November 6, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2331 during the War on Terror we must uphold solemn obligation to fulfill our promises to mense responsibility on dedicated but over- our commitment to veterans upon their re- them. We ask for you to look past the extended members of the House and Senate, turn home. heightened partisanship of our times and Earlier in the year, the new Majority unite us on this issue by making it a first the Vice President of the United States and agreed they would continue the trend of sig- priority to quickly bring a stand alone Vet- Chief Justice of the United States Supreme nificant increases in veterans funding begun erans appropriations bill through conference Court, fully half of the board, who must per- by the Republican Congress. We ask you to so the Congress may present the President form their fiduciary duties as board members honor that agreement and see the commit- with a bill by October 1, 2007. while giving first priority to their sworn respon- ment we made to our veterans is upheld. We stand ready to assist you in reaching sibilities as important Federal officials. We must never forget the sacrifice of our this goal. veterans. As members of Congress, we have a Sincerely, The need for new revenue streams and for solemn obligation to fulfill our promises to Steve Pearce, Gus Bilirakis, Thelma a modern governance structure has been them. We ask you to look past the height- Drake, Pete Sessions, Louie Gohmert, clear for years but can no longer be avoided ened partisanship of our times and unite us Jean Schmidt, Jim Saxton, Dana Rohr- on this issue by making it a first priority to following unprecedented controversies and ir- abacher, Mario Diaz-Balart, Sue responsible risks taken by Smithsonian man- bring a stand-alone veterans appropriations Myrick, Tom Feeney. bill through conference so the Congress may Jon Porter, Rick Renzi, Marilyn agement. The Smithsonian’s first full-blown present the President with a bill no later Musgrave, Michael Burgess, Michael scandal in its 160 year history, replete with than October 12, 2007. Conaway, Mark Souder, Tim Walberg, embarrassing coverage, has damaged the Sincerely, Steve King, Ron Lewis, Jeff Miller, Smithsonian’s reputation and perhaps the con- Steve Pearce, Tim Walberg, Jean Tom Tancredo. fidence of potential contributors. The poor Schmidt, Darrell Issa, Jim Saxton, Don Steve Buyer, Peter Roskam, John Mica, judgment and overreaching of Smithsonian Young, Scott Garrett, Jeff Miller, John Kline, Paul Ryan, Greg Walden, Trent Franks, Duncan Hunter, Jo Ann Tom Price, Mary Fallin, Randy Forbes, personnel require new and concentrated over- Davis, Pete Sessions. Mary Bono, Spencer Bachus. sight by citizens from whom the Smithsonian Phil Gingrey, Phil English, Thelma Dean Heller, Barbara Cubin, John can command priority attention. The Regents, Drake, Jeb Hensarling, Ginny Brown- Shimkus, Jim Gerlach, Jeb Hensarling, of course, have taken some important action Waite, Peter Roskam, Vito Fossella, Geoff Davis, Scott Garrett, Adrian on their own. After irregularities were uncov- Lincoln Diaz-Balart, John Carter, Dan Smith, Mike Ferguson, Don Young, Burton, K. Michael Conaway, John ered by the media, the Regents responded to Ginny Brown-Waite. the controversies by creating a Governance Kuhl. f Tom Feeney, Tom Price, James Sensen- Committee, chaired by Patty Stonesifer, a Re- brenner, Gus Bilirakis, Wally Herger, SMITHSONIAN MODERNIZATION gent who is chief executive officer of the Bill Doug Lamborn, Greg Walden, Gary ACT OF 2007 & Melinda Gates Foundation, with a mandate Miller, Michele Bachmann, John Kline, to comprehensively review the policies and Tom Tancredo, Geoff Davis. HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON practices of the Smithsonian and how the Adrian Smith, Paul Ryan, John Doo- OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA little, John Peterson, Rick Renzi, Board conducts its oversight of the Institution. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mark Souder, Louie Gohmert, Michael The Board also established an Independent McCaul, Randy Neugebauer, Wayne Tuesday, November 6, 2007 Review Committee (IRC), chaired by Charles Gilchrest, Jim Gerlach. Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, the Smith- A. Bowsher, former Comptroller General of the CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, sonian Institution is a unique and irreplaceable United States, to review the issues arising Washington, DC, September 17, 2007. cultural, historical, educational and artistic from the Inspector General’s reports, the Re- OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER, complex without any public or private counter- gents’ response, and related Smithsonian U.S. Capitol, part in the world. Since its founding, the Washington, DC. practices. MADAM SPEAKER: We write to urge you in Smithsonian has become an extraordinary The Independent Review was forthright in the strongest possible terms to reach a array of world class museums, galleries, edu- its investigation and recommendations. The prompt agreement on the conference report cational showplaces and unique research cen- IRC stated explicitly in its report that the root on the FY2008 Military Construction and ters including 19 museums and galleries, 9 re- cause of the current problems at the Smithso- Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R. search facilities, the National Zoo, and a Na- nian was an antiquated governance structure 2642). Few issues are more important than tional Museum of African American History adequate funding for our nation’s veterans. and Culture, approved by Congress, now that led to failures in governance and manage- The leadership in the House cannot allow ment. According to the IRC, the Board of Re- this critically important funding to fall vic- seeking funding from the private sector for construction. The Smithsonian has grown with gents for the Smithsonian must recognize a fi- tim to the usual partisan wrangling which duciary responsibility that carries a ‘‘major occurs all too often in Washington. trust funds, donations from American culture Veterans should not be used as tools for and life, and other financial contributions. commitment of time and effort, a reputational political bargaining and gamesmanship. However, most of its funding continues to risk and potentially, financial liability.’’ The IRC Both the House and Senate passed the FY08 come from federal appropriations. Despite re- further found that the Smithsonian, with a MilCon-Veterans appropriations with over- ceiving 70 percent of its support from the fed- budget of over $1 billion a year, must have a whelming majorities because our commit- Board of Regents who ‘‘act as true fiduciaries ment to veterans rises above partisan squab- eral government, the Smithsonian has long bling. Tragedies such as the recent revela- had serious and mounting unmet infrastructure and who have both the time and the experi- tions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other financial needs. Infrastructure needs ence to assume the responsibilities of setting must never be repeated. The findings of in- have increased to $2.5 billion, and continuing strategy and providing oversight. Time is a sufficient care at Walter Reed and other fa- deterioration threatens exhibits and restricts major factor.’’ The IRC cited lack of clarity of cilities should be seen by Congress as a man- access. Congress must help the Smithsonian the roles of the Vice President and Chief Jus- date to finish the work and live up to the Institution strengthen its ability to build re- tice on the Board, and said that ‘‘it is not fea- promises we have made to our veterans. After decades of flat funding, total VA sources beyond what taxpayers are able to sible to expect the Chief Justice to devote the budget rose from $48 billion in FY 2001 to ap- provide. The most important step that Con- hours necessary to serve as a fiduciary proximately $70 billion in FY 2006, a 46 per- gress could take today is to finally rescue the agent.’’ The same might be said of members cent increase. This year, the House voted to Smithsonian from the 19th century governance of the House and Senate who serve. The IRC increase funding by $6 billion dollars over structure that keeps it from accessing needed recommends expanding the level of expertise FY07, one of the largest in the 77 year his- available private resources and limits close and number of board members and ensuring tory of the Department of Veterans Affairs. and critical internal oversight similar to what Both the Senate and House versions received that Regents who are appointed have suffi- overwhelming majority support passing by a public and private facilities receive today. This cient time and attention to dedicate to the vote of 409–2 in the House and 92–1 in the bill provides a structure befitting an agency of Smithsonian. Senate. the unique complexity of the Smithsonian’s, Earlier in the year, the new Majority without which these goals cannot be reached. The Smithsonian’s own Governance Com- agreed they would continue the trend of sig- In no small part, the difficulty the Smithso- mittee identified several board weaknesses nificant increases in veterans funding begun nian has faced results from limitations inherent and concluded that the Regents did not re- by the Republican Congress. We ask you to to its antiquated governance structure. The ex- ceive or demand the reports necessary for honor that agreement and see that the com- isting structure may have fit the Smithsonian competent decision making, that staff whom mitment we made to our veterans is hon- ored. 160 years ago, but today, the structure has the Regents depended upon for oversight in- We must never forget the sacrifice of our proven to be a relic that has disserved the In- quiries, did not have direct access or the rela- veterans. As members of Congress, we have a stitution. The present governance places im- tionships necessary to bring forward important

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:10 Nov 07, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06NO8.018 E06NOPT1 ccoleman on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E2332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 6, 2007 issues, and that the inability of staff to commu- Had I been present for rollcall 1035, H.R. Ohio and Beautiful Ohio. There are very few nicate red flag issues ‘‘crippled’’ internal com- 513, on a motion to suspend the rules and non band members who have had the rare pliance and oversight mechanisms. pass, as amended the National Heroes Credit honor of dotting the ‘‘i’’ during the famous f Protection Act, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Script Ohio formation; however, Mr. Heine is Had I been present for rollcall 1036, H. Res. one of the select few to be so honored by the STOP TUBERCULOSIS (TB) NOW 744, on a motion to suspend the rules and Ohio State Marching Band. ACT OF 2007 agree to a measure recognizing the contribu- Madam Speaker, I’ve seen the Ohio State SPEECH OF tions of Native American veterans and calling Marching Band and Script Ohio formation upon the President to issue a proclamation many times and there is little doubt that the HON. GENE GREEN urging the people of the United States to ob- band referred to as ‘‘The Best Damn Band in OF TEXAS serve a day in honor of Native American vet- the Land’’ is exactly that, and Mr. Heine IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES erans, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ played no small part in that legacy. Monday, November 5, 2007 f It was with sadness that I learned that Mr. Heine passed away October 11, 2007 at the Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, HONORING NANCY KEEFER, RE- I rise in strong support of this legislation. age of 91. Richard’s memory will live on in the CIPIENT OF BONITA SPRINGS 2007 lives of those he touched, and every Saturday There is a great need, at home and abroad, CITIZEN OF THE YEAR for increased resources against the fight of in the fall as the sounds he created echo in Tuberculosis. Worldwide, nearly 2 million peo- the hearts of football fans across the country. ple died from TB in 2006. Adding to the prob- HON. CONNIE MACK f OF FLORIDA lem, the TB germ is changing and new, drug- PERSONAL EXPLANATION resistant strains have been found in 28 coun- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tries on 6 continents, including the U.S. The Tuesday, November 6, 2007 HON. BILL SHUSTER Stop Tuberculosis Now Act of 2007 requires Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to the President to make TB prevention, treat- OF PENNSYLVANIA honor Nancy Keefer, Bonita Springs 2007 Cit- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment and elimination a priority. This act au- izen of the Year, for her years of dedicated thorizes the President to increase aid to the service to southwest Florida. Nancy exempli- Tuesday, November 6, 2007 World Health Organization through USAID fies the ideals that we in southwest Florida Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall specifically for TB strategies against these hold dear. No. 1034, 1035, and 1036 I was not present drug-resistant strains and to support affected Over the last decade, Nancy’s energy and because I was delayed returning from Iraq on countries, also increasing appropriations for dedication for Bonita Springs has led to great official travel. CDCP and TB programs. service and leadership in our community. In Had I been present, I would have voted This legislation addresses the need abroad, addition to serving as the president of the ‘‘yes’’ on each of these rollcall votes. but we also still need more interest here in the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce since states. That is why I introduced The Com- f 1997, she is a member of the Bonita Springs prehensive TB Elimination Act (H.R. 1532) Rotary Club, on the Bonita Springs YMCA PERSONAL EXPLANATION earlier this year to confront that exact problem. board of directors and is a member of the In 2005, more than 14,000 people had TB in International College President’s Council. the U.S., including over 1500 cases in Texas. HON. TIM MURPHY Nancy is also a member of the Southwest There also is an estimated 10 to 15 million OF PENNSYLVANIA Florida Transportation Initiative. people in the U.S. with latent TB, approxi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES We all owe a tremendous amount of appre- mately 10 percent of which will go on to de- Tuesday, November 6, 2007 ciation to Nancy for showing our community velop active TB. In the face of this problem, what leadership and service truly means. Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam the standard method for diagnosis is more I’m honored to represent such a remarkable Speaker, had I been present, I would have than 100 years and isn’t adequately effective individual, and I would like to thank citizens voted: in testing children or those also infected with like her for making southwest Florida a great 1. ‘‘Yes’’ on Rollcall 1034, H.R. 3222, Mak- HIV/AIDS. The newest class of anti-TB drugs place to live, work and visit. ing appropriations for the Department of De- is 40 years old. The current drug- resistant f fense for the fiscal year ending September 30, strains that we know of are nearly untreatable 2008, and for other purposes. with the drugs available today. HONORING FORMER OHIO STATE 2. ‘‘Yes’’ on Rollcall 1035, H.R. 513, Na- These facts highlight the obvious need for MARCHING BAND ARRANGER tional Heroes Credit Protection Act. TB research and development of active at- RICHARD W. HEINE 3. ‘‘Yes’’ on Rollcall 1036, H. Res. 744, tempts not only to control the problem, but de- Recognizing the contributions of Native Amer- crease the threat and hopefully eradicate it ican veterans and calling upon the President completely. The Comprehensive Tuberculosis HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER to issue a proclamation urging the people of Elimination Act (H.R. 1532) will do that at OF OHIO the United States to observe a day in honor of home and The Stop Tuberculosis Now Act of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Native American veterans. 2007 (H.R. 1567) will do that abroad. I urge Tuesday, November 6, 2007 f my colleagues’ to join me in supporting this Mr. BOEHNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to legislation. recognize Mr. Richard W. Heine, arranger for RECOGNIZING ZACH KINNE f The Ohio State University Marching Band, and PERSONAL EXPLANATION to express my appreciation for the lifetime he HON. SAM GRAVES spent creating the unmistakable sound of The OF MISSOURI HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY Ohio State University Marching Band. For IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES more than 60 years, Mr. Heine contributed his OF INDIANA talents to the students of Ohio State, and for Tuesday, November 6, 2007 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES this, I offer him my utmost congratulations and Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly Tuesday, November 6, 2007 thanks for his efforts. pause to recognize Zach Kinne of Eagleville, Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, on Mon- After graduating from Greenville High Missouri. Zach is a very special young man day, November 5, 2007, I was absent from the School in 1934, Mr. Heine began his associa- who has exemplified the finest qualities of House due to a family illness an therefore tion with The Ohio State University as a stu- leadership by being elected to serve as 2007– missed rollcall votes 1034 through 1036. dent and member of the marching band. More 2008 National Future Farmers of America Had I been present for rollcall 1034, H.R. than any other person, he was responsible for President. 3222, on closing portions of the conference for the unique sound of this brass marching band. Zach was among six individuals selected a measure making appropriations for the De- In addition to many original compositions, Mr. from a field of 40 to hold a national office. He partment of Defense for the fiscal year ending Heine arranged most of the Ohio State school was later chosen and presented as President September 30, 2008, and for other purposes, songs including Buckeye Battle Cry, I Want To at the 80th National FFA Convention in Indian- I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Go Back To Ohio State, Chimes & Carmen apolis, Indiana. As president, this position will

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