Lynn Westmoreland

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I move we adjourn.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. I am asking you a question about the House rules. If I am not correct, further parliamentary inquiry, you are the arbitrator of those rules; is that true?

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Further parliamentary inquiry. According to clause 2(a) of rule XX, it says that a recorded vote by electronic device shall not be held open for the sole purpose of reversing the outcome of such vote. Mr. Speaker, my parliamentary inquiry to you is: When would this rule apply to a vote where, at the end of the time, the outcome was different than what the majority wanted it to be?

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Further parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker. We are talking about a single vote. We are talking about the previous question vote, rollcall No. 145, which was held open past the 15-minute mark to change the outcome. If clause 2(a) of rule XX does not apply to that, what would it apply to?

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Further parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, what you just read, is that in the rules?

Mr. WESTMORELAND. So it is the Chair's interpretation of the rule, of clause 2(a) of rule XX; it is the Chair's interpretation that the vote can be held open to reverse the outcome of the vote?

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Further parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Could the Speaker answer me why we have a time limit on votes?

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. I am in its present form, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Thank you, Congressman Price. Thank you for doing the Official Truth Squad. It is an honor to be here with Colonel Kline. Like he said, the number of our Vietnam veterans is declining every year, and we are fortunate enough to serve with some great heroes from that war in this body. It is interesting that we have talked about micromanaging, we have talked about different people taking on the role of general. Today in the Committee on Government Reform when we were passing out a bill that I feel is unconstitutional to give the D.C. Delegate the ability to vote and also creating another seat in Utah, I was reading the Constitution and I came across the part where it called the President the Commander in Chief. This is something that our Founding Fathers I think had experienced through the Revolutionary War and through the different militias and the different bands of people, that they understood that we needed one Commander in Chief. So they gave that responsibility to the man who is ultimately responsible for what goes on in this country, the guy that, as Harry Truman put it, the buck stops here. They gave the President the responsibility to be the Commander in Chief. Now, we have several people in this body who I think want to be the Commander in Chief. In fact, I think we have got probably over 200 people that think they need to be the Commander in Chief. But the truth of it is our Constitution only gives that to one person. What the Constitution also does is give Congress the ability to put forth funds for this war. If that is what the President decides to do, it gives Congress the ability to do that. It also gives them the ability to declare war. This House voted and the Senate voted to authorize President Bush to use the military force that he has used, and if they don't like that, then they need to do something to call that authority back or to reauthorize or not to reauthorize. But we need to quit micromanaging and interfering with the affairs of our military leaders. General David Petraeus was approved unanimously in the Senate. Then the very next week they are trying to tell him how to run the war. The other interesting thing is, and I think Ms. Foxx spoke about all the pork that is in this supplemental bill to fund the war, which, by the way, I think the President asked for about 3 or 4 weeks ago, so we want to make sure we do have these funds for our troops and not just keep prolonging it. But it would be good to hurry and bring this bill to the floor, since they have called it an emergency spending bill. But as Ms. Foxx pointed out, there are several things in there that really aren't what I would consider emergency spending. One of the other things that has been taken out of that is the Iran language. I don't know if you had seen that or Colonel Kline or any of you had seen that, but they have taken the Iran language out of it. I wanted to quote something, Congressman, because I think this is kind of what we are seeing out of the majority party, is they will say one thing about one situation and something counter to that on something else. Here is what was said about the Iran situation: ``I don't think it was a very wise idea to take things off the table if you are trying to get people to modify their behavior and normalize it in a civilized way.'' That was a quote from Representative Gary Ackerman, talking about that if we tied the hands of the President, that it would take away any threat off the table that he might have to use against Iran to make them follow the U.N. resolution or some of the things that we have asked them to do. I think that is very unusual, or at least concerning to me, that on the one hand they are tying the President's hands on what he is doing in Iraq, but they don't want to tie his hands on what he is doing in Iran. Hopefully one day we will see some decisive leadership come out of this Congress. I think that the Republicans gave 12 good years of leadership, and I hope that the American people will miss that one day, as bad as we were at times. I hope that they will miss that and want to put us back in that position where we can earn our way back into the leadership of this country. But I certainly hope that in the next year and a half that we don't do things that will ruin our reputation with freedom-loving people all over this world, that the American people don't keep their word. Colonel Kline, I can't help but just think about that picture of that last helicopter leaving South Vietnam and those people standing on the top of that government building with their hands reached out, knowing that after our troops pulled out because of political pressure that some of those people were probably murdered and massacred the next day, or at least within the next 30 days.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, when we use the term ``slow bleed,'' let's think about what that means. If you are going to torture your enemy or want somebody to have the most painful death possible, you give them a slow bleed. You let them bleed out very slowly. You are a doctor and you know that can be the most painful death in the world. That is what they are doing, is a slow bleed. It is going to be a painful death, not only for our military and for the victory we want to have in Iraq and Afghanistan, but for those people that the colonel is talking about. And those people have been our allies in this. Those are the people that believe with all their heart and mind and soul and every breath that they want to breathe freedom and liberty. Those are the people that believe in what we believe in, and they have pulled alongside of us to make this work. Those are the first ones that are going to be slaughtered. So thanks for giving me the opportunity to come down and speak, and thanks for doing the Truth Squad. I just look forward to continuing this debate one day.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, America began its relationship with the Dutch in 1609 when Captain Henry Hudson, searching for a faster route to Asia, sailed up what is now known as the Hudson River. Although he did not find his way to Asia, he and other Dutch traders quickly saw the potential and opportunity of this country and established the second European settlement in America named Fort Nassau near Albany, New York. Their growth continued, and eventually a large portion of the early eastern United States was settled by the Dutch. The Dutch and the United States have proven to be extraordinary allies over the past 200 years, where in many instances they came to each other's aid at critical times in history. Shortly after the Revolutionary War, the Netherlands presented a risky and courageous act by being the first country to salute the American flag. A few years later, on April 19, 1782, John Adams secured the recognition of the United States as an independent government at The Hague. He was the first U.S. envoy to the Netherlands and brokered the first loan for Congress from three banks in the Netherlands, which amounted to the entire U.S. foreign debt at that time. Consequently, the Netherlands followed France to become the second country in the world to establish formal diplomatic relations with the United States. Also during this time, John Adams purchased a home that became the first American embassy on foreign soil anywhere in the world. These ties still remain strong and, in fact, constitute one of the longest, unbroken diplomatic relationships between the United States and any foreign country right up until the present time. The Netherlands have demonstrated its commitment to the United States, even in modern times, by being one of the first countries to ally itself with the U.S. after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was one of the first to assist in the war on terror; and in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, the Netherlands graciously provided Members of Congress access to their unique and innovative perspective on water management and flood protection. I would also like to point out that Dutch Americans have contributed greatly to our fine country and have played a significant role in the life of America. This is exemplified by our three Presidents of Dutch descent, Presidents Martin van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt. Dutch Americans have served at all levels of our government and have served us well in this distinguished body, including the two sponsors of this bill, Mr. Hoekstra, and my colleague on the committee, Mr. Van Hollen. Dutch Americans and our rich history have many firsts with the Netherlands, and it continues to strengthen our tie with this true diplomatic friend working side by side with the United States to bring peace, freedom, and commerce in the world at large. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 89. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H. Res. 89, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today commemorates the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Founder Juliette Daisy Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout meeting with 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia. While living in the United Kingdom, Low dreamed of giving the United States something for all girls and envisioned exposing girls to helping their communities and enjoying the outdoors. The organization went through many different name changes, but it was finally renamed as we know it today in 1947. It was later chartered by the United States Congress on March 16, 1950. For 95 years, the Girl Scout organization has provided real-world leadership training for over 50 million girls and young women across the Nation. Today, overall membership includes 2.7 million girl members and 928,000 adult members, working primarily as volunteers. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that my two oldest granddaughters are members of the Girl Scouts of America. The important guidance given to girls goes far beyond the eagerly anticipated annual sale of Thin Mints, Tagalongs and Dos si Dos, now made without any trans fat. Through their various programs, the organization instills the ideals of character, conduct, leadership, as well as service to others. They have recently launched a program for girls focused on healthy living that includes education regarding diet and exercise. This important education has been instituted because of the national concern about obesity among children and the knowledge that a program such as this has been proven to lead to emotional and physical well- being. The Girl Scouts organization has long been committed to helping girls of today become leaders of tomorrow through activities that build self- confidence, responsibility, integrity, creative decision-making skills, and teamwork. It can be difficult growing up, especially in today's society. The Girl Scouts is one organization that has consistently guided members to believe that girls can do anything by offering girls aged 5 through 17 a variety of opportunities through their scouting programs. The Girl Scouts are woven into the fabric of American life and have affected girls' lives, as well as their families, in virtually every community in the country. Girl Scout programs continue to expand, taking into account the diverse population of America today. They have initiated outreach programs that strive to include all cultures as part of their mission to foster the qualities on which the United States depends. The Girl Scouts not only reach out to girls in the United States but through U.S.A. Girl Scouts Overseas, it is committed to helping girls worldwide become leaders of tomorrow. Their new vision statement sums up all that is good about this organization by saying, ``Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.'' For this reason, Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 136. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers at this time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I am honored to speak today in support of H. Res. 198, recognizing the significance of Black History Month. Each February we express our appreciation of the struggles, determination and perseverance of the African American community of the past and present. February is a time to recognize the contributions of black Americans that have enriched our culture and our heritage. There have been great activists, politicians, artists, writers, poets, scientists, economists, athletes, entertainers and musicians that have all bettered our way of life. These achievements, the achievements of so many, have encouraged today's youth to strive for a more equal and free country. It is impossible to celebrate Black History Month without mentioning such noted leaders as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. These achievers, and others, have helped make this country what it is today. Today's popular culture is replete with African American icons, through sports, music and the entertainment industry, icons such as Richard Pryor, Halle Berry, Tiger Woods, Arthur Ashe, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Hank Aaron. The music industry alone has influenced our culture for decades, Louis Armstrong, Dorothy Dandridge, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Georgia's own Ray Charles, each of whom overcame adversity before and during the civil rights movement just to play their music. When Harvard scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson had the idea to create a week-long celebration of black history back in 1926, his goal was, and I quote, ``to make the world see the Negro as a participant rather than as a lay figure in history.'' Over time, it has become the month-long celebration and commemoration that it is today. It is with great pleasure that I speak today in support of H. Res. 198. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to join me in supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTMORELAND

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. WESTMORELAND. Parliamentary inquiry, ma'am, is how many rules of that standing rules package did this Rules Committee waive in order to do this bill?