Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from North Carolina for yielding. I too want to express appreciation to everyone in the Sportsmen's Caucus who came out, put aside the partisan battles and entered into some good fun and sportsmanship in advance of the shooting sports and to congratulate everyone who participated. This year we had a record turnout, 13 Democrats, 13 Republicans. Most important, a whole group of new Members who came out had never participated in the event in the past. Next year, I would only ask that you not spray the Democrats' targets with the bulletproof spray paint so we have at least a chance.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant achievements of Howard Martin Chase, the principal of Riviera Elementary School in Kelseyville, California. Howard Martin Chase earned his Bachelors of Arts and Elementary Teaching Credential from California State University, Chico. Anxious to educate and serve, after graduation Mr. Chase became an elementary teacher in the Fairfield-Suison Unified School District. Mr. Chase returned to school to pursue a postgraduate degree. He received his Administrative Services Credential in 1984 from California State University, Sacramento. He went on to serve as Principal at Kelseyville Primary School, Gard St. Elementary School and Riviera Elementary School. In 2003, he earned his Masters Degree in Education from Ashwood University. It is not surprising that Mr. Chase is also very active in his community outside of his duties as principal. He has served as a board member of the Lake County Red Cross, acted as president of the Kelseyville Park Association, is a founding member of the Kelseyville Quality Educational Foundation and has served as chairperson for numerous committees for the Kelseyville School District. Mr. Chase has also been involved in many fundraising events within Lake County. Through his efforts as an auctioneer, he helped raise over $1.5 million dollars for charities, schools and many nonprofit groups. He established the first Educational-Business Partnership in Lake County. This partnership between Lake County Schools and Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa has resulted in over $600,000 being donated to local schools. Mr. Chase has already received several awards of recognition. The California State Senate named Mr. Chase the California Educator of the Year in 1996, and he was named Man of the Year for Lake County in March of 2004. Mr. Chase is devoted to his family. He and his wife Pat have been married for over 20 years. They have one child, Jessica, and two grandchildren, Jenee and Aliyah. After the passing of his mother, Mr. Chase placed a sign in front of the school in her memory that says, ``Welcome To A Place Where Everyone Is Special.'' Mr. Speaker, because of the many contributions Howard Chase has made to his community, it is proper for us to honor him today as he moves on to his new position as superintendent of North County Joint Union School District in Hollister, California, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the chairman and his colleagues on that side of the aisle on their debate today and associate myself with the remarks that they have made. I agree that this debate should not be limited to the actions of those responsible for these inhumane acts. It is also about the tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel who are performing their jobs honorably and bravely in the face of danger every single day. It is important for us to focus on these men and women today, Mr. Speaker, because the system that broke down and the system that is responsible for these inhumanities has just placed an even larger target on each of their foreheads. For the 138,000 brave men and women, and for the countless other Americans in Iraq today, their lives have become even more perilous with every new disclosure of atrocity. This Congress was kept in the dark for months, but now the lights have been turned on. For every minute we take to find our voice, to take a bold action, to demonstrate to the world that American democracy and humanity are more than words that we teach to schoolchildren, is another minute that our soldiers face more danger and even greater odds than they would have faced otherwise, and they exacerbate their chances of getting back home to see their families again. If this debate is truly about them, I say to my colleagues; if this debate is truly about them, they deserve more than a few words on this floor today. They deserve accountability, and they deserve action, and they deserve it now.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time and for his bringing this measure before this House for a vote. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the motion offered by the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) which would require the budget conferees to include the pay-as-you-go provisions, budgets enforcement provisions, in the final budget bill. Ten years ago, our colleagues across the aisle made a contract with America. One of the first principles they promised to instill in this Congress was a requirement that all laws that apply to the rest of the country would also apply equally to the Congress. Well, the truth is, American families are required by law to pay their bills; yet in Congress we do not require the same thing of our own institution, and that is wrong. One of the previous speakers said that we are trying to tie the hands of Congress so we can automatically bring about tax increases. That is absolutely not true. All this measure says is, if we pass a bill, we should pay for that bill. The House budget resolution for 2005 was passed on a straight party line vote; but it was the alternative, with the strongest budget enforcement provisions, the Blue Dog budget, that got the bipartisan support. Budget enforcement received bipartisan support not only in the House, but in the Senate also. They passed an amendment extending pay-as-you- go rules to both revenue and spending measures with the support of a bipartisan majority. Common ground, bipartisan ground can be found on the issue of budget enforcement. If we are really going to reduce the deficit, bipartisanship is a must. It does not matter if it is an increase in spending or a reduction in revenue. If it is important enough for this House to pass it as law, by golly, we should pay for it. That is what this motion to instruct says. The motion is to instruct the conferees to agree to the Senate pay-as-you-go provision, which requires the Congress to find a way to pay for new spending or new tax cuts. Members of the Blue Dog Coalition have been calling for the reinstatement of pay-as-you-go on both revenue and spending since the Budget Enforcement Act expired in 2002. And it is not a partisan concept. From the original pay-as-you-go provision, it was brought about by bipartisanship. It was an agreement between the first President Bush and a Democratic Congress. A Democratic President and Congress extended pay-as-you-go in 1993, and a Democratic President and a Republican Congress extended it again in 1997, along with $100 billion worth of tax cuts. Today we can send a clear message from the Congress that we will hold ourselves to the same standards as we hold American families. Vote ``yes'' on this motion to instruct and reintroduce fiscal responsibility to this House and to the American taxpayers.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. The point is if it is important enough to pass, it is important enough to pay for. The record deficit and the record debt, $7 trillion worth of debt, on mark to go up to $10.4 trillion in the next 5 years, that is the difference between revenue and spending. It is not the difference between spending. If we believe this is important enough to tax, we should pay for whatever it is we pass.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek).

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 1904 is a bill to designate the United States Courthouse located at 400 North Miami Avenue in Miami, Florida as the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek) introduced the House companion bill, H.R. 2538, for himself, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), and the gentlemen from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), (Mr. Mario Diaz- Balart), (Mr. Deutsch), and (Mr. Brown). Judge Wilkie Ferguson, a native Floridian, was born to immigrant parents in 1938 and was raised in a public housing project in Miami. Through hard work, perseverance, and personal drive, he received degrees from Florida A&M University, Drexel University in Philadelphia, and a law degree from Howard University Law School in the District of Columbia. Judge Ferguson served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1960 until 1964 as a Lieutenant and as a Reserve Captain from 1964 to 1968. He was nominated to the Federal bench by President Clinton in 1993 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in November of 1993. Despite his humble beginnings, Judge Ferguson achieved the highest levels of judicial service and was a dedicated public servant. He holds the distinction of being the first black jurist appointed to the Miami Dade Circuit Court and the Third District Court of Appeals. His judicial legacy includes a 1980 ruling that African Americans cannot be systematically excluded from a jury. His rulings also significantly affected the lives of many disabled individuals by prohibiting the State from reducing services to the disabled. Judge Ferguson was a prolific writer and authored many articles on Federal drug laws, expert witnesses, and privacy in the computer age. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Courage and Scholarship in Legal Writing Award from the National Bar Association, the Champions of Higher Education in Florida Award, and the Thurgood Marshall Achievement Award For Exceptional Scholarly Performance. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions. Judge Ferguson was highly regarded and was liked by not only his peers, but also by many young colleagues. He was experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to fairness and compassion. It is most fitting that the courthouse in Miami be named in his honor. I support S. 1904 and urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency I was not present to vote on rollcall votes 136, 137, and 138, which were held today on H.R. 4181. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yes'' on the Rangel Substitute (rollcall vote 136); ``yes'' on the Motion to Recommit (rollcall vote 137); ``no'' on Final Passage (rollcall vote 138).

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill designates the Federal building located at 228 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as the Ronald Reagan Federal Building. The bill was introduced by Senator Specter for himself and Senator Santorum. The House companion bill, H.R. 3923, was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster.) Former President Reagan was our country's 40th President. He was a magnetic leader whose greatest legacy was perhaps his call to Mr. Gorbachev to ``tear down this wall.'' His talents and his personal touch enabled him to rally support for his programs, often convincing even his greatest critics to see things his way. His charisma along with his sense of humor have earned him a special place in our Nation's history. I urge passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 388 authorizes use of the Capitol grounds for the 23rd Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, a most solemn and respectful public event honoring our Nation's brave civil servants. The event, scheduled for May 15, will be coordinated with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Hill Police. This is a fitting tribute to Federal, State and local police officers who give their lives in the daily work of protecting our families, our homes, our places of work, and us. Three hundred sixty-two names will be added to the memorial wall this year, including the names of 145 brave men and women who were killed in the line of duty, as well as 217 historic cases that were uncovered by the Memorial Research Department. On average, one officer is killed in this country every other day, approximately 23,000 are injured every year, and thousands are assaulted going about their daily routines. During 2003, six of the fallen officers were women. The ceremony to be held on May 15 is the 23rd anniversary of this memorial service. Consistent with all Capitol Hill events, the memorial service will be free and open to the public. I support the resolution and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this tribute to our fallen Peace Officers. This measure is particularly important to me, Mr. Speaker, because my youngest son, Jon, is Deputy Sheriff in Calaveras County in California, and I would like to recognize him for his great service and all of those brave men and women who serve us every day. I urge its passage.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with the remarks made by the author of the bill, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer). Mr. Speaker, I ask for passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to support, along with Ms. Norton, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wynn, and Mr. Van Hollen, H. Con. Res. 376, and acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Hoyer, who has been such a great and consistent champion for his constituents for this event. H. Con. Res. 376 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. Youngsters age 9 through 16 construct and operate their own soap box vehicles. On June 19, 2004 youngsters from the greater Washington area will race down Constitution Avenue to test the principles of aerodynamics in hand-designed and - constructed soap box vehicles. Mr. Speaker, many hundreds of volunteers donate considerable time supporting the event and providing families with a fun-filled day, which is quickly becoming a tradition in the Washington, D.C. area. The event has grown in popularity, and Washington is now known as one of the outstanding race cities. Consistent with all events using the Capitol Grounds, this event is open to the public and free of charge. The organizers will work with the Capitol Hill Police and the Office of the Architect. I support H. Con. Res. 376 and urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), my esteemed colleague and the esteemed whip for the minority side of the aisle.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to Jimmy Arroyave, USMC, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq on April 15, 2004. On his second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Staff Sgt. Arroyave died in a motor vehicle accident northeast of Al Ramadi. Serving with the Combat Service Support Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which is stationed out of Camp Pendleton, this 30- year-old resident of Yolo County, CA answered his country's call and paid the ultimate price. Born in Cali, Colombia, Staff Sgt. Arroyave moved to Woodland, CA, at an early age and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993. He was proud to be a Marine, loved the military life and had planned on making the military his career. In addition to his deployments to Iraq, Staff Sgt. Arroyave served in Kuwait from October 2002 until June 2003, and in Japan for 12 months in 1999. He was the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon. Staff Sgt. Arroyave was a devoted son, husband, and father. He is survived by his wife Rachelle, who is 3 months pregnant, daughters Vanessa and Natalia, all of Oceanside, and daughter Catie of Dixon. He leaves behind his mother, Carmenza Brennan of Woodland, his father Javier Arroyave of New York, and a loving circle of extended family. Staff Sgt. Arroyave died serving the country he loved, with comrades he loved and with the love of his wife and family in his heart. Our Nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Staff Sgt. Jimmy Arroyave, who gave his life in service to our country.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend Larry Lattman. Mr. Lattman's outstanding contributions and dedication to our country are truly appreciated. A highly regarded member of the community, Larry Lattman was born in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served with tremendous honor and valiance in the Korean War. Larry Lattman is a member of the Marine Corps League, AMVETS, Jewish War Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars; he has a seat on the California Veterans Board and is a member of the National Legislative Committee of the American Legion. He served two terms with distinction as Chairperson of the Allied Council of the Veterans Home in Yountville. As Chair of the Allied Council Mr. Lattman appeared before California State Senate and Assembly Committees, speaking on the behalf of veterans more than 100 times. Mr. Lattman's many trips to the legislature helped the Home receive needed funds for projects such as construction of new water and electric systems, improving the recreation building, cemetery renovations, and the purchase of a new x-ray machine as well as a whole host of other improvements. In spite of severe physical limitations and major disabilities, he has distinguished himself as a selfless crusader on behalf of other veterans. He has demonstrated with distinction the creed, ``Veterans Helping Veterans.'' Larry Lattman is being recognized this year for his outstanding contributions as a veteran's advocate by the Veterans Home during Yountville's Founders Day Celebration. He is being inducted into the Yountville Veteran Home's hall of fame, their highest honor. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Larry Lattman for his contributions and service to the people of our country.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, everyone has voted. How long does the Chair plan to keep the roll open?

Mr. THOMPSON of California. So what is the maximum, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time. This has been a very interesting and very telling debate. It has been a debate about paying our bills. Unfortunately, our colleagues across the aisle have tried to make this into some bogeyman about tax cuts, and there is nothing, nothing that could be further from the truth. This is about balancing our budget and paying for what we spend. My friend from Iowa's constituents in his district and my constituents on the north coast, if they go in to get a farm loan or a car loan or a home mortgage loan, the bank looks at both their spending patterns and their revenue source. That is because they understand that the difference between spending and revenue is the deficit, something we all agree we have to get under control. The chairman and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) understood this, too, back in 1997 when they joined 217 other Republicans to vote for a measure that put PAYGO in place; and I might add that PAYGO that they voted for in 1997 was actually stronger than the language that we are voting on today. It was statutory and they voted on a measure with Democrats, bipartisan measure, that passed a $100 billion tax cut as part of that budget agreement. I would be interested in knowing what has changed today other than the fact that our deficit and our debt is much higher than it was back then. Mr. Speaker, if this Congress is serious about deficit reduction, this Congress needs to stand together, and we need to vote to support the PAYGO rules that apply to both revenue and spending. Our constituents today deserve it, and future generations deserve it. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this motion to instruct.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price). (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 15 seconds to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the ranking member of the Committee on the Budget.