E1982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 7, 2003 Food and Drug Administration’s website at ents were at the forefront of the struggle for clear two priorities in his vision for American www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm. justice and equality from the very early years security. f of their marriage. On one occasion, my father First, that the top priority of his administra- spent 118 days in jail as a result of protesting tion is to defend our nation and free nations A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE JAMES injustice. During that period, my mother would everywhere by declaring and winning a war SINGER, JR. take us regularly to the jail house to see him, against global terror. And second, that this war so that we would understand what he was on terror is unlike any conflict in history, fought HON. STEVE CHABOT doing and why. My parents instilled a deep simultaneously on economic, military, and dip- OF OHIO sense of commitment to fighting injustice and lomatic fronts around the world. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES righting wrongs within my sisters and me at an In the last week, good news has emerged in several of these sectors. Tuesday, October 7, 2003 early age. One of my fondest memories was in Janu- First of all, American businesses created Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ary 1969 when my father was sworn in as a 57,000 jobs last month, strengthening our remember George James Singer, Jr. George Member of the U.S. House of Representa- economy and putting paychecks back into our proudly served our Nation in World War II in tives. Following his lead, as we normally people’s hands. Our national security is de- the Army’s 38th Division of the 147th Infantry. would, my sisters and I raised our right hands pendent on the creation of even more jobs He served on the island of Tonga for most of in an effort to take the oath of office with him. and economic growth, so that we can afford to his service from January 1941 to May 1943. At that time, we could not have foreseen an meet the ever-changing challenges of the war The recessional at his funeral mass was ‘‘Ah even prouder moment for our family when, 32 on terror. Weh, Ah Weh’’, a song that he learned while years later I had the privilege and honor of That’s why President Bush’s tax relief has stationed in Tonga and loved to sing at family being sworn in as a Member of this esteemed proven so vital, and why proposals to raise gatherings. body. As I was taking the oath of office, I new taxes are so dangerous. Born in 1917, George lived a full life. After looked over to my father and noticed a tear Even as the economy rebounds here at devoting his life to his country, George re- fall from his eye while my mother stood beside home, we’ve got to keep military, diplomatic, turned home to Cincinnati, OH, where he set- him, misty-eyed as well. and economic pressure on the terrorists tled down with the love of his life, his wife, Throughout his long and distinguished ca- around the world. So, this week, the Appro- Marjorie (nee Sturwold). A few years later, reer, my father has been a trailblazer, a pace- priations Committee will take up the Presi- they had a daughter, Gayle. George worked setter, an innovator and a fearless leader. At dent’s supplemental war budget request—after most of his life at the Cincinnati Post-Times the same time, my mother has been the advo- two weeks of hearings—to pay for our ongoing Star newspaper. Everyone who knew George, cate, the nurturer, the rock solid supporter and military and democracy-building efforts in Iraq knew him to be a kind and gentle man. He the foundation of the Clay family. I take pleas- and Afghanistan. loved to play golf and loved traveling around ure in reflecting upon all of the wonderful les- We are also committed to keeping up the the world with his beloved wife, Marjorie. Mar- sons and guidance they have given my sisters diplomatic pressure on states that harbor and jorie passed away a few years ago and life and me over the years. They taught us the im- assist terrorists themselves. Toward that end, was never the same for George. portance of family commitment, being patient this week the International Relations Com- This country owes George our appreciation and respecting the opinions of others. They mittee will take up the Syria Accountability and for defending our freedom. America is grateful also taught us to always be prepared and look Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act. for his service. I offer my condolences to at life from a practical point of view. This bill, which is cosponsored by 260 mem- Gayle, his daughter, her husband, Bob, and Their contributions to our community and bers of the House, identifies Syria’s continued George’s two granddaughters, Amy and Katie. our Nation are enormous. In addition, their actions assisting international terrorism and America lost another hero on September 9, strong commitment to the education of young lays out potential sanctions against Syria for 2003. Our Nation’s loss is most certainly heav- people is exemplary. Together they have such activity. en’s gain. helped raise over $3 million in college scholar- On the heels of Israel’s justified destruction f ships for minority students through their efforts of a Syrian terrorist training camp over the with the William L. Clay Scholarship and Re- weekend, it’s imperative the United States re- HONORING THE 50TH WEDDING AN- search Fund. This Fund was founded by my main true to the Bush Doctrine, support our al- NIVERSARY OF BILL AND CAROL father and the Congressional Black Caucus lies, and stand up to Syria’s continued alle- CLAY Spouses organization, of which my mother giance with evil. was a cofounder. All three of these items, Mr. Speaker—the HON. WM. LACY CLAY My sisters, Vicki Clay Jackson, Michelle growing economic recovery, the supplemental OF MISSOURI Clay Rorie, and I will honor Bill and Carol in war budget, and the Syria accountability bill— IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES celebration of their golden wedding anniver- will continue to build America’s momentum in Tuesday, October 7, 2003 sary on Saturday, October 11, 2003. We are the war on terror. That momentum will con- being assisted in this momentous undertaking tinue to forge prosperity and security for the Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay by all five of Bill and Carol Clay’s grand- American people and in turn create peace special tribute to my parents, William ‘‘Bill’’ children—Angela Clay, Michael Alexis, H. Clay around the world. and Carol Clay, on the occasion of their 50th Rorie, Carol W. Clay and William L. Clay, III. f wedding anniversary. As many of you know, Family, life-long friends and colleagues from my father, former Congressman Bill Clay, rep- throughout the Nation will be joining us on that TRIBUTE TO KURT ANDREW DODD resented the 1st Congressional District of Mis- marvelous occasion to extend thanks and ap- souri in this body for 32 years. preciation for their love, guidance and friend- HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG My parents were married on October 10, ship. OF FLORIDA 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri. Their life together Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my col- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has been built upon a solid foundation of love, leagues extend a well-deserved and heartfelt Tuesday, October 7, 2003 mutual respect, honor and dedication. Over round of congratulations to Bill and Carol Clay the years they have worked very hard to be as they celebrate 50 years of love and devo- Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, last responsible parents to their three children, tion to one another and to the Clay family. week the Committee on Appropriations lost a while at the same time toiling tirelessly to pro- dear friend and valued colleague, Staff Assist- f vide service to the ‘‘larger’’ family of constitu- ant Kurt Dodd. I rise today to honor him and ents in St. Louis and beyond. BUILDING MOMENTUM pay tribute to his service for the American My father served in elective office for over people and to his memory. 40 years and my mother stood by his side HON. TOM DeLAY Kurt Andrew Dodd was born on April 17, every step of the way. From their attempt to OF TEXAS 1957. He began his Federal service in 1980 at desegregate the public swimming pool at Fort IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the age of 23 as a geologist with the U.S. Ge- McClellan in Alabama, to the marches and ological Survey. After 17 years with USGS, protests for employment opportunities at the Tuesday, October 7, 2003 Kurt came to work for the Appropriations Com- Jefferson Bank and Trust Company and How- Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, since the first mittee as a detailee to the Interior Sub- ard Johnson’s Restaurant in St. Louis, my par- days after 9/11, President Bush has made committee in January 1997. He spent the next

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:43 Oct 08, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07OC8.019 E07PT1 October 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1983

61⁄2 years in the appropriations process, serv- A TRIBUTE TO COMMITTEE STAFF name of their senators or representative, ing as minority clerk for the Interior Sub- DIRECTORS they should know something about the im- portance of what they do to make the coun- committee of the Senate Appropriations Com- try work. Even if they don’t know the play- mittee as well as staff assistant for the Treas- HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE ers or the details of the legislative process, ury-Postal and Transportation-Treasury Sub- OF HAWAII they should know something about how they committees in the House of Representatives. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES relate to our system of government. If too many Americans get those concepts wrong, Mr. Speaker, the responsibilities of these Tuesday, October 7, 2003 it does matter to the health of our democ- positions were enormous, and Kurt carried out Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, on July racy. those responsibilities with the utmost profes- 17, 2003 our distinguished former colleague, ROLE OF THE CONGRESS AND COMMITTEES sionalism, dedication, and intelligence. Most Lee Hamilton, delivered an address to the In my experience, far too few Americans really understand the most important func- recently, Kurt reviewed the budget requests U.S. Capitol Historical Society’s dinner hon- tion of the Congress. It is not, in my view, to and oversaw financial management of the De- oring the staff directors of committees of the pass any particular piece of legislation, or partment of the Treasury, the General Serv- House of Representatives. even a budget—but its historic mission is to ices Administration, and the National Archives The tribute to the directors was well de- maintain freedom. The great phrases ring through our his- and Records Administration. Congress appro- served. They toil long hours and under great stress and pressure to ensure that the House tory—‘‘We the people,’’ ‘‘consent of the gov- priates over $18 billion annually for those pro- erned,’’ ‘‘a more perfect union.’’ These aren’t grams. And we did that each year counting on of Representatives operates properly. Mr. just technical terms of political science. Hamilton’s remarks are also insightful as to Kurt’s expertise and recommendations. Kurt They are words that embody America’s civic the need for civility in the conduct of our often faith. You and I, above all others, are ex- oversaw some of our Nation’s highest priority contentious business. Equally important is the pected to know them in our bones, and to programs, including those related to the track- need to respect and to follow the complex apply these grand concepts. ing of terrorist financing and money laun- Congressional processes and procedures for We rely on elected representatives to iden- dering. His analysis and support were critical tify, sort out, and solve the difficult issues of deliberating the decisions that affect our na- state. It did not have to be this way. Our not only in providing for timely construction of tion. country would be vastly different if the Federal buildings in general, but also for ren- I encourage others to read Mr. Hamilton’s Founders had placed power in the hands of a ovation of the National Archives Rotunda, insightful and instructive remarks on how we single ruler, or given much less voice to the which recently reopened to the public. His conduct our nation’s business, and I join him American people. in honoring the hard work and dedication of In the Congress, Americans have a forum service to the Nation and to the Committee on for debate and deliberation in which they Appropriations will be sorely missed. the staff directors of the U.S. House of Rep- can feel a stake. Traditional lawmaking is resentatives. But anyone who knew Kurt would tell you not just a nicety—it’s a necessity if we’re to A TRIBUTE TO COMMITTEE STAFF DIRECTORS remain a democracy. The lawmaking process that his dedication and hard work for the (By the Hon. Lee H. Hamilton) allows us to resolve differences, and to live American people were only part of the story. together peacefully, productively and suc- The contributions of staff directors to the cessfully. His accomplishments include not one but work of the Congress are immeasurable. I am three master’s degrees—one in science, one Most Americans may be familiar with the reasonably confident that every committee diagram of how a bill becomes a law. When- in business, and one in history. He was a vo- chairman and ranking member would say ever I see those charts I think to myself how racious reader, and a student of history. Kurt they simply could not do their work without sterile they are. They do not convey the dy- was just as comfortable discussing campaigns your leadership. I hope that gives each of namics—the frustration, the excitement, the you a full measure of satisfaction. of the Peloponnesian War or riptides as he complexity and the necessity of the process. I want to talk for a few minutes about the Very few Americans understand that the de- was going over Treasury Department balance role of the Congress in this country, the im- tails of this process of deliberation guar- sheets. And when his coworkers would ex- portance of politicians, and why your efforts antee that their voices are heard, and free- press interest in a subject, Kurt would often are so important and worthwhile. dom is protected. give them a book from his personal collection PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD CONGRESS I worry that astute legislators often bypass You are, of course, familiar with those who steps in the lawmaking process, arguing—in to help spread the knowledge he had already effect—that the ends justify the means. This attained. He was a true Renaissance man. are cynical about your work and the work of Congress. The brightest wits in American ‘‘unconventional lawmaking’’ is increasingly But most importantly, Kurt was a man of life have had their fun at the expense of the applied to important legislation; but in kindness, decency, and integrity. Generous to Congress. H.L. Mencken said that, ‘‘with the doing this we bypass and put at risk the very democratic process that defines our system. a fault, he was loved not only by his family, right pressure, Congressmen would cheer- fully be in favor of polygamy, astrology or My view is that important proposals should not bypass the traditional process, in- but also by his colleagues on the Hill who cannibalism.’’ Mark Twain said, ‘‘suppose cluding the committee review, because that worked with him each day. His gentle de- you were an idiot, and suppose you were a is one important place where deliberation meanor, sense of fairness, and civility to all member of Congress. But I repeat myself.’’ takes place. That’s where members and staff Will Rogers said that, ‘‘Congress was a serve as an inspiration to those of us who can ask the hard questions. Committees pro- never-ending source of amusement, amaze- work in the cauldron of ideas and passions we vide expertise, and an opportunity to con- ment, and discouragement.’’ Even so, we sider the merits and smooth out the prob- call Congress. We need more people like Kurt honor him with that magnificent statue just lems in proposals. This is where we build Dodd in the congressional community, to re- off the House floor. consensus. mind us that fairness, courtesy, and respect We have all seen surveys like those show- Some Americans feel that the legislative can get a lot more accomplished than pos- ing that 66 percent of Americans can name procedure is too slow and deliberative—they turing, arguing, and gamesmanship. the hosts of various game shows, while only are annoyed by what they perceive as inside- 6 percent can name the Speaker of the the-Beltway scuffling, and wonder why Con- Sadly, Kurt’s mobility, and ultimately his life, House. When I was a member, I was never gress can’t get things done faster. But do we was cut short by multiple sclerosis. He suf- particularly disturbed by such survey re- really want a speedy system in which laws fered this terrible, degenerative disease for sults. After all, Americans are busy people are pushed through before alternatives are several years with great dignity, Mr. Speaker, with many demands on their time, and it is considered and consensus developed? We mis- not easy to put in a full day’s work and then continuing to perform his duties on the com- understand Congress’s role if we demand it read an article about Congress or turn on C– be a model of efficiency and quick action. mittee with extraordinary skill and dedication. Span to watch the House or Senate in ses- Our Founders designed a system in which Mr. Speaker, it is a sad day for the Appro- sion. all new proposals get careful scrutiny by Nor was I bothered by the barbs—after all, going through many layers of review. They priations Committee. The American people we have to appreciate that the bashing of were far less interested in moving good ideas have lost a dedicated public servant; his family Congress is one of America’s all time favor- efficiently, than they were in preventing bad has lost a loved one; and his colleagues in the ite indoor sports. What did bother me, ideas from becoming the law of the land in government have lost a dear friend. I ask all though, was the extent to which people do the heat of the moment. People may some- Members to join me today in celebrating the not understand or appreciate some of the times complain about the process, but they basic concepts that underlie the workings of benefit from its legislative speed bumps life of Kurt Dodd and the example of hard the Congress, and the role that Congress when they want their views heard, their in- work and professionalism he left for us to fol- plays in the life of our representative democ- terests protected, and their rights safe- low. racy. Even if Americans don’t know the guarded. As former Speaker Sam Rayburn

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:43 Oct 08, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07OC8.023 E07PT1