Mike Simpson

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2818) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain public land within the Sand Mountain Wilderness Study Area in the State of Idaho to resolve an occupancy encroachment dating back to 1971.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this bill, H.R. 3908, would reauthorize the tremendously successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act, NAWCA. This landmark law has been instrumental in the conservation, restoration and enhancement of wetland and upland habitat throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Wetlands are among the world's most productive environments. They are critical to the survival of fish and wildlife populations and vital to the protection of water quality. Wetlands protect ground and surface water, reduce severity of floods, and provide habitat for a diverse community of plants, animals, fish and birds. In particular, millions of migratory waterfowl rely on wetlands throughout their life cycle. Wetlands also provide untold hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of Americans. Due to their proximity to water, wetland conversion poses a constant threat. Indeed, development pressures have already eliminated more than 50 percent of our Nation's original wetlands. It is essential that we conserve our remaining wetland habitats, and that is the fundamental goal of this legislation. NAWCA is a popular and innovative program. It has received substantial support from the Bush administration, the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, local communities and dozens of conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited. Instead of increasing the regulatory restrictions, this act provides funds as an incentive to conserve and enhance wetlands. Since the first wetlands grants were awarded in 1991, almost 900 projects have been funded and over 8 million acres of wetlands and associated uplands have been conserved. In the chairman's State of Utah, a NAWCA project was responsible for acquiring over 1,100 acres for permanent protection and 15,400 acres of degraded wetlands were restored. These wetlands are invaluable not only to thousands of migratory birds but also to the sportsmen of the State of Utah. What is most remarkable about this program is the substantial partner support that it receives each year. While the Act requires a one-to-one match, in a typical year every NAWCA dollar is matched with well over $3, and this money is contributed by a host of conservation organizations. Such support indicates the tremendous popularity of this program and recognizes that wetland conservation is a national priority. During committee consideration, the funding levels for the program were slightly increased and greater emphasis was placed on wetland conservation projects in the United States. These are both positive improvements to the act. I urge an aye vote on H.R. 3908. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to honor a generation of Americans who have made this country what it is today. This group learned the value of a dollar when food and jobs were rare during the great Depression and built the largest free economy the world has ever known. This group of people saved the world from tyranny and oppression during World War II, illustrating powerful patriotism. Then sent their children to continue the fight for freedom in subsequent conflicts. They survived the Bay of Pigs, the Beatles, disco-mania and Big Macs. They've adapted to a changing world . . . starting school doing math problems with slates and chalk, to punching calculators, to utilizing computers, and then becoming one of the highest percentage of people to surf the Internet. Most of all they've shown generations how to live with dignity, change a world and enhance a Nation--they are the United States' older Americans. During the month of May, we'll honor their commitment and service to our country. In my home state of Idaho, thousands of senior citizens voluteer countless hours in classrooms, churches, small businesses, public parks, and service organizations. I recently attended a recognition luncheon for senior volunteers where just 755 volunteers gave more than 124,000 hours of service. They're grandparents, neighbors, and friends. Despite all they've given to us, they're still not done. Today, I honor that continuing sense of community that drives our seniors and respectfully thank older Americans for all they've contributed, and continue to contribute, to our great Nation.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, l rise today to express my regret for having missed a vote last Thursday, April 18, because I was Chairing an important hearing before the Benefits Subcommittee of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Had I been able to vote, I would have voted against the Smith Motion to Instruct the conferees to the 2002 Farm Bill on the Senate's payment limitation provision.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my congratulations to Captain J. Philip Reberger, of Idaho, for his 22 years of exemplary service in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve. Some join the Navy to see the world; Phil joined the Navy to serve his country--taking assignments from Boise to Seattle to Hawaii to Fort Meade. For more than two decades he embodied the Navy's motto, ``Non sibi sed patriae''--Not Self But Country. The Navy recognized his great ability to lead and gain the trust of those under his command. He performed every leadership assignment with dignity. In the midst of the heated Vietnam War, Phil answered the call and served. And now, as our nation is in the midst of its War on Terrorism, our nation called again, and he answered that call to service. Phil has both served his country and kept in perspective the importance of family while balancing difficult work and military commitments. For more than 35 years, he and his wife Nancy, have made a cohesive team, working to raise two wonderful children. He has made a tremendous commitment to public service as well--working for three United States Senators and now Idaho's Governor--Dirk Kempthorne. Those who know the name, ``Phil Reberger'' know it stands for honor, truth, courage and commitment. As Phil now embarks on a new journey--retirement--I believe it is worthwhile to remember the Navy's hymm, ``Eternal Father, Strong to Save:'' Our brethren shield in danger's hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them wheresoe'er they go; Thus evermore shall rise to Thee Glad hymns of praise from land and sea. Anchors Away, Captain Reberger.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate AAA on 100 years of serving Americans. On March 8 in my home state of Idaho, the Oregon- Idaho AAA office will hold a grand opening for its brand new building in Boise. When AAA started 100 years ago, America was starting to emerge as a technological trendsetter. Alexander Graham Bell was developing the telephone. Thomas Edison was experimenting with electricity and the light bulb. The Wright Brothers were jumping off hilltops to attempt flight. Henry Ford was beginning his own company to replace horse and cart with steel and wheels. This was the environment in which AAA began--an inventor's paradise--where good ideas became life-altering institutions. In 1902, American motorists needed better roads, so nine regional auto clubs in Chicago took on the task. Since then, AAA has expanded its mission from helping kids and parents know the life-saving value of car seats, to developing signature roadside service, to the famous TripTik maps to travel discounts. AAA also continues to fight for better roads for safer Americans. AAA in Idaho has a long history as well, starting in 1920. In fact, the new 14,000 square foot building is named after Richard ``Dick'' Navarro, AAA Idaho's President from 1981 to 1993. Congratulations AAA on 100 years of serving Idaho and for taking an active role in the safety of Americans. Your outstanding work is appreciated and shows by your 48 million loyal members.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a place I'm proud to represent. It's a place with rolling his and snow-capped mountains, dazzling celebrities and home to a world class ski resort: Sun Valley, Idaho. On Friday the 19th Winter Olympics will begin in Utah. For three weeks, we'll see skating, skiing, curling, bobsledding and high jumping. For many of the athletes the trip to Salt Lake City will only be a few hours in the car, because they've been training in Idaho for weeks. I'd like to honor Sun Valley Co. for hosting these tremendous athletes and for their contribution to the Winter Olympics. Sun Valley has opened its doors to these athletes and given them the opportunity to not only adjust to the altitude of the West and Mountain Time Zone, but to America. More than 200 athletes have trained in Sun Valley from countries as far away as the Ukraine and Sweden to as close as Canada. I'm also proud of the Wood River Valley's three Olympiads that will take part in the winter Olympics: Sondra Van Ert, Muffy Davis and Tessa Benoit. Thank you Sun Valley for hosting the Olympiads and for your continuing support of the Winter Games. Your contribution is noticed and appreciated.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Secrist, a man who has served Idaho veterans for more than 30 years, on his retirement from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office. As a Vietnam veteran himself, Bob has shown compassion and dedication to veterans of all ages and in all areas of Idaho. Bob grew up in the farming community of St. Anthony, Idaho where he learned the value of hard work, a firm handshake and an honest heart. He stayed close to home, attending Ricks College and graduating in 1964. He served his church on a two-year mission to the Great Lakes area. When he returned, he joined the Idaho National Guard. While in the Guard, he was called to Vietnam. He was a truck driver, delivering truckloads of gasoline and diesel fuel throughout Vietnam's Central Highlands. His highly explosive convoys negotiated mined roadways, blown up bridges, and sporadic enemy assaults. He returned in August 1969, married his sweetheart Judy in 1970, and graduated from Idaho State University in 1971 with a degree in business. After graduating, the family moved to Boise, and Bob began his distinguished career at the VA Regional Office. He started out as Claims Adjudicator working stacks of paper to help those who'd been disabled in the line of duty. For many, Bob put a human face to veterans' issues. His outreach on veterans' issues is legendary. If you had a question about veterans' benefits, Bob knew the answer. In 1974, he was promoted to be the Education Liaison Representative working with Idaho schools under the GI Bill education program. According to his colleagues, Bob was able to streamline the schools' procedures and improve services to veterans enrolled in school. He utilized his claims processing background to work weekends helping adjudicators to write education awards and clearing up processing delays. Because of his dedication and community involvement, he was named the Chief of the Regional Office's Veterans Services Division in 1990. In this position, he was in charge of state outreach to all veterans and beneficiaries around the state. Bob always felt compassion for veterans. He never lost sight of who he was working for--not the government--not the VA--but the veterans who had served this country. He made sure the VA Regional Office wasn't an Ivory Tower looking down on the veterans they served. In the face of budget cuts, he was determined to make the Regional Office ``veteran friendly.'' He began a program of partnerships with the Veterans Service Organizations, the VFW, DAV, American Legion, the Wake Island Survivors, the Idaho Department of Veterans Services, and many others. After the Regional Office was consolidated in the late 1990s, Bob was appointed as the Regional Office Public Information Officer. In that position, he served as a congressional liaison, always ensuring that my staff and I was informed about veterans issues. Bob, for 33 years you've been a shining star in the veterans' community, showing those around you that veterans come before bureaucracy and that good ideas don't need to be buried under the burden of government. I commend you. I congratulate you and on behalf of the thousands of veterans you've served, and I thank you.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, in two weeks the world will descend on Salt Lake City to watch the 19th annual Winter Olympic Games. This is an exciting time, especially in my home state of Idaho, where many Idahoans are only a few hours away from witnessing an event of worldwide proportions. Starting on February 8, the world will turn to the western United States to witness human triumph. We'll see amazing athletes compete on a world level--showing us how pushing the body and the mind can make history. But shortly, there will be another show of triumph and history. It's been occurring across the Nation one state, one town, one person, one day at a time. While the world will see record setting athletes in Salt Lake City, every day Americans have been carrying the Olympic spirit across the United States. I rise today to honor the men and women who this weekend in Idaho will carry the Olympic flame. Each was selected from thousands of applicants. The torch carriers are everyday Idahoans who make Idaho a great place to live. They are mothers, fathers, business owners, school children, Boy Scouts, cancer survivors, volunteers and good Samaritans. While millions will tune into the Olympics, the real stars are those citizens who make the United States the land of the free. Idahoans will see exceptional people like Jennifer Debble who miraculously survived multiple injuries in an auto accident or World War II veteran Robert Streib who saw action in North Africa and Italy. There's also Lori Zenahlik who lost her four children and husband in an airplane crash in 1998 or Karen Dunn of Boise who survived breast cancer and volunteers daily in community affairs. Each of the torch bearers has a unique story and a once in a lifetime opportunity to pass on the Olympic torch. I am proud of each of these Idahoans and the hundreds more who were nominated. As we look to Salt Lake city to see the spectacular show, I am pleased to honor everyday stars that live among us as our neighbors, friends and family. As a tribute to them, I have included their names and hometowns so that all of Congress can know that Idaho stands strong and represents the Olympic spirit. Cheryl Bolden, White Bird, ID; Larry Davis, Post Falls, ID; Lindsey Davis, Post Falls, ID; Cathleen Gephart, Coeur d'Alene, ID; Megan Rivera, Kamiah, ID; Brandy Wiegers, Moscow, ID; Dustin Ainsworth, Nampa, ID; Curt Apsey, Boise, ID; Karie Arnold, Meridian, ID; Gary Beard, Nampa, ID; Ben Blake, Nampa, ID; Jakob Bourgoin, Boise, ID; Thomas Bowman, Weiser, ID; Kristin Buchanam, Boise, ID; Tamra Buchanan, Boise, ID. Darin Burrell, Boise, ID; Caroline Butler, Boise, ID; Eileen Butler, Boise, ID; Dustin Charters, Emmett, ID; Lance Coleman, Boise, ID; Teresa Coleman, Meridian, ID; Fred Cornforth, Caldwell, ID; Richard Cortez, Eagle, ID; Eva Cunningham, Boise, ID; Edward Davis, Boise, ID; Lynnette Davis, Boise, ID; Ava DeAngelis, Meridian, ID; Jennifer Deeble, Bosie, ID; Ralph Deklotz, Boise, ID; Karen Dunn, Boise, ID; Michael Eisenbeiss, Sr., Meridian, ID; Jenny Enochson, Eagle, ID; Jim Everett, Boise, ID; Gregory Farmer, Boise, ID; Jon Fishburn, Boise, ID. Thomas Fleck, Boise, ID; James Freeman, Parma, ID; Nicholas Gifford, Boise, ID; Kaysha Goleman, Parma, ID; Vanessa Gomes, Middleton, ID; Mary Grant, Boise, ID; Nancy Greenwald, Boise, ID; Gary Hagler, Chubbuck, ID; Jay Scot Halladay, Boise, ID; Butch Hansen, Grand View, ID; Carolyn Holly, Boise, ID; Alain Isaac, Mountain Home, ID; Andrea Jackson, Eagle, ID; Kenny Keene, Emmett, ID; Brenda Kiser, Eagle, ID; Mitch Knothe, Boise, ID; Michelle Kormanik, Boise, ID; Theresa Korn, Boise, ID; Jentry Kuebler, Boise, ID; Ricky L. Lewis, Boise, ID; Kent Lind, Meridian, ID. Jason Lingard, Boise, ID; Carol Lurook, Meridian, ID; Catherine Lynch, Boise, ID; Nicolas Martell, Weiser, ID; Rick Martin, Boise, ID; Kevin Maybon, Mountain Home, ID; Jennifer McPherson, Nampa, ID; Gayle Menlove, Meridian, ID; Lynn Miracle, Boise, ID; Todd Monroe, Nampa, ID; John Murray, Eagle, ID; Morley Nelson, Boise, ID; Lester P Nyborg, Eagle, ID; Darin Ogden, Eagle, ID; Elsie M Osburn, Boise, ID; Danielle Oster, Boise, ID; J Zeb Oswald, Middleton, ID; Jim Peters, Eagle, ID; Cathy Peterson, Meridian, ID; Jene Prudent, Kimberly, ID. John Quinn, Boise, ID; Jim Rabdau, Boise, ID; Dave Rittersbacher, Council, ID; Bradley Robert, Boise, ID; Barbara Roberts, Boise, ID; David Roedel, Boise, ID; Kelsey Roedel, Boise, ID; Karla Russell, Garden Valley, ID; Douglas Sato, Boise, ID; Sharri R Shippy, Middletown, ID; Harold S Southworth, Boise, ID; Alex Spangler, Boise, ID; Meredith St. Clair, Eagle, ID; Kyle Starratt, Boise, ID; Robert Streib, Boise, ID; Ryan Sullivan, Boise, ID; Robert Teska, Nampa, ID; John Thomas, Boise, ID; Jamie Thomson, Boise, ID; Eileen Thornburgh, Boise, ID. Bruce Turner, Boise, ID; Jose Villa, Eagle, ID; Dar Walters, Boise, ID; Matthew J Watson, Nampa, ID; Karen White, Boise, ID; Ruth Wiegers, Boise, ID; Rene Woeckener, Boise, ID; Julie Yamamoto, Caldwell, ID; Lori Zenahlik, Boise, ID; Bill Andrew, Gooding, ID; Tory Bailey, Heyburn, ID; Richard Beeson, Twin Falls, ID; Steven Bielenberg, Twin Falls, ID; Elmer Blaikie, Twin Falls, ID; Donald Campbell, Buhl, ID; Thomas Courtney, Twin Falls, ID; Curtis Eaton, Twin Falls, ID; David W Emerson, Twin Falls, ID; Dick Fosbury, Sun Valley, ID; Jennie Fullmar, Burley, ID. Esteban Garcia, Twin Falls, ID; Garett Garity, Twin Falls, ID; John Graham, Twin Falls, ID; Jack Harman, Rupert, ID; Lee Heider, Twin Falls, ID; Jeanette Hiner, Boise, ID; Hailey Hodges, Twin Falls, ID; Mick Hodges, Twin Falls, ID; Mary Howard, Twin Falls, ID; Karl Kleinkopf, Twin Falls, ID; Casey Lloyd, Jerome, ID; Fred Locke, Gooding, ID; Derek Mathews, Twin Falls, ID; Dale Meeks, Boise, ID; Jan Mittleider, Twin Falls, ID; Mikkel Nelson, Gooding, ID; Mike Nielsen, Twin Falls, ID; Matt Perkins, Twin Falls, ID; Carolyn Phillips, Jerome, ID; Clayton Pope, Wendell, ID. Elizabeth Pope, Wendell, ID; Laura Rodeman, Jerome, ID; Lisa Shenk, Twin Falls, ID; Scott Stirling, Jerome, ID; Craig Stotts, Twin Falls, ID; Val Stotts, Twin Falls, ID; Rod Tatsuno, Ketchum, ID; Karen Thompson, Kimberly, ID; Sherry Watson, Twin Falls, ID; Creola Wiggins, Rupert, ID; Jody Alexander, Pocatello, ID; Arthur Bell, Inkom, ID; Josie Bell, Pocatello, ID; Kelsey Bell, Inkom, ID; Bruce Belnap, Ovid, ID; Kirk Benson, Idaho Falls, ID; Adrian Blok, Grace, ID; Casey Bowen, Pocatello, ID; Elizabeth Bowen, Pocatello, ID; Christopher Brayton, Idaho Falls, ID. Robert Broulim, Rigby, ID; Richard Brown, Idaho Falls, ID; Mark Browning, Pocatello, ID; Patricia Burton, Rexburg, ID; Camie Carlson, Preston, ID; Paul Christiansen, Montpelier, ID; Clarence Cody, Pocatello, ID; Sean Conner, Idaho Falls, ID; Jason Coon, American Falls, ID; Adam Neil Davis, Pocatello, ID; Toni Davis, Pocatello, ID; Eric Devenberg, Pocatello, ID; Stacy Dragila, Pocatello, ID; Ann Driever, Chubbuck, ID; Jeff Duffin, Aberdeen, ID; Betti Eskelsen, Blackfoot, ID; Lyle Godfrey, Blackfoot, ID; Cody Hall, Pocatello, ID; Jami Harding, Idaho Falls, ID; Boyd F. Henderson, Pocatello, ID. Brett Hill, Shelley, ID; Judy Holmes, Pocatello, ID; Snookins Honena, Blackfoot, ID; Fran Hurley, Idaho Falls, ID; Kenneth Huskinson, Pocatello, ID; Stacy Hyde, Pocatello, ID; Dennis Jackson, Roberts, ID; Julie Jackson, Idaho Falls, ID; Ame Joe Jefferis, Blackfoot, ID; Jennifer Jenson, Idaho Falls, ID; Justin John, Soda Springs, ID; Lisa Jolley, Shelley, ID; Paul Keller, Jackson, WY; Judy Korth, Idaho Falls, ID; Lauren Koss, Idaho Falls, ID; Lori Kruse, Swan Valley, ID; Cynthia Likes, Idaho Falls, ID; Howard Manwaring, Pocatello, ID; Keny McCandless, Idaho Falls, ID; Steven Morris, Pocatello, ID. Lacey Moser, Preston, ID; RoxAnn Olsen, Little Rock, AR; Chris Osborne, Fort Hall, ID; Lavell Pack, Idaho Falls, ID; Raymond Parks, Blackfoot, ID; Molly Phillipp, Idaho Falls, ID; Steven Phillipp, Idaho Falls, ID; Ted Potter, Idaho Falls, ID; John Rainy, Fort Hall, ID; Ron Ramer, Idaho Falls, ID; John Ratcliff, Idaho Falls, ID; Lee Reilly, Pocatello, ID; Bryce Rydalch, Rexburg, ID; Mark Sabel, Blackfoot, ID; Mack Shirley, Rexburg, ID; Mitchell Shirley, Rexburg, ID; Leslie Soderquist, Idaho Falls, ID; Randy Somsen, Sugar City, ID; Bruce Steege, Idaho Falls, ID; Frank Szelmeczka, Pocatello, ID; Ella Tam, Idaho Falls, ID; Fran Taylor, Blackfoot, ID; Jedd Thomas, Pocatello, ID; Dustin Van Engelen, Chubbuck, ID; Robin Villarreal-Ratcliff, Idaho Falls, ID; Eddie Young, Idaho Falls, ID.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3423, which extends burial eligibility at Arlington National Cemetery to those reservists who retire before age 60--the age at which they become eligible for retired pay. H.R. 3423 also makes eligible for in-ground burial at Arlington a member of a reserve component who dies in the line of duty while on active or inactive duty training. To me as a layperson, active duty for training and inactive duty training is a distinction without a difference. Either way, a life was given to protect the freedoms of all the rest of us. Earlier this year, a military plane crashed in Georgia. On board were Guardsmen returning home from active duty for training. All on board died. Yet none was eligible for burial at Arlington because they were on training status as opposed to mobilized status. Their military classification at the time of death made no difference to the widows and children left without a husband and father. The fact of the matter is that these soldiers died in the line of duty. Madam Speaker, this bill is yet another testament to Chairman Smith's commitment to our servicemembers, veterans, and their survivors. In the wake of the September 11 attacks on Americans, I thank Chairman Smith for taking the initiative to introduce and bring this bill to the floor before we adjourn for the year. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3423.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his response.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a place I call home. Blackfoot, Idaho is celebrating its centennial and as a resident of Blackfoot, I'd like to share with you what makes it an all- American town. Nestled in the Snake River Plain, Blackfoot, Idaho in Bingham County produces more potatoes than any other place in the world. The ``famous'' Idaho potatoes that the world enjoys come from Blackfoot and the numerous potato fields that surround it. In fact, Blackfoot offers ``free taters for out of staters'' at its Idaho Potato Expo Museum. It's made Blackfoot the Potato Capitol of the World by producing more than 200 million pounds of potatoes every year. While Blackfoot is celebrating 100 yeas of incorporation, its history expands to the early 1800s. The first reference to Blackfoot is found in the 1818 journals of the Hudson Bay Company. In 1860, Grove City, where Blackfoot now sits, was settled to accommodate freight wagons bound for mines in central Idaho. Like many western settlements, the establishment of the Utah and Northern Railroad opened expansion and immigration. Then in 1878, the train arrived in Blackfoot on Christmas Day. Using the Snake River to irrigate the fertile lava soil, pioneers and settlers found Blackfoot to be a prosperous agriculture community. Blackfoot became the county seat for Bingham County and at one time held the largest population in the state with 13,575 people. In 1901, Blackfoot was incorporated and now celebrates its centennial. As many of you know, when I'm not serving in Congress, I go home to Blackfoot. I grew up there, graduated from Blackfoot High School and chose to return after completing dental school. I started my political career in Blackfoot, serving on the city council for four years. My wife, Kathy, and I have witnessed the kind heart and gentle spirit of many who live there. It's truly a place where everyone knows your name. I salute this community that has give me so much over the years. While it may be the potatoe capitol of the world, it's a place I prefer to call home. Congratulations to Blackfoot on 100 years of excellence.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, at the outset I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for their leadership in crafting with the Senate the compromise agreement on H.R. 1291, and bringing it to the floor today, and also for the gentleman's leadership on the previous two veterans bills passed earlier today, the cost-of-living adjustment for veterans and that legislation to address the tragedy of homeless veterans. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in strong support of H.R. 1291, the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. This bill indeed is a comprehensive and sweeping measure. The bill makes a number of needed improvements to programs serving veterans and their families, some of which I would like to briefly highlight. First and foremost, I am very pleased we have been able to provide further substantial increases in the Montgomery G.I. bill, which is perhaps the most important piece of social legislation in our country's history. I appreciate our counterparts in the Senate working with us on this provision. Last year, we were able to secure a monthly increase from $536 to $650 per month. We did this knowing that we still had a ways to go to reach our goal of $1,025 per month needed by a veteran-student to attend a 4-year public institution as a commuter student. As the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith) indicated, one of the hallmarks of this compromise agreement is an increase effective January 1, 2002, from $650 to $800 per month for veterans pursuing a college education on a full-time basis. This monthly amount increases to $900 during the fiscal year 2003 and $985 in fiscal year 2004. Their survivors and dependents' educational assistance program will also see an increase from $588 to $670 per month. Mr. Speaker, this bill includes 11 separate educational provisions, including payment of 60 percent of the cost of tuition for high-cost short-term academically intensive courses leading to employment in the high-technology industry. The bill also expands the Montgomery G.I. bill benefits for certain Vietnam-era veterans, increases the maximum allowable senior ROTC educational assistance, expands work-to-study opportunities for veterans, and makes certificate programs offered by an accredited institution of higher learning by way of independent study approvable for veterans' training. Additionally over 10,000 reservists have been called up in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and some of them have had to disenroll from their college level courses. Section 103 of the bill would allow these selfless men and women the chance to regain both time and money for their education. About 2 percent of the 714,000 service members who served in the Persian Gulf suffer from difficult-to-diagnose illnesses. Section 202 expands the definition of an undiagnosed illness as well as lists signs and symptoms that may be a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness in certain Persian Gulf veterans. I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) for his work on this piece of legislation. Section 203 would grant the Secretary the authority to protect the service-connected grant of a Persian Gulf veteran who participates in a Department-sponsored medical research project. It is our intent that this provision will broaden participation in vital scientific and medical studies. As the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) said, this bill keeps the promise to severely disabled veterans by increasing benefits for specially adapted housing and automobile adapted equipment allowances and also increases certain burial benefits. Lastly, the compromise agreement also expands VA's outreach to veterans and their families by providing the Secretary the authority to maintain veterans assistance offices overseas, by expanding the timing of preseparation counseling for our servicemembers, and by improving education and training outreach information for separating servicemembers and veterans. I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), our chairman; the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the vice chairman; the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans); and my counterpart, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) for their continued commitment to our military and veterans communities. It truly has been a pleasure working with them. Mr. Speaker, the House could not approve such a comprehensive bill at a better time. Our servicemen and women are overseas and literally fighting for the freedoms and liberties we may have taken for granted prior to September 11. By passing this bill today, we are sending a clear message to America's sons and daughters that upon completion of their military service, we will be there for them when they transition to civilian life. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do our duty to support our veterans by supporting the Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a generation of American patriots. They were the men and women at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii that day of infamy, December 7, 1941. The men and women who served and died at Pearl Harbor paid a great price to our nation. Today as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, I would like to honor the men and women who make up the Idaho Pearl Harbor Survivor's Association. This group of 50 active members helps keep the memory of those who served so bravely alive. To be a member you must be a military survivor of the December 7th attack, have been within a three-mile radius of the Island of Oahu between 7:55 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. The nation-wide group has approximately 10,000 members and started with just 11 people in 1958. The Magic Valley Chapter started on Feb. 17, 1979 with five members. Over the years, the members have given back to each Idaho community--buying flags, talking with youth groups, and performing countless hours of community service. They have sounded their motto, ``Remember Pearl Harbor--Keep America Alert'' in all their activities. How poignant this statement is considering the events of September 11, 2001. Today, I would like to honor this group by naming each survivor who currently lives in Idaho. This list is according to the Idaho Pearl Harbor Association. The members are: Harold F. Beebe, Pocatello, Kaneohe NAS; Ralph Eaton, Twin Falls, USS Henley; Richard Hansing, Twin Falls, USS Nevada; C.H. Harame, Pocatello, USS Detroit; William Harten, Idaho Falls, USS West Virginia; Pershing Hill, Idaho Falls, USS Nevada; Leroy J. Kohntopp, Filer, USS Maryland; Gale D. Mohlenbrink, Buhl, USS Northampton; Patrick C. O'Connor, Pocatello, Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor; Robert R. Olsen, Chubbuck, Naval Hospital; Steve F. Phillips, Challis, Ford Island NAS; David R. Roessler, Gooding, 24 SIG.; Tony Sabala, Jerome, 21st INF.; Irvin A. Satterfield, American Falls, USS Argonne; Nicholaus Gaynos, Post Falls, 407th SIG; Miles R. Gillespie, Nampa, 27th INF.; Roy Hayter, Athol, USS Honolulu; Munith F. Higbee, Meridian, USS Phelps; Don A. Irby, Boise, USS Maryland; Wallace R. Jacobs, Lewiston, USS California; Dale E. Magnuss, Pinehurst, USS Cummings; James R. Mallory, Boise, USS St. Louis; Ernest R. Mangrum, Boise, USS West Virginia; Eugene N. McDonough, Boise, 24th INF.; Dallas F. Pohlmann, Boise, Pack Train; Glenn R. Rosenberry, Caldwell, HQ 18th Bomb EG.; Carrol V. Rowell, Boise, 2d Marie Air WG; Robert W. Arent, Nampa, USS Maryland; Richard L. Artley, Lewiston, USS Oklahoma; Ray Aznavoorian, Post Falls, USS Ontario; Conway B. Benson, Boise, USS Tennessee; Thomas A. Brown, Boise, USS Phoenix; Frank A. Cannon, Orofino, USS Wasmuth; Robert A. Coates, Nampa, USS Nevada; James R. Critchett, Silverton, Kaneohe, NAS; Frank R. Dallas, Meridian, HQ 18th Bomb WG. USS Ogalala; Harold M. Sr. Erland, Boise, HQ HAW.; Dan C. Fry, Banks, Kaneohe; Horace E. Dresser, Caldwell, USS San Francisco; Raymond W. Garland, Couer D'Alene; USS Tennessee; John R. Sandell, Kamiah, HQ 5th Bomb GP; James K. Thomas, Boise; Franklin Elliott, Eagle. HQ Hawaiian AF; Kenneth F. Walters, Lewiston, USS Pennsylvania. On behalf of all Idahoans and Americans everywhere, ``thank you'' for your sacrifice and service to your country. You've reminded Americans that we can never become complacent and must keep our defenses strong. We will remember Pearl Harbor and always be on alert.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for introducing this legislation, recognizing the contributions of Native Americans to our society. When I grew up, the place I lived, the southern border, was on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, and I worked many years on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, working on farms with Native Americans, and I came to respect the Native Americans for the contributions they have made to our society. When I became Speaker of the House in Idaho, I realized I did not know enough about Native American history and what they had contributed to our society; and so I started studying them. In Idaho, we have the Nez Perce tribe, which I am sure many Members have heard the name Chief Joseph who was one of the true leaders of the American Indians, the Nez Perce tribe; the Coeur d'Alene tribe; the Shoshone-Bannock tribe down where I came from. Sacajawea was Shoshone. They contributed much to our society. Mr. Speaker, we need to do all we can to make sure that Americans are aware of the contributions that Native Americans have made to our society. As has been mentioned by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon), they have contributed to our defense probably more than any other ethnic group that there is. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Benefits of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, I know of the contributions that they have made and that we have to keep our commitments to our veterans and to our Native Americans. I compliment the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) for his introduction of this resolution, and I encourage all Americans to take some time to study what contributions have been made by Native Americans and how they have really influenced our society for the good. We should strive to make sure that we do not lose that individuality that these Native Americans represent.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for yielding the time. I will tell my colleagues that Senator McClure has often told me of his admiration for Ohio, and if he could not be from Idaho, he would be from Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in the House of Representatives for honoring one of Idaho's finest public servants, former Representative and U.S. Senator James A. McClure, by renaming the Federal building and United States courthouse in Boise after him. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Otter), from the First Congressional District, for working with me and leading this effort to recognize Senator McClure, and Idaho Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo for their efforts in the Senate. Jim McClure served the people of Idaho in the United States Congress for 24 years, including 6 years right here in this Chamber as a Member of the House of Representatives. Before coming to Washington in 1967, Senator McClure had a distinguished career in Idaho. He graduated from the University of Idaho Law School in 1950 and was immediately hired as the prosecuting attorney of Payette County, Idaho, where he worked for 6 years. In 1953 he became the city attorney for Payette and served in that capacity until 1966. In 1961, Senator McClure began his long and distinguished political career by seeking and obtaining a seat in the Idaho State Senate where he served until his election to this House of Representatives. In 1972, after 6 years in the House of Representatives, he was elected to the United States Senate where he served three terms and established himself as one of Idaho's political giants. Senator McClure came to Washington and immediately made a name for himself as one of the foremost experts on the issues most important to the people of Idaho. His experience and expertise in energy and natural resource issues were unmatched in Idaho's history, and his leadership was vital in the passage of many important legislative initiatives, including the creation of Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in my home State. As a Member of Congress, Senator McClure was also known for his steadfast advocacy of rural Idaho and the rugged individuals who built and still inhabit the western United States. He fought to improve the rural economy and ensure those who want to live in rural America will always find opportunities in rural communities. He strove to enact policies that balanced the public's interest in natural resource protection and natural resource enjoyment and always understood that no American should have to see their job eliminated and family uprooted through ill conceived Federal forest, mining, or grazing policies. Like most Idahoans, he staunchly believed in an individual's right to keep and bear arms; and as a veterans of the United States Navy during World War II, he was an ardent advocate of a strong military to protect our Nation's most treasured possession: our freedom. Today, Senator McClure remains an advocate of the issues that matter most to many Idahoans. He continues to work with Congress and those of us in the Idaho delegation on natural resource and energy issues, and he serves as a trustee for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Senator McClure remains a trusted leader for Idaho and a true friend to those of us who know him well. Senator McClure would be the first to acknowledge that none of his accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support of his gracious and lovely wife, Louise. Mr. Speaker, I know of no one who is more deserving of the recognition we approve today in the House of Representatives. I will always be proud to have played a role in the establishment of a James A. McClure Federal building and United States courthouse and grateful to have known and worked with a man as respected, trusted, and revered as Senator McClure.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly pay tribute to the city of Mackay, Idaho. Mackay is celebrating 100 years as the ``top of Idaho.'' With an elevation of 5,897 feet, Mackay is nestled near Mt. Borah, Idaho's highest mountain. Gold, silver, lead and copper were discovered in the White Knob Mountains above Mackay in the 1880s. Over 100 years, the area yielded nearly one million tons of ore resulting in 41,996 ounces of gold, 1.7 million ounces of silver, 15.1 million pounds of lead, 5.49 pounds of zinc, and 62.2 pounds of copper. What started Mackay was mining millionaire John Mackay's vision of a 12-mile electric mountain railway system to transport ore down the mountain. Because of the massive project of building the railway system, John Mackay planned the town around the railroads final stop. Named after himself, the town Mackay was officially incorporated on October 14, 1901. In its 100 years, Mackay has seen the best of the mining boom. During World War I, the mines around Mackay supplied ore for red metal. By 1917, Mackay was a thriving town of 400 with a post office, movie house, many businesses, saloons and pool halls. At one point, the town grew to be home to roughly 5,000 residents. The mining boom, coupled with range livestock, dairy, and crops created a positive economic environment in which the town flourished and its residents enjoyed their prosperity. Unfortunately, however, the history of the West is checkered with cycles of boom and bust, many of which center around the West's most precious commodity--water. When Mackay and the surrounding region were hit by a severe drought, tempers rose and times grew more desperate-- including a farmer revolt in 1933 that led to the dynamiting of a headgate in a last ditch effort to release water held behind a dam. In 1983, the Mt. Borah earthquake leveled the Mackay City Hall and damaged several businesses. Despite its trials, Mackay continues to be a destination spot for many. With its breathtaking views and proximity to Idaho's scenic rivers and pristine backcountry, Mackay showcases the best Idaho has to offer. Mackay is a town that epitomizes the rugged West and my home state of Idaho. Mackay's residents are hard working Idahoans, who love their town, state and country. I want to add my heart-felt congratulations to the citizens of this beautiful place that literally is the top of Idaho.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, it has been said the first casualty of any war is the truth. After listening to some of the rhetoric today on this floor, much of it embarrassingly irresponsible rhetoric, truth truly has been wounded today. Anyone listening to this debate would think that there are only two options, the Oberstar amendment, which would Federalize the employees and, therefore, we would have a secure airport system; or leaving everything as it existed prior to September 11, as if the underlying bill did nothing to improve security. The fact is the underlying bill improves security. My colleagues show us statistics about the turnover rate of screeners and about the pay rates of screeners, and so forth, as if that would be the case if we were to use private contractors in appropriate places. I can tell my colleagues that I live next to the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, the lead nuclear engineering laboratory in the Nation. Guess what? They have private contractors doing the security there, and they do a fantastic job. I would dare anyone to try to get on the grounds of the National Engineering Laboratory. Let me tell my colleagues what this bill does not do, what the Oberstar amendment does not do. First of all, it slows down the hiring of new screeners and air marshals. It gives 9 months to hire new screeners and air marshals. The Young-Mica bill makes that happen in 3 months. We need security as quickly as possible, not a year from now, not 9 months from now. Hopefully quicker than 3 months from now, but we do it much quicker in our bill. Oberstar does not give the Under Secretary authority to expedite rulemaking. It takes an average of 3.8 years to write a rule in the Department of Transportation. How quickly do my colleagues think we will have those rules written in order to improve security at our airports if we do not have expedited rulemaking, which the Oberstar amendment does not have? Lastly, the Oberstar substitute allows the Attorney General to waive all laws applicable to employees. Not just the civil service laws, the substitute waives the veterans preference, labor laws, worker safety laws, civil rights laws, and worker protection laws. The Young-Mica bill takes a more targeted approach by assuring worker performance without waiving all of the employment laws. I urge my colleagues to vote against the Oberstar substitute and support the underlying bill.

Mr. SIMPSON. I object.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I was just going to quote the same language the USDA used in describing the GAO report. I agree with what my friend said earlier, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), when he said ``I do not understand why the sugar beet growers in Idaho and Nebraska and other States ought to be paying for the restoration of the Florida Everglades,'' as much as I like the Florida Everglades. But let me talk for just a minute if I can about Bob's Candies, because Bob's has been mentioned several time here. Bob's came and testified before our committee. They said they had to build a plant in Mexico because they could get sugar cheaper there than they could get it in the United States. They could not compete here in the United States. I found that ironic because the retail price of sugar in Mexico is more expensive than it is in the United States. So I thought, there must be some other reason that they are going to Mexico, labor costs or something else. But then he explained it to me. He said that in Mexico, the Mexican government will allow them to buy the world dump price of sugar, make the candy, and then export it to the United States; but they cannot sell that candy that is made with dump price sugar in Mexico. Do Members not find that rather ironic? Mr. Chairman, there is not a free market out there in sugar. I am unwilling to sacrifice our farmers, our sugar producers, on the alter of free enterprise when there is no free market in sugar. Maybe if we had a free market, we could look at competition that really works.

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. We have talked a lot about this farm bill and how much it increases conservation programs. This was the 1996 farm bill. This was seen by many, and stated by many of the environmental groups today supporting this amendment, as the greenest farm bill that had ever been written. That was 1996. Look what we do with conservation programs in this bill. They are increased substantially. If Members look at the individual programs and how much they go up compared to nonpassage of this bill, it is a substantial increase in environmental programs. Ducks Unlimited have said they do not support this bill because it does not do enough to preserve wetlands. Look at what has happened in wetlands over previous years. This is how much we were losing from 1954 to 1974. Today it is down to this. Look how much of it is lost because of agriculture, the top part, and how much is lost in urban areas. It is primarily the urban areas. This amendment has problems that are unintended. When you idle farmland, it not only affects the farmer, it affects every community that depends on that farm. This year, in Idaho we idled 150,000 acres due to a power buyback because of the energy crisis. I can tell my colleagues that businesses in every small community that depend on agriculture have seen their businesses decline. Some of them by as much as 50 percent, and that is exactly what will happen when we take land out and set it aside and do not produce on it. We need to make sure that those businesses stay in business and that they are doing the job that they can for their communities. Some people are concerned about the fiscal impact of this legislation. Our hope is that farmers do not have to rely on government for payments, that commodity prices cover the cost of raising their crops. And if commodity prices go up, we will spend less under the underlying bill than we have said it will cost. But with the Kind amendment when Congress puts that money into the environmental programs, it will be spent regardless of what the commodity prices are. That money will be spent, and it will go on forever because once we start those programs, we are never going to stop them, once we increase that acreage as much as my colleagues want to. We all are concerned about the environment. We are doing in this bill a great deal to improve the environment. Much has been said today about the statement of administration policy or SAP, as it is appropriately called. I want to say this bluntly. I am sorry I have to say it, but we are right and they are wrong. Mr. Chairman, I hope that once the administration has an opportunity to study this bill and to study farm policy the way that this Committee on Agriculture has for the last 2.5 years and how we can improve the environment and how we can improve the commodity prices for our producers, they will come on board with our bill and see that it accomplishes the goals that they have set forward. I urge my colleagues to defeat the Kind amendment and pass the underlying bill.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate what the sponsors of this legislation are attempting to do. It is something that the Committee on Agriculture has looked at and has debated and looked at the pros and cons and how we might be able to implement something like this. The gentlewoman from Oregon mentioned that in Florida they had a program that required labeling, and it only added one cent a week, I think it was, to the grocery bill. The reality is that even though they have that law in Florida, it is not enforced; and there is no requirement that it be enforced. Idaho actually has a meat labeling law. The Idaho legislature passed it years and years ago. It is not enforced. Cannot be enforced. That is the problem. That is why we have some numbers that say it is only one cent a week, but we do not know what the true cost of mandatory labeling would be. One of the other problems in this that we have tried to deal with in the committee is, it is the retailer that is responsible. He is the one that will be fined. How is he going to know for sure where those fruits and vegetables are coming from? Somebody says they came from his farm in California, and the retailer finds out that they came from someplace else, from Mexico or someplace else, and he has them mislabeled in his store. He is the one that will be fined $1,000, $250 every day after that. I will tell my colleagues that voluntary labeling works. I look at Idaho Potatoes. That is a brand name. And the Idaho Potato Commission has the right to go after those individuals who misuse and mislabel potatoes that are not grown in Idaho; and they do that and substantially they win in court, and those people are required to pay fines to the Idaho Potato Commission. Voluntary labeling does work. What will make this program successful, to label whether it is meats or fruits and vegetables or other things, is when the consumer goes in the grocery store and says to the grocer, where did these apples come from? Where did this beef come from? Where did this turkey come from, or whatever? When the consumer asks that question, the grocer will find it advantageous to start labeling, and we will get voluntary labeling of all these products.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Combest), the chairman; and I thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), and staff for all of the hard work that they have put into this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I traveled the Nation with my colleagues on the House Committee on Agriculture last year and heard first hand from farmers in numerous States about the challenges facing them and the way in which they felt those challenges could best be addressed. I can state unequivocally that this bill meets the needs of the farmers we have heard from and provides dramatic new investment in areas like trade promotion and conservation funding. As has been mentioned, there is a 78 percent increase in conservation funding. I spent the summer talking to farmers and ranchers across Idaho; and with rare exception, they have told me that they want this bill passed in its current form. They believe that this bill provides them the flexibility that they need to operate their farms the way that they want to; and it provides the predictability they need to keep their family farms operating for themselves, their children, and great grandchildren. Mr. Chairman, it is not without some regret that I say that I wish the administration had been with me as I talked to Idaho farmers and as we held field hearings across this great country. I listened as I read the statement of administration policy this morning, the first statement that I have heard from the administration on their position on this farm bill. I was dismayed and disappointed. I would like to talk for just a minute about the points that they make in their concerns in this agriculture bill. They make four bullet points. First, that this bill encourages overproduction while prices are low. With price supports, we are trying to keep farmers in business when prices are low. I guess the answer that they have, and they give no specific answer in their statement of policy, is to let those farmers go out of business. I certainly hope that is not their policy; but if they have a different idea, they ought to share it with us. Their second bullet point is that it fails to help farmers most in need. They state in their statement of policy, and I quote: ``Nearly half of all recent government payments have gone to the largest 8 percent of farmers, usually very large producers, while more than half all of U.S. farms share only 13 percent of the payments.'' Mr. Chairman, the USDA considers large farms those farmers that have $250,000 or more gross sales. Those farms account for 15 percent of farms reporting government payments, and produce 54 percent of the value of program crops eligible for payments. They are 15 percent of the farms; they produce 54 percent of the value of program crops. Only 0.5 percent of the large farms were nonfamily farms. The average transition payments in 1998 for these large farms was $21,870. These farms received 47 percent of the payments, while producing 54 percent of the value of program crop production. Small farms, those that produce less than $250,000, on the other hand, produced 46 percent of the value of program crop production, but received 53 percent of the payments. Mr. Chairman, I think we have been going in the right direction trying to help the small family farms, those under $250,000 in gross sales. They have gotten a larger percentage of the actual payments. Also consider that over 77 percent of all large family farms operate with debt, 80 percent greater than average for all family farms. These farms carry debt liabilities equal to 47 percent of their maximum feasible debt load, 54 percent greater than the average for all family farms. Mr. Chairman, 12.2 percent of all large family farms have negative household incomes, 91 percent greater than the average for all family farms. Mr. Chairman, this bill is a farm bill. Payments are based on production. Large producers are obviously going to get a larger share of the payments. They also put more at risk. I think we have been going in the right direction trying to address this and making sure that we address the needs of small family farms and all farmers. The third bullet point from the statement of administration policy is that it jeopardizes critical markets abroad. Mr. Chairman, one of the real problems we have in agriculture today is that we have not been able to level the playing field between us and our competitors around the world. American farmers are at a competitive disadvantage to producers in other countries. We all know that. They get subsidized more in other countries than we support our farmers in this country. That puts us at a competitive disadvantage. This bill enhances our Export Enhancement Program, funds it further; and we need to create a level playing field. We cannot have a free market and fair trade when there is not a level playing field. It is a myth to think that there is a level playing field right now. I hope that the administration is serious, and I believe they are serious, when they say that agriculture will be a top priority in trade negotiations as they try to negotiate new trade agreements in the WTO. Lastly, they say that this boosts Federal spending at a time of uncertainty. As the chairman of the Committee on the Budget has stated, we reached an agreement on the budget resolution. This piece of legislation is crafted to stay within that budget resolution. It does exactly what the Committee on the Budget requested that we do, and I compliment the chairman and the ranking member for keeping this bill within the budget restraints that were imposed upon us. Mr. Chairman, this bill is the result of over 2 years of listening, learning, and hard work. It is the result of intense commitment, meaningful debate, and constructive compromise. Today we have a chance to endorse not only the legislation language in this bill, but the fair and open process that fostered its development. We also have a chance to bring new hope to rural communities and to bring real stability to our Nation's producers. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the Farm Security Act for America's farmers.

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I can assure the gentleman from Michigan that the average size farm in Idaho is larger than 500 acres, substantially larger than 500 acres. The Smith amendment seeks to include marketing certificates under established payment limits on the farm program benefits, but would effectively limit the use of marketing certificates and inhibit the following benefits: Marketing certificates enhance competitiveness of U.S. commodities. Marketing certificates enable the marketing loan program to work effectively when commodity prices are low, thereby making U.S. commodities available at market clearing prices. This enhances demand and market share and maintains the entire agricultural infrastructure. Marketing certificates prevent stock overhang. Without certificates there will be a larger stock overhang going into next year, weakening next year's prices, making it more difficult for farmers to secure operating loans. Large farmers will hold stocks depressing prices for small and medium farmers. Marketing certificates prevent loan forfeitures. Without marketing certificates, producers would place their crops into the commodity credit corporation loan and would likely forfeit the commodity, tying up storage and leaving the government to market commodities almost certainly at a substantial loss and at competition with the private sector during the following year's harvest. Merchants would buy from the government, and the farmer would receive less for his crop. Mr. Chairman, I get interested in this talk about large corporate farms versus family farms. So far I have never really been able to figure out what is a large corporate farm versus a family farm. I know individuals in Idaho that are corporations. Four brothers together. They own a very, very large farm, probably 30,000 acres or so. The USDA, as I said earlier, said $250,000 of gross sales makes you a large farmer. It does not take a large acreage farm to create $250,000 of gross sales. Actually, 99.5 percent of those large farms are family-owned; 99.5 percent of those are family-owned. Of those farms, those large farms that we say are large, somehow bad corporate farms or whatever, and sometimes families create corporations for tax purposes, they create 53 percent of the crop value but only get 47 percent of the payments. They get less than the value of the crop that they produce compared to the small farmer. We are already tilting it toward the small farmer. When it comes to Scotty Pippen, we always throw those names out there because they are great in the paper. Here we have a guy making a ton of money playing basketball. He would receive this payment even if this amendment passed because he got it under the forestry program. It is forest land that he has. If you limited this payment to zero, he would still get his $26,000 under the forestry program. Mr. Chairman, I would urge my colleagues to reject this amendment and stay with the underlying bill.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, our nation witnessed one of the most despicable acts imaginable to mankind. The senseless devastation unleashed through these cowardly acts left every American with a sense of lost innocence and increased fears. Today, however, our nation stands united against not only the individuals who perpetrated the attacks, but against those who abhor freedom and embrace such evil and hatred. America is a land that embraces freedom and values human life. We are a people that rush to help our fellow citizens, even at great peril to ourselves. Yesterday, America witnessed the heroism of police, firefighters, and bystanders who risked their own lives to help others. That is America at its finest--a spirit that will not be broken. While America grieves, no nation, group, or individual engaged in or harboring terrorism should misunderstand the immense resources being employed to identify and punish those responsible. We will find you, we will hunt you down, and we will eliminate you. The American people and the rest of the world must know that in times of great pain and tragedy, America is united not divided. As we have done countless times throughout our nation's glorious and storied history, Americans will unit behind President Bush to ensure that justice is served. Let us not forget the words of Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto following the bombing of Pearl Harbor who feared he had, ``. . . awakened a sleeping giant and instilled in him a terrible resolve.'' We must continue to pray for those who have been impacted by this tragedy. The families and friends of those killed and injured yesterday need our support, comfort, assistance, and prayers for many months to come.