Adam Smith

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chair, today I recorded an erroneous vote on agreeing to Mr. Pierluisi's amendment to H.R. 2838. I intended to vote ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 840, on agreeing to Mr. Pierluisi's amendment to H.R. 2838.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, November 4, 2011, I was unable to be present for part of a series of recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``No'' on rollcall vote No. 830 (on agreeing to H. Res. 455, providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 2838); ``Yes'' on rollcall vote No. 831 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3321); ``Yes'' on rollcall vote No. 832 (on agreeing to the Cummings amendment to H.R. 2838); ``Yes'' on rollcall vote No. 833 (on agreeing to the Thompson amendment to H.R. 2838); ``Yes'' on rollcall vote No. 834 (on agreeing to the Napolitano amendment to H.R. 2838); ``Yes'' on rollcall vote No. 835 (on agreeing to the Bishop amendment to H.R. 2838); and ``Yes'' on rollcall vote No. 836 (on agreeing to the Slaughter amendment to H.R. 2838).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, as we honor National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I rise to call upon my colleagues to join me in stressing the importance of getting regular mammograms. Regular mammograms are crucial for early detection of this terrible disease. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better chance there is of winning the fight against breast cancer. Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, making this the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. While traditionally thought of as an older woman's disease, breast cancer is found in women of all ages. The likelihood of diagnosis increases with age, but breast cancer is today being found more and more frequently among women in their 20s and 30s. Today, the two and a half million breast cancer survivors living in the United States are a testament to the courage and perseverance of the Americans who have faced this condition. These survivors are also living reminders about the importance of breast cancer awareness, following recommended screening guidelines, ensuring that those affected receive treatment, and continuing to fund groundbreaking and innovative research. Breast cancer does not discriminate; this deadly disease affects everyone regardless of age, wealth, or status. I stand in support of all of those who have been affected by breast cancer and encourage all available steps be taken to detect early and defeat this disease.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Karen Say, president of Saybr Contractors, Inc. of Tacoma, Washington, for receiving the 8(a) Graduate Firm of the Year Award. Each year, the Small Business Administration awards an 8(a) Business Development Program graduate the Small Business Administration Firm of the Year Award. The 8(a) Development Program is a successful program that is an essential instrument for helping socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to the economic mainstream of American society. It offers business training, counseling, marketing assistance and high-level executive development. Karen Say founded Saybr Contractors, Inc., in 1997 by filling a narrow niche for upgrading underground storage tanks. Shortly after, Karen expanded her company to include construction, fuel systems, alternative fuels, sitework, and environmental services. Today, Saybr Contractors is a sizable woman-owned general contracting business. Prior to graduating from the 8(a) Program, Karen and Saybr secured more than $50 million in 8(a) federal contracts. The 8(a) certification will continue to help Saybr Contractors, Inc., grow its commercial and government business and thrive in a competitive business environment. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives please join me in honoring Karen Say, winner of the Small Business Administration 8(a) Graduate Firm of the Year Award.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Mr. Glen Kerslake of Tucson, Arizona, for a lifetime of service to country and community. Mr. Kerslake, who I had the pleasure of meeting in Tucson, is known to me for his close work with our colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, to support southern Arizona's military members, veterans, and military and veterans' families. Glen joined the Tucson community in 1994 and quickly developed a record of deep and devoted service to southern Arizona--serving on the boards of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus and National Apartment Association, as a member of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, and as President of the Arizona Conservation Land Stewards, among other community contributions. Glen made one of his greatest civic impacts serving Tucson's military community and the proud men and women who make it up. He has served as a member, president, and board-member of the Davis-Monthan 50, a committed group of Tucson civic and business leaders dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the civilian population of the region. As a DM-50 member and then president of the organization, Glen helped thousands of airmen through the child car safety seat program, which supplies car seats to young military families, and the development of the important Bachelor of Applied Science in Meteorology program at the University of Arizona. He also made critical contributions to Tucson's Military Community Relations Committee, a local organization dedicated to resolution of key issues between Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the community. Recently, Glen was most passionate about his role as the Honorary Commander of the 612th Air and Space Operations Center. Glen took great pride in the critical nature of the 612th AOC's mission and its heritage springing from the famous Doolittle Raiders of World War II. The Raiders took great risk performing a tactical mission, executed in a joint manner, at a crucial juncture for our nation, ultimately demonstrating the strategic reach of American airpower. The 612th AOC was dedicated the Gen. James H. Doolittle Center in honor of the leader of the Doolittle raid, who was also the first commanding general of 12th Air Force. I was this heritage and the 612th AOC's unit motto, ``Leading the Fight--Ever Vigilant, Omnis Vigilantia,'' along with an abiding commitment to Davis-Monthan's airmen and women, that inspired Glen's efforts to ensure the unit would remain at Davis-Monthan when its continued existence in Arizona was threatened. Glen sprung into action and worked closely with Congresswoman Giffords' office to lead a diverse group of community and governmental stakeholders to stop the effort to move the 612th AOC's operations. The Congress and this country owe Glen, his family, and countless community leaders in Glen's mold a debt of gratitude for their selfless and inspired service. Please join Congresswoman Giffords and me today in honoring Mr. Glen Kerslake of Tucson, Arizona.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. They need training. That's the other critical piece of these trade agreements that I want to emphasize. For the first time--not the first time, actually we did it in Peru-- thanks, actually, to the leadership of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and Mr. Rangel and others, we have enforceable workers' rights in all three of these agreements. There have been justifiable criticisms, for instance, in Colombia of the ability of workers that organize and collectively bargain. But this agreement will give us the enforceable ability to make sure that they do. If Colombia or any one of these countries doesn't live up to the ILO standards and requirements, this agreement now gives us the ability to use trade sanctions to make sure that they do. That is an incredibly important step forward to protect the workers in this country. It needs to work together, access to overseas markets, to trade agreements and adequate protections for our workers so that they can compete in that environment with TSA, with the workers' rights provisions in these trade agreements. I believe that all three trade agreements and this TAA bill do this. I thank the Ways and Means Committee, both Republican and Democrat, for their work in making this happen.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I thank the Ways and Means Committee for their excellent work on the trade agreements and, most importantly, on Trade Adjustment Assistance; and I agree with the comments of my colleague from Wisconsin about why this program is so important. I mean the bottom line is the TAA and the trade agreements themselves are part of figuring out how to help American workers and the American economy compete in a very, very difficult global economic situation. The amount of skills that our workers need now are vastly beyond what they needed in previous generations, and the need to update them constantly in order to continue to be competitive, to continue to be employable are a significant challenge for American workers. This program is one way to give them help, to help give them the training and the skills that they need to continue to be employable. It is incredibly important for our workers, and we have heard the statistics about the number of workers in our country who have benefited from these programs. But I also submit to you that it is critically important to our economy. Our economy needs a skilled workforce in order to compete. Trade Adjustment Assistance is one way to help our workers get those skills that they need. Certainly it helps them, but it also helps our businesses and our overall economy. I, along with my colleague from Wisconsin, support all three trade agreements. I believe trade is critically important to growing our economy as well, and it's simple math. Ninety-five percent of the people in this world live someplace other than the United States of America, but the United States of America is responsible for 20 percent of the world's consumption. If we're going to grow, we need access to other markets. Korea, Colombia, and Panama are good steps in that direction to give us access to those other markets so that our businesses can have the possibility of growing their businesses and taking advantage of the growing economy. It has been Asia and other parts of the world that are growing the most. We need access to those markets. Trade agreements like this give us that opportunity. But as I have said for the entire 15 years I have been in Congress, that alone is not sufficient to protect American workers in our economy. Access to overseas markets on its own isn't enough to take care of our workers as they should be taken care of.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CWO-4 Bernard Litaker, Jr., CWO-3 Maciek Mankowski, CWO-3 Todd Peterson, Staff Sgt. Benjamin Tate, Staff Sgt. Stanley Yeadon, Sgt. Jason Brown, Sgt. Jeremy Gribble, and Spc. Matthew Jones who received the Distinguished Flying Cross for their extraordinary service and valor. I recently had the privilege to meet with the leadership of these eight brave servicemen of the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and believe that they have achieved the pinnacle of military excellence. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguish themselves through heroism above and beyond the call of duty while participating in aerial flight, an award which these men have undoubtedly earned. On a late September 2009 evening in Afghanistan, these men embarked on a high-priority, high-risk mission that would necessitate that they put their lives at risk to protect other forces. The unexpected call required them to quickly develop and execute a plan, but the ensuing enemy fire would force them to adapt to the increasingly dangerous situation. The pilots gave heroic flying performances, expertly navigating their helicopters while calling out enemy threats to their gunners. Upon completing their objective and reaching safety, they learned they would need to return for a casualty evacuation. Once again landing their aircraft mere meters from their target, the men held off enemy fire and successfully flew the target to safety. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, not once but twice, these eight brave Night Stalkers demonstrated skillful flying and venerable courage in the face of danger. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives please join me in congratulating these eight brave men for their commendable service and thanking them for the sacrifices they have made for their country.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon, Thursday, October 6, 2011, I was unable to be present for part of a series of recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 765 (on the motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair), ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 766 (on agreeing to the Waxman amendment), and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 767 (on agreeing to the Rush amendment). Amendment No. 15 Offered by Ms. Hahn

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 446th Airlift Wing for earning the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award. The award reflects the wing's outstanding performance flying combat and peacetime missions between 2008 and 2010. The 446th Airlift Wing is Washington State's only Air Force Reserve flying unit and performs roughly 44 percent of all C-17 missions leaving McChord Field located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Having won this accolade in 2007, this honor marks the second time the 446th Airlift Wing has earned the Meritorious Unit Award. The Meritorious Unit Award was established in 2004 to recognize organizations for exceptional achievement or service in direct support of combat operations. The 2,100 airmen who make up the 446th Airlift Wing are honored for contributing directly to national objectives and continuously demonstrating their combat readiness as they fulfilled global peacetime and wartime operations. Flying more than 9,700 missions in more than 42,000 flying hours averaging 2,000 missions every four months to 11 different Iraqi airfields proves that this unit is nothing short of exemplary. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the 446th for its performance and its commitment to serving the United States. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives please join me in congratulating the 446th Airlift Wing for receiving the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my constituent, Elsa Hominda, for her outstanding advocacy for adopted children in Washington State and for being a 2011 Angels in Adoption honoree. I am pleased to join Senator Patty Murray in recognizing Elsa's dedicated work with local adoptees, their families, and birth parents. Elsa is a Search and Reunion Specialist at the Children's Home Society of Washington, a non-profit organization devoted to strengthening and supporting Washington's children and families. Elsa and her husband are also the proud parents of three adopted children, ages 5, 11, and 12. As a confidential intermediary at the Children's Home Society of Washington, Elsa acts as a neutral third-party to facilitate reunions between adoptees and birth parents. She serves as a counselor and mediator to the child or parent who is undertaking a search and helps to make what is often a very emotional and difficult process just a bit easier. Through her work, she has helped many individuals. One personal story that I found particularly moving involved a gentleman who was placed in an adoptive home over 50 years ago and who recently embarked on the poignant journey to find his birth mother. With the help of Ms. Hominda, this individual was able to reunite with his biological mother through a series of letters, emails, and eventually, a face-to-face reunion--a process that took several months. He is incredibly grateful for all the hard work Elsa did to facilitate the reunion and feels as though he has a new addition to his family. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives please join me in honoring Elsa Hominda, whose work reuniting Washington's adopted children with their birth families enriches the lives of everyone touched by the process of adoption.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 13, 2011, I recorded an erroneous vote on Final Passage of the bill H.R. 2218. I intended to vote ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 705, on passage of H.R. 2218, the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, September 12, 2011, I was unable to be present for recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 699 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2076, as amended), ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 700 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2633, as amended) and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 701 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1059).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize General James E. Cartwright for his forty years of accomplished military service. His unparalleled dedication to our troops and his visionary leadership in defense of our national security have left an indelible mark. We have been extremely grateful over the past five years to have benefited from his thoughtful and candid advice and recommendations, and are grateful for his testimony at many Congressional hearings on our nation's security and the future of our Armed Forces. General Cartwright hails from Rockford, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1971 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps shortly thereafter. The General served as a Naval Flight Officer in the F-4 and as a pilot in the F-4, OA-4 and the F-18. His flying career also included command of the First Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan. After an assignment as the Director for Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J-8) on the Joint Staff, then Lieutenant General Cartwright was promoted to General and became the first Marine Corps officer to lead United States Strategic Command. During his dedicated tenure as head of STRATCOM, General Cartwright led the development of strategies to counter a changed security environmental and rapidly emerging new threats, particularly in the critical areas of nuclear proliferation, cyber, space, and missile defense. His vision and leadership were essential to ensure that we are able to successfully and reliably meet the new challenges of a post- Cold War era. We are grateful for his service during the last four years as the eighth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The General's leadership also contributed directly to the integration of technologies that enabled, as an example, the destruction of a failing satellite by a missile for the first time, and the successful and historic raid against Osama Bin Laden. He reduced the loss of American lives in combat by facilitating the rapid delivery of much-needed new capabilities to the battlefield. Specifically, I would like to recognize his contribution to leading the MRAP program which resulted in a remarkable fifty percent decrease in deaths attributed to Improvised Explosive Device attacks. General Cartwright has been a bulwark in honoring the dedication and sacrifice of the 2.4 million active, guard and reserve members of the Armed Forces and their families, has steadfastly advocated for our wounded warriors, and kept the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our battlefields in our hearts and minds. General Cartwright's vision, dedication and invaluable leadership will prove a lasting legacy for the Armed Forces and for our country.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, I inadvertently did not record a vote during a series of recorded votes on amendments. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 653 (on agreeing to the Tonko amendment to H.R. 2584).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, July 22, and Monday, July 25, 2011, I was unable to be present for recorded votes due to a family commitment. I request the record show that had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 629 (on passage of H.R. 2551), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 630 (on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 363), and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 631 (on approving the journal).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 18, 2011, I was unable to be present for recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 601 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 33, as amended), and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 602 (on approving the journal).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant 1st Class Jose Weeks of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division for earning the 2010 Gruber Award as the best field artilleryman in the United States Army. The Gruber Award was established in 2002 to recognize the outstanding individuals who represent excellence among field artillerymen. Sergeant Jose Weeks dedicates himself to strengthening his unit by training them to be prepared for any situation. On July 14, 2010, when his convoy came under attack, an improvised explosive device struck the lead vehicle in his patrol. One of the soldiers in the patrol was severely injured by shrapnel. By the time the medic arrived, the soldiers inside the damaged vehicle had already begun emergency care and had applied a tourniquet to the wounded soldier's leg--a practice in which Weeks had repeatedly drilled his crew. Their rapid response saved the soldier's life and demonstrated Weeks's effectiveness as a trainer. Saving the life of another soldier through effective emergency training merits Weeks receiving the Gruber award. Weeks's Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Braley, confirmed, ``Sergeant First Class Weeks is an adaptable, flexible leader and a master artilleryman. . . . He can move from doing his core competencies to firing battery platoon sergeant . . . to conducting crew drills [to] IED patrol without skipping a beat.'' Jose Weeks is an exemplary soldier who is highly deserving of this award. It is an honor to recognize him for his leadership and commitment to serving in the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives please join me in congratulating Sergeant 1st Class Jose Weeks on receiving the Gruber Award as the best field artilleryman in the United States Army.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute to Lieutenant Colonel William ``Will'' Johnson, United States Army, on the occasion of his departure from the Army House Liaison Office to take Command of 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. I, and many other Members of the House of Representatives, have had the pleasure of working with him over the past two years that he has served as a part of the U.S. Army Office of Legislative Liaison and as a Liaison Officer in the Army Liaison Office in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery from the University of Richmond's Reserve Officer Training Corps in May of 1993. In January of 1994, he entered active military service when he attended the Field Artillery Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson's first unit of assignment was the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as a Fire Support Officer, Platoon Leader, and General's Aide- de-Camp. Upon completion of the Infantry Officer Advance Course, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. During his first time at Fort Stewart, he served as a Battalion Fire Support Officer and a Battery Commander. While a commander, he led his men in combat during the ground invasion of Iraq in 2003, stopping first in Baghdad and finishing in Fallujah. Upon his return from Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson married the former Jessica M. Parrish. After graduation from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson was reposted at Fort Stewart, Georgia. While living in Georgia, Will and his wife were blessed with the birth of their son, Davis. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson deployed once again to Iraq in 2007 as part of the ``Surge'' serving for 14 months as a Brigade Fire Support Officer and later as Battalion Operations Officer. Upon returning, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson and his family moved to the National Capitol Region for their current assignment in Army Legislative Liaison. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson was selected by Representative John M. Spratt, Jr. as his Department of Defense Military Fellow in the Second Session of the 111th Congress. Upon completion of his Fellowship, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson was assigned to the Army House Liaison Office informing and assisting all the members of this legislative body. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson has never failed to impress my colleagues and me with his energy and dedication to Soldiers, their families, and the United States Army. He is a superb representative of Army values. It is my great honor to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel William ``Will'' Johnson on his service to the Army and our Nation and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of this Soldier, citizen, and friend.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mr. SMITH of Washington. There are a number of arguments about this issue and arguments in favor of ending the mission in Libya. I think the Speaker articulated one, which is basically we support the idea of the removal of Qadhafi and they support the idea of supporting the people in Libya who are asking for a representative government. They just don't like our President's process. But that argument doesn't really make sense because if, in fact, their big complaint is that Congress hasn't had the opportunity to authorize this, then the Speaker of the House has had, by his own admission, a hundred days to offer that voice, to come up and say, No, we support the mission but here's how we want to limit it. They have not done that. I agree very strongly with Mr. Berman's statements. You can't have it both ways. You can't say we would like to remove Qadhafi, we would like to support the Libyan people, but we're going to offer up resolutions that are going to stop that from happening. Now, we can argue back and forth about that process, but clearly the Speaker of the House had an option in front of him to deal with that process issue, and this isn't it. As has been pointed out, this will stop what we are doing in Libya. If you support that--let me just say I support Mr. Kucinich in the sense that he is very honest. He doesn't like what is going on there. He wants it stopped. That's a legitimate position. But to stand up and say, Yes, we have to support the Libyan people; yes, Qadhafi should go, we're just going to cut the legs out from under the effort that would actually do that because of a complicated process argument is not a legitimate point. I also want to point out people are legitimately concerned about the U.S. being too militant in our approach, and I agree with that. We cannot be the policeman for the world. We should not always carry the load. But in this case it is a very, very limited mission that we have. For once, NATO is actually carrying the bulk of the mission. While I agree with Mr. Frank's comments from earlier that NATO needs to step up and do more, we finally have an instance when they are stepping up and doing more, and we want to pull the rug out from under them for the tiny little piece of help that we are giving that makes this mission possible. This is a limited role, and we must recognize that. The Speaker also emphasized that we would like to have all the answers going in. We'd like to know what the mission to get rid of Qadhafi is exactly. Well, you don't always have all the answers, and this has evolved. Initially, our mission was clear: Stop Qadhafi from crushing the forces who are trying to rise up and have a voice in their own government. And we did that. Incidentally, we do have some answers about who these rebels are. Do you want to know who they are? Look at Benghazi. What's going on in Benghazi, the place that is controlled by the people in opposition to Muammar Qadhafi? It is not the Muslim Brotherhood. It is not al Qaeda. It is the people of Libya wanting a representative government who are running that place. So let's stop acting conveniently like we don't know who these people are. We do have a very good idea who they are, and they are deserving of our support. We have a clear, limited vision. If we vote for Rooney, we pull the rug out from under that mission. We put Qadhafi in a position to stay in power, and we undermine a group of people who are asking for a legitimate voice in their government. And keep in mind, again, this is a very limited use of U.S. power in a very positive way. Whatever the process arguments are that brought us to this point, don't let them have the United States look like we don't support people standing up for the very values that we continually espouse throughout the world. I urge defeat of this resolution and support for what we are doing in Libya. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).