David Vitter

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Imelda Moriarty, Principal of St. Catherine of Siena School in Metairie, Louisiana. Sister Imelda is retiring after thirty-five years of teaching at St. Catherine. She is a pillar of the Louisiana educational community and will be sorely missed. Sister Imelda began teaching at St. Catherine of Siena School in 1969 with a class of forty-one students. She became principal in 1974, and she will retire as principal in May of 2004. Since the arrival of Sister Imelda, St. Catherine has become the largest nonpublic school in Louisiana. Generation after generation of children from the New Orleans area have attended and will attend St. Catherine. Under the guidance of Sister Imelda, thousands of students have received excellent educations and have become positive contributors to their communities. More importantly, these students have developed a moral, ethical and spiritual foundation to help guide them through life. It is through Sister Imelda's faith that she has become such a positive and powerful source in the lives of so many children. My wife and I are both personally affected by the retirement of Sister Imelda. Three of our four children attend St. Catherine, and Sister Imelda's departure will be a very emotional event for students and parents alike. Younger students will miss her open arms and candy jar (both always full). Older students will miss her quiet Irish brogue and countless forays onto the stage during plays and talent shows. Parents will miss her most unassuming air that always commands immediate respect from both parents and students. And, most of all, we will all miss her absolutely unwavering faith in God and dedication to our children. I come to the floor of the House of Representatives today to personally commend, honor and thank Sister Imelda on the occasion of her retirement from St. Catherine of Siena School. Sister, may the road always rise to meet you and the wind always be at your back.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman very much for that pledge of support, and I look forward to working with the gentleman proactively as the process moves along. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. John).

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this is an amendment to officially represent a vitally important corridor, I-49, and specifically recognize it as qualifying under the new National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement program. I think everyone will agree that this is exactly the sort of crucial corridor for economic purposes, military uses, the movement of agricultural products, all sorts of key uses, that this program is about. So the purpose of the amendment would be to formally recognize in the bill, to make sure that it qualifies. There is no specific amount of money associated with I-49 through this amendment, just to ensure that it fully qualifies under that improvement program. Again, I-49 is such a corridor of national significance because of the movement of ag products from the heartland of the country to our ports in the south and across the globe; because of defense and security issues, I-49 links so many of our military bases; because of trade, again, agriculture is perhaps the biggest example of that, but it is an enormous trade corridor into the heartland of the country; because of energy, moving energy from Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico into the country; and because of safety concerns. That is the reason, that is the purpose behind that amendment. I intend to withdraw the amendment in a few moments after engaging in a short colloquy with the chairman. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), to have a conversation in the form of a colloquy.

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

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to congratulate the Louisiana State University Fighting Tigers football team for winning the 2003 National Championship and the Southern University Jaguars for being named the 2003 SBN Black College Football championship. Both of these schools brought great excitement to the people of Louisiana, including myself, and undoubtedly deserving champions. As I watched the game in the Superdome I knew I was watching something special, a part of history that folks in Louisiana would be proud of for a long time. LSU defensively dominated Oklahoma on its way to a 21-14 victory over the heavily favored Sooners to bring the national title back to Baton Rouge for first time since the ``Chinese Bandits'' secured it in 1958. Led by coach of the year Nick Saban, the Tigers won a school record 12 games this year and their 9th Southeastern Conference Championship beating arch rivals Ole Miss, Auburn, Alabama, and Arkansas by a combined score of 130-48. The Tigers got outstanding performances from several players during the season. True Freshman Justin Vincent was named the most valuable player of the Southeastern Conference Championship game against Georgia, where he rushed for 201 yards and the Sugar Bowl where he ran for 117 yards with 1 touchdown. LSU's defense led by first team all-American Chad Lavlais ranked number 1 in the Nation this season in scoring defense allowing only an average of 11 points per game and only yielding more that 20 points in 1 game. The defense was the difference in the National Championship game as Defensive End Marcus Spears intercepted a Jason White pass and ran it back for what turned out to be the go ahead touchdown. But this is not the only title that now resides in Louisiana. The Southern University Jaguars defeated Alabama State University 20-9 to win their 19th Southwestern Athletic Conference title and become the SBN Black College Football National Champions. Under the guidance of Pete Richardson, this year's Southwestern Conference coach of the year, the Jaguars earned their 5th conference title in Coach Richarson's 11 year tenure and defeated Grambling State University in a 44-41 shootout to win the annual Bayou Classic held in the New Orleans Superdome. Southern Quarterback Quincy Richard was named the Offensive Player of the year and was named to the SBN Black College All American Team, along with offensive lineman Arnold Sims, Miniya Smith, and defensive back Lenny Williams. It is an honor to congratulate both these teams on a memorable and historic season that will forever bring great pride to each University and the people to Louisiana.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 3-year-old twins, Courtney and Chloe Smith, of Alexandria, Louisiana. Courtney and Chloe have been selected to serve as ambassadors for the millions of kids treated this year at children's hospitals across the United States. Born in March 2000, Courtney and Chloe are the smallest twins at birth ever to survive in the U.S. For over 3 months, they fought for their lives in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at CHRISTUS St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. Due to their miraculous show of strength, they will serve as representatives for Foresters Champions Across America, a national Children's Miracle Network program. As representatives of Louisiana, Courtney and Chloe will visit Capitol Hill and the White House to meet with some of our Nation's leaders. They will also travel to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida to participate in the taping of the Children's Miracle Network celebration. As the father of twin girls, I am able to comprehend the magnitude of such a situation. Children are a gift, and any parent is twice as happy when two special children are brought into the world at one time. I come to the floor of the House of Representatives today to personally commend, honor and thank Courtney and Chloe Smith for taking on the responsibility of representing Louisiana during such an important and meaningful event. It is rare that we as Members of the U.S. Congress are able to recognize people that are so young and yet so fierce in their fight for life. Courtney and Chloe can truly attest to the life-saving abilities and importance of the Children's Miracle Network. This nation-wide system of hospitals deserves tremendous acknowledgement and appreciation for all the assistance they bring to families such as the Smiths. Again, thank you to Courtney and Chloe Smith for so honorably representing the state of Louisiana.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working employees at Northrop Grumman's Lake Charles Manufacturing Center located in Southwest Louisiana. Recently the Louisiana Quality Foundation named the Lake Charles Manufacturing Center as the winner of its 2003 Louisiana Performance Excellence Award, the foundation's highest quality honor. The Louisiana Performance Excellence Award is an annual recognition of Louisiana organizations that achieve high levels of performance excellence and excel in the application of outstanding quality principles. Organizations that serve as role models for quality, customers satisfaction and performance excellence are considered for this award. This facility is a business unit of Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. This sector is a premier aerospace defense system integration enterprise. Integrated Systems designs, develops, produces, and supports network-enabled integration systems for government and civil customers worldwide. Most importantly, Integrated Systems helps fight the War on Terrorism by delivering the best value solutions, products and services that support our military missions in the areas of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space access, battle management command and control, and integrated strike warfare. I come to the floor of the House of Representatives today to personally commend and recognize the men and women of Lake Charles Manufacturing Center for this well-deserved award that acknowledges their level of talent and commitment to performance excellence. Louisiana has a talented workforce, and some of the most productive employees in the Nation. This Center truly exemplifies the solid work ethic for which Louisiana is known. Again, congratulations to the employees of Northrop Grumman's Lake Charles Manufacturing Center for receiving this much deserved award.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, thanks for the opportunity to recognize today the contributions of Catholic schools. It is particularly significant for me and my constituents since Catholic education began in America in my home State of Louisiana in 1725. My wife Wendy and I are both Catholic school graduates. We send our kids to the Catholic school right in our neighborhood. We know first-hand those contributions as so many speakers before me have noted. Catholic schools prepare every student to meet the challenges of their future by developing their mind, yes, but also their body and their soul and spirit. They instill students with self-confidence and motivation and the will to succeed, and they provide a true education of value in every sense of the term. This year is the 30th anniversary of Catholic schools week. The week was established to recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. The schools produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities. And those students are very well rounded and they come from truly diverse backgrounds. Nationally non- Catholic enrollment in Catholic schools is 13 percent and minority enrollment is 26 percent. So the institutions are rich both in tradition and diversity. I rise, Mr. Speaker, to honor the faculty who dedicate their lives to shaping the future of their students, and certainly that includes the religious who are at the core of Catholic education. I salute the parents who sacrifice their personal funds to send their children to Catholic schools. I applaud the students of those schools for the role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for this Nation. And I join with so many of my colleagues in saluting this vital part of American education.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bert S. Turner, a distinguished alumnus of Louisiana State University. He has been selected by the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction to receive the Alumnus of The Year Award. Every year, this award is bestowed to an individual not only for his or her distinguished accomplishments, but also for commitment and generosity to the university and the LSU Alumni Association. Mr. Turner began his engineering and military career at LSU in 1939, where he became President of the College of Engineering Student Council, the LSU Post of American Society of Military Engineers, and a member of Tau Beta Pi. Following military duty, he then went to the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and graduated in 1949. For eleven years, from 1946 to 1957, Mr. Turner was recognized for his personal and civic accomplishments. Most notably, he was given the Distinguished Service Award for Baton Rouge in 1954, which recognized him as a loyal member of the community. After working in various engineer and management positions, he eventually became President and Chairman of the Board of Nichols Construction Corporation, a position he held for twenty years. He has also served on the boards of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, the Louisiana State Museum Board, the Louisiana Labor Management Commission, the Salvation Army, the State of Louisiana Board of Regents for Higher Education, and the YMCA. He was previously inducted into the LSU College of Engineering Hall of Distinction in 1993 and the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction in 1996. Presently, he is the Chairman Emeritus of the Board for Turner Industries, Ltd. I extend my best wishes to Mr. Turner, the most recent recipient of this prestigious award, and to LSU for its support.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the grand opening of Exchange City--New Orleans, which took place on November 5th, 2003 at the City Park Campus of Delgado Community College. Through the partnership of Junior Achievement and the Learning Exchange, every fifth grade student in a 12-parish area of Southeast Louisiana will have the opportunity to experience first-hand how our American free enterprise system works and the effects of the economy on their everyday lives. As the first Exchange City in Louisiana and the 18th Junior Achievement Exchange City in the United States, this 10,000 square foot indoor virtual city is equipped with sidewalks, a town square, a City Hall, and fourteen businesses. The Exchange City program includes a six-week curriculum covering English, Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Economics, Civics, and Data Analysis material. Fifth grade teachers will receive training on this curriculum and teach it to their students before their one-day visit to Exchange City. During their one-day trip to Exchange City, students will elect a judge and a mayor to preside over their city. They will apply for jobs, receive pay checks, and take out loans to run their businesses. Students will operate a broadcast center with radio and television stations and learn about paying utility bills. This innovative hands-on program is a wonderful opportunity for students in Southeast Louisiana to learn the importance of education. They will discover how the material they are learning in their classrooms directly applies to the real world. I commend Junior Achievement and all supporters of Exchange City--New Orleans for providing our children with such an outstanding and practical educational experience.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Timothy P. Ryan, the new Chancellor of the University of New Orleans. On Saturday, November 1, Dr. Ryan accepted the appointment of the Louisiana State University System's Board of Supervisors to serve as the fifth Chancellor of the Lakefront campus. Dr. Ryan received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of New Orleans in 1971 and a Ph.D. in Economics from the Ohio State University. He has been a member of the UNO faculty since 1976 and served as Dean of the College of Business Administration until accepting his new post as Chancellor. During his brief tenure as Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at UNO, Dr. Ryan controlled the University's budget and demonstrated positive change. Dr. Ryan has received overwhelming support from the University community and I look forward to working closely with him on priorities for the University and New Orleans. I am confident that his experience and knowledge of Louisiana's higher education and its vital link to our economy will contribute to not only the University of New Orleans, but to our entire State.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor victims, survivors, volunteers, and professionals, who combat breast cancer each day. The facts are grim, every 2\1/2\ minutes someone is diagnosed with breast cancer. An estimated 211,300 women and 1,300 men, in the United States will be diagnosed this year with breast cancer. An estimated 40,200 deaths are anticipated this year from breast cancer. In my home state of Louisiana, 3,800 new female breast cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, and 700 hundred women will lose their battle against the disease. Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides a special opportunity to recognize these valiant fighters and to educate the public about the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms. Early detection greatly increases victims' chances of survival. There is hope. When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 96 percent. Monthly breast self-examinations and mammograms are the key components of early detection. I join my House colleagues in saluting the breast cancer survivors alive today in the United States. I salute the volunteers across the country, including the Louisiana Breast Cancer Task Force, for their work to help educate people about the important life-saving measures of early detection. Thank you for taking time today to honor all the victims, survivors, volunteers, and professionals, who combat breast cancer each day.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a new organization on the Southern University campus. A new chapter of the College Republicans has been created at this Historically Black University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is a welcome event for all Louisiana Republicans. My heartfelt congratulations are extended to all of the members of the Southern University College Republicans, and especially club president Gene Tinner, for their hard work in founding this new organization. I am confident that this chapter will earn respect on the Southern Campus and throughout Louisiana, and become a valuable addition to the state Republican Party. I am honored to share this affiliation with such a bright group of young Louisianians from one of our great educational institutions. My best wishes go forth to this new group for their vision and leadership, and to the Southern University campus for their support.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives is set to vote on the conference report on S. 3, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. After a number of years and several attempts, the best chance for success in finally outlawing this gruesome procedure is here before us today. I believe abortion has no place in our society. Partial-birth abortion is a procedure clearly beyond the pale. Even the medical community has said that this procedure is, in fact, never medically necessary. For all of the rhetoric from the other side about doctors and health care, we should listen to that medical bottom line and today ban this horrific procedure. Those who have seen it firsthand, those who understand it and have researched it, know that we are talking about something so close to infanticide. This conference report before us respects what the Supreme Court has told Congress about past bans, and we have worked to address their concerns in the best and most thorough manner. This conference report is constitutional, well-thought out, and has tremendous support nationwide. I strongly support this conference report and urge my colleagues to do so as well. Furthermore, I am happy to say that for the first time since Roe v. Wade passed, some 30 years ago, a restriction on abortion is finally going to be put into place. I would like to express my appreciation to the many grassroots organizations who worked so hard on this issue for years, to fellow members of Congress who diligently kept working on a resolution, and to President Bush for his support of this legislation and his promotion of life.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, this year the United States celebrates this very significant anniversary, the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. In my home State of Louisiana in particular, but really all across the country, celebrations are taking place throughout this year in honor of the role this historic event played in our Nation's history. When President Jefferson designated Robert Livingston and James Monroe to negotiate the Louisiana Purchase treaty with Napoleon Bonaparte, he hoped to secure for the country the Port of New Orleans and guarantee access to the important trade route along the Mississippi River. Of course, he did accomplish that; but he accomplished so much more than even that, doubling the size of the new country. The whole territory stretched from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and included all or part of what are now 15 States; and, of course, it enabled further westward expansion by later settlers. It is noteworthy of course that this largest land transaction in our country's history was accomplished without the use of force, which was certainly in stark contrast to similar land transactions of earlier countries and empires. The Louisiana Purchase has been call the greatest land deal in history, as was mentioned, 600 million acres for $15 million or about 4 cents an acre. Not only did the acquisition guarantee our navigation rights along the Mississippi and our ability to ship goods for foreign trade, but it was absolutely central to our rise as a world power. So it is fitting that we take a little time today to formally recognize the significance these events played in shaping our country and the way it benefited generations of Americans. The Louisiana Purchase shaped the United States's destiny. Our country will be forever grateful for the extraordinary work of the individuals involved and the noble vision exercised by President Jefferson. Robert Livingston who was a relative, by the way, of my predecessor, Bob Livingston. As he signed the treaty, he perhaps put it best: ``We have lived long, but this is the noblest work of our whole lives . . . from this day the United States take their place among the powers of the first rank . . . the instruments which we have just signed . . . prepare ages of happiness for innumerable generations of human creatures.'' I would like to thank my colleagues from Louisiana, also the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Ross), the site of the initial surveying in our new territory; the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goode), home of President Jefferson; the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), Chair of the Committee on Resources, and all of the leadership for their work on this legislation.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate Ashley Ruckert. This week Ashley was unanimously selected as the Outstanding Player at the Louisiana High School All Star volleyball match in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She had 11 kills and eight digs to help the East team win the match. Her volleyball career began at Sacred Heart Academy in New Orleans where she had four outstanding seasons on the Varsity team, all of which the Rosary took home the state title. Ashley earned All-State, All-District, All-Metro and All-Orleans as a junior. She was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Louisiana State Championships twice and was a member of the Clarion Herald Elite Volleyball Team. A four-year letter winner and team captain, Ruckert was named Most Valuable Player at the recent State Championship. Her athletic pursuits will continue at Elon University in North Carolina where she has received an athletic scholarship to play I-A volleyball for the Phoenix. Ashley's athletic accomplishments are the result of her dedication, commitment and self discipline. Although known in the New Orleans area for her volleyball prowess--she is a very well rounded person. She balances well her extracurricular activities, academics and community service. Ashley is a wonderful example of the best and brightest in Louisiana. Her parents, John and Ellen Ruckert are to be commended. Again, congratulations Ashley and best of luck in your future pursuits.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to highlight a section of the Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary bill that affects the citizens of LaSalle Parish, Louisiana. The bill contains provisions that separately direct the Office of Federal Detention Trustee and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to meet bed space needs using excess State and private prison capacity, if these facilities meet the agency's standards. In my home State of Louisiana, there is an empty private prison in Jena, that is located near the Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities at Oakdale and Pollock and near the U.S. Marshals Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System, which is commonly known as ``CON-AIR.'' I believe that Federal use of the Jena prison is a wise use of our government's resources. The folks in the LaSalle Parish are hard- working people that are committed to their community. Reopening this empty prison is of utmost importance to me, and I will continue to do everything within my power to see that it occurs.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and accomplishments achieved by Tensas Reunion, Incorporated, located in my home state of Louisiana. Tensas Reunion, Incorporated, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop and implement comprehensive and sustainable programs that improve the quality of life for residents of Tensas Parish and meet the educational needs of the Parish's underserved communities. As we strive to provide our children with brighter futures, organizations like Tensas Reunion are a shining example of how we can improve our educational system through community work. I would like to commend Tensas Reunion, Incorporated, and I am confident that they will continue their outstanding service that has helped so many children in Louisiana. Thanks to their tireless dedication Northern Louisiana has grown and continues to grow into stronger community.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1472.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, today the City of Kenner crowns its celebration of June as Hispanic Heritage Month with the grand opening of its Hispanic Resource Center, the first of its kind in Louisiana. I am honored to recognize this landmark event in my district. The Hispanic Resource Center will provide valuable services ranging from citizenship courses and homebuyers' training to computer tutorials and classes in English as a Second Language. In addition to offering specific programs that address real needs, the Center will serve as a facilitator to put Hispanic residents in touch with local agencies and organizations that can help with legal advice, health care, and other concerns. I would like to congratulate Mayor Louis Congemi and the members of the Kenner City Council for their role in creating this important institution. Mayor Congemi is to be commended for his leadership in guiding the development of the Resource Center from initial idea to grand opening. The Hispanic Resource Center proclaims and symbolizes the vitality of the Hispanic community in Kenner. I am confident that the Center will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many who hope in America's promise and pursue the American dream. I am pleased to extend my best wishes to all of those involved in the work of the Hispanic Resource Center upon this happy occasion.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) for all of their work on this issue; and that work, of course, must continue. I rise in strong support of this resolution. I was honored and privileged to work on the working group with the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) and so many others. I think that working group did some very valuable work, laid an important foundation, and in fact suggested and helped make very real and important and fundamental changes in both our rules and some statutes. We are continuing that work I believe today, and in the very near future the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) will put into the hopper another bill aimed at changing statutes to again fine tune some of these issues with regard to presidential succession and related matters. I am happy to coauthor that bill, and that is further progress. But just as clearly as we have met and gained consensus on some issues and made important progress, big questions remain; and clearly the biggest question which I believe must be tackled more adequately is the possibility of mass deaths among House Members and how our democratic institution of the House, our most democratic institution, would continue to function under that circumstance of national emergency. So that is why I think this resolution and the new joint work between the House and the Senate led by the gentleman from California (Chairman Dreier) and others is so very important. I also want to join in the concerns that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Paul) raised. They are very legitimate concerns that I and many other people hold, but clearly there are ways to address those concerns. Clearly, this new group is not headed in any specific direction that the rules addressing those concerns adequately deal with. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to continuing to work on this issue with others.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the underlying bill and to strongly oppose the substitute amendment. Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out that this substitute amendment is built on two myths. The first is the myth that this specific procedure we are talking about is somehow medically necessary in certain circumstances. It is not. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states, ``There are no circumstances under which the procedure would be the only option to save the life of the mother and preserve the health of the woman.'' In 1995, a panel of 12 doctors with the AMA voted unanimously to ban the procedure, calling it ``basically repulsive.'' As one of my colleagues mentioned, former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop says that this procedure is ``never medically necessary to protect a mother's life or her future fertility. On the contrary, this procedure can pose a significant threat to both.'' So if we want to follow medical advice, let us do that and admit this procedure is never medically necessary. The second big myth is that somehow this exception in the substitute amendment will in fact allow a real ban, and it will not. The health exception, you can drive a truck through it. That is clear in 41 states, and it will be no ban whatsoever.