C. Young

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 430 to support the goals and ideals of a National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. This resolution recognizes the importance of an early and accurate diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, appropriate treatment, and educational outreach. In short, it would enhance public awareness of this very misunderstood and often misdiagnosed disease. Tourette Syndrome, or TS--is an inherited neurobiological disorder that affects children and adults in all racial and ethnic groups. The symptoms of TS are manifested as ``tics''--rapid, repeated, and involuntary movements and sounds. In a large percentage of cases TS is accompanied by other co-occurring disorders, the most common of which are Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and nonverbal learning disabilities. It is estimated that as many as 200,000 Americans have what is called substantially impairing TS, and more have milder symptoms of the disorder. Many of these individuals endure the stigma, isolation, and the psychological impact of a chronic disorder on a daily basis. There is no cure for this condition, although some individuals benefit from medication and other clinical treatment. Scientific researchers have made some significant advances in recent years in trying to understand the causes of the condition, but many scientific challenges still remain. Mr. Speaker, in January of this year, the Appropriations Committee I chair appropriated funds for a new research program by the Centers for Disease Control, as well as an educational outreach program. This effort is designed to provide intensive training for the public, physicians, allied healthcare workers and teachers about Tourette Syndrome. It is our hope that this program will begin to remove the stigma and other obstacles associated with living with this complex disorder. I personally have been inspired by meeting many children and adults with Tourette Syndrome who, despite coping with the condition, are wonderfully successful in their own endeavors and provide examples of determination, perseverance and hope to their families and to us all. Mr. Speaker, the Tourette Syndrome Association, the only national nonprofit membership organization dedicated to identifying the cause, finding a cure, and controlling the effects of Tourette Syndrome, has designated May 15 through June 15 as National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. The goal of this effort is to educate the public about the nature and effects of TS. Mr. Speaker, enactment of the legislation I have introduced to recognize National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month would give all of us an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the condition. It will help us better understand the impact that TS can have on people living with the disorder, as well as recognize the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, it is unfortunate that we have a piece of legislation here that seems to divide our States and our Representatives from those States, but frankly this really is not a fair bill to many of our States. When we bring appropriations bills to the floor, we do our very best, and I think people on both sides would agree, we do our best to make sure that we play fair with everybody in this Chamber. I have looked at the original bill, I have looked at the proposed amendments, I have looked at the manager's amendment; and all I can see is that taxpayers and the highway users in my State of Florida are not being treated fairly. I understand that there are some very nice incentives in this bill for Florida and for other States that are supporting the gentleman from Georgia. My vote is not going to be bought off because there are some very nice projects in this bill for Florida. I am still going to vote for the amendment offered by Mr. Isakson. If we cannot pass Mr. Isakson's amendment, I will vote against the bill because it is not a fair piece of legislation for a large part of this country.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to an outstanding enlisted sailor, Yeoman Second Class, Montell L. Gwinn, as he prepares to complete his service to our Nation in the United States Navy. It is a great honor for me to take this opportunity to thank YN2 Gwinn and his family for his 7 years of distinguished and dedicated service to our Nation for which he has proudly and selflessly served in the defense of freedom. I came to know this sailor while he was assigned to the Navy's Appropriations Liaison Office. In this capacity, he served as a liaison for me, for the members of my staff, and for the professional staff of the Appropriations Committee I chair to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations. He also accompanied me on several trips as I investigated the health and welfare of our troops stationed here and throughout the world. In all cases, YN2 Gwinn performed his duties in the most professional manner. He was particularly invaluable in providing great personal insight as an enlisted sailor, giving tremendous input on issues affecting the sailors and their families. His candor, intelligence, and steadfast devotion to duty, was a tremendous asset to me in my deliberations regarding our most prized commodity within our Armed Forces, the men and women of our all- volunteer force. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize YN2 Gwinn for his distinguished service to our Nation. Montell is symbolic of the spirit of our Nation's all volunteer force. My wife Beverly and I have the highest respect for him and all those who serve in uniform in defense of freedom. Without their dedicated service, we would not be ``the land of the free'' were we not also the ``home of the brave.'' My colleagues and I want to express our thanks and appreciation for the special contribution YN2 Gwinn has made to the United States Navy and the special insight he has provided me and the members of my Committee. We also wish Montell and his family continued success and the traditional naval wish of ``fair winds and following seas'' as he closes out his distinguished military career.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I believe that when the political smoke of this great debate today clears, that this bill is going to pass with a very substantial vote. I think it is going to be passed with a substantial vote because every one of us in this Chamber wants to keep the commitment that we made several years ago after September 11, that we are going to support our troops when they are in the field, when they are at risk, when they are in harm's way. This is just another statement, as the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) has repeatedly said today, we have spent a lot of money of American taxpayer dollars to fund the operation, and we want to make sure that our troops understand that we believe they are doing a good job, and they are. We want to let them know that they are not in harm's way in vain. So I think the bill is going to pass with a nice vote. But do my colleagues know something? I had a chance to be the sponsor of the bill that appropriated $40 billion on September 14 of 2001. I had the privilege of being the sponsor of the supplemental that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) talked about, that was sizable, to pay for our troops in the field and what they needed by way of equipment. But do my colleagues know something? Besides being a player to that extent, I am not offended that I was not asked to write this bill. I am very satisfied that the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and his committee wrote a very good bill. I am not offended that I was not asked to be the sponsor. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) is the ideal sponsor, and those who did sponsor this bill. So I think once the political smoke clears, this House is going to stand up and is going to be counted and to tell our troops in the field and to tell our troops who are recuperating in hospitals that we support what they are doing, we believe in what they are doing, and that we are here to do whatever has to be done to protect our country and our countrymen from terrorist attacks and to provide support for those who provide that kind of security for us. I have a lot of other things I would like to say, but time is limited. So, Mr. Speaker, I will insert the balance of my statement into the Record at this point. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 557, which honors the valor, courage, and professionalism with which our American forces, and those of our coalition partners, have served in liberating the people of Iraq. We consider this resolution today on the first anniversary of the initiation of military operations in Iraq. However, the difficult decisions by Congress to authorize the use of force in Iraq and the President's ultimate directive to send troops into Iraq were the culmination of more than 13 years of violence and terrorism directed at the United States and our allies throughout the world. Saddam Hussein's movement of troops into Kuwait in 1990 threatened the freedom and security of the people of that nation who remain one of our country's staunchest allies. We responded as a Nation and in partnership with the free nations of the world in Operation Desert Storm to throw Saddam's forces out of Kuwait. Subsequently, through a series of United Nation's resolutions, we sought to monitor Saddam's activities to prevent him from again threatening the sovereignty of another ally. Since then, as this resolution points out, Saddam Hussein and his regime have committed repeated heinous crimes against humanity, including the murder, torture, rape, and amputation of his own people. This is the regime that unleashed weapons of mass destruction against the Kurdish people, killing nearly 5,000. We have found more than 270 mass graves sites in Iraq, with the remains of more than 400,000 people. Saddam Hussein poisoned the water supply of his enemies, he even punished the Marsh Arabs by draining their marshlands, which created hundreds of thousands of refugees and created an ecological catastrophe. This Congress responded in 1998 by adopting the Iraq Liberation Act, which made it U.S. policy to support efforts to remove Saddam Hussein and his regime from power. President Clinton, however, after signing this act into law never followed through. Four years later, after little or no U.S. action to rid Iraq of Saddam Hussein, the United Nation Security Council approved Resolution 1441 declaring that Iraq ``has been and remains in material breach of its obligations'' under previously adopted Security Council resolutions. Clearly, the United States and President Bush did not start this war, just as we did not start the global war on terrorism. We responded to a series of attacks against the American people and our allies throughout the world. Recall that on February 26, 1993, six lives were lost in the first bombing of the World Trade Center. Our response at the time was a series of harsh words and empty rhetoric. Three years later, on June 25, 1996, 19 U.S. service members lost their lives in the bombing of Khobar Towers, outside a U.S. air base in Saudi Arabia. The response again was harsh words, empty rhetoric, and promises of a thorough investigation. Two years after that, 259 died, including 11 Americans, in the bombing of U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The response again was more harsh words and a cruise missile attack on a pharmaceutical factory in Sudan. Finally, feeling empowered by the continuing lack of a credible U.S. response to past attacks, terrorists bombed the USS Cole while anchored off Yemen, killing 17 U.S. sailors, and injuring countless others. The U.S. response again was harsh words of outrage and the promise of a full investigation. The year 2001 arrived with a new President and a new set of world challenges. However, just nine months into the Bush Administration, the world changed forever on September 11, 2001. A hijacked airliner crashes into the Pentagon killing 189. Two hijacked planes crash into the World Trade Center, killing 2,801. And a hijacked plane crashes in rural Pennsylvania, killing 44. This time it was a different President with a different response. President Bush announced that in response to these terrorist attacks on our nation and our people we will respond by seeking out those who were responsible and hold them accountable. We will respond by identifying terrorist organizations and eliminate them at their roots. Mr. Speaker, the terrorist attacks of September 11th were a direct assault on our nation's freedom, and a test of our will to defend it. The nations of the free world wondered if we would meet the challenge, if this time our promises to strike back against the terrorists would be followed by decisive action. Just three days after September 11th, my Committee on Appropriations and this Congress stepped forward to approve a $40 billion emergency supplemental appropriations bill to fund recovery efforts in New York City and at the Pentagon, and to take military action against the perpetrators of those despicable attacks. That was the first concrete signal to the world that this time, we as a nation were serious in backing up the words of our President. Since that day Congress and the America people have shown time and again that no matter how long it takes or where it may lead, our commitment to win this war on terrorism is unshakeable. President Bush sent U.S. troops to Afghanistan to destroy and disrupt al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden's operations. Our forces routed the Taliban, killed many terrorists, and eliminated al-Qaeda main base of operations. They also liberated millions of men, women, and children from a cruel regime, and gave them a chance to choose their own government and enjoy the benefits of freedom. But our victory against the Taliban was not the end of the war on terrorism. When the United Nations determined that Saddam Hussein was not living up to the Security Council resolutions, President Bush acted decisively in sending troops to Iraq. This resolution recognizes the remarkable swiftness and precision with which our troops advanced across Iraq to remove from power the Hussein regime. The effectiveness of our Armed Forces caught the enemy by surprise. Even after the end of major combat operations in Iraq our troops have continued their mission to stabilize and rebuild that country. They have captured 45 of the 55 most wanted Iraqis, including Saddam himself, ensuring that he will never return to power. With the cooperation of Iraqi security forces, our troops have captured and killed hundreds of terrorists who sought to restore the dictator to power. The world has also seen the humanity and generosity of America, as our troops, using funds appropriated by this Congress, help restore water and electricity, provide basic health services, and bring children back to school, free from intimidation and indoctrination. There are those in this debate today who have said that we started the war against terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq. The truth of the matter is that the war started in 1993 with the first bombing of the World Trade Center, which was greeted with such a tepid response. Thank God that on September 11, 2001 George Bush was President and he decided that there was enough of this one-sided war against Americans and our allies. There was enough of us being on the receiving end of cowardly acts of terrorism, with the bad guys getting away with it. So yes, we did engage in combat finally to fulfill our obligation to protect our country and our people whether in their workplace, in their homes, or in their schools. Having spent considerable time with our troops here at home and abroad, including those who have been injured in the line of duty, I can tell you that they support President Bush and their mission. These kids; and I say kids because many who are on the front lines are 18, 19, and 20 years old; are true patriots. Those who are injured are determined to get well so they can get back to the fight to finish the job they have begun. They all share a strong belief that what we are doing is right, not just for the people of Iraq, but it is right for the freedom loving people of the world. The battle of Iraq was another critical advance in the War on Terrorism. Today we are establishing a Muslim democracy at the heart of the Middle East. Representatives from all three of Iraqi's major ethnic groups came together on march 8 to sign an interim constitution. Iraq now has an independent judiciary and will have free elections later this year. Because of the leadership of our President, the courage and determination of our troops,and the strong commitment the members of this body made to the rebuilding of Iraq, that nation is making strong progress towards freedom and prosperity. As many of you know, my wife Beverly and I spend many hours visiting wounded soldiers and Marines at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. In addition to comforting them and helping give them strength for their recovery, I always take the time to remind them that the American people are grateful for their service and their sacrifice, and proud of their achievements. Mr. Speaker, this resolution gives Members of this body the opportunity to remind all of our men and women in uniform that we are thankful for their service, and proud of their victory in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, it was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt who in this very Chamber talked about the ``four essential human freedoms.'' He said that they are, ``The freedom of speech--everywhere in the world. The freedom of every person to worship God in his or her own way-- everywhere in the world. The freedom from want--everywhere in the world. The freedom from fear--anywhere in the world.'' President Bush has led the world-wide effort to ensure the freedom from fear, anywhere in the world, whether it be the United States, Iraq, Afghanistan, or Spain. And he has called upon the world's most powerful and best trained soldiers of peace to carry out that mission, which they have done with valor, with courage, with pride, with devotion, and with unmatched professionalism. Mr. Speaker, with the adoption of this resolution today, we can reiterate our support for their mission which is to ensure a world where people can truly live free from fear.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, since September 11, 2001, valiant young Americans have served our country on the front lines of the War on Terrorism, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will always remember and recognize their courage and selflessness in defense of our Nation. Over the past two and a half years, thousands of brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have returned home wounded, sometimes seriously, from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. These heroes have arrived at Andrews Air Force base aboard the U.S. Air Force's Worldwide Aeromedical Evacuation flights. Upon arrival, these service members are met by a group of heroes in their own right, the reserve airmen and women of the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron. Since their mobilization on April 3, 2003 these men and women have worked tirelessly to ensure that our injured and wounded service members are moved safely from the Aeromedical Evacuation System to stateside facilities where they can receive critical lifesaving care. The 100-bed Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility (CASF) was established in March to supplement the existing Andrews Air Force Base ASF in anticipation of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Working out of makeshift facilities, including a fitness building and tennis center, the men and women of the Andrews CASF maintain the highest standard of care for wounded service members transiting the U.S. Air Force's Evacuation system. Since April 2003 the Andrews CASF staff has moved 11,307 injured military personnel through Andrews on their way to military medical centers nationwide. In our many visits to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center here in Washington, DC, and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, my wife Beverly and I have met countless young soldiers, sailors and Marines who survived life-threatening injuries because of the quick and effective work of those responsible for the Air Force's Aeromedical Evacuation Flights and Staging Facilities. Each and every day, the nurses, physicians, and medical technicians of the Andrews CASF stand ready to receive and care for some of our most critically wounded heroes from the War on Terrorism. All Americans are proud of their service and grateful for their efforts, none more so than those whose lives they held in their hands. The men and women of the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility have fulfilled their responsibility with distinction and with grace under pressure, and have demonstrated yet again the skill and dedication of America's citizen soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I commend this often overlooked group of American heroes and I ask that my colleagues in the Congress join with me today in honoring their patriotism and their contribution to the cause of freedom around the globe. So that they may be honored individually, I am submitting the names of the 86 personnel of the Andrews CASF, including 30 members of the 89th Medical Group, for the Record: Adams, Shaun--MD; Anderson, James--VA; Anderson, Larry Jr-- MD; Arrington, Shelia--VA; Allis, Patrick--NC; Ascue, Joseph--VA; Ayala-Tipmongkol, Patricia--VA; Barlow, Raymond-- PA; Becton, Avery--VA; Beebe, Deborah--TX; Bowles, Charmayne--MD; Brandon, Lewis--MD; Brooks, Sylvia--MD; Bullock, Geraldine--NC; Bulow, Tequela--MD; Campbell, Shanita--VA; Cesaro, Roger--MD; Delaney, Allen--SC; Devilla, Eustaquio--VA; Drummond, Jimmie--MD; Emeagwali, Edith--MD; Fairley, Xamodria--MD; Fields, Darrell--MO; Finn, Sophia--MD; Fitzpatrick, Alice--VA; Fletcher, James--MA; Fullenwilder, Edson--MD; Gadsden, Tamar--MD; Gavin, Shaun--MD; Gill,-- Mary--MD; Goston, Santoskaun--VA; Green (Walker), Candice-- PA; Guerra, Adrian--IL; Hagans, Rudy--MD; Harvey, Nakia--MD; Hayden, Donald--KY; Heyward, Cheryl--DC; Hodge, Nketia--VA; Howard, Charles-- MD; James, Joseph--MD; James, Zenobia--MD; Johnson, Deborah-- NC; Johnson, Doreen--MD; Johnson, Dwinese--NC; Jones, Bonnie--MD; Jones-Everett, Jennifer--MD; Kee, Frances--MD; Kellner, Karen--MD; King, Caleb--MD; Knight, Nina--PA; Leggett, Taeka--VA; Lewis, Christopher--MD; Lipscomb, Marina--MD; Longfellow, Dawn--DE; Lyde, Georgia--MD; Martin, Roberta--MD; Masonis, Michael--MD; McCall, Colon--MD; Meredith, Janelle--MD; Mewborn, Margaret--VA; Millner, Johnnie--VA; Mills, Edwards, Shera--NC; Moore, Ricardo--VA; Moore, Vanessa--NC; Morgan, Jennifer--VA; Morton, Sandi--VA; Myles, Larry--VA; Pauldine, Ronald--MD; Persons, Cynthia--VA; Phifer, Dianett--VA; Plog, Hunter--MD; Quinerly, Julius--VA; Retener, Jose--MD; Reynolds, Gary--MD; Richardson, Leonard--MD; Roberts, Tracy--SC; Rudd, Brant--MD; Sawka, Ann--PA; Sherry-Notar, Precious--VA; Silver, James--MD; Simon, Norman--VA; Smith, William--VA; Stiles, Erlinda--MD; Sylvestro, Patricia--MD; Taylor, Meghan--VA; Thomas, Edward--VA; Troutman, Wanda--NC; Tutwiler, Terry--VA; Vogan, Kieth--WV; Whitney, Angel--DE; Williams, Cornelius--VA; and Woodyard, April--NC.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

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

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to advise the gentleman that I am happy to report that one of the major issues he was concerned about, the election reform program and to help the States, that money is in this package.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have only myself left for a brief statement and the majority leader will close for our side.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. (Mr. REGULA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen), chairman of the Subcommittee on the District of Columbia. (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. I extend best holiday greetings and a Merry Christmas to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) and to say what a pleasure it is to work with him. He is an honorable opponent. We have many disagreements, but we work together for what we think is the best interest of country and the institution of the House and the Committee on Appropriations. His staff and our staff worked together extremely well. Jim Dyer, as our clerk and chief of staff, and Scott Lilly on the gentleman from Wisconsin's (Mr. Obey) side worked together very well, and we have a lot of staff and they do work together very well. We try to deal with our differences in a very respectful manner, and I think that the actions over the years have proved that. So I wish all of our colleagues a very Merry Christmas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time, and I hope that the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) would conclude, yield back his time, and then we will close.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, again I appreciate the opportunity to work with the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), as we bring closure to these final seven appropriations bills which the House had already passed once, as I have said before. There are several important issues: one, as the majority leader said, is we are within the budget. There are a lot of good increases that we have called attention to, in health care, in education, in veterans care, in embassy security, in counterterrorism activities and all. But we offset those increases with rescissions, so that we were able to stay within the budget. This is a must-pass bill. Appropriations bills have to pass. They are about the only bills here that have to pass. That is why sometimes they attract some riders that actually cause us more problems in negotiations than the appropriations bills themselves. But it is a give-and-take. Republicans and Democrats in the House, Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, leadership of both parties, the administration, the President, we brought all of those divergent groups together and we came up with a package, and that is what is before us today. For those who are concerned that we did not spend enough money, we did; but we offset. We could have spent more, because we had requests from Members for over $50 billion worth of Member-adds. For those fiscal conservatives in our body, we found a way to say no to almost all of those requests, the $50 billion. But we bring about as good a fiscally conservative bill that meets the needs of the country as we possibly could. So, again, Mr. Speaker, as we get ready to pass this bill and hope and pray that the other body will see fit to do similar so that our agencies can get about their business, I want to thank you for the exemplary way in which you conducted this session today, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, and I want to wish all the Members a Merry Christmas. We look forward to seeing you next year, when we start this appropriations process all over again. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 473, I call up the conference report on the bill (H.R. 2673) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I call attention to the fact that this conference report was filed on November 25, nearly 2 weeks ago, so that every Member has had 2 weeks, if they wanted to, to review this bill to see what was in it and to see what was not in it. Something that I always enjoy reporting to the House and reminding the House of, and they probably get tired of hearing me say it, is that we passed all of our bills in the House, all of our appropriation bills, before the August recess, except for two; and those last two we passed on September 9, the first week back after the August district work period. So the House has done its job. It has done a good job. What we are doing here today is we are passing an omnibus appropriation bill that includes seven bills that we have already passed in the House. I say that again: these seven bills that are in this package already passed the House once. So this is now the omnibus bill; this is the conference report on that omnibus bill. I will not take a lot of time to say what the seven bills are that are included because I think everyone knows what those final seven bills are. But I want to say that there are some important items that need to be passed now, today, and not in January or February. Because if we were to operate under a continuing resolution until late January or sometime in February, there are some important funding issues that would not be resolved. For example, the $2.9 billion increase in medical care for veterans is a very important issue, and one that the House agreed to strongly. That increase will not take any effect whatsoever until such time as this bill passes. A CR will not provide for that 2.9 additional billions of dollars for veterans health care. The same factor applies for education money. The same increase would not be available under a CR that is available under this bill. For the FBI, counterterrorism and embassy security and other security issues of these types, the increased money that we made available for security in those areas would not be available under a CR. And the list goes on. The list is lengthy. So, Mr. Speaker, it is important that we pass this bill today, and I hope that we pass it with large numbers, large enough so that our friends at the other end of the Capitol understand that we are serious about this government of ours functioning; that we are serious about the issues that we brought to the attention of the Congress and that we intend to see them implemented. Now, Mr. Speaker, if there is anybody who wants to find something at fault, something to complain about in this bill, they can do it, because there are seven bills. I am sure there will be something there each of us may not like. But I tell my colleagues that it is the best product that we could provide for, considering the fact that we were negotiating with Republicans and Democrats in the House, we were negotiating with the Senate Republicans and Democrats, we were negotiating with the leadership, and we were negotiating with the White House. I think all in all we have come to a pretty good conclusion considering the fact that we were able to bring most of those issues together and to bring a bill that we believe we can pass with a great number today. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring to the House the conference report on the Consolidated Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004. Included in this bill are the following appropriations bills: Agriculture; Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary; District of Columbia; Foreign Operations; Labor, Education and Health and Human Services; Transportation and Treasury; and Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development. So as you can see, this bill is a tremendously important bill. I'm sure it will not please everyone in all respects but it does address many important needs of this country. I believe we have done an extraordinary job in holding spending to appropriate levels--the bill totals $328.1 billion in discretionary funding. It is a fiscally responsible bill that complies with the fiscal parameters prescribed by the President limiting total discretionary spending to $786 billion or approximately 3 percent increase over last year's comparable levels. Additional spending has been offset by a $1.8 billion rescission from any unobligated balances in the Department of Defense, as well as from P.L. 107-38 and P.L. 107- 117, the $40 billion post 9/11 supplemental, exempting from cuts any relief funds for New York, Washington, D.C. area, and rural Pennsylvania. It also includes an across the board reduction of .59 percent to all programs, projects and activities exempting Defense and Military Construction funds. I would like to highlight a few items that I believe are of interest to many Members: Veterans Medical Care is increased by $2.9 billion over last year, the largest onetime increase ever. D.C. School Choice--$40 million is provided to expand school choice in the District of Columbia, including $13 million to improve public education, $13 million to expand charter schools, and $14 million to provide opportunity scholarships for students in the District of Columbia. Special Education Grants are funded at $10.1 billion, $1.2 billion more than last year, and over three times the amount provided in 1995. Election Reform--Provides an additional $1 billion for programs under the Help America Vote Act. International HIV/AIDS Assistance--Provides $2.4 billion in international assistance for HIV/AID, TB and Malaria, the highest level in history. Millennium Challenge Account--Provides $1 billion for the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Highway Spending--Total highway spending amounts to $33.8 billion, an increase of $4.5 billion over the President's request and $6.1 billion over the FY03 guaranteed amount. Convention Security--$50 million is provided for security expenses at the national party conventions in Boston and New York City. Embassy Security--$200 million is provided for worldwide embassy security upgrades. FBI--$513 million in increases are provided for the FBI to fight terrorism. NIH--the bill continues our commitment to the NIH by providing an increase of $1 billion over last year. National Service Corporation is funded at $584 million, $200 million above last year. Faith- and Community-Based Initiatives are increased including the Compassion Capital Fund at $48 million and Mentoring Children of Prisoners at $50 million. Social Security--Provides a 6.1 percent increase to the Social Security Administration to improve service delivery of Social Security benefits and accelerate the time it takes to process disability claims. I believe we've have reached a point of no return--we must now pass this bill and turn our attention to the FY 2005 budget process. I encourage all Members to support this important bill. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record detailed information on each of the appropriation bills in this omnibus legislation. 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Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 10 seconds to say that this is an appropriation bill, and the issues that the gentlewoman discussed are not within our jurisdiction and are not in this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Istook), the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation. (Mr. ISTOOK asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. (Mr. BONILLA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the majority leader, and I will close.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, to accommodate the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the distinguished majority leader.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. And I would say technically this vehicle is a continuing resolution that goes to January 31, which is the same date as the existing CR. The difference is there were two anomalies that the administration needed to be included, so we would use this as a vehicle. The two anomalies are these: the first CR is a loan limitation at $3.8 billion for FHA loan commitments. The administration basically ignored this ceiling and committed $5 billion in new mortgage loan guarantees. The program shut down last week because the guaranteed limitation was exceeded. This resolution would set a new guarantee limitation at $7.7 billion, the fiscal year 2003 level. Exceeding the guarantee limitation level represents an antideficiency act violation. Language is included in the resolution to require certification from the director of the Office of Management and Budget regarding compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in the first CR. The second anomaly deals with the FAA operations account staff offices. The resolution would allow operations at an annual rate of $141.4 million for the FAA office of security and investigations. Without this authority, furlows of some of the 443 staff would be necessary. The office did not receive a direct fiscal year 2003 appropriation, therefore this special authority is necessary under a CR. The office is responsible for enforcement programs working with ONDCP, TSA, and State and local governments and performs credential and background investigations of employees and contractors in support of the FHA mission.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Appropriations be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 82) making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the conference agreement accompanying H.R. 2673, and that I may include tabular and extraneous material.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and that I may include extraneous material on H.J. Res. 82.