Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 4939.  I would like to thank the Appropriations Committee leadership for their efforts to provide our men and women in uniform with the equipment that they need as they continue their efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.  My colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee and I have fought for enhanced force protection equipment, much of which is included in this bill.  H.R. 4939 includes $410 million for up-armored Humvees and $2 billion to develop and procure jammers for improvised explosive devices.  Given the number of U.S. casualties resulting from IEDs, jammer technology is one of the most important investments this Congress can make to protect our troops.

I am also pleased that this legislation provides more than $19 billion in much-needed assistance to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.  Months after those storms battered our Gulf Coast, many Americans are still displaced, and basic services are not available in places like New Orleans.  Given the federal government’s insufficient efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it is our responsibility to provide the affected residents and businesses with the resources and assistance they need to rebuild.

This measure will also greatly assist those facing exorbitant heating bills this winter. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged to domestic energy sources, all Americans experienced higher energy costs, but the burden was particularly heavy for low-income residents in cold climates.  H.R. 4939 will allow states to access $1 billion in Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) funding more quickly, which will be welcome news to states such as Rhode Island that are struggling to help families in need.

I greatly appreciate the Committee’s inclusion of assistance to the victims of genocidal violence in Darfur and to train and equip the African Union peacekeeping troops.  To date, at least one hundred thousand people have been killed, with millions more displaced.  It is impossible to view the images from Sudan without being outraged at the cruelty and injustice of the situation.  Our nation must do more to prevent further violence.  Last year, I advocated for funding for African Union peacekeepers in the Defense Appropriations bill, and though that was not successful, H.R. 4939 funds peacekeeping missions in Sudan and encourages greater involvement by the United Nations.

Finally, in welcome news to the American people, the legislation blocks Dubai Ports World from assuming control over six U.S. ports as part of their acquisition of P&O Steam Navigation Company.  As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I strongly opposed the sale because of the lack of a comprehensive investigation into the national security implications.  We need to ensure that foreign investment decisions are based on real national security considerations and not just financial gain.  I have been working to enhance port security in our nation, and the Dubai ports deal reminds Americans that until appropriate measures are taken, our ports will continue to be vulnerable.  I am pleased that H.R. 4939 contains this common-sense provision, but we must do more to secure our infrastructure and improve Congressional oversight of foreign investment decisions.

Again, I thank my colleagues for their efforts on this important bill, and I urge all Members to support its passage.  Thank you, Mr. Speaker.