Todd Tiahrt

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I support President Bush's welfare reform. I am often asked what I consider some of the best accomplishments I have made as a Congressman. Well, I am very proud to have been a Member of the historic 105th Congress that passed the 1996 Welfare Reform Act. Perhaps more than anything else that we have accomplished during my time in Washington, reforming welfare has given the most hope to American families. Welfare caseloads fell by 9 million since 1994. That means 9 million more Americans, 9 million more people are on the road to making their dreams a reality. The number of mothers who are more likely to go on welfare, but instead have a job, rose by 40 percent between 1995 and 2000. Since 1996, nearly 3 million children have been lifted from poverty. In the African American community, the child poverty rate is at an all-time record low. The success of the 1996 welfare reform law is beyond dispute. Our challenge and our great opportunity is to build on that success by letting more Americans work their way to freedom of dependence and follow the path to making their dreams a reality.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 326th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans paid their dues on Tax Day this week, but Martin and Gracia have been paying the price for being Americans for over 10 months now. The Nation they love, however, is prevented from rescuing her children. Martin's parents, Paul and Oreta, are patriotic citizens. They pay their taxes without complaining and trust the government will carry out its responsibility to protect and defend our citizens, all this despite the continued captivity of their son and daughter-in-law. I must admit, as a patriot, as a taxpayer, as a representative of this government of the United States, I am frustrated. I call upon President Arroyo and the Philippine Congress to allow the American military to rescue our fellow Americans who are being held hostage. I request Secretary Powell, Secretary Rumsfeld, and President Bush, do not take ``no'' for an answer. Let us rescue these Americans. I believe we have the resources to rescue Martin and Gracia, and it is our government's duty to do so. As always, I ask you to join me in prayer for Martin and Gracia and their loved ones, that this nightmare may soon be over.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Child Custody Protection Act. This parental rights legislation prohibits the transportation of a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion if the requirements of a law in the state where the individual resides requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision are not met before the abortion is performed. Twenty-seven states require parental consent or notification of minors seeking to abort their babies. It is a shame that as we are working to promote parental involvement, their rights are being activity circumvented. News reports and published studies reveal that large numbers of minors are crossing state lines to obtain abortions, and many of these cases involve adults rather than parents transporting the minors. This is especially worrisome when the pregnancy is a result of statutory rape. Not only are our daughters being preyed upon by older men, but they are further psychologically damaged by having to obtain an abortion without even the support of their parents. A California study found that two-thirds of the girls were impregnated by adult, postschool fathers with a median age of 22. It is estimated that 58 percent of the time girls seek an abortion without parental knowledge, they are accompanied by their boyfriend. Even those of you who support the supposed ``choice'' to abort babies cannot be in favor of the intimidation of teenage girls by older males. The Child Custody Protection Act is not a federally parental involvement law; it merely ensures that state laws are not evaded through interstate activity. It does not encroach upon state powers, but reinforces them. Pennsylvania is one of the states with parental notification requirements. The Pennsylvania appeals court noted, ``although a parent's right to make decisions for her child is tempered in the instance of abortion, at least in Pennsylvania that parent has the legitimate expectation that procedural safeguards designed to protect the minor will be observed.'' Parents in Pennsylvania and 27 other states need our help to guaranteeing that these laws are upheld. Parental rights protect not only parents but minors as well. We have all read numerous studies indicating the benefits of parental involvement in a child's education. Parental involvement and guidance in life is even more critical. Pregnancy is a life changing experience, especially for teenagers, and we should not further distance them from their parents at a time when they need as much support and love as they can get. We cannot allow parental rights to be bypassed. I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of the Child Custody Protection Act.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3762, the Pension Security Act of 2002. This legislation is not only a step in addressing areas such as blackout periods and diversification in retirement accounts, it is an important step towards giving workers throughout my state of Kansas, and the rest of America, the peace of mind and security they deserve when planning for retirement. This bill, based on the President's pension reform proposal, contains new safeguards and options to help workers preserve and enhance their retirement security, and demands greater accountability from companies and senior corporate executives during so-called ``blackout periods'' when workers are not allowed to make changes to investments in their retirement accounts. The Pension Security Act would have made a real difference in the lives of thousands of Enron employees and investors if these measures had existed at the time of the company's collapse. For example, under this bill, diversification and sound investment advice would have been readily available because investment advisors would have been made more accessible and employers would have been forced to take responsibility for anything that happened to employee retirement savings during blackout periods. Companies would have also been required to provide 30-day advance notice of a blackout period. Mr. Speaker, I believe Congress has a responsibility to fully protect workers and give them the ability to enhance their retirement savings. Enron workers may well be the victims of criminal wrongdoing, but they were definitely the victims of outdated federal pensions laws. Let's prevent this from happening again. Pass the Pension Security Act.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker on rollcall No. 91, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 320th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. I had hoped to return to this podium after the recess and tell you the great news of Martin and Gracia's release. It has been customary in the Philippines for hostages to be released over the Easter holidays, so I was hopeful that the Burnhams would be released. Sadly, their children, Jeff and Mindy and Zack, celebrated another holiday without their beloved parents and without any communications from their parents. Martin and Gracia are still being held by savages with no regard for human life. Devout Christians who strongly believe that every life is precious, the Burnhams have learned early on that terrorists place no worth on human life as they watched their fellow captives become beheaded. On September 11, Americans were confronted with this reality. Daily in Israel and in Palestine people are disgusted by the evidence of these realities. President Bush is absolutely right when he declares terrorists as evil. This evil force is on the offensive around the world. But evil is not stronger than good. Hate is not stronger than love. Americans love human life, and so it is our duty to eradicate terrorism and promote the respect for life. I ask as always for you to join in prayer with me for Martin and Gracia Burnham and their loved ones so this nightmare may soon be over.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I have been looking forward to today for quite some time. Today we are introducing the welfare reform bill that will build upon the successes of our historic 1996 reforms. In the past 6 years I have heard numerous success stories that arose from the 1996 welfare reform legislation that touched millions of lives. Our great former President, Ronald Reagan, once said, ``We should measure welfare's success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many people are added.'' In 1996 there were over 14 million welfare cases. Since then, however, that number has been reduced by 9 million. But this debate is more than just about numbers. It is about people. Statistics cannot explain the smiling faces of success. Before and during recess, Members have been learning firsthand about success stories in each of our districts, which we have been pleased to share with you. These are truly inspirational stories about overcoming adversity to achieve independence. That, Mr. Speaker, is what the American dream is all about. Let us help make that dream a reality by passing President Bush's welfare reform proposal.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 298th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. A couple of weeks ago our spirits were raised as we heard of a new video showing Martin and Gracia. Our initial enthusiasm at the confirmation that they are still alive and healthy quickly dissipated as we realized the videotape was much older than claimed. Though the cameraman claims the tape is from mid-January, many signs point to it being shot much earlier, earlier even than the tape released in December. Martin and Gracia's clothes are in much better condition than in the video shot in November. Martin is not wearing glasses that he received in November and wore on the previous video. Martin's beard is shorter, and the Burnhams are much healthier looking than in November. So we still await recent pictures and statements from Martin and Gracia. The tape is noteworthy, however, because for the first time the Abu Sayyaf Group, or the ASG, indicates that it regards itself as part of Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network, something we have long suspected. This admission should give the Philippine government and their military added incentive to quickly track down and capture the ASG. It should also embolden our government to do as much as they can to free our fellow Americans. As always, I ask you to join me in prayer for Martin and Gracia and their loved ones, so that this nightmare may soon be over.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Born- Alive Infants Protection Act. In 2000 this legislation passed the House overwhelmingly, by a vote of 380-15. I am hopeful that today my colleagues will again vote to protect all infants who are born alive. It saddens me that we have come to the point where we need federal legislation to assert that an infant who is completely expelled or extracted from her mother and who is alive is a person under the law. I strongly believe that the unborn should have the same protection under the law, but unfortunately not all of my colleagues agree. Many of you, however, agree that a baby who is born alive is a person and should not be killed or left to die. Many states have approved the practice of ``live-birth abortions.'' Infants born alive as a result of an unsuccessful abortion are killed or left to die, some babies are partially born only to be killed, and in so-called ``therapeutic abortions'' physicians use drugs to induce premature labor and deliver children still alive and then simply allow them to die. According to nurses at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, physicians have used the ``therapeutic abortion'' procedure on infants with non-fatal deformities, such as spina bifida and Down Syndrome. Many of these babies have lived for hours after birth, with no efforts made to determine if any of them could have survived with appropriate medical assistance. Those who swear to save lives are instead leaving living, breathing, kicking, screaming babies to slowly die on their own. A registered nurse from Illinois testified before Congress that she witnessed pregnant mothers being prematurely induced and delivering living premature infants that were then left to die without any medical attention. The hospital where this occurred defended its actions by saying that the newborns were intended for abortion. There is no defense for leaving innocent babies to die. As a father of three beautiful children and a strong defender of human life, I am embarrassed that we live in a country where babies are abandoned and left to die. I urge you to vote in favor of this important legislation so that all the beautiful children who come into this world are treated as the human beings they are.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, today marks day 285 that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. Yesterday, in a video made by the Abu Sayyaf group, the Muslim terrorists, they confirmed their direct connection to the al Qaeda. Martin Burnham was forced to read a statement of grievances by the Muslims. The terrorists, through Martin, said they were targeting Americans and Europeans. Martin and Gracia are innocent Americans, God-fearing people who are simply trying to make the world a better place. In a recent letter from Paul and Oreta Burnham, Martin's parents, they wrote, ``We pray that we will soon be able to pass on to you good news of Martin and Gracia's release, but until then continue praying and believing God will see their release and being reunited again with their family.'' At a time when the Nation is directly confronting terrorists in Afghanistan, contending with recession and unemployment and quietly fearing an additional attack, it would be easy to lose faith. I encourage our citizens to look at the strength exhibited by the Burnham family. Their plight is grave, but their enduring optimism and faith in God is a beacon of hope for us all. Please join me in praying for Martin and Gracia's safe release, for the welfare of their family and friends, and for all of us that we share the Burnham's strong faith and use it to make our world a better place.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will testify before the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education of the Committee on Appropriations. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting oversees National Public Radio. As we review National Public Radio's budget, I must express my outrage at their unethical report on the anthrax mailings. On January 22, NPR broadcast a story linking the Traditional Values Coalition to the anthrax mailings here on Capitol Hill. There are no facts and no sources to support this charge of the NPR broadcast. Though they have since issued a correction of the story, there was no apology. I am very concerned that their previously liberal bias has transformed into an all-out attack on conservative and Christian organizations. Four people died from the anthrax mailings, and it is very serious to accuse people of that crime without any supporting facts. Andrea Lafferty and Reverend Shelton of the Tradition Values Coalition are good friends and loving people. It is shocking that anybody could consider them capable of such a horrific act. NPR receives Federal funds, and therefore we in Congress have a responsibility to make sure that our constituents' taxpayer dollars are not misused for such malicious and unethical reporting.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 277th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. Last Thursday, 10 American servicemen lost their lives in a helicopter crash while conducting a bilateral training exercise with the Philippine Defense Forces. From the Army's E company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Airborne, we mourn Major Curtis D. Feistner, Captain Bartt D. Owens, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jody L. Egnor, Staff Sergeant James P. Dorrity, Staff Sergeant Kerry W. Frith, Staff Sergeant Bruce A. Rushforth, Jr., Sergeant Jeremy D. Foshee, Specialist Thomas F. Allison. From the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, we mourn Master Sergeant William L. McDaniel, II and Staff Sergeant Juan M. Ridout. I am extremely grateful for their service to our Nation. I send heartfelt prayers to their families, friends, and fellow soldiers for their loss. Their honor, courage, selflessness, and patriotism cannot be overstated. These fine men were casualties in our global war on terrorism. The U.S. military's presence in the Philippines is assisting the Philippine government in their own national war on terrorism with the Abu Sayyaf. It is hoped that the Army's presence there may additionally help in the freedom of Martin and Gracia Burnham from their nightmare. I ask my colleagues to join me in praying for these men and their families. Let us continue to make our Nation a shining beacon of freedom so their deaths were not in vain. Also, let us pray for Martin and Gracia, that they are safely released, so the Burnham family does not suffer the same heartache as these servicemen's families.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 2001, and I commend Chairman Tauzin and Ranking Member Dingell for their hard work in crafting the legislation before us today. Make no mistake about it. This legislation will create real competition among Internet Service Providers and guarantee more choices and lower prices for the American people. In my state of Kansas, high speed internet access is currently available to about 1.3 million consumers. This bill will guarantee high speed access to an additional 830,0009 Kansans. Equally important, it will expand access to an additional 20,000 Kansas businesses, 500 schools, and 200 hospitals and libraries. Like many of my colleagues, I represent a district with a large rural population. This legislation will bring high-speed internet access to small towns and rural communities currently unable to receive it. No community will be left behind. Mr. Chairman, we have a choice today. Congress can vote for providing consumers with greater access to internet services, greater choices among providers, and lower costs. OR we can let companies, rather than competition, determine the access and price for these services and leave millions of Americans behind. I urge my colleagues to vote for competition and choice. Vote for the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 264th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. Today is Valentine's Day, a day focused on celebrating love 365 days a year, not just on February 14. The Burnhams have a beautiful marriage and were on a trip celebrating their 18th anniversary when taken hostage by the Abu Sayaf group. Since then they have continued to remain devoted to each other. Martin often gives his food to Gracia, though neither of them has enough to eat. In a video in November, Gracia describes how she shouts ``I love you'' to Martin when they are caught in gun fire. She wants to be sure she gets to say it one last time. Martin and Gracia also greatly love their three beautiful children, Jeff, Mindy and Zach. They have missed Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, each child's birthday, and now this day, to celebrate love. In letters they have expressed their devastation at being separated from their children. Even during this awful nightmare, they have shared their love with each other and with others. Fellow hostages who have been released relate the Burnhams' attempts to encourage and comfort other captives. Gracia recited home recipes with other hostages to take their minds off the situation. As we contact our loved ones today, let us not forget Martin and Gracia Burnham. I ask that my colleagues join me in praying for their release so that they may continue to share their love with their children, their family, their friends, and others they meet.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of campaign reform and in opposition to Shays-Meehan. There is no doubt we do need to change some things about the campaign process. We should, number one, have full and complete reporting disclosure. There is no reason why it could not be on the Internet; whenever dollars are contributed within 24 hours, it would be reported. We should require that every dollar spent in the political process should be voluntarily spent, voluntarily contributed. Right now every dollar I raise is a check written by somebody who has contributed to my campaign. Yet there are millions of union workers who have to have their money, their contributions automatically withdrawn from their pay check and used to support candidates for which they do not vote for or support. Thomas Jefferson said, ``It is tyrannical and sinful to force a man to contribute to political views for which he disagrees.'' Shays-Meehan does nothing to reform this tyranny. It also does do some reforms. It does reform the campaign laws. It forms campaign dollars into pork for special interests. Let me name one of them. This bill restricts soft money and third parties from using their monies for free speech through the broadcast media 60 days before election. No soft money for 60 days in television, radio or cable; but it does allow it in the print media. Well, it is no wonder that the New York Times, U.S.A. Today, even the Winfield Courier, Winfield, Kansas, supports Shays-Meehan because it affects their bottom line. It is pork for papers, pork for newspapers. Well, that kind of reform is not what we need in the political process. It also does not regulate gutter politics. In 1996 unregulated, unreported dollars were used in my campaign to make phone calls to women in the Fourth Congressional District in Kansas to say I allowed my daughter to pose for sexually provocative photos. My daughter was 14 years old at that time. She was crushed. She was devastated. She could not go to school. And there is nothing in this bill that you are proposing for reform to stop that kind of gutter politics. It does not reform the campaign laws where you need to reform it. Instead, you come up with this pork for papers and other inequities and limits in free speech. So I think it is a very inadequate bill, Mr. Chairman. It merely shifts where the political dollars will be spent. It does not regulate completely, especially in the area of gutter politics. And it gives special interests, the newspapers, a financial benefit through the campaign process. Pork for newspapers. I suggest that we vote against the Shays-Meehan bill, and I say we vote for the Armey substitute and bring true reform to the campaign process.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, we made a promise to the American taxpayer last year when Congress worked together with the President to return a portion of the excessive taxes the government collected. Now it seems some are calling for Congress to break that commitment and reverse some of the tax refunds. It is bad enough when the government collects too may taxes. But it is even worse when the government tries to take back money for the second time--money we have already promised to return. Mr. Speaker, I have had hundreds of my constituents from the Fourth District of Kansas tell me that they were so grateful for the tax relief signed into law last year. I would hate to have to tell them that Congress has changed its mind, that we are not really going to return as much money as we originally agreed to do. Taxpaying families pay too much as it is. Rather than raise taxes, we need to affirm that the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 was good for all Americans last year, and it is still good for all Americans this year. Congress worked hard with the President, in a bipartisan fashion, to return some of the excessive taxes to the working people of America. And we should declare that the tax relief should go on as scheduled over the next decade. More than that, Mr. Speaker, Congress should make the tax cuts permanent. Today I call on my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 312, the resolution that affirms tax relief for all taxpayers. The American people need to know that we are serious about our commitments. And especially during this time of economic recession, we must declare our resolve to the hard-working men and women who pay taxes that we will not break our promise. We will not raise your taxes. Mr. Speaker, keep the tax cuts in place.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 262nd day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. As we are riding Afghanistan of the notorious Taliban, let me introduce you to another organization that has been terrorizing the world and Americans since 1991. The Abu Sayaf group, known as the ASG, is the smallest yet most radical of the Islamic separatist groups operating in the Southern Philippines. They have known ties to Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda organization. Some ASG members have studied or worked in the Middle East and developed ties to mujahidin while fighting and training in Afghanistan. Activities of the group include bombings, assassinations, kidnapings and extortion payments to promote an independent Islamic state in the Southern Philippines. ASG has been blazing a bloody trail of murders, abductions, rapes, mutilations, arsons, and other heinous crimes that is possible to match in terms of callous cruelty. I am pleased that we have sent troops to the Philippines who will advise their military. Together with the Philippine government we have an obligation to rid the world of these ``evil does`'' and free our fellow Americans from this interminable nightmare.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 257th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been help captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. Martin and Gracia Burnham have devoted their lives to helping others as missionaries with the New Tribes Mission since 1985. They have been stationed in the Philippines where Martin flies medical supplies to those in need and they both help with education. The Burnhams inspire all those they meet with their selflessness, energy, infectious laughter, gentle spirits, overwhelming faith and love of life. It is heartbreaking for the Burnham's loved ones to know that there is little they can do to help Martin and Gracia in their hour of greatest need--the hour that for so many others Martin and Gracia committed their lives to serving. In closing, Monday, February 11th is the 15th birthday of Martin and Gracia's oldest son, Jeffrey. Unfortunately it seems that Jeff, like his siblings Mindy and Zach, will have to celebrate his birthday without his parents. I ask that you join me in sending Jeff warm birthday wishes and praying that he receives the present he most wants--his parents' safe release.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, before terrorism literally hit home on September 11, two fellow Kansans, two fellow Americans, had already been held hostage by Muslim terrorists for over 3 months. On May 27, 2001, Martin and Gracia Burnham were snatched out of bed in a Philippine vacation resort and taken hostage by Muslim terrorists, the Abu Sayaff group, which has al Qaeda ties and a brutal disregard for human life. A third American, Guillermo Sobero of California, was also taken hostage and subsequently beheaded in June by the terrorists. Martin and Gracia are all that remains of the group of 21 hostages taken in May. It has been 8 long months for them and their family, especially their three young children, Jeff, Mindy and Zach. The Burnhams have lost considerable weight and have suffered from malaria, artillery wounds, eye infections and numerous sores and cuts. I ask my fellow Members of Congress and my fellow Americans to pray for the safe and swift release of Martin and Gracia Burnham from this endless nightmare.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 5 I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) for yielding me time, and I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 273, which reaffirms the special relationship between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. Our two nations share a rich history and a bright future based on the combined commitment to democratic principals and the rule of law. This relationship is cemented by the fact that an estimated 2 million Americans of Philippine ancestry live in the United States, and more than 120,000 American citizens reside in the Philippines. It is as President Bush and President Arroyo said last month, a relationship between two peoples. Not just a relationship between two governments, but a relationship between two peoples. As we fight the global war on terrorism, the United States is bolstered by the unwaiving commitment of the Republic of the Philippines. They have pledged their support while facing an internal threat from the terrorist group Abu Sayaff, who continue their lawless acts of violence, including the kidnapping of two of my constituents, Martin and Gracia Burnham of Wichita, Kansas, and the murder of a Californian from Corona, Guillermo Sobero. But no tribute to our relationship would be complete without a word of thanks to those in the Philippine military who continue today to risk their lives in an effort to gain the safe release of Martin and Gracia. This ongoing conflict has cost the lives of many brave Filipino soldiers. I would especially like to express my thanks and my deepest sympathy to their families. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution which reaffirms our special relationship with our friends from the Philippines.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, on December 11, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall votes numbered 483, 484, and 485. Rollcall vote 483 was on passage of H. Con. Res. 281, legislation which honors Johnny Micheal Spann, a paramilitary officer in the Central Intelligence Agency, who was the first American killed in combat during the war against terrorism in Afghanistan, and recognizes him for his bravery and sacrifice. Rollcall vote 484 was on passage of H.R. 3282, legislation which designates the federal building and United States courthouse located at 400 North Main Street in Butte, Montana, as the ``Mike Mansfield Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' Rollcall vote 485 was on passage of the Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2001. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Rollcall vote 483, ``yea'' on Rollcall vote 484, and ``yea'' on Rollcall vote 485.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans have passed an economic security package to create new jobs and help unemployed workers. But the stalling economy continues to be in jeopardy because of the legislative process which continues to stall economic security legislation. What are we waiting for? A stock market crash? Two-dollar-per-gallon gasoline? The failure to prepare and respond with sound initiatives to aid the economy indicates a disturbing disconnect between the elected officials and the state of the union. The unemployment rate rose to its highest level in 6 years. Yet the leadership in Congress is constructing roadblocks and sitting on legislation to get the economy out of recession. More Americans lost their jobs last month, yet the legislative process refuses to respond with a plan of recovery. Mr. Speaker, it is time to get the economic security act moving. It is time to get serious and match the House's work.