July 27, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8839 whom I serve; seniors, peers and subordi- (3) the first woman of color to serve in measure on June 26, 2009; and having nates alike. I will exercise initiatives by tak- Congress, Patsy T. Mink; met all of the Committee on Oversight ing appropriate action in absence of orders. I (4) the first Native Hawaiian to serve in and Government Reform requirements the Senate, Daniel Kahikina Akaka; and will not compromise my integrity, nor my and criteria, the bill is now being con- moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I (5) the first Japanese-American to serve in allow my comrades to forget that we are pro- the Senate, Daniel Ken Inouye; sidered today on the House floor. I fessionals, Noncommissioned Officers, lead- Whereas Hawaii is an example to the rest should add that the measure comes to ers! of the world of unity and positive race rela- the floor with bipartisan support from The creed of the Noncommissioned Officer tions; over 56 cosponsors, demonstrating this of the United States Army captures the es- Whereas Pearl Harbor is a strategic mili- body’s eagerness to celebrate the ad- tary base for the U.S. in the Pacific and also mittance of our 50th State, the Aloha sence of how these individuals live their daily a historical site for the Nation, being the lo- lives. I am honored to have introduced this State. cation of the December 7, 1941, surprise Japa- Hawaii is one of our country’s great resolution and I urge my colleagues to join me nese aerial attack that thrust the Nation in support of House Joint Resolution 44 to into World War II; treasures. Its cultural heritage is root- 1 ed in centuries of precolonial history, commend the service of the Army’s Non- Whereas Hawaii is home to ⁄4 of the endan- commissioned Officers. gered species in the United States; and the State continues to protect it Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Whereas Hawaii has 8 national parks, with efforts such as Hawaiian language Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- which preserve volcanoes, complex eco- immersion schools and cultural cen- ance of my time. systems, a Hansen’s disease colony, and ters. It is home to Pearl Harbor, the other sites of historical and cultural signifi- Mr. MARSHALL. Madam Speaker, I headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific cance; Fleet and the site of the surprise at- yield back the balance of my time, urg- Whereas Kilauea ranks among the most ac- ing all of my colleagues to vote in tive volcanoes on Earth; tack that led the U.S. to enter the Sec- favor of this resolution. Whereas President Bush nominated the ond World War. Its eight national The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Papahanaumokuakea Marine National parks preserve rich natural beauty and MARKEY of Colorado). The question is Monument to the United Nations Edu- intricate ecosystems that support one- on the motion offered by the gen- cational, Scientific and Cultural Organiza- fourth of the endangered species in the tleman from Georgia (Mr. MARSHALL) tion World Heritage Centre for consideration United States. that the House suspend the rules and to the World Heritage List; Hawaii also contributes to the racial Whereas Hawaii has produced musical leg- agree to the joint resolution, H.J. Res. and ethnic diversity of our Nation and ends ranging from traditional favorites such of this Congress. It elected this body’s 44. as Alfred Apaka, Don Ho, and Genoa Keawe, The question was taken. to Hawaii renaissance performers such as first woman of color, Patsy T. Mink; as The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Eddie Kamae, Raymond Kane, Gabby well as its first Asian American, Hiram opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Pahinui, Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole, the Broth- Fong. It has also elected Native Hawai- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ers Cazimero, and the Beamer Brothers, and ians to Congress, including Senator Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. continuing on to contemporary stars such as DANIEL AKAKA. The State also enjoys Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on Keali‘i Reichel, Ledward Kaapana, Jake being the childhood home State of our the ground that a quorum is not Shimabukuro, and Raiatea Helm; current Commander in Chief, President Whereas Hawaii is culturally rich, as the Barack Obama. present and make the point of order Hawaiian culture has been protected through that a quorum is not present. Hawaiian language immersion schools, hula Madam Speaker, I urge my col- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- competitions such as the Merrie Monarch leagues to join me in celebrating the ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Festival, canoeing voyages undertaken by 50th anniversary of the State of Hawaii Chair’s prior announcement, further vessels like the Hokule‘a, and the continuing by supporting this measure. proceedings on this motion will be historic preservation of Hawaiian traditions; Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- postponed. Whereas the Hawaii Statehood Commission ance of my time. The point of no quorum is considered has held a Joint Session of the Hawaii State Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I withdrawn. Legislature in honor of statehood and will be yield myself such time as I may con- celebrating this milestone with a public dis- sume. f cussion and with the arrival of the USS Ha- waii; and I rise today in support of House Reso- RECOGNIZING 50TH ANNIVERSARY lution 593. OF HAWAII STATEHOOD Whereas for all of these reasons Hawaii is a truly unique State: Now, therefore, be it This summer, on August 21, our Na- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move Resolved, That the House of Representa- tion will celebrate the 50th anniversary to suspend the rules and agree to the tives recognizes and celebrates the 50th An- of the entry of the beautiful island of resolution (H. Res. 593) recognizing and niversary of the entry of Hawaii into the Hawaii into the United States. It was celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Union as the 50th State. in 1959, Madam Speaker, that then- entry of Hawaii into the Union as the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- President Dwight David Eisenhower 50th State, as amended. ant to the rule, the gentleman from signed Proclamation 3309 proclaiming The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Missouri (Mr. CLAY) and the gentle- the beautiful State of Hawaii as our tion. woman from Minnesota (Mrs. 50th State. The text of the resolution is as fol- BACHMANN) each will control 20 min- Hawaii is one of four United States lows: utes. that were independent prior to state- The Chair recognizes the gentleman H. RES. 593 hood. The Kingdom of Hawaii existed from Missouri. Whereas August 21, 2009, marks the 50th from 1810 through 1893, and it was an GENERAL LEAVE Anniversary of President Dwight D. Eisen- independent republic between 1894 and hower’s signing of Proclamation 3309, which Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I ask 1898, when it became a United States admitted Hawaii into the Union in compli- unanimous consent that Members may territory. It was in 1900 that Hawaii ance with the Hawaii Admission Act, en- have 5 legislative days in which to re- was granted self-governance; and vise and extend their remarks. acted by the United States Congress on though many attempts were made to March 18, 1959; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there achieve statehood, Hawaii remained a Whereas Hawaii is ‘‘a place like no other, objection to the request of the gen- with a people like no other’’ and bridges the tleman from Missouri? territory for nearly 60 years. mainland United States to the Asia-Pacific There was no objection. The road to statehood for Hawaii was region; Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I yield not without its challenges. One of the Whereas the 44th President of the United myself such time as I may consume. most devastating times in the history States, Barack Obama, was born in Hawaii I rise in support of House Resolution of not only Hawaii but of the Nation as on August 4, 1961; 593, a resolution recognizing and cele- well was the attack on Pearl Harbor Whereas Hawaii has contributed to the di- and the outbreak of World War II, versity of Congress in electing— brating the 50th anniversary of the (1) the first Native Hawaiian to serve in entry of Hawaii into the Union as our which interrupted the drive for state- Congress, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole; 50th State. hood. But, finally, on August 21 victory (2) the first Asian-American to serve in the The gentleman from Hawaii, Mr. was achieved in 1959 when Hawaii was Senate, Hiram Fong; NEAL ABERCROMBIE, introduced this admitted to the Union.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:28 Jul 28, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A27JY7.030 H27JYPT1 rfrederick on DSKD9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H8840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 27, 2009 During the last 50 years, Hawaii has what became 50 years in Hawaii. So I statue is very prominent in the Visi- contributed immeasurably to the rich- have that same anniversary. tors Center right now, establishing the ness of our way of life here in the The statehood, of course, came Au- Hawaiian monarchy. United States. The contributions of gust 21, and the first week in Sep- On February 24, 1954, Mr. Speaker, a Asian Pacific Americans have en- tember, NEIL ABERCROMBIE arrived in 250-pound petition containing 120,000 hanced and benefited our rich cultural Honolulu and knew almost imme- signatures in favor of statehood was heritage in so many ways, not the least diately that I would never leave if delivered to the Congress, and then in of which include the arts, sciences, given the opportunity to stay. March of 1959, this House of Represent- atives passed the Hawaii statehood bill, mathematics, sports, commerce, and b 1630 many other aspects of American cul- 323–89. I am sure the 89 all had a chance ture, not the least of which is great It is also going to be the birthday, of to visit and regretted their votes American tourism. course, in a week or so, of President against it. Of course, then President Hawaii has also contributed to the Obama, born in Kapiolani Hospital, Eisenhower signed the proclamation, diversity of our Congress by electing, just down the road from where I lived. making us the 50th State on August 24. as my colleague said, the Native Ha- As I said, it is great emotion for me, So, Mr. Speaker, I can say from the waiian Members of Congress: Prince a great time of nostalgia. I arrived in bottom of my heart that Hawaii has Jonah Kalaniana’ole; the first Asian Hawaii at the same time as President given everything to me. I never con- American Member as well, as my col- Obama’s father. We met those first ceived, as I indicated earlier, that I league mentioned, Mr. Hiram Fong; the days in our matriculation at the Uni- would ever have a chance to represent first woman of color, and we are so versity of Hawaii. Of course, I could Hawaii in Congress. It is more than an pleased, Patsy Mink; and the first Na- not possibly conceive at that time that honor and a privilege to do so. tive Hawaiian to serve in the Senate, the young man who was to be born out The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tleman’s time has expired. DANIEL AKAKA. of the union of Ann Dunham and Mr. CLAY. I yield an additional 1 It is well known that Hawaii is home Barak, Sr., would become President of the United States. So there is a great minute to the gentleman. to some of the country’s most beautiful Mr. ABERCROMBIE. So I now ask all landmarks and landscapes and some of confluence of history taking place over the next month or so with the entry of then to join with us in this joyous oc- the most diverse weather as well in the casion where we have the opportunity United States, including eight national the 50th State, the last State of the Union. to celebrate friendships and relation- parks, which preserve volcanoes, our ships of decades’ standing to celebrate Nation’s fragile ecosystem, and the As Mr. CLAY indicated, there are also some very, very interesting firsts, if the transition of Hawaii from the time sites of historical national signifi- of a pre-feudal kingdom, a kingdom, a cance. you will. We were maybe the last State to come into the Union, but we had shotgun republic, a territory, and now Hawaiians are also known to be a a State of the Union, the last State of people with a great sense of pride in some very, very interesting firsts, and I want to congratulate Representative the Union to this time. their history, their tradition, which We are filled with a great sense of BACHMANN on her superb pronunciation can be found in their traditional music, gratitude for that which has been given of Prince Kuhio’s last name, dance, and sporting events. to us over these past 50 years, and, of Kalanianaole. You said it perfectly. Our Nation is so grateful to the con- course, pledge at this time that even tributions of Native Hawaiians. But Thank you very much indeed. I know you must have struggled with though we were last to join the Union, most of all it is the stunning beauty of we are first among those who appre- these tropical islands that leave many that, because I remember my first day in the classroom, the first Saturday, 8 ciate, understand and take great pride residents and visitors with a desire to in being a State of the United States of share in the experiences of our 50th o’clock in the morning, teaching the lab course in sociology, determined to America. State and return again and again and Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I, say the Hawaiian names right, and I re- again for Hawaii’s wonderful, not-to- too, would like to extend my congratu- member the first one was Samson be-repeated hospitality. lations to my colleague, the distin- Poomahealani, a center on the football Hawaii truly is a place like no other guished gentleman Mr. CLAY, on his team. He became my good friend, and with a people like no other. And this birthday today. It is also my brother’s we celebrated the 50th anniversary of August we all gather to recognize and birthday today, and we are so thrilled our friendship just the past month celebrate the 50th anniversary of the for this anniversary. entry of Hawaii into the Union as the when we got together. Samson went on I come from a State which has re- 50th State. to do great things with the labor move- cently celebrated its sesquicentennial, Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- ment in this country. 150 years, and we know Hawaii will be ance of my time. It is that kind of occasion. You can even more beautiful when Hawaii cele- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, at this see it on my face, you can hear it in brates its sesquicentennial. time I would like to yield 5 minutes to my voice. This is a time of great joy We send a lot of Minnesota dollars to my good friend and proud native of Ha- for us. Hawaii with all the tourists that we waii (Mr. ABERCROMBIE). Yes, the first Asian American Sen- send. Our climate, you may not have Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speak- ator, Republican Senator Hiram Fong, noticed, is a little different from that er, mahalo nui. Thank you very much. lived almost a century. He was the first of Hawaii. Minnesotans love to visit, I thank Representative CLAY very Asian American, Chinese American, and we extend the invitation to come much for his gracious introduction to Senator. And, of course, Patsy Mink, back and enjoy our hospitality. this resolution. our beloved Patsy Mink, whom we miss We have a lot of shoreline, too. We Madam Speaker, I am filled with every day. And DANNY AKAKA, perhaps have about 15,000 lakes, and our fish great emotion today. There are a lot of the best-loved person in the Congress, are about this big, our muskies. So dates being celebrated. Representative of whom never a bad word has been please come and fish in Minnesota, and CLAY’s birthday is today, and, of said. Don’t we all wish the same could we will return the favor and often come course, we want to wish him a very be said of us? And, of course, the Con- to visit the beautiful State of Hawaii. happy birthday. gressional Medal of Honor winner, the Mr. Speaker, with that, I yield back. I introduced this resolution on my third longest-serving Senator in the Mr. CLAY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I birthday, June 26. It was about that United States, DANIEL K. INOUYE, thank the gentlewoman, first for the time 50 years ago that I understood serves now as the chairman of the Ap- happy birthday wish, and I fish a lot, that I would be able to go to Hawaii. propriations Committee, the first Japa- too, so I will try to make it to Min- Just before that I had been informed nese American to serve in the Senate. nesota also to catch some of those big, that I had received a teaching There are some other dates I think of whopping fish. assistantship at the University of Ha- interest to all of us; 1778, James Cook Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the waii and that I would be soon on my comes to Waimea Bay near Kauai. gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. way at the end of the summer to begin Then in 1795, Kamehameha I, whose HIRONO).

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:28 Jul 28, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27JY7.064 H27JYPT1 rfrederick on DSKD9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE July 27, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8841 Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I join my gresswoman Patsy Mink and President of the presidential campaign last year, colleagues in wishing Mr. CLAY a happy Barack Obama, to name a few. Mr. Speaker, I remember there was a birthday. I urge my colleagues to vote for H. national blogger going around saying I rise in strong support of H. Res. 593, Res. 593. that I was working as a special agent recognizing the 50th anniversary of Ha- Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 of Barack Obama, and the reason for waii’s admission as the 50th State of minutes to my friend, the delegate my travel to Indonesia and to also visit the Union on August 21, 1959. from American Samoa (Mr. the school in Jakarta, where Barack As my colleagues have mentioned, FALEOMAVAEGA). Obama had attended, was to destroy Hawaii brings a lot to this Nation. Our (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and any records that would indicate that strategic location in the Pacific, our was given permission to revise and ex- President Obama was born in Indo- example of tolerance with our multi- tend his remarks.) nesia, which would obviously have him cultural population and mix of cul- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, disqualified to run as a candidate for tures, our special relationship with and I thank my good friend, the gentleman President. understanding of the Asia-Pacific re- from Missouri, for his management of Well, Mr. Speaker, this blog con- gion, and the physical beauty and eco- this important bill, and also the gen- tinues today, giving such gross misin- logical diversity of our islands are just tlelady from Minnesota for her sup- formation to the American people. I a few of the assets we bring to this Na- port. I didn’t realize there were fish in just want to say it is absolute non- tion. Minnesota that big. Maybe if she would sense, and those responsible for this I have very personal memories about catch a 1,000-pound marlin, she would blog should stop it, as I am sure there the day Hawaii became a State. I was see how big a 1,000-pound marlin would are better things that they can do than in elementary school at Koko Head El- be. But, at any rate, I thank her for her to discredit our President. President ementary in Honolulu and was given support. Obama was born in Kapiolani Hospital, the honor of pinning the 50th star on Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Honolulu, Hawaii, period. our school flag at a special school as- Res. 593, recognizing and celebrating Mr. Speaker, the State of Hawaii is sembly before sending the flag up the the 50th anniversary of the entry of Ha- also remembered for Pearl Harbor. Yes, flagpole. waii into the Union as the 50th State. it has its consequences, reminiscent All Hawaii celebrated that day. To I commend my colleagues, Congress- also of the tremendous disservice and many, statehood represented recogni- man ABERCROMBIE and MAZIE HIRONO, the problem that we did in mistreat- tion of a State whose multiethnic, for their introduction of this resolu- ment of over 100,000 Japanese Ameri- multicultural base was different from tion. cans. They are Americans who hap- that of any other State, but whose sons My strong interest in this legisla- pened to be of Japanese ancestry. and daughters were just as American tion, Mr. Speaker, is that half of my 1645 as the people of the other 49 States. life was spent in Hawaii during my b 1959 was also the year I became a nat- youth that I spent there. The eight It has also produced the 100th Bat- uralized U.S. citizen, and apparently main islands of Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, talion 442nd Infantry, the most deco- was also the year that my colleague, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Molokai, Kauai and rated unit ever in the history of the NEIL ABERCROMBIE, came to Hawaii. Niihau span over 1,500 miles in the Pa- United States Army, with 18,000 indi- And things haven’t been the same cific Ocean, and Hawaii is the only vidual decorations for heroism and there since. Hawaii is a great State, State comprised of islands. It is home bravery in the field of battle, over 9,000 and it has given me opportunities that to one-fourth of the endangered species Purple Hearts, 52 Distinguished Service I never would have had had my mother list, as well as eight national parks, Crosses, and, ironically, only one not brought me to this wonderful, which serve to protect volcanoes, rain Medal of Honor, but we corrected that beautiful State. forest, coral reefs and other complex mistake. We now have 19 Japanese But we must always remember that ecosystems. Americans who were awarded the the 50th State is also the native land of In addition to being visually astound- Medal of Honor, which, as my colleague Hawaii’s indigenous population, the ing, Hawaii was one of the first States from Hawaii (Mr. ABERCROMBIE) said, Native Hawaiians. I am hopeful that to significantly contribute to the di- Senator INOUYE was one of those recipi- this year we will be able to move for- versity of Congress. The first Native ents to receive the Medal of Honor. For ward to a reconciliation with the Na- Hawaiian, the first Asian American, 50 years, members of the unit in Hawaii tive Hawaiian people, who lost their the first woman of color, the first Na- have brought unique and diverse ele- country and queen, by passing the Na- tive Hawaiian to serve in the Senate, ments to the culture of the United tive Hawaii Government Reorganiza- all hailed from the great State of Ha- States. I think it was Michelle Obama tion Act. This act will provide the Na- waii. who said, ‘‘If you want to understand tive Hawaiians with the same rights of A favorite of Elvis Presley, whom I more about the President, go to Ha- self-determination enjoyed by Amer- had the privilege of meeting when I waii, and you will understand his sense ican Indians and Alaskan Natives. was working as a youth performer at of philosophy, his sense of caring, his Hawaii’s population is made up of the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii sense of wanting to share and to make persons of Native Hawaiian, Japanese, is also legendary for some of the most sure that we have proper treatment Chinese, Irish, German, Portuguese, famous singers in Don Ho, Melveen and how we should be treating our fel- Puerto Rican, Filipino, French, Scot- Leed, the late Alfred Apaka and Genoa low human beings.’’ tish, Korean, Samoan, Dutch, Tongan, Keawe. To strive to support the endeavors of Vietnamese, and African descent and The State also has made great efforts the islands of the Pacific and to not more, plus combinations of these var- to preserve its culture with Hawaiian hesitate to offer any resounding sup- ious ethnicities. It is not unusual, for language immersion schools, hula com- port, I urge my colleagues to support example, for someone to identify them- petitions and traditional canoe voy- this resolution. I think it is worth- selves as Hawaiian, German, Chinese ages. And what a great thing to re- while, and we ought to give due rec- and Filipino. Although we have not member that it was Duke ognition to the great State of Hawaii. eliminated prejudice, the people of Ha- Kahanamoku, the father of surfing, Again, I thank my good friend from waii have learned to live together and which now has become an international Missouri. to enjoy the richness that the mix of sport. And a byproduct of surfing, by Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I want to cultures has brought to our home. the way, happens to be the skateboard, thank my good friend from American Today we also celebrate the achieve- which originated from the great State Samoa for that interesting history and ments of people from Hawaii whose no- of Hawaii. perspective on Hawaii. I want to urge table efforts have paved the way for I also want to note, Mr. Speaker, Ha- my colleagues to join me in celebrating other Americans, such as Olympic waii is proud to give to our Nation her the 50th anniversary of Hawaii’s en- champion and cultural ambassador first native son, who is currently the trance into the Union as our 50th State Duke Kahanamoku, astronaut Ellison 44th president of the United States, by supporting this measure. Onizuka, as mentioned previously Con- President Barack Obama. At the height I yield back the balance of my time.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:28 Jul 28, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27JY7.066 H27JYPT1 rfrederick on DSKD9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H8842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 27, 2009 The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Whereas proper prenatal nutrition during children are afflicted with this condi- CUMMINGS). The question is on the mo- the first weeks of conception can also help tion. Additionally, hydrocephalus is tion offered by the gentleman from reduce the risk of children developing hydro- the leading cause of brain surgery in cephalus; Missouri (Mr. CLAY) that the House children. Since 2005, the National Insti- Whereas a September 2005 conference spon- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- sored by the National Institutes of Health, tutes of Health has increased its focus lution, H. Res. 593, as amended. entitled ‘‘Hydrocephalus: Myths, New Facts, on improving hydrocephalus care, but The question was taken. Clear Directions’’, resulted in efforts to ini- more needs to be accomplished. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the tiate new, collaborative research and treat- NIH currently provides less than $1 opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ment efforts; million in annual funding for hydro- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Whereas further research into the epidemi- cephalus research, but hopefully Na- Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I ob- ology, pathophysiology, disease burden, and tional Hydrocephalus Awareness ject to the vote on the ground that a improved treatment of hydrocephalus should Month can spur renewed efforts in this be conducted and supported, including the quorum is not present and make the collection and analysis of statistics and data area of study. point of order that a quorum is not concerning the seriousness of hydrocephalus Mr. Speaker, during our efforts to present. and its impact on families in the United overhaul the health care system, it is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- States; critical that we remember to support ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Whereas public awareness, professional important public health initiatives Chair’s prior announcement, further education, and scientific research regarding like National Hydrocephalus Aware- proceedings on this motion will be hydrocephalus should increase through part- ness Month. I urge my colleagues to postponed. nerships between the Federal Government, support House Resolution 373. health care professionals, and patient advo- The point of no quorum is considered I reserve the balance of my time. cacy groups, such as the Pediatric Hydro- Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I withdrawn. cephalus Foundation; yield myself as much time as I may f Whereas these public-private partnerships would ensure that individuals suffering with consume. SUPPORTING NATIONAL HYDRO- hydrocephalus and their families are empow- I rise today in support of House Reso- CEPHALUS AWARENESS MONTH ered with educational materials, informed lution 373, which I authored in order to about the latest research, have access to raise awareness of hydrocephalus, a Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to quality health care, and are able to advocate devastating neurological disorder suspend the rules and agree to the reso- for increased research and funding in order which often leaves individuals and lution (H. Res. 373) expressing support advance the public’s understanding of the their families in constant fear of sud- for designation of the month of Sep- condition, improve the diagnosis and treat- den, irreversible damage or even death. tember as ‘‘National Hydrocephalus ment of hydrocephalus, and one day, find a Hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, Awareness Month’’. cure; and as most people refer to it, is a medical The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Whereas September would be an appro- condition that results in abnormal ac- tion. priate month to designate as ‘‘National Hy- drocephalus Awareness Month’’: Now, there- cumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, oth- The text of the resolution is as fol- fore, be it erwise called CSF, in the ventricles or lows: Resolved, That the House of Representa- cavities of the brain. Sadly, the prog- H. RES. 373 tives supports the designation of ‘‘National nosis for individuals afflicted with hy- Whereas Hydrocephalus is a serious neuro- Hydrocephalus Awareness Month’’. drocephalus is difficult to predict and logical condition, characterized by the ab- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- is often fatal. Moreover, while this con- normal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ant to the rule, the gentleman from dition affects approximately 1 in every ventricles of the brain; Missouri (Mr. CLAY) and the gentle- 500 births, as my colleague Mr. CLAY Whereas Hydrocephalus may cause head woman from Minnesota (Mrs. enlargement, blurred vision or blindness, sei- said, very few people are even aware of zures, impaired physical development, learn- BACHMANN) each will control 20 min- this devastating condition. ing disabilities, progressive irreversible dam- utes. The National Institute of Neuro- age to the nerve cells in the brain, and even The Chair recognizes the gentleman logical Disorders and Stroke is cur- death; from Missouri. rently conducting research related to Whereas this serious neurological condi- GENERAL LEAVE hydrocephalus prevention and treat- tion may occur at any age, and affects an es- Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- ment. However, more must be done at timated 1,000,000 people in the United States; Whereas 1 out of every 500 children in the mous consent that all Members may the community level to educate indi- United States are born with hydrocephalus, have 5 legislative days in which to re- vidual Americans about this surpris- and the condition is the leading cause of vise and extend their remarks. ingly prevalent disorder. Recognizing brain surgery in children; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the month of September as National Whereas more than 375,000 older adults in objection to the request of the gen- Hydrocephalus Awareness Month will the United States suffer from hydrocephalus, tleman from Missouri? bring this disease to the public’s atten- the condition often goes undetected for years There was no objection. tion and, I believe, will encourage the in older adults, causing such problems as dif- Mr. CLAY. I now yield myself as discussions necessary to more effec- ficulty walking and urinary incontinence, much time as I may consume. and may be misdiagnosed as dementia, Alz- tively address the devastating effects heimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease; Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this disease and provide support to Whereas the standard treatment for hydro- of House Resolution 373 which ex- families who live with it every day. cephalus, insertion of a shunt to drain excess presses the support of Congress for the For example, currently the most cerebral fluid, is a 50-year-old technology designation of the month of September common form of treatment for hydro- that carries multiple risks, including shunt as National Hydrocephalus Awareness cephalus involves the insertion of a failure, infection, and overdrainage; Month. It is important for us to recog- shunt in order to maintain the flow of Whereas each year cerebral spinal fluid nize the severity of this neurological fluid from the brain. This outdated shunting procedures account for approxi- condition that is estimated to affect 1 practice has been around now for al- mately $1,000,000,000 in health care spending in the United Sates alone, with half that million Americans. The resolution was most 50 years and often results in com- amount spent on shunt revisions; introduced on April 28 by my colleague plications that can jeopardize the life Whereas more than 40,000 operations for from Minnesota (Mrs. BACHMANN) and of the often very young child who is hydrocephalus occur annually in the United has secured more than 80 cosponsors the patient. As one parent summarized States, yet there are fewer than 10 centers in while meeting all requisite criteria for for me, ‘‘My son and all the other chil- the Nation specializing in the treatment of approval by the Committee on Over- dren who suffer from hydrocephalus are adults with hydrocephalus; sight and Government Reform. literally 12 to 15 hours away from irre- Whereas although there is no single known Hydrocephalus is defined as ‘‘exces- versible damage, if not death, if a cause of hydrocephalus or ways to prevent and cure the condition, with the appropriate sive accumulation of cerebrospinal shunt failure was to go undetected or diagnosis and proper treatment, individuals fluid in the brain.’’ The National Insti- left untreated. This sometimes para- with hydrocephalus are able to lead full and tute of Neurological Disorders and lyzes parents, and there has got to be a productive lives; Stroke estimates that 1 in every 500 better treatment out there, if not an

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