Chris Smith

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of H. Con. Res. 239, a timely and very necessary call for prayer and/or spiritual reflection during this time of extreme challenge. Mr. Speaker, as the father of four, I know that kids have vexing questions and myriad doubts and concerns over the recent spate of horrific terrorist acts. In the minds of many of our young people and in the minds of the old alike, cruelty, mass murder, terrorism defy easy answers. It seems to me that prayer or spiritual reflection in all venues, not just in the church, not just at home, but in all venues, including school, fosters healing and fosters reconciliation. The why of it, the questions concerning the essence of good and evil defy simply logic. To understand the depravity of September 11 requires all of us to look deeply at the hearts and at matters spiritual. The gentleman from North Carolina's (Mr. Jones) modest call for prayer or, and I emphasize the word ``or,'' quiet reflection is a positive, constructive, liberating and very necessary thing. Our young people need encouragement to pray and they need encouragement to reflect. Frankly, I find it bewildering and disappointing that this modest proposal should engender any opposition at all. There is nothing dangerous or risky about encouraging and even admonishing children to pray and to reflect. The gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) does not prescribe any specific prayer, nor is there anything in this resolution concerning specific content. I would hope that our children would be inspired not only to pray, but to pray for wisdom and understanding and strength, and also to pray for the victims and their families and their friends. There are a lot of hurting people out there. They need prayer. And I think we should encourage our kids to pray. I would hope America's young people would pray for reconciliations among people of disparate and often conflicting perspectives, and to pray for justice for those who perpetrate these crimes and cruelty. Mr. Speaker, prayer and spiritual reflection are as necessary as food and oxygen, and without it, our kids are deprived of the most essential element in building character. This is an excellent resolution and I hope we get a unanimous vote.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3240) to amend title 38, United States Code, to restore certain education benefits of individuals being ordered to active duty as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation, the ``National Medical Emergency Preparedness Act of 2001'' to create at least four new National Medical Preparedness Centers within the Department of Veterans Affairs. These centers would develop contemporary diagnostic and treatment programs, as well as teaching protocols to deal with the many possible chemical, biological and radiological threats that may confront our Nation at this dangerous time. I am joined by distinguished colleagues of the Veterans' Affairs Committee: Lane Evans, our Ranking Member; Mike Bilirakis, our Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health; Steve Buyer, our Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations; and Cliff Stearns, our former Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. As we watch with deep concern the unfolding events and investigations regarding anthrax in Florida and New York, in my own Congressional district in Trenton, New Jersey, and now here in Congress, in the Brentwood Post Office and a number of other locations, I believe that it is imperative that Congress ensure our Nation better prepare itself for incidents of terrorism. We need timely, effective, and comprehensive responses to protect the health of the American people, and that is why my colleagues and I are introducing this bill. The new centers would be under the general umbrella of the Department of Veterans Affairs, but would have special--even unique--missions that encompass a much larger role in protecting Americans. The bill calls for the establishment of at least four geographically dispersed locations. Each center would independently study and work toward solutions to problems emanating from exposure to dangerous chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. Although the VA would oversee these new centers, their work products should provide for the general welfare of the people. Mr. Speaker, we have learned a great deal in the last month about our health system's ability to recognize and respond to a biological attack. It is clear to me and the cosponsors of this legislation that there needs to be a significant investment in teaching health professionals about the effects of chemical, biological and nuclear agents. While health care specialists in the Armed Forces have developed a substantial body of information, their mission does not extend to teaching and assisting community health care providers throughout the United States. Further, we have seen the limitations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in responding to outbreaks and attacks. The VA health care system is an important piece to addressing the problems we currently face. Perhaps what is most important about the VA's capability is that it already exists in the 54 states and territories. The VA consists of 171 hospitals, 800 outpatient clinics and other facilities with their 182,000 employees including 14,000 physicians, and 60,000 nursing personnel of whom 37,000 are registered nurses. This represents a federally-appropriated resource with centralized command and control leadership that is the largest fully integrated health care system in the United States. In past disasters, the VA hospital has sometimes been the only operational medical facility in affected localities. This widely dispersed but integrated healthcare infrastructure makes the VA an essential national asset in responding to potential biological, chemical, or radiological attacks. VA's existing medical capability could be quickly expanded and enhanced with only modest investments. The mission of these centers would be to conduct research and develop methods of detection, diagnosis, vaccination, protection and treatment for chemical, biological, and radiological threats to public safety, such as anthrax, smallpox, bubonic plague, radiation poison and other hazards to human health that we may not be able to fathom today. My bill would authorize these centers to engage in direct research, coordinate ongoing and new research and educational activity in other public and private agencies, including research universities, schools of medicine, and schools of public health. The centers would act as clearinghouses for new discoveries and serve to disseminate the latest and most comprehensive information to public and private hospitals in order to improve the quality of care for patients who are exposed to these deadly elements. The skills and knowledge they produce would also help to protect health care workers, emergency personnel, active duty military personnel, police officers, and hopefully, all our citizens. Through its extensive medical and prosthetic research and clinical care programs, VA already has expertise in diagnosing and treating viral and bacterial illnesses associated with previous serious health problems, such as the hepatitis C epidemic, the HIV pandemic, and in earlier generations, the tuberculosis crisis. In the early part of this century, a number of VA hospitals were created specifically to combat tuberculosis, which had a high incidence in the veteran population. VA currently operates two War-Related Illness Centers tasked with developing specialized treatments for those illnesses and injuries that result from veterans' combat and wartime exposures. VA has successfully launched new centers with expertise in geriatrics and gerontology, mental illness and Parkinson's disease. These centers are superb examples of what experts can do when provided appropriate resources dedicated to specific goals. They show VA's ability to organize and develop programs and provide treatment for vexing health problems. In essence, these new National Medical Preparedness Centers would study those illnesses and injuries likely to come from terrorist attacks with weapons of mass destruction, or from another national environmental or biological emergency with similar risks. As we have seen since the anthrax incidents occurred, in many instances we possess no real protection, few treatments and only rudimentary methods of detection or diagnosis--this situation is simply unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. We need to make a major effort, and provide funding to accomplish it, such as we have done in many other cases. Whether in putting a man on the moon 32 years ago, or in combating polio closer to home, it is incumbent upon this Congress to encourage and fund solutions--in this case, to prepare the Nation to prevent or respond to the new and very real threats from terrorist use of chemical, biological and radiological poisons. Mr. Speaker, this is a time for all of us to think hard about what has happened to us, and what we need to do about it. The President has taken the right action by deploying our military forces in search of justice overseas. We need to help him with the right solutions here at home. These centers that our legislation would authorize are the right way to proceed in this important work. Please join with us in supporting our initiative to authorize four new National Medical Preparedness Centers, working within the Department of Veterans Affairs, but working for us all.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I take this opportunity to salute France's historic leadership in the defense of human rights. After the events of September 11th, as freedom-loving people wrestle with the scourge of terrorism, they will look to countries like France to see whether the torch of human rights is being held high. Therefore, mindful of France's historic work and current commitments to defend human rights, it was with remorse and surprise that I observed this summer the National Assembly's approval of the law for the ``Prevention and Repression of Cultic Movements.'' As participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), France and the United States share the commitment and responsibility to observe and uphold religious freedom, including the right of the individual to profess and practice religion or belief. Through my work as Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I am alarmed by recent developments in Europe that impinge on this fundamental freedom. Recently, it would appear that certain OSCE friends and allies have forgotten that religious movements can play a positive role in society, providing impetus for important social change. For instance, the role of the Catholic Church in Poland during the cold war or the activism of some churches and religious leaders in the Southern United States during the Civil Rights Movement offered vital moral and ethical guidance and support. Mr. Speaker, particularly in Western Europe, we have observed an increase in laws calibrated specifically to target religious groups. The United States shares with Western Europe core values regarding human dignity and rights, and we gratefully acknowledge Western Europe's traditional openness toward religious minorities. However, the development of ``anti-cult '' laws threatens this tradition. At the same time, I understand and appreciate the dangers of criminal activity operating under the guise of religion. However, I strongly believe that any religious movement violating the rule of law should be prosecuted using mainstream law enforcement tools, as opposed to special laws or extra-judicial investigations not in harmony with the core values enshrined in the OSCE's Helsinki Final Act and other international documents regarding human dignity and rights. In sum, I am concerned about vaguely crafted government regulations against religious organizations and adherents that serve to foster intolerance against individuals because of their beliefs. In France, such a law entered into effect this summer. Provisions of the law, Mr. Speaker, provide governmental entities and private citizens the ability to apply civil and criminal sanctions against any so-called ``cult'' or its de facto leader. Other extensive powers include the removal of basic civic freedoms if an individual is found guilty of using ``techniques likely to alter judgment.'' Despite the law's obvious bent against minority faiths, its broad powers, combined with the vague wording, could permit arbitrary application and abuse. Overall, I find the creation of such a law, especially in a mature democracy like France, alarming and incongruent with the nation's long history of supporting human rights. I had the opportunity this past summer to meet with the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Raymond Forni, as well as one of the key author's of the bill, Mme. Catherine Picard, and shared with them these concerns. Considering France's position as a world leader, this domestic action will cause repercussions elsewhere, such as in emerging democracies which will have and look to French leadership on these matters. Often, the U.S. Government and Congress are criticized for ``meddling'' in the internal affairs of another sovereign nation. I feel certain detractors in France will level the same argument. However, the OSCE Moscow Concluding Document (1991) speaks directly to this issue, declaring ``The participating State emphasize that issues relating to human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law are of international concern, as respect for these rights and freedoms constitutes one of the foundations of international order. They categorically and irrevocably declare that the commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension * * * are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned.'' [emphasis added] Mr. Speaker, religious believers in France have already offered concerns about the effects of the new French law on their right to profess and practice their faith in their own country. Statutes of this nature, which target individuals with unpopular belief systems, are antithetical to democracies in the twenty first century. Accordingly, I join them in urging French authorities to fully respect France's commitments as an OSCE participating State when implementing the new law.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the Reservists Education Protection Act of 2001. Original cosponsors of this legislation include my good friend Lane Evans (D-IL), the Ranking Democratic Member of the VA Committee and 31 other Members of the House. This bill would reinstate VA educational entitlement to certain Active Duty servicemembers and veterans in reserve components called up for Operation Enduring Freedom and future national emergencies. Up to 10,000 of the 50,000 Reservists recently called to active duty by President Bush as a result of the September 11th attacks against the United States would lose educational assistance entitlement if they are forced to disenroll from school. Many of them would also lose the tuition they paid. The Reservists Education Protection Act of 2001 would restore monthly entitlement to (a) veterans in reserve components who are using the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) earned by prior active duty, and (b) regular Active Duty servicemembers and veteran reservists who are transferred to a new duty station or assignment. The Reservists Education Protection Act of 2001 would cover any such servicemember involved in a national emergency after September 11, 2001. (Note: Reservists using the MGIB-Selected Reserve program already have entitlement restoration benefits, and additional time to use their benefit.) Active Duty servicemembers and veterans are currently entitled to 36 months of educational benefits; this bill assures that no entitlement is lost due to mobilization. The Reservists Education Protection Act of 2001 is similar to the relief that Congress provided during the Persian Gulf War. The servicemember would also regain time to attend school by extending their Montgomery GI Bill delimiting date by their mobilization tour of duty, plus four months, to the 10 years that they already have. For example, if a servicemember is mobilized for six months, he or she would have 10 months added to their delimiting date. Active Duty servicemembers and veterans enrolled in the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (chapter 32) and Survivors and Dependants Educational Assistance (chapter 35) would also be included in the Reservists Education Protection Act of 2001.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, time is running out for us to stop mad scientists from cloning innocent human beings. Infamous fertility specialist Severino Antinori is working with a team of scientists right now to clone humans. He recently told the BBC radio, and I quote, I think in 3 or 4 months we will have the first pregnancy. Asked whether he would have a cloned human being by September 2002, he said, I hope and I believe. Columnist Charles Krauthammer is one of the many calling on the Senate to pass a human cloning ban. He recently said, and I quote, ``Sanity and prudence combined to produce a great victory on July 31 when the House of Representatives overwhelmingly defeated--the margin was over 100 votes--the legalization of early human embryonic cloning. But the fight is not over. The Senate needs to act as well.'' Our government, Mr. Speaker, cannot sit idly by as unethical scientists play God and redefine what it means to be a human. We cannot allow this violation of human rights, this crime against humanity, to take place on our watch. We need a cloning ban and we need it now.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Trenton, New Jersey, as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary. In 1941, 60 years ago, in response to a petition by the African- American community, The Most Reverend William A. Griffin, Bishop of Trenton, established Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Church to accommodate the spiritual needs of a local Trenton community who sought solace and guidance in their Roman Catholic Faith and black heritage. This new Parish had its beginnings in the former Masonic Temple on Pennington Avenue, where it remains today. On June 14, 1941, Bishop Griffin blessed the new Church and officiated the first Mass. Since its beginning, the Society of the Divine Word has staffed Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Church. The Society of the Divine Word has the great distinction of being the first congregation to create seminary opportunities for black men. At present, there are about 6,000 members in the Society of the Divine Word working in 62 countries around the world. One of the hallmarks of this vigorous religious family is its international character and multi-cultural congregation. Teams of missionaries are made up of members from many different nations and cultures working together for the Kingdom of God as a concrete sign for our divided world that such cooperation is both possible and desirable. Mr. Speaker, for 60 years, Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd has faithfully served its parishioners, ministering and providing services to the community. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd and to thank them for all of their contributions to the rich heritage and culture of Trenton, the Capital city of New Jersey.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for House Resolution 224, which honors more than 10,000 members of the New Jersey State Law Enforcement Officers Association. As a proud co-sponsor of this resolution, which was introduced prior to the September 11th attacks, our respect for New Jersey's law enforcement officers runs deep. Day in and day out, these individuals routinely put their life on the line--valor, courage and bravery are commonplace in their daily job. Formed in 1938, The New Jersey State Law Enforcement Officers Association celebrates a rich tradition of service and dedication to our citizens. Individuals who enforce New Jersey's state laws, and the ordinances of New Jersey municipalities, are eligible for active membership. Currently, the Association includes members from Federal, State, County and Municipal Law Enforcement Agencies, including Special and Auxiliary Police. Mr. Speaker, the events of September 11, 2001 have shown all Americans that our law enforcement officers serve at great risk to their personal safety. The men and women of New Jersey's law enforcement community are genuine community leaders who do a tough job and do it well. Within an hour of the attack, New Jersey police officers were deployed to the Hudson River to assist the victims. Every single day since then, they have been working around-the-clock to bolster security in the New Jersey-New York region. Specifically, additional troopers have been mobilized to augment security in airports, bridges, and tunnels, as well as to strengthen security at the Salem Hope Creek and Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Stations. New Jersey State Patrol Marine units have also been deployed to patrol waterways, especially the waterways adjacent to the nuclear facilities. New Jersey State Police have also increased their presence in Atlantic City Hotels and other likely terrorist targets. New Jersey officers have also had to deal with thousands of calls in response to pubic fears about anthrax contamination. HAZMAT teams have been deployed across the state to investigate actual anthrax incidents, as well as cruel hoaxes. In my own district, the Hamilton police department has been working non-stop to protect and reassure local residents who have seen their very neighbors and co-workers exposed and even infected with anthrax. In our greatest hour of need, New Jersey law enforcement officers have filled the breach and made us all proud. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the bravery and honor of the law enforcement officers of New Jersey. The New Jersey State Law Enforcement Officers Association is the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities, and especially at this time of uncertainty, our law enforcement officers deserve our full support.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, both of my older brothers are competent, experienced master pilots with thousands of flight hours. One flew Hueys and Cobra Army helicopters; another brother is a former aircraft fighter pilot who flew A-7s off the USS Enterprise. Today he is a 757 captain with a major airline. What we do today holds an added personal significance for me and my family. After the jets and planes went back into the sky following the horrific tragedy of September 11, he and his wife, who is a flight attendant, courageously did their jobs. They, like many other air crews, braved flight despite the fact that serious flaws in aircraft security remained. We can change that today. The pilots and air crews, like the police, fire and emergency ``first responders'' at ground zero are heroes. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude, admiration, and respect. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the approach to ensuring aviation safety, Members are fully committed to protecting every flight crew and passenger in America. To suggest otherwise is demagoguery. I assume goodwill on both sides. The current aviation security system is broken big time. The private sector system that we have had in the past, and I would submit, even with federal ``supervision'' going forward is likely to be less than the optimum. The Private Sector may not be up to the challenge of dealing with the new magnitude of terrorist threats that America faces. When it comes to the overriding and paramount interest of protecting American lives and our national security, I believe we can and must count on a professionally trained and maintained workforce. Neither bill is a panacea. Neither bill guarantees success; but highly trained Federal employees give us the best shot. I would point out that at the Department of Defense, at our borders with the Custom Service and with the Border Patrol, we count on them to provide that kind of protection. The job of protecting 96,000 miles of land, sea and air at our borders, and more than 300 ports of entry is entrusted each day to dedicated employees of the U.S. Customs Service. Mr. Chairman, I support the Oberstar-Ganske Competing Amendment. It is the best of the two proposals. Mr. Chairman, both of my older brothers are competent, experienced, master pilots with thousands of flight hours. One flew Hueys and Cobra Army helicopters. Another brother is a former aircraft carrier fighter pilot who flew A-7's off the U.S.S. Enterprise. Today, he is a 757 captain with a major airline. So what we do here today holds an added personal significance and meaning for me and my family. After jets and planes went back into the sky following the horrific tragedy of September 11th, he--and his wife, who is a flight attendant--courageously did their jobs. They--like many of their air crew colleagues--braved flight despite the fact that serious safety flaws remained. We can change that today. The pilots and aircrews--like the police, fire, and emergency responders at ground zero--are heroes. We owe them a great debt of gratitude, admiration and respect. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that both sides of the aisle, and both sides of the approach to ensuring aviation safety, are fully committed and eager to protect every flight crew and passenger in America. To suggest otherwise is pure demagoguery. I assume good will on both sides. The Oberstar-Ganske amendment, which I have cosponsored as H.R. 3165, is a comprehensive attempt to improve out nation's airline security. We cannot allow any of the past deficiencies in the screening of passengers and property to continue. The past problems with unstructured and mostly private aviation security systems now in place at our airports must be scrapped, replaced, and repaired. The current system is broken. Unfortunately, the private security systems have not in the past, and certainly cannot now be expected to deal with the new magnitude of terrorist threats America faces. Everyday brings news of some new incident where somebody with a box cutter, knife, or gun manages to walk onto an airplane. Last week, a man flying out of New Orleans International Airport boarded a Boeing 737 with a loaded handgun in his briefcase. He went right through airport security undetected. Why can't we just admit that while the private sector does many things well, they are just not up the task of airport security? How many more guns have to get onto aircraft before we face reality? When it comes to the overriding and paramount interests of protecting American lives and our national security, I believe that we can trust and count on federal workers. They have proven themselves at the Defense Department, and at our borders with the Customs Service and the Border Patrol. We don't contract these jobs out because they are too important to leave in the hands of the private sector. The job of protecting 96,000 miles of U.S. land, air, and sea borders and more than 300 ports of entry is entrusted each day to the 20,000 dedicated employees of the U.S. Customs Service. The job of protecting our own security right here in our offices and on this House floor is performed by the very capable and dedicated federal employees of the Capitol Police Force. I ask my colleagues this question: if private security firms are so great, why not go with private security firms at the Customs Service or the Capitol Police Force? Maybe we should privatize the Secret Service protection of the President while we are at it. Why should Congress and the President be protected by federal employees, while the rest of the country's security is provided by often poorly paid, poorly trained ``rent-a-cop'' outfits? Airport security is a national law enforcement function and cannot be subject to cost-cutting measures that have fostered the poor standards that have contributed to serious security lapses. The Oberstar-Ganske amendment would do more than just federalize the mission of bag screeners and airline security personnel. It would significantly expand the Federal Air Marshals program and provide for the mandatory training of flight and cabin crews to deal with aircraft threat conditions. It authorizes $50 million annually over the next five years for research in security technologies and $20 million for the FAA to issue research grants. This amendment also allows the Department of Justice to determine whether federal or state and local law enforcement personnel should be employed at our smaller airports. The amendment requires stringent background checks for current employees that have access to secure areas at airports. The bill also would allow the pilot, co-pilot, or flight engineer to carry firearms after the successful completion of a comprehensive training program; it would require the strengthening of cockpit doors and locks; and it includes provisions that would call for criminal history and background checks for students seeking flight training on certain classes of airports. The public's confidence in air travel, badly shaken by the September 11th attacks and events afterward, must be restored. The Oberstar Amendment will accomplish this goal. It will assist in the stabilization and recovery of our airlines and related industries. This amendment will provide the level of security the American people deserve. Mr. Chairman, we cannot continue with a system that could again put our national security and the lives of Americans at risk.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that there are 225,000 homeless veterans living on the streets on any given night. Other organizations, VSOs, believe that the number is higher, closer to 300,000. Either number is far, far too high and a national travesty. For these veterans, access to VA benefits, specialized services and effective outreach are vital components to any hope of individual stability and improvement in their prospects. The legislation before the House today, H.R. 2716, is designed to provide assistance to these men and women, with a national goal of ending chronic homelessness among veterans within 10 years. Mr. Speaker, legislation is about more than programs and regulations; it is about real people. Let me spend just a moment describing to the House the remarkable life of one, just one, but a very, very important guy, who had his life changed because of the VA. It made a major difference in his life. Stuart Alan Collick is a 39-year-old veteran from my State of New Jersey. Last month he appeared before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to tell his story. Stuart joined the all-volunteer army at the age of 23 and told us he could not think of any higher calling than to serve his country, and he did it with distinction. Stuart had combat service in Grenada, and later distinguished himself as an infantryman in the Persian Gulf War. He holds the Army Service Ribbon with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Southwest Asia Service Ribbon, three Bronze Stars, and three Good Conduct Medals, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge, among other official recognition. He served, as I said, with distinction; and he did his duty. But, as you know, combat is an extremely unpleasant and a very terrible experience for many and leaves scars that sometimes do not heal. Mr. Collick left the Army in 1992 a disillusioned man and he began drinking, and then he turned to hard drug use. Within 5 years of discharge, he had lost his job, his family and his home, and was on the streets. His life, like that of many other homeless addicted veterans, was in chaos. Last year, Mr. Collick found the VA Homeless Assistance Program of New Jersey. With the VA's help and with his faith, he turned his life around, finding new ways to cope. He found a job and his own apartment. He developed new friendships and reestablished relationships with his family, which had been severed. Today Mr. Collick is working as a carpenter and a foreman on the VA's veterans construction team at Lyons, New Jersey, helping to build a commercial greenhouse and teaching other veterans how to build something positive, showing them by his own personal example that there is hope. Today Mr. Collick is a role model. He is an inspiration to his fellow veterans in early recovery and drawing strength from his own experiences in the Army and in his life. This is what this bill is all about. The VA's construction project is a plan of the innovative leader of New Jersey's Homeless Assistance Program for Veterans, John Kuhn, who also testified at our hearing and is doing a magnificent job; and he testified with a few other veterans who, likewise, told their stories of being down at the bottom, but finding hope and finding that lifesaver from the VA. Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to pinpoint any one cause of homelessness among our veterans. Readjustment problems are often associated with direct exposure to combat, such as Mr. Collick's case, and that of thousands, tens of thousands, of others like him, who returned to a seemingly uncaring society. Also we know that the majority of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, including posttraumatic stress disorder. Illegal substance abuse often complicates their situations. Some have even served time in jail. A veteran with an impaired mental state often loses the ability to maintain stable employment. Absent employment, it eventually becomes difficult to maintain any type of permanent housing. The vicious cycle can only accelerate once employment and housing are lost. The absence of these two important anchors, employment and housing, is a precursor for increased utilization of medical resources and emergency rooms, VA and other public hospitals, and, unfortunately, the resources of America's courtrooms, jails and prisons as well. That is why our legislation takes a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to addressing chronic homelessness among veterans, concentrating the resources of Federal agencies in this campaign. For example, H.R. 2716 authorizes 2,000 additional HUD section 8 low-income housing vouchers phased in over 4 years for homeless veterans in need of permanent housing. These veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care, and priority will be given to veterans under care for mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders. This is a modest proposal that, if successful, I hope will be increased substantially going forward into the future. H.R. 2617 also authorizes $10 million over 2 years for 10 new Domiciliary for Homeless Veterans programs. These programs, like the one at Lyons, New Jersey, helped Stuart Collick. Again, it was his lifeline; and they have proven to be highly effective, and we need to have more. The bill improves and expands the VA's homeless grant and per diem program. Currently, recipients of these funds are already contributing substantially to the fulfillment of this bill's objective, to reduce homelessness and provide for the special needs of homeless veterans. This bill authorizes $285 million over 4 years for that program. It also provides a new mechanism for setting per diem payment so it will be adjusted on a regular basis. Working, as we all know, is an important key to helping homeless veterans rejoin American society, but employment is not possible unless a veteran has access to quality medical care and other supportive services. Safe and drug-free housing is equally important. The Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program was designed to put homeless veterans back into the labor force. H.R. 2716 extends and increases the authorization level to $250 million over 5 years for this very effective program. As I indicated, prevention of homelessness among veterans is an important objective of our bill. H.R. 2716 authorizes a demonstration program to learn whether earlier intervention can prevent homelessness among formerly institutionalized veterans. The program would be carried out at six demonstration sites, one of which would be with the Bureau of Prisons facilities. The purpose of this program is to provide incarcerated veterans with referral and counseling about job training, housing, health care and other needs determined necessary to assist the veteran in transition from institutionalized living to civil life. Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the highlights of our comprehensive bill, the Stuart Collick-Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans' Assistance Act. I believe the bill accomplishes several very important and interrelated goals. It will provide needed assistance to homeless veterans, lift them to a sustainable level that will prevent them from returning to a state of homelessness, and help them to become self-sufficient individuals who are accountable for their own actions. This bill will also hold all grant and contract recipients accountable for performing their promised services in exchange for government investments and promote a greater opportunity to work across Departments to provide the best possible service for our Nation's homeless veterans. It also sponsors innovative approaches at prevention of homelessness in high-risk groups within the veterans population. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank my very good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the committee's ranking member, for a bill he introduced earlier, H.R. 936, to improve Homeless Veterans Assistance Programs. The gentleman and his staff have worked in good faith with me and my staff in fashioning a bill that is truly a bipartisan bill that has taken many elements that are out there, made those that are already working hopefully more responsive, hopefully, and, as this bill would do, provide additional resources for them. I do hope that this will move through the House and obviously to the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I add the following for the Record. U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington, DC, October 12, 2001. Hon. Michael G. Oxley, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Oxley: Thank you for your letter regarding your Committee's jurisdictional interest in H.R. 2716, the ``Stuart Collick-Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act''. I acknowledge your committee's jurisdictional interest in this legislation and appreciate your cooperation in moving the bill to the House floor expeditiously. I agree that your decision to forego further action on the bill will not prejudice the Committee on Financial Services with respect to its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation. I will include a copy of your letter and this response in the Committee's report on the bill and the Congressional Record when the legislation is considered by the House. Thank you again for your cooperation. Sincerely, Christopher H. Smith, Chairman.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2716) to amend title 38, United States Code, to revise, improve, and consolidate provisions of law providing benefits and services for homeless veterans, as amended.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute, just to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) for his kind remarks and also to make note that the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the chairman of our Subcommittee on Health, was very, very helpful in crafting this legislation. He is not here today because he is at the White House, or he would be here. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons), a member of the committee and a Vietnam veteran himself. (Mr. SIMMONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume just to conclude. At the end of every movie we always see a list of credits, and they are the people really, not just the director or even the actor or actress that makes that movie, it is that cast of people that really do the nuts and bolts work of any movie. Well, the same goes for legislation. I think every one of us are very well aware how important staff is, and I just want to say how grateful I am to the professionalism and the competence and, above all, the compassion of our very fine staff. It is a bipartisan staff headed up by Pat Ryan, our Chief Counsel and Chief of Staff; John Bradley, Kimberly Cowins, Greg Carmichael, Kingston Smith, Jeannie McNally, Summer Larson, Darryl Kehrer, Paige McManus, Peter Dickenson, Devon Seibert, Jerry Tan and Art Wu, and the ranking member's staff, including Mike Dunishin and Susan Edgerton, all of whom played major roles in crafting this legislation. I want to express my sincerest gratitude. Mr. Speaker, this truly is a bipartisan bill. We really want to end the horrific tragedy of homelessness for our veterans, end it for everyone, but first and foremost, those who served this country.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to vacate the ordering of the yeas and nays on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2716, as amended, to the end that the Chair put the question on the motion de novo.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank the distinguished chairman.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank my good friend for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage Chairman Goss in a brief colloquy on the matter of border security. The State Department has the legal responsibility to issue visas at our U.S. embassies and consulates. Over the years, we have vastly improved the process by which visas are issued. Name check systems are now computerized, allowing the consular officer at a post to have a reliable method of vetting a person's entry into the United States. This system of name checking is only as good, however, as the information that is entered into the system. I would like to ask the chairman that in the course of the intelligence bill conference, that he work to ensure that the best cooperation is received from relevant agencies to be sure that current information is provided on a timely basis to the State Department for purposes of securing a better name check system. I would note that all 18 of the suicide hijackers were granted visas. Something is wrong and we need to fix it.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to provide targeted tax relief to all workers who are laid off and who receive severance benefits, and to grant re-training assistance to older workers who often have special difficulties when trying to find new employment after a lay-off. My legislation would allow all workers, of any age, to exclude up to $15,000 from their taxable income for severance pay, effective after the date of enactment. This legislation is based on the common-sense principle that having one's employment terminated is painful enough for a family to deal with. Clearly, the federal government should not make matters worse by levying additional taxes on non-recurring severance payments. Severance benefits often create the impression of affluence on paper, and when they are counted as ordinary income (as is the case under current law). The payments boost family incomes into higher tax brackets, and result in higher tax liability. In many cases, a sizeable portion of the severance benefit is lost to the I.R.S. in the form of higher taxes. This glitch in our tax code was brought to my attention several years ago by a constituent of mine, Mr. Bill Giovennetti of Hamilton, when he told me that he lost thousands of dollars of his severance benefits when he was forced to take early retirement in the early 1990s, as his company was downsizing. Because he was a long-time employee, his severance benefit was fairly significant, and it put him into a higher tax bracket. He protested this taxation to the I.R.S., thinking initially that it was some kind of mistake. Common sense would suggest that the I.R.S. would not want to kick a man when he's down on his luck and out of a job by hiking his taxes and taking away part of his severance package. When he got the letters back from the I.R.S. telling him that severance pay is included and taxed as regular income, he couldn't believe it. His case is not the first, nor will it be the last, unless this legislation becomes law. Current law on taxing severance pay has no policy justification. Severance pay is not recurring income. Including it as income distorts a person's true financial situation and makes them appear more wealthy. However, the fact of the matter is that the family's actual financial situation has been weakened by the impending lay-off. The non-recurring nature of severance payments is not recognized by our tax code, and in effect, current law is harshest on those workers who put in the longest years of service to their employer. People should not suffer a tax penalty merely because they have been loyal, longstanding employees, and my legislation provides necessary and needed tax relief to middle class families. The exclusion can be taken either in the year the severance payment is received, or in one of the next two succeeding taxable years. I have capped the exclusion at $15,000, to ensure that taxpayers are helping those who really need our assistance, not padding the ``golden parachute'' bonuses of CEOs. Mr. Speaker, since the horrible events of September 11, literally tens of thousands of workers--particularly those in the airline, travel, and tourism industries--have been laid off. Over 100,000 lay offs are anticipated in the airline industry alone when all is said and done. Our economy has taken a body blow, and we will need to provide our laid-off workers all the help we can give so that they can land on their feet. Severance payments are more than just a reward for service. Severance benefits often are used by laid-off workers as seed capital to start their own businesses. They are used for retraining purposes, such as tuition or fees for specialized training programs. Taxing these benefits is like throwing an anchor to a drowning swimmer. Instead of being a tax albatross, severance payments should be a lifeline that unemployed workers can rely upon when trying to find another job. Not all workers who are laid off find it easy to get another job that pays wages similar to their last job. In fact, older workers -- especially those over the age of 50--often experience major difficulties. To address this problem, my legislation provides a $2,000 targeted refundable tax credit for displaced older workers to help them with retraining expenses. Workers over age 50 usually have spent most (or all) of their careers at the same firm, and often experience difficulties finding new employment after suffering a lay off. This is the result of a number of factors, including: (1) middle-aged employees do not always receive continuous training, and therefore existing job skills might be obsolete in the current job market, (2) the middle aged employee often has higher salary requirements than other workers seeking employment in his or her field, (3) prospective employers are often reluctant to invest additional training in older workers because the firm will not be able to recoup that investment before the employee retires, and (4) the terminated employee may need to switch industries entirely, necessitating training, since the old industry skills are specialized and not easily transferable. Since the employer often does not have an incentive to invest in retraining for older workers, this tax credit will help individuals retrain and find new employment so that they may be gainfully employed for a period of time before retirement. Because only workers over age 50 can claim the $2,000 credit, this should significantly reduce the costs of the credit, and it also targets the relief where it is most needed. The credit is also refundable, so it can be claimed as a refund even if the person has no taxable income. In this way, the legislation is certain to benefit lower-income workers. The qualified retraining expenses under the bill are for items such as tuition and fees, books, supplies, equipment for college or technical retraining courses, and/or meals and lodging at an educational institution. There is a means test which affects those earning over $100,000 for a married person filing jointly, $75,000 for an individual, or $50,000 for a married person filing separately. The value of the credit steadily diminishes for those earning over these amounts. The means test was included to ensure the retraining credit is targeted to help the middle class. Lastly, my bill initiates a comprehensive study on the special needs of displaced older workers. As many of my colleagues know, federal job assistance programs ought to be tailored to meet the various needs of workers seeking new jobs. Anecdotal evidence suggests older workers may have unique retraining needs. This study will focus on the needs of such workers, and help agencies meeting these needs decide how existing programs should be improved. The bill would require the General Accounting Office (GAO) to study the special needs of older (age 50+) displaced workers, and would examine: (1) the unique differences in needs between older and younger workers trying to find a job after a lay off, (2) an assessment of whether current programs adequately meet these special needs (if any) of older workers, (3) an assessment of whether older workers are disproportionately and negatively impacted by job losses attributable to international trade, and (4) an assessment of whether the private sector has sufficient incentives to invest in worker retraining for older workers. Mr. Speaker, our workers who have suffered a lay off need our help. In the wake of September 11, we now have two enemies to fight: terrorism and recession. My proposal is just one component of the effort to get our economy moving again and to help unemployed workers regain their financial footing.s

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to more than 70,000 Americans--and their family members--who are currently affected by spina bifida, a debilitating disease caused when a baby's spine fails to close properly during pregnancy. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the good works of the Spina Bifida Association of America, an organization that has helped people with spina bifida and their families for nearly 30 years. Mr. Speaker, as most Members know, spina bifida, is the most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect afflicting 1 out of every 1,000 babies born in this country each year. There are three different forms of spina bifida with the most severe being Myelomeningocele spina bifida, which causes nerve damage and severe disabilities. This severe form of spina bifida is diagnosed in 96 percent of children born with this disease. Between 70 to 90 percent of the children born with spina bifida are at risk of mental retardation when fluid collects around the brain. With proper medical care, people who suffer from spina bifida can lead full and productive lives. But they must learn how to move around using braces, crutches or wheelchairs, how to learn and how to function independently. They must also be careful to avoid a host of secondary health problems ranging from depression and learning disabilities to skin problems and latex allergies. Because spina bifida can be detected before birth by using prenatal tests, more than 50 percent of babies diagnosed with spina bifida are aborted--their lives cruelly snuffed out because of their anomalies. Tragically, expectant parents are wrongly pressured to abort their child if spina bifida is detected during pregnancy. It is imperative to get the word out and let expectant parents know that spina bifida is not a death sentence. Those parents who have rejected such pressure have had their lives enriched through the love they share with their child. The Spina Bifida Association of America works tirelessly to help families meet the challenges and enjoy the rewards of raising their child. As part of its service through 60 chapters in more than 100 communities across the country, the SBAA puts expecting parents in touch with families who have a child with spina bifida. These families answer questions and concerns and help guide expecting parents so that they make life-affirming, family enriching decisions. The SBAA then works to provide lifelong support and assistance for affected children and their families. Today, about 90 percent of all babies diagnosed with this disease live into adulthood, about 80 percent have normal IQs and about 75 percent participate in sports and other recreational activities. We also know that spina bifida may be preventable if women consume folic acid supplements during their childbearing years and early stages of pregnancy. The daily amount of folic acid needed is typically found in most multivitamins. It is heartening to see such promising statistics for people with spina bifida. The spina bifida community and our nation owe a tremendous debt to the SBAA for its work over the past three decades. Much more work still needs to be done, and I am confident this fine organization will lead the effort for decades to come.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the students, faculty, and alumni of Holy Cross School in Trenton, New Jersey on the school's 100th anniversary. In 1901, the Reverend Francis Czernecki and the Felician Sisters founded the school to educate students in a family-oriented atmosphere while instilling the rich tradition of Catholicism into the cultural and intellectual life of every pupil. Today, 100 years later, Holy Cross School is leading 280 students into this millennium with a Catholic value-centered education, and supported by a strong community of faith. The current generation of lay teachers follow in the footsteps of Felician Sisters who came to Trenton in 1901. The religious teaching community, known as the Sisters of Saint Felix of Cantalice, was founded in Warsaw, Poland in 1855. Many Sisters from the community taught at Holy Cross up until 12 years ago, when the remaining Felician Sisters retired. Nevertheless, the values, dedication, and vision that these Felician Sisters started so many years ago continues to flourish at Holy Cross School today. Mr. Speaker, in the South Ward of Trenton, New Jersey, many people count three priorities in their community: family, friends, and the Holy Cross School. I would like to thank the school and the surrounding community for their hard work and dedication to providing an outstanding educational institution filled with tradition and faith that serves the people of Trenton, New Jersey.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Joachim's Roman Catholic Church in Trenton, New Jersey, as they celebrate their Centennial. At the turn of the 20th Century, millions of immigrants from Italy journeyed to the United States in the hopes of starting a new life. Thousands of these immigrants--who later become proud Italian-Americans--settled in Trenton, New Jersey. These immigrants found jobs in the city's once thriving steel mills, rubber factories, and pottery factories. But life was about much more than work. These newcomers sought comfort in their Italian culture, kinship with their fellow immigrants, and solace and guidance in their Roman Catholic faith. In 1901, 100 years ago, because of cultural differences and language barriers, Rev. James A. McFaul, Bishop of Trenton, established St. Joachim's Parish to accommodate the spiritual needs of the city's newest Catholics. Bishop McFaul gave the task of establishing this new parish to Rev. Aloysius Pozzi, an Italian Priest who at the time had been in the United States for less than five years. This new Parish had a meager physical beginning. There was no church, and Masses were held in Centennial Hall on Hudson and Genesee Streets. But while lacking in physical materials, this new Parish was rich in members and spirit. In fact, the first Mass of St. Joachim's was offered for 1,500 people. Plans to build their own church were quickly developed and on August 15, 1903, the cornerstone of St. Joachim's Church was laid during festivities attended by church and civic leaders, as well as thousands of Italian-American immigrants. But Rev. Pozzi, who later became a Monsignor, did not rest once the church was built; instead he worked tirelessly to establish a new parochial school, which opened in 1909. For 90 years, St. Joachim's School provided area children with a value- filled Catholic education until declining enrollment forced its closure in 1999. Mr. Speaker, for 100 years, St. Joachim's has faithfully served its parishioners, ministering and providing services to the community. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in congratulating St. Joachim's on their Centennial Celebration and to thank them for all of their contributions to the rich heritage and culture of Trenton, the Capital City of New Jersey.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Chairman, have not we had enough violence lately? With all due respect to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez), the amendment she offers will result in babies being brutally killed by abortion and will force pro-life Americans to facilitate the slaughter of innocent children. Sanchez will turn military hospitals into abortions mills. I want no part of the carnage. Madam Chairwoman, abortion is violence against children. Some abortion methods dismember and rip apart the fragile little bodies of children. Other abortion methods chemically poison children. There is nothing benign or ``curing'' or nurturing about abortion. It is violence. We worry today about the agony of chemical attack. Yet abortionists routinely attack unborn children with lethal chemicals. Abortionists turn the babies spines to jelly. Abortionists turn children's bodies into burned corpses, a direct result of the caustic effect of salt poisoning and other methods of chemical abortions. It's gruesome yet the apologists sanitize the awful deed with soothing, misleading rhetoric. Abortion methods are particularly ugly, Madam Chairman, because under the guise of choice, they turn human baby girls and baby boys into dead baby boys and baby girls. We have had enough loss of innocent life. Reject the Sanchez amendment.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the chairman yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, as the prime sponsor of the Admiral James W. Nance and Meg Donovan Foreign Relations Authorization Act, fiscal years 2000 and 2001, H.R. 3427, signed by President Clinton on November 29, 1999, I rise in very strong support of this legislation, S. 248, legislation that alters that Act and provides additional flexibility in pursuing our goals of reforming the operations of the United Nations while strengthening our efforts to build a coalition against this terrorist threat that we all face. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3427, which authorized appropriations for the Department of State, contained dozens of reforms for our State Department, refugee protection, freedom broadcasting and a host of other things. As a matter of fact, the embassy security portion of it provided $5.9 billion over 5 years to try to beef up our efforts and to mitigate the threats against terrorists abroad. It also contained what is commonly referred to as the Helms-Biden provisions, Title IX, which contained specific reforms for the U.N. in exchange for payment of U.S. arrearages. In the first year, the new law required that before arrearages were to be made, the Secretary of State had to make a number of certifications concerning U.S. sovereignty. That satisfied, the arrears payments were released. In the second year, which is the focus of this legislation we are considering today, the Secretary of State is required to make certifications requiring reductions in assessments as mandated by law. Specifically, our legislation required that the assessment of the U.N.'s regular budget be lowered from 25 percent to 22 percent, and the U.S. share of any peacekeeping operations be reduced to no greater than 25 percent of the total cost. In December of last year, as my colleagues, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) have pointed out, following negotiations with the U.S. Representative to the U.N., the General Assembly agreed to lower the assessment for the regular budget to 22 percent, as required. In addition, an agreement was reached to lower the peacekeeping share borne by the U.S., although at a more gradual pace than envisioned. Under the negotiated agreement, the U.S. share would drop from approximately 31 percent to 28.15 percent beginning in January of 2001. Subsequently, the rate would drop from 27.5 percent on July 1, then to 26.5 in 2002, and further reductions are anticipated, until we get down to the 25 percent within a 6-year time period. Mr. Speaker, while this reduction is not as great as we had called for in the legislation, it does represent a significant reform of the United Nations, and will save American taxpayers about $2 billion over the next 10 years. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, by accepting this negotiated settlement, we provide a clear signal to the world community that the United States is serious about acting together with other nations of the world. Mr. Speaker, S. 248 will amend our law to fall in line with the negotiated reductions. I think it is a good bill and it deserves, I believe, the unanimous backing, especially during this time of crisis, of every Member of this Chamber.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, the lethal threat to Americans will not go away by wishing it away. The faceless cowards who murdered thousands of innocent men, women, and children this week and the hate-filled extremists, who today are scheming future acts of terrorism, must be rooted out. Mr. Speaker, even before Tuesday's atrocities, deaths from worldwide acts of terror were on the rise. But nothing could have prepared Americans, and the world, for the cruel and barbaric slaughter of so many innocent people. In 1999, 233 people were murdered by terrorists. In 2000, the number jumped to 405. In 2000, roughly half of all the terrorist incidents in the world were directed against Americans and U.S. assets. Each day, 10 to 12 threats are aimed at U.S. posts overseas. However, most of those are on foreign soil, so we were lulled into a false sense of security. Mr. Speaker, people should know that whatever intelligence gathering lapses may have occurred, Congress did step up to the plate time and again through successive administrations. We did it after Beirut. We did it through the succeeding years. We did it after the bombing of our embassies in Africa. Today, it is all too clear that our initiatives have fallen short. And now, Mr. Speaker, the task of mitigating and ultimately ending the terrorist threat requires the strongest medicine of all. It is time to take the gloves off. This resolution urges the President to use all necessary and appropriate force against those who were in any way responsible for or who aided the terrorists and to prevent further acts of terrorism against the United States. The resolution is not a blank check. We do this with our eyes open and in fervent prayer, especially the prayer that President Bush and his national security team will be lavished with wisdom from God above to use only that force which is truly necessary and only that force which is truly appropriate. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we need to take heed from the ageless wisdom in Psalm 37, where David writes: ``For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. . . .The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those who are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and the bows will be broken . . . for the power of the wicked will be broken. ``The days of the blameless are known to the Lord . . . In times of disaster they will not wither . . . but the wicked will perish. I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. ``The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.'' This is not just our fight. It is the Lord's fight as well.