Ed Schrock

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today in support of H.R. 1749, which will honor our good friend, Congressman Herb Bateman. For eighteen years, Herb served Virginia's first district, which he faithfully referred to as `America's First District.' Herb was a public servant in the truest sense, and was a devoted friend to America's armed forces. For more than 30 years of public service in both the Senate of Virginia and in this body, Herb reminded us of the need to sustain America's military superiority. As Chairman of the House Armed Services' Subcommittee on Readiness, he was dedicated to the task of keeping America's forces reactive and able to respond with speed and force. We hope that the American military is never forced to prove its strength, but as we have seen over the past few days, America's military is strong, and it is able to respond, both quickly and powerfully when needed. We have Herb to thank, in part, for this sustained strength. He fought relentlessly to build America's Navy and to adequately train America's servicemen and women before sending them into harm's way in today's changing face of combat. We all lost a good friend last year, when Herb passed away near the end of his final term in the House. His legacy lives on with his wife Laura, their children, and the facility we are naming today. The Herbert H. Bateman Post Office Building will remind us of Herb's service, his friendship and of the lessons he taught us during his time in Congress. I thank the gentlelady from Virginia for sponsoring H.R. 1749, and I urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Dear Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor Rabbi Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach. He is also the President of the Hampton Roads Board of Rabbis, and Chairman of the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. I would like to share the following article that was written by Rabbi Zoberman and appeared in the Virginian-Pilot on August 13, 2001. Israel Will Focus On Survival First, Peace Later I have just encountered a place like no other where a watermelon may include an explosive device and fanatic suicide bombers threaten to rip apart all who happen to be in their vicinity. Being in Jerusalem a week ago, the latest terrifying carnage there has a chilling immediacy of both numbness and outrage! Can our Western mindset focused on fulfilling our individual lives in the here and now, catering to our every whim, understand those young Islamic terrorists transformed into martyrs with their bodies perfumed to reach heavenly delights not before turning earth into hell? On a recent solidarity mission to Israel sponsored by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Judaism's Reform branch), I was exposed to that reality reminiscent of the twilight zone, though the Israelis, to their credit proceed almost with life as usual. In fact, a major disaster was averted in Haifa when a suicide bomber got cold feet, an unusual occurrence. We were there to offer our brethren the familial support that only our physical presence could provide, so essential to their ability to persevere in face of a challenge not to them alone but to all civilized life. Israel's dramatic accomplishments, aided by the promise of peace, particularly shine brightly in that part of the world, with a GNP approaching Western Europe's and a second-to-none high-tech revolution reflective of its brain-power, underlying an alliance with human progress and innovation. It is even more impressive given the Israeli context of security concerns while absorbing a million immigrants from as diverse cultures as the Russian and Ethiopian ones. The great strides toward lasting peace with the Arab world following bitter wars with only a year ago reaching the brink of finally burying the hatchet with the resilient Palestinian foe. That dream dashed by Chairman Arafat who apparently could not grasp how far his people came, turning instead to his all too familiar way of violence in violation of the Oslo Accords that he signed. Rabbi Michael Melchoir, Deputy Foreign Minister, who was at Camp David, assured us that former Prime Minister Barak indeed courageously made the ``historical concessions'' inviting Arafat to respond constructively. Melchoir emphasized that the present lengthy crisis has created much hardship to the Palestinian population with fifty-percent unemployment and their towns under closure. Perhaps it was the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Rabin by a Jewish extremist that ultimately led to the deadly impasse. Rabin and Arafat developed a personal bond so essential for overcoming years of mutual mistrust. The daughter of the general turned peacemaker, Dalia Rabin- Pelosoff, who serves as Deputy Defense Minister, movingly reminded us at the Rabin Center For the Study of Peace, that the fateful bullet continues to affect the Middle East's destiny. But the petite and assertive woman was also adamant of the need to stand up to terrorism and carefully separate the two peoples, in which I wholeheartedly concur. Disconcertingly, she reported of yet no information on the fate of the three kidnapped Israeli soldiers including Benny Avraham of Tidewater's adopted Pardes Katz. At the same setting, the new U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Daniel Kurtzer, asked us in the midst of a trying scenario to remember the end goal of peace. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's message to us dwelled on the overriding importance of preserving our common Jewish identity and his profound appreciation for the role played by American Jewry, the bridge between the small Jewish state and the tested ally and true friend of the world's sole super power, which too has painfully faced Arab terrorism. He is under heavy criticism for this dovish transformation from his own Likkud party and Israelis at large to end an intolerable situation that no state would put up with. His targeting of Palestinian leaders engaged in organized terror in which Arafat's non-democratic and corrupt Palestinian Authority is a key factor, aims at reducing the level of violence while avoiding the risk of a wider war which, I believe, might not be prevented after all. From the political left, Yossi Beilin, the former Justice Minister and architect of the Oslo Accords, told us of Sharon's need to negotiate with Arafat even under fire. However, the latter's message of non-compromise is quite clear. Colonel (Res.) Yigal Carmon, president of the Middle East Media and Research Institute, proved to us that the Arab leaders use double-talk in English and Arabic. They are denying the very basic assumptions of Jewish peoplehood, its link to the land of Israel and sacred bond to Jerusalem's Temple Mount, intent on covering Israel with Palestinian refugees, whom they abandoned. Employing traditional anti- Semitism, they also disregard the Holocaust and continue to teach their children to demonize Israelis and become terrorists-martyrs. Israel can not afford to give up its vision of peace for itself and its neighbors, it is rooted in its very being, sacrificing so long, much for it. For now, it must insist that survival comes first till Abba Eban's proven maxim will be disproved that ``the Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.''

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Speaker, as the representative of our Nation's largest naval installation and home of the Nation's highest concentration of active duty and retired military, I stand today in support of this resolution. The decision to use force against any and all terrorists will require that many families in the district I represent will sacrifice time away from their loved ones. In some cases, even the lives of their loved ones may be lost in pursuit of our goal to rid the world of terrorists, their supporters and those who harbor them. This is very humbling to me; but terrorists declared war against our Nation, and, as they have for more than 2 centuries, the people of Hampton Roads, Virginia, stand ready to defend our country, to seek out terrorists and ensure they pay the ultimate penalty for their acts of evil. We are a peaceful, freedom-loving Nation; but we have the right to self-defense. We will defend and protect our country and its allies by eradicating our planet of this evil. God bless America.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Speaker, never could I have imagined when I left Vietnam 34 years ago yesterday that the freedoms we fought for in that conflict would be challenged in such a heinous, hateful, cowardly, and despicable manner as we witnessed yesterday. I never dreamed that I would see the result of terrorism with my own eyes, but yesterday that nightmare became reality. Mr. Speaker, I stand to not only support this resolution but to offer my heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families. We may never know the full effect of this horrific event on the thousands of families impacted, but the impact will live in our hearts forever. However, we must go forward with America, her business, her enterprise, her love of freedom and justice, her destiny to be the beacon of democracy in our world. Yesterday's events will never be forgotten, but they will not deter us. We have heard the word faith used many times today. Mr. Speaker, behind you are the words ``In God We Trust.'' As the psalmist has written, ``God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear.'' Mr. Speaker, I have full confidence that our President will hold accountable those who were responsible and ensure they pay the ultimate price for the evil they have wrought. We in Congress should provide all the means of support available to help in the search and the rescue efforts, the recovery efforts, and the rebuilding of the damaged and destroyed structures, as well as the investigation to find the criminals responsible. Mr. Speaker, this can never happen again.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 1983.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of this amendment that was introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis). At a time when retention in the military is down, we need to find as many ways as possible to support our sailors, soldiers, airmen, marines and their families. The Department of Agriculture's current policy of counting the basic allowance for housing as part of income is unfair to the young men and women of the military who have dedicated their lives in service to our country. Many military families, many new military families are finding it difficult just to make ends meet. Many are living just above the poverty level. The long hours, the months away from loved ones and low- paying jobs for spouses is often the norm for these families. When military communities introduced privatized housing to help military bases save on operating costs, it, unfortunately, does not always save money for the servicemembers. When a member lives on base, they forfeit their basic allowance for housing. When a member lives in a privatized community, the Department of Defense adds the allowance to their pay statement, but this is money they never see. When the Department of Agriculture includes this amount as income, it affects many families' eligibility for free or reduced school lunches. Schoolchildren lose their free lunches, families lose their assistance, and school districts lose Federal funds that receive this money to assist for free and reduced school lunch programs. At the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia Beach, they were working with the Department of Housing Authority to plan for privatized housing in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, which I represent. I do not want to see what is happening in the district of the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) happen to the military families in our area. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for introducing it.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Chairman, the goals of the Coast Guard are straightforward: supply maritime safety, provide maritime security, protect our natural resources, facilitate maritime mobility, and support our national defense. Fulfillment of these goals is essential for commerce and the safety of Americans, but they come at a price. The Coast Guard fleet of ships and aircraft is aging and requires rebuilding. They have implemented a strong recruiting drive that now requires an increased focus on training for new recruits. The Coast Guard has also taken on increased responsibility in refugee and drug traffic interdiction. These and other new missions require additional funds, and I am glad that we can supply the Coast Guard with the needed resources to meet these tasks. With over 78 million recreational boaters and over 250,000 maritime workers in the U.S., the Coast Guard's mission of providing maritime safety cannot be neglected. In fiscal year 2000, the Coast Guard saved over 3,000 lives in imminent danger. A recent rescue success story demonstrates the courage and dedication of the Coast Guard. As an example, a 110-foot tugboat and its three crewmen sent out a distress call in the middle of a blizzard with snow, ice, freezing rain and near subzero visibility in the Chesapeake Bay. The Coast Guard took a 41-foot utility boat from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles, Virginia, and after a long period of time were able to rescue these people, knowing that their lives could be lost as well. Mr. Chairman, these guardsmen were not required to dispatch that day, but they did, and they entered the high seas in a boat not equipped to embark on such conditions. This is quite usual for the men and women of the Coast Guard. When the brave crew of this mission were congratulated for their successful mission, Third Class Boatswain's Mate Scott Palmer modestly said, ``Coasties do this every day.'' And they do. We cannot let the brave men and women of the Coast Guard go out on obsolete vessels. We must provide them with safe and up-to-date means of transport in negotiating our waterways and shores in order to protect the people who travel these waterways every day. Mr. Chairman, this legislation we are considering today authorizes $5.4 billion for Coast Guard operations for fiscal year 2002. This represents a sorely needed increase of $1.39 billion. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Alaska and the gentleman from New Jersey for supporting this increase, and urge my colleagues to support this bill which protects our commerce, our national security, and the American people.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true Virginian and a great American, Congressman Norm Sisisky. Congressman Sisisky has served the Commonwealth of Virginia and our country with great distinction. He defended our Nation during World War II as a sailor in the United States Navy. The people of Petersburg elected Norm to represent them as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for 10 years. Then in 1982, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Virginia's Fourth Congressional District, the district that abuts mine. He became a senior member of the House Committee on Armed Services where he became a champion of our military and veterans' issues. In the House, he has worked to break bipartisan logjams on issues such as deficit reduction and campaign finance reform. Congressman Sisisky has been recognized as a hard worker and a skilled negotiator. During his tenure, Congressman Sisisky took a lead in protecting Virginia's Naval and military facilities while also working to ensure that military spending decisions strike the proper balance between strategic necessity and fiscal prudence. Congressman Sisisky has been recognized for his leadership on many issues, such as national security, veterans' affairs, Social Security and Medicare, small business, protecting the environment, eliminating government waste and reducing the deficit. His record of distinguished service to our country and to the people of Virginia demonstrates to all of us his commitment to the values and principles of freedom and public service. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Sisisky will be missed. I certainly will miss him. To Norm's wife Rhoda, his children, and his staff, I offer heartfelt condolences. Every one of them is in our prayers.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Chairman, this good budget contains about $400 million for military housing for our men and women in uniform, and that is a good thing. To give an example how bad military housing is, let me talk about Fort Story, which is an Army post in Virginia Beach, the Second Congressional District that I represent. There are 168 family units. Two have been condemned; 166 have been labeled code red, which means unacceptable. Most have been built before 1958. Several predate World War II. As an example, the sergeant major of that command, the highest ranking enlisted man at that post, was living in a 1,700 square foot set of quarters that had been condemned. The floors had turned to sponge; termite infested and there was asbestos everywhere. It was going to cost $70,000 to clean it up; and Congress would only allow $20,000 to repair that, so it has to be condemned. If we are going to make the mom and kids happy and keep dad in, what we have to do is make sure we provide the quality of life issues that are so important to the military people; and housing is one of them. I am delighted that this very good budget contains money for that.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Petty Officer Second Class Scott Michael Danielson who passed away in service to our nation during a training exercise on February 22, 2001. Petty Officer Danielson was a member of U.S. Navy Seal Team Eight, based at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia Beach, Virginia. A native of Royal Oak, Michigan, Petty Officer Danielson joined the Navy in 1992 and owing to his exemplary service, was given the opportunity of joining the elite Navy Seals. Petty Officer Danielson served our nation supporting Task Force Falcon during Operation Guardian in Kosovo. During his outstanding career, Petty Officer Danielson earned several medals and commendations including the Navy Commendation Medal, three Navy Achievement Medals, two Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Medal, and the NATO Medal. Mr. Speaker, America lost one of her finest with the untimely passing of Petty Officer Second Class Scott Michael Danielson. His passing reminds us of the danger that the men and women of our military face in both times of peace and war. Our grateful nation mourns the loss of Petty Officer Second Class Scott Michael Danielson and extends its sympathies to Scott's loved ones. His family should be proud of the life he lived and should never doubt the gratitude of his nation for his courageous and exemplary service.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 180th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day. Over 200 years ago, our Founding Fathers turned to the scholarly teachings of ancient Greek philosophers and statesmen in order to form ``a more perfect Union.'' These inspirational teachings about the virtues of democracy served as the basis of our own representative form of government. On March 25, 1821, these teachings came full circle when the Greeks fought to regain the freedom, liberty, and individual rights they first taught to the world. Now, 180 years later, the Greek system of democracy is in full force and serves as an inspiration to us all. The celebration of Greek Independence Day should not be reserved to only those of Greek descent; it is a day that should also honor our own nation's democratic principles. Greece and the United States have shared a common past. We have fought wars together, we are NATO partners, we maintain sound diplomatic relations. We are successful partners on the world stage. The citizens of the United States are eager to celebrate the Games of the 28th Olympiad in Athens. Therefore, all Americans celebrate Greek Independence Day, for it is the commemoration of all that we believe in, and all that our forefathers fought for--life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Chairman, America's small business owners collectively spend thousands of hours and billions of dollars each year filling out government paperwork. A friend of mine, Kent Winquist, is a small business owner in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. He tells me that every week he must maintain and update tax forms, Social Security forms, immigration forms, health care forms and many other mandatory Federal forms just to comply with Federal regulations, or face stiff penalties. Small business owners like Kent are stuck in back offices filling out forms and meeting Federal deadlines instead of training new employees and expanding their businesses. Federal regulatory agencies will continue to hold back small business from thriving in their communities unless we take action. Mr. Chairman, I believe that less government involvement in our lives will allow us to give more to our communities, our families and our economy. It is time for us to give small businesses back their time so that they continue to be the engine that drives our economy. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 327, the small business paperwork relief act which will give small business owners more time to invest in their businesses and share with their families.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 47) honoring the 21 members of the National Guard who were killed in the crash of a National Guard aircraft on March 3, 2001, in south-central Georgia.

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the legislation under consideration.

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer House Concurrent Resolution 47 to honor the 21 members of the National Guard who tragically lost their lives last Saturday. Eighteen members of the 203rd Red Horse Engineering Flight from the Virginia Air National Guard based at Camp Pendleton in the district I represent and three members of the 171st Aviation Battalion of the Florida Army National Guard were killed when their Army C-23 Sherpa aircraft crashed in a field in south-central Georgia. Red Horse squadrons are civil engineer units that can be deployed rapidly to erect tent cities and other facilities for troops in the field. The airmen from Camp Pendleton were returning home after spending 2 weeks in Florida at a Florida base doing electrical work and other types of construction. The Virginia National Guard lost 18 great men from the 203rd Red Horse Engineering Flight Squadron. Their names are: Major Frederick Watkins of Virginia Beach, Master Sergeant James Beninati of Virginia Beach, Staff Sergeant Paul J. Blancato of Norfolk, Technical Sergeant Ernest Blawas of Virginia Beach, Staff Sergeant Andrew H. Bridges of Chesapeake, Master Sergeant Eric G. Bulman of Virginia Beach, Staff Sergeant Paul E. Cramer of Norfolk, Technical Sergeant Michael E. East of Parksley, Staff Sergeant Ronald L. Elkin of Norfolk, Staff Sergeant James P. Ferguson of Newport News, Staff Sergeant Randy V. Johnson of Emporia, Senior Airman Mathrew E. Kidd of Hampton, Master Sergeant Michael E. Lane of Moyock, North Carolina, Technical Sergeant Edwin B. Richardson of Virginia Beach, Technical Sergeant Dean J. Shelby of Virginia Beach, Staff Sergeant John L. Sincavage of Chesapeake, Staff Sergeant Gregory T. Skurupey of Gloucester, and Staff Sergeant Richard L. Summerell of Franklin. Military service involves great danger in both times of peace and war. Men and women in uniform and their families make sacrifices each and every day. This tragic loss reminds us of the dedication that men and women give to their country when they serve in the Armed Forces. These exceptional airmen were killed in the execution of their duties, and their sacrifice was in the service of their country. Their loss is greatly felt by their families, their communities and their country. I stand here with my colleagues to proudly honor the lives of these 21 heroes, and the Congress sends their families, friends, and loved ones our heartfelt condolences. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Chambliss).

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).

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

Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor today Rabbi Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach. He is also the President of the Hampton Roads Board of Rabbis, and Chairman of the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. I submit the following article that was written by Rabbi Zoberman into the Congressonal Record. The evolving scenario in the State of Israel, ill-boding to its very security, erupting when Chairman Arafat chose to respond with violence to Prime Minister Barak's far-reaching concessions on the verge of concluding peace, has resurrected fundamental issues of a bitter conflict. Paradoxically, while the sole sovereign Jewish entity is stronger than ever, militarily and economically, it remains vulnerable. The profound division in Israeli society concerning the Peace Process or lack thereof, is a critical factor. In addition, its laudable democracy, the only such progressive manifestation in that part of the world, is a source of vibrant exchange and growth as well as a dangerously fragmented reality. As a member of a recent JCPA (the Jewish Council for Public Affairs) national solidarity mission to Israel, I was exposed to the unique variety of the Israeli experience unlike no other. What other capital in the world besides Jerusalem is subject to hostile gunfire without a powerful response to attacks on traumatized civilians? Touring the Gilo suburb now famous for drawing gunfire from the neighboring Palestinian village of Beit Jala, we saw the installed protection walls and the encamped unit of Israel Defense Forces which returns fire. Appreciatively greeted in the local elementary school, we learned first-hand of the adverse impact upon young and old. The complex, ironic and surrealistic nature of the situation was highlighted by remarkable Orthodox Adina Shapira, a law student who co-created with a fellow Palestinian a United Nations award-winning project for volunteering Israeli teachers, including herself, to instruct Arab children in the West Bank. All that while her two brothers who are combat soldiers have quite a different perspective. The professional briefing by General Yaalon, IDF's Deputy Chief of Staff, made clear that restraint is exercised in face of planned assault irresponsibly using children as pawns. In the midst of rising concerns, Israel remains a welcoming home and safe haven for endangered Jews and those yearning for the Jewish context and fulfillment that only Israel can offer. How touching it was in the town of Katzir near the Israeli Arab community of Um-El-Fachem where disturbances occurred, introducing myself to the amazement of a young boy from Kazakhstan, as sharing the same background. A highlight was the night rally we were fortunate to attend in Ramat Gan for the three kidnapped Israeli soldiers, including Benny Avraham from Pardes Katz, Tidewater's twin city. Ephraim Sneh, Deputy Minister of Defense, addressed the emotionally charged gathering which included the soldiers' families. We urgently continue to call for their release distributing blue ribbons. In the heated political debate, the message to our delegation by Ariel Sharon, leader of the opposition Likkud party, and now Prime Minister-Elect, included empathy for the condition of the Palestinians. I dared ask him if he would have visited the Temple Mount had he known that it would be exploited by the Palestinians. Responding with a wry smile, he retorted, ``They always have excuses.'' What is certain is that we are entering an uncertain period of great risks in which both Sharon and Arafat will be severely tested, affecting their long enduring peoples, the entire region and beyond. There is a dire need to overcome a most dangerous impasse. If Sharon proves to be a faithful disciple of Menachem Begin, another hard-liner turned peacemaker, and intransigent Arafat learns from the equally inspiring example of Egypt's President Anwar Sadat's transformation with admittedly facing now a more complex scenario, that would enshrine them too in a history yet to be written. The heartfelt presentation of the American Ambassador to Israel, Martin Indyk, focused on the U.S.'s abiding friendship with Israel which facilitates the arduous attempt to bringing closer both sides. While asserting that the warring leaders have a stake in resolution for their own interests, he stated, ``violence will not stop altogether in my estimate,'' with the grave danger of spreading. Our group's visit to Neve Shalom's unique setting of Jews and Arabs, midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, reminded us of the possibility and necessity for co-existence in a troubled Middle East. Witnessing the shared kindergarten in which the very young learn about each other's traditions was a moving experience, particularly since I was raised in Israel of the 50's and could not even imagine then this kind of joint endeavor which is still an exception. At this fateful juncture may both sides to the tragic historical conflict allow for an emerging new reality of shalom's essential blessings of life, replacing violence with vision and pain with promise.

Mr. SCHROCK

Mr. SCHROCK. I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to be a lead sponsor of this legislation. Today Congress has the ability to state our clear and unmistakable commitment to protect 100 percent of the Social Security and Medicare trust fund surpluses. Social Security and Medicare represents a sacred compact between the people and their government. During my campaign for Congress, I listened carefully to constituents throughout my district. They told me that they wanted to make sure that when they retired, their Social Security would be there. They also wanted Congress to ensure that Medicare was solvent and would be there to help cover their medical expenses. By placing surplus trust fund moneys in a budgetary lockbox, we can pledge to all of our constituents that these funds will be available for current and future generations and pay down the national debt. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Social Security surplus will be $2.5 trillion over the next 10 years and the Medicare hospital insurance surplus will total $392 billion. We must lock away this money from congressional appropriators and special interest groups and keep our promise to our seniors and all Americans. We have a duty to protect the money our constituents have paid into Social Security and Medicare. If you oppose raiding the Social Security and Medicare trust fund and support securing these funds for current and future generations, then please support H.R. 2.