Heather Wilson

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam Chairman, I believe it is page 39, line 23 through page 40, line 4.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from North Carolina for the time. I rise to support this rule today. I have listened to this debate with some concern because I think there are things being said that just are not being straight with people. I want to talk about two of them in particular. The first has to do with the funding levels that are authorized in this bill. The truth is here in the Congress, we have an arcane way of doing things some times. We have an authorizing bill that really sets the programs and the outlines of the programs that we intend to fund. But the money, the real money is put in the defense appropriations bill that we passed overwhelmingly yesterday from this House with what we call an open rule, which means anyone can come down this floor and move to change money around or increase counterterrorism funding. If one was serious about this, that is where the real money was, in the defense appropriations bill. So what we hear this morning is more about posturing and politics than it is about policy. And that is really sad on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that heretofore has been absent that kind of discussion. And the second thing I wanted to raise is this issue of vigorous oversight. I have been an advocate for vigorous oversight in a wide variety of things. And I have been one of the principal advocates in the Committee on Armed Services for greater oversight of the Pentagon, including of Abu Ghraib, and cosponsored an amendment to do so with my colleague the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton). In this Congress, there are some committees that are vigorous about it and some that are not. I served on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence a couple of Congresses ago, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is one that is. Its members work very hard, ask tough questions. Many of them are when the cameras are off, and that is the way it has to be. But I am also particularly pleased at their openness to non-members of the committee participating in that process. I have, from time to time, requested special briefings and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made that possible for me. No other committee in the House tends to be so open to that on the part the of non-members. The structure of this bill encourages the continued vigorous oversight by the Congress of expenditure in the intelligence world. This is the kind of bill that we should be proud of as a Congress, as an example of vigorous oversight of one branch of government over another. We have to rebuild our intelligence services, particularly human intelligence and analysis. But this is too important to make a partisan issue. After this is all over today, I hope that my colleagues will reconsider their decision to inject partisanship and election year politics into the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. It has always been above that and, for the good of the Nation, should remain above that.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, the following high school students from the First Congressional District of New Mexico have been awarded the Congressional Certificate of Merit. These students have excelled during their academic careers and proven themselves to be exceptional students and leaders with their scholastic achievements, community services, and participation in school and civic activities. It is my pleasure to be able to recognize these outstanding students for their accomplishments. Their parents, their teachers, their classmates, the people of New Mexico and I are proud of them. Certificate of Merit Award Winners 2004 David Brown III, Mountainair High School; Theodore Chavez, Menaul High School; Jericha Phillips, South Valley Academy; Jordan Allen, Moreno Valley High School; Justin Montoya, Albuquerque Evening School; Luz Del Carmen Carreon, West Mesa High School; Emmaly Wiederholt, Del Norte High School; Brent Wylie, Hope Christian School; Alison Rice, Freedom High School; Amy Hopkins, Estancia High School; Joannie Suina & Veronica Budager, Bernalillo High School; Casey Thompson, Evangel Christian Academy; Kate Phelan, Albuquerque Academy; Shaili Ghimire, Middle College High School; JoJo Bailey, Moriarty High School; Alberto Belmares-Ortega, Albuquerque High School; Stephanie Cox, Sierra Alternative High School; Amanda Rubio, New Futures School; Ross Seeger, Sandia Preparatory School; Thomas Dimiduk, Eldorado High School; Anthony Rodriquez, Albuquerque Country Day School; Kristin Rae Grassham, Sandia High School; Victoria De Oreo, St. Pius X High School; Kim Sisneros, Cibola High School; Matthew Bonner, Temple Baptist Academy; and Raellen Frick, Rio Grande High School.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I commend the great athletic achievements of some of my constituents. This past March, the University of New Mexico's Ski Team became the first UNM team to ever win any NCAA championship. They are all to be congratulated, but there are few people in particular that I would like to especially recognize. Firstly the team's coach, George Brooks. Mr. Brooks created the ski team at UNM and has been working with them since 1970. This landmark win can be attributed to Mr. Brook's hard work and great faith in the ability of his team. A special recognition is due to the senior team captain, Jennifer Delch. Her leadership throughout the season as well as her individual gold medal, which she received for the giant slalom, greatly contributed to the team's success. The team is furthermore to be congratulated as a whole. Most of its members came from other nations to ski for the UNM team. It was their willingness to take a risk in leaving their homelands that lead to both their personal victories and to the team's NCAA win. Not only have these UNM students excelled in athletics, but have also remembered academics. In fact, the entire team's average GPA is an A-. This is a great achievement and speaks very well of the over-all ability of those who are on the team. Mr. Speaker, I ask you join me and all the residents of New Mexico in honoring the UNM ski team on their success. I would also like to wish them luck in future seasons.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, there is a fundamental question here, and that is what is the role of nuclear weapons in America's national defense? Nuclear weapons have been an important part of deterrence over the last 40 years, and the key to their effectiveness is that we need to be able to hold at risk the things that people most value, particularly the leaders of countries whose interests and whose values are very different from our own. And the reality is that those countries are burrowing in their command and control facilities, their chemical weapons, their missiles; and we must continue to hold those at risk. Over 10 years ago under the Clinton administration, they identified the need for this new capability and had begun the process of studying it. But let us be very clear. This is not a new nuclear weapon. In fact, under the Clinton administration, they looked at using an existing nuclear bomb called a B-61 and hardening it. This is an extension of that idea so that it would be hardened even further so that it could penetrate further and hold those targets at risk. Bipartisan majorities of the Congress and two Presidents from two different parties have seen this need and the need to study whether this can be done. But the military has as well. In 1994 the Strategic Command came out with a missions-need statement that said they have to develop new ways to hold these targets at risk. The Air Force has requested this study, and the Nuclear Weapons Council, dominated by the Defense Department, has approved that request. Therefore, both the military and the political leadership over a long period of time have recognized the importance of this work. In addition, I think we need to understand what the other program, Advanced Concepts, is for. We used to do a lot of studying of nuclear weapons, their effects, the robustness and safety and security of our own weapons, but we stopped doing that a while ago; and we need to restart that because other countries, particularly Russia, are continuing to develop new nuclear weapons, and the United States must maintain its understanding of nuclear weapons, how they work, how they function over time so that we can understand and advise our own leadership about those capabilities. We can never be in a position to lose that expertise when other countries are continuing to develop it. I would urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. It has been opposed in the committee, and both the RNEP program and Advanced Concepts have received long-time support from this Congress.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) is right that we do need to develop our conventional intelligence capabilities, and that is why there is such a significant commitment in this bill to continuing those programs that do so. But we also recognize that there are limitations to what we can do with those conventional weapons and what we can hold at risk. Nuclear weapons are useful because they are unusable. That is the core of deterrence.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I am going to support the en bloc amendments. I do have some reservations about one of the amendments included in it. I oppose the amendment offered by my friend and colleague from Washington State. DOE does not have the authority to reclassify, on its own, high level waste as low level waste. Yet, they proposed to do just that so that they could send some of this waste to WIPP. The $350 million DOE requested for the ``high level waste proposal'' cleanup projects included funds for activities that a Federal court has ruled violated the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. To address this, we did two things: (1) We required an external scientific study (the National Academy of Sciences) before any laws regarding high level waste are rewritten; (2) We removed $100 million for activities clouded by litigation, but allowed for the possibility of reprogramming if additional funds are needed, and asked DOE to provide the House and Senate defense committees with a list of projects it feels it can proceed with and why. While my colleague's amendment retains the external scientific study, it restores DOE's high level waste cleanup funds to $300 million by transferring $50 million from the transportation capital fund for Air Force operations and maintenance. I continue to oppose this amendment. First, because this could have a negative effect on a number of bases, including those in New Mexico, and, second, to the extent that this softens the message we sent to DOE that we do not want them reclassifying waste on their own.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I am supporting this amendment even though I know that it does not do all the things that we all want it to do, but because there is not sufficient jurisdiction here to take care of all the things in this bill. I look forward to working with the gentleman and my other colleagues who have constituents deeply affected by this for a real comprehensive solution. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by my colleague Representative Wamp, to modify the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). The modifications offered in this amendment will address current obstacles in addressing the backlog of cases needing review by physician panels under this program. The report for this bill notes, with bipartisan support, that such remedies were needed to allow timely physician review panel determinations. This amendment is a step forward toward assuring that workers receive the speedy assistance and, where found appropriate, compensation that we in Congress intended. therefore, I strongly support it. Yet I have to observe that this vote, while an important and positive step, is not by itself enough. I have had the fortune of knowing some of these workers personally and have become familiar with their frustration at the glacial pace of processing of their claims through the Department of Energy. One was Raymond Ruiz, a former worker at Los Alamos and a respected 2-term legislator in the State of New Mexico. His case was finally taken up by a physician panel, but he did not live long enough to receive compensation for his asbestos-related disease. Before his death his colleagues in the State legislature passed a joint memorial requesting reforms in this program. Other New Mexicans have applied under Part D of EEOICPA and most have been backlogged. In addition to this amendment we need to address three things in the implementation on this part of EEOICPA. First, we need to ensure that the management of the program is sound and effective. The Department of Energy has not created an acceptable track record. It is now working to improve its practices, but it is possible we may need to consider moving the program out of DOE, if that will speed up the appropriate resolution of claims. Second, we need to assure that medical determinations are speedy as well as proper. This amendment is a step in that direction, as are recent adjustments DOE has made to its procedures, but we may need to make other improvements to eliminate the backlog in a timely way. Third, we will need to address solutions to the cases in which ``willing payers'' are not available. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. But we still have work to do to ensure EEOICPA provides the help we in Congress intended for these workers. I look forward to considering additional idea, including insights from the General Accounting Office report currently in preparation, and ideas that may be discussed in the other body.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, on the first day that seniors could sign up for prescription drug cards, the discount cards, I went to the Barelas Senior Center, and I sat down at one of the tables at lunchtime and chatted with a little lady and started talking about this new card that would be available. She say, oh, I already know; I talked to AARP and I already have my card. She pulled it out of her wallet and she showed me, and it had the Medicare sign on it. She said, I asked the lady and I tried to use it, and I did on Saturday, and they let me use it, and I saved $7. It is not too hard for people to understand what these prescription drug cards will do for them; and when I talked to more people at the Barelas Senior Center, they were very interested in the $600 that can be added to that debit-like card to help them with the cost of their drugs. It is time to put aside the bickering and help seniors figure out which benefit is the best for them so that they can afford their prescription drugs.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I asked New Mexicans to send me nominations of women in New Mexico who have given special service to our community, but may have never received recognition for their good deeds. On Friday, March 19, 2004, I had the honor and privilege of recognizing forty-one worthy nominations describing sacrifices and contributions these women have made for our community. The people who nominated the women describe the dedication they have witnessed: volunteer hours for veterans services, service on non-profit boards, homeless programs, mentors for young women, healthcare providers going above the call of duty, child advocates, volunteers at churches and synagogues, successful business women, wives, mothers and friends. Allow me to share information about this year's nominees: Charlotte Anderson--Charlotte is a person who goes out of her way every single day to help others. She works through her church, community, and through her job at Jiffy Lube to make other peoples lives easier, and happier. Sandra Begay-Campbell--Sandra's work with Native American tribes truly inspires hope for improving conditions and providing new possibilities through technology for Native Americans and others in rural areas. As a member of the Navajo Nation, she serves as a cultural interpreter to both Sandia and the Navajo Nation. Jo Ann Clements--Jo Ann served as President of the City Council for Beta Sigma Phi in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Her tireless efforts earned her Beta Sigma Phi's top honor as ``Woman of the Year.'' She also served on this year's ``Women on the Move'' committee for the YWCA, where she encouraged nominations, sold sponsorships and ads, and did whatever she could to make the event successful. Sandy Cody--Sandy is owner of Resources for Excellence, a small, woman-owned business. Sandy generously donates her time and skills to non-profit agencies like Alzheimer's Association, Southeast Community Economic Alliance, and Goodwill Industries, to make life better for people in need and in risk. Rose Diaz--Rose is the 2004 President of the Oral History Association. She also served on the NAFTA Committee for Enterprise for the Americas Act and the Good Neighbor Environmental Board. She is a former Executive Committee member of the Board of Directors of the National Council on Public History. Lori Dotson--Lori has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life within her community through protection of the environment, including serving as an Expert Witness to successfully protect the groundwater supply in her community. Lori has designed and managed projects to clean contaminated groundwater and contaminated sites. She is also a key member of the organizing committee for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Sandia Peak Challenge. Katherine Fishback--In 1945, Katherine opened the Fishback Studio of dance. Fishback served on several national dance organization faculties. She received a 50-year Life Achievement Award for her teaching career from Dance Masters of America, Inc. Jessie Fitzgerald--Jessie was the first woman County Extension Agent in the United States. She served on the Lava Soil and Water Conservation District Board in Grants for many years before moving to the Albuquerque area and joining the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District. Linda Gabaldon Ward Hersee--Linda is very active with Thunderbirds Little League. She serves as the Team Mom, Sponsor Director. Linda is very active in the community and is always there to help. Aileen Gallegos--Aileen is a current Board Member at Ronald McDonald's House; graduate of Leadership Albuquerque; and active choir member at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Verna Gurule--Verna is a fourth grade teacher at Alvarado Elementary School in the North Valley. Volunteers who work with her have witnessed her devotion to her class and her tireless efforts to give her students every opportunity to participate in an enriched curriculum. Bonnie Herbert--A member of Assistance League of Albuquerque for 19 years, she became President of the organization in 1998, and now is their National Director of Philanthropic Projects. Kitsie Hilaire--Kitsie has volunteered with the American Red Cross for over twenty years. Since her arrival to Albuquerque in 1999, Kitsie has been instrumental in improving their community's emergency response and preparedness skills. Kitsie is also a volunteer with the ``Hearts Apart Program'' on Kirtland Air Force Base. Michelle Holdren--Her community involvement has her working with Youth At Risk, a mentoring program in the Rio Rancho Area, and Northside Civitans has her work with the youth at Youth/Diagnostic and Development Center, the Camino Nuevo Youth Center, and El Ranchitos Del Los Ninos. Michelle devotes a great deal of time to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association, and Project Share. Regina Lee Hunter--Regina has done much to make Sandia National Laboratories a better place to work for Sandians with handicaps. As a founding member of Sandia's Disability Awareness Committee, she has worked to have specific handicapped parking marked and to have enforcement for the usage of these locations. Nobie Hurley--Nobie moved to Albuquerque in 1960. She was the Director of Volunteer Services for St. Joseph's Hospital from 1976 to 1997. Since retirement Nobie has been volunteering her time at the Bernalillo County Republican Party as well as the State Republican Party. Nobie was recently asked by Archbishop Sheehan to be on his advisory council for the National newspaper publication of ``The people of God.'' Cristina Jaramillo--Cristina has served as President for the Valencia Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, Chairman of the University of New Mexico Valencia Campus Development Board, and as a member of the Belen Chamber of Commerce Board, and Belen Noon Optimists. Cristina currently serves as a member of the United Way of Central New Mexico Women in Leadership Council, New Mexico Financial Corporation and Ranchers Banks Board of Directors, United Way's Valencia County Community Board, UNM-VC Development Board, Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Albuquerque Reads Committee, and as a representative member of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber and the Boys and Girls Club of Valencia County. Michelle Judkins--Michelle worked fulltime for 15 years to raise money for the care of elderly people that could not afford quality nursing home care, all while raising a child alone. She then supervised and trained Hospice volunteers, and started an upscale Hospice thrift store to raise money. Lillian Kennesson--Lillian was diagnosed with breast cancer just before her 26th birthday. She was one of the youngest to be treated at UNM Cancer Research and was fortunate to have an amazing doctor. Her family celebrated because she had been placed in remission, until a year later when she was diagnosed with cancer again. This time it was caught in the early stage at age 29. She made a vow to live each day to the fullest, eat healthy and exercise each day. Susan Kitsch--Susan is the Principle Member of Laboratory Staff at Sandia National Labs, where she administers programs for military and industrial partners primarily in Synthetic Aperture Radar. Susan was a founding member of the NM Compensation and Benefits Association. Lilly Kutzscher--Two and a half years ago, Lilly's niece had her fourth child. Her niece lost her husband and now is living with her mother. Lilly took it upon herself to care for this child at their home five days a week while her niece and mother work to support the family. Darlene Leonard--Darlene is the manager of Volunteer Programs in Sandia's Community Involvement Department. She coordinates Make-A- Difference Day for Sandia, and under her leadership, the Sandia program was recognized by Parade Magazine as one of the outstanding programs of its kind. The Thunderbird Awards is a program that Darlene is particularly proud of. Linda Lee Louie--Linda knew no English when she and her husband married in 1963. Encouraged by her husband, she attended evening classes at the Old Albuquerque High School and studied with a tutor to achieve English literacy. Linda donates her bilingual skills and knowledge of Chinese culture to benefit Albuquerque and the Asian American community. Linda Lovato-Montoya--Linda is doing extraordinary things in the fight against breast cancer and was recently recognized by Yoplait, SELF Magazine and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation as one of 25 Yoplait Champions. Linda provides support, advocacy, education, and awareness about breast cancer to NM Hispanics. Emma Lutton--Emma has turned her attention to the youth in her area by forming a Youth Development Program committee which provides youth education activities and senior mentorship. She is also developing programs to enhance Education, Arts and Music and Recreation activities for their youth and seniors jointly. Rebecca Maloy--Rebecca is a minority business owner of a local construction company, Maloy Construction. She has been recognized with an Outstanding Women's Award from NM Woman Magazine, which also featured her on their cover. Rebecca wrote an article ``Business to Crow About,'' also featured in the magazine. Joyce Miller--Joyce spends many hours helping out at St. Mark's Church. Often she cooks meals for the needy or seniors. She leads a women's bible group and prepares the altar for services. When St. Mark's Church flooded, she cleaned out the water and debris. Sheila Nawman--Shortly after 9/11, Sheila was working at her computer when a banner showing a star with five vertical stripes caught her eye. Sheila decided to make a 14 inch by 42 inch banner to display support of those affected by the tragic event. So far, over 1100 banners have been presented. Audrey Rose Ornelas--Audrey has accomplished her dream of obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. To get to this point she had to go beyond her disabilities, not only physical but learning disabilities as well. She underwent several brain surgeries due to brain injuries, and she is also dyslexic and has other learning disabilities. She plans to continue on to Highlands University for a master's degree in counseling with an emphasis on children and adolescents who are handicapped. Beth Pattillo--As a full-time working mother in Los Alamos County, Beth runs errands and shovels driveways for elderly neighbors, makes meals for the sick, babysits to give stressed moms a break, leads a Girl Scout Troop, and teaches in her church. Tara Ransom--Tara is a junior at La Cueva High School. She volunteers at Casa Esperanza, Joy Junction, Roadrunner Food Bank, Balloon Fiesta, and the Doggie Dash and Dawdle. Tara developed hydrocephalus as a small baby and has had six surgeries on her brain. The only medical option to keep Tara alive is a shunt, a drain made of silicone. Silicone has been branded as dangerous and it has been a constant fight for most of Tara's life to keep the material available. Karen Renschler--Karen is the mother of autistic twin sons, who are now 19 years old. Karen is now a teacher, developing a fine arts program for 40 severely handicapped children with exceptionalities ranging from blindness to cerebral palsy to autism. Karen Robinson--Karen is a dedicated, full time volunteer, encouraging students in the area of science and math. She teaches hands-on science at Collet Park Elementary School. At Grant Middle School, she plays a very important role with their 8th grade Science Class. She also helps organize their science fair and prepares 18 students to go on to the Southwest Regional Science Fair. Audrey Roybal--This nomination was made on behalf of Annette's seven- year-old son who thinks the world of his first-grade teacher, Mrs. Roybal. She makes learning fun, she is very compassionate, caring, professional, and informative. Juanita Sanchez--Juanita is a member of the Laboratory Staff at Sandia National Labs running the United Way campaign at Sandia for the past 12 years. Juanita also serves on the United Way's Campaign Cabinet and serves on the Board of Directors for the Peanut Butter and Jelly Preschool. Carol Schulze--Carol began volunteering with the American Red Cross Mid-Rio Grande Chapter in August 2000 and has been a valuable resource to them ever since. After completing basic disaster training, Carol began volunteering at the chapter office full-time as a caseworker, assisting disaster clients with their needs. Georgia Seery--Georgia taught physical education and spent her entire professional career in Socorro. Georgia and her husband started many community youth programs introducing golf. She was a leader and a teacher by example. She held high standards and expectations. She was organized and objective. She challenged her students to do their best in academics and sports. She has made a difference in hundred of young lives. Bonnie Snowdon--Bonnie is the mother of a mentally ill son who is now in his 30's. She works tirelessly for better treatment of the mentally ill, gives much time and effort to supporting the mentally ill, gives them hope, and suggests ways for them to better themselves despite their limitations. Rosemary St. John--Rosemary has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross Mid-Rio Grande Chapter since January 1999. She has been instrumental in helping the chapter improve service delivery to the Albuquerque community, serving on a Disaster Action Team and assisting people displaced by small local disasters, such as single house fires, with their immediate disaster-caused needs. Anna Vargas--Anna currently attends Albuquerque Job Corps. Anna was born in Mexico, but left that country to get away from an abusive father. In 2000, she went to the shelter for victims of domestic violence and in November of that year, she gave birth to her son. She is now an intern in Congresswoman Wilson's District Office. Judy Zanotti--Judy had a successful career at PNM and then she retired. She is President of New Mexico First, Judy volunteers for dozens of other organizations. This past year, she served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the luncheon for President Fox from Mexico, co-chair for the 20th Annual Celebration of ``Women on the Move,'' chair of the selections process for the ``Ethics in Business'' Award, and a member of the committee to select a new Dean of the Anderson Schools of Management at UNM.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I commend to my colleagues the following essay written by one of my constituents. [From the 2003-2004 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest] My Commitment to America's Future new mexico (By Christina Durano) The future of America does not depend on power of its government, the wealth of its corporations, or the abundance of its natural resources. The future of America lies in its young people and their commitment to this extraordinary nation. As a young person, I cannot foretell America's future, but I can help decide it by my beliefs, my actions and most importantly my commitment to America's future. Why is commitment so important? Because commitment is the power that enables a person to achieve his highest goals and greatest aspirations. Commitment is knowing what you want, and doing whatever it takes to get it. And, as an American, I am committed to my nation's future, in four distinct ways. Four C's, if you will. I am committed to the common cause of freedom and equality for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race or religion. George Bernard Shaw said, ``Liberty means responsibility.'' And responsibility requires commitment to the common cause of freedom. Without this commitment, the dreams of Americans, young and old, cease to exist. Personally, I'm looking forward to a college education, but because I've chosen alternative schooling, I need colleges to view potential students equally, without prejudice, whether they attend to public school, private school, or homeschool. Freedom, the common cause that upholds ``liberty and justice for all'', is dependent on each citizen's commitment. Secondly, I am committed to communicating my convictions in both public and private situations. When I turn eighteen, like every other American citizen, I will be given the right to vote. I will use that right because I know that each vote counts. History records that Abraham Lincoln, one of the most influential Presidents ever, won his Presidency by only one electoral vote. In the same way, however, Adolph Hitler won his dictatorship by one vote. But even before I turn 18, I can communicate my convictions by living my life in accordance with deeply held beliefs. It may not be convenient or comfortable, but that's what commitment is all about. Commitment isn't a dream, a hope, or a goal; commitment is a lifestyle. And I am committed to communicating my convictions so that I can make a difference in America. Making a difference often means creating change, the third ``C'' to which I am committed. An old proverb states, ``If you want something to change, you have to change something.'' Change is the pathway to improvement, particularly when it is enacted with purpose and principle. I am one of millions of students who have the opportunity to determine America's destiny. So, does that mean I only have a slight chance of affecting change? Not at all! One-in-a-million changes happen every day. With my commitment to America's future, I can meet new challenges, overcome obstacles and influence others for change. I am committed to change because I know that if we never change, we will never find a better way. My final ``c'' of commitment is caring. I have committed myself to caring by visiting nursing homes, helping clean neighbor's yards, and leading children's activities at a local daycare center. The tragedy of September 11 forced citizens to look beyond themselves and the result has been a wave of volunteerism sweeping across the country. Caring for one another unifies us as Americans. Caring is the key to a strong country and I am committed to caring. With commitment to these four C's, I can help determine America's future. I am committed to America--to its common cause, to communicating my convictions, to changing and to caring. With this fourfold commitment--these 4 ``C's'', I foresee a great future for the greatest nation on earth. That is my commitment to America's future.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 386) congratulating the United States Air Force Academy on its 50th Anniversary and recognizing its contributions to the Nation.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I thank my colleague for his kind words. This resolution is cosponsored by 22 Members of the House, including the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley) in whose district the academy is located, and a man named Sam Johnson who was honored in the library of the academy. It is a very young version of Sam Johnson that is honored there because he was one of the prisoners of war who served in the Air Force and was a prisoner of war during Vietnam; and, of course, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) is now one of our colleagues here in the House of Representatives. The gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), who is chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) has been a long-time leader in defense in the House of Representatives, and of course, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham). I was a little surprised that the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) cosponsored with me because he has always given me a hard time for being, I think he calls me an Air Force puke, which I take in a polite way. Of course, Duke was one of only two aces in the Vietnam War. Duke was a Navy pilot. The other one was Steve Ritchie, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Thursday is the Air Force Academy's golden anniversary. It has been 50 years since the President of the United States, Dwight David Eisenhower, established the Air Force Academy. It is in the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains at over 7,000 feet of altitude, over 18,000 acres of campus in that beautiful State; but it was not for sure that it was going to be located in what seems now the perfect location for an air academy. St. Louis and Wisconsin were also finalists, and I think Colorado is now glad that they agreed to have the Aluminum University north of Colorado Springs. The mission of the Air Force Academy is to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge and discipline, motivated to lead the world's greatest aerospace force in service to the Nation; and for 50 years, that is what the Air Force Academy has done. It has given us graduates who have known that maybe the real mission of the Air Force is to fly, fight, and win. It has given us graduates who have been distinguished in science, graduates who have earned the Medal of Honor, graduates who have been prisoners of war and returned home, graduates who did not return home. There are 4,000 cadets in the corps of cadets at the Air Force Academy, and every one of them applies to Members of this body, to the people's House, for the opportunity to attend that great institution and to become part of the long blue line. They accept the challenges not only of academics and of leadership, but also of ethics and character embodied in the honor code; and among graduates of the Air Force Academy, it is the honor code which to us sets the academy apart. We will not lie, steal, cheat, or tolerate among us anyone who does. That standard of ethics is the foundation of character for our military officers, and it is something that all of us as graduates are proud of. So, today, I hope that this House will join me and my colleagues in congratulating the Air Force Academy on its 50th anniversary and recognizing its service to the Nation. They have given us leaders of character for the Nation. I thank all of them for their service. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On Thursday, at the Air Force Academy, the cadet area of the Air Force Academy is going to be designated as a national historic landmark; and for the 35,000 Americans who have walked around the corners of that terrazzo, it will be a special day. It is really a privilege and an honor to be here today to honor the Air Force Academy and to wish them all the best on the next 50 years.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, the point of difference today appears to me to be the question of are we safer. I could not disagree more with my colleague from California on this issue. It is not a question of truth or falsity or even of credibility. It is a question of judgment, a judgment that we collectively exercised as a body when we undertook our responsibility under the Constitution to authorize the use of force in Iraq. There were some things that were very important to me when I made that decision, which are reinforced here today. We knew that Saddam Hussein had used weapons of mass destruction against his own people and against his neighbors. We knew that he had tested unarmed aerial vehicles with sprayers. We knew that he had another unarmed aerial vehicle program with smaller drones that they were building and testing at long ranges. And we knew that that unarmed aerial vehicle program sought to purchase route mapping software over the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, September 11 we watched 3,000 people die in a morning. That would be a footnote in American history compared to someone determined to use disease to kill Americans. This is a question of judgment, and we did the right thing to remove Saddam Hussein from power.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on this issue in bringing this bill so rapidly to the floor. The Federal Communications Commission plays a very important role in protecting Americans, and particularly children, from indecent programming. The FCC has the statutory authority to enforce the laws that are on the books, but their enforcement has been inadequate and the tools that they have had at their disposal have also been insufficient. This bill today will help to change that situation. This legislation increases the fines from what was really a trivial amount, a cost-of-doing-business kind of fine, to a maximum of $500,000 per violation. It also says that a broadcast company's record of indecency will be a factor when they apply to continue to get their free over-the-air license continued. And I hope that that gets the attention of the companies that are pushing the envelope with respect to indecency. It also increases the expectations for enforcement by the FCC. We have heard the numbers and the statistics, which are appalling, regarding the enforcement of these laws. Some of the complaints go unanswered or unaddressed for years. This bill establishes a shot clock of 270 days where the FCC has the obligation to take action when there is a complaint for indecency. I also think that this bill makes very clear, and this effort should make clear, that local affiliates have the right to decline to air programming which is inconsistent with community standards, even when it is not indecent or profane. In the hearings in our committee, we heard about local affiliates who felt as though they really did not have the leverage within the networks. This legislation shows they do have the leverage, they can exercise it, and we also will punish the networks if they fail to follow the law. Mr. Chairman, I believe we have already had an effect on this industry. FCC enforcement was lax and, when imposed, was largely symbolic. We are changing that. But the real change will come in the board rooms and the general managers' offices and broadcast studios across this country when people decide to be responsible and to entertain rather than denigrate.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 2707, the Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act, introduced by my colleague from New Mexico Steve Pearce. The Russian Olive and Salt Cedar are invasive species that are soaking up our water. Water is the lifeblood of the American West and foundation of our economy. The Salt Cedar can consume up to 200 gallons of water per day during growing season. This is more than the average Albuquerque household consumes in a day. Additionally, these invasive species are highly flammable and put our communities at risk. In 2003 two major fires, fueled by these invasive species, broke out in the heart of Albuquerque. These fires left 16,000 people temporarily without electrical power, threatened 600 homes and led to the evacuation of about 1,000 people. This legislation begins an important Federal initiative to reduce the negative effect of these invasive species.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring to your attention the national recognition received by Louise Adelstone, a counselor at Comanche Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ms. Adelstone received the local Spirit of Women Award and then went on to receive the national award. This award is given annually to women throughout the United States who dedicate themselves to making their communities a better place for all. The award recognizes ``ordinary women who do extraordinary things.'' Louise began her career as a counselor after completing her master's degree in counseling from the University of New Mexico. During her first year at Comanche Elementary School, she began a group called Student Action Kids. The group makes about 60 charity field trips every year, as well as holding penny drives to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ms. Adelstone was nominated for this award by one of her former students who sent in the nomination along with an essay explaining why she should be given this award. True to her character, Ms. Adelstone said after receiving the national award, ``It was very flattering, but being nominated by one of my students was the most flattering.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Counselor Louise Adelstone for her contributions to her students and tireless work for the community.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I bring to your attention the story of an AMBER Alert in action and working to save the lives of New Mexico's children. The AMBER Alerts are currently carried by New Mexico's broadcast media via the same Emergency Alert System used in severe weather and national emergencies. The tones so familiar to citizens during storms are now helping to save children's lives. On Wednesday, November 19, Juan David Olive, 4, lay sleeping in the back of his father's Geo Metro in the parking lot of a restaurant on Isleta Boulevard in Albuquerque. When the boy's father returned to the parking lot, his car was missing, and he knew his son was still inside. Authorities issued an AMBER Alert for the boy with a description of the car. Nadine Marquis was in the parking lot of a local electronics store when she saw what appeared to be the stolen car. Upon closer investigation, she heard crying inside and called the police. When authorities arrived, they found the boy and returned him safely to his parents. Mr. Speaker, Albuquerque began implementing the AMBER Alert system in 2001 when the New Mexico Broadcasters Association signed an agreement with the police department. I encourage their effort. Now, AMBER Alert is statewide in New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and all the residents of New Mexico in honoring and thanking Nadine Marquis. AMBER Alerts have proven effective in finding missing children, but could not succeed without the help of sharp-eyed people like Nadine. I commend her for her efforts, and I am sure there will be many others like her who will help save the lives of children in New Mexico and nationwide.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to submit statements on my special order.

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to inform my colleagues and Members of this House that last evening Congressman Joe Skeen of New Mexico passed away from complications associated with Parkinson's disease. His funeral will be held on Thursday, December 12, at 2 p.m. in Roswell, New Mexico. I know that many Members of this House were close personal friends of Joe, enjoyed his company and his sense of humor and his deep commitment to this country. After the final business of today, there will be a 1-hour special order on the House floor to allow Members to honor their friend.