John Tanner

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise along with my colleague, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Social Security Sam Johnson, to introduce the ``Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2009.'' This legislation is intended to enhance the privacy of Social Security numbers (SSNs) and combat identity theft. The bill we introduce today is identical to legislation reported unanimously by the Committee on Ways and Means in the 110th Congress. The legislation benefits from a long history of bipartisan support, and earlier versions also were sponsored in prior congresses by the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Subcommittee since the 106th Congress. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) tells us that identity theft is the fastest growing type of fraud in the United States with an estimated cost to consumers of about $50 billion annually. The FTC's most recent survey on identity theft found that 8.3 percent of the nation's adult population have been victims of this fraud. According to the private consulting firm Javelin Research and Strategy, nearly 10 million Americans were victims of this fraud in 2008, which is an increase of 22 percent over the number of victims in 2007. Identity theft is facilitated by the easy availability of SSNs in many public and private sector records. SSNs are valuable to criminals because they are relied upon by business to authenticate identity. They are the skeleton key that unlocks many other sources of private, personal information. The legislation we introduce today would restrict the sale, purchase, and public display of SSNs in the public and private sector, while providing for appropriate exceptions for certain legitimate business purposes, as well as for law enforcement and statistical research. While there are many legitimate business and government uses for SSNs, the unrestricted flow of private personal information that includes SSNs often makes it too easy for identity thieves and other criminals to obtain SSNs for their own purposes. The bill received strong support from privacy and consumer groups, as well as from the AARP, when it was adopted by the Committee last Congress. The bill strikes a balance between legitimate uses and the need for better protections for privacy of the SSN, in order to fight the scourge of identity theft. We invite our colleagues to examine and cosponsor the legislation and will also welcome your questions and comments as the bill moves forward in the legislative process. A brief summary of the legislation follows: Summary of the Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2009 This legislation is identical to a bill reported by unanimous vote of the Committee on Ways and Means in the 110th Congress (HR. 3046). provisions related to social security numbers (ssns) in the public and private sectors Federal, State, and local governments would be prohibited from: Selling SSNs (limited exceptions would be allowed, such as to facilitate law enforcement and national security, to ensure the accuracy of credit and insurance underwriting information and certain other Fair Credit Reporting Act purposes, for tax purposes, for research purposes, and to the extent authorized by the Social Security Act). Further exceptions may be made for other purposes by regulation. Displaying SSNs to the general public, including on the Internet. Displaying SSNs on checks issued for payment and accompanying documents. Displaying SSNs on identification cards and tags issued to employees or their families, e.g., Defense Department IDs; to patients and students at public institutions; and on Medicare insurance cards. Employing prisoners in jobs that provide them with access to SSNs. Requiring the transmission of SSNs over the Internet without encryption or other security measures. The private sector would be prohibited from: Selling or purchasing SSNs (limited exceptions would be made for law enforcement (including child support enforcement); national security; public health; health or safety emergency situations; tax purposes; to ensure the accuracy of credit and insurance underwriting information and certain other Fair Credit Reporting Act purposes; if incidental to the sale, lease or merger of a business; to administer employee or government benefits; for some research; or with the individual's affirmative, written consent). Further exceptions may be made for other purposes by regulation. Displaying SSNs to the general public, including on the Internet. Displaying SSNs on checks. Requiring the transmission of SSNs over the Internet without encryption or other security measures. Making unnecessary disclosures of another individual's SSN to government agencies. Displaying the SSN on cards or tags issued to employees, their family members, or other individuals. Displaying the SSN on cards or tags issued to access goods, services, or benefits. Public and private sectors would be required to safeguard SSNs they have in their possession from unauthorized access by employees or others. Sale, purchase, or display of SSNs in the public or private sector would be permitted by regulation in other circumstances, when appropriate. In making this determination, regulators would consider whether the authorization would serve a compelling public interest and would consider the costs and burdens to the public, government, and businesses. If sale, purchase, or display were to be authorized, the regulation would provide for restrictions to prevent identity theft, fraud, deception, crime, and risk of bodily, emotional, or financial harm. For a limited time, the public sector would be allowed to sell or display to the general public, and the private sector would be allowed to sell, purchase or display to the general public, the last four digits of SSNs. This temporary exception to the bill's general prohibition on such sale, purchase and public display would end two years after the effective date of the final regulations. A person would be prohibited from obtaining another person's SSN to locate or identify the individual with the intent to harass, harm, physically injure or use the individual's identity for an illegal purpose. Wherever a truncated SSN is used, it must be limited to the last 4 digits of the number. (This truncation standard does not change the permissible uses of the SSN.) State law governing use of SSNs would not be preempted where state law is stronger. The National Research Council would be commissioned to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of banning the use of the SSN as an authenticator of identity. enforcement New criminal penalties (up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000) and civil penalties (up to $5,000 per incident) would be created for violations of the law relating to the display, sale, purchase, or misuse of the SSN, offering to acquire an additional SSN for a fee, and for selling or transferring one's own SSN. Prison sentences would be enhanced for SSN misuse associated with repeat offenders (up to 10 years), drug trafficking or crimes of violence (up to 20 years), or terrorism (up to 25 years). New criminal penalties (as much as 20 years in prison and fine up to $250,000) and civil penalties (up to $5,000 per incident) would be created for Social Security Administration employees who fraudulently sell or transfer SSNs or Social Security cards. The bill permits enforcement by the Social Security Administration (which would have civil monetary penalty authority); the Department of Justice (which enforces criminal violations of federal law); and state attorneys general (who would be granted civil enforcement authority over private-sector users and state and local government). In addition, individual victims affected by violations of this bill by federal agencies would be provided with limited legal recourse to stop an agency's violation and recover any actual damages they may have suffered.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Kristine V. Nakutis, who is retiring this month after more than 20 years of service to the United States Army. A portion of that time was spent as Commander of the Milan Army Ammunition Plant, which I am honored to represent in this chamber. Lieutenant Colonel Kristine V. Nakutis assumed command of Milan Army Ammunition Plant on July 12, 2004. A native of Meriden, Connecticut, Lieutenant Colonel Nakutis received her commission as an Army Ordnance officer in May 1989 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Upon graduating with honors, she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and departed for the Ordnance Officer Basic Course in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Lieutenant Colonel Nakutis' first assignment was at 24th Ordnance Company, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, where she served as a Magazine Platoon Leader for two years. This assignment allowed her the opportunity to support National Training Center rotations for 24th Infantry Division, Operation Just Cause in support of 1/75th Ranger Regiment, and the deployment of 24th Infantry Division to Saudi Arabia. In support of Operation Desert Shield, Lieutenant Colonel Nakutis deployed her platoon to Saudi Arabia and established the largest Corps Storage Area (CSA) of ammunition in direct support of 18th Airborne Corps. During her deployment, she assumed command of 24th Ordnance Company for a period of 35 days, while they prepared to transition to Operation Desert Storm and the forward movement of troops and supplies. Upon returning from Desert Storm, she assumed the position of Assistant Protocol Officer for 24th Infantry Division. She received reassignment to the Republic of Korea, where she worked as the 6th Ordnance Battalion's S2/3 Officer and Company Commander of 538th Ordnance Company. Her other assignments include Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course at Fort Lee, Virginia; Corps Ammunition Manager, 4th CMMC, Fort Hood, Texas; and Corps Ammunition Planner, 13th COSCOM, Fort Hood, Texas. Lieutenant Colonel Nakutis attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy with a follow-on three year assignment as an Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy in the Department of English. Upon departing USMA, she became the Support Operations Officer for 6th Ordnance Battalion, Republic of Korea, in July 2002. In this position, she was responsible for the U.S. ammunition stocks valued at more than $6 billion. She served a 90-day tour in Baghdad, Iraq, as a mentor to Iraqi Ammunition Officers to help them establish strategic ammunition management systems. Lieutenant Colonel Nakutis' awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf clusters); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Superior Unit Award; Army Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf clusters); Army Achievement Medal (with two Oak Leaf clusters); Kuwaiti Liberation Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Presidential Unit Citation (with one Oak Leaf cluster); Iraqi Freedom Medal. Madam Speaker, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Lieutenant Colonel Nakutis in her position as Commander of the Milan Army Ammunition Plant, a facility that is important to our nation's defense. I hope you and our colleagues will join us to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Nakutis on her retirement, thank her for her service and wish her all the best.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, this bill today is not what some of us would like, but it is something that we think maybe can pass the Senate, which, after all, has a hand in this statutory approach. It is the first step to restore a rule that was allowed by this Congress to expire in 2002, which effectively removes a constraint, one constraint on what almost everybody wants to see happen, and that is, you want to vote against any taxes, and you want to vote for all the programs. This is one small step to try to address that urge that, I guess, all of us share from time to time. If you look back at this decade, in the year 2000, revenue and expenditures were both around 19 percent of GDP. The country basically was breaking even. By 2002, when PAYGO was allowed to expire, and we had seen the economic policies of the country change dramatically in the summer of 2001, shortly before 9/11, we had a situation develop where, by 2003, the expenditures were over 20 percent of GDP, and the revenue coming in was less than 17, actually 16.3 percent of GDP. And without changing our economic game plan that was enacted in June of 2001, we began to borrow money, mostly, 75 percent of it, from foreign sources. What that has done is created a situation where we now are beginning to be more and more vulnerable to our foreign creditors who may or may not see the world as this country does. And secondly, we are transferring more and more of our tax base, whatever it may be, to interest, for which we get nothing. As my friend from New York just said, the government has to do two things, in addition, of course, the first thing to keep our country safe. But the other two things it has to do is, first, invest in infrastructure. If you go anywhere in the world where there's no infrastructure, nobody's making any money. It's almost impossible to make money on a dirt road with no water, sewer, electricity and so on. The government has to invest in infrastructure. And the second thing is human capital. If you read history, no country has been strong and free with an uneducated, unhealthy population. And so public education and health care, particularly preventive health care for children, is necessary for the government to invest in so that we can remain a strong and healthy society.

Mr. TANNER. As we transfer more and more of our tax base to interest, we necessarily cripple our own ability as Americans, not as Members of Congress, our own ability to make those investments that are necessary for our country to be successful. And so, this is, as I said, the first step to restore some sort of constraint in the system where, when we change the law regarding mandatory spending or mandatory tax reduction, then we have to figure out a way to offset it. It is common sense. We're going to demand, if we can, that it pass the Senate so we can have a statutory backstop, a statutory constraint, not as strong as we'd like, but it is a first step. And I would sure urge everybody who cares about the future of this country, and I know we all do--we may have different ideas about how to address it--but I wish you'd seriously consider voting for this.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Colonel Darrell E. Adams, for 27 years of exceptional service and dedication to the United States Air Force. He will be retiring from active duty on September 30, 2009. In his most recent assignment, he served as the Chief of the Strategy and Assessments Division, Secretary of the Air Force, Directorate of Public Affairs. Colonel Adams grew up in McIntosh, Alabama. He entered the Air Force in 1982 as a distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Alabama State University. Following undergraduate missile training, his operational assignments included duties as a Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile crew commander at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota and Ground Launched Cruise Missile crew commander at Florennes Air Base, Belgium, during the period of the Cold War. Colonel Adams has served in a variety of staff and leadership positions both stateside and overseas. He has been a training officer, protocol officer, command and control officer at the wing and Headquarters level. Most notably, he was the on-duty Senior Controller at Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force when President George H.W. Bush directed the nuclear stand-down for B-52 bombers, tanker aircraft, and missiles in promoting peace and stability between the United States and the Soviet Union. He has been a squadron commander, deputy group commander; he has two assignments as a congressional liaison officer. Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Adams served as the Chief of the Congressional Inquiries Division, Office of Legislative Liaison. He managed on behalf of the Department of the Air Force, all constituent inquiries from the White House, Office of the Vice President, Members of Congress and state and local governments. He also managed the Air Force Legislative Fellowship program where selected Air Force officers served as Congressional Fellows on Capitol Hill. Over the past 4 years Colonel Adams escorted many Members of Congress on Congressional Delegations, in furtherance of their oversight responsibilities. He assisted me and Members of the U.S. House delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on multiple trips to Europe including Russia, Africa, and Afghanistan. The logistics of such trips are often complicated and require lengthy and detailed preparation. He always upheld the highest standards of professional conduct and his thorough and efficient planning assured that these trips were a complete success. He will be missed. I ask my Colleagues to join me in expressing our sincere thanks to Darrell, his wife Lisa, their daughter Regis, and their two sons Kalon and Jared, for their unwavering support of our country and the freedom we hold so dear. We congratulate Colonel Adams on the completion of an exemplary active-duty career and wish him well in the next phase of his life.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the St. John Missionary Baptist Church congregation on the recent dedication of its rebuilt church, restored following a fire that tragically destroyed the building shortly after the church's 100th anniversary celebration in January of 2006. At the beginning of the 20th century a group of men and women, former slaves and sons and daughters of slaves, began to congregate and conduct church services in Haywood County, Tennessee, which I am honored to represent in this chamber. The first church building of St. John Missionary Baptist Church was a small log building erected on land given to the congregation by Deacon Charlie Wilkerson and was known as simply St. John's ``across the river.'' On November 16, 1904, papers were drawn up to purchase 33 acres of land from W.H. Ford approximately one and a half miles from Dancyville, Tennessee. The deed was filed on January 20, 1906, with the church paying $425 for the land. Marion Sweet and William Graves served as master carpenters for the new structure, and they, along with the tireless effort of countless others, laid the foundation and built a frame structure that served as a place of worship for numerous years. Throughout the 20th century, the congregation continued to grow in number as well as in presence within West Tennessee and became known throughout the area for its leadership, dedication to God and love of fellow man. The congregation continued to improve the structure of St. John Missionary Baptist Church with expanding facilities to aid in worship and assist with the growing number of congregants. The frame church was bricked in the late 1950's with additions and renovations through the latter portion of the 20th century. Tragedy struck on September 20, 2006, when the building was destroyed by fire. Undeterred, the congregation held meetings at Raul's Funeral Home in Brownsville and soon began the process of rebuilding their historic church. The congregation's ability to rebuild the church is both a testament to their dedication to worship as well as their commitment to what the church has represented to our community for more than 100 years. From their humble beginnings in a small log church building near the corner of Highway 76 South and the Qualls Road intersection to the beautiful church they have just restored, St. John Missionary Baptist Church has served as a symbol of hope, faith and devotion. We know that tradition will continue under the leadership of my friend and an outstanding public servant, Reverend Johnny W. Shaw. Madam Speaker, we hope you and our colleagues will join me as we congratulate the St. John Missionary Baptist Church on the dedication of its new church, and thank members of the congregation for all they do to help West Tennessee.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kelly Holmes, a long-time public servant who retired June 30 after many years as Madison County Fire Chief alongside his wife Willadene. Under Chief Homes' leadership, the Madison County Fire Department grew from a volunteer force with Army surplus equipment to 16 stations with 162 firefighters. Kelly Holmes is a native of Bemis, Tennessee, and was raised in Madison County, which I am honored to represent in this chamber. After serving in the United States Army during the Korean War, Kelly returned home in 1955 to work at Consolidated Aluminum Corporation, where he worked for more than 20 years. During that time, in 1958, Kelly helped organize the all-volunteer Madison County Fire Department to help protect our community. The following year, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and in 1963 assumed the role of Fire Chief. He served in that position as a volunteer for 13 years; in 1976, the needs of Madison County had grown so much that the position of Fire Chief became a full-time, paid position. In his more than 50 years with the Madison County Fire Department, Chief Holmes has served on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association and served from 1978 to 1980 as President of that association. He has received many awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, the Army's National Defense Service Medal, the Jackson Exchange Club's ``Man of the Year'' Award in 1975, and the First American Red Cross Humanitarian Service Award in 2005. In 1965, he appeared in ``Outstanding Young Men of America.'' Chief Holmes has also held various leadership roles at the Bemis United Methodist Church, to which he and his family belong. Fire protection service to our community is important to the entire Holmes family. Kelly says ``his number one assistant'' is his wife, Willadene, who has also served the Madison County Fire Department for 50 years as a dispatcher and secretary. For 30 years, his son Ralph served the Jackson Fire Department, from which he retired as Batallion Chief, and spent his off days as Head of Maintenance and Captain for the Madison County Fire Department. Chief Holmes' grandson Joe has served 4 years with the Madison County Fire Department as a firefighter. Among Chief Holmes' greatest moments of service was his leadership in responding to a 1978 train derailment and propane explosion in Waverly, Tennessee, that had killed several, including the local police and fire chiefs, and destroyed several city blocks. Chief Holmes and the firefighters serving with him put their lives on the line in a very precarious situation, knowing that a second propane car at the center of the fire could have exploded at any time. Tennesseans were grateful for the courage and dedication displayed by Chief Holmes and other responders. Madam Speaker, I have long been proud to call Chief Kelly Holmes my friend. I thank you and our colleagues for joining me in expressing gratitude for his service protecting West Tennessee families and congratulating him on his retirement, which will allow him to spend time with his family and--in his words--``enjoy the country life.'' We wish him all the best.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, during the period May 22-31, 2009, I led a bipartisan House delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) meetings in Oslo, Norway and to additional bi-lateral meetings in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. The co-chair of the NATO PA delegation is the Hon. John Shimkus. The delegation also included Representatives Jo Ann Emerson, Dennis Moore, John Boozman, Mike Ross, David Scott, Kendrick Meek, Jeff Miller, Ben Chandler, Mike Turner and staff. The NATO PA delegation had a highly successful trip in which a wide range of political, economic and security issues on NATO's agenda, as well as issues involving the U.S.-Finland and U.S.-Sweden bi-lateral relationships, were examined. Accompanying the delegation on the visits to Finland and Sweden was Mr. David Hobbs, Secretary General of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, who provided invaluable assistance with respect to Finland and Sweden's participation in the NATO PA and issues related to their cooperation with NATO in numerous Alliance operations. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly consists of parliamentarians from all 28 NATO member states. The NATO PA provides a unique forum for elected officials to analyze and debate issues that the NATO leadership discusses in Brussels. In addition to the 28 member parliaments, parliamentarians from countries such as Russia, Georgia, Afghanistan, and others also participate in the sessions as associate states or observers. Through these sessions, delegates have the opportunity to learn first-hand the views and concerns that other countries have over the key security issues of the day. An invaluable aspect of the meetings is the chance to meet and come to know members of parliaments who play important roles in their own countries in shaping the security agenda that their governments pursue at NATO. These contacts can endure through a career, and can provide an invaluable private avenue for insights into each ally's particular views on an issue. In early April, NATO celebrated its 60th anniversary at a summit in Strasbourg, France and Kehl, Germany. The key issues on the agenda of the Alliance included the broader issue of the future of NATO and more specific issues including relations with Russia, energy security, missile defense, the conflict in Afghanistan, and emerging challenges such as piracy and cyber security. Each of these issues was also on the NATO PA agenda in Oslo and many were vigorously debated by the parliamentarians. Relations with Russia and the new strategy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan were two of the issues that dominated the session. Many members of the Alliance questioned whether Russia has begun to implement an increasingly assertive security policy including efforts to intimidate neighboring states, through the threat of force. There was also concern expressed that Russia would continue to use its energy supplies as a political lever to influence European policy. It was clear from our meetings that not only the United States and NATO, but the European Union as well, are concerned about Moscow's posture on a variety of issues. And, while there were differences of opinion over how to structure future relations between NATO and Russia and the NATO PA and the Russian delegates to the Assembly, most felt that dialogue between NATO, the NATO PA, and Russia was important and should continue. Many delegates welcomed the U.S. commitment to a new, constructive relationship with Moscow and expressed hope that through those promising relations, Russia's attitude toward NATO could become more positive. On Afghanistan, there was continued support for the ISAF mission among the allies and a willingness to provide the additional civilian and financial support necessary for the reconstruction effort there. However, we did detect an undercurrent of concern among some allies that through the commitment of 21,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan and the replacement of U.S./ISAF Commander, General McKiernan, the process of the ``Americanization'' of the war was underway and that NATO could be pushed aside by the United States. Our delegation was clear that this is not the case and that NATO's role in Afghanistan continues to be a critical one that needs to be carried out in an effective and efficient manner. Before the opening sessions of the Assembly's plenary the U.S. delegation received a detailed briefing from the new U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Ivo Daalder, who had been in his new role for four days. He prepared us for the nuances involved in some of the issues that would be debated during the NATO PA sessions, particularly regarding Russia and NATO's on-going role in Afghanistan. In addition to the briefing by Ambassador Daalder, we also had the opportunity to meet with the new Deputy Chief of Mission to NATO, Mr. John Heffern who represented the United States at the joint NATO PA/North Atlantic Council (NAC) session at the conclusion of the plenary. Another highlight was a private meeting our delegation held with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer who was attending his last NATO Parliamentary Assembly session as Secretary General. He gave an overview of the most critical challenges confronting the alliance and thanked the U.S. delegation for its continued support for NATO. Later he addressed the NATO PA's plenary session. The Foreign Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg also addressed the plenary and spoke about the continued importance of the Alliance and the need for a clear direction for NATO's future. The Assembly also received a mixed report on current conditions in Afghanistan from Mr. Kai Eide, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Mr. Eide stressed the need for a sustained commitment of assistance from the international community. We also heard comments from the Speakers of the Albanian and Croatian Parliaments on their nation's status as the newest members of the Alliance. Over two days of the NATO PA session, intense meetings of the Assembly's committees took place. There are five NATO PA committees. In each, parliamentarians presented reports on issues before the Alliance. The reports were debated by all members of the committee who often made counter-arguments or suggestions for amending a report. Members of the U.S. delegation were present and active in each committee meeting. The Political Committee heard two very interesting presentations. One on the future relevancy of NATO by Jonas Gahr Store, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway. A second presentation on Iran generated some interesting questions and debate. The Committee received presentations on three reports, one from our colleague, Mike Ross who was a rapporteur for a report on possible transatlantic cooperation on Pakistan. Mr. Ross's presentation was well received by the Committee. Other reports debated included ``Resetting Relations with Russia'' that featured several interesting comments from the Russian delegates, and ``NATO's relationship with Georgia'' that included a discussion on the recent Russia-Georgia conflict. There were still differences of opinion on who actually was responsible for starting the war in Georgia and how to deal with Georgia's aspirations for eventual membership in NATO. The Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security is currently chaired by our colleague, Jo Ann Emerson. The Committee heard three interesting presentations. One covered civil-military relations in Afghanistan and another attempted to discuss how NATO could best communicate the importance of the Alliance and its missions to the general populations of the alliance members. There was also a very interesting presentation on the food-security nexus by Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program. The Committee then debated a report on the growing threat of piracy to regional and global security. Our colleague, David Scott, who had recently visited Somalia, offered several comments on the relationship between the unstable political and economic situation in Somalia and the growing use of Somalia as a base for pirate activity. A report on the current political situation in Moldova was also presented. The Defense and Security Committee heard two reports on NATO's ongoing operations in Afghanistan, including a report by NATO's senior civilian representative in Afghanistan, Ambassador Fernando Gentilini. The Committee also received a report on the need for NATO to reinforce its mission of territorial defense. Our colleague John Shimkus countered the idea that Afghanistan was becoming an ``American'' war by pointing out that the United States' new Afghanistan/Pakistan strategy, which does include additional U.S. military forces, was developed in part with European input. The Economics and Security Committee debated three reports, including one on food prices and their implications for security and another on energy production in Central Asia and its potential contribution to transatlantic energy security. The Committee also had a long discussion on a third report that addressed the global financial crisis and its impact on member nations. In that discussion, a number of members suggested that it would be useful to explore how the financial crisis was impinging on national defense budgets in allied countries. The Committee also heard presentations on the security aspects of food- related crises, global energy market trends, and managing defense budgets in times of global recession. Finally, the Science and Technology Committee heard three reports, including one particularly interesting report on climate change and its relationship to national security. Another addressed the current efforts being used to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction. A third report provided a look at the resurgence of nuclear power as a source of clean energy. On Tuesday, the final day of the plenary, the general assembly had the extraordinary opportunity to hear a presentation from the NATO Secretary General in his last address to the Assembly and to participate in a formal meeting with the North Atlantic Council (NAC) in which the Ambassadors to NATO of all 28 Alliance members answered questions from the delegates. Madam Speaker, as you know, the NATO PA Plenary session also happened to be held over our own Memorial Day. For the members of the U.S. delegation, the highlight of our visit to Oslo was the opportunity to honor the men and women of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country. As it happened, a U.S. Navy warship was able to make a port call in Oslo that served as the venue for a Memorial Day observance. For that, I wish to thank Admiral Charles Leidig, Commander Ed Recavarren, Assistant U.S. Naval Attache in Oslo, the ship's Captain, Michael Feyedelem and the entire ship's crew for welcoming us aboard for the memorial service. I also wish to thank U.S. Ambassador to Norway, Benson Whitney, for hosting the reception for our delegation, the ship's crew, the Mayor of Oslo, and other dignitaries to share this special moment with us. The members of our delegation were also able to visit with sailors and marines whose stateside homes included many of the states represented by Members of our delegation. In sum, Madam Speaker, the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Oslo was a success and as President of the Assembly, I took pride in the deliberations and participation of the delegates from all 28 members nations and our associate and observer members. For Members of the House or Senate interested in reading the Committee reports or presentations mentioned in this statement, they are all available on the NPA web site at www.nato-pa.int. I also want to take this opportunity to again thank U.S. Ambassador Whitney, our control officer, Auden McKernan, and all of the fine men and women of our embassy in Oslo for the wonderful job they did assisting the delegation. Following the NATO PA plenary, the U.S. delegation traveled to Bergen, Norway. Norway was celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Norwegian submarine fleet and a U.S. submarine had visited Bergen as part of that celebration. The U.S. delegation was given a tour of the submarine and an informal briefing on the cooperation between the Norwegian and U.S. navies. The delegation would like to thank Commander Ed Recavarren, Scott Sommers, our Bergen control officer and U.S. Defense Attache in Oslo, Captain Russell Smith, for their assistance in making this visit a successful one. After departing Norway, the delegation flew to Helsinki, Finland for bi-lateral meetings with government and parliamentary representatives. On Wednesday, after a country team briefing given by our Charge in Helsinki, Thaddeus Plosser, our Control Officer, Scott Brandon and other staff, we were hosted for a roundtable discussion by the Chairmen of the Committees of Foreign Affairs and Defense. Other committee members participated, including Johannes Koskinen, the Deputy Speaker of the Finnish Parliament and head of Finland's delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The discussions covered a number of issues including Finland's carefully managed relationship with Russia. Finland and Russia share an 800 mile border, fought two wars, and experience close to 8 million border crossings each year. Russia is Finland's largest trading partner and primary energy supplier, including 100% of Finland's natural gas supplies. The Finns seem surprisingly at ease with their ``complex and unpredictable'' neighbor and do not see a ``Georgia-type'' threat from Russia. The Finns pursue their security interests through the EU, Nordic defense cooperation with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and through close cooperation with NATO. While there is growing support among some in the government for possible future NATO membership, the majority of the general public is not yet in favor of such a decision. Finland has been active in Afghanistan (currently 100 troops, soon to reach 200), and participates in the Swedish-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in northern Afghanistan. Other issues discussed included the current global economic and financial crisis which has hit Finland, climate change, and cooperation on issues involving the ``high north'' and the arctic. Our delegation also held policy discussions with representatives of the government, including the Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the principle policy advisor to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Director of the Political Department in the MFA, the head of the office for North American affairs at the MFA, and the Deputy Director at the Ministry of Defense. Again, a wide range of issues including Russia, NATO, and the economy were discussed. On May 28, our delegation traveled to Stockholm, Sweden for bi- lateral meetings. The visit to Sweden was also important as the Swedes will take over the rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1, 2009. We were met by U.S. Charge, Robert Silverman and control officer, Jonas Wechsler who briefed the delegation on relations between Sweden and the United States. That evening we were warmly welcomed at a reception at the Ambassador's residence that included guests from the government of Sweden, the Parliament, and others. Lively discussions followed on the new U.S. administration and its views on transatlantic relations, the differences between the European and U.S. views of the world, the future role of NATO, relations with Russia, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The next day, the delegation met with Sten Tolgfors, the Minister of Defense for Sweden. The Minister briefed us on Sweden's global outlook, their participation with NATO in the Balkans and Afghanistan (they have 290 troops and lead a PRT in the north), Russia, and the reforms they have instituted within the defense establishment, including the decision to pursue an all-volunteer professional military (they, like the Finns, have a conscript military). Sweden, like Finland, does entertain the possibility of future NATO membership but the Minister told the delegation that currently the parliament is split on the idea and so it is not on the government's current agenda. The delegation then proceeded to a working lunch hosted by Ms. Karin Enstrom, head of the Swedish delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and attended by other parliamentarians. The discussion was lively and covered the entire spectrum of U.S.-Swedish relations. Following lunch, the delegation met with State Secretary Frank Belfrage from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions centered on Russia, Afghanistan, and Sweden's upcoming presidency of the European Union. One of Sweden's priorities will be climate change and preparing the EU's positions for the Copenhagen Conference on climate change that will be held in December. The Secretary expressed his hope that the United States and EU will work closely together on this issue and to help forge a consensus on the follow-on efforts to the Kyoto Climate agreement. Madam Speaker, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly provides a unique opportunity for Members of Congress to engage in serious discussions on critical issues with our colleagues from other NATO member states, associate and observer states. I believe our delegation, and thus this Congress, benefits greatly from the information we exchange and the personalities we meet during these meetings. I look forward to our next NATO PA session in November in Edinburgh, Scotland. In conclusion, I would like to again acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Embassy staffs in Oslo, Helsinki, and Stockholm, and the men and women of the U.S. Navy vessels we visited while in Norway. I especially want to thank our entire military escort group from the United States Air Force, including the pilots. Our diplomatic corps and military personnel provide a quiet but invaluable service in ensuring our safety and this group of diplomats, servicemen and women was no exception. I thank them for their hard work and their dedication to duty.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, which honors a long-time leader in our state, whose career has been distinguished and historic. John Shelton Wilder was first elected to the Tennessee State Senate in 1958, and, in 1971, was chosen by his Senate colleagues to serve as Senate Speaker and Lt. Governor. He served in these capacities until 2006, making him the longest-serving leader of a state legislative body anywhere in this country. Because of his trademark bipartisanship and his insistence in wanting ``the Senate to be the Senate,'' the Tennessee State Senate accomplished many things under Lt. Governor Wilder's leadership. I had the honor of serving alongside Lt. Governor Wilder in the General Assembly when I served in the Tennessee House of Representatives. During my time in this body, I have been honored to represent some of the same counties that Lt. Governor Wilder represented in the Tennessee Senate. I know firsthand how dedicated he has always been to serving the public and helping families in West Tennessee and across our state. Madam Speaker, I hope you and our colleagues will join us in supporting this resolution to honor Lt. Gov. John S. Wilder--known to many of us in Tennessee simply as ``Governor Wilder''--for his long public service.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join our colleagues in honoring a very gifted leader and my friend, University of Tennessee Lady Vol Head Coach Pat Summitt. Earlier this year, Coach Summitt marked her 1000th victory, the first coach in women's or men's college basketball to reach that hallmark. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Coach Summitt over the years, and my chief of staff, Vickie Walling, is a long-time friend of Pat's, from their days together at the University of Tennessee-Martin, which I now have the honor of representing in this chamber. Summitt became the winningest coach in college basketball in 2005, passing Dean Smith's 879 career wins. You can imagine our Tennessee pride when, on February 5 of this year, the Lady Vols helped Pat achieve another hallmark: winning her 1000th game as head coach. During Pat's time at UT, the Lady Vols have won eight NCAA titles, as well as 27 Southeastern Conference tournament and regular season championships and 28 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament. Tennessee has produced 12 Olympians, 19 Kodak All-Americans and 71 All- SEC performers. As an alumnus of the University of Tennessee and of the UT basketball program, I understand the importance of the Lady Vols to the university and to our state. The talented women led by Coach Summitt not only demonstrate great athletic ability but also understand the importance of academic accomplishment; under Pat's leadership, the Lady Vols have a 100 percent graduation rate for those who have completed their eligibility at Tennessee. Pat's continued dedication to the academic, athletic and personal growth of her players is a trademark of her coaching style and a testament to her tireless commitment to women's basketball and the well-rounded development of young women. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend Jimmy Duncan for introducing this resolution and giving us the opportunity to congratulate Pat Summitt on accomplishing this feat, recognize her outstanding career, and wish her and the Lady Vols all the best in their future successes.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Mr. Chair, I rise today to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica for bringing the FAA Reauthorization bill to the floor today. For the most part I am supportive of their efforts; however, I must express concern with a provision in this bill that would change the labor status of the employees of FedEx, a company based in Memphis, Tennessee, and important to our regional economy. FedEx has been covered by provisions of the Railroad Labor Act for decades. I am disappointed that this legislation attempts to overturn these years of legislative and legal precedent by now putting FedEx under the National Labor Relations Act. FedEx was founded in 1973, and every court and agency to address the issue since then has found FedEx to be subject to the RLA, because national labor and transportation policy mandates that integrated, multi-modal transportation networks be subject to the processes of the RLA. I do hope the Committee will consider my views and the views of those I represent in Tennessee, who depend on FedEx staying competitive. Because of the adverse effects this provision would have, I urge House conferees to eliminate this provision during its conference with the Senate. These provisions, which I oppose, should stand alone in separate legislation so all parties can come to the table and offer their ideas and concerns. Mr Chair, the complexity of this issue requires further debate from all parties affected.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, from April 2-9, 2009, in my capacity as President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), I spoke at the 60th Anniversary Summit of NATO in Strasbourg/Kehl; chaired the NATO PA Standing Committee meeting and conducted bilateral meetings in Vilnius, Lithuania; traveled to Kiev, Ukraine and Tbilisi, Georgia on NATO PA Presidential visits; and addressed the EAPC Ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium. The Honorable Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), who chairs the NATO PA's Civil Dimension of Security Committee and serves on the Standing Committee of the NATO PA, and NATO PA Secretary General David Hobbs, joined and worked with me to make this a successful trip. In the NATO PA, parliamentarians from NATO member and partner states gather to discuss NATO issues and as elected officials, have a close working relationship with the Alliance. In addition to my role as the Assembly's President, I chair the U.S. delegation to the NATO PA. The U.S. delegation is always bipartisan, actively and regularly participates in the NATO PA sessions, and several of our delegates hold elected offices within the Assembly. The NATO PA meetings afford an opportunity to sound out parliamentarians from allied states on public opinion, defense and foreign policy, and trends in strategic thinking. These meetings also allow us to come to know members of parliaments who play important roles in shaping the security agenda that their governments debate at NATO headquarters. These relationships can last a lifetime and enhance mutual understanding of issues in the different member countries.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 386, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009, particularly language strengthening the provisions of the False Claims Act. At a time when the U.S. Government is spending hundreds of billions of dollars to jump start our faltering economy, we need to reassure the American people that we will have a ``zero tolerance'' approach to fraud. It is important that we honor taxpayer dollars as if they were our own. In January of this year, the House passed H. Res. 40, which I sponsored. This resolution, now part of the House rules, requires each House committee to conduct at least three hearings a year on the topic of waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction. It puts in place a systematic mechanism for regular oversight. S. 386 complements and parallels the intent of H. Res. 40, with key provisions to bolster the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act was first signed into law in 1863, as President Lincoln sought to combat fraud against the United States during the Civil War. It allows private individuals to bring lawsuits on behalf of the United States, in order to recover funds that were wrongfully obtained through fraud. In 1986, the statute was amended. In the 20-plus years since the False Claims Act was last amended, however, many federal courts around the country have misinterpreted and weakened the statute, making it more difficult for private citizens and the government to expose and prosecute fraud against the United States. Today, as our country is in the midst of two wars and faces the worst economic crisis that most of us have ever lived through, fraud against the government is again on the rise; the time has come to strengthen the False Claims Act once more. S. 386 does just that. Mr. Speaker, the False Claims Act is the Federal Government's most effective tool to combat fraud. At a time when additional government funds are exposed to potential fraud, the American taxpayers need to be assured that their money is not being mismanaged. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and reaffirm their commitment to the American taxpayers.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember our friend and former colleague William ``Bill'' Orton, who served with distinction in this chamber from 1991 to 1997. I had the great honor of serving alongside Bill and working closely with him in the early days of the Blue Dog Coalition. During his time in this body and--before that, working in the executive branch--Bill proved himself to be thoughtful and honorable, and those of us who had the pleasure to serve with him know that he entered public service for the right reasons. He cared deeply about the future of this country and understood the importance of ensuring fiscal sustainability for the generations of Americans who come after us. Betty Ann and I, along with many others in Congress and across our country, were deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife Jacquelyn and their sons Will and Wesley during this difficult time. Madam Speaker, we appreciate you and our colleagues joining us to remember Bill's service to our nation and offer our condolences to his family and to all Utahns.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Garner ``Mack'' Goode, a long-time leader in West Tennessee, who is retiring this month after more than four decades on the Crockett County Election Commission and who continues to serve our area in many other capacities. Governor Buford Ellington and the State Board of Election Supervisors first appointed Mack as a Democratic member the Commission of Elections for Crockett County in 1967. He has remained on the board for 41 years. Mack is also Chairman of the Gibson Electric Membership Cooperative Board of Trustees, which is important to rural communities all across West Tennessee. Mack's family has been involved in West Tennessee farming for decades, and Mack continues to manage 900 acres of crops. He also spent 42 years at the Bank of Alamo, including in the position of President and CEO. Mack served for 15 years on the Crockett County Board of Education and nine years on the Alamo City School Board. He has also served as Alamo City Alderman, a member of the Alamo/Crockett County Rotary Club and a member of the Alamo Jaycees. Mack has done a considerable amount of volunteer work in our area over the years, including 32 years with the Crockett County Rescue Squad and 26 years with the Alamo Fire Department. He has served on the Crockett County Emergency Management Board, as a Partner in Education for Alamo City School, as a supporter of various charitable organizations and as co-founder of the Mack and Mary June Goode ``Special Needs Fund for Alamo City School'' Foundation. In between his community service and farming, Mack enjoys spending time with his wife Mary June Goode and their family. Their children are Bobby and Melinda Goode, and Reecha Black. Their grandchildren are Brandi and Rick Wilson, Garner and Rachel Goode, Jenna Black, Crockett Goode and Jessie Black. They have three great grandchildren, Lee Wilson, Mary Wilson and Luke Wilson. Mack is also an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. We know that as Mack will continue to be active in our community. His leadership and counsel will remain important to us as we work together to help increase industrial development in Crockett County and across rural West Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I hope you and our colleagues will join me as we thank Mack Goode for his long community service, congratulate him on his 41 years on the Crockett County Elections Commission and wish him and his family all the best.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, from February 14-21, I led a bipartisan House delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly meetings in Brussels and with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, and to additional meetings at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna, Austria, and the NATO School and Marshall Center for Security Studies in Germany. The co-chair of my delegation was the Hon. Jo Ann Emerson. In addition, Representatives John Boozman, Baron Hill, Carolyn McCarthy, Charlie Melancon, Jeff Miller (Brussels only), Dennis Moore, Mike Ross, and David Scott, and staff, worked to make this a highly successful trip during which we examined current NATO issues, above all NATO's engagement in Afghanistan, the alliance's evolving relations with Russia, and the effect of the global economic downturn on NATO operations. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) consists of members of parliament from the 26 NATO states, as well as members of parliament from candidate states Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia (or Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM), and other associated states such as Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine. Last fall, I had the honor of being elected to serve a two-year term as President of the Assembly. In this capacity, I preside over meetings during which delegates discuss and debate a range of issues of importance to the alliance. Delegates have the opportunity to listen to presentations by specialists from NATO and on NATO affairs, and to engage in discussion of the issues raised. An additional element of the meetings is the opportunity to meet and come to know members of parliaments who play important foreign-policy roles in their own countries. These responsibilities can include setting defense budgets and determining the operational restrictions placed on deployed forces. Some of the acquaintances made through the NATO PA can last the duration of a career and are invaluable for gaining insight into developments in allied states. NATO will celebrate its 60th anniversary at a summit in Strasbourg, France and Kehl, Germany on April 3-4, 2009. Discussion during the NATO PA's February meetings were dominated by four key issues expected to be addressed at the April summit: NATO's stabilization mission in Afghanistan; its evolving relations with Russia; plans to draft a new NATO Strategic Concept; and the effects of the global economic downturn on national security and allied commitments to NATO. Our counterparts from NATO-member parliaments also expressed particular interest in the foreign policy goals of the 111th Congress and of the new U.S. Administration. As I will elaborate in a moment, my colleagues and I took the opportunity to respond to questions on these issues and to present our views on the current direction of U.S. foreign policy. The key issue facing the alliance is NATO's effort to bring security and stability to Afghanistan. NATO has staked its reputation on accomplishing the Afghan mission by sending a sizeable force, extolling the alliance's capability for global reach, and expending resources to rebuild the political and economic structure of a country from which emanated the most devastating terrorist attack in western history. Failure in Afghanistan would likely call into question the future of the alliance. Approximately 55,100 troops from 39 countries currently serve in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), with NATO members providing the core of the force. The United States now contributes approximately 24,000 troops to ISAF. In February, President Obama announced that the United States will send an additional 17,000 troops to Afghanistan in the coming months. Forces from the United States, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK bear the brunt of the fighting. The inequity of burden-sharing in combat operations remains an important point of contention in the alliance, and is a factor in domestic opposition to the conflict apparent in states that contribute the most combat forces. Each of us on the delegation made an effort to urge our counterparts from NATO parliaments to support ISAF and to contribute the forces and resources necessary to stabilize Afghanistan. Our delegation also emphasized that success in Afghanistan will depend on more than just military efforts, and called on the alliance to develop a more comprehensive political strategy for the region that includes increased engagement in Pakistan. Relations between NATO and Russia in 2008 reached their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. Russia vocally opposed U.S.-supported proposals to strengthen NATO ties with Georgia and Ukraine, and Moscow's opposition to a proposed U.S. missile defense installation in Poland and the Czech Republic has sparked contentious debate about the merits of the U.S. plans. Tensions between NATO and Russia escalated in the wake of Russia's August 2008 invasion of Georgia, after which the sides suspended formal ties in the NATO-Russia Council (NRC). Low-level cooperation between NATO and Russia resumed in January, and formal ties in the NRC could resume after the April summit. NATO members remain divided on how to manage relations with Russia. Our delegation contributed to a number of forceful discussions on the future of NATO- Russia relations and emphasized the importance of developing a unified approach toward Russia within the framework of a broader alliance policy toward the east. Proposals for a new NATO Strategic Concept were a third topic of discussion at NATO PA meetings. NATO's current Strategic Concept was drafted in 1999 and a growing number of allied governments have called for the creation of a new Strategic Concept that clarifies and updates the scope of NATO's activities. Such a document could address a number of important issues facing the alliance, including a possible streamlining of NATO decision-making and commitment to more equitable cost-sharing of missions; a clearer commitment to the missions of counter terrorism and counter proliferation, and possibly energy and cyber security; and a rationale for future enlargement. The April Summit's Declaration on Alliance Security could serve as a foundation and impetus for a new Strategic Concept that would be approved in 2010. While in Brussels, our delegation met first with Ambassador Kurt Volker, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO. He provided a briefing and responded to our questions on a wide range of issues including those I just outlined and NATO's ongoing peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. There followed three days of meetings of the NATO PA's Defense and Security, Political, and Economics and Security Committees. The meetings raised such issues as NATO's current political agenda, NATO's relations with the countries of Central Asia, NATO defense policy, and U.S. and European responses to the global financial crisis and economic downturn. At the request of our fellow NATO PA delegations, I presided over an open joint session of the NATO PA's Political, Defense and Security, and Economic and Security Committees during which members of the U.S. delegation presented views and answered questions on the foreign policy priorities of the 111th Congress and the Obama Administration. Representatives McCarthy and Ross each made forceful and provocative presentations during which they emphasized U.S. willingness to listen to its allies when determining the way forward in Afghanistan and in other key foreign policy areas. At the same time, they expressed their hope that allied countries would increase their commitments to NATO efforts across the globe. Representatives Emerson and McCarthy also gave comprehensive responses to numerous questions about the U.S. response to the current global economic downturn and the effect of the downturn on U.S. foreign policy. Many of our counterparts from allied nations expressed their hope that the new U.S. Administration would reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism and international diplomacy. We also held meetings with officials at NATO headquarters in Brussels and at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. I had the opportunity to meet privately with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to discuss developments in Afghanistan and priorities for the upcoming April Summit. Half of the delegation then attended a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, the alliance's governing body, comprised of representatives from the 26 member states. A range of issues--Russia, energy security, developments in the Arctic, and piracy in the Gulf of Aden among them--was discussed. We ended the day at NATO headquarters by meeting with U.S. General Karl Eikenberry, who is a member of NATO's Military Committee, and a former commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan. He briefed the delegation on NATO's mission in Afghanistan and highlighted the need to create a secure environment for upcoming Afghan national elections, to boost the capacity of the Afghan National Army and Afghan security forces, and to address the complexities of the political situation in Pakistan that is affecting Afghanistan's stability. The other half of the delegation visited SHAPE headquarters in Mons, where they received an insightful presentation on NATO military operations from NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General John Craddock. The group also toured NATO's Special Operations Forces Coordination Center. The following day, our delegation attended a meeting of the NATO PA's Economics and Security Committee at the European Commission. At the Commission, we engaged in interesting and informative discussions on Europe's response to the financial crisis, the state of the transatlantic trade relationship, and European Union (EU) policy in the Caucuses and Central Asia. A highlight of the day was an exceptional presentation by the EU's Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Joaquin Almunia, who gave a lively presentation and concise overview of the consequences in Europe of the global financial crisis and of European proposals for an enhanced global response to the crisis. The delegation also met with the EU's Director General for Trade, David O'Sullivan, who outlined the principal points of controversy in transatlantic trade relations and the Doha round of trade talks. The delegation then traveled to Paris for NATO PA meetings at the OECD. On the evening of our arrival in Paris, we held informative discussions with the Charge d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in France, Mark Pekala, and several of his staff. French foreign policy priorities and the prospects for French reintegration into NATO's military command structure were key topics of interest. The delegation welcomed the possibility of France's full reintegration into NATO, which could lead to an enhancement of France's already significant commitments to allied operations. The following day, after a brief session with our Charge d'Affaires to the OECD and his staff, we attended sessions at the OECD and met with the OECD's Secretary General, Angel Gurria. The state of the world economy, the global financial crisis, and the International Energy Agency's Global Energy Outlook were key subjects of discussion. The OECD is playing a crucial role in monitoring global economic trends and national and multilateral responses to the financial crisis at a time when global economic security and national security issues are becoming inextricably linked. That evening, we traveled to Vienna, Austria, for a day of meetings with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and its Parliamentary Assembly. The 56-member OSCE is a key instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, and post- conflict rehabilitation in an area spanning from Vancouver, Canada to Vladivostok, Russia. As President of the NATO PA, I was invited to address the 320-member OSCE PA during its opening plenary session. Our delegation also held informative private meetings with the OSCE Chairwoman in Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, and the U.S. Charge d'Affaires to the OSCE, Kyle Scott. Two of the key topics of discussion were Russia's calls for a new European security framework and the future of the OSCE's monitoring mission in Georgia. Russia hopes to convene a European security conference later this year to discuss proposals for a reform of the European security architecture that some view as an attempt to weaken support for NATO. Members of our delegation made clear that while we are willing to engage in dialogue with Russia on all issues, we would staunchly oppose any effort to counter or exclude NATO from the discussions. In my address to the OSCE PA, I called for robust dialogue and cooperation between NATO and OSCE member states to ensure that the current global economic downturn does not spark nationalist and protectionist measures that could become a source of conflict between societies. I also called on international organizations such as the European Union and United Nations to enhance and better coordinate their development initiatives in Afghanistan. The effort in Afghanistan is neither only a NATO effort nor solely a military effort. The following morning, we traveled to Munich, Germany for site visits and meetings at the NATO School in Oberammergau and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch- Partenkirchen. I am proud to report that ours was the first U.S. Congressional Delegation to visit the NATO School in its 56-year history. The NATO School is a U.S.-German bilateral institution that serves as NATO's premier operational-level education and training center. NATO School Commandant, Colonel James J. Tabak U.S.-MC and Deputy Commandant Colonel (G.S.) Enrico Werner DEU-AF briefed the delegation on the school's wide range of training and education programs for officers and civilians from NATO member states and partner countries. We were particularly impressed with one of the school's flagship programs that prepares NATO members deploying to serve in NATO's Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Afghanistan. By building operational capacity and fostering collaboration between allied countries, the school plays a crucial role in preparing the United States and its allies to face the evolving security challenges of the 21st century. The delegation would especially like to recognize and thank all NATO member and partner nations who enable the NATO School to continue its mission by sending top training personnel on fully-funded rotations to the school. The final stop on our trip was the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Marshall Center is a German-American partnership dedicated to creating a more stable security environment by advancing democratic institutions, promoting peaceful security cooperation, and enhancing partnerships among the nations of North America, Europe, and Eurasia. At the Center, we were welcomed by the Mayor of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Lord Thomas Schmid, and the Center's Director, Dr. John Rose. Dr. Rose briefed the delegation on the Marshall Center's wide range of programs and activities. These include courses for government officials on security and terrorism studies and in-depth research projects on a broad array of security and governance issues. We then had a lively discussion with the Center's faculty members on issues including the future of U.S. and NATO relations with Russia to international counterterrorism efforts. A highlight of the discussions was an in-depth debate facilitated by Representative Scott on Russia's possible involvement in Kyrgyzstan's recently announced decision to close the NATO supply base at Manas. As always, members of the United States military contributed greatly to the success of this trip. The logistics of such a trip, compressed into a tight time frame, are complicated and require lengthy and detailed preparation. Our military escorts were from the Air Force's Legislative Liaison Office and the aircrew was from the 932nd Air Wing at Scott AFB, Illinois. They did an outstanding job, and I thank them for their hard work and dedication to duty.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. I rise today in support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I do so with a strong sense of responsibility and a heavy heart. Throughout my career in this body, I have stood up to champion the cause of fiscal restraint. I have seen the majority in this House change two times; presidents of both parties come and go. In all that time, I have called on the powers that be not to spend more than we can afford, whether it be in the form of excessive spending or unaffordable tax cuts. This is truly an economic and financial crisis unlike any we have ever seen, and it is forcing tough decisions unlike any we have ever faced. Economists from across the ideological spectrum believe that our nation is in the midst of an economic catastrophe that requires government action. The papers are filled with sobering stories: small and large businesses on the verge of collapse, massive layoffs, historic levels of unemployment and families unable to afford their homes. The numbers are grim: 3.6 million people out of work since this downturn started; in my district alone nearly 6,000 citizens have been laid off in the last 13 months. Eight counties in my district have an unemployment rate of over 10 percent, and all but one county's unemployment rate is considerably above the current national average of 7.2 percent. Blame for this crisis can be found far and wide: greedy Wall Street giants, irresponsible lenders and consumers, and regulators that were asleep at the switch. I truly believe that without action our economy will get much worse, and our nation will enter a period of hardship not known since the Great Depression. Inaction is simply not an option. The bill before us is not perfect. It contains spending measures that I believe may have merit but should be vetted through the regular appropriation process. But the perfect cannot be the enemy of the good in these serious times. This legislation contains critical infrastructure spending that invests in communities, roads, waterways and needed technology upgrades in West Tennessee and across this great country. The stimulus package contains tax provisions that will provide relief for families living on the margins and businesses struggling to meet payroll. Under this legislation, in fact, 95 percent of Tennessean and American taxpayers will receive a tax cut. Most importantly though, it will help create and save 7,900 private sector jobs in my district. By putting people to work, we will put money in the pockets of all Americans to reenergize the economy. There is no doubt that this bill comes at a cost, one greater than the $787 billion price tag associated with it. Money will be borrowed and interest will have to be paid. Madam Speaker, as a fiscal conservative, that gives me great pause; I would not support this package if I did not believe that our country's future hung in the balance. So I rise in support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I know that the recovery will not be immediate, but without this package recovery may not be possible at all.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to help commemorate the 222nd year since the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The New Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson, Tennessee--which I am honored to represent in this chamber--is hosting a Founder's Day celebration, beginning today. Pastor Sabrina Transou and Mr. Parrish Transou Sr. expect to share the event with parishioners from all across the country, including Presiding Prelate, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first female consecrated as Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I join Pastor Transou in welcoming Bishop McKenzie and their numerous other guests to West Tennessee. The names of my dear friends Dr. Wesley McClure, President of Lane College, and Shirlene Mercer, who recently retired as our office's long-time Director of Constituent Services, have been submitted to Bishop McKenzie for the Legendary Award for outstanding service within the community. The award will be presented Friday evening. I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all that both of these individuals have done for our community. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues in the House join me in honoring the New Greater Bethel African Methodist as it begins this celebration of the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Thank you.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Mr. Chair, our nation faces very grim challenges. Families in Tennessee and across the country are struggling to make ends meet, and thousands of workers are losing their jobs. There have been hundreds of job losses announced just this week in our district in West and Middle Tennessee. It has become clear to many of us that inaction is not an option, and that we must work to help create jobs and rebuild our economy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act addresses the immediate economic concerns of the American people and specifically Tennesseans. This legislation could create or save more than 63,000 jobs in our state by the end of next year, according to analysis from independent economist Mark Zandi of Moody's Economy.com. More than 95 percent of Tennessee taxpayers will receive direct tax relief--$500 for single filers and $1000 for joint-filers--in 2009 and 2010 as a result of this bill. Many students and parents will be eligible for additional tax credits to help pay for college so students are prepared to enter the job market. Thousands of Tennesseans have lost their jobs in recent months, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will ensure these hard-working men and women receive assistance while looking for new jobs. To help create jobs, this legislation provides immediate tax cuts for Tennessee small businesses, including incentives to make the capital investments necessary for job growth. The bill allows employers unable to sustain their profits in today's difficult economic climate to recover some past tax payments to avoid closing their doors and laying off workers. To further encourage job creation in our area, this legislation includes more than $760 million to invest in infrastructure in Tennessee, which could help us work on dozens of important economic development improvements in West and Middle Tennessee, such as road completions, bridge repairs and other transportation projects that fuel job creation and help us recruit new industry. As we all know, high fuel prices over the past summer contributed in part to our economic downturn. This legislation includes energy tax credits and other provisions to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil sources--which many of us see as a national security issue--and diversify our country's energy sources to include alternative energy, such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy. This investment in our long-term energy future will also provide immediate and much-needed jobs in construction and engineering. Tennessee faces one of the largest budget deficits in our state's history, which will lead to drastic reductions in the level of service to state taxpayers, including possible cuts in the important economic development investments that help create jobs. This legislation will help our state meet some of those needs for Tennesseans. The bill also expands local cities' and counties' access to tax credit bonds for investments in schools, infrastructure, conservation and job training. At the request of those of us in the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, this bill no longer includes some provisions that many of us felt were unrelated to the immediate needs of our country's economy. In particular, we insisted that the House remove language funding contraceptives and new sod on the National Mall outside the U.S. Capitol Building. These expenditures were clearly not related to short- term economic growth and did not need to be addressed in legislation designed to address immediate needs. The Blue Dog Coalition also saw this dialogue as an opportunity to talk with the new Administration about our country's fiscal situation. We have been assured that President Obama shares our commitment to long-term fiscal reform and will work with us to weed out waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in federal government spending after our country has begun to overcome these most extraordinary challenges. In a letter to Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey and others, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag wrote that ``[p]utting the country back on the path of fiscal responsibility will mean tough choices and difficult trade-offs, but for the long-term health of our economy, the President believes that they must be made.'' I look forward to talking more with President Obama about these shared goals. I realize that no member of this body--myself included--will be entirely pleased with this bill as we are voting on it today. After some improvements I discussed before and much reflection, however, I have come to the conclusion that this House must take action to help the American people meet the financial challenges facing them. For that reason, I rise to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and am optimistic that it will help save and create Tennessee jobs.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Project On Government Oversight, Washington, DC, January 13, 2009. Representative John Tanner, 1226 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Tanner: Thank you for the opportunity to present the views of the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) regarding H.Res. 40, which requires each standing committee of the House of Representatives to hold periodic hearings on the topics of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. We believe that having such a systematic approach to oversight enshrined in the Rules of the House would greatly enhance Congressional oversight of executive agencies' programs and functions. As you may know, POGO is a non-partisan nonprofit that for more than 27 years has investigated and exposed corruption and other misconduct in an effort to make federal agencies more effective, accountable, open, and honest. For the past 18 months we have been engaged in an in-depth study of the Inspector General system, examining both the law and how the system works. We issued one report last February on issues affecting IGs' independence (www.pogo.org/pogo- files/reports/government-oversight/inspectors-general-many- lack-essential-tools-for-independence/go-ig-20080226.html), and are pleased to note that several of our suggestions were incorporated into last year's Inspector General Reform Act (H.R. 928, P.L. 110-409). We are planning to issue a second report in the coming months regarding IGs' performance and accountability. One of our conclusions is that Congress needs to pay much more attention to the work of both IGs and the GAO. Too often reports on important issues are left languishing, unread, on the desks and shelves of Congressional staffers. It has been 30 years since Congress created the IG system, and we believe it was a brilliant and unique concept--to place internal watchdogs in most federal agencies where they would both prevent and root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and encourage federal programs to be more effective and efficient. However, this wonderful system can only work if Congress pays attention to the resulting reports. Inspectors General have no enforcement powers. They cannot force an agency to do anything. If an agency will not fix a broken program, then it is up to Congress to force them to do so. Frankly, there are two problems with Congress's ignoring IG reports--one is the more common, when the IG has done good work and makes important recommendations that need to be but are not implemented. The other problem is the flip side to this--some IGs produce only mediocre work and do not challenge their agencies aggressively enough. Congress needs to pay attention in both cases. For all of these reasons, we support the passage of H. Res. 40 to require each House committee to conduct at least one hearing during each 120-day period regarding waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement of the agencies under its jurisdiction; at least one additional hearing if there are disclaimers in any agency's financial report; and at least one additional hearing if a program is listed as ``high risk.'' Again, we appreciate your asking us for our views and look forward to working with you to make Congressional oversight more aggressive and effective. Sincerely, Danielle Brian, Executive Director.

Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and Mr. Dreier, I appreciate your comments. What we are attempting to do is to reestablish congressional oversight. Congress authorizes and appropriates money, but we don't actually spend it. So when we are asking the administration, whoever it may be, Democrat, Republican, whoever, to come up here and explain some of the things that we have seen in the paper by this instrument we are talking about here, I think all of us benefit. What basically H.R. 40 does is it puts in place a systematic mechanism for regular oversight, not only just waste, fraud and abuse, but, as Mr. Cardoza said in his opening remarks, whenever there is an auditor's disclaimer, that will trigger a hearing to hopefully ask them why they had to file a disclaimer; what is the information they didn't receive, why didn't they receive it, who is withholding it, so we can actually fix something around here for a change. And then, of course, the third thing, those two look backwards sort of at what already may have happened. The third provision looks ahead. Every year, as you know, the GAO identifies, or every Congress, high risk programs. That basically is government talk for programs that don't work as they were intended when they were passed by Congress. And so, when that happens, there is a hearing to identify those high risk programs into the future so that we can either fix them or abolish them. Without getting into it, there were some 13,000 IG recommendations, Inspector General recommendations that went unattended in recent years. That is not only our fault, but it is, in my view, a dereliction of the duty of the Congress as a separate and independent branch from this or any other administration. And so what we are attempting to do, again, is to put in place a systematic, structural oversight mechanism where the House will look at not only what we are going to do, but what we've already done. And so, again, I appreciate your comments.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force, I want to personally take this opportunity to honor my dear friend, MSgt Robert C. Wilkins for his 26 years of dedicated service to our country. In his most recent assignment, he served as the Superintendent, Operations, Air Operations Division, Office of the Legislative Liaison, Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC. A superior leader, Master Sergeant Wilkins assisted me and members of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly during trips to France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Turkey, Germany and the Netherlands. He performed magnificently, upholding the highest standards of professional conduct and through his efficient planning, these trips were a complete success. Madam Speaker, I respectively request my distinguished colleagues join me in expressing our sincere appreciation to Master Sergeant Wilkins for his extraordinary service to the United States Air Force and our great Nation. On behalf of members serving on the U.S. NATO Parliamentary Assembly delegation, I say we will miss his expertise and positive attitude, but most importantly, we will miss his friendship. Betty Ann and I wish Rob, his wife, Amy and son, Robert, the very best as they face new and exciting challenges in the coming years.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, during the period November 10-November 18, I led a bipartisan House delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly, NPA, meetings in Valencia, Spain and to additional meetings in Rome and Florence, Italy. The co-chair of the NPA delegation was the Hon. John Shimkus. The delegation also included, Representatives Jo Ann Emerson, Dennis Moore, John Boozman, Baron Hill, Kendrick Meek, Charles Melancon, Carolyn McCarthy, Melissa Bean, Jeff Miller, Mike Ross, David Scott and staff. The NPA delegation had a highly successful trip in which a wide range of political, economic and security issues on NATO's agenda, as well as issues involving the U.S.--Italy bi-lateral relationship, were examined. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly, NPA, consists of parliamentarians from all 26 NATO member states. The NPA provides a unique forum for elected officials to analyze and debate issues that the NATO leadership discusses in Brussels. In addition to the 26 member parliaments, parliamentarians from countries such as Russia, Georgia, Croatia, and Afghanistan also participated in the sessions as associate states or observers and engaged in the discussions and debates. Through these sessions, delegates have the opportunity to learn first-hand the views and concerns that other countries have over the key security issues of the day. An invaluable aspect of the meetings is the chance to meet and come to know members of parliaments who play important roles in their own countries in shaping the security agenda that their governments pursues at NATO. These contacts can endure through a career, and can provide an invaluable private avenue for insights into each ally's particular views on an issue. As NATO approaches its 60th anniversary summit in April 2009, the key issues on the agenda of the Alliance include the broader issue of the future of NATO and more specific issues including relations with Russia, energy security, missile defense, the conflict in Afghanistan, and emerging threats, such as piracy. Each of these issues was on vigorous display at the NPA meetings. The conflict between Russia and Georgia that played out this past August was the one issue that dominated the Valencia sessions. Many members of the Alliance expressed concern that Russia has begun to implement an increasingly assertive security policy including efforts to intimidate neighboring states, through the threat of force. There was also continued concern that Russia would use its energy supplies as a political lever to influence European policy. It was clear from our meetings that not only the United States and NATO, but the European Union as well, are concerned about Moscow's posture on a wide range of issues. There were, however, differences of opinion over how to structure future relations between NATO and Russia as well as the NPA and the Russian delegates to the Assembly. While the consensus among the delegates was that dialogue between NATO and the NPA and Russia was important and should continue, there were calls for the NPA to take some action against the Russian delegation as a show of displeasure over Russia's conduct in Georgia. As a result, the Assembly, at large, adopted a series of measures limiting, for now, the participation of the Russian delegation. These measures included, among others, the downsizing of the Russian delegation and the suspension of Russian participation in Committee and Sub-committee visits and the Transatlantic Forum. In addition to these issues, many of the NPA delegates were extremely interested in the outcome of the U.S. Presidential elections and how the incoming administration would conduct relations with Europe in general and with NATO in particular. Questions over the incoming Administration's views on Afghanistan, Iran and missile defense were on everyone's agenda. A highlight of the session was a letter that President-elect Obama had written to outgoing NPA President Jose Lello of Portugal pledging to work with NATO and the NPA during the Obama administration. Before the opening sessions of the Assembly's plenary the U.S. delegation received a detailed briefing from Ambassador Kurt Volker, the U.S. representative to NATO. He very ably prepared us for the nuances involved in some of the issues that would be debated during the NPA sessions, particularly regarding Russia and whether NATO should offer a Membership Action Plan to Georgia. In addition to the briefing by Ambassador Volker, various members of our delegation held private meetings with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, who gave an overview of member state perspectives on the most controversial issues confronting the alliance; he later addressed the NPA's plenary session. The Foreign Minister of Spain, who also addressed the plenary, briefed several of our Members. And, we met with General Bantz John Craddock, Supreme Allied Commander for Europe who covered a wide range of issues, including the situation in Afghanistan. I also had the opportunity to attend a private meeting with Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia who recounted the August conflict between his country and Russia and what Georgia faces today with respect to reconstruction of the country. Over two days of the NPA session, intense meetings of the NPA committees took place. There are five NPA committees. In each, parliamentarians presented reports on issues before the alliance. The reports were debated by all members of the committee who often made counter-arguments or suggestions for amending a report. Members of our delegation were present in each committee meeting. I chaired the Economics and Security Committee, which heard reports on reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, on Russia's economy, and on economic developments in India. Representative Boozman was the co- rapporteur of this last report, which he very ably presented, and which generated an interesting discussion. The Committee also heard an interesting presentation by Rodrigo Rato, former managing director of the International Monetary Fund who spoke on the impact of the current global financial crisis. The Committee also heard from Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, former head of the military command in Afghanistan who spoke on the nexus between security and development in Afghanistan. The Political Committee heard several reports that touched off sometimes animated debates. Most notable were the reports on NATO's future political agenda and NATO's partnerships that included a lengthy discussion on the recent Russia-Georgia conflict and the future of Georgia's membership in NATO. There were significant differences of opinion on who actually was responsible for starting the war in Georgia and whether to grant Georgia a Membership Action Plan for eventual membership in NATO. U.S. Representative Mike Ross was a rapporteur for a report on a possible NATO political engagement with Iran. When Mr. Ross was unable to present his paper to the Committee, Representative Carolyn McCarthy stepped in and made the presentation. The report was well received. Representative Ben Chandler serves as a vice-chairman on this Committee and during the session, Representative Carolyn McCarthy was elected to serve as a Subcommittee vice-chairperson. The Defense and Security Committee heard two reports on NATO's ongoing operations, including the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and on the contributions non-NATO states were making to NATO operations. The Committee also received a report on NATO's future capability requirements. During the session, the Committee received presentations from the Minister of Defense of Spain, and the Defense Minister of Georgia. Representative Tauscher is a vice-chair of one of the Committee's subcommittees. The Science and Technology Committee heard reports on energy security, reducing global nuclear threats, and on missile defense. Representative David Scott was very engaged on the issue of energy security and was successful in offering three amendments to the resolution proposed on energy and security. The Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security also heard a report on energy security and the protection of energy infrastructure, along with reports on Kosovo and the future stability in the Balkans, and democracy and security in Central Asia. The Committee also heard presentations on the Balkans and Central Asia. On Tuesday, the final day of the plenary, the general assembly debated and approved a resolution on relations with Russia. The consensus view was that NATO and Russia should resume their dialogue and continue to find ways to cooperate with each other on critical issues. Also on Tuesday, the Assembly elected new officers to serve during 2009. I had the honor of being elected President of the Assembly and look forward to an interesting and productive year. Prior to arriving in Valencia for the NPA Plenary, the delegation traveled to Italy on November 10-13 for bi-lateral meetings in Rome and Florence. In Rome, the delegation received a briefing by U.S. Charge d' Affairs, Barbara Leaf and Embassy staff on current relations between Italy and the United States, that continues to be strong. After the briefing, the delegation, in honor of Veterans Day, traveled to the Sicily-Rome Cemetery in the town of Nettuno, just outside the city of Anzio. During the Second World War, the critical Italian campaign was launched in Sicily and proceeded up the coast of Italy. The delegation visited the resting place of almost 8,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, and airman who died in the liberation of Sicily and in the landings at Salerno and Anzio. The beautiful cemetery is managed by the U.S. American Battle Monuments Commission. Together, the members of the delegation laid a wreath at the cemetery's central monument, ``Brothers in Arms.'' Members of the delegation also visited individual graves of fallen soldiers from their states to place a rose in memory of those servicemen. This was perhaps the most memorable and poignant moment of the delegation's trip. We were deeply honored to visit the cemetery and want to thank Ron Grosso of the Commission and Joseph Bevilacqua, Cemetery Superintendent, for their hospitality and the fine job they do preserving the memory of those U.S. servicemen who gave their lives in Italy. Upon our return to Rome, the delegation visited the NATO Defense College for a tour and briefing by the College Commandant, Lt. Gen. Wolf-Dieter Loeser. The College was created in 1951 at the suggestion of General Dwight Eisenhower who argued that military officers from the newly created NATO Alliance ``needed an establishment where they could meet and learn to operate together.'' The Commandant briefed us on the work taking place at the College and the issues currently under discussion in the Fall curriculum. We also had the opportunity to meet several U.S. military personnel attending the Senior Course. Following the visit to the Defense College, the delegation visited the Italian Ministry of Defense. We were briefed by the Deputy Minister of Defense Crosetto and the head of the Italian General Staff, General Camporini who gave us an overview of the numerous operations that the Italian military were currently engaged in. Italy has approximately 8,000 troops stationed abroad, including 2,200 in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, 2,500 in Lebanon, and 83 engaged in training the Iraqi National Police. This meeting provided a precise, focused discussion of how Italy is contributing to the global security mission. Also in Rome, the delegation was hosted at a working lunch by Senator Sergio Di Gregorio, President of the Italian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. We had a very animated discussion on issues ranging from the U.S. presidential elections, to Afghanistan, to Russia and energy security. At the time of our visit, the Italian Senate was in the middle of a debate on their defense budget. With the global economic crisis affecting everyone, Senator Di Gregorio told us that the defense budget for next year would be less than 1 percent of the Italian GDP. As a result, we were told it was unlikely that Italy could do much more in Afghanistan. Following our meeting at the Senate, the delegation met with Mr. Gianni Letta, Under Secretary of the Council of Ministers and close advisor to Prime Minister Berlusconi. Mr. Letta covered a range of issues but spent some time addressing the impact of the global financial crisis on Italy. On November 13, the delegation traveled to Florence. We were met by U.S. Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman who briefed the delegation on the work the Consulate does in Tuscany and the surrounding region. Tuscany is home to several thousand U.S. citizens, retired, employed, or students studying abroad. While in Florence we also visited the European University Institute which operates a campus comprising doctoral students from all over Europe. We were warmly welcomed by EUI President Yves Menv, faculty and students. A lively discussion followed on the U.S. elections and its impact on transatlantic relations, the differences between the European and U.S. views of the world, and the future role of NATO, relations with Russia, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our visit to Italy concluded that evening at a dinner hosted by New York University which operates a campus outside Florence for American students studying in Italy. Our dinner was hosted by Ms. Ellyn Toscano, Director of the Campus. Ellyn is no stranger to the House of Representatives where she served for several years as the chief of staff to our colleague, Jose Serrano. Madam Speaker, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly provides a unique opportunity for Members of Congress to engage in serious discussions on critical issues with our colleagues from other NATO member states. I believe our delegation, and thus this Congress, benefits greatly from the information we exchange and the personalities we meet during these meetings. I look forward to a very productive Assembly during 2009. In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Embassy staff in Rome and Madrid, our Consular services in Florence and our entire military escort group from the United States Air Force, including the pilots who took us to Europe and back for the NPA sessions. Our diplomatic corps and military personnel provide a quiet but invaluable service in ensuring safety and an efficient schedule for U.S. congressional delegations, and this group of diplomats, servicemen and women was no exception. I thank them for their hard work and their dedication to duty.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long history of ``The Leaf-Chronicle'' newspaper in Clarksville, Tennessee, which is now in its 200th year of serving Clarksville, Montgomery County and Middle Tennessee. ``The Leaf-Chronicle'' was officially formed in 1890 by a merger between two local journals, ``The Tobacco Leaf'' and ``The Chronicle,'' which dated back to 1808. For two centuries, the people in our community have been well-served by a quality daily newspaper that fairly and thoroughly covers the stories so important to our families and businesses. Twenty-two men and women have had the honor of serving as Publisher of the Clarksville newspaper, including the current publisher, Andrew Oppman, and his immediate predecessor, my friend Gene Washer, who served 17 years as Publisher until his retirement earlier this year. We are particularly proud of the newspaper's coverage of Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division, which are an integral part of our community in Montgomery and Stewart counties and the surrounding area. The journalists of ``The Leaf-Chronicle'' show their support through extensive coverage of our military families and others in the community whose support of our men and women in uniform is unwavering. ``The Leaf-Chronicle'' has always been known for its strong opinions page, where it has boldly editorialized on local, state, national and international issues. In fact, because of the reputation of the newspaper's powerful editorial page, all operations were suspended between 1862 and 1865 when Union troops occupied Clarksville during the Civil War. Publication was also threatened in the early morning hours of January 22, 1999, when a tornado ripped through downtown Clarksville, leaving behind it a path of destruction, including severe damage to the offices of ``The Leaf-Chronicle.'' The staff, however, determined to publish a newspaper to cover such an important story, gathered at Mr. Washer's home. The next day, subscribers still received the paper on their doorsteps, this time with eight pages of in-depth coverage and photographs of the storm and its impact on Montgomery County. Following the storm and until completion of its current, state-of- the-art facilities, the newspaper staff was temporarily based in an empty supermarket that featured a sign reading ``Foodland--Fresh,'' which was poignantly changed to read ``The Leaf-Chronicle--Fresh Daily.'' As we reflect on the long service of ``The Leaf-Chronicle'' to its readers, it is important to think of all the historic moments that have happened in the last two centuries in Tennessee, across this country and throughout the world. Middle Tennesseans have had ``The Leaf- Chronicle'' to report daily on those historic events, provide insightful analysis and help record history as it happens. Madam Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in recognizing the long history of ``The Leaf-Chronicle,'' expressing gratitude for its service to our community and wishing its staff all the best as the newspaper enters its third century of quality journalism.

Mr. TANNER

Mr. TANNER. Mr. Chairman, I, too, want to join you in thanking Mr. McCrery for his work here. I have enjoyed working with you very much, Jim. I want to speak about section 134 of the bill. But before I do, I've just got to say that some of us in this body are so thoroughly disgusted with the other body right now in the way this bill has been handled. We've found that it doesn't take a lot of political courage to spend somebody else's money that can't vote. And we had, from our committee, the extender package paid for or offset by people who didn't object to the offsets. And because of the Senate rules--or the other body's rules and the ability for some over there to object to a unanimous consent request--they sent it back over here on top of a must-pass bill that is unpaid for and one of the reasons we're in the shape we're in right now. And so I just had to express utter disgust and frustration with the way that it was handled in the other body. Now, as it comes to the bill, when the Secretary came over here with the bill, it was a bailout; it was public risk and private gain. By the wisdom of the body here, we put section 134 of the recoupment clause in which now makes it private risk and public gain, which is the way it ought to be. It is now a situation where we're not talking about bailing out Wall Street or the high flyers. If, at the end of the day, there is a shortfall in the Treasury of the United States, then they will be assessed that shortfall and the Treasury will be made whole by section 134 of the recoupment clause. What the bill does now is it attempts to protect all Americans who have an IRA, a 401(k), or part of a State or local government pension plan. That's why I'm going to vote ``yes'' even though I am so thoroughly disgusted with what the Senate put on it.