers, sailors and Marines. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this very important piece of legislation.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in response to this attack on our American way of life and to this affront on our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. On behalf of the people of Kansas, we offer our prayers and support to those searching for survivors in the rubble and fighting the still smoldering fires in New York and at the Pentagon. We also want to offer deepest sympathies to those families suffering the loss of a loved one. And, to all of us as Americans who are feeling a loss of safety and security, I want to share the words found in the Bible in Daniel 3:17 which says, If we are thrown into the fire, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it. I also offer these words to those who played any part in perpetrating this terrible act and want to put each and every one of them on notice that deliverance also means that justice will be served. We will dedicate every resource and every fiber of our being to making it so.

Mr. RYUN of Kansas

Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank those in the House and the other body for their hard work in bringing this important bill to the floor today. I especially want to thank one of my constituents, Cheryl Brown Henderson, for being the catalyst in this effort to educate America on the Brown versus Board of Education Supreme Court decision. H.R. 2133 will establish a commission to help educate Americans on the history and ramifications of this landmark case in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the Brown decision. On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a definitive interpretation of the 14th amendment that would unequivocally change the landscape of American public education. This decision effectively ended the long-held ``separate but equal'' doctrine in U.S. education. The commission will work in conjunction with a number of different Departments, as my colleague just mentioned, the Department of Education, Judicial Branch, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Foundation, and the Brown Foundation. It will also have individuals chosen from the various States where this originated, such as in Delaware, Kansas, South Carolina, and Massachusetts will also serve on the commission. So it will be very far-reaching, but it is a great opportunity to bring all this before the American public. Establishing a commission will help educate the American public on this decision and will serve as a resounding reminder to all of us of the real struggle and sacrifice required to make equality a reality for all America. We must not forget these sacrifices that were made in order for equality for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this historic and far-reaching Supreme Court decision by supporting H.R. 2133.