Pete Sessions

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, this rule provides for suspensions that will be in order at any time on the legislative day of Friday, November 21, 2003. It also provides that the Speaker or his designee will consult with the minority leader or her designee on any suspension considered under the rule. Mr. Speaker, as I noted yesterday, the Republican leadership of this House has set out on an aggressive legislative plan for this week on behalf of the American people. The goal of this plan is to pass a number of bills over the next few days which will dramatically improve the quality of life for all Americans. This week we have already succeeded in passing an energy conference report that will bring our Nation's outdated energy policy into the 21st century through comprehensive legislation that promotes conservation, reduces America's growing dependence on foreign oil, and creates new jobs and cleaner skies. Today we will consider legislation to make sure that America uses best practices technology and procedures to prevent tragic wildfires, like the ones that California just suffered through, from ravaging our Nation's forests. This important bipartisan legislation takes a healthy step forward in providing a better approach to addressing the problems that have to date prevented the proper management of forest health on private forest land. This bill creates new programs to detect and suppress dangerous forest pests. It also creates two new programs which help family forest owners to manage their forests, protect watersheds, and help to protect wildlife on private lands. Both of these programs use a nonregulatory, incentive-based approach to promote conservation, rather than a top- down, one-size-fits-all regulatory approach. For the balance of the week, we are slated to consider legislation to, among other things: Number one, to authorize spending levels for the intelligence activities we need to win the war. Number two, to reform Medicare to make sure that more of our seniors have the prescription drug coverage that they need while giving them much more and more choices for their health care coverage, and also to allow all Americans to begin planning for their health needs through savings accounts that can be purchased, can grow, and can be used on a tax free basis. Number three, and to provide for a uniform national credit reporting system that ensures that consumers are protected from identity theft while giving them access to the fast and reliable credit that makes our economy the envy of the world. I understand that Members on either side of the aisle may have different views about how to address each of these issues that I have talked about, but we will have an opportunity to hear a great deal of debate from both sides over the next few days on each one of these issues, and so many other things. However, a great deal of the legislation that the Republican House leadership has also scheduled on behalf of all Americans has broad support from both the majority and the minority, and in an attempt to make sure that this important work is finished by the end of this legislative week as well, we are here today to pass a rule to provide for the consideration of those bills. Mr. Speaker, this balanced rule provides the minority with the ability to consult with the Speaker on any suspension that is offered, ensuring that their input and views are duly considered before any legislation considered under this rule is brought to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this uncontroversial and balanced rule which passed yesterday by a voice vote. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern) is exactly correct. We are going to this morning, in about 35 minutes, walk upstairs here in the Capitol. We are going to go to the Committee on Rules. Our young chairman, the gentleman from California (David Dreier), will open up the meeting where we will be open for debate and I am sure controversy. But most of all, it will be part of the process that has been something that the Committee on Rules in this House has done for a long time, and that is follow through with the process to make sure that people at 10 o'clock Eastern time in Washington, D.C., and Members of Congress have a chance to walk upstairs and to talk about this bill and to present their ideas and to talk about what this conference report is all about. Obviously, this conference report is debatable. It is nonamendable. It will be an up-or-down vote. This is part of a process that has taken place where Members of this great body, with our colleagues on the other side of the Capitol, the Senate, got together, worked through problems. But I think that if we were trying to wait until today, as my colleague from Massachusetts would suggest, to find out what people want back home, I think we have made a terrible mistake. I think Members on this side of the aisle have already gone home and listened to people. That is what this is about, to be a body that has heard people. And we have passed not only this legislation as a result also of consultation back home, but even last January when we handled the budget we talked about what we thought this bill would look like. And, of course, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, said there is no way that we could do that. We just would never pull that off. Well, Mr. Speaker, today it looks like we have. And I would like to describe a little of what we pulled off. We will hear the details at 10 o'clock upstairs, but those details essentially include competition in the area of health care. This competition that we are talking about, which will be debated up in the Committee on Rules, is about allowing families back home, including people who may not be in Medicare yet, to begin saving for their future. We are going to have something that is called health savings accounts that were previously known as MSAs. These health savings accounts are going to allow people to save on a pre-tax basis and then save this money on a tax-free basis and then spend it in health care on a tax-free basis. Why is this important? This is important because over the lifetime of a person and their family they will be able to prepare with this money for what their needs are going to be for health care. Why is that important? That is important to our Nation because a consumer that has money in their pockets can make wiser decisions, rather than showing up in a system like Medicare where many times they cannot even find where their doctor accepts Medicare. This will change health care for this country as we continue on a moving-forward basis. It empowers people. We think it is the right thing. We think that is what people are asking for back home. Mr. Speaker, on the prescription drug angle, no question in my mind, the Washington Post is probably right. Oh, my gosh, this is an expensive bill. But you know what? We did it in a way that will help people who need the most help and I am proud of that. So, Mr. Speaker, I know that my friends want to talk about all the things that are going on up in the Committee on Rules here in just a few minutes. I can assure them and the American public that what we are all about is about process and doing the right thing for people back home. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 456 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor and privilege to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), a young man who serves on the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is early in the morning in Washington, and we are back at it again talking about this wonderful opportunity that we have to come down to the floor of the House of Representatives and speak our minds. And it is no surprise to the American public that the Democrat Party and its Members oppose reform in Medicare. It is no surprise to the American public that we recognize that the Democrat Party is not only opposed to reform but also to competition, which is what is in this bill; and it is no surprise to the American public that what will happen in the next day or two as the debate gets closer is that the American public will hear and find out about how the market reforms and things and ideas that will come from this bill will make life better for millions of Americans. What is surprising is to hear the Democrat Party lambast AARP. The AARP is that organization for senior citizens all across this country who I think has made a very wise and careful decision to look at this prescription drug plan, and they have very clearly said that the Republican Party is right on the policy and they are right on what will give long-term success to this great Nation. But we have heard very clearly this morning what the Democrat Party intends to do. They intend to keep Medicare exactly the way it is, in trouble financially and will very soon go bankrupt. Reform is necessary if we are going to save this system, but reform is also necessary for the millions of Americans who today are without the ability to purchase health care solely because of money. What we are going to do is make it easier for Americans, not just people who go to work but some of them who are just now entering the marketplace, to be able to save money for health care on a pretax and tax-free basis, an opportunity for them to save this money and, when they are younger, to put that money away and to grow it tax free to be able to use it for health care, to make sure that they will be able to make wiser decisions in their future, that they will be able to make the wise decisions for their family at a time when they need that money most of all. So what Republicans really stand for once again is reform and making sure that the most critical systems that are in place in our country are not only strengthened, but we make sure that they will survive the onslaught as times change and we have so many people retiring, but we need to make sure that our children and grandchildren have that same opportunity that we have had to have a system, an underpinning in this country that takes care of people. So I am very pleased today, as we begin our work and debate in Washington. It is no surprise that here we are on this beautiful day in Washington, D.C., we begin with the debate on the floor to talk about the activities for the week, and I am so proud that not only what the Republican majority stands for but that the reform and the things we are going to bring to the American public will include opportunities for them to save for their own health care, because the most important part is, just like my family, I have a chance then to make a decision, to be a decision-maker in the health care needs of my family. I have a beautiful wife of 19 years. I have a son who is 14 years old and a Down's Syndrome son who is 9. If there is one thing that I am passionate about, it is that I want a system in this country where families have an opportunity to make their decisions about health care, and we can do that when we have money in our own pockets. And that is what this reform is about, to make sure not just my family, but millions of other families across this great Nation have that same opportunity. That is what this health care savings account is going to be about. That is what Medicare reform is all about. I am proud of what we are doing. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 449 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. This rule provides that suspensions will be in order at any time on the legislative day of Thursday, November 20, 2003. It also provides that the Speaker, or his designee, will consult with the minority leader, or her designee, on any suspension considered under the rule. Mr. Speaker, the Republican leadership of this House has set out an aggressive legislative plan for this week on behalf of the American people. The goal of this plan is to pass a number of bills over the next few days that will dramatically improve the quality of life for all Americans. This week we have already succeeded in passing an energy conference report that will bring our Nation's outdated energy policy into the 21st century through comprehensive legislation that promotes conservation, reduces America's growing dependence on foreign oil, and creates new jobs. For the balance of the week we are slated to consider legislation among the following things: number one, to authorize spending levels for intelligence activities needed to win the war on terrorism; number two, to reform Medicare to make sure that more of our seniors have prescription drug coverage that they need while also giving them more and better choices for their health care coverage, also to allow all Americans to begin planning for their health needs through savings accounts that can be purchased, can grow, and can be used on a tax-free basis; and, number three, to provide for a uniform national credit recording system that ensures that consumers are protected from identity theft while giving them access to the fast and reliable credit that makes our economy the envy of the rest of the world. I understand that Members on both sides of the aisle may have different views about how to address these issues, and we will have the opportunity to hear a great deal of debate from both sides over the next few days on each of these issues and many others. However, a great deal of legislation that the Republican House leadership has also scheduled for consideration on behalf of all Americans has broad support from both the majority and the minority. And in an attempt to make sure that this important work is finished by the end of this legislative week as well, we are here to pass a rule to provide for consideration of these bills. This balanced rule provides the minority with an ability to consult with the Speaker on any suspension that is offered, ensuring that their input and views are duly considered before any legislation is considered under this rule brought to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this noncontroversial, balanced rule. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to thank the gentlewoman from New York for engaging us this morning on this very important rule which will allow us to continue our work. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this rule as I am sure they do. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Edward J. Drake, a son of Dallas, Texas, and a good servant to his family, his faith, and his community. In the Bible, Timothy describes charity as, ``out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.'' Over the years, Ed Drake has served those around him, not only with charity, but also with dedication and humility. The breadth of his service to the Dallas community and to our Nation is wide, and includes activities such as representing human health needs, developing positive environments for business, and fighting for the democracy that he cherishes. Through his leadership in organizations such as the National Easter Seal Society, the American Cancer Society, and the Science Place, Ed Drake has helped our Nation address critical health needs. In his professional life, his integrity and loyalty have carried him to the top of the Dallas business community and earned him honors such as his appointment as Commissioner of the Texas Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, among many others. Finally, Mr. Drake's love of democracy and work defending freedom as a B-17 pilot in World War II has made him an example for future generations of citizens. This noble leader of the Dallas community personifies service to his country through the light of charity. As steadfast a patriot and compassionate a humanitarian as I have ever known, Ed Drake shines to those in his community as he does to his wife Donda and their family. I am proud to be his Representative in Congress.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2003 Dallas Veterans Day Parade and the Parade Grand Marshall, our friend and colleague Congressman Sam Johnson (Texas-3rd). We are honored to be here alongside our proud veterans and their caring supportive families who have made their country proud time and time again. It is important to recognize our veterans today. However, veterans should be honored everyday for their selfless sacrifices, not just simply only on Veterans Day. The 2003 parade will pay special tribute to the 30th Anniversary of the return of Prisoners of War from Vietnam. Dallas CAN! Academy has prepared a special float in honor of these Vietnam POWs. In addition to the return of the Vietnam POWs, the 100th Year of Flight and the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War are also given special recognition in the parade. The 2003 Dallas Veterans Day Parade is also proud to welcome home and honor our nation's latest veterans. Today we pay tribute to many of the fine men and women that served in combat during military Operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and that have safely returned home. During this critical and turbulent time for our world, we continue to pray and ask for the blessings of our servicemen and woman who are currently serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and throughout the rest of the world in service to our beloved nation. We would like to congratulate our colleague Congressman Sam Johnson for serving as the Parade Grand Marshall for this outstanding annual Dallas tradition. Honoring a great American hero like Congressman Sam Johnson is especially appropriate with the Parade's special tribute to the 30th Anniversary of the return of our POWs from Vietnam. Congressman Johnson, after graduating from Southern Methodist University, began his 29 year career with the United States Air Force. Our colleague flew 62 combat missions during the war in Korea and was shot down on his 25th sortie during Vietnam. Sam was captured and held as a prisoner of war for over 7 years, with half of this time being spent in solitary confinement. His courage and strength serves as an inspiration to our veterans and current servicemen and woman, and we are proud to serve with him today in the House. The Parade's military keynote speaker, Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford is a veteran astronaut and we are delighted to hear his remarks. General Stafford went into space on two Gemini missions and later commanded Apollo Ten. General Stafford served as the U.S. Commander for the Apollo-Soyuz rendezvous in 1975. We would like to thank one of our favorite native sons for being with us here today for the Parade, General T. Michael ``Buzz'' Moseley, Vice Chief of Staff for the United States Air Force. General Moseley is a loyal Aggie alum, having served in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M. He is a distinguished officer and aviator, and is a true leader for the Air Force. We appreciate the assistance of current military units that will be participating in the parade all of the local business and community leaders for their financial support. Thank you Congressman Johnson for your service to America, and God Bless our current men and women in uniform and all those that have preceded them in service to the country.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank the gentleman from California, who has had personal relationships in his life where he dealt with people who might well be impacted very directly by this bill, and his kindness and his insight is not only appreciated, but also respected. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), has given us time to recognize H. Con. Res. 94, the Direct Support Professional Recognition Resolution which highlights a growing national crisis affecting community integration for individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Mr. Speaker, I will include for the Record one piece of supportive data. Mr. Speaker, in one of his first acts as President of the United States on February 1, 2001, our great President, George W. Bush, announced his groundbreaking New Freedom Initiative, a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people with disabilities. This New Freedom Initiative represents an important step in working to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work, and choose to work and live in a participatory and a productive community life. The goals of this initiative include increasing access to newly developed assistive technologies, expanding educational opportunities, promoting home ownership, integrating Americans with disabilities into the workforce, expanding transportation options, and promoting full access to community living. If the President's New Freedom Initiative is to be successful over the long term, it is critical for there to be an adequate qualified, skilled workforce in place to help people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities to help them live a self-directed life within their community. Indeed, in September of 2002, in a speech to private providers of community supporters and supports of services, the United States Labor Secretary, Elaine Chao, observed the following: ``The paraprofessional long-term care workforce is the cornerstone of America's long-term care system. Direct support workers are critical to the success of the New Freedom Initiative.'' In recognition of this reality, H. Con. Res. 94 calls on the Federal Government and States to make it a priority to promote a stable quality direct support workforce for individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities that advances this Nation's commitment to community integration for such individuals and to personal security for them and their families. Direct support professionals are critical to fulfilling the national promises of community living made to people with mental retardation as articulated in the President's administration policy as outlined in the New Freedom Initiative. These valuable front line workers provide a wide range of supportive services on a day-to-day basis to people with disabilities, including habitation, health needs, personal care, hygiene, employment, transportation, recreation, housekeeping, and other home management- related assistance. Without them, these people with mental retardation would not be able to live their lives in communities where they could enjoy the mainstream of the American life. Unfortunately, today there is a national crisis in securing an adequate supply of qualified direct support professionals. Severe staffing shortages and turnover rates in the direct support workforce is now threatening the quality and continuity of community-based supports and services for these people who they serve, all this at a time when demand for community support and services is growing rapidly as States move more and more individuals from institutions into a community-based setting and aging parents find it necessary to seek outside support for the care of the children whom they love. Tough work, increased demand for services, and aging population, all of this is threatening the quality and continuation of community support for services for people with mental retardation and leaving parents extremely fearful that there will be no one there for their children. It is my hope that each of our colleagues will join me in expressing sincere appreciation for the very important work performed by our Nation's direct support workers, and let us vow to put our heads together to develop a national strategy to address the recruitment and retention of this crisis that is affecting community support for people with developmental disabilities. Mr. Speaker, I hope that each of my colleagues will join in not only the vote that they make here today, but by going back home and giving a pat on the back to those health care professionals and others who are engaged in the services for each of these people who are important to each and every one of us. Tonya Simmons' Remarks to the American Association of the Mentally Retarded (AAMR) Region 9 Service Award for Contributions for Improving Services for People with Developmental Disabilities Living in a Community Setting I am very grateful and thankful for this award. It is an honor. I was new to the human services field 2 years after graduating from the Baltimore County Community College and the AmeriCorps Program. I began working at Spectrum Support without the knowledge of what it was and without the required training: but it was okay because of the training I received and the knowledge that would come from hands-on experience. I was ready and excited about a new challenge. I was successful because I was committed, passionate, strong, and caring. I have a heart. I have feelings, I am concerned, but most of all, this job made me realize that I am a leader. My only brother died this year and what I found from the individuals that I support was that they were now supporting me. Many people do not believe or understand that when you love people they will love back. I received phone calls, they had the staff bring them to visit and they were at the services. I will always remember an individual saying to me, ``If you need anything, Tonya, I'll be here for you. It's going to be all right.'' At that moment I realized that my job was appreciated, that I was appreciated, respected and loved. This is all because this is what they receive from me. I am working in an underpaid position, working 140 hours bi-weekly between jobs that support adults with disabilities, attending Coppin State College all to support my family. It's okay. I enjoy what I do and look forward to going to work each and every day. Why? Disabilities do not mean inability and I believe in what we do where I work. The individuals that I support and the program are not just my friends but family as well. It's because of them that recently I have learned so much more about myself. I am afraid of public speaking but because of being able to work in the wage campaign, I am overcoming that fear. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to advocate for Direct Support Staff in the Campaign for Increased Wages. At Spectrum Support I am in training everyday where I am encouraged and allowed to grow. I am learning from the best because we are the best. We believe that people can achieve their life goals. We recognize, respect and celebrate each person's contribution to his or her community and believe that each person has unexplored talents that when discovered lead to amazing outcomes. Co-workers we are growing, changing all while moving forward. We will continue to do our best.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the upcoming introduction of the book, ``Medal of Honor,'' at the National Boy Scout Museum in Irving, Texas. The book honors the more than 3,400 Medal of Honor recipients that have served our Nation so valiantly in time of war or crisis and will be introduced on November 8, 2003. Mr. Speaker, this event is being coordinated by the North Trail District of the Boy Scouts of America under the direction of Chairman Gary V. Hill and Mr. Rob Kyker, the Friends of Scouting Chairman and host of this event. Mr. Speaker, during the introduction of the book, seven (7) of the living 138 Medal of Honor recipients will be presented and honored along with Mr. Michael E. Thorton, U.S. Navy--retired, who is the spokesman for all Medal of Honor recipients. These individuals embody the virtues of sacrifice, courage, and leadership, which the Boy Scouts work to instill. Since 1861, the Congressional Medal of Honor has been awarded to our Nation's bravest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. This book, by Mr. Peter Collier, honors them for their courage, character, and leadership and will serve as a wonderful example to future generations, especially the Boy Scouts of the future. The introduction of this book, affords a new generation the opportunity to once again learn of the leadership and courage of those service men and women who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor. This presentation at the Boy Scout National Museum is a great moment to honor and remember all the Medal of Honor recipients and I count it an honor to be involved and to be present at this wonderful ceremony.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in wishing the Republic of China a happy day for tomorrow. It is National Day. A strong economic system, a strong educational system, and its people's grasp of the free market system of economics have made Taiwan an economic powerhouse. It is the world's 17th largest economy. This economic performance has contributed to both regional and global prosperity. At a time of economic independence among nations, Taiwan has a lot to offer the world. On Taiwan's National Day, I would like to see Taiwan continue to play a major economic role in the world and to further strengthen its economic ties with the United States. A hearty congratulations to President Chen. We wish him and his people the best of luck as he seeks readmission to the World Health Organization. He deserves his place on the world's stage. We appreciate Taiwan's support of America and honor their National Day.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 10th Anniversary of the Dallas Stars first regular season NHL hockey game in Dallas. The Dallas Stars had a successful start to their career in Big D, as the Stars defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-4 at Reunion Arena on October 5, 1993. In the ten years since the Stars moved to Dallas from their previous home in Minnesota, The Stars have advanced to the playoffs eight years, with playoff berths in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003. The Stars won Lord Stanley's Cup in 1999 in a six-game series against the Buffalo Sabres. The championship Stars team was captained by defenseman Derian Hatcher, the very first American born Captain of a Stanley Cup championship team in the history of the NHL. The Stars then repeated as Western Conference Champions the following year. In addition to the exceptional record of the Dallas Stars over the past ten years, the moving of the Stars to Dallas has created a huge expansion of hockey throughout our schools and communities in North Texas. Before the Stars came to Dallas, it was almost unheard of for schools to have interscholastic hockey teams. The North Texas community has not only fully embraced the Stars, but has taken a heart to the sport of hockey. Without the Stars, none of this expansion of hockey throughout North Texas would have occurred in such a rapid fashion. Under the leadership of head coach Dave Tippett, general manager Doug Armstrong, and owner Thomas O. Hicks, the Dallas Stars are poised to start another great season. I wish the Dallas Stars all the best for their season opener against the Mighty Ducks on October 8th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and for the rest of the upcoming season. Congratulations to the Stars franchise on their 10th year anniversary of their move to the Lone Star State of Texas.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my heartfelt congratulations to Colonel Michael A. Shupp, USMC on the occasion of his promotion to Colonel. Many of my fellow colleagues and I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing and working with Colonel Shupp for the last couple of years in his capacity as the Marine Corps Liaison to the House of Representatives. Colonel Shupp was raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He attended the Virginia Military Institute and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in History. He completed the Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1979, and the Marine Officer's Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia, in 1980. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon his graduation from VMI and entered the Marine Corps in May 1981. In the more than twenty years since his original commissioning, Colonel Shupp has led a distinguished career in service to the Marine Corps and the country. In 1985, he reported to the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland for duty as Southeast Regional Director of Candidate Affairs, Leadership Instructor, Brigade Drill and Ceremonies Officer, and as the Commanding Officer of the Ninth Company of the Brigade of Midshipmen. He was recognized for his performance by President Bush, Secretary of the Navy Webb, and selected by the Brigade of Midshipmen as an Honorary Graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1989. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat ``V'' Distinguished Device, Meritorious Service Medal with gold stars in lieu of third award, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Colonel Shupp has been an outstanding representative of the Marine Corps to the Members and Staff of the House of Representatives. Colonel Shupp regularly accompanies Members on their official delegation trips abroad, and I often call on him for information and analysis of Defense issues. I am exceptionally proud of Colonel Shupp's career accomplishments, however, I and many of my fellow Members are saddened that he will be leaving the Hill next spring to assume command of one of the most illustrious regiments in the Marine Corps, the 1st Marine Regiment based out of Camp Pendleton, California. I sincerely wish Colonel Shupp, his wife Sherrye, and daughter Jessica all the best for a nice rest of their stay here in the nation's capital, and salute Colonel Shupp for his proud record of service to the Marine Corps and the country.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley), the chairman of the Committee on Financial Services. (Mr. OXLEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this debate today, this opportunity to talk about the Fair Credit Reporting Act with not only the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) and his colleagues on his side of the aisle, but my colleagues on this side of the aisle, we give thanks for a lot of hard work that has taken place. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) from the Committee on Financial Services, began the process, was a leader in the identity theft issue. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) have done a fabulous job, but let us not forget the work that we did together with the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and others on the Democratic side, to ensure that this bill has the necessary protections. I thank the staff director of the Committee on Rules Billy Pitts, and Josh Saltzman and Adam Jarvis, who are with the Committee on Rules, and from the White House we received a great deal of hard work from Elen Liang representing President Bush. I would like to thank them for their strong work. I support this rule and the underlying legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it also. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), one of the bright young stars of the Republican majority and a member of the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Dallas, Texas (Mr. Hensarling), who is on the Committee on Financial Services.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 360 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit and the main sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), my friend, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purposes of debate only. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us is a fair and bipartisan modified open rule, simply requiring that proposed amendments to the underlying legislation be preprinted in the Congressional Record. This rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill and provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. It provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. It waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, and makes in order those amendments to the committee's amendment that are printed in the Congressional Record or are pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. It also provides that only the Member who has authorized for an amendment to be printed or a designee may offer it and that each of these amendments shall be considered as read. Finally, this rule also provides for one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. It has also come to my attention that a clerical error has caused Amendment No. 15 to be incorrectly printed in the Congressional Record, and I would like to inform Members that a copy of the correct amendment is available at the desk for their review. I rise today to introduce the rule for H.R. 2622, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, known as the FACT Act. This legislation represents a truly bipartisan effort by the Committee on Financial Services to produce a thoughtful and well-debated piece of legislation, and I would like to congratulate both the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Ranking Member Frank) for a great deal of credit for their leadership that each of them have shown throughout the process of bringing this bill to the floor today. The United States enjoys a financial system that is the envy of the rest of the world. It is the most free market, transparent, open and robust system on the planet. American consumers and others who come from across the globe to conduct business here would not enjoy the benefits of this free market system without strong, smart laws to provide this transparency and freedom while offering meaningful consumer protections. The Fair Credit Reporting Act legislation that we are debating today lives up to this same high standard of smart and strong financial policy. It promotes transparency and a dynamic economic system in America while protecting consumers by preserving the basis of our uniform national consumer credit system. The national system currently in place has tremendously beneficial effects on the American economy and for American consumers. It has provided for the democratization of consumer credit since the Fair Credit Reporting Act was first passed in 1970 by ensuring affordable access to credit for millions of Americans through uniform credit reporting standards, and it has increased the speed and efficiency at which these credit transactions can be processed. This legislation also makes extensive revisions to the Fair Credit Reporting Act's, or FCRA's, provisions governing the accuracy of consumer reports and enhancing consumers' ability to correct errors in them. By improving the accuracy of these reports, both consumers and those who supply the marketplace with credit reports stand to benefit tremendously. It should also be noted, as proof of their commitment to bipartisanship, that the Committee on Financial Services approved this legislation by a vote of 61 to 3, following an extensive and wide- ranging battery of hearings. This legislation improves the accuracy of credit reports in a number of ways. It allows consumers to place fraud alerts on their personal credit reports to prevent identity thieves from opening accounts under their name. It allows consumers to block information from being given credit to a credit bureau and from reporting by a credit bureau after filing a police report if such information results in identity theft. It gives consumers increased flexibility to dispute inaccurate information in their credit reports. It provides victims of identity theft with a summary of their rights and gives consumers the right to see their credit scores. It expands consumers' access to a free copy of their credit reports and protects consumer privacy by restricting access to consumers' sensitive health information. This legislation also provides our Nation's financial institutions with new powers and obligations to ensure that they are doing as much as they can do in the battle against identity theft. The legislation requires credit card issuers to investigate suspicious address changes. It requires creditors to take additional precautions before extending additional credit to consumers who have placed a fraud alert on their files. It prohibits merchants from printing more than the last five digits of a payment card on an electronically printed receipt. It obligates banks to develop policies and procedures to identify potential instances of identity theft and to reconcile potentially fraudulent consumer address information during the opening of an account. This legislation also contains a provision of special interest to me and a number of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. Title VI of this legislation contains a provision that I have authored that I believe will improve workplace safety for millions of Americans. Right now, an opinion by the Federal Trade Commission uses an interpretation of FCRA to create a disincentive for employers to retain objective and professional investigators of workplace misconduct, such as sexual or racial harassment, workplace violence, threat, fraud, SEC violations or other improprieties. This legislation would clarify that decision, ensuring that our workplaces are free of violence, fraud and intimidation by all employees. The gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the Committee on Rules chairman; the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), Committee on Financial Services ranking member, and a bipartisan coalition of other members of this body, including the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) have cosponsored this provision, and I am glad that today, while we are doing as much as we can to help consumers and to preserve this great system of consumer credit, we have also taken the opportunity to do something for American's employees. Mr. Speaker, this is a fair rule that every Member of the House should support. The underlying legislation is also a bipartisan effort that passed through its committee of jurisdiction overwhelmingly and deserves the support of every Member of this body. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me, and I rise with him tonight to honor the memory of our fellow friend and Texan, A.C. Barger of Leon County, Texas. A.C. left us in July; and although I am saddened by the loss of such a vibrant and caring person, I feel privileged to have known him and will tell you that my life was honored as a result of his service not only to me but to others. A.C. left behind a giant footprint throughout his years, and he touch the lives of many, many people. He opened his home to me on numerous occasions and I can testify he was a man filled with the joy of living. He was also a man dedicated to service, service to his wife, service to his family, service to his Lord, service to his community, service to his country. He was a husband, a father, a friend, and a patriot. From his service to the U.S. Army in Korea, to his work with the youth and elderly in Leon County, Texas, A.C. Barger made a difference and inspired others to do the same. Anyone can talk about ideas, but A.C. recognized that only actions ultimately mattered. He cared about people, and he did his very best to provide them with happiness. A.C. walked the walk when it came to putting others first. I thank A.C.'s family for sharing him with us over the years. A.C. leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Darlene, as well as his daughters, Kathy and Donna, and their families. I share their sense of loss. I know that A.C.'s family misses him, and I know that others in Texas, including myself in those, would say great job, and we will miss you our friend.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) who, as a proud Cuban-American, is also a member of the Republican baseball team, a person who enjoys not only supporting other Cuban-Americans but also our baseball team, and to be joined by my good friend, the gentleman from the Committee on Rules, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), also a Cuban-American. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I come to the floor this morning to speak on H. Res. 315, honoring Texas Ranger first baseman Rafael Palmeiro for his amazing feat of hitting his 500th career home run. This resolution honors not only Rafael's accomplishments in major league baseball which are numerous, but also his many off-field contributions which are just as important. Rafael is the epitome of hard work and professionalism, and I am proud to honor him today, this individual who puts his family, his team and his community before himself. On May 11, 2003, Rafael Palmeiro hit his 500th home run at the ball park in Arlington Texas, becoming only the 19th player in baseball history to do so. With his 500th home run, Palmeiro joined the company of baseball's elites like Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Ted Williams. In fact, since May 11 when he accomplished this feat, Palmeiro has now moved to 13th on this exclusive list of 500 home run hitters. Mr. Speaker, beyond the statistics and the numbers, however, Rafael Palmeiro has done significant work by make making a difference in his community. Whether it is encouraging foster parents through his hard work at the Lena Pope Home in Ft. Worth, Texas or encouraging kids to read with his Raffy's Readers program, Palmeiro is an ardent spokesman for children's causes. Mr. Speaker, these are just a sampling of Rafael Palmeiro's actions in giving back to his community. This, on top of spending time with his lovely wife, Lynne, and their two sons, Patrick Ryne who is 13, and Preston Connor who is 8. Rafael Palmeiro has become a role model for people of all ages with his on- and off-the-field accomplishments. I am proud to be the lead co-sponsor of this bill honoring a fine man who is a shining example of the things that a kind and good person can achieve in their life.