Ellen Tauscher

Ms. TAUSCHER

Ms. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this Continuing Resolution. People at home send us to Washington to do a job and make tough decisions--not simply kick the can down the street when it's convenient for us to do so. It is irresponsible to run our government like this--without a budget or any sense of what we can afford to spend money on--especially during times of war. We have real demands on our shrinking federal budget, and we have tough choice to make. By passing this Continuing Resolution, we are not only avoiding making those decisions, we are putting our country in jeopardy. This is the fifth Continuing Resolution we've passed this year that funds all aspects of the federal government at fiscal year 2002 levels, except highway construction--which it cuts by almost $4 billion. By setting spending at $27.7 billion instead of the current year level of $31.8 billion, California will lose over $261 million, which translates into about 12,400 good paying jobs that will be lost as a result. This is wrong for California's economy and it's wrong for the highway users who have paid taxes into the highway trust fund. Investments in highway infrastructure are not only an immediate stimulus to California's economy, but they will help alleviate congestion and reduce air pollution. Operating under a Continuing Resolution also has a damaging impact on ongoing construction projects at the national laboratories in my district. Without an annual budget, the labs are unable to consent to the large contracts. Contracts like these at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are vital to ongoing construction work on the National Ignition Facility and the Terrascale Simulation Facility, both critical elements of the Stockpile Stewardship Program This not only undermines this important national security program, it also hurts workers because contractors are let go when the labs are no longer able to guarantee payment. National security work this critical cannot simply be continued piecemeal, and I am concerned that the Continuing Resolution, by driving the costs of construction up, will make it harder to fund these programs that ensure that we have a credible and reliable nuclear deterrent to protect the American people. And, this Continuing Resolution hurts health care. Medicare's foundation is crumbling. Medicare payments to physicians and other health professionals will be cut by 12 percent over the next three years, beginning with a 4.4 percent cut on January 1, 2003. More than $11 billion nationwide is at stake, with each state losing millions in federal health care funds. All of this is in addition to the 5.4 percent cut that was implemented on January 1 of this year. For Medicare seniors, I strongly urge my colleagues to immediately fix the Medicare physician payment update problem. Physicians and other health professionals are the very foundation of the medical care system. Without them, patients will not be able to get hospital, nursing home and home health care services, or prescription drugs. It is critical that both the House and Senate stay in session to fix this mistake and avert the impending cuts before patient access is further jeopardized. In addition to failing our nation's seniors, we are also failing America's children. The Impact Aid program, which compensates local school districts that enroll ``federally connected'' children, is also hurt if Congress passes a Continuing Resolution. Most of these children are the sons and daughters of parents who are in the military or live on military bases. Since Congress has failed to act appropriately, I urge the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a reasonable apportionment of Impact Aid funds for fiscal year 2003 based on historical obligations. This action by OMB will ensure that our schools can continue to meet the needs of our children. And these problems are just the tip of the iceberg. By keeping funding at 2002 levels, Congress is not providing any money for the Securities and Exchange Commission to beef up its enforcement of corporate crime, and the National Institutes of Health has to cut back on important work. Congress should not leave town until all the appropriations bills are completed. It is our responsibility to make decisions on how to fund the activities in the federal budget, with a new urgent priority of fighting terrorism abroad and protecting our homeland. American taxpayers are the victim of Congress' inability to get its work done. I urge my colleagues to vote against this Continuing Resolution and get back to doing the work we were sent to Washington to do.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I really appreciate the comments of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I want to thank again the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) for his leadership and for opening his community to us. I specifically want to take a moment of personal privilege to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) for setting up this first meeting and encouraging us to work together on future meetings. When we were in Fayetteville, we had a jam-packed day, a day that was meant to be a day at home with our constituents. We had all traveled in late Sunday night, and we were going to be literally hitting the ground running; and what I was most impressed with was we found ourselves with the opportunity to talk to victims of domestic violence, and there were meant to be five or six women that were meant to come, and in fact eight showed up, and each one of them I thought deserved the respect to have themselves heard. I really appreciate my colleagues, the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), facilitating that. It took 3 hours for us to sit there. Very painful stories, very emotional stories, very, very private stories; and I was I think honored not only to hear those stories and to understand what we could do as legislators on the Federal level to help support these spouses and their families, but I was very proud to sit with the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) especially since a lot of those women felt, I think, that they did not want to tell that story to strangers or to perhaps a man that they did not know. But I think it really speaks a lot for his leadership on the committee and what we can do in the future because I think that they were very thrilled to talk to him and to me to make sure these stories are out so that this does not happen again. I think we all agree this is a societal problem. But the military in this country has led the country in many different ways, specifically in an area of civil rights. It was the military that led the ability for blacks and whites to work together in the military. And I am hoping on this issue of domestic violence, where we have so many families at risk in this country day to day, that our military families can lead, that we can find good programming for them across the military, not just one branch, that we can find the best practices, that we can work together to make sure that it is not only authorized but appropriated and that we can do the best for them because we know that they are trying to do the best for us every day. And with that I urge my colleagues to support the Armed Forces Domestic Security Act. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this summer in the aftermath of news reports of murders in Fort Bragg, I wrote to the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), requesting the opportunity for us to start to understand exactly what impact domestic violence and other issues were having on our military families. The gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh), chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, who is a great leader, and others traveled with me to Fort Bragg this past few weeks on a fact-finding mission which I hope will begin what I think will be very important work of our subcommittee of the Committee on Armed Services. In this time of asymmetrical warfare, this time of great uncertainty for military families and, frankly, for reservists around the country, where we have a war on terrorism where we have extreme PERSTEMPO and extreme OPSTEMPO, where families are double deployed around the world, it is important for us to understand what the trauma of this deployment means to military families, and I think it is very important for us to understand that the American people are not only supporting our military with the best training and the best leadership and the best materiel that we can possibly have, but we are also supporting the most important component of military families, the families themselves, by making sure that we have the kinds of programs that are found in the private sector. They are called employee-assisted programs. And they do everything from helping families find child care, to helping to find elder care, to find hospices when they have a sick family member, but also in the area that is very troubling, of domestic violence, to find a way to make sure that families are protected with anonymity and respect, to make sure that spouses of families do not have to worry about the chain of command when they are considering what they do about family violence in their own family. So I thought it was very, very important that we took this trip to Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg was just a part of the problem. It is not about Fort Bragg or the Army. It is about the military. And I am very proud of the leadership that the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) has shown, and I am very proud of my friendship with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre), and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jeff Miller) who took this trip, because I think that it is important that we focus on what we can do for these military families. And that is why I rise in strong support of the Armed Forces Domestic Security Act H.R. 5590. While the 1994 Violence Against Women Act requires certain protection orders to be enforced across State and tribal lines, it does not allow such protection orders to be enforced on Federal property or military installations. As a result, there is a gaping hole in our protection system. Military installations have become a place where there are no penalties for violating a protection order issued by a State or tribal court. The Armed Forces Domestic Security Act is intended to address this obvious oversight. When a civilian order of protection is issued against, or to protect, a service member, there needs to be a system in place to enforce that order when the service member resides on a military installation. That system must be effective whether the order is issued by the State, tribe, or territory where the service member resides. It also must work in instances where the military installation lies in overlapping civilian jurisdictions. Mr. Speaker, domestic violence is a complex and tragic issue, and this bill is not intended to be a cure-all or any kind of instant-fix measure for domestic violence; however, while there is no single solution to this problem, closing this loophole that has essentially made military installations a free zone for batterers is a necessary and commonsense step. A judge in North Carolina recently wrote that closing this loophole would certainly be beneficial nationwide but would be particularly helpful for judicial districts that are closely associated with a Federal facility like Cumberland County in North Carolina is with Fort Bragg. Mr. Speaker, it would be irresponsible to allow a loophole like this to continue. I urge my colleagues to support the Armed Forces Domestic Security Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to state my strong support for the gentleman from South Carolina's (Mr. Spratt) substitute. As a member of the Committee on Armed Services, I am deeply concerned by the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, but I also strongly believe that the United States has a responsibility as the world's only superpower to set a standard for international behavior. We must consider every peaceable alternative and contemplate every possible outcome before we turn to force. The gentleman from South Carolina's (Mr. Spratt) amendment is invaluable because it strengthens America's position at the United Nations in support of new Security Council resolutions that Secretary Powell is negotiating as we speak. The gentleman from South Carolina's (Mr. Spratt) amendment sends a strong signal to our allies and to Saddam that the United States is committed to defeating the threat posed by Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. It ensures that our actions have international legitimacy and that, just like in 1991, we share the cost of war with our allies instead of putting the burden solely on the American people. If we are unable to secure resolution at the U.N., it provides for expedited congressional consideration of a joint resolution authorizing the use of force. I encourage my colleagues to vote for the Spratt amendment.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend for yielding me this time, and I rise today in strong support of this resolution because it puts our country back on the right track of working with the United Nations to disarm Iraq. The passage of this congressional resolution in support of efforts to disarm Iraq will not provide President Bush with open-ended authority. In fact, Congress and the President's hard work is just beginning. The United States has a responsibility, as the world's only superpower, to set the standard for international behavior. We must consider every peaceful alternative and contemplate every possible outcome before we turn to force. With this resolution, Congress is making clear that our first priority is building an international coalition through the United Nations. If the President decides that diplomatic efforts have failed, he must inform Congress and explain his reasoning. If the United States engages in military action, the President must provide continual updates to Congress regarding the status of the war. The President will also be required to declare that any military action against Iraq will not hamper our ongoing efforts on the war on terrorism. I also expect the President to provide clear plans for military engagement that explain our military strategy, detail where our troops will be based, report to Congress on his efforts to secure international assistance, protect us against simultaneous threats from other parts of the world, and define plans for Iraq after Saddam. While I am firmly committed to using diplomacy first and our military only if we must, I cannot ignore Saddam Hussein's track record of disdain for international law. With everything we know about his aggressive pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, it would be irresponsible not to at least make plans for what we may need to do in order to counter the threat that he poses. If the President follows congressional intent and builds a successful international coalition to address the threat of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, he will not only improve our national security and that of our allies but he will also put meaning into the will of the international community as expressed in the United Nations resolutions. On a personal note, should the use of force become necessary, I will be sending young men and women from my local Air Force Base, Travis, and across California to fight in this war. So my role as a check to the administration's power and plans is something that I take very seriously. I will use my position on the House Committee on Armed Services to make sure we are protecting our fighting men and women and that the President is doing this every step of the way. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to work to unite this Congress and to work to support the American people in this effort.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to invite our colleagues to join us in congratulating Mt. Diablo Audubon Society as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1953, Mt. Diablo Audubon Society (MDAS) has an impressive record of environmental achievements in Contra Costa County, including the following: Involved extensively in the protection and recovery of McNabney Marsh in Martinez. Formerly Shell Marsh, this area was saved as part of a settlement over an oil spill years ago. It is named after Mt. Diablo Audubon Society's well-known and respected former vice-president of conservation, the late Al McNabney. Worked with the East Bay Regional Park District on the establishment and development of Waterbird Park in Martinez. Led fifty-four yearly field trips for MDAS members and the public. Supported the Muir Heritage Land Trust which has initiated a bold plan to link together many of our open space areas. Partnered with a local flood control district to restore and protect a 22-acre saline marsh in Antioch, the Julia Cox Freeman Marsh. Provided Audubon Adventures to over 90 classrooms (3,000 students) throughout Contra Costa County. Since 1984 Audubon Adventures has provided basic, scientifically-accurate facts about birds and wildlife and their habitats. Partnered with Native Bird Connections and Wild Birds Unlimited to develop a life science course of study for freshman and sophomore high school students. Currently two high schools are participating in this program. Supported the expansion of the California Bluebird Recovery Program and the placement of hundreds of bluebird houses in California. Participated in many events and festivals in Contra Costa County and northern California to help educate the public about birds and the habitat they require. Initiated the Conta Costa County Breeding Bird Atlas. This Atlas (a major five-year project underwritten by MDAS) will be an important tool in the battle to preserve open space and breeding habitats for birds. Conducted slides shows and nature presentations to many schools and other groups throughout Contra Costa County. Closely involved in the development of the Delta Science Center. Participated in fifty Christmas Bird Counts. We know we speak for all Members of Congress when we congratulate Mt. Diablo Audubon Society on its 50th anniversary and wish its members many more years of environmental stewardship.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to state my very strong support for the conference report on the International Relations Authorization Act for fiscal year 2003. I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde); the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), as well as Senator Biden and Senator Lugar, for their hard work to support the State Department at a time when alliances and international partners matter most. By paying more of our back dues to the United Nations, we are finally stepping up to the plate and being a responsible partner in this great international organization we helped create. This bill also makes a bit of history by authorizing a new way to protect the United States from the threat of weapons of mass destruction: debt-for-security swaps. In June, the leaders of the G-8 nations agreed to fund nonproliferation programs at $20 billion over the next 10 years and stated that debt-for-program exchanges should be used to stop the spread of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. Several months ago I introduced the first bipartisan nonproliferation legislation in the 107th Congress with the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), the Russian Federation Debt Reduction for Nonproliferation Act for 2002, that would authorize the President to forgive a portion of Russia's outstanding debt to us in exchange for Russia using that money to lock down loose nuclear weapons and material. Our colleagues in the House and Senate went a step further, including a debt-swap provision in the State Department authorization bill. Debt- for-security swaps are an important development. They will help Russia reduce its outstanding debt, involve Russia and the rest of the G-8 countries in programs that directly improve U.S. national security, and extend burden-sharing to our allies. Mr. Speaker, now is the time to seize this existing and unique opportunity to use a tool that would both help stabilize the Russian economy and find new sources of funding for the critical programs that keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of Saddam and al Qaeda. I encourage Members to vote for this bill.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) for this resolution. I think that all of us find ourselves in the 20th century in a time of asymmetrical warfare, unidentified enemies, and very troubling times. I think that it is very emblematic of a country that has been the shining beacon of freedom to have a volunteer military. Unlike the Second World War, before we were born, when many, many of our fighting men and women came from our neighborhoods, we have a small military right now, one that is, I think, the best in the world, but is not necessarily represented in every community. I think that anonymity has created a lack of support for military families who find themselves disconnected in many ways, and unappreciated. I think that the resolution of the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) is a good way for us to reknit together the community of Americans; to find a way to recognize those families that have provided our fighting men and women; and to give them a sense of support, a sense of pride, and a sense of the ability to recognize them. So I am really encouraging my colleagues to vote for this resolution. I think it is very timely. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 301, introduced by my colleague and friend, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts). House Concurrent Resolution 301 urges the President to issue a proclamation on behalf of the members of the American Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Mothers of America for their sacrifices and dedicated and patriotic support. The bill also calls upon family members of American service members to display an approved service flag and wear a service lapel button in support of members of the Armed Forces. Army captain Robert L. Queissner of the Fifth Ohio Infantry created the blue star flag in 1917 during World War I. The blue star flag quickly became a symbol that a family member was serving in the armed services. The blue star symbolizes the hope and pride of families who have loved ones in uniform. During World War I, a blue star was replaced with a gold star if a service member was killed or died while on active duty. The idea for a gold star is believed to have been developed from the Women's Committee on the Council of National Defenses on May 28, 1918. The Women's Committee recommended a gilt star on a black band on the left arm for mourning the loss of a family member in wartime. The gold was to signify the sacrifice of a loved one for the cause of liberty and freedom. Grace Darling Seibold, who lost her son George Vaughn Seibold during World War I, established the American Gold Star Mothers. When George left for service, his mother began to do community service by visiting returning servicemen in hospitals. On Christmas Eve, Grace Seibold received word that her son had been killed. In her sorrow, she reached out to other mothers who lost a child, and organized a group of special mothers. The group provided comfort to each other, and also provided loving support to hospitalized veterans confined in hospitals far from home. But it was not until January 5, 1929, that the American Gold Star Mothers, Incorporated, was officially established. On June 12, 1984, the American Gold Star Mothers received a congressional charter. Army Captain George H. Maines founded the Blue Star Mothers of America in the 1940s. On January 22, 1942, he ran a newspaper article in the Flint News Advertiser requesting information about children in the Armed Forces. Over 1,000 mothers responded, and chapters of Blue Star Mothers began forming across the United States. Blue Star Mothers also began to volunteer for the war effort, visiting hospitals, providing hospitality areas in buses and train stations, preparing packages for shipment overseas, and comforting families who lost loved ones. I want to commend the blue star mothers and gold star mothers who have dedicated themselves in support of our service members and families. As our Nation continues its war on terrorism, it is only fitting that we call upon the families of service members to reinvigorate the tradition of displaying a service flag in the windows of their homes, and that all Americans recognize the sacrifices of families of those who volunteer to defend our country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and its staff for their outstanding contributions to science and to the security of our Nation throughout the past 50 years. The Laboratory was established in 1952 to help meet an urgent national security need and has made numerous advances to keep the Nation at peace and secure. Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories developed the nuclear weapons that have deterred world wars. The labs are ensuring the continuing safety, security, and reliability of our Nation's nuclear weapons stockpile in the absence of nuclear testing. Breakthroughs at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory led to the development of the high-yield warheads that greatly contributed to strategic deterrence throughout the Cold War. The Laboratory has provided technical support to arms control negotiations and treaty implementation, including negotiations and treaties to reduce the size of nuclear arsenals, prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technologies, and limit nuclear weapons testing. The Laboratory has greatly contributed to efforts of the United States intelligence community to understand nuclear weapons-related activities worldwide, and today is using its capabilities to defend our nation against terrorism. The Laboratory is also a leader in science and has worked on technologies to provide us with long term energy security. The Laboratory has developed environmental restoration technologies that are being used to rapidly clean up groundwater contamination at Superfund sites and is developing simulation capabilities to better understand changes in the earth's climate. The Laboratory is identifying the source of genetic diseases and developing improved detectors of biological agents. Livermore scientists produced work that won a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1998 and numerous advances in astrophysics. Technology development at the Laboratory has broadly contributed to the Nation's technical prowess and the competitiveness of United States industry, as evidenced by the winning of 85 prestigious R&D 100 awards. Lastly, the Laboratory contributes broadly to higher education, as well as elementary and secondary educational efforts throughout Northern California and educational outreach directed at minority groups nationwide. On its 50th anniversary, I would like to congratulate the Laboratory, its staff, and former employees for their dedicated service to our Nation, outstanding contributions to national security, a strong tradition of scientific and technical excellence, and continuing efforts to make the world more secure and a better place to live.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special citizen in my district. Dan B. Walden has provided continuous efforts on behalf of children and education throughout his community and throughout the state of California. Dan Walden graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in economics. For the past 33 years he has worked at Bank of America in industrial engineering, management, planning and project management. He has recently retired. Dan Walden has served as a school board member in Walnut Creek since 1988, serving as president in both 1994 and 1995. Along with this he was extremely active in the Contra Costa County School Boards, as its president in 1991 and 1996. Not only has he served his community, but the entire State of California as well. Dan Walden was a member of the California School Boards Association's Delegate Assembly since 1991. He has also served on numerous association committees. He served as chair of the CSBA Legislative Committee and Schools and Media Crisis Communications Task Force. Dan Walden has also served as chair of the Annual Education Conference Planning Committee in 1997. His desire to help did not stay in California as he has participated on the National School Boards Association's Policies and Resolutions Committee and the NSBA Pacific Region Bylaws and Regional Nominating Committees. Apart from the School Boards Associations he has also been active in community initiatives including the Contra Costa County Partners in Education, Project R.E.A.D. and the Walnut Creek Library Foundation, which he served as its first president. Dan Walden is now the outgoing President of the California School Boards Association for the 2002 year. I am very grateful for all of the hard work that Dan Walden has done in our community, the State of California and our country.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special citizen in my district. Donald D. Wacks has provided northern California with nearly three decades of distinguished service to its students, parents, staff, and community as a progressive and exemplary elementary school principal. Don Wacks worked tirelessly for the improvement of student achievement, expanded professional staff development, and encouraged the involvement of parents and community in the critical mission of the education of our children. In this endeavor, I say that Don Wacks is one of America's quiet heroes. Don Wacks was born in Passaic, New Jersey on August 20, 1927 of second generation American parents, Samuel & Lena Wacks. Don Wacks has a sister Janice and a brother Gerald (deceased). Don Wacks moved from the East Coast to San Francisco where he attended Lowell High School and graduated with honors. He achieved honor roll status every semester of high school, received the California Scholarship Federation Award, and was a distinguished member of the debating society where he acquired skills and experience that have helped him throughout his life. Don Wacks proudly served our country in the United States Military for much of his adult life. As an Army officer, he was stationed in Japan at the conclusion of WW II and continued to serve in the Army Reserve in the Civil Affairs unit of the 351st division of the Sixth Army, where he graduated from Command in General Staff School. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. Don Wacks attended the University of California at Berkeley, earning both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Economics, and Credentials in Teaching and Administrative Education. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, qualified for Phi Beta Kappa, and the Phi Delta Kappa in the National Education Honor Society. After working as a student teacher in Orinda, California, Don Wacks then moved to the Newark Unified School District where he began his career as a Vice Principal from 1957 to 1959. He was a Teaching Principal at Schilling Elementary from 1959 to 1962, Principal at Snow Elementary from 1962 to 1979, and Principal at Milani Elementary in 1979, until his retirement in 1985. Don Wacks is a person of strong values and convictions, which he believes, are best shared with others and practiced every day. As a child, he made a promise to himself to visit all of the world's continents and experience as much as he could during his life. Don Wacks kept the promise made that day, experienced 86 countries, and with a visit to Antarctica in early 2001, walked on all the world's continents. Much of his motivation for travel is to learn about the ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the peoples of the world and to spread peace and understanding through individual contact. Don Wacks has always delighted in sharing his gifts and resources with people who are in less fortunate circumstances. He supports many causes and charities and is a member of numerous community organizations, programs, and fundraisers where he uses his life experience, travels, and compassion to improve the community wherever possible. Of great personal significance is his work as a volunteer grief counselor at the Widows and Widower's Network Center in Walnut Creek. He facilitates regular grief counseling groups and works regularly on their crisis line. He is a dedicated champion of environmental causes and considered himself an environmentalist long before it was popular. Don Wacks feels especially proud of his daughter Marilyn, his son Ron, and his granddaughter Alyssea who embody many of his convictions, most especially being life-long learners and contributors to their communities. I ask you to consider the quiet heroes like Don Wacks and the many thousands like him deserving of our respect and gratitude for making this country great. After all, where would we be without America's many quiet heroes?

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5207, a bill to designate a post office in Bloomington, Minnesota, as the Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., Post Office Building. This legislation reflects the spirit of the American people in the aftermath of last year's terrorist attacks, to honor a man that we know to be a hero, who used the last few precious minutes of his own life to save the lives of so many others. I am fortunate to have been able to serve Tom Burnett as his U.S. Representative. The American people will forever remember Thomas Burnett as a hero. But to his wife, parents, three daughters and loved ones, he was a man of courage and strength long before September 11, 2001. Tom Burnett grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota, as a child who loved sports and the outdoors. From fishing with his dad, to becoming the star quarterback in high school, Tom was the image of an athlete and the all-American guy. After studying at the Air Force Academy and later graduating from Pepperdine University, he went on to become a senior executive of a company that makes medical devices. Then, on September 11, the all-American guy became the all-American hero. Thomas Burnett and others aboard made the decision to take down the plane somewhere above Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania, after learning of the fates of the three hijacked aircraft. That morning, Tom Burnett called his wife Deena repeatedly, pumping her for information. Later, it was no surprise to her that Tom led the effort to bring the plane down before it could take more lives. But the result was that thanks to the bravery of people like Tom Burnett, countless innocent lives were saved, including our own, and our nation's Capitol was spared. Many believe terrorists were going to use the fourth plane, Flight 93, as a weapon to crash into another site in Washington, DC. Whether it was the United States Capitol Building or the White House, we will never know. This was the ultimate act of bravery and sacrifice from the passengers and crew of United Flight 93, and those who enter our nation's Capitol each day should cherish their valiance. As the day approaches that will mark the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks, we should all step back for a moment to remember why it may be that our nation's Capitol still stands today, or why the White House remains untouched. It was because of the courage of Tom Burnett and others, truly among the great heroes of our nation. There may never be answers for all the questions that surround the events of September 11, 2001, or closure for all of those around the world who suffered the loss of loved ones in this tragedy. But it is in our power to make sure that we appropriately honor Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., and our other fellow Americans who suddenly became heroes on September 11. Let us thank and remember him by passing this legislation.

Mr. TAUSCHER

Mr. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to David Casper, whose induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was announced on February 2, his 50th birthday. Over his eleven years in the National Football League, Casper distinguished himself as one of the premier football players in history. Eighteen years after his retirement, his accomplishments and hard work will be recognized and commemorated upon receipt of this honor on August 3. David John Casper was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, on February 2, 1952, to Dorothy and Edward Casper. His football career began during high school, where he led the Chilton Tigers to consecutive undefeated seasons in his junior and senior years. In 1970, Notre Dame University immediately recognized David's ability and recruited him onto their football team as an incoming freshman. He quickly became Notre Dame's standout football star. In 1973, the All- American tight end led the Fighting Irish to an 11-0 season and a National Championship victory over Alabama's Crimson Tide. A leader on the field and in the classroom, David finished his senior year as team captain and a cum laude graduate. In 1974, David debuted in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders. Over the next two years, he worked his way up to a spot in the starting lineup where he quickly established himself as one of the league's dominant tight ends, making 53 catches for 691 yards and 10 touchdowns. Over the next seven seasons, David played for the Oakland Raiders, the Houston Oilers and the Minnesota Vikings. He returned to the Raiders, then relocated to Los Angeles, to retire from his football career in 1984. After eleven seasons and the ``Holy Roller'' play against San Diego and the ``Ghost to the Post'' play beating the Baltimore Colts in a double overtime playoff game, David compiled 378 receptions for 5,216 yards and 52 touchdowns. He was essential to the Raiders' victory over the Vikings in Super Bowl XI. He was named All-Pro and All-AFC four consecutive seasons. He played in the Pro Bowl five consecutive years, was named a member of John Madden's 1970s team of the decade, and was recognized on the Silver Anniversary team as the best tight end in 25 years. David's accomplishments are not limited solely to football. He has received numerous awards for his work as a financial planner, consultant and salesman. David gained fame in the football world, but he has used his fame to better his community and the lives of the people in it. He founded the Dave Casper Celebrity Golf Tournament to support the Ronald McDonald House and greatly supports other charities that benefit children. David's determination to succeed in all he has done has made him a true legend. He is probably most proud of his wonderful family--his wife Susan and children Keleigh, Carrie and Andy--but the world will forever remember the Hall of Fame football star who went down in the record books and in the memories of generations of football fans.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of the new world headquarters for PMI Group, Inc. in Walnut Creek, California. Employees began moving in on August 19, 2002 while construction workers were putting the finishing touches on their new state-of-the-art energy efficient building. PMI Plaza includes the new seven-story, 195,000 square foot building, a five-story parking garage, a large outdoor lunchtime dining area, and 15,000 square feet of retail space. This Plaza, located across the street from the Pleasant Hill BART station and near the intersection of highway 680 and Treat Boulevard, is part of Contra Costa County's Redevelopment agency's plan for creating more transit oriented development. The Agency's plan calls for the construction of new businesses and housing, including new affordable housing units, in-filled around BART stations, which is key to reducing sprawl and air pollution. PMI Plaza exemplifies this smart growth plan and should be a model for growth around the country. I am thrilled to welcome them to our East Bay community.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the Trade Promotion Authority conference report. I am for free and open trade, and I want this President and all presidents to have Fast Track authority. Today, I think we need to remove some misconceptions about Trade Promotion authority. This is not a trade agreement. Rather, it would give our government the authority to negotiate trade agreements. Congress would still get to vote up or down on every trade agreement that's made, and I would stand by my commitments to American workers and to protecting our labor standards and environmental laws during each and every one of those votes. I believe trade is critical to America's economic growth and prosperity. The great strength of the American economy is really in the spirit of its people. It's American innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness that drives our industry, agriculture, and local businesses. The good news is every American stands to benefit from free trade. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to see the conference report contains a solid trade compromise with robust trade adjustment assistance for displaced American workers. In fact, this is the most progressive trade authority ever considered by Congress. It expands the current worker assistance program threefold, and for the first time provides health care assistance for the unemployed. As we move forward in a global economy, this legislation provides the right balance between reaping the rewards of free trade and protecting displaced American workers. Free trade is in the long-term interest of the United States and our economy, and in the creation of jobs that benefit American workers. I look forward to voting for this comprehensive trade legislation.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I reluctantly must rise in opposition to the Oberstar-Menendez amendment. As a Member of the Transportation Committee, I have a great deal of respect for my Ranking Member and Mr. Menendez, but I must oppose their amendment. As a Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, making air travel safer is my highest priority. But I do not believe that forcing arbitrary deadlines on our local airports will actually make air travel any safer. On the contrary, if airports are forced to set up temporary solutions to meet these deadlines, the result will be wasted tax dollars and huge crowds of passengers standing in lines inside and outside airport lobbies, which will create an entirely new security risk. Congress has taken many bold, new steps to respond to the terrorist attacks since September 11th. One of these is the sweeping aviation security reforms we passed last year. As a member of the committee that drafted last year's bill, I can tell you that the deadlines established in the legislation were arbitrary and are unenforceable. The United States had never experienced such an attack. And because Congress' response was swift, the details on how to achieve such sweeping reforms were untested. Our airports, which are responsible for implementing these mandates on the ground, have told us for months that these deadlines are unworkable. I have been contacted by all of the Bay Area airports: SFO, Oakland, San Jose and Sacramento International airports urging me to allow the TSA to have the flexibility it needs to deploy the most reliable explosive detection equipment as soon as possible. Secretary Mineta testified before our subcommittee three days ago that due to the funding cuts and new mandates in the supplemental appropriations bill, the TSA could not meet these deadlines. I think the Secretary knew before two days ago that these deadlines were unachievable. And I find it too convenient that the administration is now trying to blame Congress for this. But the underlying fact still remains: These deadlines are not realistic. We should not be playing political chicken with common-sense aviation security. Instead, we should be working together to find real solutions at each of our airports. The Granger language included in the underlying bill requires the TSA to work with every airport to customize its unique security needs and establish a plan to achieve 100 percent baggage screening. The Frost language sets an outer limit of one year to achieve this goal at every airport. My understanding is that most airports will be able to comply with this well before the year deadline. I, like all of you, want to keep the pressure on to ensure that all baggage is screened as soon as possible. I believe the underlying bill will do that while still addressing the reality of implementing this at all our nation's airports in a cost effective and responsible way. I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment and support the common- sense language in the underlying bill.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, as we mark the end of Dr. C. Bruce Tarter's tenure as the Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate his career and honor his accomplishments. During his more than 30 years with Livermore Laboratory he has served in capacities that truly span the broadest possible range, beginning with a summer internship as a graduate student, and culminating with his appointment as Director. During his tenure at the lab, Dr. Tarter has been steadfast in his commitment to apply science and technology to the important problems of our time, as well as establishing strong institutional ties with the University of California. Dr. Tarter received his bachelor's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. from Cornell University. His formal career with Livermore lab began in 1967 as a staff member in the Theoretical Physics Division, where he was widely recognized as a future leader. Within the decade he was promoted to head of Theoretical Physics, where he advanced his belief that Livermore should use world- class science and technology of our national priorities. It was also during this time that Dr. Tarter became a leader in solidifying the Livermore Laboratory and University of California relationship. Throughout the 1980s Dr. Tarter was a major player in the creation of the Laboratory Institutes, notably the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, and the Institute for Scientific Computing Research. These institutes, created under Director Roger Batzel, have become important tools for the laboratory interacting with the university community. To guarantee the laboratory ability to use science and technology to solve the major problems of our day, Dr. Tarter has long been a champion of building the world's best supercomputers at Livermore. He has worked to ensure that these supercomputers are used for cutting- edge fundamental supercomputing, as well as critical national security computing. His leadership in these areas and others propelled him to the ranks of senior management in 1989, as associate director physics, during the waning days of the Cold War. Realizing that the political climate demanded a sharpened focus on weapons and space-age technology, he expanded the position to include weapons physics and space technology, leading to the Clementine mission to the moon. He also headed a broadly based environmental program in global climate and other environmental research. In addition to his work at Livermore Laboratory, Dr. Tarter has served in a number of other outside professional capacities. These include a 6-year-period with the Army Science Board; service as an Adjunct Professor at the University of California at Davis; and membership on the California Council on Science and Technology, the University of California President's Engineering Advisory Council, the Laboratory Operations Board, Pacific Council on International Policy, Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee, and the Council on Foreign Relations. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society and received the Roosevelt Gold Medal Award for Science in November 1998. Since being named director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1994, Dr. Tarter has remained dedicated to the themes developed throughout his career and has continued to adapt to changes in both science and the world at large. Under his stewardship the laboratory has been a principal contributor to the Department of Energy's programs to maintain the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without testing underground testing and to reduce the international dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction. Commenting on the Laboratory's mission, Dr. Tarter has said that these efforts have ``set the base for major national security program accomplishments in the future.'' While Dr. Tarter is stepping down as director of Livermore Lab, and his official leadership will be missed, we are grateful that he will remain on staff at Livermore, no doubt continuing to lead in his field. Always forward-looking and full of boundless energy, Bruce would never want me to speculate about his legacy, and I don't need to--his record speaks for itself. Congratulations, Bruce, and on behalf of my colleagues and the American people, thank you.

Mr. TAUSCHER

Mr. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Flight 93 National Memorial Act, H.R. 3917; and the True American Heroes Act, H.R. 5138. These two pieces of legislation will serve as the first steps toward finalizing a tribute to our nation's citizens whom, on September 11, 2001, represented the true American spirit through their heroic efforts. No one will ever forget the events of September 11, 2001 that devastated our nation. Three of the four planes hijacked that unforgettable morning crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, leaving thousands dead. Many believe terrorists were going to use the fourth plane as a weapon to crash into the United States Capitol Building. But the passengers and flight crew made the decision to take down the plane that morning in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania after learning from cellular phone conversations with loved ones of the fates of the three other hijacked aircraft. As a result, countless innocent lives were saved , including our own, and the fate of our nation's Capitol was changed. This was the ultimate act of bravery and sacrifice from the passengers and crew of United Flight 93, and those who enter our nation's Capitol each day should cherish their valiance. Several residents of California, including two of my own constituents--Tom Burnett and Hilda Marcin--were on United Flight 93. Citizens around the country have asked for the United States government to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of these passengers and the others that perished in these tragic events, by awarding a gold medal to a representative on their behalf. The Congressional Gold Medal is considered the nation's highest civilian award given by Congress to recognize a lifetime contribution or a singular achievement. I believe that everyone on United Flight 93, as well as police officers, emergency workers and other employees at the Pentagon and World Trade Center should be recognized for their efforts and sacrifice to save the lives of so many others. I would like to see all of these extraordinary individuals commemorated for such bravery. This medal is the least we can do in Congress to remember the courage of our fellow citizens. In the months following the horrific attacks, thousands of people from around the world have remembered the final moments of the heroes of Flight 93 at the crash site itself, in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania. Serving as a place where families and friends of the passengers and flight crew can grieve for their loved ones, the symbolism of this area will be etched in the memories of those who visit to pay their tributes. Like Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City, New York City and Washington, this is another piece of U.S. soil that now bears the markings of our nation's history. It is time that we ensure protection of the site by placing it under jurisdiction of the National Park System, so that an appropriate memorial can be created, following the recommendations of the Flight 93 Task Force. There may never be answers for all the questions that surround the events of September 11, 2001 or closure for all of those around the world who suffered the loss of loved ones in this tragedy. But it is in our power to make sure that we appropriately honor our fellow Americans, who not only saved our lives and so many others, but also protected our nation's symbol of democracy and freedom--our United States Capitol--by passing these landmark pieces of legislation. I urge my colleagues to support these two bills and yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, I take my job very seriously. Making air travel secure is one of the most important and daunting challenges our country and this Congress faces. It is unclear if the new Transportation Security Administration that Congress created last year will meet its deadlines for hiring and training federal screeners and deploying bomb detection equipment to airports this year. This prospect alarms me, and it should alarm other Members. The TSA and the Bush administration have told us that there are more pressing security issues to address than arming pilots, and I hope that passage of this bill does not add to the TSA's full plate and delay implementation of these other vital security measures. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the willingness of the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) to work with me to address some of the concerns that I raised during the markup of this legislation in committee. I would also like to thank the committee staff for their efforts to incorporate some of my common- sense changes to the manager's amendment. However, I do not believe this is the best bill our committee could have brought to the floor. I regret that this was the best bill we could get to the floor in an election year after the bill unnecessarily became more about guns than about safe air travel. The FAA has taken too long to certify and install the reinforced cockpit doors than originally thought and pilots should have the means to defend the cockpit in the interim. I support equipping all cockpits with nonlethal weapons to defend the cockpit. United Airlines, ATA and others have taken a leadership role in purchasing these devices and training all of their pilots to use nonlethal weapons, and now are only waiting for TSA certification. I commend them for their efforts. I am pleased that the manager's amendment included some of my language setting a deadline for the TSA to certify these weapons, but I hope the TSA will act sooner to certify these nonlethal weapons so that companies can begin installing them immediately. Another big security concern raised by this bill is pilots transporting firearms to, from, and through the airports. I am pleased the manager's amendment includes part of my amendment to have the TSA look at securing their weapons at airports during overnight stays. I remain concerned about pilots being targeted outside of airports, and recent reports of uniform and ID thefts at hotels, and hope the TSA addresses this issue during its rulemaking process. I think we can do a better job. I am hoping that we will see some of these amendments, and hope that I will be able to support this bill.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I express my opposition to this sham bill that is particularly harmful to senior women, my sisters, and my mother.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this rule. I voted for TPA when it was called Fast Track at least twice before, and I am for open and free trade. But I am not for ramming it through the House with this closed, surgically enhanced rule. This resolution would send to conference some legislation we have not even voted on and sneaks in Member-to-Member favors. Simply put, this self-executing rule is unnecessary and amounts to parliamentary maneuvering and election year politics at its worse. Mr. Speaker, I want the President to have fast track authority, but we also need a robust trade adjustment assistance package to help American workers displaced by expanding trade. This rule effectively guts TAA by reducing health care assistance and only helps workers whose jobs have gone to Mexico or Canada. In today's global economy, America needs free trade. We must free our President to negotiate trade deals while assisting American workers who are affected by changing markets. I look forward to voting for a trade bill out of the conference, but I cannot support a rule that plays games with such an important bill.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following to the Congressional Record for June 20, 2002, on behalf of my constituent. In Loving Memory of Ernest C. (``Ernie'') Smith, For his contributions to his country as a United States Marine in numerous battles in the Pacific during World War

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to introduce the Global Nuclear Security Initiative Act of 2002 that was also recently offered in the Senate by Senator Jean Carnahan. The January 2001 report of the bipartisan task force chaired by former Senator Howard Baker and former White House Counsel Lloyd Cutler has often been quoted but one of its conclusions bears restating today: ``the national security benefits to U.S. citizens from securing and/or neutralizing the equivalent of more than 80,000 nuclear weapons and potential nuclear weapons would constitute the highest return on investment in any current U.S. national security defense program.'' As you know, Mr. Chairman, our nonproliferation programs with Russia have improved America's national security greatly by dismantling Russia's nuclear facilities, finding jobs for their unemployed weapons scientists, and improving the security of Russian weapons and material. But as our relationship with Russia takes on a more cooperative definition, first with the signing of the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Reductions in Moscow and with the signing on May 28 in Rome of an agreement between NATO and Russia on a new working relationship, security threats arising from other nations with inadequately stored nuclear materials are increasing. Indeed, India and Pakistan's conflict over Kashmir has been escalating over the past several months and while tensions between the two countries are not new, unlike during the cold war, neither side has a clear idea of what actions would trigger a nuclear response from the other. The challenges of translating some of our nonproliferation efforts to other countries of concern such as India, Pakistan, China or North Korea are significant but worth dealing with. While the nonproliferation programs of the Departments of Defense, Energy, and State are effective, they were not designed to meet the full range of terrorist threats now facing the United States. Expanding these programs to cover countries outside the former Soviet Union, to address the threat of radiological materials and to defend against the threat of terrorist sabotage of nuclear power plants abroad, is in the United States' national security interest. The bill I am introducing today is an important first step in expanding America's defense against the threat of weapons of mass destruction. It calls on the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense and State, to develop a comprehensive program of activities to encourage all countries to adhere to the highest security standards for their nuclear facilities and material. Second, the bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a systematic approach for securing radiological materials other than uranium and plutonium outside of the United States. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Energy to develop plans for preventing terrorist attacks on nuclear power plants outside the United States. These are simple but important steps and I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Madam Chairman, I would speak in support of the Lantos amendment. I would like to state my strong support for the Lantos amendment on improving security in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Freedom Support Act provides critical economic and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan; but without a security component to this aid, we have no means of assuring that our help will be effective or promote Afghanistan's long- term reconstruction. The defeat of the Taliban and of all the positive social and political changes that came with it could not have taken place without United States leadership. I am seriously concerned, however, that our investment will be wasted if we do not directly consider how the United States can improve long-term security in Afghanistan. In February, during testimony before the Committee on Armed Services, General Tommy Franks, Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command, restated President Bush's pledge to build ``a lasting permanent solution for Afghanistan's security needs.'' The President's words have never been more relevant. Since Chairman Karzai took the head of the interim government, one of his ministers has been killed, militia factions are fighting for influence, the refugee situation is worsening, and general lawlessness throughout the country is threatening the government's effectiveness. By the end of the month, over 400 districts throughout Afghanistan must elect 16,000 delegates. They in turn will choose about 1,000 local leaders to participate in the new Afghan parliament. This is a delicate process that can easily be derailed. The requirement in the amendment that the President submitted to Congress of the strategy for meeting Afghanistan's security needs is essential. This strategy should consider the use of U.S. military assets. At a time when U.S. troops are engaged in conflicts across the globe, from the Philippines to Georgia, it would be irresponsible for us to walk away from the one country where we have achieved victory without securing peace. A safe and secure Afghanistan is in the United States' national interest. I applaud the acceptance by the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. It was a good bill, and it is a better bill with the Lantos amendment.