E1388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 24, 1999 to this title may be extended by any creditor versity and a JD from the University of Michi- struction and contracting industries, the Na- through the use of a check or other nego- gan. Over the years, Pogue has used his ex- tional Governors' Association and numerous tiable instrument which has been sent by the pertise and time in a variety of ways. He has other organizations representing state and creditor to the consumer in connection with been actively involved in the business, edu- local government interests. a solicitation by the creditor for such exten- And in all those years, from the first time I sion of credit, unless the consumer has sub- cation, social services, nonprofit and cultural mitted an application for, or otherwise re- sectors of our Cleveland community. ever met Billy, he has been a true model of in- quested, such extension of credit before re- Pogue has served in a wide array of organi- tegrity, honesty, courtesy and compassion. ceiving the check or instrument. zations, including The Cleveland Foundation, Billy has decided to retire from his full-time du- ‘‘(b) CONSUMER NOT LIABLE.—If any cred- University Hospitals Health System, the Great- ties at AASHTO, but fortunately for those of us itor includes a check or other negotiable in- er Roundtable, Cleveland Institute of Music, in Congress who've had the pleasure to work strument in a solicitation to a consumer for Cleveland Bicentennial Commission (Co- with him on so many transportation matters, an extension of credit sent by a creditor to a chair), and the 1989 Untied Way Cleveland he intends to continue to keep his hand in the consumer in violation of subsection (a)— legislative process on a part-time basis as a ‘‘(1) the consumer shall not be liable for Campaign, which raised about $52,000,000. In the amount of any such check or other nego- addition, he is the principal organizer of an in- consultant with AASHTO on governmental af- tiable instrument; and novative organization: the Northeast Ohio Re- fairs. ‘‘(2) no information on any liability of the gional Business Coalition. As if this was not I was honored to be asked to speak at a re- consumer alleged by the creditor to have enough, he currently serves as a Director of ception for Billy on Capitol Hill this past Tues- been established through such check or other Continental Airlines, Inc. (Houston), Derlan In- day evening, June 22. One of the most im- negotiable instrument may be reported to or dustries Limited (Toronto), M.A. Hanna Com- pressive things about that event was that received by any credit agency (as defined in Billy's family was there, too. Billy's greatest joy section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act) pany, IT Group, Inc. (Pittsburgh), KeyCorp, LAI Worldwide Inc. (New York City), Rotek in- is his family He and his wife Nancy have been or included in any consumer credit report married for 45 years and have raised a won- under such Act. corporated (Aurora) and TRW Inc. derful family including three sons and a ‘‘(c) REGULATIONS.— Mr. Pogue's commitment and dedication has ‘‘(1) REGULATIONS REQUIRED.— not gone unnoticed. Pogue is also recipient of daughter, all of whom are married, with their ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Before the end of the 6- the ``Humanitarian Award'' from the National own children, a total of 10 grandchildren for month period beginning on the date of the Conference of Christians and Jews, the ``Ex- Billy and Nancy. His oldest or ``number one'' enactment of the Unsolicited Loan Check son, as Billy calls him, is Craig Higgins, with Consumer Protection Act of 1999, the Board cellence in Philanthropy Award'' from the Ohio Council of Fund Raising Executives, ``Eco- his wife Wendy and their two children Kristen shall prescribe final regulations to imple- and Keith. Next in order is his son Duane Hig- nomic Development Leadership Award'' from ment the requirements of this section. gins, his wife Cynthia and their four children, ‘‘(B) MODIFICATIONS.—The Board shall mod- the Council for Urban Economic Development, Lauren, Michael, Danielle and Samantha. ify and clarify any regulation prescribed and ``Man of the Year'' by Plymouth Church of Then there is daughter Marcy, with her hus- under subparagraph (A) whenever the Board Shaker Heights, just to name a few. band Bill Davis and their two children, Carter determines such action to be necessary to My fellow colleagues, join me in saluting prevent any circumvention of the require- and Paige. His youngest son is Ron Higgins, Richard W. Pogue for his continual commit- ments of this section or to facilitate compli- with his wife Amy and their two children Re- ment to our community. He is a renowned cit- ance with such requirements. becca and Tim. ‘‘(2) LIMITATIONS ON ‘LOOK-ALIKE’ CHECKS.— izen of Cleveland and I am pleased to recog- I would like to share my prepared remarks ‘‘(A) REGULATIONS AUTHORIZED.—The Board nize his accomplishments. at the reception for Billy Higgins and urge all may, if the Board finds that such action is f necessary to prevent confusion by con- our colleagues who have had the chance to sumers, prescribe regulations setting forth IN TRIBUTE TO BILLY K. HIGGINS work with Billy to take the opportunity to wish guidelines for the use, in a solicitation for an him well. extension of credit, of certificates, vouchers, IN TRIBUTE TO BILLY HIGGINS or other non-negotiable instruments that are HON. FRANK R. WOLF Many of you may not know that Billy and I intended to have the appearance of a check OF VIRGINIA go way back in Washington, all the way back or other negotiable instrument, but which do IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to the 1970'sÐwhen our hair was much dark- not violate subsection (a) of this section. Thursday, June 24, 1999 er! We worked together at the Department of ‘‘(B) DISCLOSURES AND OTHER REQUIRE- MENTS.—Any regulation prescribed under Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay trib- the Interior. Billy was at the Bureau of Mines subparagraph (A) shall include such disclo- ute today to a gentleman I met in my early and I was with Secretary Rogers C.B. sures and modifications relating to the ap- days in Washington in the 1970's at the De- Morton's office. pearance and use of certificates, vouchers, or partment of the Interior, and whose path I It was easy to strike up a friendship with other non-negotiable instruments in a solici- Billy because he was such a genuinely nice again crossed when I came to Congress. tation for an extension of credit as the Board Billy K. Higgins has worked for more than guy. In describing him, words immediately determines necessary or appropriate.’’. come to mind such as fair, honest, trust- 25 years to advance our nation's transpor- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of worthy, principled, hard-working, highest moral tation system, first as a congressional liaison sections for chapter 2 of the Consumer Credit standards, a man of character. Protection Act is amended by adding at the officer for the Federal Highway Administration, The first time we met, too, I saw in Billy a end the following new item: and since 1977 as the governmental relations ‘‘140. Solicitations for consumer loans.’’. quality that hasn't wavered one millimeter over director of the American Association of State the years. And that's integrity. A lot of people (c) SCOPE OF APPLICATION.—The require- Highway and Transportation Officials ments of this Act and the amendments made in this town aspire to be called people of in- by this Act shall apply to solicitations for (AASHTO). He has also worked for the Re- tegrity. But along the way there may be a slip extensions of credit made to consumers after publican National Committee, and the Stand- here, or a fudge there, and pretty soon, the date of enactment of this Act. ard Oil Company of Indiana, now Amoco Oil they're compromised and just don't measure Company. f up. There's never been a minute in Billy's ca- But for the past 22 years he has rep- reer when he didn't measure up. IN HONOR OF RICHARD W. POGUE resented the state departments of transpor- When we walk out the door of whatever tation through a period of tremendous change, business we're in for the last time, all we take HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH as the construction of the Interstate system with us is our name. Billy Higgins today takes OF OHIO was completed, as the focus of federal trans- with him his good nameÐfollowed by well IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES portation interests broadened, and as the done, good and faithful servant. world became increasingly dependent on the He is truly one of the good guys. He's also Thursday, June 24, 1999 economic lifeline transportation provides. one of the most dedicated family men around Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to He has guided AASHTO through five reau- this town, and it's so good to see his family honor Richard W. Pogue for his outstanding thorizations of the federal-aid highway and here this evening. I know how important family dedication and contribution to public service in transit program, through 22 years of transpor- is to Billy. I even ran into him a few summers Greater Cleveland. Today, Richard joins a se- tation appropriations bills, through the des- ago on the Outer Banks where he and Nancy lect group of individuals by being saluted with ignation of the National Highway System and and all the kids and grandkids have a tradition the ``In Tribute to the Public Service'' Award. a host of other transportation legislation. He of spending vacation time together each year. Mr. Pogue is a native of Cambridge, Massa- has always worked closely and fairly with the And I also know how important faith is to chusetts and received a BA from Cornell Uni- state departments of transportation, the con- Billy. I have a quotation on my office wall from CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1389 Dr. James Dobson, which I'd like to share with HONORING CARMEN DIAZ FOR HER Tecumseh shares its unique name with the you because I believe it could very well de- LIFETIME DEDICATION TO THE Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, who used the site scribe Billy: COMMUNITY as a meeting place for local Indian tribes and war councils in his effort to form a unified In- ``I have concluded that the accumulation of HON. NYDIA M. VELA´ ZQUEZ dian nation. wealth, even if I could achieve it, is an insuffi- The residents of Tecumseh have always cient reason for living. When I reach the end OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been civic-minded and concerned with the of my days, a moment or two from now, I conditions of their fellow man. Prior to the Civil must look backward on something more Thursday, June 24, 1999 War Tecumseh, along with several other com- meaningful than the pursuit of houses and Ms. VELAÂ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with munities in Lenawee County, was a common land and machines and stocks and bonds. Nor great pride that I ask you and my colleagues transit point for slaves seeking freedom along is fame of any lasting benefit. I will consider to join me in honoring Ms. Carmen Diaz for with the Underground Railroad. my earthly existence to have been wasted un- her years of leadership and contribution to the While maintaining its distinctive small town less I can recall a loving family, a consistent communities of the 12th Congressional Dis- atmosphere and agricultural roots, Tecumseh investment in the lives of people, and an ear- trict. has been home to a multi-national Fortune nest attempt to serve the God who made me. In 1953 Ms. Diaz came to the United States 500 company, Tecumseh Products Inc., since to fulfill her dream of creating a better life for Nothing else makes much sense.'' 1934. herself and her family. She began by working It is a testament to the perseverance and That's Billy's legacy. hard for $42 a week as a machine operator in faith of her residents that Tecumseh has pros- Billy, I am grateful that our paths in life a woman's garment factory. She saved pered for so long. I am proud of the city of Te- crossed and have run together for so many money, and was diligent and with great deter- cumseh and what its residents have accom- years, and I am proud to call you my friend. mination, in 1955 she was able to send for her plished over the last 175 years and I wish children in Puerto Rico. With herself and two God bless you. them another successful 175 years. I am children to feed she continued to toil. She en- proud to represent Tecumseh and offer them f sured the children were healthy and that they my heartfelt congratulations on this truly re- received an education. markable milestone. PERSONAL EXPLANATION She also took time to further her own edu- f cation, making the effort to become a bilingual teacher. Once she received her degree, she VICRYL SUTURES HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS began teaching bilingual education which she did for eight years. HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK OF NEW JERSEY During this time she became active in the OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES community, working for Community Board 1. She was able to use her experience, edu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, June 24, 1999 cation and determination to help other people Thursday, June 24, 1999 in the community. Wanting to do more, striving Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, on May 20 of this Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, on roll call to succeed, she enrolled in Boricua College in year I commented on the 1994 recall of Vicryl numbers 167±169, I was unable to cast my Brooklyn. With the same kind of dedication sutures produced by the Ethicon Corporation. vote. Had I been present, I would have voted and effort that made her a success, she was In my comments, I noted that according to Aye on each of them. At the time of the votes, able to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. FDA records, only 2% of the sutures were re- I was proudly attending a ceremony in honor With that accomplishment, she engaged in in- covered in the recall. The numbers given to of my wife, Camille Spinello Andrews. creased community work as a social worker. me by the FDA were incorrect. In fact, ap- From that point on, she remained deeply In addition to her tireless dedication as the proximately 25% of the sutures were recov- committed to civil service, working hard to ered in the recall. I include a letter from mother of our two children, Jacquelyn and help people throughout Brooklyn. She played Josie, Camille serves as the Associate Dean Melinda K. Plaisier, Interim Associated Com- a key role in many organizations including the missioner for Legislative Affairs, describing the of Enrollment and Projects for Rutgers Univer- Los Sures Senior Center and later in the cause of the error and the correct facts. sity School of Law-Camden Campus. Her Diana Jones Senior Center. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, work in this capacity is well-regarded both by She did this kind of work until last year Rockville, MD, May 28, 1999. her colleagues and throughout the New Jersey when she became ill and was unable to con- Hon. PETE STARK, legal community. tinue working. Despite the fact that she can no House of Representatives, Washington, DC. DEAR MR. STARK: In the Food and Drug Ad- On June 7, her excellent work was publicly longer work, she still has an impact on our community. The work she does still helps peo- ministration’s (FDA) May 18, 1999 letter of recognized in a ceremony in which she was ple, but more importantly, she stands as a role response to your April 19, 1999 letter regard- awarded the Alfred C. Clapp Distinguished model to thousands of people. She truly em- ing the distribution and recall of Vicryl su- tures manufactured by Ethicon, Inc., there Service Award. Presented by the New Jersey bodies the American Dream. She is a great Institute for Continuing Legal Education, this was a mistake. This letter is intended to cor- woman and a great American, and I urge my rect that mistake. A response has also been award is an expression of appreciation to legal colleagues to join me in honoring her. sent to your cosigner, Representative Henry professionals whose voluntary service has sig- f A. Waxman. nificantly contributed to the field of continuing When Ethicon originally provided distribu- legal education. A TRIBUTE TO HONOR OF THE tion information to FDA, the manner in 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE which the figures were reported was mis- At this ceremony, I was proud to honor CITY OF TECUMSEH understood by FDA. The number of sutures Camille with a Congressional Commendation. understood by FDA to have been distributed Proclaiming June 7, 1999 to be Camille HON. NICK SMITH was considerably larger than the actual Spinello Andrews Day throughout the First quantity. The 2% recovery rate therefore OF MICHIGAN was inaccurate. The correct recovery figure Congressional District of New Jersey, this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was approximately 25%. This is based on dis- commendation is a small token of the great re- Thursday, June 24, 1999 tribution of 293,452 dozens and recovery of spect I have for Camille's work. Her service to 72,929 dozens of sutures. If you have any our community deserves the thanks and grati- Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on questions regarding this information, we tude of us all. I am fortunate to love and re- June 25, 1999 the city of Tecumseh will cele- would be happy to discuss it with you fur- ther. ceive the love of such a special woman. brate its 175th anniversary. Tecumseh has a long and rich history dating back to 1824, We trust this responds to your concerns. If we may be of further assistance, please let us Balancing the dual responsibilities of public when Musgrove Evans, Joseph Brown and service and family life is always a challenging know. Austin Wing founded the town making Tecum- Sincerely, task. I thank my constituents for their under- seh one of the first three settlements in the MELINDA K. PLAISIER, standing and appreciate the strong support Michigan Territory along with Detroit and Mon- Interim Associate Commissioner they have given to me and my family. roe. for Legislative Affairs.