Jim Saxton

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a good friend as he is honored by the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce for his extraordinary contributions to the community. In many fields of service, through business endeavors and volunteerism, Franklin Berry has served the residents of Ocean County faithfully for many years. Having served in the New Jersey General Assembly as well as Ocean County government, he led the citizens not only of the county, but also of New Jersey with dedication and commitment. His participation in the Toms River Student Loan Fund as well as the Southern Regional Scholarship Fund has enabled many young people to seek higher education when they might otherwise have been unable to do so. Franklin Berry serves with many local organizations such as the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Jersey Shore Council Boy Scouts of America and the Toms River Area Family YMCA. His time and efforts have brought about opportunities for understanding and improvement to the community and the families who reside there. A community mainstay for many years, Franklin Berry's willingness to lend a hand to any worthy group or organization in need of his services is the basis for his selection for the prestigious award for which he is being honored by the Chamber. I congratulate him and wish him many more years of service to others.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 368, commending the great work that the Pentagon renovation program and its contractors have accomplished in swiftly repairing the Pentagon after the devastating attack of September 11, 2001. I thank our distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), for sponsoring this resolution. Shortly after the tragic event of September 11, I led a small delegation to visit the Pentagon. The devastation was truly appalling, and I was sure that a lengthy period would be required to repair such extensive damage. Of course, I am glad to report that I was wrong. The dedication and superhuman efforts of the Pentagon renovation program office and its contractors have defied all predictions in their ability to work miracles. The removal of the debris and restoration of the damaged area aptly called the Phoenix Project has amazed the world in the speed of its operation. The damaged wedge had been virtually renovated as part of the ongoing project to refurbish the Pentagon before the plane struck last September. Determined to finish the job and have people back at their desk by September 11 of this year, the dedicated team of government and contract employees went into immediate action. Work on the crash site was conducted around the clock for three months and is now down to a mere 20 hours a day. I understand that workers had to be forced to take time off for Christmas and have protested the cessation of the 24-hour day operations. The pace and skill of this reconstruction effort is truly a masterpiece of American ingenuity and effort and is a positive reaction to the evil of September 11 of last year. Mr. Speaker, all involved in this extraordinary effort deserve our deepest gratitude. Finally, Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Installations and Facilities, I pay close attention to military construction projects. I have never seen one proceed at this pace and sincerely hope that there is never a reason to proceed at this pace again. But these intrepid souls have shown the world what American spirit and resolve are all about. Many have worked on this project and they are heroes, in my mind. Mr. Speaker, I am sure that Members will all support H. Res. 368, but, Mr. Speaker, let me just commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) for his great efforts in bringing this resolution to us. It is something that I think is very worthwhile for us to note here in an official way today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, prior to yielding back the balance of my time, because I would just like to say that the folks who are rebuilding the Pentagon are setting a great example for the rest of America and the rest of the world. But I think it is equally important today that we do not forget the thousands of other people who are involved in activities that are related to the attack on the Pentagon. Obviously, there were people who lost their lives on September 11 and in the following days, and there are people involved today at the Pentagon who are not involved in the rebuilding effort. There are people involved in other Federal agencies around the world, and there are U.S. troops in places like Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, and in Yemen, in Georgia; and there are Marines standing at their posts at embassies all around the world. Mr. Speaker, these people are all people who deserve a great deal of credit. But today we choose to single out one group of people who are setting an example of American resolve. That resolve, however, is shared by those I just mentioned and many others. So let the word go out to the terrorists and the would-be terrorists that we are here and we take note of what has occurred during the last 6 months. They should take note, as well, about how serious we are. Mr. Speaker, the men and women who are rebuilding the Pentagon are an example of that, but they are not the only example of that. We thank them for what they are doing, and I again pay my great thanks to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) for bringing this resolution to us today. We look forward to joining the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) in the presentation that will take place in the next day or so.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a good friend, William P. Naulty, who is retiring March 14, 2002 after 20 years service to the good citizens of Burlington County. In the early 1980s, when I served in the New Jersey Assembly and Senate, Bill acted as my press secretary, utilizing his knowledge not only of the working press, but of the legislative process. He was a true asset to my staff, good natured, well-liked and loyal. More recently, as Chief Legislative Aide to Eighth District Senator C. William Haines, Assemblymen Harold Colbum and Francis Bodine he monitored all policy put forth by the legislators. Continuing to serve in that capacity for Senator Martha Bark, and Assemblymen Bodine and Larry Chatizidakis, Bill has also been responsible for press inquiries and constituent service. In our state's capital, he is considered ``dean'' of legislative aides, displaying a working knowledge of major issues facing the people of the Eighth District and New Jersey as a whole. Prior to his legislative duties, Bill worked for more than 27 years as a reporter, rewriter and make-up editor with the Philadelphia Bulletin, a daily paper which ceased operation in 1982. He covered the New Jersey beat, reporting on local, county, state and national politics and government. He made the transition, from newspaper reporter to legislative aide extraordinaire seamlessly, earning the respect of not only legislators, but constituents as well. Honorably discharged ftom the United States Army, Bill has devoted many years to the community, both through his work with the press, and also with the legislative district he has served so faithfully for so many years. He is highly respected by people on both sides of the aisle, by the press, by those in business and industry, and most important, by the people. It has been a pleasure working with Bill Naulty through the years as we have served our mutual constituents. May his retirement with his wife, Marie, and children be as fulfilling as his years of service have been rewarding.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend, Robert C. Shinn, Jr., who served as the 11th Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) longer than any other commissioner in the DEP's 31-year history. Bob Shinn also served as an elected official at the local, county and state levels for 26 years, where much of his effort was devoted to open space, Pinelands and farmland preservation, water supply and solid waste management issues. Among his legislative accomplishments was authorship of New Jersey's Water Supply Critical Area Law, which gives the state the necessary authority to effectively manage threatened surface and ground water resources. He guided the passage of several key laws, including our state's Mandatory Recycling Act and the revision of the A-901 solid waste hauler screening program, and also authored the law regulating the handling and disposal of medical waste in New Jersey. On the local level, Bob served as Township Committeeman and Mayor of Hainesport from 1968 to 1977. He served as Burlington County Freeholder from 1977 to 1985, and as Freeholder Director for two years. He was responsible for the formation of the Burlington County Pinelands Conservation Easement Advisory committee, and was instrumental in securing the first conservation easement in the Pinelands. To that end, he was elected vice-chairman of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission from 1979 to 1985. Mr. Shinn was instrumental in developing Burlington County's Solid Waste Management Plan and its Environmental Complex, which serves as the county's multi-functional resource recovery facility as well as an environmental research and demonstration facility. Bob Shinn has been a shining star in the annals of New Jersey's history, locally, on the county level, and state-wide through his work with the DEP. His commitment and dedication to our state and its people will be sorely missed.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, few Americans dedicate the majority of their lives to the people of our country and the residents of their State. Even fewer place their own lives in harm's way to protect the values and freedoms we, as Americans, hold dear. One such person is my friend, Colonel Mike Warner (Ret). Mike has had a distinguished career serving our country in the United States Army. Mike served in the U.S. Army for 27 years as an officer. During his distinguished career as an Active Army officer, Colonel Warner had numerous staff command assignments including assignments in Korea, Germany, and throughout the United States. Colonel Warner is a highly decorated soldier, receiving two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, three Meritorious Service Medals, and the Army Commendation Medal. Additionally, he has received campaign medals for service in Vietnam and overseas service ribbons for his tours of duty in Europe and Korea. For his final assignment, Mike served as Commander of Fort Dix, in Burlington County, New Jersey. At Fort Dix, Mike was responsible for the 35,000 acre military installation and a $125 million operating budget. After retiring from Active Duty, Colonel Warner continued to serve the people of the State of New Jersey. Governor Christine Todd Whitman appointed Colonel Warner as the State's third Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs in March of 1994. As Deputy Commissioner, Mike was responsible for providing support for New Jersey's 650,000 veterans and their families, managing a $55 million budget, the operation of three 300-bed nursing homes, and the Nation's largest State veterans cemetery. Mike Warner is also a dedicated citizen, giving his free time to many charitable and civic organizations. He is a member of the Alumni Associations of Marquette University and the Army War College, the Association of the U.S. Army and Retired Officers Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and is a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Disabled American Veterans. Locally, Mike is a member of the Burlington County Boy Scouts of America Executive Council, the Pemberton Rotary, and serves on the Board of Directors of the USO of Philadelphia. Our country and communities need dedicated people like Colonel Mike Warner. He is a true American Patriot and it is my pleasure to call him friend.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, during the years that I have been involved in this issue, from time to time folks come to me and say why are you concerned about the situation involving the Asian elephants. I just wanted to take a few minutes this morning to explain why that is and how we got to where we are with this program that has been quite successful. Mr. Speaker, in 1997 I introduced this bill because I became startled to learn that there were less than 40,000 Asian elephants living in the wild. Furthermore, nearly 50 percent of those elephants were living in various national parks in India, while the remaining animals were scattered in fragmented populations in 12 other countries in South and Southeast Asia. Mr. Speaker, it occurred to me that with the rapid decline in the population of this species, it is not without reason that one could conclude that they would actually some day, in the not too distant future, become extinct unless something was done by the variety of people who care about issues involving wildlife. The primary reason for this serious decline in population is the loss of essential habitat. That should be no surprise to anyone. It is no secret that elephants and man are in direct competition for the same resources. In most cases, it was the elephants who lost. In addition, Asian elephants are poached for their bones, hide, meat and teeth and are still captured for domestication, and conflicts between elephants and people are escalating at an alarming rate. Furthermore, it was clear that millions of Americans were not aware of the plight of Asian elephants and, in addition, range countries lacked the financial resources to help conserve this flagship species. Without an international effort, the future of the Asian elephant was in serious jeopardy, and in response to this problem, along with a number of other Members, we proposed the establishment of the Asian Elephant Conservation Fund. The concept was modeled after the highly successful African Elephant Conservation Fund. The fundamental goal of this legislation was to obtain a small amount of Federal assistance for on-the-ground conservation projects. Fortunately, this important legislation was overwhelmingly approved by both bodies and was finally signed into law in 1997. Under the provisions of this act, $25 million could be set aside for the Asian elephant conservation funds until September 30, 2002. In fact, some $2.9 million in Federal funds have been allocated and these moneys have been matched by an additional $1.1 million in private donations. These funds have been used to underwrite 46 conservation projects in 12 range countries to help benefit the Asian elephant population. While the early indication is that the worldwide population of Asian elephants has stopped its precipitous decline, it is unrealistic to believe that $3 million can save the species from extinction. We have been successful but we are not finished. Nevertheless, this law has sent a powerful message to the international community that we must not allow this flagship species to disappear from the wild. The United States must continue to play its crucial leadership role. So I am pleased to have introduced this reauthorization and am hopeful that it will again pass the House of Representatives and be signed into law by the President.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1. This bill addresses the vital school construction needs unique to federally impacted schools by authorizing a new competitive construction component within the federal Impact Aid program. In many cases the local tax base does not have the needed resources to draw upon to meet the needs of our military and Indian schools. As a result, lack of funds has until now left those schools without the resources for new construction, renovation, or modernization initiatives. H.R. 1 adds the new construction component that will allow these schools to complete important projects by enabling them to compete for funding, on the basis of need. However, I am disappointed that this bill does not allow for separate construction funding sources for all eligible categories of federally impacted schools. While the current provision appears to benefit the entire Impact Aid community, the military component of the program has little prospect to successfully compete for discretionary money, as Indian districts have the greatest need for emergency funds. While unintentional this Bill would leave military districts with pressing construction needs on the side of the road once again. From my own travels to several military installations, it is clear that more--much more--needs to be done to ensure adequate funding for both of these eligible categories. In closing, I want to express my appreciation to my colleagues for their concern in addressing this problem overall and I look forward to working together in the future to create a division of these construction funds to ensure the unique needs of the two major categories of federally connected school districts are met.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Philip Rubenstein for his 57 years of government service, including 27 years as Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. During his long and distinguished career Phil has received numerous awards. In particular, he has received three Distinguished Federal Service Awards, as well as a Distinguished Award from the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders. A dedicated leader of Ocean County's senior community, Phil Rubenstein has served selflessly and implemented many programs of benefit to Ocean County's seniors. Mr. Rubenstein originated the transportation system for dialysis and chemotherapy patients in Ocean County. His original concept has grown into the County's transportation system which today services seniors and the disabled. In addition, he initiated prostate and mammogram screening programs for the County's older adults prior to their inclusion under the Medicare program. Phil has also been committed to funding the Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver program, which has grown under his leadership to four individual service groups. It is a privilege to honor Philip Rubenstein for his many years of community service. He is truly a devoted ombudsman for Ocean County's elderly.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in strong support of the economic stimulus package needed to address the weakness that is evident in the economy. Mr. Speaker, it is important for us to point out that we are addressing an economic trend. This situation was not created on September 11, nor was it created on January 1, 2001. Nor was it created on January 1, 2001. This trend began in the second quarter of the year 2000, barely remaining positive during that quarter of the year. The manufacturing sector has been hit especially hard, and it is to encourage investment in that sector wherein lies the key to turning this economy around. One bright spot has been in housing and consumer spending, we do not have to worry quite as much about that, but it is a concern as well. Therefore, a logical response is to offset the costs that have been foisted upon our economy by encouraging investment. As a matter of fact, just last week the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, said, ``My own impression is it is in the investment area where the greatest sensitivity for fiscal stimulus lies.'' Those were Alan Greenspan's words, and in effect that is precisely what this tax package does. The economic stimulus bill will reduce the costs and benefit the economy in several ways. The bill would reduce the 28 percent personal income tax rate to 25 percent. The bill would reduce capital gains tax rates on many investments, thereby encouraging investment. The bill provides a 30 percent expensing of investment in most forms of depreciable property over a 3-year period. This would increase incentives to invest, precisely what the Chairman of the Fed says we need. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge a ``yea'' vote on the bill.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Edward A. Kelly, Jr., my good friend and a mainstay of Burlington County for over 40 years. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania into a family of seven children, his parents were born in Ireland, emigrating to the United States in their twenties. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, his early youth was spent in sports, while attending West Catholic High School. Married to the former Mildred ``Millie'' Hansberry, the Kellys become one of the first families to settle in Levittown, New Jersey, now known as Willingboro. Having served on the Willingboro Board of Education, and later as a member of the Willingboro Council, Ed was elected Clerk of Burlington County in 1969. His rising popularity brought about his reelection to an additional four five-year terms, from which he retired at the end of 1994, after more than 25 years of continuous service. A member of nearly 70 different service clubs, his service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Burlington County Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America earned him the Silver Beaver Award, scouting's highest honor. A major supporter of our active duty military and retirees, Ed is a founding member of the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee (BCMAC). His commitment to our military is so highly-regarded that he was appointed by Governor Christine Todd Whitman to the New Jersey Veterans Service Council. His six-year term as State Chairman, New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR) came to a close on September 30, 2001. His leadership will be sorely missed. For his many years of dedicated service both as a long-time member of the ESGR, and especially, during his six-year term as State Chairman, and as one of his loyal supporters, I pay tribute to him today.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues to recognize the Catholic-Jewish Commission of Southern New jersey as among the first in the nation to create a formal Agreement of Understanding and Cooperation between their faith communities. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden, Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Tri-County Board of Rabbis have committed themselves to eliminating all forms of anti-Semitism, anti-Catholicism, racism and religious intolerance, and in promoting mutual understanding. In the spirit of their respective traditions, this Agreement affirms the continuing commitment of these two communities to uphold and observe the right of every human being to freedom of religion and conscience. We believe this Agreement is a shining example of a sound and lasting basis for continuing development of interfaith cooperation. We join the members of both the Catholic and Jewish communities worldwide in expressing appreciation to the efforts of the Catholic- Jewish Commission to build a bridge of faith and peace. Mr. Speaker, please join us in congratulating the Catholic-Jewish Commission of Southern New Jersey on their historic achievements and the signing of their interfaith Agreement of Understanding and Cooperation.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2586, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002. Prior to the August recess, the Committee on Armed Services met to mark up this legislation and ordered it reported by a vote of 58 to 1, a testament to the tradition of bipartisanship of the committee. I must say that I have been gratified by the strengthening unity of purpose which has seized this House. As a matter of fact, Madam Chairman, if the terrorists who perpetrated last Tuesday's attacks hoped to play on any partisan or policy differences we may have with each other, they have failed. As a matter of fact, the aisle that separates the two sides of this House has disappeared. Obviously, in light of the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, many aspects of the defense program will be looked at anew; but we are pressing ahead with this bill because there are many, many important defense priorities addressed in this measure. All of us in this great body understand that we need to relook at everything we have been doing to protect our national security, and I promise my colleagues that those needs will be our first priority as we meet in conference with the other body to give final shape to this measure. Even though we all yearn to act now, the prudent course of action is to address the requirements that the Secretary of Defense identifies, requirements that have been studied hard over the last 10 days. I know the Secretary is working hard with members of our leadership and with the chairman and vice chairman of the Committee on Armed Services to develop our priorities for our consideration; and in the weeks ahead, we will be considering those measures. As chairman of both the Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism and the Subcommittee on Military Installations and Facilities, I will be very active in pursuing effective ways to defeat the scourge of terrorism while allowing all Americans, but particularly those who serve in the military, to live and work without fear of sudden attack. Clearly, we must do what we can to protect the safety of our citizens, our military, and our military families. Just as importantly, we must find ways to streamline the security processes so that military bases are reasonably accessible. In all of this tragedy, there is a glimmer of hope. For example, there is evidence that the improved reinforced measures that have been taken in new construction have saved lives. I am told, and will go and visit soon to see for myself, that portions of the Pentagon that have been renovated, which included several explosion-resistant features, stood up far better than the original structure. I will be leading a delegation of my colleagues to examine the damage very soon and promise my best efforts to do whatever we can to protect all Americans from terrorism. Later this week, the Committee on Appropriations is expected to bring to the floor the bill to provide appropriations for military construction for the coming year which, of course, are also included in this bill. Our two committees have worked closely together, that is, the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Armed Services, in the development of the MILCON program for the next fiscal year. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson) and the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver) have worked closely together with all parties, and our bills mirror each other. H.R. 2586 would commit approximately $10.3 billion, roughly $350 million more than the President's request, to the military construction and military housing for the coming fiscal year. In closing, I want to again express my appreciation to the members of the subcommittee who have contributed to this bill. In particular, I want to express my appreciation to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), with whom I have worked for many years, and I value his counsel. Madam Chairman, I encourage all Members to support H.R. 2586.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I first wish to associate myself with the remarks of Mr. Armey and Mr. Gephardt. The partnership we have formed and the commitment to work together on a bipartisan basis with no aisle between us is a statement of great importance. The American people today have an enhanced commitment to freedom and democracy, and that commitment is directly reflected through their representatives in this Congress. Yesterday's heinous attacks were acts of war against the citizens of the United States. And, the complexity of the attacks clearly points to a well-financed and painstakingly planned operation. As the chairman of the Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism, Committee on Armed Services in the House, I wish to make a slightly different point. During the past 24 hours, since the shock of viewing the events of yesterday began to wane, the question has been asked many times: how do we prevent this from ever happening again? As you know, there is no simple answer. However, during our deliberations on the panel which was established by former full committee chairman, the late Floyd Spence, it has become abundantly clear that there are at least five principles which must be developed or enhanced to safeguard the future security of our great nation. First, there is an obvious need for the development of individual responsibility for the security of ourselves, our families, friends and our communities. An awareness for our surroundings and potential dangers must be understood and developed. We have heretofore existed in a relatively safe environment, free of dangers posed by terrorism. To some degree that may not continue to be the case. Second, there is a need to develop ``institutional responsibility.'' That is, to take steps to insure the places we go to work and visit are safer from violence. The Congress of the United States, as an institution, has made important strides during the past decade in this regard as we have safeguards in place today that did not previously exist. This is not so with most other institutions. Obviously, there is a need to increase institutional security at airports and in other places. State and local governments have special responsibilities in this regard as they are the closest to the people. Third, to those of us who have studied this subject, it has become apparent that a high level of intelligence information is necessary in order to ward off terrorist acts. Simply stated, if we don't know they are planning an attack, we have little if any chance of stopping them. The previous administration's ban on recruiting unsavory characters and excess reliance on electronic forms of intelligence collection prevent us from collecting the critical human intelligence (HUMINT) that alone can provide warning of such attacks. In regard to the most recent event, we had no specific knowledge of the plan and disastrous results occurred. Better resources and a better organized intelligence operation is therefore a principle to advance. Fourth, as President Bush pointed out in his remarks last evening, international cooperation is an essential principle. International terrorism simply has no borders. Government and societies are threatened by the same groups of individuals on every continent. This very day, we should each reach out to friends and associates in other government's to offer our cooperation and seek theirs. Fifth, deterrence will begin to take place when would-be terrorists have developed a full understanding that there is a heavy price to pay for terrorist acts. That is why I believe everyone here today agrees that President Bush was exactly right when he said clearly: ``we hold not only the terrorists responsible, but those who harbor and assist them as well, and we will hunt them down. . . .'' My colleagues, today is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the USA. I pledge to all of you to work hand in hand together with you to bring an end to these types of heinous events. Together, we will make our country stronger than ever, and together we will see that yesterday's events are never, ever repeated.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage the chairman in a colloquy. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the National Estuary Program and for providing additional funds for the program in the VA-HUD appropriations bill; and I would like to engage the chairman in a colloquy. First, I would like to express my appreciation to the chairman and members of his subcommittee for their hard work and continued support of the National Estuary Program, NEP. Congress recognized the importance of preserving and enhancing coastal environments with the establishment of the National Estuary Program in 1987. The NEP's purpose is to facilitate State and local governments' participation in ``Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans'' for threatened and impaired estuaries. While the NEP has been successful in developing these CCMPs, we have increased the number of estuaries in the National Estuary Program without matching funding. This has the necessary affect of slowing our progress in restoring these estuaries. In my district, for example, in New Jersey, an NEP called Barnegat Bay exists. The Barnegat Bay watershed drains from a land area of approximately 550 square miles. Over 450,000 people live in the Barnegat Bay watershed. That population actually doubles in the summer as people flock to the New Jersey shore. The continued economic health of the Barnegat Bay watershed is dependent upon the continued health and the national beauty of its waters. The Barnegat Bay estuary is not only a vital component of New Jersey's tourist industry, but an important natural resource that supports populations of commercially and recreationally significant fish, as well as rare and endangered species. The Environment Protection Agency plays a vital role and collaborates with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit institutions, industries, and citizens to address these estuaries' environmental issues. The NEP received $20 million to develop its CCMPs. This is not enough to fund the implementation of the CCMPs for now 28 estuaries. That is why we must increase funding for the National Estuary Program to protect these vital natural resources and support the efforts of the local communities to implement their CCMPs. The Senate bill currently has $25 million for the estuary program. I would urge the chairman to work with conferees of the Senate and House to increase the level of funding for the National Estuary Program.

Mr. SAXTON. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding organization. The responsibilities of this highly regarded, but little known agency cover the waterfront, from counterintelligence to criminal investigations, from force protection to infrastructure protection. They are the protectors of our protectors. I am referring to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)--on watch to protect and serve sailors, Marines, and their families, wherever they may be, whether it's Chicago, Illinois; Split, Croatia; or a ship in the Persian Gulf. Recently, the outstanding efforts of the NCIS were highlighted in a case that has hit very close to home for those of us who live and work in the Washington, DC, area. A Navy sailor, a rising star, a beloved daughter, Lea Brown was abruptly taken from our midst in a vicious killing in Fort Washington. The Washington, DC, Field Office of the NCIS dedicated over 30 agents to the case, developing leads within hours that led to the arrest of several suspects by the Prince George's County Police Department. The clear message to criminals preying on sailors and Marines is, ``You will be caught; you will be brought to justice.'' I know that I join the men and women of the naval service, as well as those of Prince Georges County, Maryland, in expressing my thanks for the tireless efforts of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Mr. Speaker, I wish to enclose this article from the Washington Times and submit my congratulations to the men and women of NCIS for a job well done. [From the Washington Times, July 7, 2001] Naval Investigative Service Works Fast With Other Agencies (By Brian DeBose) The Washington Field Office of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is no stranger to working with local and federal police agencies. Most recently NCIS, the criminal investigation arm of the U.S. Navy, is working with Prince George's County police on a high-profile homicide case that revealed an organized crime ring in Fort Washington. The NCIS was investigating the disappearance of Navy Petty Officer Lea Anne Brown, as a missing persons case when Prince George's police found her body and that of her boyfriend, Michael Patten, June 12 in Accokeek. When the connection between the two cases was made, Prince George's police immediately contacted NCIS Special Agent Frank O'Donnell. ``We had as many as 30 to 35 agents working on the case from day one when for us, it was a missing persons case,'' said Mr. O'Donnell, who led the NCIS aspect of the investigation. The NCIS has a global jurisdiction with 915 agents in 13 field offices around the world. More than half of all its cases are done in collaboration with another law enforcement agency, said NCIS spokesman Paul O'Donnell, who is not related to Frank O'Donnell. ``We would not usually have 35 agents working on one case, but with this case, because of the heinous nature of the crime and our outrage, we wanted to devote as much manpower as we could,'' said Albert W. Billington, special agent in charge of the Washington field office. Petty Officer Brown, 24, was listed as missing June 11 after her commanding officer called NCIS to report the young woman had missed checks and had not shown up for work. The next day a Prince George's County detective called Frank O'Donnell, who was heading up the missing persons investigation, to tell him police may have found her body and a man's body. Prince George's police moved quickly on the case, Mr. Billington said, and with the help of NCIS computer experts were able to track credit- and debit-card usage, and conduct surveillance and searches of the suspects' and the victims' homes. On June 27, Prince George's police arrested five men in connection with the killings. Marco Scutchings, 18; Robert Odum Jr., 23; Cortez Carroll, 22; Eric Thomas, 22; and Aaron Hollingsworth, 18, await preliminary hearings scheduled for July 26 and 27. The five men beat the couple and stuffed them in the trunk after a botched carjacking, according to police reports. The two later were shot execution-style and their bodies left in Accokeek, police said. Twenty members of the NCIS investigation team are still working on processing evidence through forensics, conducting surveillance and interviews and searching residences.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment which would eliminate the federal cost share of 65 percent for US Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment projects. Beach replenishment is vital to the coastal economies in our country. Millions of residents and small businesses make their home near the coastline and that population increases dramatically in the summer as tourists flock to the beaches. The continued economic health of our nation's beaches is dependent on these important beach replenishment projects by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The pristine white sand beaches are not only a vital component of the tourist industry, but an important natural resource that supports populations of commercially and recreationally significant fish and rare and endangered species. This amendment proposes to eliminate the federal cost share of 65 percent for beach replenishment for ongoing and future projects. Coastal communities have been asked to ``voluntarily'' increase their cost share for beach replenishment projects to 65 percent, despite that current project authorizations are at a 35 percent state cost share. This is obviously unfair to the State and local governments, who have budgeted their costs for beach replenishment based on their contracts with the federal government and do not have the additional funds which is almost double their authorized cost share. Coastal States have consistently shown their commitment to assist in the preservation and replenishment of beaches along the Nation's coastlines. The proposed Federal change in cost sharing would only result in the delay or elimination of Corps of Engineers projects potentially increasing the property damage from hurricanes and severe storm events. Many coastal communities, such as mine, have suffered from repeated storm events over the last several years which has resulted in the narrowing and lowering of the beaches and dunes. This steady erosion has reduced storm protection that would otherwise have been available, which will only result in more property damage when the next storm or hurricane hits. Each state receives federal funds to protect its communities from natural disaster, whether it is tornado, earthquake, drought resulting in crop damage, flood or hurricane. It is not fair to the coastal communities to withhold federal funds that would otherwise be available to prevent damage from natural disaster. I urge by fellow colleagues to oppose this amendment and remember all states benefit from our nation's beautiful shoreline.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 877.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member of the subcommittee for the great work they have done in expeditiously bringing this bill to the floor. I am pleased to rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 700, the Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2001, which I introduced on February 14 of this year. I was pleased it was reported favorably out of Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans on March 29, 2001, and was pleased that it was finally reported out of the full committee on May 16. Four years ago, I introduced this bill because I was startled to learn that there were less than 40,000 Asian elephants living in the wild. Furthermore, nearly 50 percent of those elephants were living in various national parks in India, while the remaining animals were scattered in fragmented populations throughout 12 other countries in south and southeastern Asia. The primary reason for this serious decline in population is the loss of essential habitat. It is no secret that elephants and man are in direct competition for the same resources. In most cases, it is the elephants who lost. In addition, Asian elephants are poached for their bones, hide, teeth, meat, and they are still captured for domestication, and conflicts between elephants and people are escalating at an alarming rate, even today. Furthermore, it was clear millions of people were not aware of the plight of the Asian elephants. In addition, range countries lacked the financial resources to help conserve this flagship species. Without an international effort, the future of the Asian elephant was in serious jeopardy. In response to this problem, along with a number of other Members, I proposed the establishment of the Asian Elephant Conservation Fund. This concept was modeled after the highly successfully African Elephant Conservation Act. The primary goal of my legislation was to obtain a small amount of Federal assistance for on-the-ground conservation projects. Fortunately, this legislation was overwhelmingly approved by both bodies and was signed into law on November 19, 1997. Under the terms of this new law, the Congress could appropriate up to $25 million to the Asian elephant conservation fund until September 30, 2002. In fact, some $1.9 million in Federal funds has been allocated, and those monies have been matched by an additional $1.1 million in private donations. Those funds have been used to underwrite 27 conservation grants in nine different range countries. The type of prospects funded have included development of an elephant strategy in Sri Lanka, identification of a suitable managed elephant range in Malaysia, equipment for the local population assessment of Asian elephants, school education to support Asian elephant conservation in India and trace the mobility patterns of Sri Lanka's elephants. These projects were carefully analyzed and competitively selected from a list of nearly 100 proposals that were submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While the early indication is that the worldwide population of Asian elephants has stopped its precipitous decline, it is unrealistic to believe that $3 million can save this species from extinction. Nevertheless, this law has sent a powerful message. I am pleased to have introduced this reauthorization, and am hopeful that it will pass the House today.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Al Lifson for his April 26, 2001 induction into the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Al has had a distinguished athletic career in basketball at both the high school and college level. While attending Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey (1949-1951), Al attained a number of impressive athletic distinctions including First Team All County (1951), All State Tournament First Team (1951), and Second Team Group IV All State Team (1951). After completing high school, Al went on to attend one of the most storied and revered basketball institutions in the nation, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C. At the University of North Carolina, Al continued to attain the highest athletic achievements as a four year starter. As a freshman, Al was the highest scoring rookie in Carolina history. He was also selected three times to the All Conference Team, two times to the All Conference Defensive Team, and served as Co-Captain during his senior year. Al finished his career as the University of North Carolina's all-time scoring leader. Al's many accomplishments speak not only to his natural ability, but also to his drive and dedication to succeed. Al's athletic career serves as an inspiration to all who strive to be their best. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Al Lifson for his remarkable athletic achievements and most recently his induction into the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mr. SAXTON

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce H.R. 1367, the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Conservation Act of 2001. I am pleased to be here today to talk about such an important issue. We stand at an historic crossroads for the conservation of highly migratory species (HMS). The effective management of Atlantic HMS is one of the most complex and difficult challenges facing the National Marine Fisheries Service. These species range widely throughout international waters and the jurisdictions of many coastal nations with diverse political perspectives on how to properly utilize and manage this valuable resource. The fishing practices and marketing strategies are equally diverse. Unlike most other domestic fisheries, effective multilateral management is the goal of our nation's HMS policy. In fact, Congress placed Atlantic HMS management authority in the hands of the Secretary of Commerce instead of the Regional Fishery Management Councils, in theory, to ensure that our government maintains an Atlantic-wide perspective and vision. It is my firm belief that this Congress, together with thousands of concerned fisherman and conservationists, have a unique opportunity to work together to aggressively protect and rebuild stocks of HMS such as billfish, sharks and swordfish. In August of 1999, I was approached by representatives of the longline industry and three recreation/conservation fishing organizations who suggested I sponsor legislation to: (1) permanently close an area of U.S. waters in the South Atlantic to pelagic longline fishing; (2) establish two time-area closures in the Gulf of Mexico to pelagic longlining; (3) reduce billfish bycatch and the harvesting of juvenile swordfish; and (4) provide affected fishermen a buyout to compensate them for the loss of fishing grounds and fishing opportunities. I remain a strong supporter of this concept. I first began work on this important issue because I feel very strongly that a balance can be achieved. Prior to and following the introduction of H.R. 3331, my first bill targeting these critical needs, I met with, and spoke to, a number of pelagic longline fisherman, recreational fisherman and their organizations, and a number of conservation and environmental groups. I introduced H.R. 3331, in the 106th Congress, in part, because the National Marine Fisheries Service established the pelagic longline fishery as a limited-entry fishery through the HMS Fishery Management Plan. As NMFS is well aware, I have been asking them to take this action for many years. The establishment of a limited access system is critical to reduce harvesting capacity through attrition or a buyback program. Hence, once pelagic longline permits for HMS are bought-out as proposed in my bill, there would be no further vessels re-entering the fishery. I believe in this concept because the current management system whereby NMFS publishes a regulatory rule that is challenged by seemingly endless lawsuits is not an effective way of promoting sound HMS fishery management. This system has to change. The International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), led by the United States, approved a ten-year rebuilding plan for North Atlantic swordfish. Although the final approved plan did not go as far as I would have liked in reducing the annual quota internationally, it nevertheless set an important tone for conservation. I commend the U.S. ICCAT Commissioners for their tenacity in getting the rebuilding plan approved. This is the continuation of an arduous process, but I am confident that we can provide a conservation measure that is good for our beleagured highly migratory species of fish. I look forward to continuing to fight until this measure is passed and becomes law.