March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E485 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

A TRIBUTE TO CHRISTINE RENEE HONORING MARY CAMERON Whereas, Thomas E. Louis has dem- RANDALL onstrated a steadfast commitment to meet HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and OF outstanding service; and HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Whereas, Thomas E. Louis has been a dedicated and loyal spokesman for the Inter- OF Tuesday, March 18, 2003 national Union of Operating Engineers, as a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise legislative Representative and as appointed by today to honor Mary Cameron on the occasion the Governor of to the State Construction Tuesday, March 18, 2003 of her being selected as a recipient for the Compliance Council; and 2002 Common Threads Award. Common Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Whereas, Thomas E. Louis is to be com- Threads is a joint venture of the Agricultural mended for his hard work and dedication to Christine Renee Randall in recognition of her Education Foundation, California State Univer- commitment to helping community members the International Union of Operating Engi- sity, Fresno’s College of Agricultural Sciences neers, Local 18, serving in many capacities in- gain new workplace opportunities. and Technology, and AG ONE Foundation. cluding on the Advisory Board, on the Execu- Christine was born and raised in Brooklyn, The award is given to women who have made tive Board, and serving as President; and New York. She is the daughter of two edu- a remarkable and visible contribution to the Whereas, Thomas E. Louis has long been a cators, the late Julius T. Randall, Jr., formerly enhancement of their communities with their dedicated family man. His personal sacrifices a Director of Cooperative Education, and Ann time and/or contributions. Honorees must live of time and energy to family, friends and com- Knight Randall, an Associate Professor of Li- in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, or Tulare munity are characteristic of a fine gentleman; brary and Information Sciences at Pratt Insti- County. They should have past or present Therefore, I join with the many friends and tute. roots in agriculture while showing outstanding relatives, as well as all the residents of the en- involvement in a variety of community activi- She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Howard tire 18th Congressional District, in honoring ties in addition to agriculture. The honorees Thomas E. Louis as he retires after 39 years University, with a major in French and a minor make a difference with their philanthropic giv- of service to the people of the International in Public Relations, and received a Master of ing while serving as visible and credible role Union of Operating Engineers, Local Union 18. Business Administration from Hofstra Univer- models for other women. sity. Since 1965, Mary has been involved in f In 2002, Christine joined the Bedford hands-on management of the family’s Atsma INTRODUCTION OF THE COLLEGE Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation as the Di- Cameron Dairy. Ms. Cameron was the first AFFORDABILITY AND LIFETIME rector of the RITE Center, a community tech- woman to serve on the boards of directors for SAVINGS ACT Danish Creamery and Western United Dairy- nology center in Brooklyn. The Center pro- men. Mary’s involvement in the community vides free and low cost technology training for HON. GEORGE MILLER and her fascination in the field of agriculture a broad range of community residents, includ- OF CALIFORNIA have sparked the interest of many school chil- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing adolescents, entrepreneurs, and senior dren of Kings County during their visits to her citizens. Its goal is to help clients utilize com- dairy. She remains active in dairy and milk Tuesday, March 18, 2003 puter technology for job preparation, entrepre- promotion and as an advocate for children’s Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. neurship training, research, and communica- nutrition and agriculture awareness. Speaker, I am pleased to submit, with sixty- tions. Mary is active in children’s activities, agri- three of my colleagues in the House, the Col- Christine believes that 21st Century tech- culture education, and industry organizations. lege Affordability and Lifetime Savings Act. nology offers incredible workplace opportuni- She has served as a President of the Elliott According to the Department of Education, ties for community residents. She firmly holds Elementary P.T.A. and the Kings County more than 7 million students will take out a that everyone has the potential to learn these Dairywomen, as well as Director for the Dan- Federal student loan this year to help finance new skills. Christine’s expertise in marketing ish Creamery, National Dairy Board, and Dairy their college education. As tuition costs swell and public relations has already yielded fan- Management, Inc. Ms. Cameron was also the and grant-aid fails to keep pace, students and 4–H Dairy Leader from 1970–1973. She was tastic results for the Center. Through new their families are increasingly turning to loans named Kings County Dairywoman of the Year partnerships and outreach activities, she has as the primary mechanism to finance a higher in 2000 and Agriculturist of the Year in 2001. helped the Center double its attendance in the education. While student loans make the col- Mary Cameron is truly an inspiration and role lege dream a reality for millions, they all too past year. This accomplishment has already model for many people in agriculture today. earned recognition and additional support for often turn into a nightmare of debt. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Mary Over the past eight years the typical student the RITE Center and the Greater Harlem Real Cameron for her exceptional service to the Estate Board Development Fund. loan debt has almost doubled to $16,928. In public and her dedication to the California addition, 39 percent of all student borrowers Previously, Christine worked for the Draft dairy industry. I urge my colleagues to join me now graduate with unmanageable debt levels. Worldwide Advertising Agency and Madison in wishing Mary many years of continued suc- Too many student borrowers struggle to make Square Garden. Additionally, she founded cess. their monthly loan payments, and many must Constant Interaction, a marketing consulting f forgo savings, public service careers, and firm. She is a member of the Direct Marketing A PROCLAMATION HONORING major purchases. Association, African in Advertising, THOMAS E. LOUIS Borrowing for higher education should be a and the Howard University Alumni Association. sound investment for the future, both for the Christine worships at St. Paul’s Community HON. ROBERT W. NEY student, and society. Yet, today we are asking far too many students to mortgage their future Baptist Church and Concord Baptist Church OF OHIO at too high a cost. where her family has long established ties. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Unfortunately, President Bush and the Re- Mr. Speaker, Christine Renee Randall is Tuesday, March 18, 2003 publican leadership in Congress have ignored dedicated to her community. As such, she is Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Thomas the pleas from millions of Americans to make more than worthy of receiving our recognition E. Louis has exemplified leadership for the student aid funding a priority. Instead, just at today and I urge my colleagues to join me in International Union of Operating Engineers, the time when students and their families need honoring this truly remarkable woman. Local Union 18; and help the most to make ends meet, President

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.001 E18PT1 E486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 Bush and the Republican leadership have re- IN MEMORY OF AHMAD R. OLOMI Born in Jamaica, West Indies, Carol immi- sponded by cutting key student aid programs. grated to the in January 1985. Just last week, House Republicans demanded HON. KEN CALVERT She enrolled in the fifth grade at a private that we finance President Bush’s tax cut on OF CALIFORNIA catholic school called St. Augustine-St. the backs of students by cutting $4.7 billion in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Francis Xavier where she won an award for aid to student borrowers. This could force the the fifth grader of the year. After three years typical borrower to pay an additional $170 in Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at the school, she wanted to explore a public student loan taxes over the life of their loans. Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to school and enrolled in Samuel J. Tilden High This is unacceptable, and we must do better honor and pay tribute to an individual whose School. Again, she excelled in her academics by delivering sound legislation that helps dedication to his country and community was and received a PTA award given to the most Americans to make the college dream a viable extraordinary. Orange County, California, was outstanding high school freshmen. Her reality. indeed fortunate to have such a dynamic and achievements at the High School allowed her dedicated community leader who willingly and to graduate within three years and attend The College Affordability and Lifetime Sav- unselfishly gave his time and talents to make University. She was a Higher ings Act will help ease the burden of student his community a better place in which to live Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) stu- loan debt for millions of Americans. The Act and work. The individual of whom I speaking dent at the institution. will change the current student loan tax de- is Ahmad Rateb Olomi. He was unexpectedly Carol was always fascinated with mathe- duction benefit to a tax credit—which will de- and tragically taken in an airplane accident matics and showed exceptional ability in the liver a larger rebate on the interest paid on over the Arabian Sea on Monday, February subject. Although she started out as a Com- student loans to borrowers, particularly those 24, 2003, at the age of 45. puter Science major, she would eventually who are struggling the most to make ends Mr. Olomi was born in Afghanistan, and change her major to Mathematics Education. meet. The savings for the typical borrower earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engi- During the summer of freshman year, she dis- who is earning $20,000 a year will more than neering from the University of Engineering and covered that she had a passion for teaching triple, to $347, in their first year of repayment. Technology in Lahore, Pakistan. He moved to mathematics after teaching a class of high The Act will also help expand this benefit to the United States in 1980. He was hired by school students. Carol was inspired by the more middle class families, allowing them to Orange County in 1984 and shortly thereafter many great math teachers she has encoun- claim rebates, too. became a naturalized United States citizen. tered in her academic career. After graduating I urge you to support the College Afford- He worked his way up from Engineering Tech- from Long Island University, Carol returned ability and Lifetime Savings Act as a means to nician to the position of Senior Civil Engineer. home to teach mathematics at Samuel J. ensure that a college investment remains the Some of the more notable projects he worked Tilden High School. During her seven years at investment of a lifetime for all Americans. on were Seven Oaks Dam, the Santa Ana Tilden High School, she served as a dean for River Mainstream Project, and the Laguna a year as well. f Canyon Road State Route 133 realignment. She continued to challenge herself by en- Over his 19 years of service to Orange Coun- rolling in a Master’s program at CUNY Brook- RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE ty, Mr. Olomi developed himself into one of lyn College, receiving a degree in Mathe- UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN the County’s most talented and valued profes- matics Education. Later, she furthered her sionals. academic credentials when she earned a Cer- HON. CLIFF STEARNS In addition to his love for the United States tificate in Administration and Supervision. In and his community, he never forgot his origi- the process, her supervisors and colleagues, OF nal homeland. On the day of the tragedy, Mr. who saw her capacity as a leader, encouraged IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Olomi was on a six-month leave of absence her to do more than teach. This inspired her from the County of Orange traveling with the to pursue a position as an administrator. Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Afghan Minister of Mines and Industries to Carol is currently working in the New York Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, my Colleagues help with the rebuilding of Afghanistan, and City public school system as an Assistant and Friends of Taiwan, I want to take a mo- the construction of a transnational pipeline Principal at South Shore High School. She is ment to place into the RECORD a traditional project that would pump natural gas and oil also in charge of supervising the Mathematics oral expression or toast to the long-standing from Turkmenistan across Afghanistan and Department. Carol is very passionate about relationship between the United States and into Pakistan. her job and enjoys working with students and Taiwan. The republic of China’s Twin Oaks Mr. Olomi was also a dedicated family man. faculty to advance students’ achievements in Estate here in Washington, D.C., has been He is survived by his wife Roya and children, Mathematics. home to nine Ambassadors, as well as a Yusef and Sahar. He is remembered by his Mr. Speaker, Carol Ying is committed to in- venue for receiving guests of the Republic of family and friends as a man admired for his in- creasing the educational opportunities of China’s Representative in the United States. It tegrity, honesty, intelligence and selfless com- members of her community. As such, she is is a symbol of the abiding friendship between mitment to others. My thoughts and prayers more than worthy of receiving our recognition our two nations. Over the last six decades, go out to them for their loss. today and I urge my colleagues to join me in countless Americans and Chinese friends and Mr. Speaker, looking back at Mr. Olomi’s honoring this truly remarkable woman. Ambassadors have met with members of Con- life, we see a man dedicated to his family, f gress at Twin Oaks. community, adopted country and original homeland—an American and Afghani whose HONORING MAXINE MACHADO On the south side of this wonderful mansion service led to the betterment of those who had stand one hundred plum trees. The plum blos- the privilege to come in contact or work with HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH som, the national flower of The Republic of him. Honoring Mr. Olomi’s memory is the least OF CALIFORNIA China, can withstand below freezing tempera- we can do today for all that he gave over his tures. After enduring this type of physical du- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lifetime. ress during the winter, in early spring the dark Tuesday, March 18, 2003 f pink plum blossom emerges and blooms, Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise demonstrating a glorious vitality. And so it is A TRIBUTE TO CAROL YING today to recognize Maxine Machado on the with the relationship between Taiwan and the occasion of her being selected as a recipient United States of America. No matter how chal- HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS for the 2002 Common Threads Awards. Com- lenging the problems are now or will be; our OF NEW YORK mon Threads is a joint venture of the Agricul- time-honored relationship will continue to blos- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tural Education Foundation, California State som and display this type of resilience. In a University, Fresno’s College of Agricultural larger sense, it will spring eternally regardless Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Sciences and Technology, and AG ONE of geopolitical pressures. Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Foundation. The award is given to women So Mr. Speaker, the enduring strength of Carol Ying in recognition of her dedication to who have made a remarkable and visible con- the plum blossom at the Twin Oaks Estate improving the educational opportunities for the tribution to the enhancement of their commu- symbolizes our lasting friendship, which has students in her community and enlightening nities with their time and/or contributions. Hon- benefited both of our nations for six decades. them with her teachings. orees must live in Fresno, Kings, Madera,

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.004 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E487 Merced, or Tulare County. They should have three of my colleagues in the House, the Col- we are regrettably closer to engaging in mili- past or present roots in agriculture while lege Opportunity for a Better America Act. tary action to oust a murderous dictator, Sad- showing outstanding involvement in a variety Higher education has become more impor- dam Hussein. At this time, we should focus of community activities in addition to agri- tant than ever to ensure America’s economic our thoughts and prayers on the men and culture. The honorees make a difference with prosperity, national security, and health. Yet, women standing in harm’s way to liberate a their philanthropic giving while serving as visi- swelling enrollments among low-income and country that has so often in history been a ble and credible role models for other women. working class families, massive state budget center of culture, innovation, and education. Maxine, a native of , California, cuts, and rising tuition continue to strain our Our troops are young volunteers serving a has always been considered a lifelong ‘‘coun- ability to ensure access to a college education country they love, and a foundation of freedom try girl.’’ Farming has played a major role in for all Americans. in which they deeply believe. They have many Maxine’s life through good and bad, and she As a result, increasing numbers of students worries, as would any human being in this sit- finds her satisfaction in knowing that she helps and their families are relying on debt to fi- uation, but they know their jobs and the risks to feed and clothe our nation and a great part nance their college dreams. Over the past that accompany military service. As an Amer- of the world through it. She and her husband, eight years the typical student loan debt has ican and a veteran, I have strong, heart-felt Fred, farm diverse crops and manage a dairy nearly doubled to $16,928, with 64 percent of feelings and a sense of pride for these young along with their grown children in the Easton students borrowing to finance their college soldiers and airmen willing to fight for a people area of Fresno County. costs. In addition, nearly two-fifths of all stu- they do not know and a cause that requires dent borrowers graduate with unmanageable Mrs. Machado is an active volunteer in constant vigilance. church, political, school, and agricultural activi- debt levels, and as a result, many may seek It is these feelings I have for troops that led ties. Some of Maxine’s philanthropic and com- higher-salaried positions rather than public me and a number of my colleagues to openly service careers. munity involvement includes being the Presi- question recent media interviews that subject dent for the Fresno County Cabrillo Civic Club At the same time, severe shortages of high- ly qualified personnel in many public service these young troops to questions, which in my #10 and the American Union School Parent’s mind, have no business being posed days be- Club. She was involved in the St. Jude Catho- sectors, such as teaching, nursing, childcare, and child welfare, threaten the health and well fore possible military action. lic Church’s Alter Guild and Church Building The initial coverage that brought me to the Fund and C.P.D.E.S. Hall and Holy Ghost being of our nation. According to the National Center for Edu- floor today aired on Peter Jennings ‘‘World Celebration Committees. Mrs. Machado has News Tonight,’’ on Monday, March 10. The also been a member of the Fresno County cation Statistics, the United States will need more than 2 million new teachers over the segment contained interviews with American Farm Bureau Women, the Fresno County Re- troops on the Kuwaiti/Iraq border. Specifically, publican Women, the American Legion Auxil- next 10 years. In a recent report, the Amer- ican Hospital Association found that there is a some of the questions focused on hypothetical iary, and the Fresno County Right to Life. national shortage of 126,000 nurses; just as situations regarding combat, enemy re- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Max- sponses, and casualties. ine Machado for receiving the 2002 Common the number of nursing school graduates de- creased by 29 percent between 1995 and This morning, a USA Today article ran with Threads Awards. I invite my colleagues to join the headline ‘‘As War Looms, Young Soldiers me in commending Maxine for her commit- 2001. In addition, the number of unfilled child welfare specialists is growing rapidly; while the Confront Fear . . . ‘Black Hawk Down’ sce- ment to community service and agriculture nario among worries’’ (Many of us remember and in wishing her many years of continued nation’s childcare programs are plagued by high staff turnover, fueled by poor compensa- ‘‘Black Hawk Down’’ was based on the oper- success. tion. ation to capture Somali warlord Adid. f We can no longer afford to ignore the grow- These interviews are asking questions re- A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING ing shortage of a skilled public service work- garding fratricide, combat deaths, chemical or HEATH EMERSON GROGRO force. We must invest in our recent graduates biological weapons, ‘‘personal demons,’’ and to enable more of them to pursue public serv- ‘‘bloody urban fighting.’’ As many of us in the ice careers. The College Opportunity for a House are veterans, we know the sacrifices HON. ROBERT W. NEY that come with service, including the loss of OF OHIO Better America Act would take an important life. We have heard countless times, as have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES step to filling shortages of highly skilled work- ers in the public service sector by providing up our troops, what threats may be encountered Tuesday, March 18, 2003 to $17,500 in loan forgiveness for graduates if we engage Iraq, and, what the risks entail. Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Heath who enter teaching, child care, nursing, child As such, our young troops do not need to be Emerson Grogro has devoted himself to serv- welfare, and other high priority public service reminded of those possibilities by individuals ing others through his membership in the Boy careers. who only seek to generate a story. Nor should Scouts of America; and In short, the Act would provide the financial the family and friends of loved ones serving in Whereas, Heath Emerson Grogro has means necessary to attract and retain a highly the Middle East be subjected to these stories shared his time and talent with the community skilled public service workforce. that further exacerbate worries they may al- in which he resides; and America’s higher education system has long ready have. Whereas, Heath Emerson Grogro has dem- served as a vehicle to achieve economic pros- Our men and women serving in these areas onstrated a commitment to meet challenges perity, national security, and an educated citi- are professionals and they know the job they with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding zenry. From our nascent beginnings, when have to do, though it is obviously a job they service; and public education served as the means to would prefer to accomplish by other means Whereas, Heath Emerson Grogro must be equalize our society, to the National Defense than force (I would like to add that we in Con- commended for the hard work and dedication Act of 1958—which launched many of our fed- gress and the President share that desire). he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; eral student aid programs—we have used Nonetheless, our troops and their com- Therefore, I join with Troop 403, the resi- higher education as a tool to move this coun- manders know they must focus on the tasks dents of Coshocton, and the entire 18th Con- try forward. assigned and the mission objectives that must gressional District in congratulating Heath I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in be completed. I believe that focus can be hin- Emerson Grogro as he receives the Eagle honoring this tradition by supporting the Col- dered when certain media personalities, who Scout Award. lege Opportunity for a Better America Act. It is have no comprehensible idea of what it is like f an important step to help fill America’s critical to be in the very situation our troops are fac- public service work gap. INTRODUCTION OF THE COLLEGE ing, continue to dredge up these feelings pure- OPPORTUNITY FOR A BETTER f ly for national coverage. AMERICA ACT MEDIA ACCOUNTABILITY Such coverage does not serve the home front well either. In Florida, we have activated more Guard and Reserve forces than any HON. GEORGE MILLER HON. CLIFF STEARNS other state in the union. In my district, I have OF CALIFORNIA OF FLORIDA watched unit after unit depart for destinations IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES unknown in support of Enduring Freedom. Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Tuesday, March 18, 2003 These are incredible individuals—as are their Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, as we all families. My thoughts and prayers go to them Speaker, I am pleased to submit, with sixty- heard from the President’s speech last night, as well, for they too are sacrificing.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.008 E18PT1 E488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 Let me emphatically state for those that may man of the Moreno Valley Chamber of Com- Motivated by the lack of street lightening on disagree with my remarks that I do not advo- merce. He is a board member of the Police Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn and after being cate censorship. I do advocate common Activities League and treasurer of the Moreno ignored by the local district leader, Lucy and sense. I believe the media lacks a solid under- Valley Substance Abuse Task Force. He is her friends in the parent’s and tenants’ asso- standing of our military and its mission. Pro- also actively involved as the Vice President of ciation decided to become more politically ac- viding media access to our troops is nec- Moreno Valley’s largest food pantry, the Com- tive. The group decided to form their own essary to assist in providing accurate informa- munity Assistance Program. Jamil has also Democratic club, called the Thomas Jefferson tion for the American public and to counter been instrumental at March Air Reserve Base Democratic Club. In 1960, the group had their false propaganda from other resources seek- as an Honorary Commander. He is also the first political victory when Lenny Yoswein was ing to undermine our objectives. Such access Vice President of the March Air Field Air Mu- elected to the New York State Assembly. Lucy can provide a better understanding and appre- seum, Chairman of the Friends of March Field became the ‘‘Mother Hen’’ of the newly formed ciation for what our young people do every and treasurer of the MARB Forum. Democratic club, mentoring and providing single day in service to our country. In 1993 the Moreno Valley Hispanic Cham- guidance to countless young Democrats, in- However, we must be mindful that reporting ber honored him as their Man of the Year and cluding myself. facts is quite different from generating an in 1994 he was Rotarian of the Year for Ro- The Thomas Jefferson Club has been emotional story for ratings purposes. Today’s tary District 5330 and Moreno Valley’s Citizen Lucy’s love. She has held several volunteer media has a tremendous amount of access— of the Year in 1997. In 2002 he was the final- positions such as the supervisor of the place- much more so than during Desert Storm in ist in the Inland Empire Leaders of Distinction. ment of inspectors on polling day, financial 1991. With that access comes responsibility Jamil has set a standard of excellence and secretary, journal chairperson, and chair- . . . responsibility to the troops, their families commitment in his work in the community that person of the annual dinner/dance. In addition and the public. I ask that the media let our would be hard to match. His tireless passion to the Club, Lucy also keeps her fellow co-op- troops focus on the mission at hand, let them for community service has contributed im- erative owners up to date on current govern- do their job and return safely home. Refrain mensely to the betterment of the Inland Em- ment programs that affect their lives. from undermining that focus and the nec- pire. His involvement in the community makes When she is not volunteering, Lucy enjoys essary morale . . . just because it might make me proud to call him a fellow community gardening. She has read extensively on this a good story. member, American and friend. I know that topic and has developed a green thumb. Mr. Speaker, we face challenging times many community members are grateful for his Wherever Lucy is, you can be sure that there ahead. Our troops need our support, our service and salute him as he receives the is a green garden growing as well. Mr. Speaker, Lucy Schwartz has been tire- thoughts, and our prayers. May God bless 2003 Distinguished Citizen Good Scout of the less in her devotion to civic participation and them and their families and return them home Year Award. safe. her community. As such, she is more than f f worthy of receiving our recognition today. I A TRIBUTE TO LUCY SCHWARTZ hope that all of my colleagues will join me in TRIBUTE TO JAMIL DADA, 2003 honoring this truly remarkable woman. DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS f HON. KEN CALVERT OF NEW YORK HONORING SAYRE McFARLANE OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MILLER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH OF CALIFORNIA Lucy Schwartz in recognition of her passionate Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication to improving her community dedication and contributions to the Inland Em- through civic participation. Tuesday, March 18, 2003 pire are exceptional. The Inland Empire has Born in the East New York section of Brook- Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated lyn, Lucy was the fourth of five children. A first today to recognize Sayre McFarlane Miller on business and community leaders who willingly generation American, both of Lucy’s parents the occasion of her being selected as a recipi- and unselfishly give their time and talent and were born in Russia. ent for the 2003 Common Threads Award. make their communities a better place to live She began her political activities at the ten- Common Threads is a joint venture of the Ag- and work. Jamil Dada is one of these individ- der age of 15, stuffing envelopes for the ricultural Education Foundation, California uals. On March 21, 2003, Jamil will be hon- American Labor Party (ALP). Later, when her State University, Fresno’s College of Agricul- ored by the Boy Scouts of American and will family left the ALP to become Democrats, tural Sciences and Technology, and AG ONE receive the 2003 Distinguished Citizen Good Lucy began volunteering for the Democratic Foundation. The award is given to women Scout of the Year Award. Party. who have made a remarkable and visible con- Jamil is the Senior Financial Manager for Lucy attended Thomas Jefferson High tribution to the enhancement of their commu- Provident Bank’s eleven branches and serves School where she met her husband Murray nities with their time and/or contributions. Hon- as the manager of Investment Services. In ad- who she married at age 21. Their first son orees must live in Fresno, Kings, Madera, dition to his outstanding professional career, Stephen was born in 1942 and their second Merced, or Tulare County. They should have Jamil finds time for numerous community or- son was born five years later. past or present roots in agriculture while ganizations. He serves as Chairman of the Concerned about her children’s education, showing outstanding involvement in a variety Riverside County Workforce Development in 1952, Lucy started and became the first of community activities in addition to agri- board which oversees approximately $18 mil- president of the parent’s association for a culture. The honorees make a difference with lion of federal funding that Riverside County brand new elementary school PS 273. Before their philanthropic giving while serving as visi- receives for workforce development and job meeting with the school’s principal to discuss ble and credible role models for other women. training. His financial experience and integrity a possible parent’s association, Lucy pur- Sayre, a partner in the family farm, McFar- led to his appointment to the board by the Riv- chased a Roberts rules and Order book and lane and McFarlane of Clovis, has always be- erside County Board of Supervisors. received a book from the United Parent’s As- lieved that ‘‘the way to get things done is to In addition, Jamil serves as a board mem- sociation on how to start an association. put one foot in front of the other every day.’’ ber of the Riverside Community College Foun- These two books became her bibles. from water policy to land use policy, she has dation, the United Way of the Inland Valleys, From 1953 to 1956, Lucy was president of held leadership roles in several agricultural, the Boy Scouts of America Inland Empire the Boulevard Community Center. During her natural resource, and communities activities. Council, the Family Service Association of term, she helped form a nursery school. With She values her involvement as an agricultural Western Riverside County and the Magnolia the help of Meade Esposito, she also started representative in the Growth Alternatives Alli- Center Division of the Greater Riverside a youth program in the community center. She ance, a land use policy group that developed Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member would become President of this program as the Landscape of Choice: Strategies for Im- of the Planned Giving Advisory Board at the well as the Teenage Day camp at Tilden High proving Patterns of Community Growth. University of California, Riverside. School. Lucy, with Meade’s assistance, was Mrs. Miller has enjoyed a wide range of Jamil is a long time member of the Moreno also a major fundraiser for the United Leu- community involvement. Some of Sayre’s phil- Valley Rotary Club and currently is Vice-Chair- kemia Society. anthropic and community involvement include

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.011 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E489 sitting on the Fresno Irrigation District and the rine and shipped out to the Caribbean, before Joining the debate about the North Amer- Kings River Water PAC’s Boards of Directors. realizing that he didn’t want to spend the rest ican Free Trade Agreement, EPI explored She has participated in the Association of of his life that way. international issues as well, pioneering the California Water Agencies, the Fresno Art Mu- Completing high school years before open proposal that labor standards be included in seum, the Agricultural Council of California, enrollment at New York’s City University, his trade agreements. On domestic issues, EPI the San Joaquin River Parkway and Con- wide-ranging reading stood him in good stead developed a trademark tactic, releasing state- servation Trust, and St. James Episcopal Ca- when he aced an examination that qualified ments signed by prominent economists sup- thedral. Sayre cannot say for certain that the him for Queens College, in spite of his uneven porting increased public investment, opposing discourse of the boardroom surpasses the joy record in high school. On evenings, week- the balanced budget amendment, endorsing of receiving a Sunday school kindergardner’s ends, and summers while in college, he President Bill Clinton’s first budget plan, and hug around the knees, but she has loved it all. worked as a bartender (following his father opposing President George W. Bush’s tax cuts Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sayre who had been a charter member of Bar- for the very wealthy. Surveys continuously find McFarlane Miller for receiving the 2002 Com- tenders Local 164), on a railroad, and in an that EPI is the most widely quoted progressive mon Threads Award. I invite my colleagues to American Can Factory in Brooklyn. think tank in the nation’s news media. join me in commending Sayre for her commit- After he severely injured his back, Faux was In 2002, Faux stepped down as president of ment to community service and agriculture treated in Queens General Hospital, sparing EPI and assumed a new role as EPI’s first and in wishing her many years of continued him from what might have been a lifetime dis- Distinguished Fellow. He has begun work on success. ability. While hospitalized, he mused that he a book about the North American economy. was, in a sense, the product of public pro- Today, we thank Jeff for his enormous con- f grams—born in a public hospital, educated in tribution in improving the well being of working A PROCLAMATION IN MEMORY OF public schools, and put back together again in families all across the world. SANDRA ‘‘SANDY’’ BLESSLEY another public hospital. Faux traces lifelong f commitment to progressive politics to this pe- HON. ROBERT W. NEY riod of recuperation and reflection. HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s LOW-COST, TIMELY HEALTH OF OHIO New Frontier, Faux moved to Washington, CARE (HEALTH) ACT OF 2003 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES D.C., where he worked, first, for the Bureau of SPEECH OF Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Labor Statistics and, then, for the Arms Con- Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, I hereby trol and Disarmament Agency. Meanwhile, he HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO offer my heartfelt condolences to the family enrolled as a graduate student at George OF CONNECTICUT and friends of Sandra ‘‘Sandy’’ Blessley; and Washington University, doing graduate work in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Whereas, Sandra Blessley was a gifted economics. Thursday, March 13, 2003 speaker and a Capital Guide for 29 years. Her Moving to the Office of Economic Oppor- tunity (OEO), Faux became one of the origina- Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong dedication and love for her work was truly ex- tors of a new kind of anti-poverty program: the opposition to this legislation. This bill would emplary; after her first stroke she recovered Community Development Corporation. Mod- provide legal protections to HMOs and over- by reciting her tour speech, so that she could eled after a project initiated by Senator Robert ride all of our efforts to hold them accountable return to work; and F. Kennedy in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section through the Patients’ Bill of Rights. Worse, it Whereas, Mrs. Blessley will certainly be re- of Brooklyn, community development corpora- would restrict patients’ rights without actually membered by all those who knew her because tions promote economic development in low- solving the problems associated with high in- of her personal sacrifices of time and energy income areas, from the inner cities to rural surance costs. to family, friends and community; and The Democratic substitute, which we were America. Whereas, the understanding and caring to Traveling throughout the country, and briefly prevented from offering, would have taken a which she gave to others will stand as a living with migrant farm workers in Colorado comprehensive approach to the malpractice monument to a truly fine person. Her life and and New , Faux helped to turn the con- insurance crisis, recognizing the need for both love gave joy to all who knew her; cept of community development corporations tort reform and insurance reform. Not only Therefore, while I understand how words into a national program. He also found the would it have prevented frivolous lawsuits, but can’t express our grief at this most trying of time to participate in the historic Selma-to- it would have also required insurance compa- times, I offer this token of profound sympathy Montgomery march for voting rights and to nies to pass their savings on to health care to the family and friends of Sandra ‘‘Sandy’’ register black voters in Virginia. providers, in addition to providing assistance Blessley. In the 1980’s, Jeff returned to Washington, to the physicians and communities who need f D.C. and set about a new mission: founding a it the most. Even the CEOs of 4 insurance companies say this bill does not guarantee re- HONORING JEFF FAUX progressive think tank that would focus on economic issues. Others involved in the duced insurance premiums for doctors. project included Barry Bluestone, Robert Capping non-economic damages at HON. GEORGE MILLER Kuttner, Ray Marshall, Robert Reich, and Les- $250,000, as this bill does, will disproportion- ately hurt stay-at-home mothers, children, the OF CALIFORNIA ter Thurow. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In 1986, the Economic Policy Institute elderly and the disabled—people who do not earn enough to show a substantial economic Tuesday, March 18, 2003 opened its doors, with a staff of Faux, commu- nications director Roger Hickey, an administra- loss. They suffer just as much as a high-paid Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. tive assistant and a graduate research assist- CEO, yet under this bill, they would receive Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Faux, who ant. Originally commissioning papers by aca- virtually nothing for their pain and suffering. is the founder of the nationally respected Eco- demics, EPI build its own capacity with the hir- I urge my colleagues to do right by these nomic Policy Institute. During his long career, ing in 1987 of Larry Mishel as research direc- families and oppose this bill. Let’s come back he as been a merchant mariner, railroad work- tor. A year later, EPI published the first bien- and pass a bill that will actually do something er, blueberry farmer, antipoverty official, Labor nial edition of its signature publication, The to address the malpractice crisis. Department statistician, and instructor at Har- State of Working America, which would be re- f vard University. searched and written by Mishel and many of A TRIBUTE TO PHYLLIS Jeff Faux used these work experiences to the economists who later joined the staff of TALIAFERRO his advantage when undertaking the great EPI. task of founding and building the Economic In the later eighties, as a wave of HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS Policy Institute, the nation’s only think tank ex- deindustrialization swept over the U.S., EPI OF NEW YORK pressly dedicated to examining economic helped build the case for plant closing legisla- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES issues from the vantage point of how they af- tion, work that bore fruit in the WARN Act of fect working families. 1988. A few years later, EPI shaped the de- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Named after the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, bate on the minimum wage, showing that the Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Faux grew up in Queens, New York, as an benefits of raising wages for the poorest work- Phyllis Taliaferro in recognition of her commit- avid reader but an apathetic student. Dropping ers far outweighed the potential cost in terms ment to providing mental health treatment in out of high school, he joined the merchant ma- of inflation or job loss. the community.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.014 E18PT1 E490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 Phyllis is a member of a proud African a remarkable and visible contribution to the HONORING ANGEL GONZALEZ American family of Taliaferros. The most nota- enhancement of their communities with their ble of whom is Booker Taliaferro Washington. time and/or contributions. Honorees must live HON. SAM FARR Since 1898 Phyllis’s family has maintained the in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, or Tulare OF CALIFORNIA Lucy Taliaferro Estate in Colonial Beach, Vir- County. They should have past or present IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ginia. Phyllis’s great-grandmother purchased roots in agriculture while showing outstanding Tuesday, March 18, 2003 the property. Prior to World War II, Phyllis’s involvement in a variety of community activi- family moved to where she was ties in addition to agriculture. The honorees Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to born. Following the war, Phyllis along with her make a difference with their philanthropic giv- honor one of my youngest and bravest con- parents and sister moved to New York. ing while serving as visible and credible role stituents, Angel Gonzalez. Angel is California’s Phyllis is a graduate of Amityville Memorial models for other women. Ambassador to Foresters Champions Across High School on Long Island. She earned her Anne married into a 3rd generation farming America and the Children’s Miracle Network bachelor’s degree at Morgan State University family, and she and her husband, Gary, are program that honors remarkable children who and received her master’s degree in Social principles in Hester Orchards. Anne has have triumphed despite severe medical chal- Welfare at the State University of New York at played a major role in her and her husband’s lenges. Today, Angel enjoys the fun and Stony Brook. She has also studied at the Uni- diversified orchard crops, nut processing, and games of most five-year olds, but it wasn’t versity of Ghana at Legon and at St. Ann’s farm management companies. She is actively long ago that would have seemed impossible. Psychiatric Hospital in Rosekilde, Sweden. In involved in the operation and manages the ad- Angel was standing with his Grandmother the United States, she took post-graduate ministrative office. outside the oil change shop where his Mom courses at the Lenox Hill Hospital Psycho- Anne has been active in many agriculture works in Salinas, California, when a car in one analytic Psychotherapy program and at Beth and education organizations. Mrs. Hester of the service bays suddenly accelerated and Israel Hospital. She has held faculty positions served as chairperson for the Tulare County crashed through the closed door of the shop. in the State University of New York Agricul- Farm Bureau and acted as the driving force Angel was hit by the car and suffered severe tural and Technical College and at Old for its Ag Education, Youth Leadership, Fund- head trauma and internal injuries. After emer- Westbury and Euro College. raising, and Scholarship committees. She rec- gency surgery and 10 days in a coma, there In her professional life, she is focused on ognized that Ag needed to reach out to stu- were no doubts that Angel was truly a fighter. improving mental health treatment for women dent leaders and educate them about agri- He pulled through not only because of the and children. She runs a group for women culture and its importance before they went on good work of his surgeons and nurses, but be- called ‘‘He Ain’t All That.’’ She has been hon- in their education. Because of her commitment cause of determination and will power. His ored by the Visiting Nurse Service, the Society to youth, Anne was also involved in a program courage and determination has been crucial in for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and the at Farmersville High School where she helped his progress on the long and difficult road of New York Black Psychologists. She is a Past at-risk kids get jobs in an effort to redirect their rehabilitation. Over the months, Angel has President of the New York Association of lives. Mrs. Hester’s philanthropic devotion to made remarkable progress, gradually regain- Black Psychologists. helping the education of youth and her active ing his speech and motor skills. Through the Phyllis is also the executive producer of the involvement in the farming industry make her continuing and laborious physical therapy, ‘‘The Phyllis Taliaferro Show—The Psychology a significant part of the community. Angel has maintained his positive attitude and of Everyday Life’’ on Brooklyn Community Ac- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Anne brought a playful approach to the challenges cess Television. Previously, on Starrett City Hester for her superior service to the public of his continuing recovery. Angel’s recovery is a remarkable testament Television, she was a producer and host of and her leadership in the agriculture commu- to his strength and perseverance and the won- ‘‘Perceptions and Insights.’’ Additionally, she nity. I urge my colleagues to join me in wish- derful treatment he received at Salinas Valley made frequent appearances on Dr. Jeff’s early ing Anne many years of continued success. Memorial Hospital. As California’s Ambas- television show,’’ ‘‘A Hipper Shrink’’ and Dr. f sador, Angel has traveled to Washington, DC Brown’s show, ‘‘Psych on Call.’’ Phyllis has A PROCLAMATION IN MEMORY OF to bring hope to other children who are fight- had guest spots on several radio shows as MARVIN L. LAWVER ing for their health, and to recognize the im- well as including ‘‘The Dr. Watkins Show,’’ portant role that children’s hospitals play in ‘‘The Gary Byrd Show;’’ and ‘‘Hit It.’’ In addition to her work in the mental health HON. ROBERT W. NEY providing specialized care for kids. I would like field, she is actively involved in several local OF OHIO to congratulate Angel on his amazing recovery civic organizations. She is a member of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and his position as an inspiring role model to National Women’s Political Caucus, the Brook- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 all people who face adversity. I am honored to lyn Women’s Caucus, the National Political be able to recognize the resolve and support Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, I hereby of Angel, his family, and their community. Caucus of Black Women in Politics, and the offer my heartfelt condolences to the family Central Committee for Al Sharpton. She is and friends of Marvin L. Lawver upon the f also a member of Church Women United and death of this outstanding person; and A TRIBUTE TO LYSTRA MOORE- the auxiliary at Kings County Hospital. Whereas, Marvin L. Lawver was born No- BESSON Mr. Speaker, Phyllis Taliaferro is dedicated vember 6, 1925 and in 1943, at the age of 17, to her community. As such, she is more than Marvin L. Lawver answered his country’s call HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS worthy of receiving our recognition today and to duty and enlisted in the United States Navy; OF NEW YORK I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES this truly remarkable woman. Whereas, during his overseas service, in- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 f cluding Pearl Harbor, he became highly deco- rated earning the American Campaign Medal, Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor of HONORING ANNE HESTER Victory Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Area Cam- Lystra Moore-Besson in recognition of her paign Medal; and contribution to her family and her community. HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH Whereas, for his service to our country we Lystra was born to Henry and Alice Moore OF CALIFORNIA owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be in Trinidad & Tobago. She immigrated to the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES repaid; and United States in 1975 to further her education. Whereas, Marvin L. Lawver will certainly be In 1980 she graduated from Brooklyn College Tuesday, March 18, 2003 remembered by all those who knew him be- with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Account- Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise cause of his personal sacrifices of time and ing. After graduation, she pursued a career in today to honor Anne Hester on the occasion energy to family, friends, and community; and banking. She is presently Vice-President and of her being selected as a recipient for the Whereas, the understanding and kindness Branch Manager of HSBC Bank USA and 2002 Common Threads Award. Common to which he gave to others will stand as a holds her securities licenses from NASD. Threads is a joint venture of the Agricultural monument to a truly fine person. His life and During her twenty-years in banking, she has Education Foundation, California State Univer- love gave joy to all who knew him; received several awards including the ‘‘Chair- sity, Fresno’s College of Agricultural Sciences Therefore, I offer this token of profound man’s Award for Sales Excellence’’ at HSBC and Technology, and AG ONE Foundation. sympathy to the family and friends of Marvin Bank USA. She also sits on the African Amer- The award is given to women who have made L. Lawver. ican Diversity Sub-Committee for Mentoring

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.019 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E491 and Career Development. Throughout her Elizabeth has a great respect for education rican students prepare for their University Ex- banking career, she has mentored employees which is why she works diligently for the amination. and neighborhood youth, both personally and Friends of the Library and is a strong sup- Mr. Speaker. It is with great honor that I rec- professionally. porter of organizations which fund scholar- ognize Dr. Dorothy Swearengen Strong today Lystra is deeply involved in her community. ships. She has served as President for the before Congress. She has been referred to as She has been a member of the Brooklyn Merced County School Board Association, the the Mother of Modern Day Mathematics. Her Canarsie Lions Club since 1995. She was United Methodist Women, and as Treasurer outstanding leadership and commitment to ef- elected Treasurer in her first year, a position for the Merced Senior, Inc. Elizabeth is a lead- ficiently educating students makes her more she still holds. She also serves on the Board er of philanthropy in her community and a than worthy of receiving our recognition today. of Directors and is the funding co-advisor of guiding light to all. I urge that my colleagues join me in honoring the Brooklyn Canarsie Leos Club, which lends Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Eliza- this truly remarkable woman. its support to the Guide Dog Foundation and beth McCabe for her outstanding service and the Vacation Camp for the Blind. She is on the commitment to education and agriculture. I f Board of Directors of Canarsie By Choice and urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Eliz- has supported the Juvenile Diabetes Founda- abeth many years of continued success. HONORING SEAMAN 1ST CLASS tion, National Conference for Community Jus- f JOSEPH MCKENNA tice, and National Association for Breast Can- cer. A TRIBUTE TO DOROTHY Lystra has also lent her banking expertise to SWEARENGEN STRONG HON. STEVE ISRAEL the community through various financial semi- OF NEW YORK nars in credit, insurance, investment, and HON. WM. LACY CLAY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES homeowners’ information. Small businesses OF MISSOURI Tuesday, March 18, 2003 have also benefited from her personal coun- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES seling and expertise. Lystra has also partici- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, our veterans pated in several civic causes, working with the have made America the strongest nation on Office of Senator John Sampson and helping Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay earth. Their stories serve as a reminder of the to elect HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON to the Sen- tribute to Dorothy Swearengen Strong, a dy- costs that our nation has endured to ensure ate. namic woman who had committed 45 years to peace and freedom. I believe that it is vitally Lystra is married to Ian Besson. They have advocating for the educational and develop- important to acknowledge the commitment and three daughters Habika Zwena, Zakiya, and mental needs of African American children, achievement of every veteran who put his or Tabia, and a grandaughter Lystra Daniella. especially in relation to mathematics. Making it her life on the line to protect this nation. Mr. Speaker, Lystra Moore-Besson is de- a priority to equip at-risk youth with essential I want to take this opportunity to share the voted to serving her community. As such, she mathematics skills, she has worked tirelessly story and bravery of Seaman 1st Class, Jo- is more than worthy of receiving our recogni- to ensure that all children are prepared to seph McKenna Jr., of Melville, New York, a tion. I hope that all of my colleagues will join master standards-based mathematics and tra- veteran of World War II. ditional basic skills simultaneously. me in honoring this truly remarkable woman. In the spring of 1943, Joseph McKenna was She began teaching in 1958 and has re- f serving as a United States Navy armed guard mained true to her philosophy that all children on the tanker, MS Panam. The Panam was HONORING ELIZABETH MCCABE can and must complete Algebra by the end of making a trip from Norfolk to Lake Charles, eighth grade, in addition to attaining four years when it developed engine trouble. of college preparatory math by the end of high HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH After becoming separated from the rest of the school. Strong has diligently worked from her OF CALIFORNIA convoy, a German U-Boat attacked. The first vision of high expectations, full access, quality IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES torpedo ripped through the engine room, killing instruction and high achievement for all stu- two crew members. The engines were de- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 dents. Always innovatively finding new ways to stroyed and water started to rush in. Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise educate. Strong is currently directing and pilot- today to honor Elizabeth McCabe on the occa- ing the BiMathematics Project. This program At the time of the attack Joseph McKenna sion of her being selected as a recipient for will connect multiple definitions of curriculum was on the bridge. His commander, Arley the 2002 Common Threads Award. Common faced by school districts, high stakes assess- Zinn, met him there and told him to return to Threads is a joint venture of the Agricultural ment and key mathematics principles to re- the gun deck. At this point, McKenna realized Education Foundation, California State Univer- structure and consolidate the mathematics that his buddy, Seaman 1st Class Earl Mayle, sity, Fresno’s College of Agricultural Sciences curriculum for grades K–12. The project in- was missing and he went to find him. The and Technology, and AG ONE Foundation. cludes extended professional development, door to their quarters was shut; it wouldn’t The award is given to women who have made parental and community involvement compo- budge. McKenna kicked in the bottom panel of a remarkable and visible contribution to the nents. the door and, on his hands and knees, made enhancement of their communities with their Impressively, Strong had developed and im- his way through the opening to Mayle, who time and/or contributions. Honorees must live plemented several initiatives aimed at making was wedged under a bunk. Amazingly, in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, or Tulare math both exciting and educational for stu- McKenna, a man of only one hundred and County. They should have past or present dents. She has coordinated three major Math- thirty two pounds, was able to drag Mayle to roots in agriculture while showing outstanding ematics and Science Motivational Projects what he thought was the safety of the gun involvement in a variety of community activi- with NASA that highlighted the achievements deck. ties in addition to agriculture. The honorees of African American astronauts. In an effort to Upon reaching the deck, McKenna was in- make a difference with their philanthropic giv- increase academic achievement for inner-city jured when another torpedo stuck the Panam. ing which serving as visible and credible role students, she pioneered the MathCounts Com- Thankfully, McKenna made it to a lifeboat with models for other women. petition, which celebrates their participation in Mayle. After floating in the open ocean for six Mrs. McCabe’s life has been dedicated to statewide mathematics competitions. hours, the Coast Guard cutter USS SC664 fi- the growth of agriculture and education. Eliza- She strives to empower students to always nally picked them up. beth has spent countless hours involved in 4– be prepared, be active participants in today’s McKenna lost touch with Mayle for fifty-six H Club and Future Farmers of America (FFA) society and become lifelong learners. Leading years. In 1999, he tracked down Mayle’s wife activities. In 1972 she and a friend began the by example, Strong has devoted many hours Shirley. She told him that Mayle passed away Mission 4–H Club. A leaders for 15 years, as founder and past president to the Benjamin in 1993. She said that all Earl would speak Elizabeth assumed the responsibility of mak- Banneker Association. This Association pro- about was McKenna saving his life. ‘‘Thank ing sure the kids traveled to five fairs a year. vides a forum for mathematics educators and God for Joe McKenna,’’ Earl would say. ‘‘If it She is a 20 year member of the Merced mathematicians to discuss learning and teach- wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here.’’ Chapter, California Women for Agriculture and ing math with respect to African American chil- Mr. Speaker, I stand before you to recog- served as their President. She remains very dren. She has also developed a series of nize Seaman 1st Class, Joseph McKenna Jr. active in 4–H, FAA, and California Women for Bible Mathematics books and a Mathematics In honor of him and his act of bravery, I have Agriculture activities. Tutor Training Manual to help Black South Af- flown a flag over the United States Capitol.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.023 E18PT1 E492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 A TRIBUTE TO JEANETTE TURNER Joseph Riley-Blacks in Government Chapter, Borough. Chambersburg, , the St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Thomas county seat of Franklin County, is a town rich HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS Jefferson Democratic Club, and Order of East- in history. Chambersburg was settled by Ben- OF NEW YORK ern Star Chapter 719—Deborah Grand Chap- jamin Chambers in 1730. He chose the area IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ter. because of the promising demographic fea- Mr. Speaker, Jeanette Turner has dedicated tures of the land, where the Conocoheaque Tuesday, March 18, 2003 her life to improving the health care for chil- Creek and the Falling Spring merged to pro- Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support dren, families and veterans in her community. vide him with the necessary water power to of Jeanette Turner in recognition of her pas- As such, she is more the worthy of receiving operate a gristmill and a sawmill. sionate commitment to her community. our recognition today and I urge my colleague The community of Chambersburg was for- Jeanette was born and raised in Brooklyn to join me in honoring this truly remarkable mally spread out in 1764, extending the land New York. Educated in the woman. south and east of a fort that was built to pro- Public School System, she was able to attend f vide protection against Indian raids. The epi- college and pursue a career in nursing center of the town, which served as the cross- through the Higher Education Extension Pro- HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVER- roads for many travelers, began to grow in gram. She earned an Associate in Applied SARY CELEBRATION OF ST. size and importance. Due to the number of Science from the Bellevue School of Nursing PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH people that traversed through the area, many of New York City Community College and a businesses began to settle and expand in the Bachelor of Science from Hunter College. She HON. TOM DAVIS valley. These businesses were the start of the also received a Master of Arts in Nursing from OF VIRGINIA promising entrepreneurial, agricultural, and New York University. Additionally, Jeanatte IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES residential area that Chambersburg is today. has a certificate from the Alcohol Council of In March 1803, the municipal government Tuesday, March 18, 2003 New York Education and Training for Histor- was established through a state granted char- ical Approaches and Current Trends to Sub- Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ter as a borough. In May of the same year, stance Abuse. would like to take this opportunity to honor the the town elected the first mayor, the Town For more than 20 years, she dedicated her- 50th anniversary of St. Paul’s Lutheran Council, a High Constable, and a flour and self to providing quality health care for vet- Church in Falls Church, Virginia. wood inspector were appointed. A tax dupli- erans while working in patient services at the Located in the heart of Virginia’s 11th Con- cate of $550.97 was issued in order to begin New York Harbor Health System of the De- gressional District, St. Paul’s goal of centering providing government services, which at that partment of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. their faith in Christ was established at the time time were mainly limited to those provided by She worked at the Health System from 1977 of their founding. Assembling at George the courts. to 1998. Always recognizing that veterans are Mason High School in 1953, a small group of The Borough of Chambersburg is now home individuals with their own unique needs, she men and women gathered together to formally to over 17,000 people, many small and me- emphasized a holistic approach to client care. give up their status as a mission of Arlington’s dium industrial enterprises, and continues to Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas B. Our Savior Lutheran Church and organized have strong ties to agricultural endeavors. I Horvath, Chief of Staff of the Special Unit, she their own self-supporting congregation. am very proud to represent the individuals that helped and supervised the implementation of Today, St. Paul’s has grown from a subur- make up this vibrant community and would the Mentally Impaired Chemical Abuse (MICA) ban congregation on the outskirts of Wash- like to again commend the Borough of Cham- program. Jeanette was involved in creating all ington, DC, to a large urban congregation. Re- bersburg for its 200th Anniversary. aspects of the program from counseling to job flective of the diverse ethnic and cultural back- f placement. Additionally, she assisted physi- grounds of the Falls Church community, the cians in providing annual physical and psy- congregation stresses warmth and acceptance A TRIBUTE TO EVELYN M. DIXSON chiatric examinations. Working with the com- for all people. Through their numerous Sunday munity, Jeanette helped veterans obtain food, school and adult classes, St. Paul’s empha- HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS clothing, shelter, and financial assistance. Her sizes the strengthening of their faith through OF NEW YORK work with the Veterans Outreach Center made education, prayer, and service. From its hum- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sure that 250 veterans received referrals for ble beginnings, the church has been success- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 veteran’s benefits. She also developed a spe- ful in serving the community and strengthening cial patient education program and coordi- their faith through God. Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of nated with the recreational services office to As well as offering education on their faith, the Honorable Evelyn M. Dixson in recognition bring live entertainment for veterans, their St. Paul’s also sponsors many fellowship of her dedication to her community and her families, and staff. groups and social events. By offering opportu- enormous contribution to her church. Jeanette has been committed to improving nities for members of the church to come to- Evelyn is a member of the Cornerstone the health care of her community in her other gether through potluck dinners, Bible study Baptist Church, President of the Cornerstone professional experiences as well. She served groups, and special holiday events, St. Paul’s Baptist Church Federal Credit Union, and as the Director of Service and Rehabilitation in furthers its dedication to faith in God. Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Cor- the Brooklyn office of the American Cancer Mr. Speaker, in closing, I extend my warm- nerstone’s Sandy F. Ray Senior Housing. Al- Society, providing rehabilitation services for est congratulations to St. Paul’s Lutheran ways involved in efforts to improve her com- families with oncology problems in the tri-state Church on this special occasion. With their munity, Mrs. Dixson is a past president of the area. At Kings County Hospital, she worked commitment to faith and service to their com- Brooklyn Club of the National Association of with children in the outpatient pediatric unit, munity, the staff and members of St. Paul’s the Negro Business and Professional Wom- emergency room and on the medical and sur- are truly role models for us all. I call upon my en’s Clubs, Inc. She also served two four-year gical units. colleagues to join me in applauding the terms as the organization’s president, which For her hard work and dedication, Jeanette church’s 50 years of excellence. had never been done in the history of the or- was awarded the ‘‘We Care’’ Award from f ganization. Presently, she is an advisor to the Kings County Hospital, a Special Commenda- Club. tion Award from the Acting Director of 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Evelyn is a former member of the Board of Kingsboro Psychiatric Center, and a Certifi- TOWN OF CHAMBERSBURG INTO Directors of Elected Officials of New York cation of Excellence from Department of Vet- A BOROUGH State and a charter member of the Stuyvesant erans Affairs. Her chief of staff also nominated Heights Lions Clubs International. The club her for the ‘‘Hands and Heart’’ Award. In 1996, HON. BILL SHUSTER made her a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest She was the guest speaker during African OF PENNSYLVANIA honor one can achieve as a member of the American heritage month at the Department of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Foundation. Veterans Affairs, Ryerson Street Outpatient Evelyn was one of the founding members of Clinic. Tuesday, March 18, 2003 the Committee for Medgar Evers College and Additionally, she is a member of several Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to is a member of the Bridge Street A.W.M.E. community and civil organizations including recognize the 200th Anniversary of the incor- Community Advisory Board. The Pratt Area the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club Foundation, poration of the Town of Chambersburg into a Community Council honored Mrs. Dixson by

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.027 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E493 naming one of its affordable housing projects erating Station has been in operation since vision Broadcasts Limited (TVB), the Benefit in 1994, ‘‘The Evelyn Dixson Houses,’’ which 1952 and produces nearly 25 percent of San Variety Show is an annual event in its fourth are seven newly rehabilitated buildings in Diego County’s electricity supply. Cabrillo year that will be held in New York on March Brooklyn. Power is also an active partner in the develop- 22nd. The festivities are broadcast worldwide, In recognition of her many contributions and ment of a sea water desalination facility which, which helps to display New York’s tremendous her participation in the improvement of the when built, will be the largest sea water de- diversity. Bedford Stuyvesant community, she has re- salination facility in the Western Hemisphere. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask my colleagues ceived numerous awards, including the Thom- Cabrillo Power has helped federal, state and to join me in recognizing the many individuals as S. Boyland Award for leadership and com- local resource managers develop a successful who work tirelessly to make this event an an- mitment to the cause of Black Americans from and effective approach to eradicating the high- nual success, including Sir Run Run Shaw, the New York State Association of Black and ly invasive marine algae from Agua Hedionda Executive Chairman of TVB, George C.K. Liu, Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc. She was also Lagoon. Cabrillo Power has a clear impact on Chairman of the Physician Committee, and honored by Brooklyn Borough President How- the lives of many Californians and seeks to Superstars Jerry Lamb, Sonija ard Golden with a Certificate of Achievement conduct business in a responsible manner. It Kwok, Edwin Siu, Joey Yung, , for outstanding leadership and service. Other serves as a steller model for advancing the Moses Chan, Ming-Fai Koi, and Christopher awards include the National Association of goals of the Coastal Zone Management Act. Wong. I would also like to recognize the Chi- Negro Business and Professional Women’s As a resident of one of San Diego County’s nese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Clubs’ Sojourner Truth Award, the Salvation coastal communities, I understand the impor- who are the grand benefactors of this event Army’s Humanitarian and Service Award, and tance of preserving our coastal resources and and do so much throughout Chinatown to the Key Women of America’s Church Woman promoting energy efficiency. Cabrillo Power’s serve and protect the interests of the Chinese of the Year award. proven creative ability to harness technology community in New York City. Evelyn has also been honored by the in their business practices that tempers busi- I appreciate all the good work that CCPH Medgar Evers College Women’s Center, Lions ness and environmental interests led to their does to promote quality health care and I wish and Lioness Clubs, Friends of Shaw Univer- selection for this prestigious honor. I applaud them great success with this year’s variety sity, the National Council of Christians and Cabrillo Power for its dedication to improving show. Jews, and the Council of Churches of the City and serving San Diego’s coastal community. f of New York. f OPPOSING THE FCC DECISION ON A former teacher, she also studied at Bank DEREGULATION Street College in New York City and at the IN HONOR OF THE TVB BENEFIT New School for Social Research in New York VARIETY SHOW 2003 City, specializing in Early Childhood Edu- HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART cation. Evelyn was also an executive adminis- HON. JERROLD NADLER OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES trative assistant for the Taxi and Limousine OF NEW YORK Commission of New York City. One of her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, March 18, 2003 most outstanding accomplishments of her pro- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, fessional career was being elected to eight in the final analysis, America’s national secu- consecutive two-year terms as State Com- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rity depends heavily on America’s economic mitteewoman (District Leader) of the 56th As- praise the extraordinary efforts of NYU Down- security—and, especially critical to our eco- sembly District. She was also a delegate to town Hospital and its Chinese Community nomic growth and prosperity in the future is the 1980 National Democratic Convention. Partnership for Health program, for all of their our telecommunications industry. Mr. Speaker, with her numerous awards and work in health education, outreach and case Telecommunications is very important to my professional memberships, Evelyn M. Dixson management throughout lower Manhattan. I own state of Florida. More than 80,000 Florid- has shown that she is clearly dedicated to her salute them on the occasion of the fourth an- ians work in telecommunications. Thousands community. As such, she is more than worthy nual Hong Kong Television Broadcast Limited more depend on the industry to maintain their of receiving our recognition today and I urge Benefit Variety Show, which raises funds for pensions, their retirement savings—to gen- my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly this worthy cause. erate the additional income they need to con- remarkable woman. Lower Manhattan is a diverse community tinue as active, contributing members of soci- that welcomes thousands of new immigrants f ety. every year, especially to the dynamic neigh- What hurts the American telecommuni- HONORING CABRILLO POWER, LLC borhood of Chinatown. NYU Downtown Hos- cations sector, in other words, often generates OF CARLSBAD, CA, FOR EARNING pital is the only health care facility in the area problems which can only ripple throughout our THE WALTER JONES/NOAA EX- and works to guarantee that these immigrants economy, affecting our national goals and val- CELLENCE AWARD FOR EXCEL- have access to quality health care. ues. LENCE IN BUSINESS LEADER- The hospital has numerous successful out- And, that’s why I was so disappointed by SHIP reach programs including the Chinese Com- the decision announced by Federal Commu- munity Partnership for Health (CCPH) pro- nications Commission (FCC) members on HON. RANDY ‘‘DUKE’’ CUNNINGHAM gram. The CCPH works to promote health February 20—that they had no intention to re- OF CALIFORNIA care to all the residents of New York’s Chi- move existing restrictions placed on local IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nese community, including the tens of thou- phone companies nearly seven years ago, re- sands of new residents each year. For ten strictions which the chairman of the Energy & Tuesday, March 18, 2003 years, the CCPH has served more than Commerce Committee, Mr. TAUZIN, and the Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I am 80,000 garment and restaurant workers, elder- Ranking Democrat, Mr. DINGELL, both agree proud to rise today to recognize one of the ly Chinese residents and school children in the are discouraging new communications invest- outstanding businesses in my district, Cabrillo Hospital’s service area. ment and new jobs creation. Power, LLC of Carlsbad, CA, for recently The centerpiece of the Partnership program The best prescription for economic growth earning the Walter Jones/NOAA Excellence is its health screening activities conducted by and for producing good jobs with a future—for award for Excellence in Business Leadership. specially trained outreach teams that include every American who wants to work—is a The Walter Jones/NOAA Excellence in Busi- bilingual nurses with both Eastern and West- strong and growing economy. One does not ness Leadership Award recognizes a business ern healthcare concepts and practices. CCPH foster investment and jobs creating by perpet- organization that has made significant con- helps these immigrants overcome language uating unneeded regulations and deliberately tributions, ‘‘above and beyond the call of and cultural barriers which prevent them for discouraging new investment, especially new duty,’’ to improve or protect the coastal or receiving the medical assistance they need investment. ocean environment and that demonstrate the and deserve. Congress needs to send the FCC majority a ability to balance business interests with envi- To help raise funds for this worthy cause, message that when it comes to jobs creation, ronmental needs. CCPH and NYU Downtown Hospital will host when it comes to spurring new investment, Cabrillo Power owns and operates the a three-day extravaganza featuring a celebrity when it comes to stimulating the broader avail- Encina Generating Station located along the gala dinner and culminating in the Benefit Va- ability of advanced communications, Congress coast in Carlsbad, California. The Encina Gen- riety Show. Produced by the Hong Kong Tele- expects the FCC to vote ‘‘yes.’’

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.030 E18PT1 E494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 This country can’t afford—and, the Amer- volved in countless other activities that pro- federal program. Whether providing a Social ican people don’t deserve—the kind of anti-in- mote community involvement by their mem- Security number for a newborn baby, mailing vestment, anti-jobs policies that the FCC has bers. a check to a retired worker, or helping a dis- displayed through their ruling against local Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call the men and abled individual receive benefits, the Social phone company deregulation. women of the South Lake Memorial American Security Administration touches the lives of f Legion constituents, and I ask that you join just about everyone. with me today to congratulate them on their The field office in my hometown of Som- HONORING KALMAN AND service to our nation. erset, Kentucky, is a shining example for this DEVORAH STROBEL f massive agency. Under the leadership of W.D. Dalton, the staff in Somerset consistently goes HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS IN REGONITION OF VERONICA beyond the call of duty to provide valuable NIGH OF NEW YORK benefits to the people of Kentucky. Because of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES their unwavering commitment to helping oth- HON. SAM GRAVES ers, the Social Security Administration recog- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 OF MISSOURI nized the Somerset Office as the Best Level II Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Field Office in the Atlanta Region for fiscal congratulate Kalman and Devorah Strobel Tuesday, March 18, 2003 year 2002. upon their selection to be the honorees at the Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause 24th Annual Dinner of the Young Israel of Av- and myself, I want to thank the staff at the to recognize Veronica Nigh, a very special enue J, in Brooklyn, New York. Somerset Social Security Office for their hard Mr. and Mrs. Strobel have truly defined young woman who has exemplified the finest work and dedication to serving the people of community service. Having given generously qualities of citizenship and leadership. She Kentucky. These fine Americans are an inspi- of their time, finances, and business acumen, has been honored with the Award of Distinc- ration to us all, and I salute them for their our local Brooklyn neighborhoods have truly tion as winner of the Cotillion for Achievement commitment to helping others. been blessed to be the beneficiaries of such Scholarship Program. The Cotillion for Achievement Award was f selflessness. established in 1986 and is presented annually. Mr. and Mrs. Strobel have played an inte- IN MEMORY OF THOSE KILLED Two winners, one male, one female are se- gral role in the success of the Young Israel for AND INJURED AT FORT DRUM lected from public and private school seniors over twenty years as well as many other cru- BLACK HAWK CRASH attending school in Andrew and Buchanan cial local Jewish institutions. The Strobel’s County, Missouri. Students are evaluated on dedication to Tifereth High School for Special HON. JOHN M. McHUGH four criteria, scholastic achievement, extra- Children is only one example of the breadth OF NEW YORK curricular activities, community involvement and depth of their efforts to better our neigh- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and an essay written by the student. This borhoods. Their efforts have provided a guid- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 prestigious award has been extended to ing light into the true meaning of the Hebrew Veronica. Mr. MCHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as word ‘‘chesed’’ translated into English as kind- Veronica has established herself as a well- I have countless times before on the floor of ness. rounded student. She is involved in numerous this House, to talk about something very near Being of a soft spoken nature, Mr. & Mrs. activities, including Student Council, FFA, and dear to my heart—Fort Drum and the Strobel have proven that actions speak louder FCCLA, Social Studies Club, National Honors brave men and women of the Army’s 10th than words. Although never ones to seek ac- Society, class officer, volleyball, county fair Mountain Division (Light Infantry), the most colades for their work, the community and the play, the county museum, the County Fair frequently deployed division in the U.S. Army Young Israel will forever be indebted to them. Board, Student Tutors and the District Health today. Addionally, I wish to congratulate the Board as a student ambassador. Additionally, When I raise this topic, I take a particular Strobel’s children, Suri, Miraty, Rivky, and she has been honored for her achievements amount of pride in reminding my colleagues Meir Eli, and granddaughter Chaya Leah so with such awards and distinctions as The Na- that Fort Drum, which is the most modern mili- fortunate to have Kalman and Devorah as tional Honor Society Award, Missouri Girls tary facility anywhere in the world, is situated their role models. State Minority House Leader, who’s who within my upstate New York Congressional May you continue to grace our community among American high school students, stu- District. Since the early 1990s, soldiers from with your inspiring presence for many years to dent of the quarter, 1st place on the State Ag- the 10th Mountain Division (LI) have partici- come. riculture Literacy Team, 3rd place on the state pated in significant operations both at home f FFA Agriculture Sales Team, the Washington and abroad, including Hurricane Andrew, the Northeast’s Ice Storm of 1998, Somalia, Haiti, HONORING THE SOUTH LAKE ME- Leadership Conference, FFA Chapter Star Greenhand, State FFA Creed Speaker, High Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and beyond. MORIAL AMERICAN LEGION AUX I have seen the men and women of the 10th NO. 55 Honor Roll, Honor Letter and The Missouri FFA Public Speaking Academy First Place Mountain Division (LI) in action. I have met Novice Division. many of the soldiers one-on-one and have HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in been fortunate to speak with them during visits OF FLORIDA commending Veronica Nigh for her many here at home and while the Division has been IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES achievements and in wishing her the best of deployed around the globe. I am always im- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 luck in her future. pressed by their professionalism and the way they do their job without hesitation. The dedi- f Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Ms. cation, commitment, and heroism these men Speaker, I rise today to recognize the South TRIBUTE TO SOMERSET, KEN- and women have is, perhaps, what is most re- Lake Memorial American Auxiliary #55 on their TUCKY SOCIAL SECURITY OF- markable about Fort Drum. Anniversary. Sixty-six years ago this Auxiliary FICE Last week, people from across the country was founded by the brave veterans of World became familiar with Fort Drum as well. But War I and has been serving their community HON. HAROLD ROGERS sadly, our nation learned the importance of ever since. OF KENTUCKY this Army post through news reports of a trag- Most recently, they were recognized as one IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ic helicopter crash that occurred during a train- of the strongest promoters of the ‘‘Spinoza ing mission. We were all devastated on last Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Bear Program’’. This is a compassionate cru- Tuesday afternoon when we learned that a sade that brings a smile to thousands of griev- Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker I Black Hawk went down killing 11 soldiers and ing children. rise today to commend the staff of the Som- injuring two. Their commitment to public service is re- erset Social Security Office for their strong, ef- Mr. Speaker, the soldiers who lost their lives newed every year as they sponsor two young fective, and compassionate service to the peo- on March 11, 2003 in the service of our nation women to attend Girl’s State, a wonderful pro- ple of Kentucky. are: gram that has been developed to foster polit- Social Security plays an important role in Cpt. Christopher E. Britton, 27, from Ohio, ical activism in our nation’s youth. They are in- the lives of more Americans than any other assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.033 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E495 Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regi- role in that mission and were featured in the young man who has exemplified the finest ment. book’s after-action report of the difficulties they qualities of citizenship and leadership. He has Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kenneth L. Miller, faced. The title, ‘‘Black Hawk Down’’ comes been honored with the award of distinction as 35, from California assigned to Bravo Com- from the ominous words that echoed from the winner of the Cotillion for Achievement Schol- pany, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment. radio transmissions almost as soon as the op- arship Program. Staff Sgt. Brian Pavlich, 25, from Port Jer- eration began. The Cotillion for Achievement Award was vis, NY assigned to Charlie Company, 4th Bat- Whether we are talking about the Black established in 1986 and is presented annually. talion, 31st Infantry Regiment. Hawk that went down in Somalia nearly a dec- Two winners, one male, one female, are se- Sgt. John L. Eichenlaub, Jr., 24, from South ade ago, or the crash near Wheeler-Sack Air- lected from public and private school seniors Williamsport, PA assigned to Charlie Com- field at Fort Drum, we know that things do not attending school in Andrew and Buchanan pany, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment. always go as planned in war or in warfighting County, Missouri. Students are evaluated on Sgt. Joshua M. Harapko, 23, from Peoria, training exercises. And now, as our Armed four criteria: scholastic achievement, extra- Axiz., assigned to Charlie Company, 4th Bat- Forces face another military offensive over- curricular activities, community involvement talion, 31th Infantry Regiment. seas, the tragic accident at Fort Drum serves and an essay written by the student. This Spc. Lucas V. Tripp, 23, from Aurora, Colo., as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices our prestigious award has been extended to assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, service men and women make on a daily Devin. 10th Aviation Regiment. basis. Whether it be in training or in battle, we Devin has established himself as a well- Spc. Barry M. Stephens, 20, from Pinson, do not always have the privilege of seeing rounded student. He is involved in numerous , assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd their acts of heroism carried on CNN or in a activities, including varsity tennis, student gov- Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment. motion picture. ernment, UMKC leadership seminar, Forum Pfc. Shawn A. Mayerscik, 22, from Oil City, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues and all Club, Spanish Club, JCCC Mathcount, Math PA, assigned to Charlie Company, 4th Bat- Americans to join me in paying tribute to these Olympiad, National Forensics League, Heart- talion, 31st Infantry Regiment. men. Let us also acknowledge the rest of the land Health Systems, Food Can Drive, Habitat Pfc. Tommy C. Young, 20, from Knoxville, men and women in uniform and express our for Humanity, Harvest Food Bank, Multiple Tenn. assigned to Charlie Company, 4th Bat- gratitude for their service to our nation. As Sclerosis Walk for the Cure, United Way talion, 31st Infantry Regiment. they go forward with their assignments, both penny drive, Missouri State Senate youth Pfc. Stryder O. Stoutenburg, 18, from Mis- at home and abroad, they need our support forum, 2000 election campaign, doctors day, soula, Mont. assigned to Charlie Company, and our prayers. royal family kids camp, and the Diwali Cele- 4th Battalion, 31th Infantry Regiment. f bration. Additionally, he has been honored for Pfc. Andrew D. Stevens, 20, from Rocking- HONORING WIDER HORIZON his achievements with such awards and dis- ham, NH. assigned to Charlie Company, 4th SCHOOL tinctions as the National Honor Society Award, Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment. the National Merit Commendation Award, the Mr. Speaker, those injured in the crash Academic Excellence Award, Bright Flight were: HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE Scholar, the Missouri Math League Award, the Spc. Dmitri Petrov and Spc. Edwin A. Mejia, OF FLORIDA ASME Math Competition Award, Duke Univer- both from Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sity Tip Scholar while qualifying for the State 31st Infantry Regiment. Tuesday, March 18, 2003 tennis competition. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to pray for Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in these soldiers and their families during this dif- Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an out- commending Devin Goodlet for his many ficult time. standing school in the 5th Congressional Dis- achievements and in wishing him the best of Our nation, the United States Army, and the trict of Florida. Educating our Youth is one of luck in his future. people of Northern New York stand united the most important challenges that we as a with the families of the fallen and injured sol- nation face. The founders of Wider Horizons f diers. While I know there are no words or School have embraced this challenge with a TRIBUTE TO MIDDLESBORO, KEN- deeds that can ever ease the pain and heavy vigor and dedication that has left a strong im- TUCKY SOCIAL SECURITY OF- burden the loved ones of these soldiers are pression on the community which they serve. FICE experiencing, I want to pay tribute to those On Friday, March 14th, Wider Horizons who have given their lives to the fullest meas- School will celebrate its 20th Anniversary. ure as well as those soldiers injured in the line Founded in 1983, Wider Horizons was the HON. HAROLD ROGERS of duty. brain child of two individuals who cut their OF KENTUCKY The North Country community has long teeth in the Peace Corps opening schools in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES viewed the soldiers stationed at Fort Drum as the jungles of Peru. Their formula for success much more than just the defenders of our na- includes a focus on independent learning, Tuesday, March 18, 2003 tion. They are our friends and neighbors. The international field trips, and instruction in Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr Speaker, I outpouring of care and concern from area resi- Spanish beginning in preschool. rise today to commend the staff of the dents has been truly extraordinary. It is be- I am proud to call Mr. and Mrs. Domenick Middlesboro Social Security Office for their cause we feel this loss, too. I want the injured constituents. They and their staff serve as ex- strong, effective, and compassionate service soldiers and surviving families to know we amples to us all of what it means to truly be to the people of Kentucky. share their grief and sorrow. public servants. The crash at Fort Drum was not the first in- Social Security plays an important role in f troduction Americans have had with the Black the lives of more Americans than any other Hawk helicopter. Mark Bowden’s best-selling IN RECOGNITION OF DEVIN federal program. Whether providing a Social book and movie titled ‘‘Black Hawk Down: A GOODLET Security number for a newborn baby, mailing Story of Modern War’’ was an account of the a check to a retired worker, or helping a dis- American military campaign on the streets of HON. SAM GRAVES abled individual receive benefits, the Social Security Administration touches the lives of Mogadishu, Somalia when warlords there OF MISSOURI just about everyone. were wreaking havoc on their own people in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1993. As I have mentioned before, the 10th The field office in Middlesboro, Kentucky, is Mountain Division is the Army’s most fre- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 a shining example for this massive agency. quently deployed force, so it’s not surprising Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause Under the leadership of Steve Schneider, the that elements of the 10th played a significant to recognize Devin Goodlet, a very special staff in Middlesboro consistently goes beyond

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.038 E18PT1 E496 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 the call of duty to provide valuable benefits to TRIBUTE TO COLONEL GARY D. about implementing a drug benefit for seniors, the people of Kentucky. Because of their un- JERAULD the legislation I am introducing today would wavering commitment to helping others, the speed the availability of a prescription drug Social Security Administration recognized the HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. benefit and could even result in savings for Middlesboro Office as the Best Level II Field OF ALABAMA the Medicare trust fund by allowing VA to em- ploy its considerable prescription drug pur- Office in the Atlanta Region for fiscal year IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2002. chasing and benefit management skills in ad- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 ministering the benefit for veterans who are Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues Medicare eligible. Additionally, this legislation and myself, I want to thank the staff at the Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to would realign VA health care, allowing VA to Middlesboro Social Security Office for their recognize Colonel Gary D. Jerauld upon his concentrate its health care assets on the hard work and dedication to serving the peo- retirement after more than 26 years of out- many veterans who rely upon it for the major- ple of Kentucky. These fine Americans are an standing service to our country in the United States Army. After his effective retirement date ity of their care needs. inspiration to us all, and I salute them for their ‘‘The Veterans Prescription Drug Benefits commitment to helping others. of June 30, 2003, Col. Jerauld will reside in my Congressional district. Act of 2003’’ would, for the first time, allow Colonel Gary D. Jerauld has distinguished veterans to bring prescriptions ordered by phy- f himself throughout his military service in chal- sicians who are not affiliated with the Depart- lenging and diverse assignments. Throughout ment of Veterans Affairs to the VA to be filled. UNIVERSITY OF -MIL- It would also require the Medicare trust fund to WAUKEE QUALIFIES FOR THE his remarkable career, he has received many medals and awards for his ability to lead by pay the cost of this new benefit for veterans SCHOOL’S FIRST NCAA TOUR- who choose it and who are also eligible for example, encourage excellence from his peers NAMENT Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part and subordinates, effectively manage the B. Army’s resources, and consistently produce Recently the Secretary of Veterans Affairs HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA outstanding results. I commend Col. Jerauld has decided to restrict enrollment of higher in- for his ability to energize a diverse staff toward OF WISCONSIN come veterans to those who were enrolled a common purpose, setting high standards prior to January 17, 2002. Consequently, this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and inspiring his staff to achieve them. legislation would allow veterans who no longer Colonel Jerauld has been assigned to sev- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 have the option of receiving a full continuum eral key military positions throughout his ca- of health care services to receive subsidized Mr. KLECZKA. MR. Speaker, On Tuesday, reer, which culminated as the Project Manager prescription drug coverage from VA. March 11, 2003, the University of Wisconsin- for the Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs) Providing, this new drug benefit to Medicare Men’s Basketball team qualified for and Air and Missile Defense Command and eligible veterans could also have the effect of the NCAA tournament by defeating the Butler Control Systems (AMDCCS), a position he eliminating the enormous queues that have University Bulldogs. The Panthers (24–7) are has held since 1999. It is in this role that Col. developed as higher income veterans have making their first-ever appearance in the Jerauld will leave an enduring mark on the fu- flooded the system to seek inexpensive pre- NCAA Tournament, and gained an automatic ture of our Army. scription drugs. As of the end of January, berth into the field with a 69–52 win over But- One example of his unique leadership abili- about 202,000 veterans had waited longer ler in the championship game of the Horizon ties occurred in March 2000, when he was than six months for a first primary care visit or League Tournament. UWM will be seeded given the mission: ‘‘Restructure A2C2S into an for necessary follow up care. Many of these number 12 in the West Region of the NCAA executable program, place the system in the veterans are likely to be Priority 7 or 8 vet- Tournament. hands of the user now, and field to the First erans who constituted more than 75 percent of Digitized Division in Fiscal Year 2003.’’ In just This outstanding achievement is a proud VA’s new users in 2002. Offering these vet- over one year, Colonel Jerauld and his team moment for the university, alumni, students, erans an opportunity for new drug coverage stood up the A2C2S Product Manager position and the community. I would like to join with without first obtaining an appointment with a and office, restructured the program, deployed the UWM family in recognizing this enormous VA provider could have the effect of signifi- an A2C2S demonstrator system to the 4th In- accomplishment, and it’s with great pride that cantly reducing or entirely eliminating these fantry Division, and awarded a competitive I offer my congratulations and applaud their waiting times. In fiscal year 2002, VA esti- contract for system integration. Colonel efforts. mates almost 900,000 veterans used the VA Jerauld has built a reputation as a Project health care primarily or exclusively to fill drug Tournament MVP Clay Tucker scored a Manager for delivering quality products to the prescriptions who would also be likely to take game-high 23 points in leading the No. 2 seed field in much less time normally required for advantage of a new prescription drug benefit. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee over No. 1 design, fabrication, and delivery. At the end of 2000, VA’s Office of Inspector seed Butler University in the championship Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of General (IG) advised ‘‘VHA can reduce the game. He also had team-high eight rebounds North Alabama, I congratulate Colonel Jerauld cost impact of providing prescriptions to pri- to go with game-bests in assists (4), steals for his 26 years of service to our country and ority group 7 veterans, make additional re- (4), and blocks (2). I welcome him to our North Alabama commu- sources available for veterans healthcare, and UWM’s Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl nity. enhance the delivery of prescription services coaching talents have been recognized nation- f to veterans.’’ (Audit of Veterans Health Admin- ally. In the May 1999 issue of Sport Magazine, istration (VHA) Pharmacy Co-Payment Levels INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 1309, ‘‘VET- Coach Pearl was listed as one of the ‘‘Five and Restrictions on Filling Privately Written ERANS PRESCRIPTION DRUG Head Coaches on the Rise,’’ placing him in a Prescriptions for Priority Group 7 Veterans, BENEFITS ACT OF 2003’’ group with Paul Hewitt ( Tech), Mike Report No. 99–00057–4, December 20, 2000) Brey (Notre Dame), and Buzz Peterson (Ten- This report suggested that VA could have nessee). HON. LANE EVANS saved more than $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2001 by eliminating the need for VA to re-ex- Before coming to coach the UWM Panthers, OF amine veterans who have already received ex- Coach Pearl ended 14 years as an assistant IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES aminations and tests to receive prescriptions at the University of Iowa. Prior to coaching at Tuesday, March 18, 2003 from private physicians. These savings were Iowa, he was an assistant coach at Stanford, Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, today I am intro- projected only for Priority 7 veterans, who and, at the age of 23, was promoted to Asso- ducing H.R. 1309, ‘‘The Veterans Prescription were, at that time the group with the lowest ciate Head Coach at Stanford. Bruce Pearl Drug Benefits Act of 2003’’, legislation which priority for care. For all veterans, the IG might helped lay the groundwork for the resurgence will provide a revolutionary change in vet- project even higher savings. in men’s basketball at Stanford. erans’ medical care. While cognizant of his IG’s finding, Sec- So, I am pleased to join with the University ‘‘The Veterans Prescription Drug Benefits retary Anthony J. Principi testified before the of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to recognize the Act of 2003’’ would allow veterans to be the Committee on Veterans Affairs that he be- Men’s Basketball Team for their notable play first among America’s seniors and disabled lieved that the IG did not factor in the addi- and excitement for the community at large and people to have a real, meaningful Medicare tional costs of new demand for the prescrip- the State of Wisconsin. outpatient drug benefit. If our nation is serious tion drug benefit. His response when asked

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.042 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E497 about a prescription drug bill introduced in the AMERICAN VETERANS, dresses the total range of veterans’ health 107th Congress by Mr. Wicker was: Lanham, MD, March 17, 2003. needs. Likewise, Congress must address the Hon. LANE EVANS, overall problem of delivery and demand for I would like nothing, better than to be able Ranking Member, House Veterans’ Affairs Com- services from a growing patient population. to provide prescriptions for all of our vet- mittee, Washington, DC. Thank you for your continued leadership erans. And I very, very seldom disagree with DEAR REPRESENTATIVE EVANS: On behalf of on behalf of America’s veterans. my IG about cost. the members of AMVETS, I write to express Sincerely, There is no question that the IG is right our gratitude and support for your leader- STEVE ROBERTSON, that we would save money if we did not have ship in proposing legislation to permit vet- Director, to do the medical evaluation, like Mr. Sim- erans to obtain prescriptions from veterans’ National Legislative Commission. mons said earlier. . . . I think the doors hospitals using prescriptions written by would come tumbling down by 25 million vet- hometown doctors. BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION, erans or whatever percentage are on pre- Currently, veterans are eligible to receive Washington DC, March 14, 2003. scriptions, seeking to get their prescriptions prescription medications from the VA only if Hon. LANE EVANS, filled at the VA. So I think yes, on the one a VA physician prescribes the medication. Ranking Democratic Member, House Veterans hand we would save money. But how do you While insisting that a VA doctor see the pa- Affair Committee, Cannon House Office control the workload increase? tient may not seem like too great an imposi- Building, Washington, DC. DEAR CONGRESSMAN EVANS: On behalf of If you just increase by 25 percent the num- tion, many of the more than 200,000 veterans the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), the ber of veterans who are coming to us for pre- waiting over six months for a doctor’s ap- pointment are waiting to have a prescription only Congressionally chartered veterans scriptions—and that is not a large number— service organization exclusively dedicated to the bill would be $9.2 billion. Fifty percent, written and filled. Your legislation would allow VA to fill vet- serving the needs of our Nation’s blinded vet- it would be $15.9 billion. Again, where do we erans, thank you for your initiative to cre- get the money? erans’ prescriptions written by hometown doctors under special circumstances. First, ate a prescription drug benefit for veterans. Offering veterans an opportunity to receive the veteran would accept VA solely for the BVA supports your proposed legislation Of- subsidized drug coverage from VA through purpose of filling prescriptions. Second, the fering Medicare-eligible veterans an oppor- tunity to fill their non-VA prescriptions at a veteran would be required to make a copay Medicare and receive the rest of their care VA facility in lieu of enrollment into the VA based on the type of drug treatment re- from their choice of private providers is one health care system is the right approach to quested. And, third, the cost of the prescrip- possible solution to the Secretary’s dilemma. take. Over 900,000 veterans indicate they use tion would be partially offset through Medi- My bill requires a veteran to choose between the VA system primarily for prescription care reimbursement. drugs. BVA believes this bill as written, will a VA benefit and a Medicare benefit. I do not This change would provide an avenue for alleviate some of the unnecessary waiting believe it is likely that thousands of satisfied many veterans to receive timely access to time backlog created by veterans scheduling veterans would disenroll from VA to receive prescription drugs and reduce the number of appointments exclusively to receive a pre- this new benefit—those with satisfactory ac- veterans waiting to see a VA physician as scription from a VA doctor. In many cases, a cess can receive even cheaper drugs as VA well. non-VA physician has previously prescribed Again, we appreciate your creative ap- beneficiaries. However, particularly since Pri- the prescription they are seeking. Provision proach to solving an issue facing many vet- ority 8 veterans are being told they can no of a funding mechanism that will not further erans and thank you for taking a very big erode the already insufficient funding levels longer enroll for all health care services and step toward helping veterans receive access waiting times make access to VA services dif- for VA Health Care is the most attractive as- to prescription medications. pect to this proposal. ficult for some veterans, I believe some lower Sincerely, BVA supports inclusion of Priority 1 vet- priority veterans might opt to receive the new RICHARD A. JONES, erans in this benefit. Offering a prescription Medicare benefit administered by VA. In addi- National Legislative Director. drug benefit to veterans who choose not to tion, it would present a new option for sub- fully use the VA health care system because sidized drug coverage to Medicare—eligible THE AMERICAN LEGION, of distance or personal preference, is the Washington, DC, March 17, 2003. veterans that might interest veterans who right action to take. We caution you to be Hon. LANE EVANS, have never attempted to access the VA sys- very clear in your explanation of prescrip- Ranking Democratic Member, Committee on Vet- tion coverage as an ADDITIONAL benefit tem. erans Affairs, House of Representatives, that does not take away a Priority 1 vet- My bill also provides an option for veterans Cannon House Office Building, Wash- erans access to any other VA service. who have highly rated service-connected dis- ington, DC. Sincerely, abilities to have this coverage at VA expense DEAR REPRESENTATIVE EVANS: The Amer- THOMAS H. MILLER, ican Legion looks forward to working with Executive Director. to fill private sector physician written prescrip- you and your staff on the draft legislation, tions. I believe this option might only be attrac- Veterans Prescription Drug Benefits Act of MILITARY ORDER tive to veterans that have serious access 2003. This is a proposed new benefit program OF THE PURPLE HEART, problems due to their distance from VA med- for Medicare-eligible veterans that choose Springfield, VA, March 14, 2003. ical centers or other factors that make even only to use the Department of Veterans Af- Hon. LANE EVANS, the rare visits to physicians necessary for fairs’ (VA’s) pharmaceutical services. The Ranking Minority Member, House Committee on pharmacy refills extremely difficult. legislative intent is to provide a new option Veterans Affairs, Cannon Building, Wash- for certain Medicare-eligible veterans; how- The yearly option to choose one system or ington, DC. ever, there are concerns: DEAR CONGRESSMAN EVANS: First, on behalf the other—Medicare or VA—for health care The American Legion does not agree with of the members of the Military Order of the benefits offers the federal government an op- Priority Group 1 veterans paying any enroll- Purple Heart (MOPH) I want to thank you portunity to assess the effect of coordinating ment or co-payments for this service. for your unwavering support for combat multiple eligibilities without compelling vet- What is the impact on Medicare-eligible wounded veterans, indeed your support for erans to choose between services to which veterans in Priority Groups 2–8 with service- all veterans. connected medical conditions? Would they they currently have open access. Because this Second, we are aware that you are going to have to disenroll to participate in this pro- introduce legislation that would create a is a new benefit, veterans’ choice to enroll for gram? If the Centers for Medicare and Med- prescription drug benefit for veterans. MOPH that benefit would not be easily characterized icaid Services (CMS) funding fails to cover supports your efforts in this endeavor and as a dimunition—but rather would be an en- the actual cost of the program, how will VA looks forward to passage of the legislation. hancement—to existing choices. be reimbursed? Is CMS willing to adopt this Respectfully, Mr. Chairman, I believe the ‘‘Veterans Pre- as a new Medicare program? Will this be WILLIAM A. WROOLIE, scription Drug Benefits Act of 2003’’ offers a scored as third-party reimbursements, an National Commander. offset against annual discretionary appro- solution to many of the problems confronting priations? Why must VA collect the enroll- PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA, VA today. It will allow VA to offer some benefit ment fees and co-payments, transfer these Washington, DC, March 18, 2003. to veterans who have been ‘‘locked out’’ of VA collections to CMS, then CMS transfer funds Hon. LANE EVANS, for the indefinite future and a more convenient back to VA? Ranking Democratic Member, Committee on Vet- choice for the many veterans currently in long Will VA be staffed with qualified pharma- erans’ Affairs, House of Representatives, queues for their first appointment for VA pro- ceutical personnel to meet increased phar- Cannon House Office Building, Wash- vided health care. maceutical demands? ington, DC. The American Legion applauds your efforts DEAR REPRESENTATIVE EVANS: On behalf of I have letters of support from several of our to solve one of many challenges facing the the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), I major service organizations that I would like to VA health care system. The VA health care am writing to offer our support for the ‘‘Vet- insert into the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. system is a comprehensive program that ad- erans Prescription Drug Benefits Act of

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.046 E18PT1 E498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 2003,’’ By providing a new Medicare drug ben- In regard to the provision that would ac- and Principal and we are proud to have him efit to veterans, your measure would begin cord priority group 1 (70 percent or greater as an educator in the 6th District of Missouri. to address a vital need and concern of our el- service connected disabled) veterans the op- derly citizens—the need for affordable phar- portunity to have non-VA prescription drug f maceuticals. orders filled by VA via mail fulfillment, VVA TRUTH SEEKERS SUBSTANCE The increasing use of prescription drugs favors such mail fulfillment as a convenience OUTREACH MINISTRY, INC. for medical treatment options has revolu- for veterans who sometimes have to travel tionized the provision of medical care. Every great distances to reach a VHA each time year pharmaceuticals represent an ever- they renew their prescription, imposing a HON. DONALD M. PAYNE growing percentage of health-care expendi- hardship. OF NEW JERSEY tures. Medicare has not kept up with this As the primary purpose of the Veterans IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES revolution. By providing veterans with this Health Administration is to be a ‘‘veterans benefit, facilitated through the Department health care system’’ and not just a general Tuesday, March 18, 2003 of Veterans Affairs (VA) and ensuring that health care system that happens to be for Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great VA does not spend scarce and inadequate re- veterans, VVA urges that you amend this sources, we can begin the process of reflect- bill at mark up to require that there is a pride that I recognize Truth Seekers Sub- ing the manner in which health care is deliv- complete physical, including blood draw stance Outreach Ministry, Inc. on their 10th ered in this Nation. tests annually performed on at least the Pri- anniversary celebration in Newark, New Jer- This measure, unlike others, would not ority 1 veterans covered under this proposal. sey. force the VA alone to bear the burden of ad- While VHA continues (inexplicably to VVA) dressing this national policy failure. The VA Under the direction of Reverend Lance to fail to ensure that a complete military would merely be acting to facilitate a ben- Abercrombie, Truth Seekers Outreach Ministry history be taken on every single veteran efit offered to veterans, a benefit that would began its journey in 1993. Traveling through- seeking health care services from VHA, and provide substantial pharmaceutical savings out the tri-state area, Reverend Abercrombie that VHA clinicians use this key data to do to the federal government because of VA’s and his cousin, Wayne Reynolds, worked to statutorily mandated discounts. In addition, a proper assessment of overall health of the veteran, including conditions or illnesses spread the word of how their faith saved them this measure would reimburse the VA for ex- from a life of substance abuse. Becoming in- penses relating to the implementation of that may be due to exposures or other fac- this benefit as well as costs incurred in ad- tors during his/her military service, there is corporated in May of 2000, they have worked ministering it. still a need for VHA to fulfill their respon- hard to refer individuals to detoxification and Although veterans seeking treatment for a sibilities for medical oversight of signifi- rehabilitation centers, shelters, as well as service-connected condition, and veterans cantly and or profoundly disabled veterans. other organizations to help assist individuals with service-connected disabilities rated at If this proposed legislation reduces the uti- on their road to a life free of substance abuse. 50 percent or more are expressly exempted lization of VHA services primarily or only to secure pharmaceuticals by only a proportion The Truth Seekers Outreach Ministry, Inc. from the requirement of enrolling in order to has reached out to our community to see that receive care by Medicare benefit, and fore- of the 900,000 veterans reported seeking serv- going their VA health care options are al- ices for this reason, then it will help relieve those in need are not left behind. They are ways able to seek treatment for service-con- the pressure that is crushing the VHA sys- providing a wonderful service to the many nected conditions at VA facilities. Addition- tem without leaving any veteran without al- men and women in this country who suffer ally we request that other veterans needing ternative services. from substance abuse, by showing them that specialized services be afforded access to Again, VVA thanks you for your strong there is hope and that they can conquer their care. leadership on behalf of America’s veterans. illness. Sincerely, Again, thank you for introducing the ‘‘Vet- Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues erans Prescription Drug Benefits Act of RICHARD F. WEIDMAN, 2003.’’ We look forward to working with you Director of Government Relations. here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Truth Seekers Outreach closely in order to pass, and ultimately f enact, this important measure. Ministry, Inc. on their 10th anniversary, and Sincerely, IN RECOGNITION OF CLARK wishing them the best for the future. DELATORRO L. MCNEAL MERSHON f Executive Director. TRIBUTE TO SOUTHERN OREGON VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA, HON. SAM GRAVES RADIO PERSONALITY DICK BAI- OF MISSOURI Silver Spring, MD, March 18, 2003. LEY ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM Hon. LANE EVANS, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE AIRWAVES Ranking Democrat, Committee on Veterans Af- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 fairs, House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause HON. GREG WALDEN DEAR CONGRESSMAN EVANS: Vietnam Vet- to recognize Clark Mershon, a very special ed- OF OREGON erans of America (VVA) strongly supports ucator who has exemplified the finest qualities IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the ‘‘Veterans Prescription Drug Benefit Act of citizenship and leadership. He has been of 2003’’ that you plan to soon introduce to Tuesday, March 18, 2003 the House of Representatives. honored as the Missouri Association of Sec- As you know, VVA reluctantly supported ondary School Principals 2003 Middle School Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise Secretary Principi’s decision to temporarily Principal of the Year. today to pay tribute to my good friend Dick suspend new enrollments of Category 8 vet- Clark began his teaching career in 1982 at Bailey and congratulate him on his retirement erans only because the Veterans Health Ad- Lebanon Junior High School, as both a teach- from the airwaves of southern Oregon. Dick’s ministration (VHA) medical facilities were er and coach and advanced to Principal in commanding, gravelly voice has been a fixture in such a dire under-funded state. While the 1992. He currently serves as Principal of New of KCMX radio in Medford for five years and approach that you have taken in moving to relieve this pressure might not be what VVA Mark Middle School in North Kansas City, Mis- he will surely be difficult to replace. would choose in a perfect world, in the real souri, where he has been since 1997. Clark Dick Bailey was born on February 4th, world of a veterans health care system that was given this distinction because of the im- 1941, in Winchester, Massachusetts, a sin for is so grossly under funded this is a similarly pact he makes on both staff and students. which the people of Oregon long ago forgave sensible, responsible, and effective approach The staff of New Mark Middle School com- him when they welcomed him into their warm to provide relief to the system. mend Clark for his strong leadership shown to Western embrace. Dick graduated from Gor- While VVA has not favored such plans to ham High School in Gorham, Maine, and allow VA to so provide pharmaceuticals in teachers, students and community members. the past because they included no way to His humanity, humility, and sound instructional afterward enlisted in the United States Marine fully fund VA honoring prescriptions written and organizational skills illustrate the impor- Corps, where he served from 1958 to 1962. by non-VA physicians, your proposal does tance of his impact on his school and commu- He went on to receive a degree from the Col- allow for payment of such from both Part A nity. lege of the Sequoias in Visalia, California and and Part B of Medicare in addition as well as The student body acknowledges Mr. Clark also attended the College of the Desert in and annual enrollment fee and co-payments for his welcoming personality that instills pride, Palm Desert, California, where he edited the that are reasonable. As long as such pre- honor and school spirit at New Mark. college’s first newspaper. scriptions are provided at a net negligible additional cost to the system, VVA does Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in Dick’s professional career has been a long favor this proposal for Medicare eligible vet- commending Clark Mershon as the MASSP’s and varied one that has taken him to radio erans who are not service connected dis- Middle School Principal of the Year. Clark ex- and television stations in California, Wash- abled. emplifies the qualities of exceptional leader ington, , Vermont and of course Oregon

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.052 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E499 over the past 41 years. While in Alaska, he However, the Airport has been repeatedly in- Postal Service. Connie retired in January after taught broadcasting classes at the University formed that no security funds are available for a a thirty-four year career and, as she enjoys of Alaska. Dick spent several years announc- its needs because it is classified as a General her retirement, I would like to highlight her ac- ing at the Redwood Acres Speedway and Eu- Aviation airport. complishments before this body of Congress reka Speedway in California, as well as the To correct this situation, I am introducing and this nation. Southern Oregon Speedway. He also an- legislation today to ensure that the Undersec- In her thirty-four years with the postal serv- nounced the Hanford 150 in Hanford, Cali- retary of Transportation has the authority ice, Connie has overseen remarkable changes fornia, and a Canadian-American Race in needed to enhance security at the East Kern in technology, moving from labor-intensive Vermont. Dick’s wandering came to an end Airport District. Very simply, this legislation will mail processing to a largely automated work- when he settled in Shady Cove in Oregon’s allow the Undersecretary to provide up to load. Connie also supervised increased secu- Jackson Valley, and it is there that he will re- $300,000 annually to meet the Airport’s secu- rity demands following the September 11, tire. rity costs and up to $1.25 million to reimburse 2002 terrorist attacks. During his career, Dick has covered Presi- the East Kern Airport District for security costs Connie began working for the postal service dents Ronald Reagan, George Bush the Elder, incurred since September 11, 2001. in 1970 as a letter carrier. She rose through Bill Clinton and our current President Bush. I trust that my colleagues and the appro- the ranks to become Rocky Ford’s postmaster, During President Bush’s trip to southern Or- priate Department of Homeland Security offi- and also served as the Fowler postmaster for egon last year, he provided steady and reli- cials will recognize the East Kern Airport Dis- sixteen years. Connie has touched many lives able coverage of the President’s visit, which trict’s unique situation and work with me to en- in her long career, and the Rocky Ford com- his listeners have come to expect from Dick. sure that the Airport is adequately protected. munity insisted on holding an open house re- For years he has communicated the latest f ception to officially send her off into retire- news and happenings around the greater ment. Medford area with clarity and precision. Dick RICHARD K. ARMEY ROOM Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recog- has both a voice made for radio, and no one nize Connie Buchner for her thirty-four years who has heard him on the airwaves doubts HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER JR. of outstanding service to her community. Post that he found his true calling. Fortunately, he OF WISCONSIN Offices are often the lynchpin of small commu- also has a tremendous sense of humor. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nities, and Connie filled her position with the Mr. Speaker, Dick Bailey’s service to his Postal Service with compassion and efficiency. Tuesday, March 18, 2003 community did not just come in the form of his I am thankful for her service. news broadcasts. He has also lent his voice to Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I f the Jacksonville Christmas Parade and other rise today to pay tribute to my good friend and local activities. Anyone who knows Dick knows former colleague, Former Majority Leader HONORING THOMPSON of his love of the outdoors, and his service as Richard K. Armey. Representative Armey re- ENGINEERING a member of the Jackson County Parks Com- cently retired following 18 years of distin- mission reflects his desire to preserve the nat- guished service in the House of Representa- HON. JO BONNER ural beauty of his adopted home. He is an ac- tives, including eight years as the Majority OF ALABAMA tive outdoorsman and has made clear how Leader. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES From his humble roots in Cando, North Da- much he looks forward to the extra time he Tuesday, March 18, 2003 will have for fishing following his retirement. In kota, to his rise in Washington, Dick Armey the years ahead, the local fish population will never drifted from his principles of honesty Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to have much to fear from Dick as he spends his and integrity. He made life better not only for recognize Thompson Engineering, an extraor- days casting his line and enjoying the beauty his constituents in Texas, but for Americans all dinary engineering design, environmental, con- of southern Oregon’s waterways. across this great land. His work in Congress struction inspection and materials testing firm Mr. Speaker, Dick Bailey will be fondly re- saved taxpayers millions of dollars annually. located in Mobile, Alabama. Each year, the membered by his listeners in southern Or- His sound conservative values renewed Amer- Alabama Chapter of the American Council of egon, just as he’ll be missed by his col- ica’s commitment to the principles of personal Engineering Companies honors outstanding leagues. Like everyone who has dealt with freedom and limited government. engineering achievements with its Engineering Dick in a professional capacity, I’m sorry to As a loyal and dedicated conservative, Dick Excellence Awards. This year, Thompson En- see him retire, but happy to see him begin the Armey advocated welfare reform, personal re- gineering was recognized with the 2003 Engi- relaxing years of his retirement. Thank you for tirement accounts for Social Security, and fun- neering Excellence Honor Award by the Ala- everything you’ve given to us, Dick, and best damental reform of the tax code. He specifi- bama Chapter and received national recogni- wishes in the years ahead. cally supported implementing a flat tax. His tion by the American Council of Engineering Companies for its outstanding work as prime f persistence to this cause gave it a national platform. This cause continues in his new ca- design consultant for the Mobile Landing THE EAST KERN AIRPORT reer at Citizens for a Sound Economy as its project. DISTRICT IN MOJAVE, CALIFORNIA Co-Chairman. Mobile Landing is a twelve-acre municipal It has been a great honor to spend most of wharf complex on the Mobile River adjacent to HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS my tenure in Congress working with Rep- the waterfront business and entertainment dis- OF CALIFORNIA resentative Armey, a fine Southern gentleman tricts in downtown Mobile, Alabama. The land- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and true fiscal conservative. The naming of ing provides the citizens of Mobile with a pub- Room 236 in the U.S. Capitol as the Richard licly accessible waterfront development includ- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 K. Armey room is a deserving tribute for a ing a new ceremonial docking space for large Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to committed public servant. I will miss my good oceangoing vessels; a riverfront pedestrian introduce legislation that is necessary to en- friend Grumpy, and I wish him and his wife promenade; an outdoor plaza with amphi- hance our national security. The East Kern Susan all the best in the future. theater, bandstand and fountain; parking for Airport District in Mojave, California, faces f vehicles; utilities; security and lighting and unique security threats. landscaped open space. Although it is a General Aviation airport and PAYING TRIBUTE TO CONNIE Thompson Engineering, as the lead design does not have commercial passengers, the BUCHNER firm, developed the master plan for the project East Kern Airport District is home to high-tech site and provided architectural and engineer- aerospace firms and provides storage to over HON. SCOTT McINNIS ing design and construction management 300 commercial transport aircraft. These air- OF COLORADO services for the project. Thompson also pro- craft, which are stored with fifty percent of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES vided grant budgeting and management, regu- their fuel tanks full, rest just minutes through latory permitting and environmental assess- the air from several major military installations Tuesday, March 18, 2003 ment, subsurface exploration, land and hydro- and downtown Los Angeles. Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great graphic surveying, and a cultural resources re- Since September 11, 2001, the Airport has pride that I stand before you today to recog- connaissance report for the project. been seeking funding to address these nize Connie Buchner of Rocky Ford, Colorado Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you and my col- threats, as it fears a serious act of terrorism. for her decades of service to the United States leagues to join me and the American Council

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.056 E18PT1 E500 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 of Engineering Companies in honoring Thomp- Mr. Speaker, these are the acts of a theo- Dec 1998—Government threatens to stop son Engineering for its outstanding work with cratic tyranny, not a real democracy. We must grants to Christian schools; the Mobile Landing project. The landing and Dec 1998—Churches razed in Dangs district; impose the sanctions appropriate for a violator Jan 1999—PM visits Dangs, calls for na- its facilities will prove to be another valuable of religious freedom. We must also stop our tional debate on conversions; asset to the City of Mobile, its citizens and aid and trade with India until it begins to allow Feb 1999—Secret survey ordered, first of visitors provided by Thompson and its talented the exercise of basic human and religious Christians, later of Muslims; and distinguished team of designers and con- rights. And we must support selfdetermination Jan 2000—Government lifts ban on employ- tractors. I personally thank and recognize for all the people of South Asia as the best ees joining RSS. Thompson for its continued dedication to the way to bring real freedom, peace, stability, f City of Mobile and the State of Alabama. and prosperity to that troubled region. PAYING TRIBUTE TO SUE JONES f Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Hin- dustan Times article into the RECORD at this INDIAN POLICE COLLECTING DATA time. HON. SCOTT McINNIS ON CHRISTIANS OF COLORADO [From the Hindustan Times, Mar. 9, 2003] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GUJARAT CHRISTIANS ALLEGE SURVEY OF HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS FAMILIES Tuesday, March 18, 2003 OF NEW YORK (By Rathin Das) C IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. M INNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to AHMEDABAD, March 8.—The Gujarat Police take this opportunity to recognize Sue Jones Tuesday, March 18, 2003 have reportedly started a discreet survey of of Pagosa Springs, Colorado for her out- Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I was disturbed Christians in some parts of the state, seek- standing service to the citizens of Pagosa to read an article in the Hindustan Times say- ing information on family sizes, job profiles Springs and the many student athletes of the ing that Indian police are collecting data on and sources of foreign funds. The All-India Christian Council, which submitted a memo- Archuleta School District. For the last nineteen Christians in Gujarat. Gujarat is the site of the randum to the state police chief on Friday, years, Sue has helped organize Pagosa massacres of Muslims last March in which is planning to move the High Court over the Springs’ Annual Blow-out charity softball tour- 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims were killed. Hasn’t issue next week. nament, and I would like to acknowledge her Gujarat seen enough trouble? State Director General of Police K. efforts before this body of Congress and this According to the report, the All-India Chris- Chakravarthy told the Hindustan Times that nation. tian Council submitted a memorandum to the no statewide survey had been ordered. He For eleven years, Sue has been the tour- state police chief detailing the survey. The po- added, however, that some information nament’s director. Each year over thirty teams lice are seeking information on family sizes, might have been sought from some people on come from all over the four-corners region to the orders of district police chiefs. job profiles, sources of funds, and even participate in the tournament, generating thou- whether the person is a first-generation Chris- A senior home department official echoed the state police chief. He told the Hindustan sands of dollars for the local economy, in ad- tian and/or has converted. At least 25 Chris- Times that no survey of Christians had been dition to charity contributions. For the first ten tian institutions have been questioned in just a ordered. ‘‘It may be a survey about foreign years of the tournament, proceeds went to few days. The article quotes Bishop Gregory funds and its use, but that is applicable for support the Spanish Fiesta Scholarship Fund, of Rajkot as saying that he was asked ‘‘about institutions of all communities,’’ he said. then for two years to St. Jude’s Children’s the number of Christians and institutions But despite official denials, community Hospital. For the last seven years proceeds here.’’ Father Cedric Prakash of the United leaders alleged that policemen came calling at some houses in Ahmedabad, Sabarkantha, have gone to local school athletic programs. Christian Forum for Human Rights predicts Just over the past three years, Sue has that ‘‘this survey may be a buildup to the Banaskantha and Kutch districts over the past few days and asked about the ante- raised enough money to allow the Pagosa anticonversion bill.’’ cedents and assets of Christian families. Springs school athletic department to pur- India has already outlawed conversions to Community leaders also said at least 25 chase baseballs, a radar gun, volleyballs, any religion but Hinduism in two states. Re- Christian institutions and families had been score clocks, weight room equipment, and cently the ruling BJP has begun an effort to questioned over the past few days. Police wrestling shoes. She also contributed to a make that national. personnel who visited Christian institutions, band competition trip to the Air Force Acad- they said, wanted information on the num- This is outrageous, Mr. Speaker. It is a emy. During the school year, Sue donates major violation of religious freedom, which is ber of Christians in the area and other de- tails, like the sources of their funds. Bishop countless hours to school athletic programs as one of the main pillars of a democracy. In- a scorekeeper. stead, India is again acting like a Hindu fun- Gregory of Rajkot, who was questioned by the police on Friday, said: ‘‘I was asked Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recog- damentalist theocracy. about the number of Christians and institu- nize Sue Jones for her enduring commitment In 1997, a Christian festival on the theme tions here.’’ The police also asked him to to the boys and girls of Pagosa Springs before ‘‘Jesus is the answer’’ ended when the police contact the nearest police station if he need- this body of Congress and this nation. Sue fired their guns at it to close it down after they ed help, Bishop Gregory told this cor- recognizes the importance of athletic pro- received complaints that the festival was con- respondent. grams and competition in the development of The police have also asked some Christians verting people. Missionary Graham Staines well-rounded and conscientious young citi- and his two sons, ages 8 and 10, were mur- whether they converted voluntarily or under pressure, and whether they were first-gen- zens. Her energy and service have provided dered while they slept in their jeep. The mur- students of the Archuleta School District in- derers surrounded the jeep and chanted ‘‘Vic- eration Christians. ‘‘This survey may be a build-up to the valuable support for their athletic dreams. tory to Hannuman, ‘‘ according to contempora- anti-conversion bill the government wants to f neous news reports. None of these people introduce in the state assembly during this has been held accountable. Now an American session,’’ said Father Cedric Prakash of the THE ASSASSINATION OF SERBIAN missionary, Joseph Cooper, has been ex- United Christian Forum for Human Rights. PRIME MINISTER ZORAN pelled from India after being severely beaten One church leader in Saurashtra was asked DJINDJIC ON MARCH 12, 2003 by Hindu nationalists. whether Christians would hold demonstra- Since 1998, Christian priests have been tions if the anti-conversion bill is introduced HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY murdered, nuns have been raped, churches in the assembly, sources said. Individual Christians are scared to speak OF NEW YORK have been burned as they were in the Old to the press as many of them are in govern- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES South during segregation, Christian schools ment employment. In the wake of the attack Tuesday, March 18, 2003 and prayer halls have been violently attacked. on Christians and the burning of churches in Since India’s independence in 1947, its forces the Dangs district around Christmas 1998, Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to have murdered over 200,000 Christians. They the state intelligence department had or- express outrage at the assassination of the have also murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since dered a similar survey, but abandoned it Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. This as- 1984, over 85,000 Kashmiri Muslims since after a petition was filed in the Gujarat High sassination represents a hideous and appall- 1988, and tens of thousands of Dalits, Bodos, Court. ing crime that was intended to block reform Minority report: Assainese, Manipuris, Tamils, and other mi- July 1998—Copies of the New Testament and democratization endeavors. The United norities. Many lowercaste Hindus are con- burnt in a Rajkot school; States has strongly endorsed Djindjic’s reform- verting to Christianity and other religions and Oct 1998—Christian congregation attacked minded approach, his advocacy of democratic now the BJP is passing laws to prohibit this. in Vadodara; values and his struggle to propel into

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.059 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E501 modern Europe and the Western world of at the end of that year. He also served on the Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the democratic nations. board of directors of The Lighthouse, as mem- Council of Khalistan, which leads the Sikh As a student in Belgrade he was jailed after bership chairman of the Baldwin County Re- struggle for independence from India. Dr. joining a non-communist student organization Aulakh called on the President of India to publican Party and as treasurer of the Pleas- stop the execution. Bhullar was accused of a protesting against Marshal Tito’s communist ure Island Republican club. Art Yaroch was a 1993 bomb blast near the Youth Congress of- rule. In the late 1990s, Djindjic emerged as devoted parishioner of St. Thomas by the Sea fice in Delhi in which 20 people were killed. the leading figure in the opposition movement Catholic Church in Orange Beach where he Congress leader M.S. Bitta lost a leg in that against Yugoslav President Slobodan was an usher and past member of the parish attack. Milosevic. council. The presiding Judge of a three-Judge bench Congress had a vital interest in ending Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to pay trib- in the Supreme Court of India found Pro- Milosevic’s dictatorship in Serbia, and Djindjic ute to the life of Art Yaroch. He was my friend fessor Bhullar, a political activist, ‘Not was instrumental in helping engineer the de- and he will be sorely missed by all who knew Guilty’ and directed that he be released. mise of this evil ruler. Djindjic played a crucial him. Art is survived by his lovely wife, Isabel; However, Professor Bhullar was convicted role in the arrest of Milosevic, and he later based on a forced confession obtained two sons, Arthur and Steven; two daughters, through torture, which was retracted. On courageously sent the dictator to the United Lauri Ann Grove and Susan Courtney; two that basis India wants to impose capital pun- Nations war crimes tribunal in The Hague. brothers; two sisters and eight grandchildren. ishment on Professor Bhullar. Sajjan Kumar When Milosevic was handed over to the tri- I would like to extend my prayers and deepest and H.K.L. Bhagat, who personally incited bunal in 2001, the Prime Minister pushed sympathies to his entire family and many the murder of thousands of Sikhs in Delhi, aside the objections of other senior Serbian friends. got off scot-free without any punishment. Even by Indian standards, this is an out- politicians, and he was prepared to confront f the harsh criticism by Serbian nationalists. rageous miscarriage of justice. The prosecutors at the United Nations tri- SAVE THE LIFE OF DEVINDER PAL ‘‘The Bhullar case is merely the latest ex- bunal regarded him as their best hope to de- SINGH BHULLAR ample of how India eliminates minorities,’’ said Dr. Aulakh. Indian police arrested liver fugitive Serbian war criminals indicted by human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra the court. At the time of his tragic death, HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS after he exposed their policy of mass crema- Djindjic had been preparing to arrest Milorad OF NEW YORK tion of Sikhs, in which over 50,000 Sikhs have Lukovic and his associates, some of whom IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been picked up, tortured, and killed, then are suspected of committing war crimes and their bodies are declared unidentified and se- belonging to an underworld group accused of Tuesday, March 18, 2003 cretly cremated. Then Mr. Khalra was mur- dozens of murders and kidnappings. Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Devinder Pal dered in police custody. His body was not By promoting economic and democratic re- Singh Bhullar is about to be put to death in given to his family. Similarly, the police forms, Djindjic was further instrumental in real- India for a crime even India admitted he didn’t murdered former Jathedar of the Akal Takht Gurdev Singh Kaunke. His body was not izing the U.S. goal of bringing and maintaining commit. handed over to his family. I thank my friend Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, stability on the . Djindjic saw the need Last spring the Indian police stood aside for reform and taught his people to understand President of the Council of Khalistan, for under orders while militant Hindus murdered the demands and rewards of integrating Ser- bringing this shameful case to my attention. 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims in Gujarat. Australian bia into the world of peaceloving democracies. The Council of Khalistan put out a very inform- missionary Graham Staines was murdered a He urged the Serbian people to confront and ative press release on the case. few years ago by VHP activists. Staines and work up its own past in order to manage the The chief judge of a three-judge panel from his two young sons were burned to death difficult task of democracy building. Djindjic India’s Supreme Court found Mr. Bhullar not while they slept in their jeep. Their killers understood the challenge to tackle these dif- guilty of the crime of which he was accused, surrounded the jeep and chanted ‘‘Victory to involvement in a bombing. The judge ordered Hannuman,’’ a Hindu god. After the murder, ficulties instead of denying them even if they Staines’s widow, who was working with lep- are unpleasant. His death represents a major Mr. Bhullar’s release. Instead, the Indian gov- ers, was expelled from India. No one is ever setback to the fight for democratic stability in ernment tortured Mr. Bhullar until he signed a punished for these atrocities. Nuns have been this important transitional phase. fake confession. Now they are trying to put raped, priests have been murdered, and I express my condolence to the people of him to death. Christian churches have been burned by the Serbia and to Serbian-Americans on the sad Unfortunately, this is just the latest episode fanatic, fundamentalist Hindu nationalist and tragic death of Zoran Djindjic, whose cou- in India’s abuse of minorities, which has been militants. rageous endeavors to bring democracy to Ser- well documented in Congress by many of my ‘‘It is clear from these actions that India is bia must not be forgotten. colleagues and me. This brutal atrocity against not the democracy it claims to be,’’ said Dr. justice must be stopped. Aulakh. ‘‘Instead it is a tyrannical Hindu f theocracy where minorities die or dis- The Bush Administration should demand Mr. appear,’’ he said. ‘‘There is a consistent pat- TRIBUTE TO ARTHUR VALENTINE Bhullar’s release, or at least a new trial. In ad- YAROCH tern of Indian government efforts to protect dition, they should impose sanctions on India, its tyrannical rule over the minorities of cut off its aid and trade, and put this Congress South Asia.’’ HON. JO BONNER on record in support of self-determination for The Indian government has murdered over OF ALABAMA the Sikh Nation of Khalistan and the other 16 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 200,000 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES minority nations seeking their freedom from Christians since 1948, over 85,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of Tuesday, March 18, 2003 India. This should be done in the democratic way, through a free and fair plebiscite. It is Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, Dalits (the ab- Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to time for India to start acting like a democracy, original people of the subcontinent), and oth- ers. More than 52,000 Sikhs are being held as pay tribute to the life of Arthur Valentine and it can start by sparing the life of Devinder Yaroch, who passed away March 5, 2003, at political prisoners. The Indian Supreme Pal Singh Bhullar. Court called the Indian government’s mur- the age of 73. Mr. Yaroch, who served with Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter the Coun- ders of Sikhs ‘‘worse than a genocide.’’ On distinction as the director of finance for the cil of Khalistan’s press release on Bhullar into October 7, 1987, the Sikh Nation declared the City of Mobile under former Mayor Arthur Out- the RECORD at this time for the information of independence of its homeland, Punjab, law, was a pillar of the Mobile community and my colleagues and the public. Khalistan. No Sikh representative has ever signed the Indian constitution. The Council will be deeply missed. [Council of Khalistan—Press Release, Feb. of Khalistan is the government pro tempore Art Yaroch, a native of Detroit, was a long- 25, 2003] time resident of Mobile and Ono Island. After of Khalistan, the Sikh homeland. The Sikh DEVINDER PAL SINGH BHULLAR’S LIFE MUST Nation demands freedom for its homeland, earning a bachelor’s degree in business ad- BE SPARED ministration, he worked as a member of the Khalistan. INDIAN CONSTITUTION ONLY PROTECTS MAJOR- controller’s staff at Uniroyal Tire Co. and then ‘‘Only in a free and sovereign Khalistan ITY HINDUS MINORITIES ELIMINATED, DI- will the Sikh Nation prosper. In a democ- as a comptroller with Borden, Inc. Art then RECTLY OR BY COURTS racy, the right to self-determination is the moved to Mobile and became the executive WASHINGTON, D.C.—The impending execu- sinc qua non and India should allow a plebi- vice president of Colonial Sugars. tion of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar shows scite for the freedom of the Sikh Nation and In March 1989, Art was appointed as the that the Constitution of India only protects all the nations of South Asia,’’ Dr. Aulakh City of Mobile’s finance director and resigned the majority Hindu population, according to said.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.062 E18PT1 E502 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 PAYING TRIBUTE TO CHRISTY proach. Indeed, the Turkish intransigence will enjoy spending more time with this home- WHITNEY hurts first and foremost and the Turk- town hero. I wish John all the best in his re- ish Cypriots themselves. The failure of the uni- tirement years and always. HON. SCOTT McINNIS fication endeavors complicates Ankara’s own f efforts to join the European Union as the Eu- OF COLORADO RECOGNIZING THE MATIGNON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ropean Commission warned Turkey on March, 11. The Greek Cypriot part of the island is HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ BASKET- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 going to join the EU in May 2004 with or with- BALL TEAM Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great out the Turkish Cypriots. Yet without a deal on pride that I stand before you today to recog- the issue, Turkey will find itself in a HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO nize the leadership of Christy Whitney of position of not recognizing a member of the OF MASSACHUSETTS Grand Junction, Colorado. For the last ten European Union. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years, Christy has served as the president and Public demonstrations by the Turkish-Cyp- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care of West- riot opposition in favor of the proposal further ern Colorado, an institution dedicated to en- express clearly who will be the major victims Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to hancing quality of life for the seriously ill in of the failed talks: the Turkish Cypriots who recognize the Matignon Warriors boys’ basket- Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties. will be excluded from the benefits of EU mem- ball team. On Monday, March 10, 2003, the A registered nurse, Christy has recently bership that the Greek Cypriot side will enjoy. Warriors defeated the Southeastern Regional been elected to serve as a director of the Na- I conclude in expressing my desire that the Hawks to win the MIAA Division 4 state cham- tional Hospice and Palliative Care Organiza- United States must remain involved in seeking pionship by a score of 78–55. Matignon High tion. In her new post, Christy will represent a just and permanent solution to the Cyprus School, which is located in North Cambridge, hospice programs nation-wide by working with issue. The Bush administration must therefore is a cornerstone of the community, and I am other organizations that share an interest in put more pressure not only on the Turkish proud to honor the members and coaches of end-of-life care. Christy also chairs the Na- Cypriot leader but also on Turkey to cooperate the boys’ championship basketball team. tional Hospice Work Group, a professional co- constructively within the UN framework to real- I want to take the time to recognize the indi- alition of executives from some of the nation’s ize a negotiated settlement on Cyprus. viduals who make up the state champs, and most innovative hospices. Christy’s involve- f extend my congratulations on an incredible ment in national hospice organizations en- season: Alex Aiello, Shelby Berleus, Greg sures that she is at the cutting edge of edu- HONORING A DEDICATED PUBLIC Case, Ralph Fevrier, Jimmy Guerrier, Jeff cation, research and advocacy for the best SERVANT, MR. JOHN WIGGINS Lerebour, John McMahon, Chris Neil, John ideas and models for end-of-life care. Her na- Nicoloro, Chris O’Callaghan, Ricky Prosper, tional leadership is an invaluable asset to her HON. JO BONNER AJ Urquhart, Justin Veri, Frank Whitney, Head patients in Western Colorado. OF ALABAMA Coach Joel Burke, Assistant Coaches Ed Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recog- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES O’Callaghan, Sean O’Callaghan, Terry Mat- hews and Mel Story. nize Christy Whitney for her outstanding com- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 mitment to the seriously ill. Her organization I am also including a copy of an article serves a vital purpose to the citizens of West- Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, there are many which appeared in the Cambridge Chronicle ern Colorado, and her leadership is a credit to heroes who work night and day, week after on March 12, 2003. the community she serves. I am honored to week, month after month to keep our neigh- WARRIORS WIN DIV. 4 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP recognize her accomplishments before this borhoods, cities, states and this great nation (By Jamie Pote) safe and secure. Mr. John Wiggins is one of body of Congress and this nation. The last time the Matignon boys basket- those heroes. John, at the very young age of f ball team played at the FleetCenter, coach 53, is retiring in April after almost 33 years of Joel Burke said the excitement of taking the THE FAILURE OF THE CYPRUS dedicated service with the Mobile Fire and fabled parquet floor caused his team to lose PEACE TALKS Rescue Department. focus. John is the oldest firefighter in the depart- Monday afternoon, the Warriors’ focus was ment who actually still fights fires. For more impeccable. Matignon stormed out to a 27- HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY point halftime lead and coasted to a 78–55 OF NEW YORK than three decades, he has been able to live out his childhood dream of serving his com- victory over Southeastern Regional to cap- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ture the Division 4 state title (there are no munity as a firefighter. He has seen many Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Div. 4 teams outside Eastern Mass.). changes in firefighting, paramedics and in the ‘‘In 1997 we were just happy to be here,’’ Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to department and has raised, and trained, many said Burke, whose team lost to Avon that express my disappointment about the failure new recruits and most of the current fire year. ‘‘We were too busy taking pictures and of the latest Cyprus peace talks. United Na- chiefs. John laughs that every time he gets in we seemed to have lost our focus. That was tions Secretary General Kofi Annan carefully Ladder Truck 10, which operates out of Gus my big concern heading into this game—we worked out an acceptable peace plan which Rehm Fire Station on Moffett Road in Mobile, had to be ready. represented a compromise approach. The UN ‘‘and those lights and siren come on, it’s like ‘‘And for sure, we were ready for this game.’’ peace plan to reunite Cyprus as a single I’m 20 years old again.’’ Led by seniors John McMahon (29 points) bicommunal federation enjoyed strong support John has also assumed leadership roles and Chris Neil (19 points), Matignon (21–4) by the United States, the EU, and the wider with his fellow firefighters. He has been a outplayed the Hawks in nearly every facet of international community. This plan would have member of the Mobile Fire Fighters Associa- the game, including a 20–9 edge in rebounds satisfied the interests of both the Greek Cyp- tion Local 1349 since he first joined the fire in the first half. riots and the Turkish Cypriots. department and has served as its president for ‘‘We thought if we held them to just one I thus applaud Cypriot President Tapas the last four years. He has not only worked for shot that we would be able to keep the game Papadopolous who accepted the UN proposal his fellow firefighters but has also worked as close,’’ Burke said. ‘‘We had no idea that this would happen. The court is so big and we just and was prepared to submit the plan to a sep- president of the City Workers’ Coalition to ap- moved the ball all over to the open spots and arate referendum on March 30. Moreover, im- proach City Hall with city workers’ work-related hit a lot of easy baskets.’’ mediately after the failure of the negotiations, concerns. In Friday’s sectional final, Matignon Papadopolous announced that the Greek Cyp- Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you and my col- picked apart Minuteman Tech’s 2–2–1 zone riot side will continue its efforts for reaching a leagues to join me in honoring John Wiggins defense and led by 39 points at halftime. solution to the Cypriot issue within the UN for his many years of commitment to bring Southeastern played much of the same de- framework. safety and security to his community and to fense yesterday and Matignon again picked Likewise, I must express my disappointment his nation through his continued service with it apart with baskets in transition. The War- riors also relied on their outside shooting by to the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash the Mobile Fire and Rescue Department. The hitting eight 3-pointers in the game, with who was unwilling to settle for a compromise Department and the City of Mobile are losing seven of those treys coming before halftime. and rejected the plan. I join the international a valuable and dedicated servant and leader. ‘‘When we play on the bigger courts, it’s outcry at the Turkish side’s obstructive attitude However, I am sure that John’s wife, Joy, and just easier for us to score on transition,’’ and urge Denktash to reconsider his ap- his children, stepchildren and grandchildren Neil said. ‘‘It means that we’re the team

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18MR8.003 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E503 that’s most in shape. We’re a running team young and old, encouraging them to tell their I know that members of our military serve and no one can catch us when they try those own story in their own voice. It is my distinct this nation’s ideals and they demonstrate gimmick zone defenses, the 2–2–1 or the 1–2– honor to represent such a fine and creative those ideals in their code and in their char- 2. We just skip right over that and score so American in this Congress and to know that acter. I have seen their love of this country many easy baskets.’’ Neil set the tone right away for Matignon there are individuals, like Sonja Horoshko, and devotion to the cause of peace and free- when he buried a 3–pointer from the right who constantly strive to create and appreciate dom. I know that their mission is dangerous, elbow just 30 seconds into the game. South- beauty in our world. and I personally thank them for their service. eastern stayed close over the next few min- May God bless our troops and their families, f utes, trailing 10–9, and that’s when Matignon and may God bless America. blew the game wide open. The Warriors went IRAQ on a 16–0 run, including three baskets by jun- f ior Jimmy Guerrier (12 points). ‘‘We were just getting a lot of great HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON INTRODUCTION OF THE MEDICAID looks,’’ said Burke, whose team led 47–20 at OF TEXAS SAFETY NET IMPROVEMENT ACT the half. ‘‘And the ball was falling in the bas- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF 2003 ket. That’s a good team over there and I think some of their early shots that didn’t Tuesday, March 18, 2003 go in just took them out of their game.’’ HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA Matignon opened the second half with an Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. 11–4 run, sparked by a 3-pointer and layup by Mr. Speaker, today, my hopes for peace have OF WISCONSIN Neil and a pair of baskets from McMahon. given way to the reality of war. Although I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES agree with President Bush that Saddam Hus- f Tuesday, March 18, 2003 sein is a dangerous man, I am not convinced TRIBUTE TO SONJA HOROSHKO that a military attack against Iraq is in the best Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today Con- interest of our nation. For this reason, I voted gresswoman WILSON and I are introducing the HON. SCOTT McINNIS against a resolution last year that was the Medicaid Safety Net Improvement Act of 2003. equivalent of a declaration of war which au- This important legislation would increase the OF COLORADO thorized the President to launch a military allowed federal Medicaid disproportionate IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES strike to disarm and possibly overthrow Sad- share hospital (DSH) allotment in ‘‘extremely Tuesday, March 18, 2003 dam Hussein. low-DSH’’ states from one percent to three Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with much The issue is not whether or not Saddam percent of Medicaid program costs. pleasure that I rise today to commend a distin- Hussein is a dangerous dictator who should In the mid-1980s, Congress established the guished artist, Sonja Horoshko of Cortez, Col- be disarmed. Just this past Sunday, we Medicaid DSH program to provide additional orado, for expanding the reach of artistic en- marked the fifteenth anniversary of Saddam funds to certain hospitals that deliver a dis- deavor in Montezuma County and the four- Hussein’s chemical weapons attack on a pre- proportionate share of health care services to corners region. Sonja is a nationally recog- dominantly Kurdish village in northeastern Iraq low-income patients, including Medicaid recipi- nized artist who brings an appreciation for art where 5,000 civilians died. The international ents and the uninsured. By providing financial to diverse communities through her ‘‘Drawing community has an important obligation to en- relief to these facilities, this program ensures Together’’ workshops. Today, I am honored to sure that Saddam Hussein cannot repeat his that all Americans—regardless of ability to pay tribute to her accomplishments before this aggression of the past, and as the world’s pay—have access to critical hospital care. body of Congress and this nation. most powerful country, we must be committed Unfortunately, due to limitations imposed by ‘‘Drawing Together’’ encourages individuals, to lead. Through U.N. inspections, continued the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) and families and communities to create art collec- monitoring and increased scrutiny of Baghdad, the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits tively and with a wide variety of media. In I think we can meet that responsibility. Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 2001, the National Endowment for the Arts Mr. Speaker, we must realize that a pos- (BIPA), there are significant inequities in how awarded Sonja a Challenge America Grant to sible military attack against Iraq would rep- these funds are distributed among states. For present her workshops to four locations in resent a major shift in American diplomatic 18 states, including the State of Wisconsin, Montezuma County. Eighty-one students, ages and strategic thinking. For nearly fifty years, the federal DSH allotments are not allowed to eight to sixty-two, participated. This summer a we relied upon deterrence to check Soviet ex- exceed one percent of the state’s Medicaid film drawn from one of her pioneering work- pansionism. Deterrence brought us victory in program costs. The average state spends shops with third grade Butterfly Dancers will the Cold War without having to fight a hot, about eight percent of its Medicaid funding on be released at Aztec Ruins National Monu- shooting war under the shadow of nuclear an- DSH. ment in New Mexico. nihilation. That same strategy has kept Iraq at This bipartisan legislation would address Since relocating to Montezuma County in bay for more than a decade. Now that doctrine this inequity by raising the share of federal 1993, Sonja has become a fixture of the is on the verge of being discarded. funds to extremely low-DSH states. The 18 Southwestern Colorado Art Community. She There are several other critical questions to states that would benefit from this proposal in- has been an artist in residence at Hovenweep which we’ve heard very few answers. We clude: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, National Monument and has received grants must have a clear plan on how an attack on Iowa, Kansas, , Minnesota, , from Colorado Council of the Arts, the Utah Iraq would transpire, including identifying our Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Okla- Art Council, and the Mesa Verde Museum As- military options, determining our strategy to homa, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyo- sociation, among others. Internationally, she change the regime, calculating the potential ming. It is important to note that this bill would was invited to participate in the 53rd Con- casualties, and estimating how much an oper- not redistribute or reduce the federal DSH al- ference on World Affairs in 2001, where she ation would cost and how it will be funded. lotments in other states. participated in panels connecting art to jour- We must also see a plan to build demo- The Medicaid DSH program plays a tremen- nalism, science, and politics. Sonja’s art has cratic and free-market institutions in a post- dous role in the survival of the safety net that also been a platform for activism in Colorado, Saddam Iraq. History teaches us that how we serves our most vulnerable populations, par- as she represented the rural voice of Monte- win the peace is just as critical as how we win ticularly the rising number of uninsured Ameri- zuma County at a conference in Denver focus- the war. Thus far, these crucial issues have cans, which at last count stands at nearly 42 ing on critical statewide issues including eco- received little attention. million. For many hospital facilities, Medicaid nomic development, tourism, and public For those of us who counseled a peaceful DSH is the main reason they are able to keep health. strategy to disarm Iraq in the months before their doors open. Providing an increase to Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today and this point, it is now time to unite in our support three percent of Medicaid spending in the al- recognize Sonja Horoshko before this body of for the 300,000 brave men and women in the lowable DSH allotment would do a great deal Congress and this nation. Sonja’s career mod- region. I fervently and completely join the to help these low-DSH states support low-in- els the wide scope and influence of art in all President in the hope and prayer for the safe come medical care. its forms. Her workshops teach artistic expres- and quick return of our soldiers to their homes I urge my colleagues to cosponsor and sup- sion to communities and individuals, both and families. port this important legislation.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:18 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.069 E18PT1 E504 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 SECOND OPINION COVERAGE ACT am honored to recognize her accomplish- outraged. Those who gave their lives for our ments before this body of Congress and this independence would be outraged. Those who HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS nation. gave their lives that we might realize the most OF CALIFORNIA Ruth graduated from Centennial High American dream, that ‘‘ail men are created IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES School in Pueblo and attended the University equal, that they are endowed by their Creator of Colorado at Boulder. In the 1950s and 60s with certain unalienable Rights,’’ those leaders Tuesday, March 18, 2003 she was active in the civil rights movement, too would be outraged. Americans who gave Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, registering African-Americans to vote. Since their lives to secure our freedoms would be today, I am introducing the Second Opinion then, she has been a leader for Pueblo’s Afri- outraged. Americans, who this very day face a Coverage Act of 2003—legislation that will en- can-American community. She was a legisla- war to secure our freedoms and liberate Iraq, sure the accessibility and coverage of medical tive aide to state Representatives Wilma are outraged. And friends, I am outraged, too. second opinions. Webb and Arie Taylor, and worked to estab- The time for action has come. Today, I am Imagine that your doctor tells you that you lish a Martin Luther King holiday in Colorado. introducing legislation that would provide for a must undergo radical surgery that may threat- Ruth helped found Pueblo’s orphanage for Constitutional Amendment to protect the en the use of a limb or leave you with a seri- African-American children, the renovated Lin- Pledge of Allegiance and the National Motto, ous chronic condition. Understandably, you coln Home, and the Martin Luther King Cul- ‘‘In God We Trust.’’ would request a second opinion from another tural Center which she now directs. In the fu- Amending the Constitution is never taken physician. Most health care groups see the ture, Ruth hopes to build a multicultural center lightly, nor should it be. Yet Congress can no value in such requests and provide patients next to the Lincoln Home and expand African- longer sit idly while the courts rewrite our na- with a second opinion. Besides giving patients American leadership in Pueblo. She has been tion’s history and traditions. This amendment much needed peace of mind, second opinions a strong advocate of quality education for Afri- is very clean, clear, concise, and unobtrusive can benefit health plans by reducing the num- can-American youth and was recently named as possible. However, it is very effective and ber of invasive procedures and result in better the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce the only way to ensure that the Pledge of Alle- patient care through increased dialogue about Citizen of the Year for her service. giance and the National Motto are protected treatment options. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recog- and preserved. However, when I was a member of the Cali- nize Ruth Steele before this body of Congress I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this bill fornia State Assembly, I heard from a number and this nation for her outstanding commit- and hope that we can begin the process to of patients who experienced a glitch in their ment to the community she calls home. Ruth move it forward. health care coverage. They noticed the ab- has worked tirelessly to build bridges between f sence of a clear process for obtaining medical Pueblo’s disparate communities. Her leader- second opinions. These patients, many strug- ship is an invaluable asset to her neighbors WE THE PEOPLE PROGRAM gling with challenging health conditions, had and fellow citizens. difficulties obtaining second opinions through f HON. LEONARD L. BOSWELL their health plans. OF IOWA INTRODUCTION OF CONSTITU- After meeting with patients, physicians and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TIONAL AMENDMENT TO PRO- health groups, I authored a law in California Tuesday, March 18, 2003 that guarantees coverage of second opinions. TECT THE PLEDGE OF ALLE- Patients, meeting any one of several qualifying GIANCE AND THE NATIONAL Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, on April 26, conditions, are entitled to a timely second MOTTO 2003, more than 1200 students from across opinion by a ‘‘qualified health care profes- the United States will visit Washington, D.C. to sional,’’ within 72 hours in cases of serious or HON. CHARLES W. ‘‘CHIP’’ PICKERING compete in the national finals of the We the imminent health threat. When another expert OF People: The Citizen and the Constitution pro- is not available within the provider group or IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gram, an educational program developed spe- cifically to educate young people about the network, the organization will pay for an ap- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 propriately qualified doctor outside of the plan. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Adminis- Patients are responsible for the costs of appli- Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I come be- tered by the Center for Civic Education, the cable co-payments. fore the House today to introduce legislation We the People program is funded by the U.S. The law in California was a good first step. creating a Constitutional Amendment to pro- Department of Education by act of Congress. Unfortunately, this legislation does not cover tect the Pledge of Allegiance and the National I am proud to announce that the class from the almost 5 million Californians enrolled in Motto. Central Academy from Des Moines will rep- self-insured, federally regulated health plans. Last month, the Ninth Circuit Court of Ap- resent the State of Iowa in this national event. Nationwide, this translates into 67 million per- peals let stand the ruling of a San Francisco These young scholars have worked conscien- sons without guaranteed access to second Federal Court which proclaimed the Pledge of tiously to reach the national finals by partici- opinions. This means that one in four insured Allegiance unconstitutional. There have been pating at local and statewide competitions. As families are not protected by California’s own reports that the next victim of the left’s cru- a result of their experience they have gained second opinion law! I believe the time has sade against the historic heritage of our nation a deep knowledge and understanding of the come to make access to second opinions a could be to challenge the use of our National fundamental principles and values of our con- national standard. Motto, ‘‘In God We Trust,’’ on our currency. stitutional democracy. I urge you, Mr. Speaker, and all of my col- These are unfortunate assaults on Amer- The three-day We the People national com- leagues to pass this critical legislation quickly ica’s tradition of recognizing the role of God in petition is modeled after hearings in the United into law. our country’s life, and as the foundation of our States Congress. The hearings consist of oral liberties. Unfortunately, there has been a trend presentations by high school students before a f in our courts that has sought to remove every panel of adult judges on constitutional topics. TRIBUTE TO RUTH STEELE vestige of God from our country, while child The students are given an opportunity to dem- pornography is protected. onstrate their knowledge while they evaluate, HON. SCOTT McINNIS When our Founding Fathers sought the take, and defend positions on relevant histor- OF COLORADO monumental break between the American ical and contemporary issues. Their testimony IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES people and the British King, they wrote in the is followed by a period of questioning by the Declaration of Independence that they ap- judges who probe the students’ depth of un- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 pealed ‘‘to the Supreme Judge of the world for derstanding and ability to apply their constitu- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to the rectitude of our intentions.’’ They appealed tional knowledge. take this opportunity to recognize Ruth Steele to God to judge their moral condition, their up- The We the People program provides cur- of Pueblo, Colorado for her determination and rightness and righteousness in forming our na- ricular materials at upper elementary, middle, commitment to her community. Ruth is the di- tion. Today, we can forget making any such and high school levels. The curriculum not rector of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday appeal, for our judges have declared that the only enhances students’ understanding of the Commission and Cultural Center, and has mere acknowledgement of God violates our institutions of American constitutional democ- been a tireless activist for African-American in- highest national law. My colleagues, those racy, it also helps them identify the contem- terests in Pueblo and throughout Colorado. I who led our country in years past would be porary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.072 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E505 Rights. Critical thinking exercises, problem- HONORING REVEREND THOMAS The VA, FHA, RHA and PMI programs allow solving activities, and cooperative learning BOND buyers to make a down payment of 3 percent techniques help develop participatory skills or less of the appraised value. Mortgage insur- necessary for the students to become active, HON. SCOTT McINNIS ance is a critical factor in allowing middle-in- responsible citizens. OF COLORADO come families and minorities to become home- The class from Central Academy is currently IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES owners. In Wisconsin, approximately 149,000 preparing for their participation in the national families held mortgages with either FHA or pri- competition in Washington, D.C. It is inspiring Tuesday, March 18, 2003 vate mortgage insurance at the end of 2002. to see these young people advocate the fun- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to Insured mortgages covered nearly 18 percent damental ideals and principles of our govern- take this opportunity to recognize the Rev- of home loans originated in Wisconsin in ment, ideas that identify us as a people and erend Thomas Bond for exemplary service to 2001. Insurance, however, covered about 30 bind us together as a nation. It is important for his community. Eighteen years ago, Reverend percent of the mortgage loans made to His- future generations to understand these values Bond founded the Wayside Cross Gospel- panic borrowers in Wisconsin and 28 percent and principles which we hold as standards in Rescue Mission in Pueblo, Colorado to serve of the loans made to African American bor- our endeavor to preserve and realize the the area’s homeless population. Today, I rowers. promise of our constitutional democracy. I stand before this body of Congress and this In 2001, nationwide, mortgage insurance wish these young ‘‘constitutional experts’’ the nation to recognize his accomplishments. covered 57 percent of mortgage purchase best of luck at the We the People national With its food, housing, and educational pro- loans made to African American and Hispanic finals. grams, the mission provides a hand up, not a borrowers and 54 percent of the loans to bor- f hand-out, for Pueblo’s homeless community. rowers with incomes below the median in- In many cases, the mission has helped rebuild come. The people who use mortgage insur- PERSONAL EXPLANATION lives and reconnect people with families. Rev- ance are policemen, firemen, teachers, and erend Bond provides invaluable assistance to veterans who live in every community through- HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY all people, enabling them to overcome the out the country. Twelve million American fami- OF ILLINOIS challenges of poverty and lead meaningful lies presently use mortgage insurance. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lives. He saw a community need and selflessly Presently these borrowers cannot deduct Tuesday, March 18, 2003 filled it, donating his time, talent, and energy. the cost of their mortgage insurance payments Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, on Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recog- for Federal tax purposes. If mortgage insur- Wednesday, March 12, 2003, during rollcall nize Reverend Thomas Bond for his dedica- ance payments were made deductible, the vote No. 56 on H.R. 659 I was unavoidably tion to improving the lives of his fellow citi- cost of homeownership would be further re- detained. Had I been present, I would have zens. The people of Pueblo are immeasurably duced for these borrowers, enabling new buy- voted ‘‘aye.’’ enriched by his years of selfless service, and ers to get into a home that they might not his retirement from work at the mission is a have been able to afford or to purchase a f tremendous loss to the southern Colorado more valuable home. It is estimated that TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. community. I wish Reverend Bond well in his 300,000 more homeowners per year would re- THOMAS J. RITTER retirement. sult from making these payments tax-deduct- f ible. HON. ROBERT A. BRADY Extending the tax deduction for home mort- MAKING MORTGAGE INSURANCE gage interest payments to mortgage insurance OF PENNSYLVANIA PREMIUMS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES payments will significantly contribute to making the American dream of owning a home come Tuesday, March 18, 2003 HON. PAUL RYAN true for many more of our citizens. Mr. Speak- Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I OF WISCONSIN er, I urge my colleagues to support this impor- rise to acknowledge Reverend Dr. Thomas J. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tant legislation and join me in working towards Ritter, whose contributions to Tuesday, March 18, 2003 its enactment this year. have been multi-faceted and unparalleled. f Beyond being a community activist, builder, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, and leader, Reverend Ritter has served his today, together with my colleagues on the CYPRUS TALKS congregation with the commitment of a dedi- Ways and Means Committee, Mr JEFFERSON cated and loving father for 45 years. Reverend of Louisiana, Mr. SHAW of Florida, Mr. LEWIS HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY Ritter built the Second Macedonia Baptist of Georgia, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. OF NEVADA Church from a small house with six members TANNER of Tennessee, Mr. FOLEY of Florida, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to a large worship center with over a thousand Mr. CANTOR of Virginia, as well as Mr. NEY of Tuesday, March 18, 2003 members with 27 ministries. Ohio, Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin and Mr. HAYES Reverend Ritter’s wide scope of dedication of North Carolina, Mr. RADANOVICH of Cali- Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, last week the to Philadelphia spans more than the religious fornia I am introducing legislation that will ex- world witnessed a tragic setback in the search spectrum. He has been very instrumental in tend the mortgage interest tax deduction to in- for a peaceful settlement on the Island of Cy- the development of many of Philadelphia’s clude mortgage insurance premiums, govern- prus. Nearly 30 years after Turkish troops in- new major business centers. Reverend Ritter ment and private. This is an important piece of vaded and occupied approximately one-third served as the first executive director of the legislation because making mortgage insur- of the territory of Cyprus, the United Nations’ Opportunities Industrialization Center, an orga- ance payments tax-deductible will boost efforts to achieve a negotiated solution ap- nization which has assisted over 75 urban homeownership for lower-income, minority and peared to have a real chance for success. communities throughout the United States and veteran borrowers that typically need mort- U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan convened the world. Additionally, he sits on the board of gage insurance to purchase a home. the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish directors of the Philadelphia Martin Luther It is widely recognized that homeownership Cypriot communities to a meeting at the King Association for Nonviolence, chairs Phila- helps create stable and safe communities. Hague last week, and asked them to agree to delphia’s Human Relations Commission, and Thus, the expansion of homeownership has hold a democratic vote on the U.N.’s plan to has established a community-based volunteer been a longstanding goal of the Federal Gov- establish a bi-communal federation. The Presi- self-help organization called ‘‘Giving of Self ernment. The Bush Administration announced dent of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Partnership.’’ The list of charitable endeavors a goal of 5.5 million new homeowners by the Papadopoulos, speaking for the Greek Cypriot that Reverend Ritter is involved in are innu- year 2010. To achieve that goal, groups that community, agreed to the referendum, despite merable. have typically been unable to purchase reservations with the details of the plan. Unfor- It is a privilege to recognize a person whose homes—young people, low-income, members tunately, Mr. Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cyp- dedicated leadership has enriched the lives of of minority groups—must be able to participate riot leader, rejected it, out-of-hand. countless individuals in both my district and in the housing market. Mr. Denktash’s veto of the U.N. peace plan the nation. I hope that all of my distinguished Government and private mortgage insur- was not only a rejection of the efforts of the colleagues will join me in honoring Reverend ance programs help first-time, low-income and world organization, and the interests of its Dr. Thomas J. Ritter. veteran borrowers afford to purchase a home. member states, but most importantly, in direct

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.074 E18PT1 E506 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 contradiction with the interests of the Turkish Denktash’s rejection of the U.N. referendum It improves beneficiary access to mental Cypriots themselves. This community has rec- proposal, and in voicing hope that the process health services by including within Medicare a ognized that they have the most to gain from can resume. But now it’s time for our govern- number of community-based residential and reunification, and have strongly supported the ment to put the necessary pressure on Mr. intensive outpatient mental health services U.N. plan, as demonstrated by unprecedented Denktash and the government of Turkey to that characterize today’s state-of-the-art clin- popular expressions of support from within the negotiate in good faith and agree to a ref- ical practices. The mental health field has un- community. Mr. Denktash has thwarted the will erendum. Continued obstructionism by Mr. dergone many advances over the past several of the people he purports to represent. Denktash should trigger coordinated U.N. decades. Effective, research-validated inter- The reunification of Cyprus would help to sanctions against the Turkish Cypriot leader. ventions have been developed for many of enhance the local and regional stability of this The new government of Turkey must recog- these mental conditions that affect stricken island nation located a little more than a 100 nize its share of responsibility in the current beneficiaries. Most mental conditions no miles from Israel, Lebanon and Syria, to the stalemate, and show leadership in guiding Mr. longer require long-term hospitalizations, and benefit of all of Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, the Denktash back to the path of peace . If Turkey can be effectively treated in less restrictive U.S., E.U. and the whole world body. Reunifi- refuses to accept that responsibility, and Mr. community settings. This bill recognizes these cation would be a great boon economically to Denktash continues his intransigence, the gov- advances in clinical treatment practices and the Turkish Cypriots, as the Greek Cypriot ernment of the U.S. must consider those pol- adjusts Medicare’s mental health coverage to community is about to join the E.U. and com- icy prescriptions, of the highest orders, to account for them. mand the many political and economic advan- bring the parties back to the table. The peace It further improves access to needed mental tages of membership in that cgmmunity. A set- of the region, and the well-being of the Cypriot health services by addressing the shortage of tlement would have allowed the Turkish Cyp- people, are too important to allow Mr. qualified mental health professionals serving riots to join in those benefits. Failure has con- Denktash to destroy all our hopes for peace. older and disabled Americans in rural and demned them to suffer without. f other medically underserved areas by allowing If the civilian and military leaders in Ankara state licensed marriage and family therapists were serious about achieving a negotiated set- INTRODUCTION OF THE MEDICARE and mental health counselors to provide Medi- tlement on Cyprus, they could clearly prevail MENTAL HEALTH MODERNIZA- care-covered services. Similarly, it corrects a upon Mr. Denktash to deal in good faith. By TION ACT OF 2003 legislative oversight that will facilitate the pro- doing so, Turkey would not only be helping vision of mental health services by clinical so- the Turkish Cypriots, but would be acting in its HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK cial workers within skilled nursing facilities. own self-interest, as Turkey’s own bid for E.U. OF CALIFORNIA It requires the Secretary of Health and membership hinges to a significant degree on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Human Services to conduct a study to exam- its playing a constructive role in ending the di- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 ine whether the Medicare criteria to cover vision of Cyprus. On March 4th of this year, therapeutic services to beneficiaries with Alz- the E.U. warned Turkey that ‘‘if Cyprus settle- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a group heimer’s and related cognitive disorders dis- ment efforts failed, the E.U. would find it very of colleagues to introduce the Medicare Men- tal Health Modernization Act of 2003. Medi- criminates by being too restrictive. difficult to start accession talks with Turkey’’ The push for mental health parity is ongo- since Turkey would find itself in the untenable care’s mental health coverage is woefully in- adequate. Instead of the standard 20 percent ing. We’ve made important strides forward for position of not only failing to recognize a the under–65 population. Twenty-three states member of the E.U.—Turkey still does not rec- coinsurance payment required by bene- have already enacted full mental health parity ognize the Republic of Cyprus—but also occu- ficiaries, mental health services require a 50 and the Federal Employees Health Benefits pying militarily part of E.U. territory. percent co-payment, limited community-based As in any process of negotiations, both treatments are covered, and there is a cap on Plan was improved in 2001 to assure that all sides have to give up something. The Greek mental health hospitalization days. The bill we federal employees are provided mental health Cypriot side has, over the years, made one are introducing today eliminates this blatant parity. Last April, President Bush called for concession after another in the search for mental health discrimination from Medicare Congress to enact legislation to provide peace. The most recent plan put forward by and modernizes the Medicare mental health equivalence for private sector health insurance Secretary General Annan forced the Govern- benefit to meet today’s standards of care. coverage of mental and physical conditions ment of the Republic of Cyprus to make many In the past, the late Senator Paul Wellstone (though he has yet to endorse any legislation difficult decisions. Still, at the end of the day, championed this effort in the U.S. Senate. to achieve that goal). This year, legislation to President Papadopoulos—who was just re- This year, Senator JON CORZINE has stepped enact real mental health parity for those with cently elected in free and fair elections—was forward to introduce the companion legislation private health insurance already has the bipar- willing to put the Plan before the people in a in the Senate. I want to thank Senator tisan support of 180 members in the House democratic manner. CORZINE for his commendable efforts on be- and 43 U.S. Senators. I fully support these ef- On the other hand, Mr. Denktash, who has half of this important legislation. forts as well. been in power for three decades, was unwill- One in five members of our senior popu- What has been too-often missing from this ing to concede on his demand for two sepa- lation display mental difficulties that are not overall mental health parity debate is the fact rate states—a goal completely contrary to the part of the normal aging process. In primary that the Medicare program continues to fail to reunification favored by the people of Cyprus care settings, over a third of senior citizens meet the mental health needs of America’s and the entire world community. Mr. Denktash demonstrate symptoms of depression and im- seniors and those with disabilities. That’s why is apparently afraid of what his own people paired social functioning. Older adults also we’ve introduced the Medicare Mental Health would say when given a chance to express have the highest rate of suicide of any seg- Modernization Act. That’s also why this bill their views at the ballot box. ment of our population. Furthermore, mental has received support from numerous mental This latest setback need not be a fatal one illness is the single largest diagnostic category health advocacy and provider organizations in- for the peace process of Cyprus. President for Medicare beneficiaries on disability. There cluding: the National Mental Health Associa- Papadopoulos has left the door wide open to is a critical need for effective and accessible tion, the American Association of Geriatric resuming the process of negotiations. After the mental health care for the Medicare popu- Psychiatry, the American Association of Mar- Hague meeting, President Papadopoulos said lation. Unfortunately, the current structure of riage and Family Therapists, the American that the Greek Cypriot side will ‘‘continue the Medicare mental health benefits is inadequate Counseling Association, the American Mental efforts for reaching a solution to the Cyprus and presents multiple barriers to treatment ac- Health Counselors Association, the American question both before and after Cyprus joins cess. This bill addresses these problems. Psychological Association, the National Asso- the E.U.’’ Furthermore, on his return from the The Medicare Mental Health Modernization ciation of County Mental Health Directors and Hague to Cyprus, Mr. Papadopoulos pledged Act is a straightforward bill that improves the National Association of Social Workers. one more time to ‘‘continue the efforts for a Medicare’s mental health benefits as follows: When Medicare was created in 1965, men- Cyprus settlement that would properly serve It reduces the discriminatory co-payment for tal health treatment was very different than it the interests of both Cyprus communities, outpatient mental health services from 50 to is today. Over the years, Congress has up- Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots,’’ adding the 20 percent level charged for most other dated Medicare’s benefits as the practice of that there ‘‘are no last chances’’ for a Cyprus Part B medical services. medicine has changed. It is past time for us to solution. It eliminates the arbitrary 190-day lifetime take this action with regard to Medicare’s cur- Our State Department has been clear in ex- cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hos- rently inadequate mental health benefits. The pressing its disappointment over Mr. pitals. Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.078 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E507 2003 removes discriminatory features from the On Wednesday, March 19, WIVK will cele- The measure passed, and ‘‘the next morn- Medicare mental health benefits and helps fa- brate its 50th anniversary with a gala that ing Mull was packing up his records and he cilitate access to up-to-date and affordable will include testimonials from stars like left the station,’’ Dick remembered. Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Rogers, Rock ‘n’ roll did serious damage to country mental health services for our elderly and dis- Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels and Ray Price. music’s popularity in the late 1950s and early abled. I encourage my colleagues to support There’ll also be stories and reminisces from 1960s. Stations across the country abandoned its passage into law. the station’s longtime personalities. the format for Top 40. Local country favorite f Few would’ve given the station much hope WNOX had already abandoned country music in 1953 when young radioman Jim Dick put when WIVK followed suit in 1961. TRIBUTE TO MR. JIM DICK AND WIVK-AM on the air with $3,000 of his sav- That was about the time a young an- WIVK ings. At the time WIVK was just a 1,000-watt nouncer named Bobby Denton was trying to station that operated from sunrise to sunset break into radio. only. ‘‘I started in radio by announcing drag HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. Dick initially rented space on the second races from Maryville Drag Strip after school OF TENNESSEE floor of Greene’s Hardware on North Gay on WSKT,’’ said Denton, who is now offi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Street and broadcast at 850 on the AM dial. cially retired but still serves as a consultant to current WIVK owner Citadel Communica- Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Dick didn’t think the location of the station mattered much. tions. Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ‘‘Absolutely the most important thing I Denton became acquainted with Tomlin- pay tribute to Jim Dick and WIVK, the radio did was to determine who were good people son, who then persuaded Dick to give Denton station he created in Knoxville, Tennessee. On and hired them,’’ said Dick, who is now 84. a job at WIVK. But Dick was not impressed Dick’s ‘‘good people’’ became regional with his new hire’s broadcasting skills. Wednesday, March 19, WIVK celebrates its ‘‘He said, ‘This guy is so bad we have to get 50th anniversary. icons: ‘‘Big Jim’’ Hess, Claude ‘‘The Cat’’ Tomlinson, and later, Bobby Denton, Ed him off the air!’ ’’ Denton recalled. Five decades ago, Jim Dick applied for and During the station’s three years of playing Brantley, Mike Hammond, Mickey Top 40, they found the field crowded. WNOX received a license from the Federal Commu- Dearstone, Dave Young and other personal- and WKGN dominated the Top 40 format, and nications Commission to build and operate a ities became part of Knoxville’s cultural in 1964, WIVK moved to all-country program- 1,000–watt AM radio station. At that moment, landscape. ming. In its infancy the station aired programs Dick Broadcasting Company was created. In 1965 two pivotal events took place. hosted by gospel music impresario the Rev. Jim Dick is certainly a visionary. He was WIVK was granted permission to increase its J. Bazzel Mull and millionaire grocer Cas one of the first people in the radio business to AM signal from 1,000 to 50,000 watts and an Walker, who began broadcasting musical understand the importance of broadcasting on FM sister station was established. FM’s re- shows in 1929 to promote his grocery stores. placement, because of its clearer signal, of the FM dial. He is also one of the most ad- The station also hired A. C. Wilson, one of the AM radio format was still years away, mired and respected businessmen in East the city’s first black disc jockeys in 1954. but Dick had the foresight to promote FM Tennessee. Wilson hosted ‘‘The Acey Boy Show,’’ which WIVK-AM debuted playing a wide range of heavily from the outset. featured jazz and hot rhythm and blues. ‘‘We would sign off at sunset and say, ‘If ‘‘He was a super guy,’’ recalled Dick. ‘‘If he music including gospel, country, jazz and oth- you just have half a radio, we’ll have to say hadn’t have died, he could’ve really gone ers. The station only operated during the day- goodnight until tomorrow morning. But if places.’’ time hours in the early years. WIVK has grown you have a whole radio, you can tune us in Hess and Tomlinson were the first two disc immensely since then and is now a part of the at 107.7 FM.’ ’’ Dick recalled. ‘‘Car dealer- jockeys to establish themselves at the sta- ships would tell us that people came in want- Las Vegas based Citadel Communications tion with the team ‘‘Big Jim’’ and ‘‘Little ing to buy a car with a ‘whole radio.’ ’’ By Corporation. Alf.’’ The duo’s mischief on the air was but the mid-1970s, however, FM was the domi- Jim Dick and everyone at WIVK have al- a pale shadow of the trickery they pulled off ways supported the community and have nant frequency. it. With its new, more powerful signal, WIVK- They particularly delighted in playing given so much to the citizens of their listening AM shifted into high gear. Longtime morn- jokes on Rev. Mull, whose eyesight was so area. Almost everyone in East Tennessee re- ing disc jockey Tomlinson created the char- poor he was classed as legally blind. Once lies on WIVK for great country music, timely acters ‘‘Ol’ Man Schultz’’ and simple soul Hess and Tomlinson put Mull’s car up on news and information, as well as radio broad- ‘‘Lester Longmire.’’ The characters would blocks just barely off the ground while the remain regional favorites for the next 25 casts of University of Tennessee football preacher and his wife were on the air. When years. games. the Mulls attempted to leave the station Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratu- The station also began hosting a series of with Mrs. Mull at the wheel, the car’s tires country concerts and championing country late Jim Dick, all of the staff at WIVK, Citadel simply spun in the air. Thinking the vehicle performers. In its early days the station had Communications Corporation and all of those was somehow stuck, Mull got out and pushed had young singer Dolly Parton performing in people who have given so much of them- it, knocking it off the blocks and sending it its small downstairs auditorium on Cas selves to make this great radio station the and Mrs. Mull sailing. Walker’s program. She had also recorded best in the Country. I have also included an On another occasion the pranksters rigged early demos after hours in the station’s stu- the studio so that when Mull’s program went dios. article from the Knoxville News-Sentinel that on the air, what the preacher heard in the celebrates the 50-year anniversary of WIVK By the mid–1960s the station was beginning studio was Elvis Presley singing ‘‘All Shook to wield enough influence to have a big im- that I would like to call to the attention of my Up,’’ while the radio audience listened to the pact in the country music field. For example, fellow Members and other readers of the gospel number that was actually on the Denton has long been credited with per- RECORD. turntable. suading Jerry Lee Lewis to give country [From the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Mar. 16, One of the pair’s jokes riled Mull so badly music a shot when his rock ’n’ roll career 2003] that he promised to go to Dick and get them was at an ebb. fired. But Tomlinson, who was a master THE FROG HITS 50: WIVK CELEBRATES HALF A ‘‘We became good friends, and he would mimic and could imitate Dick perfectly, CENTURY OF BROADCASTING come to my house,’’ Denton recalled. ‘‘I slipped into the boss’ office before Mull got think I just said ‘Jerry Lee, I think if you (By Wayne Bledsoe) there. The preacher’s eyesight was so poor, would record country, people would buy it.’ ’’ Radio station WIVK is as much a part of he didn’t detect the impersonation, and Lewis replied that he was country and was East Tennessee as UT football and the rush Tomlinson promised Mull that severe pun- a far sight better country singer than some for bread and milk at the first hint of snow. ishment would be dealt to Hess and himself. of the current country stars. Shortly there- Through five decades of changing musical ‘‘The Rev. J. Bazzel Mull was very impor- after, in 1968, Lewis began a string of coun- tastes, the station has unapologetically tant to WIVK’s early success,’’ said Dick, try Top 10 hits. played country music and retained an un- who could be both amused and frustrated by Other stars have credited the station with precedented share of the listening audience. his employees’ antics. helping establish their careers. Alabama’s The station has helped launch the careers of It wasn’t the jokes, though, that finally Randy Owen has long recounted how he and country stars and even influenced the gen- drove Mull from WIVK; it was a referendum his wife stopped at the station with the first eral direction of country music. to legalize liquor in Knoxville in the early single recorded by the group, which was then ‘‘It’s hard to come up with another station 1960s. calling itself Wild Country. Owen went inside to compare them to because WIVK is such a Both Mull and Cas Walker were vehe- and asked then-program director Denton if standout in the radio community,’’ said An- mently against the measure and campaigned he would take time to listen to the record. gela King, associate country editor of Radio vigorously against it on shows. But Dick ‘‘We listened to it,’’ Denton recalled, ‘‘and & Records. ‘‘People in the industry say, ‘This read an editorial on the air supporting legal I said ‘That’s pretty good!’ ’’ is a model of how a radio station should liquor, and his comments were reprinted in Owen and his wife then drove down King- be.’ ’’ the News Sentinel. ston Pike and were on their way to the

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.081 E18PT1 E508 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 18, 2003 band’s Myrtle Beach base when Denton put Jim Dick is no longer involved with either women will perform admirably and we all hope the single on the air. station. Dick Broadcasting sold WIVK and 11 they will achieve their objectives quickly and ‘‘Randy said he just pulled the car over and other stations to Las Vegas-based Citadel with minimal loss of life, but my reservations started hugging his wife and crying because Communications for $300 million in 2000. about this approaching war remain as strong that was the first time he had ever heard his However, Dick does visit the station and has song on the radio,’’ Denton recalled. warm feelings for the people still involved today as they have ever been. Kenny Rogers’ first appearance as a coun- with the project he began 50 years ago. Although I agree with the President that we try performer was at one of the station’s ‘‘I’m very proud of them,’’ says Dick. must eliminate the threat posed by Saddam concerts in 1975. ‘‘Very proud.’’ Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction, ‘‘He was scared to death,’’ remembered f I still believe it is at the least premature, and Denton. ‘‘He didn’t know how the crowd more likely contrary to our national interest, to would respond to him.’’ PAYING TRIBUTE TO U.S. ARMY launch a military attack against Iraq now. I East Tennessee natives Con Hunley and current superstar Kenny Chesney were also SPECIALIST LUCAS V. TRIPP firmly believe that we could better achieve our championed early on the station. objectives in Iraq by building a strong inter- Ed Brantley, now WIVK’s vice-president HON. SCOTT McINNIS national coalition capable of not only winning and general manager, started at the station the war, but also capable of winning the OF COLORADO in 1973 as a part-time announcer and hosted peace. the station’s first call-in talk show, ‘‘Sound IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES When thinking about whether or not we Off.’’ Tuesday, March 18, 2003 should go to war against Iraq, I find myself re- ‘‘That was when country definitely wasn’t turning repeatedly to one basic question. Will the cool format,’’ said Brantley, ‘‘but the Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a people who did like it were a solid base.’’ heavy heart that I stand before you today to American-led military action against Iraq im- The ‘‘solid base’’ became even more solid honor a young man tragically taken from this prove the security of the American people as the decade went on with the station draw- earth while in the service of his country. U.S. against the threat of terrorism and weapons of ing an almost unheard of 20-plus market Army Specialist Lucas V. Tripp of Aurora, Col- mass destruction? I believe the answer is no. share. Much of that had to do with the sta- orado was one of ten soldiers killed in the un- I remain concerned that an immediate at- tion establishing a solid news department fortunate Black Hawk helicopter accident near tack on Iraq would significantly rise the chance and broadcasting regular weather reports of terrorism here at home, while overseas I Fort Drum, New York last Tuesday. Those and school closings. In 1978 the station began fear that a cornered Saddam Hussein would who seek the true meaning of duty, honor, broadcasting UT football games, which fur- release his arsenal of chemical, biological, and ther solidified its audience base. and sacrifice will find it in dedicated servants possible nuclear weapons on American sol- Some of the WIVK’s success was due to its like Luke Tripp and his fellow soldiers. I am diers or on his neighbors in the region, includ- programmers knowing the tastes of the audi- truly humbled to honor them before this body ing Israel. He could also pass them on to ter- ence. Brantley said the station took chances of Congress and this nation. with several artists who dipped their toes rorists and speed their arrival to American Luke joined the Army four years ago and, into country. When the Pointer Sisters re- shores. But it is not fear of danger to America like so many young men and women before leased the song ‘‘Fairytale,’’ WIVK was one that gives us pause. Americans are brave him, he saw it as an opportunity to serve our of the first to add it to the regular rotation. enough to face danger if necessary. However, great nation. After enlisting, Luke graduated The station was also an early supporter of there is no evidence I have seen either in Olivia Newton-John’s music. from boot camp at the top of his class and ‘‘We played a lot of crossover,’’ said classified or public briefings that convinces me quickly rose through the ranks, eventually be- that this war is necessary now. Brantley, ‘‘and then with ‘Urban Cowboy’ it coming a Black Hawk crew chief and certified just broke loose.’’ Furthermore, even if we prosecute a suc- At that time the station was receiving rat- flight instructor. Luke could rappel out of a cessful war, which I have no doubt our brave ings for its AM and FM stations as one num- hovering helicopter into a hostile area and re- men and women in uniform would, I have ber, sometimes giving it better than a 30– pair damaged aircraft, an action that requires questions about our ability to win the post-war point market share. Typical successful sta- stunning bravery. The accident last week oc- peace. A war and subsequent American occu- tions in other similar-sized markets were curred as the 13 crew members returned from pation of Iraq would likely send a destabilizing happy when they hit a 10 share. a training exercise in upstate New York, where shockwave throughout the Middle East and ig- Through the years a few local stations they had been preparing for a possible deploy- have challenged WIVK by going with a coun- nite violent anti-Americansim, giving rise to fu- try format, but none have succeeded. ment in the case of war. Luke’s best friend ture threats to our national security. While I ‘‘Our research showed that it would take a was the first to reach the crash site and re- have no doubt that we would successfully de- direct competitor five years and $5 million ported that he found Luke heroically shielding pose Saddam Hussein, I am concerned that dollars in advertising and promotions to one of the two survivors. the act of extinguishing Saddam would in- even compete with us,’’ Denton said. Mr. Speaker, I cannot fully express my deep flame, rather than diminish, the terrorist threat The only time that WIVK–FM seemed vul- sense of gratitude for the sacrifice of these nerable was when Claude Tomlinson became to the United States. The ensuring anti-Amer- ill in 1990. During his illness, the station young soldiers and their families. Throughout ican sentiment could reinvigorate the terrorists’ would let Tomlinson broadcast from his our history, men and women in uniform have pursuit of the loose nuclear weapons in the home and sometimes his hospital bed. fought our battles with distinction and courage. former Soviet Union—a greater threat than Tomlinson died in 1991 and was replaced by At the dawn of this new century, the United Iraq, I might add, one that America has largely the team Darren Wilhite and Tim Wall. The States military has once again been called to neglected. duo remained with the station for six years defend our freedom and ideals against a new We can and should take the lead in elimi- until they were replaced by Andy (Jerry and emerging threat. Soldiers like Luke and nating the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, Chistopher Ritchie) and Alison (West) in 1997. his crew embody America’s determination to but this Administration has not made a con- Ritchie said that his and West’s goal in lead the world in confronting that threat and I vincing case to the world that war is nec- coming to such a hugely successful station know that their awesome sacrifice will not be essary. Instead, it has used aggressive rhet- was to ‘‘just not screw it up.’’ They were sur- in vain. They have done all Americans proud oric to wage a diplomatic war on our allies that prised by the career longevity they encoun- and I know they have the respect and admira- is straining our international relationships and tered. tion of all of my colleagues here today. alienating America from the world. While I do ‘‘It’s pleasantly unusual to find anybody not believe that we need the permission of our who’s been at the same station for five years, f allies to take action, I do believe that we need much less 35,’’ said Ritchie. ‘‘It’s exciting to IRAQ find some stability.’’ their partnership to be successful in the long In fact, the station’s personalities have run. nearly all been with WIVK for more than five HON. RUSH D. HOLT In order to be successful, we must lead the years and have become part of the culture as OF NEW JERSEY world community. But leadership is not simply their predecessors did. Andy and Alison, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES about acting boldly—it means bringing along Gunner, Colleen Addair, Hoss and Jack Ryan others to act boldly with you. We need to dis- are all part of the fabric of East Tennessee. Tuesday, March 18, 2003 arm and dismantle Saddam’s arsenal, but we After the FM station became the dominant vehicle for WIVK, the AM station in 1987 Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise before the should do so with the support of the world. moved to 990–AM, the former frequency of House today to question the merits of the mis- This Administration, however, has failed to WNOX. In 1992 it shifted to all-talk and news sion this Administration will soon ask the earn the support of our allies. And so, in place format and became the region’s most popular brave men and women of our armed forces to of leadership, we have questions and ulti- station in that format. undertake. I am sure that our servicemen and mately instability.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 06:08 Mar 19, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18MR8.085 E18PT1 March 18, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E509 This Administration has yet to explain how he explain first to a joint session of Congress if a war is not deemed necessary, if it is not military action make Americans more safe, not exactly how a war could affect our other inter- indeed a last resort, then the price in dollars less. It has also failed to explain to the Amer- national interests, what our plan is for achiev- and blood is too great. ican public what our responsibilities would be ing a long-term stabilization of post-conflict in a post-Saddam Iraq. How will we guarantee Iraq, and approximately how much military ac- Since it now appears that arguments the security of our soldiers and the Iraqi peo- tion and post-war reconstruction would likely against the war are too late, we must turn our ple? How will we guarantee the success of a cost. The American people deserve to know attention to working with other countries dip- democratic transition? How many hundreds of the answers to these questions. lomatically and to prosecuting the war as hu- billions of dollars would it cost to rebuild Iraq? Americans are willing to pay any price and manely as possible so that we will be able to If the President has determined that military bear any burden to advance the American pick up the pieces when the fighting is over. action against Iraq is necessary, I request that ideals of liberty, equality and peace. However,

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