Heath Shuler

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. I thank the chairman. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 65. I grew up in North Carolina near the Eastern Band Cherokee Indian reservation. I conducted youth camps on the Eastern Band Reservation for young men and women who attended the reservation schools. The Cherokee people have a distinct, living culture that makes them different from many other people in the world. I'm embarrassed to say that efforts were made right here on this floor to take their language and their culture away from them. Congress has arbitrarily voted on the identity of Indian tribes many times and have gotten it wrong. Today, it will again get it wrong. There is no historical tribe with the name Lumbee. That name wasn't used until 1952. Over the years, the Lumbee identified themselves as four different tribes, meanwhile they claim the Tuscarora people as part of their group, even though the Tuscarora angrily dispute this. There is no Lumbee language. There is no reservation. There is no record of any Lumbee being forced out by Andrew Jackson's troops with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Yet, the Congress is being asked to recognize them as the third largest tribe in the U.S. The Department of Interior testified that there are serious doubts about the identity of the Lumbee. The Congressional Budget Office says recognizing this group would cost nearly $1 billion. Shouldn't we try to get the facts straight before making such a commitment? The Bureau of Indian Affairs process requires that any petition group meet seven mandatory criteria in order to become Federally recognized. This process involves qualified experts in the field of genealogy, anthropology and Indian history. I strongly oppose any attempts to circumvent this established process by any group. My great friend, Mr. Mike McIntyre, has pointed out that the Lumbees are not allowed to go through the process. He is right. That's why I have introduced an amendment to this bill which would have allowed the Lumbee to go through the process. That amendment was rejected. Members of the Congress should not arbitrarily rule on the identity of a people without establishing the facts, and the best way to establish those facts is to let the system work and let the experts do their jobs. Reject this bill and protect the integrity of the process. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important milestone in the historic ministry of the Reverend Billy Graham. On Thursday, May 31, 1,500 of Reverend Graham's friends gathered for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. Among those friends were all three of our living former Presidents. Reverend Graham's ministry has touched more people in this world than could ever be able to attend such a dedication. I am honored to have Reverend and Mrs. Graham as two of my constituents in Western North Carolina. The Grahams moved to Montreat many decades ago, and have made an indelible mark on the area. I have the utmost respect for Reverend Graham. The newly dedicated Billy Graham Library is appropriately built in the shape of a barn, which no doubt reminds Reverend Graham of his childhood on a nearby dairy farm. When Billy Graham was born some 88 years ago no one but God knew the influence he would have on the world. Billy Graham has ministered to hundreds of millions of people across the world, over 210 million of those contacts coming through the form of live audiences. Reverend Graham has ministered to Congressmen, celebrities, and heads of state. He has ministered to people without regard to their wealth, political affiliation, social status, or skin color; and he did it before such things were popular. Billy Graham has stood for what is right throughout his long career. He paid Reverend Martin Luther King's bail on numerous occasions, refused to speak in Little Rock while school segregation was being insisted upon by the state government, and he would not visit South Africa during Apartheid until The government would allow a desegregated audience. Reverend Graham commented at last week's dedication that ``I feel like I've been at my own funeral, listening to all these speeches. I feel terribly small and humbled by it all.'' That statement explains the character of Reverend Graham better than anything I can say. Madam Speaker, the legacy of Billy Graham will live on long after he is gone, and I am proud to congratulate him on the opening of this new library which will help to carry his legacy forward. Billy Graham has served his Lord for a lifetime, and it is an honor to serve Reverend Graham in the United States Congress. May God continue to bless Billy Graham.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, Carl Sandburg was a national treasure who spent 20 years of his life in the mountains of western North Carolina. While he was not a native son, we in North Carolina are certainly proud to claim him as one of our own. His farm is now a National Historic Site visited by thousands of families around the world. This site is important both for its history and its beauty. H.R. 1100 would revise the boundary of the historic site to add 115 acres. The addition would serve two purposes. The first purpose is to protect the scenic views and open spaces the Sandburg family enjoyed from their home. The second purpose is to allow the site to build a much-needed visitor center and parking area. These additions are part of the site's General Management Plan which was adopted in 2003, after a full public process. This bill has wide bipartisan support. The administration has testified in support of this bill. North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole are pushing companion legislation in the Senate. And this is strongly supported by local county government. I thank Chairman Grijalva, Chairman Rahall, and members of the committee for their support.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, this amendment unfairly targets H.R. 1100. The gentleman from Utah did not offer this amendment to two similar Republican bills. Had he required H.R. 1080, Mrs. Cubin's legislation dealing with the Grand Teton National Park, to delay land acquisition until deferred maintenance was completed, it would have cost them $57 million. That is 115 times more in deferred maintenance costs than the Carl Sandburg home. None of these groups or agencies is required to complete backlog maintenances. That is because the maintenance is never fully completed, and it is an ongoing process. This amendment fails to define the deferred maintenance, what it is, who will complete it, or in what time frame it is to be completed. It is a weak attempt to stop legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, this amendment violates the wishes of the residents of Henderson County, their Republican county commissioners, the State of North Carolina, Republican Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr and the administration. Additionally, this amendment flies in the face of the 2003 general management plan that was conducted publicly with wide support. This general management plan included all 115 acres that are in this bill. This amendment would eliminate the ability of the Carl Sandburg Home to protect their viewshed and thus undermine the purpose of this bill. My bill is not seeking any appropriation or requiring the government to purchase anything. I oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, while my preference is for as much land to be donated or purchased privately, this amendment would tie the hands of the government if it ever decided to step in and protect the Carl Sandburg home's viewshed. Mr. Heller did not offer this amendment to Mrs. Cubin's bill or Mr. Jindal's bill in committee, both Republican bills very similar to H.R. 1100. It is not reasonable to expect all of the land to be donated from small landowners who are currently living on the land. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I just would like to say that in 1968, Stewart Udall, Secretary of Interior from 1961 to 1968, put forth this great historic site in Flat Rock, North Carolina. We continue to see a tremendous amount of bipartisan support in my community, an all- Republican county commission, might I add, along with both Republican Senators, Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, both with overwhelming support, with companion legislation in the Senate. We continue to find that we are playing politics here with the will of the people of my community. They have asked for this. The administration put forth in 2003 their management plan for this to adapt all 115 acres. It is a very good bill. I oppose this motion to recommit, and I ask all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on final passage.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, American small businesses supply goods and services throughout the world. These businesses have led the way in providing innovative solutions to private and public sector challenges. When Federal agencies spend taxpayers' funds, they should look to American small businesses first before outsourcing to foreign companies. In this age of high-speed communication and global transportation, American workers can contribute to American projects anywhere on earth. This amendment does not require Federal agencies to use American small businesses for every project. It simply sets expectations that these agencies look first to American small businesses to meet their needs. I urge passage of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the cosponsor of this amendment, Mr. Chabot.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend Ranking Member Chabot and Chairwoman Velazquez for her hard work and dedication on this amendment, along with this bill, an outstanding job. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, on Monday, May 7, I was unable to vote on rollcall votes Nos. 302, 303, or 304 due to a family obligation. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on each vote.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Peace Officers Memorial Day, honoring Federal, State, and local peace officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Our law enforcement officers dedicate and risk their lives daily to protect our Nation and ensure that our neighborhoods are safer. More than 56,000 law enforcement officers are assaulted every year, and in 2006, 143 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. No words can adequately express our gratitude for their sacrifice and service. My heart goes out to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, and to those officers who have been harmed while serving this great country. A few months ago, Western North Carolina lost one of our own brave officers. Police Officer Shawn Joshua Dean Williams died while responding to a fellow officer's call for assistance in Old Fort, North Carolina. He was only 23 years old. He is survived by his wife, Shannon Kirby Williams; his young daughter, Ryleigh Alexis; and his parents, Max Suttles and Holly Williams. Mr. Speaker, Officer Williams' life was an example of service for all of us to follow. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing sadness over all the officers lost in the line of duty and to acknowledge the dedication of all law enforcement officers who protect and serve our communities every day.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to be a product of Head Start. As a young boy, I attended a Head Start program, and that helped make me the man that I am today. It's time for Congress to recognize that faith communities contribute to Head Start. That's why I am proud to introduce this amendment today, along with Congressman Ellsworth, Congressman Donnelly, Congressman Carney and Congressman Loebsack. This amendment thanks the community and faith-based organizations for the good work that they have done running the Head Start programs. It also confirms its right to continue running these programs. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly).

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Ellsworth).

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. I was saddened to learn of her passing after her courageous battle with cancer, and my thoughts and prayers are with her husband, James McDonald, Jr., their five children and five grandchildren--as well as the people of the 37th district of California. Congresswoman Millender-McDonald served this Congress honorably for over five terms, during which time she was a tireless advocate for underserved communities in the U.S. and around the globe. Among her many accomplishments, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald secured critical funding for counseling services for our servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and was instrumental in the passage of important AIDS-prevention programs in Africa. The Congresswoman was also a staunch advocate for the rights of women, minorities, children, and the elderly. Congresswoman Millender-McDonald will also be remembered as a preeminent leader and trailblazer. She was the first-ever African- American or woman to chair the Committee on House Administration where she worked hard to ensure that all Americans would be guaranteed their rights at the voting booth. As the Democratic Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, Congresswoman Millender- McDonald convened groundbreaking meetings with then-UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan to discuss global poverty programs, as well as the New York Stock Exchange to find ways to empower women in the workplace. Madam Speaker, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald led an exemplary life of public service that included her most recent position as the ``Mayor of Capitol Hill''. The House community lost a true friend. May God rest her soul.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1332, the Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2007. As an entrepreneur, I understand the difficulties that small business owners face on a daily basis. I also know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, both nationally and in western North Carolina. Small businesses account for over half of all of our jobs in the U.S. and are responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all of our new jobs. For our small businesses to continue to grow and prosper, we must help them gain access to capital. The bill will grant American entrepreneurs that access to capital by updating and streamlining SBA's 7(a) and 504 loan programs. Additionally, this bill will eliminate loan fees for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I urge all Members to support this important legislation.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of House Resolution 179, expressing support for National Foster Parents Day. There are over half a million children in foster care in this country. Every child deserves to have a safe and loving home, where they do not have to worry about the fear of harm or of being abandoned. While caring for a child is never easy, foster parents have additional difficulties to work through. All foster care children need special care, support and nurturing. There are a wide array of issues that these children are dealing with such as abandonment, physical or sexual abuse, undisciplined or delinquent behaviors, and physical or emotional handicaps and disabilities. Foster parents are challenged with helping their foster children feel secure and loved, while they also work through many of these difficult issues. And while immensely challenging, foster parenting is also immeasurably rewarding. When foster parents open their homes and hearts--sacrificing, while giving support and love--they change children's lives. Many foster parents go on to adopt the children that they have in their home--60 percent of children who are adopted after they have been in foster care are adopted by foster parents. These children are given what every child deserves--a permanent home and a loving family. It is important to recognize and honor the crucial role that foster parents play in shaping the lives of hundreds of thousands of children each year. Because of this, I stand here today in support of a National Foster Parents Day, to honor their invaluable sacrifice, dedication, and selfless commitment to improving the lives of children.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of H.R. 1361, the RECOVER Act. This bill is a strong step in the right direction to ensure that the problems small businesses face in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita will never repeat. I know firsthand the difficulties that small businesses face after a natural disaster. It is vital for our community to know that the government stands with them in their hour of greatest need. My district recently suffered disastrous weather, which wiped out nearly the entire crop of apples, strawberries and ornamental horticulture. I asked the people of the community to join together in prayer for the farmers and their families as they work through this crisis. Just like the small business owners of the gulf region and other areas affected by disaster, these farmers need the quick and effective response of their government in their time of greatest need. I commend Chairwoman Velazquez for her work on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to the family of those who died yesterday at Virginia Tech and all those affected by this senseless tragedy. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation, H.R. 1677, the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007. As we mark the deadline for Federal income taxes today, this bill takes important steps to simplify the tax process for family-owned small businesses, which are the backbone of our country and our economy. Mr. Speaker, this bill will allow both spouses in a family-owned business to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes as a sole proprietorship, not as a partnership. Mr. Speaker, when a husband and wife owns a business together, they are really collecting only one paycheck. They should only have to pay taxes once.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, we entered the fifth year of the war in Iraq. Throughout that this Congress has provided the President with all the resources needed to wage this war. However, this body failed to provide any of the oversight he needed. Today, this Congress will correct that lack of oversight, while still providing our troops the funding they need and our military leaders the flexibility they require. Today we say an open-ended commitment to this war is no longer acceptable. We say that we will no longer grant the President a blank check. The war in Iraq has already lasted longer than World War I, World War II, and the Civil War. Continuing this war in the same manner with no accountability from the Administration or requirements on the Iraqi government is unacceptable. Today, we stand up for our men and women in uniform; we honor our veterans, and we begin a new course to securing Iraq by passing H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act. Passing this emergency funding guarantees our troops will have the equipment and resources they need. This bill demands that our troops are fully mission capable and meet the readiness standards set by the Department of Defense before we send them to war. And this bill demands the Iraqis get off the sidelines and begin fighting for their country. The people of Western North Carolina sent me to Congress to ask the tough questions and demand accountability on this war. I have attended briefings at the White House and the Pentagon where I have been able to ask those questions. I have spoken to generals and troops on the ground, veterans and the families of those fighting. I have listened to my constituents, and I have prayed. I am confident that supporting this bill is the proper course of action. Soldiers support this bill. Generals support this bill. Veterans support this bill. The families of those fighting support this bill. A vote against this bill is a vote against our troops. I am confident that this bill is a step in the right direction towards promoting a just and stable Iraq, and in bringing our nation closer to the day when all of our troops can return home to the warm welcome of a grateful Nation. May God bless our troops and their families, and may God bless the United States of America.