March 11, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1701 Street), but also the first concrete street in Madam Speaker, I’m proud that citizens in tion offered by the gentleman from America. George Wells Bartholomew, Jr., con- each of the 11 counties I’m honored to rep- Ohio (Mr. TURNER) that the House sus- structed this street in 1891, posting a personal resent are taking an active role in celebrating pend the rules and agree to the resolu- bond of $5,000 to guarantee that the pave- not only our state’s bicentennial, but also the tion, H. Res. 122. ment would last for five years. That street car- rich and vibrant histories of their own commu- The question was taken. ries local traffic to this day, and was declared nities. Their dedication and devotion ensure The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the a National Historical Civil Engineering Land- that our state’s future remains bright for the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of mark in 1976. next 200 years and beyond. those present have voted in the affirm- Wyandot County’s Old Mission Church is I salute the efforts of all who have made this ative. the oldest Methodist mission in the United bicentennial year a great one for our great Mr. TURNER of Ohio. Madam Speak- States. Completed in 1824, the Church sits on state. er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise The yeas and nays were ordered. the grounds of the Wyandotte Cemetery, a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- burial ground for the last Native American tribe today in honor and recognition of the Bicen- tennial of the State of Ohio’s admission to the ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the in Ohio. The Basilica, and National Shrine of Chair’s prior announcement, further Our Lady of Consolation in Carey draws hun- Union. I rise to honor the contributions of Ohio residents to the development of the United proceedings on this motion will be dreds of thousands of pilgrims on a yearly postponed. basis. States. Marion County is the site of the Warren G. On March 1, 1803, Ohio became the 17th f Harding Home and Memorial, honoring our na- state to enter the Union. From the invention of SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING tion’s 29th president. Marion, home of the traffic lights and Teflon to the famous first IMPROVED FIRE SAFETY IN NON- Popcorn Festival and the Wyandot Popcorn flight at Kitty Hawk, Ohio has been the birth- RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS place of many important advances in United Museum, also contains one of four branch Mr. TURNER of Ohio. Madam Speak- States history. The nation’s first interracial co- campuses of The Ohio State University, er, I move to suspend the rules and educational college, Oberlin College, was 2003’s national football champions. I am privi- agree to the concurrent resolution (H. leged to represent a total of three of OSU’s founded in 1833 in Oberlin, Ohio. The storied Con. Res. 85) expressing the sense of branches. history of this great state is, perhaps, best the Congress with regard to the need Citizens of Shelby County take great pride demonstrated through the accomplishments of for improved fire safety in nonresiden- in their magnificent 120-year-old county court- its amazing residents. tial buildings in the aftermath of the Ohio residents have contributed to many dif- house, which was recently added to the list of tragic fire on February 20, 2003, at a ferent aspects of United States history and ‘‘Great American Public Places.’’ Sidney, the nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Is- culture. Inventors Thomas Edison and Charles county seat, developed a reputation as a rail- land. road and canal center early in our state’s his- Goodyear hail from Ohio. Well-known authors The Clerk read as follows: Harriet Beecher Stowe and Toni Morrison, as tory. H. CON. RES. 85 well as, poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar Residents of Mount Gilead in Morrow Coun- Whereas, on the night of February 20, 2003, ty rightfully take pride in the ‘‘victory shaft’’ also come from Ohio. Ohio also has the dis- a pyrotechnic display ignited a massive fire that dominates the village’s North Square. tinction of producing more Presidents than any at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, This stone monument was a 1919 gift from the other state in the Union. Legendary come- Rhode Island; federal government in recognition of Morrow dians Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller, who have Whereas 99 people have died as a result of County’s support of World War I—its citizens inspired millions to laugh, hail from Ohio. the fire and an additional 186 people were in- purchased more war bonds per capita than Other noteworthy Ohioans include Doris jured in the fire, many of whom remain hos- Day, Clark Gable, Annie Oakley and Neil Arm- pitalized as of the date of the submission of any other county in the U.S. this resolution with life-threatening burns Auglaize County is the birthplace of space strong. Ohio’s contributions have not only been limited to academic and artistic pursuits. and other injuries; pioneer Neil Armstrong and home to the Neil Whereas the victims of the fire were resi- Armstrong Air and Space Museum. The coun- Many well-known athletes hail from Ohio also. dents of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Con- ty seat of Wapakoneta is a focal point of Na- World-renowned golfers Nancy Lopez and necticut, and several other States; tive American history, serving as capital of the Jack Nicklaus are both from Ohio. African Whereas the firefighters, police officers Shawnee nation in the late 1700s and early American track star Jesse Owens, who won (particularly officers of the West Warwick 1800s. Chief Blackhoof organized the migra- four gold medals during the 1936 Olympics, Police Department who were the first to ar- rive on the scene), and medical personnel tion of the Shawnee to Kansas in 1826, and grew up in Cleveland and graduated from Ohio State University. who responded to the fire performed hero- afterward returned to Wapakoneta, where he ically under horrific circumstances, and they died in 1831. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Bicenten- risked their own lives to save many of the The Mansfield Blockhouse in Richland injured; County is the county’s oldest structure, built in nial of the admission of Ohio in to the Union, Whereas, at hospitals in Rhode Island and the public square to protect early settlers from a state whose contributions to this great coun- Massachusetts, doctors, nurses, hospital Indian attacks during the War of 1812. The try cannot be overlooked. staff, mental health professionals, and other medieval castle design of the Ohio State Re- Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, the people health care workers toiled through the night formatory, constructed in the late 1880s, land- of Ohio are commemorating Ohio’s 200th and in the following days to care for the in- jured, and they continue to provide world- ed it on the National Register of Historic Birthday on March 1, 2003; and Whereas, they will be celebrating the Bicen- class care to victims of the fire who remain Places in 1987, and has been featured in tennial in Chillicothe, the original capital of the hospitalized; three major motion pictures. Mansfield was great state of Ohio; and Whereas hospital care for victims of the also the home of John Sherman, longtime Whereas, the residents of Ohio have mold- fire was provided at Rhode Island Hospital, Kent County Hospital, South County Hos- House and Senate member from Ohio, Sec- ed a strong tradition of family values and a retary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Re- pital, Fatima Hospital, Massachusetts Gen- commitment to a high standard of living for eral Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Roger Wil- publican presidential candidate, and father of Two-Hundred Years; and the Sherman Antitrust Act. Malabar Farm in liams Hospital, Landmark Hospital, Univer- Whereas, Ohio, since its inception, has de- sity of Massachusetts/Worcester Hospital, Lucas is the former home and workshop of veloped into a growing and prosperous com- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Westerly Pulitzer Prize winner Louis Bromfield, drawing munity dedicated to its past and future genera- Hospital, Shriners Hospital, St. Luke’s Hos- thousands of visitors each year. tions; pital, Memorial Hospital, Charlton Hospital, A bronze statue in the town square in Ur- Therefore, I join with the residents of the and Newport Hospital; bana memorializes the 3,235 Champaign 18th Congressional District and all of Ohio in Whereas the local Red Cross, with 10 paid County men who fought in the Civil War, 578 celebrating the Ohio Bicentennial. staff and over 400 dedicated volunteers, has of whom did not survive the fighting. Urbana Mr. TURNER of Ohio. Madam Speak- played a critical role in offering comfort to University’s Johnny Appleseed Educational the families of victims and coordinating er, I have no other speakers, and I urge services; Center houses the largest collection of Johnny adoption of this measure. Whereas State and local officials have re- Appleseed memorabilia and information known Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- sponded to the fire and its aftermath quick- to exist. St. Paris, in western Champaign ance of my time. ly, effectively, and compassionately, and the County, was a leading carriage-making center The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. people of Rhode Island and the Nation are for much of the late Nineteenth Century. BIGGERT). The question is on the mo- grateful for their efforts;

VerDate Jan 31 2003 05:55 Mar 12, 2003 Jkt 019006 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11MR7.015 H11PT1 H1702 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 11, 2003 Whereas Governor Donald Carcieri of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- Rhode Island and West Warwick Town Man- ant to the rule, the gentleman from er, I yield myself such time as I might ager Wolfgang Bauer have shown exceptional Ohio (Mr. TURNER) and the gentleman consume. leadership under trying circumstances and from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS) each will con- Madam Speaker, I rise today to sup- their sensitivity to the families impacted by the tragedy is much appreciated; Lt. Gov- trol 20 minutes. port the resolution regarding the needs ernor Charles Fogarty and Maj. Gen. Regi- The Chair recognizes the gentleman for improved fire safety in nonresiden- nald Centracchio, as Co-Chairs of the Emer- from Ohio (Mr. TURNER). tial buildings. This is a major concern gency Management Advisory Council, have GENERAL LEAVE with regards to the tragic fire at a also played a crucial role in responding to Mr. TURNER of Ohio. Madam Speak- nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Is- the tragedy; and the Rhode Island Emer- er, I ask unanimous consent that all land, on February 20, 2003, which killed gency Management Agency has impressively Members may have 5 legislative days over 90 people and injured about 200. It and effectively coordinated a myriad of within which to revise and extend their State and local activities; is almost unthinkable and unimagi- Whereas area funeral directors and medical remarks on the concurrent resolution nable that such a tragedy could and examiners have provided outstanding service under consideration. would occur. throughout the tragedy; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there I also want to recognize a similar Whereas the staff of the local family re- objection to the request of the gen- tragedy that took place in my congres- source center has helped the families of vic- tleman from Ohio? sional district in Chicago on February tims to access the services and information There was no objection. 17, 2003, at the E2 nightclub in Chi- they need and provided care and comfort to Mr. TURNER of Ohio. Madam Speak- cago’s south side, where a stampede led hundreds of grieving family members; er, I yield myself such time as I may Whereas the people of Rhode Island and to approximately 21 people being killed consume. and more than 50 injured. This was a concerned citizens across the United States House Concurrent Resolution 85, in- tragedy that could and should have have shown incredible generosity in response troduced by the gentleman from Rhode to the tragedy, contributing hundreds of been prevented if there were better fire Island (Mr. LANGEVIN), expresses the thousands of dollars to victims’ assistance and building safety codes implemented sense of the House with regard to the efforts; like wider staircases, more visible need for improved fire safety in non- Whereas many local businesses have pro- exits, and windows for air circulation. vided victims and their families with crucial residential buildings in the aftermath In recognizing the tragedy in Rhode services from food to transportation, mem- of the tragic fire that struck on Feb- Island, I would like to take this oppor- bers of the Rhode Island Bar Association and ruary 20, 2003, at a nightclub in West tunity also to extend my condolences Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association have Warwick, Rhode Island. offered free assistance to victims and their Madam Speaker, last month a great to the families of the fire victims in families with immediate legal issues, and tragedy befell this Nation. Ninety- Warwick and to the victims of the E2 community mental health centers and men- nightclub in Chicago. tal health professionals have provided crit- eight people were killed and nearly 200 more were injured when a devastating Madam Speaker, as lawmakers, we ical mental health care to victims and their are responsible for ensuring the safety families and other members of the commu- fire engulfed The Station nightclub nity; that was hosting a concert in the sub- of our citizens, especially in public Whereas Federal agencies, including the urban Providence, Rhode Island, town places. As a result, we should imme- Social Security Administration, the Federal of West Warwick. diately pass this bill before there is Emergency Management Agency, the Bureau Stage props that sprayed pyrotech- any other tragedy, and I would want to of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the De- nics set on fire the acoustic wall be- urge all of those who have responsi- partment of Health and Human Services, the hind the stage, and the fire spread bility for safety in public places to do National Institute of Standards and Tech- everything possible to assure that nology, and the Small Business Administra- across the nightclub ceiling at a ter- tion, have offered assistance and expertise ribly rapid speed. Apparently, the en- those buildings are, in fact, safe; that that has been extremely helpful to the tire club was fully aflame in just 3 min- there is adequate opportunity for peo- State’s emergency response to the tragedy; utes. Many of the victims never had a ple to exit; and that we protect the Whereas the West Warwick fire is only the chance to escape. lives of our citizens. most recent example of how deadly fire can This unimaginable catastrophe was I commend the gentleman from be in nonresidential buildings; one of the deadliest nightclub fires in Rhode Island for introducing this reso- Whereas, in 2001, the last year in which full our Nation’s history; and sadly, this in- lution. statistics are available, 80 people were killed Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- and 1,650 injured in fires in nonresidential cident seems so avoidable. I sincerely buildings, not including the victims of the hope this event serves a final wake-up ance of my time. terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and call to owners and operators of enter- Mr. TURNER of Ohio. Madam Speak- Whereas, on February 17, 2003, 21 people tainment venues across the country. I er, I have no other speakers, and I want were killed in a tragic stampede at the E2 trust all those in responsible positions to thank the gentleman from Rhode Is- Nightclub in Chicago, Illinois, and this trag- will take an even closer look at safety land for introducing this important edy and the West Warwick fire, which have features in their facilities, in order resolution, and I urge adoption of this deeply impacted persons throughout the that this tragedy may not be repeated. measure. United States, emphasize the critical need I would like to express my sympathy Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- for enhancements in nightclub and concert ance of my time. hall safety: Now, therefore, be it to the grieving families and friends of Resolved by the House of Representatives (the the victims. I congratulate the local, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- Senate concurring), That the Congress— State and Federal emergency respond- er, I yield 7 minutes to the gentleman (1) expresses its deepest condolences to the ers that worked tirelessly to save vic- from Rhode Island (Mr. LANGEVIN), who family members and friends who lost loved tims from the fire and continue to is the author of this resolution. ones as a result of the tragic fire on Feb- treat patients that suffer from burns Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I ruary 20, 2003, at The Station nightclub in want to thank the gentleman for yield- West Warwick, Rhode Island, and offers its and other injuries. I hope and pray that those who remain injured will experi- ing me the time, and I appreciate his hope for the quick and full recovery of those comments; and my condolences go to persons who were injured in the fire; ence a full and very quick recovery. (2) expresses immense gratitude for the ef- Madam Speaker, I hope that the pas- the families that lost loved ones in the forts of countless emergency response per- sage of this resolution will lead us to Chicago tragedy as well. We share his sonnel, local, State, and Federal officials, take steps toward improving the safety pain in these two tragic events. health care providers, volunteers, businesses, of nonresidential buildings. Therefore, Madam Speaker, on the night of Feb- and citizens who have been part of the re- I urge all Members to support the adop- ruary 20, Rhode Island suffered a dev- sponse to this tragedy; and tion of House Concurrent Resolution astating tragedy. On that night, a mas- (3) urges State and local officials and the 85. sive fire, ignited by a pyrotechnic dis- owners of entertainment facilities to exam- play during a rock concert, tore ine their safety practices, fire codes, and en- I thank my colleague from Rhode Is- forcement capabilities in light of this hor- land for introducing this important through The Station nightclub in West rific tragedy and to take all necessary action measure. Warwick, Rhode Island, in my congres- to ensure that such a tragedy never befalls Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- sional district. That fire took 99 lives any community again. ance of my time. and left nearly 200 injured.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:22 Mar 12, 2003 Jkt 019006 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11MR7.003 H11PT1 March 11, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1703 In any community, this tragedy strong, resilient and boundlessly gen- ed to support these efforts and ensure would have been overwhelming, but in erous. I want to recognize the count- that the horrific events in Chicago and a small State like Rhode Island, when less volunteers who have put their lives West Warwick are the last of their a closeknit town falls victim to one of on hold to help in any way they can. kind. the worst nightclub fires in the Na- Likewise, many of our State’s business In closing, I urge support of House tion’s history, the impact is simply in- community have come forward to pro- Concurrent Resolution 85. comprehensible. Everyone in Rhode Is- vide food, shelter, transportation and Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- land has a connection to one of the vic- much more to those affected by this er, may I inquire as to how much time tims; and indeed, connections have event. remains. been made all across New England and, I would particularly like to thank The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. indeed, the Nation. the Red Cross and its scores of volun- BIGGERT). The gentleman from Illinois I have introduced the resolution be- teers for all they have done to give has 111⁄2 minutes remaining. fore us today to memorialize this hor- comfort and assistance to those whose Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- rible event and honor the victims and loved ones were lost or injured. er, I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman to express thanks for heroic efforts of b 1445 from Rhode Island (Mr. KENNEDY). so many emergency personnel, medical Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. workers, community members, and Rhode Island’s Governor, Don Carcieri, has provided outstanding Madam Speaker, I, too, want to join government officials who have helped my colleague, the gentleman from us through this tragedy. leadership throughout this ordeal and Rhode Island (Mr. LANGEVIN), in offer- Just as importantly, I was compelled shown extraordinary sensitivity to the ing our heartfelt condolences to the to draw the attention of my colleagues families involved, and I have person- families of the E2 Nightclub in Chicago to this fire in order to reinforce the ur- ally heard from many of them how for their tremendous loss. It is utterly gent need for increased attention to much they appreciate his efforts. West ironic that the footage captured in fire safety nationwide. Federal, State Warwick’s town manager, Wolfgang Rhode Island of The Station nightclub and local officials, along with propri- Bauer, has worked hand in hand with on that terrible night was footage that etors of nightclubs and other commer- State officials to help the people of his was captured because a cameraman cial facilities, must reevaluate safety community through this event. Lieu- was following up on the local angle of regulations and their enforcement to tenant Governor Charles Fogarty and club safety in light of what happened ensure that this kind of tragedy never Major General Reginald Centracchio, in Chicago. Those terrible images that happens again. cochairs of the Emergency Manage- we saw beamed across the country If the West Warwick fire can serve as ment Advisory Council, have also would not have been caught had it not a wake-up call and lead to improved played a crucial role in this crisis; and been for our State trying to prevent safety across the country, then these 99 the Rhode Island Emergency Manage- what had happened in Chicago. How lives will not have been lost in vain. It ment Agency has impressively and ef- tragic it was that that is just what is the very least we can do to honor the fectively coordinated a myriad of State ended up happening. victims. and local activities. As Rhode Islanders continue the I would also like to thank my friend, Madam Speaker, it is with great re- healing process, I want to express my the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. gret that I stand on the floor of the deepest condolences to those who lost KENNEDY), who is an original cosponsor House today to offer my sincerest con- loved ones in this horrible fire. There of this resolution, for his assistance, dolences and heartfelt prayers to those are no words to adequately express our his friendship and support through this who lost loved ones, to those who were profound sadness. Please know that difficult time, and, of course, Rhode Is- lost, and those still recovering from they are in the thoughts and prayers of land’s senior Senator, JACK REED, and the effects of the tragic fire in my us all, and we will not let the lives of Senator LINCOLN CHAFEE for their tre- State of Rhode Island. I know that their husbands, wives, sisters and mendous efforts and leadership. And I there is nothing that we can say, no brothers, children, parents and friends want to express my great appreciation resolution that we can pass that will be forgotten. to several Federal agencies, including take away the consuming grief and the As of this afternoon, at least 40 peo- FEMA, the Social Security Adminis- sense of loss that so many Rhode Is- ple remain hospitalized, nearly half of tration, SBA, HHS and ATF, for all of landers have felt and are feeling; but it them still in critical condition. I know their support. Their involvement has is my hope that these condolences of my colleagues join me in offering up been critical, and I look forward to the House, along with time, will help prayers for their quick and full recov- working with them further in the to heal those wounds. ery. They are fighting every hour, and weeks to come. I would like to say to my colleagues they need our strength now more than Finally, Madam Speaker, let me ad- who have been watching the coverage ever. Our best wishes go out to them dress the issues of safety in our clubs, of these sad events over the past days and their families as they weather the concert halls and other public places. that you have no doubt heard several tough days ahead. As Americans have been reminded so Rhode Islanders say that ‘‘everyone in I would also like to express my im- painfully by the West Warwick fire, as Rhode Island is separated by one and a mense gratitude for the heroic efforts well as the tragic nightclub stampede half degrees,’’ a play off of the well- of people and agencies from Rhode Is- in Chicago just a few days earlier, we known ‘‘six degrees of separation’’ land, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and cannot relax our efforts to ensure that adage. Rhode Island is a small, but elsewhere who have helped respond to our fire and safety regulations are proud, State. There are fewer of us in this disaster. The firefighters, police, strong and effective and our entertain- Rhode Island than in Los Angeles, Dal- emergency responders who were first ment facilities are in full compliance las, Fort Worth, or Philadelphia. In on the scene made a herculean effort with them. As we now know all too Rhode Island, everyone knows every- under unimaginable circumstances; well, to lose sight of the overall impor- one. Ask any Rhode Islander, and they and we have them to thank that even tance of safety can be fatal. will tell you their State is not so much more lives were not lost. I have been greatly encouraged by a State as a community, a community In addition, over a dozen hospitals in the intense efforts going on across the where people are born, raised, edu- Rhode Island and Massachusetts have country in recent weeks to revisit fire cated, and eventually raise their own been caring for patients since this trag- safety regulations and step up enforce- families in this place that will always edy. The doctors, nurses, mental health ment of existing laws. Our State and welcome them home. professionals, and support staff of these local officials are taking this issue se- To my colleagues, and especially to hospitals have worked tirelessly to riously, and I am hopeful that the re- my colleague, the gentleman from help the injured; and we are grateful sult will be improved safety in every Rhode Island (Mr. LANGEVIN), who I for their service. city and town in America. I know that thank for bringing this resolution to As usual, when tragedy strikes Rhode my colleagues are ready to offer what- the floor today, I say that the atmos- Island, our community has proven ever Federal assistance might be need- phere under which we are at this time

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:22 Mar 12, 2003 Jkt 019006 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MR7.018 H11PT1 H1704 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 11, 2003 and place, where generations of Amer- to our new Governor, Governor Funeral Home, who buried seven people ican representatives have marked trag- Carcieri, who has shown tremendous without cost and greatly reduced the edies and triumphs in the halls of this leadership under pressure. The compas- cost for an eighth person; radio sta- Republic, today we mourn the worst of sion and personal touch that he has tions; Salem Baptist Church, New those disasters ever to afflict the peo- brought to our State has truly been in- Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church; the ple of Rhode Island. To date, we have spirational. More than any other per- Push Rainbow; WGCI Radio; and all of lost 99 of our families, friends, and son, the Governor has held our State those who have contributed in setting neighbors to this terrible tragedy. That together through this tragedy. up educational funds for the children of is nearly half as many Rhode Islanders So while we continue to mourn for those whose parents lost their lives in as were lost in the entire Vietnam War those who have walked on from this the E2 tragedy. in our State of Rhode Island. world and offer our prayers to those Our country has a tendency to rise up A disaster of this magnitude in a still fighting to return to good health, when there is a special need, and I com- community like Rhode Island has test- let us help to lessen their grief by mend all of those who took note of the ed the limits of our collective com- showing our gratitude to all those who tragedy in Rhode Island, as well as the prehension, resilience, and grief. While have helped them through this adver- tragedy at the E2 in Chicago. we mourn, we still hold out the hope, sity. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and offer our prayers, to the 190 men There will be, unfortunately, no question is on the motion offered by and women still fighting their injuries shortage of time to grieve for the the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. TURNER) across New England, as many as 40 in mother that will not be able to open that the House suspend the rules and the hospital. Their struggles will be the presents with her children at the agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 85. difficult, the road ahead challenging; holidays. There is no shortage of time The question was taken. but the people of Rhode Island have to grieve for the brother who will not The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the proven that community togetherness walk down the aisle with his new bride. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of and family can see us through any- There is no shortage of time to grieve those present have voted in the affirm- thing. We offer them our support and for the spouse who will not celebrate ative. encouragement today, and we promise her next anniversary with her husband, Mr. TURNER of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, that we will still be there in the the grandfather who will not see his on that I demand the yeas and nays. months and the years ahead to ensure grandchildren graduate from college, The yeas and nays were ordered. that we never forget that they are or the child who will take his first The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- going to be living with these injuries steps without his parents to see him. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the for the rest of their lives. Many Rhode Islanders will have the Chair’s prior announcement, further Madam Speaker, but for the brave rest of their lives for these somber proceedings on this motion will be first responders who came immediately memories. Now is a time for remem- postponed. and professionally to their call to duty, brance of how the human spirit, above f many of those in the hospitals today all, arises in times of tragedy, because OBSERVER STATUS FOR TAIWAN would no longer be with us, and most that is the only thing, besides the pas- AT WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY assuredly the number of those still re- sage of time, that will help ease our IN MAY 2003 IN GENEVA, SWIT- covering from their injuries would be current pain. ZERLAND much, much higher. The emergency Unlike other no-less-painful losses we personnel on duty who rushed to the experience in the course of our lives, Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I scene, to those who simply passed or too many young lives were lost this move to suspend the rules and pass the heard through the grapevine about the horrific night. This incident has re- bill (H.R. 441) to amend Public Law 107– tragedy and selflessly responded, the minded me of the words that my father 10 to authorize a United States plan to men and women of this House today spoke at my cousin, John F. Kennedy, endorse and obtain observer status for say ‘‘thank you’’ to all of them. They Jr.’s, memorial service. He said: ‘‘He Taiwan at the annual summit of the worked without thought for themselves was lost on that troubled night, but we World Health Assembly in May 2003 in that freezing night, and afterwards, not will always wake for him, so that his Geneva, Switzerland, and for other pur- only to free the trapped from the in- time, which was not doubled, but cut in poses. The Clerk read as follows: ferno, and tended through their own half, will live forever in our memory, tears to the cries of the wounded, but and in our beguiled and broken H.R. 441 long past the tragedy to tend to the hearts.’’ Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives of the United States of America in emotional and psychological wounds Madam Speaker, our hearts are bro- Congress assembled, that continue to inflict these victims. ken; and those who are lost will no SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC LAW 107–10. Madam Speaker, what we ask of first doubt live forever in our memory. (a) FINDINGS.—Section 1(a) of Public Law responders in these situations is to be I want to thank the gentleman from 107–10 (115 Stat. 17) is amended by adding at superhuman in the face of staggering Rhode Island once again for all the the end the following: human suffering. Most of us spend our work that he has done representing his ‘‘(14) The government of Taiwan, in re- lives doing our best to keep ourselves district through these difficult times. I sponse to an appeal from the United Nations and our loved ones out of situations know that the people who have en- and the United States for resources to con- that the police, fire, and medical per- trusted their faith to him have been trol the spread of HIV/AIDS, donated $1,000,000 to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, sonnel rush into every single day, day well served, and I appreciate this op- Tuberculosis and Malaria.’’. after day. Their heroism in this trag- portunity to rise in support of his reso- (b) PLAN.—Section 1(b)(1) of Public Law edy does not go unnoticed. It might be lution and strongly urge my colleagues 107–10 (115 Stat. 17) is amended by striking added that with so much evil ema- to give it the support that it deserves. ‘‘May 2002’’ and inserting ‘‘May 2003’’. nating from the events of 9–11, it is fit- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ting to acknowledge that our State er, I yield myself such time as I may ant to the rule, the gentleman from would not have been able to react as consume to commend both the gen- Ohio (Mr. CHABOT) and the gentleman quickly as it had were it not for the tleman from Rhode Island (Mr. from California (Mr. LANTOS) each will lessons learned in that tragedy. LANGEVIN) and the gentleman from control 20 minutes. Also, the leadership shown at so Rhode Island (Mr. KENNEDY) for bring- The Chair recognizes the gentleman many levels of government is inspiring ing this great tragedy to our attention. from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT). to those of us who believe that there I also want to join with them in com- GENERAL LEAVE are indeed good and honorable people mending all of those who rose to the Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I ask in government service. I want to join occasion, the policemen; the firemen; unanimous consent that all Members my colleague, the gentleman from the Red Cross; emergency medical may have 5 legislative days within Rhode Island, in recognizing all those services personnel; mental health cen- which to revise and extend their re- who he recognized in his remarks; but ters, crisis counselors; and even under- marks and include extraneous material I too want to pay particular attention takers in my town, like Leak and Sons on the bill under consideration.

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