Extensions of Remarks E1473 EXTENSIONS of REMARKS

July 16, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1473 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE The brothers’ continued sacrifice extended H.R. 6331 does not represent the full extent of 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF BAKERS- well into their personal lives—despite working what I feel could have been done to address FIELD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in the same Area of Operations, they saw the health care needs for our senior citizens, each other only sporadically. One reunion took it does defeat the most imminent threat. I re- HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE place over Thanksgiving, when the men were main hopeful that Congress will revisit this OF OHIO able to enjoy dinner together until their base matter and restore Medicare Advantage to its IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fell under a rocket and mortar attack. Thank- true potential fully, no one was injured. Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Madam Speaker, please join me in recog- f Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: nizing Sergeants Stephen and Jeffery Brown’s Whereas, Bakersfield Presbyterian Church tireless dedication to serving our country and COLLABORATION BETWEEN is celebrating its 175th anniversary; and protecting the lives of other servicemen facing CARIBBEAN AND NEW YORK Whereas, the congregation of Bakersfield combat. Presbyterian continue to be active, enthusi- f astic members of our community; and HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Whereas, Bakersfield Presbyterian received MEDICARE IMPROVEMENT FOR PA- OF NEW YORK a congratulatory plaque from the Presbyterian TIENTS AND PROVIDERS ACT OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Church General Assembly for their 175 years; 2008 Wednesday, July 16, 2008 now, therefore, be it Resolved that along with the residents of SPEECH OF Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today the 18th Congressional District, I commend to recognize the efforts made by the Carib- Bakersfield Presbyterian Church and its con- HON. MICHELE BACHMANN bean Community and Common Market, OF MINNESOTA gregation for their unwavering commitment, CARICOM, nations and New York City, to dedication and contributions to their commu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES stimulate and promote new economic partner- nity and country in recognition of their 175 Tuesday, July 15, 2008 ships. years. Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, today, The new relationships that were formed dur- f the House voted to override the President’s ing this year’s CARICOM conference have al- ready begun to show prosperous results. Most RECOGNIZING SERGEANTS STE- veto of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improve- ments for Patients and Providers Act. Al- notable is an agreement made between the PHEN AND JEFFERY BROWN, University of the West Indies and Medgar SCOTTSDALE HEALTHCARE’S though I had previously opposed this legisla- tion, I reluctantly cast my vote in favor of over- Evers College in New York. The agreement ‘‘SALUTE TO MILITARY’’ HON- was signed by the Honorable Prime Minister OREE riding the veto. While I maintain my concerns over the funding cuts to Medicare Advantage of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas plans contained in the bill, H.R. 6331 corrects and Dr. Edison Jackson, President of Medgar HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL the scheduled physician payment cuts and we Evers College. OF ARIZONA have simply run out of time to negotiate fur- Dr. Douglas has introduced the possibility of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ther on this matter. an exchange program between the two re- Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Ensuring access to health care is critical for gions that would include educational programs Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise all Americans. It is especially important that in the areas of tourism, transportation, climate today in recognition of Sergeants Stephen and senior citizens, who are at a particularly vul- change, research and outreach. Jeffery Brown, Scottsdale Healthcare’s ‘‘Salute nerable time, receive high quality, affordable This newly formed agreement will not only to Military’’ Honorees for July 2008. Scottsdale care. Consequently, in 2003, Congress cre- boost economic development in the Carib- Healthcare has recognized Sergeants Stephen ated Medicare Advantage plans which com- bean, but it will bridge the gap between the re- and Jeffery Brown and other physicians with a bine the reliable nature of Medicare with the gion and the New York based diaspora. I connection to the Armed Services for their dili- quality and value of a competitively driven would like to commend the work of all parties gent service to this country. market. With nearly 10 million Medicare bene- that played a part in the creation of this agree- I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying ficiaries currently enrolled in Medicare Advan- ment. tribute to such deserving servicemembers. tage plans, up nearly 60 percent since 2004, COLLABORATION BETWEEN CARIBBEAN AND Sergeants Stephen and Jeffery Brown are America’s seniors are seeing the benefits of NEW YORK brothers and the third generation of men in these plans, offering greater choice, lower out- BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS.—St. Kitts and their family to proudly serve in the military. of-pocket costs, and expanded service. Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Sergeant Stephen Brown is currently on ac- Unfortunately, the bill placed before us Douglas said a Memorandum of Under- tive duty and assigned to the 3rd Infantry Divi- today actually falls short of a compromise that standing signed between the University of sion from Fort Steward, Georgia. He returned would have staved off the devastating reim- the West Indies (UWI) and the Medgar Evers home in mid-July from a second tour of duty bursement cuts and preserved valuable ac- College in New York would form the basis for cess to Medicare Advantage plans. Seeing moving forward after the Carribbean-New in Iraq, to which he deployed in April 2007. York Conference last week. how near Senate Finance Committee leaders Sergeant Stephen Brown is a Satellite Com- Speaking at the signing, Prime Minister munications Technician and Computer Net- were to reaching an optimal compromise, I Douglas, the Lead Head of Government for work Operator. Some of his awards include originally opposed H.R. 6331. However, it is Education and Health matters in the two Army Commendation Medals. clear now that this bill represents the only ve- CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, said the engage- Sergeant Jeffery Brown is also currently on hicle to combat the painful cuts to physician ment needed to arrive at some concrete ele- active duty. He supports the 82nd Airborne Di- payments and to maintain seniors’ access to ments of a plan for collaboration. vision from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Ser- Medicare providers, and therefore it must be Among the priorities Dr. Douglas sug- geant Jeffery Brown is currently deployed to supported. gested that should arise from the Conference Iraq on his first tour of duty. He is expected to Madam Speaker, America’s physicians have were greater collaboration in research and training through the establishment of return in January 2009. He is a Licensed called on Congress to prevent a devastating CARICOM New York Fellowships and a spe- Practical Nurse and Medic now serving in a cut to their Medicare reimbursement pay- cial Fund dedicated for exchange at the staff Combat Support Hospital in Iraq. Some of his ments. This cut could have dangerous implica- and student levels; a concerted effort to push awards include the Army Achievement and tions for America’s seniors, risking access to the frontiers of knowledge by placing empha- Army Service medals. the health coverage on which they rely. While sis on areas of Research and Development,

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

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16JY8.001 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E1474 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 16, 2008 especially in areas such as tourism, trans- was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 1067, PERSONAL EXPLANATION portation and climate change and estab- H. Res. 1080, and H. Con. Res. 297, and wish lishing common areas of research and out- the record to reflect my intentions had I been reach that are particularly aimed at improv- HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY ing the quality of life of citizens in the Car- able to vote. OF NEW YORK Had I been present for rollcall No. 486 on ibbean and New York in such areas that con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nect education to health, trade, culture and suspending the rules and passing H. Res. promote greater public awareness especially 1067, Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Wednesday, July 16, 2008 to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, prevention crossing of the North Pole by the USS Nau- Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam of NCDs advancing cultural industries and tilus, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ Speaker, on July 14, 2008, I missed rollcall thereby capitalizing on some of the assets of Had I been present for Roll Call No. 487 on votes numbered 486, a resolution recognizing the Caribbean Diaspora. suspending the rules and passing H. Res. Prime Minister also suggested the involve- the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the ment of the private sector both in the 1080, Honoring the extraordinary service and North Pole by the USS Nautilus (SSN 571); CARICOM Community and New York to exceptional sacrifice of the 101st Airborne Di- 487, a resolution honoring the extraordinary sponsor goodwill tours to enhance the under- vision (Air Assault), known as the Screaming service and exceptional sacrifice of the 101st standing of groups and stakeholders that Eagles, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the share common cultural and educational ob- Had I been present for Roll Call No. No. Screaming Eagles; and 488, a resolution rec- jectives; placing greater emphasis on pro- 488 on suspending the rules and passing H. moting courses on Caribbean Studies and the ognizing the 60th anniversary of the integra- Con. Res. 297, Recognizing the 60th anniver- tion of the United States Armed Forces. American connections in the region’s Ter- sary of the integration of the United States tiary Learning Institutions (TLIs) and estab- Had I been present, I would have voted lishing a Charles Rangel Professorship to Armed Forces, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall votes numbered 486, 487, commemorate this momentous occasion in f and 488. the annals of Caribbean-USA relations. f The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) OHIO HOUSING CRISIS will foster greater ties between the two ter- A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE tiary institutions in specific areas of impor- HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLARK tance to the Caribbean and the Diaspora in OF OHIO TOWNSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH New York. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Professor Nigel Harris, UWI Vice Chan- cellor and Dr. Edison Jackson, President of Wednesday, July 16, 2008 HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE the Medgar Evers College signed the MOU at Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I OF OHIO the Education Symposium at the New York rise today to urge my colleagues to support Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. The sign- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the inclusion of neighborhood stabilization ing came at the end of the Opening Cere- Wednesday, July 16, 2008 mony of the Symposium which was staged as funds as part of the comprehensive housing part of the two-day New York Conference on package currently pending in Congress. Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: the Caribbean which began 19 June. The Last month, Chairwoman WATERS convened Whereas, Clark Township Baptist Church Symposium was held under the theme a field hearing in my congressional district on was founded in June 1833 and is celebrating ‘‘Strengthening Collaborative Ties between the housing foreclosure crisis in Ohio. During its 175th anniversary in Warsaw, Ohio; and New York and CARICOM Higher Education this hearing, we heard testimony from State Whereas, the congregation of Clark Town- Institutions.’’ ship Baptist Church continue to be active, en- The Conference is geared at boosting exist- and local government officials and housing ad- ing ties with the United States in general vocates about the devastation that has been thusiastic members of our community; and and New York in particular, in the areas of caused by subprime mortgage lending prac- Whereas, the 175th anniversary of Clark education, trade and investment. tices. Township Baptist Church has drawn new and High level meetings were held between The hearing panelists shared information on old congregation members to Warsaw, Ohio to Heads of Government and key officials in- their aggressive foreclosure prevention efforts celebrate the life of their church; now, there- cluded Congressman Hon. Charles Rangel, which include: Governor Strickland’s establish- fore, be it Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee ment of a Compact with major servicers to Resolved that along with the residents of of the House of Representatives, the Hon. David Paterson, New York Governor; Mr. Mi- help Ohioans stay in their homes; State laws the 18th Congressional District, I commend chael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York; Mr. and city resolutions to address issues sur- Clark Township Baptist Church and its con- Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough Presi- rounding vacant and foreclosed properties; liti- gregation for their unwavering commitment, dent, and top executives of Wall Street. In a gation initiated by the City of Cleveland dedication and contributions to their commu- brief statement Professor Harris extended against lenders for their violations of Ohio’s nity and country in recognition of their 175 gratitude to Dr. Jackson for making the public nuisance statute; and housing coun- years. symposium possible and indicated that seling services provided by full-service public though UWI and Medgar Evers had signed f other similar documents, this one was spe- interest organizations. Despite all of these efforts within the State HONORING THE MARYLAND STATE cial since it was aimed at building a rela- MATHCOUNTS TEAM tionship in areas of relevance to the Carib- of Ohio, a common theme we heard through- bean and to the Caribbean Diaspora in New out the field hearing was the dire need for an York such as youth development and immi- aggressive Federal response to the housing HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN gration. He expressed the hope that the MOU crisis. Specifically, panelists repeatedly em- OF MARYLAND would usher in a partnership that would phasized the need for community stabilization IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES serve as a model for other relationships. The funding. panelists at the two-hour long Symposium Neighborhood stabilization funds will allow Wednesday, July 16, 2008 were Professor Nigel Harris, Professor Frances Negron Muntaner of Columbia Uni- States and local governments to facilitate the Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise versity, Dr. Garrie Moore, Vice Chancellor purchase, rehabilitation, or demolition of va- today to recognize the achievement of the for Student Affairs, CCNY, Ms. Myrna Ber- cant and foreclosed properties. During last Maryland Mathcounts team at the National nard, Director, Human Development, Carib- month’s field hearing, State and local govern- Mathcounts Competition held in Denver on bean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, ment officials noted their severe lack of re- May 9, 2008. Represented by Jason Hyun, and Dr. David Jones, President, Community sources as well as the need for Federal funds Ben Lowenstein, and Sam Zbarsky of Takoma Service Society. to halt the cycle of disinvestment. Housing Park Middle School, and Linus Hamilton of f stakeholders in Ohio and across the country Hyattsville Middle School, the participants per- PERSONAL EXPLANATION stand ready to utilize these emergency sta- formed exceptionally well in the country’s larg- bilization funds to reverse the continued down- est middle school math competition, earning a HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON ward cycle of property abandonment and de- third place overall group finish. Two members clining property values. of this young team also performed well individ- OF ILLINOIS As negotiations continue this week on this ually, finishing in the top of the quarterfinal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES important housing legislation, I strongly urge round. Wednesday, July 16, 2008 my colleagues to support the inclusion of Sarah Manchester, who teaches math at Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, neighborhood stabilization funds in the final Takoma Park Middle School and coached the unfortunately Monday night, July 14, 2008, I legislative package. Maryland team in this impressive performance,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.002 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS July 16, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1475 deserves special recognition. Maryland was operate illegally out of private homes because in their quest for freedom, and not with the re- the only state to be represented by more than the Chinese government refuses to recognize pressive communist regime of China. one finalist in the individual playoff round, and these churches as legitimate places of wor- [From the Washington Post, July 1, 2008] Sarah’s efforts to ensure that the students ship. U.S. LAWMAKERS DECRY OLYMPICS AFTER were prepared for this competition are re- It was clear that we were being followed to DISSIDENTS BLOCKED flected in the team’s success. Sarah has the house church by Chinese security forces (By Chris Buckley) taught Mathcounts students for a decade and so we were only able to stay a short time be- BEIJING.—Two U.S. Congressmen on Tues- continues to donate her time and energy to cause we did not want to endanger members day urged President George W. Bush to help her students excel. of the congregation. rethink attending the Beijing Olympic More than 6,000 schools participate annu- House church members and leaders are Games after they were prevented from meet- ing Chinese human rights activists. ally in the Mathcounts competition. Since it often targeted for harassment and detention Republican Congressmen Frank Wolf from began in 1983, Mathcounts has had over by the Chinese security forces because they Virginia and Chris Smith from New Jersey seven million gifted young math students are viewed by the government as a threat to said they had come to Beijing to meet Chi- study in the program and participate in its the stability and control of the communist re- nese citizens pressing for greater political competitions. Funded by the donations of gen- gime. and religious freedoms, including two who erous individuals and corporations, the schol- One example of this repressive policy is recently met the U.S. president. Pastor Zhang Rongliang, also known as Uncle But Chinese authorities pressured or forced arships awarded to the participants provide a nine activists from meeting them at a dinner strong incentive for young people to commit Liang. Paster Zhang is the leader of the China on Sunday or subsequently, according to a themselves to an extracurricular program that for Christ Church, a network of house church- document handed out by the lawmakers. builds math skills, improves critical thinking, es that is estimated to have over 10 million They said such actions, and other repres- and fosters teamwork. The 17,000 volunteers, members throughout China. sive steps taken by the Chinese Communist like Sarah Manchester, who coach the Chinese authorities raided Pastor Zhang’s Party, have cast a shadow over the Games home on New Year’s Eve 2005 and formally and over Bush’s vow to attend them. 500,000 middle school students who partici- ‘‘Tragically, the Olympics has triggered a pate each year pass on an enthusiasm for arrested him. He was detained for 6 months massive crackdown designed to silence and mathematics that is rewarding for all those in- without being charged. On June 29, 2006, put beyond reach all those whose views differ volved. Pastor Zhang was charged and convicted of from the official ‘harmonious’ government Madam Speaker, I am honored to commend fraudulently obtaining border exit documents line,’’ Smith told a news conference held in the students and educators who make and sentenced to 71⁄2 years in prison. Pastor the U.S. embassy in Beijing. Mathcounts such a remarkable and successful Zhang is currently being held at Henan Prison The friction between the visitors and wary Number One and has reportedly been sub- Chinese authorities has underscored the po- program. I ask my colleagues to join me in ap- litical tensions of the Games, with Beijing plauding the efforts of all the Mathcounts par- jected to electric shock while imprisoned. He under criticism from Western politicians and ticipants, and I look forward to watching the suffers from diabetes and hypertension. He is international rights groups over Tibet, cen- program continue to showcase the extraor- only allowed one 30-minute visit a month from sorship and restrictions on religion and po- dinary talents of our students and their dedi- members of his family and prison guards sur- litical dissent. cated teachers in the years to come. round him during these visits. Wolf, who with Smith presented Chinese officials with a list of 734 Chinese prisoners f During a two-hour meeting with Ambassador Li Zhaoxing, the former Chinese foreign min- they said were jailed for dissent, said Bush TRIP TO BEIJING, CHINA should not attend the Games unless there ister who now chairs the Foreign Affairs Com- were big changes. mittee of the National People’s Congress, ‘‘I personally believe that unless there’s HON. FRANK R. WOLF Congressman SMITH and I both pressed for tremendous progress over the next few weeks OF VIRGINIA the release of detained individuals, such as whereby they release some of these pris- oners, I personally do not believe the presi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Pastor Zhang. We presented Ambassador Li with a partial list of political prisoners compiled dent should attend. Nor do I think the Sec- Wednesday, July 16, 2008 retary of State should attend,’’ said Wolf. by the Congressional-Executive Commission Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, over the on China and asked for the immediate release ‘‘SIMPLY RIDICULOUS’’ Fourth of July recess, Representative CHRIS of all 734 individuals on the list. A copy of this China later hit back, saying the politi- cians’ attempted meetings violated the SMITH and I traveled to Beijing, China. list is available online at www.cecc.gov. claimed purpose of their visit. We had become increasingly disturbed by I have met with many former political and ‘‘The two U.S. Congressmen came to China reports of harsh crackdowns by Chinese secu- religious prisoners and dissidents like Pastor as guests of the United States Embassy to rity forces on the dissident community in the Zhang. These are peaceful people. They are engage in internal communications and con- run up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. not violent rogues seeking to overthrow the sultations,’’ Chinese Foreign Ministry Although both Representative SMITH and I Chinese government. All they ask for is free- spokesman Liu Jianchao told a news con- have been outspoken critics of the Chinese dom; they yearn for freedom—the freedom to ference. government over the years, we embarked on ‘‘They should not engage in activities in- gather together and worship and celebrate compatible with the objective of their visit this trip with open minds ready to be con- and share their religious beliefs. and with their status.’’ vinced that the Chinese government had taken But the Chinese government will not allow Speaking by telephone before leaving Bei- steps to improve its abysmal human rights this. They throw their own people in jail and jing, Wolf called China’s explanation ‘‘sim- record. subject them to the most base and violent ply ridiculous’’ and said he expected the U.S. Unfortunately, what we saw while we were forms of torture. And despite all this, the gov- ambassador to Beijing to take up the issue. on the ground cannot be considered by any Two of the Chinese citizens who could not ernment of China was awarded the honor of meet the lawmakers, Beijing-based lawyers stretch of the imagination to be progress. hosting the 2008 Olympic Games. Li Baiguang and Li Heping, met Bush at the Upon our arrival, we were informed that the In 1988, in the midst of the cold war, Presi- White House on June 23 after receiving three people that we had invited to have din- dent Ronald Reagan publicly addressed reli- awards from the U.S. National Endowment ner with us that evening were threatened by gious leaders at the Danilov Monastery in for Democracy. Chinese security forces not to attend and Moscow and called on the Soviet Union to Li Heping said security officers had osten- placed under house arrest. One of these indi- promote religious tolerance. tatiously tailed him and told him not to viduals, a prominent human rights lawyer to I call on President Bush to follow the exam- meet the U.S. politicians. He said by tele- whom I had presented the National Endow- phone that he was surprised the audience ple of Ronald Reagan. While he is in Beijing with Bush had not given him and Li ment for Democracy Award just weeks earlier for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, Baiguang some immunity. on Capitol Hill, was taken several hours out- he should make a public speech calling on the ‘‘He said he was very concerned about side of Beijing and detained for the duration of Chinese government to release all the political human rights and the rule of law in China, our trip. and religious dissidents who languish in labor especially religious freedom and the freedom I insert two articles for the record from The camps and prisons across China. of the press,’’ Li Heping said of the meeting. New York Times and The Washington Post, The people of China, and the dissidents ‘‘He also said that when he comes to Bei- jing for the Olympics he will raise these which further detail the detention of these indi- who sit in their jail cells day after day, week issues with President Hu.’’ viduals. after week, year after year, should know that Li Baiguang, an evangelical Christian who We also visited a ‘‘house church,’’ an under- the President of the United States of America has now met Bush twice, could not be con- ground Protestant church which is forced to and leader of the free world stands with them tacted. His mobile telephone was cut off and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.006 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E1476 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 16, 2008 other activists said he has been held by state Baiguang and Li Heping have met with and offers an outstanding quality of life to its security police on the outskirts of Beijing. President Bush. residents; now, therefore, be it Wolf said the U.S. government should On Sunday afternoon, authorities took Li apply more public pressure to seek the re- Baiguang to a Beijing suburb, where he was Resolved that along with the residents of lease of jailed Chinese dissidents. placed under house arrest, according to Chi- the 18th Congressional District, I commend ‘‘I think you need to do it publicly,’’ he nese Human Rights Defenders, an advocacy Minerva, Ohio and its citizens for their unwav- said. ‘‘Frankly, they have to be done the way group. Mr. Teng, who was also detained ear- ering commitment, dedication and contribu- we used to do it with regard to the Soviet lier this year, was taken to the same Beijing tions to their community and country in rec- Union.’’ suburb but later returned to his apartment ognition of their 175 years. [From the New York Times, July 2, 2008] under house arrest. Another well-known law- yer, Jiang Tianyong, was blocked from leav- CHINA BLOCKS U.S. LEGISLATORS’ MEETING f ing his apartment by two Beijing police offi- (By Jim Yardley) cers, the advocacy group said. Still another IN RECOGNITION OF THE BEIJING.—Two United States congressmen lawyer, Li Fangping, said three police offi- who were in Beijing to lobby for the release cers were stationed outside his apartment HONORABLE J. BENJAMIN EWING of more than 700 political prisoners had and threatened to follow him wherever he hoped to have dinner on Sunday with a group went. of Chinese human rights lawyers. But secu- The two representatives did manage to HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE rity agents had a different idea: they de- meet with a Chinese pastor, Zhang OF DELAWARE tained some of the lawyers and warned the Mingxuan, but Mr. Smith said security IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES others to stay away. agents placed the pastor under house arrest The incident is the latest example of how afterward. Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Chinese security agents are increasing pres- The tightened scrutiny of dissidents comes sure on dissidents in advance of the Beijing as China is making broader efforts to in- Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with Olympics in August. The ruling Communist crease security and curb public protests as great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Party has issued broader orders for local the Olympics draw near. On June 8, the cen- the Honorable J. Benjamin Ewing, State Rep- governments to defuse public protests, as a tral government held a video conference to resentative for the 35th Representative district violent demonstration involving an esti- launch a national campaign to prevent peti- mated 30,000 people erupted last weekend in for the great State of Delaware. Representa- tion campaigns by disgruntled citizens and tive Ewing has represented his district honor- southwestern China. to stop demonstrations and other ‘‘mass in- In Beijing, a spokesman for the Foreign cidents’’ in the name of preserving harmony ably and with great distinction since 1987. Ministry said the congressmen, Republicans for the Olympics. However, his public service did not begin then Frank R. Wolf of Virginia and Christopher H. Localized demonstrations have become but rather as a young man when he served Smith of New Jersey, had overstepped their common in China, especially in rural areas our country in Korea in the United States Ma- visas in arranging to meet the lawyers. The where peasants protest against illegal land rine Corps and then for 20 years with the legislators, both sharp critics of China, ex- seizures and corruption. Often, peasants or- pressed outrage over the interference by se- Delaware State Police where he rose to the ganize petition campaigns and travel to Bei- rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His work in com- curity agents. jing to present their grievances. But authori- ‘‘The people we were supposed to have din- ties, concerned about a potentially embar- munity service, government and politics has ner with all got stopped,’’ said Mr. Smith in rassing spectacle during the Games, are call- provided Delawareans and the constituents of a telephone interview on Tuesday afternoon. ing on local officials to solve problems and his district with tremendous peace of mind ‘‘All of the world is watching, and this kind prevent petitioners from coming to the cap- knowing that an individual of Representative of behavior doesn’t bring anything but more ital. Ewing’s stature was always willing to look scrutiny to their human rights abuses.’’ The potential for unexpected protests was after the best interest of his constituents while Mr. Wolf called on President Bush to boy- illustrated over the weekend when thousands giving them the best possible service. cott the Olympic opening ceremonies if the of people burned government buildings in the detained lawyers were not released and if county of Weng’an in Guizhou Province. During my years as Governor and in the there was ‘‘no progress’’ on releasing 734 po- China Daily, the official English-language U.S. House of Representatives, I have always litical prisoners on a list the two congress- newspaper, reported that 30,000 people par- enjoyed working with Representative Ewing to men presented to the Chinese. ticipated in a ‘‘mass action’’ after a smaller assist him and the constituents of his district President Bush has been invited to the group protested against possible police mal- on issues relating to social security, highways, opening ceremony by Chinese president Hu feasance in handling a case that involved the Jintao and has rejected calls that he not at- postal service, development, health care, and death of a local teenage girl. the many other issues his constituents face on tend. Family members of the girl believe she was On Tuesday afternoon, Liu Jianchao, the killed by relatives of local officials. The riot a daily basis. During his career in government, Foreign Ministry spokesman, said the two erupted after the police ruled her death a Ben has always put the people of his district legislators, who had travel visas, should not drowning and cleared the officials’ relatives. first and worked diligently on their behalf. have tried to meet with the lawyers. ‘‘They Rioters burned government buildings and While the people of the 35th Representative should not intervene in China’s internal af- smashed police cars. Paramilitary police District will elect a new Representative this fairs or conduct something that is harmful have since been dispatched to the county to fall, they will have a difficult time finding a to China-U.S. relations,’’ he said during a restore order. regular news briefing. Representative as qualified, humble, or one Asked if visiting congressmen must get ap- f who works as patiently on a daily basis to as- proval from the Chinese government to meet A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE sist their each and every need. with private citizens, Mr. Liu added: ‘‘The Ben was instrumental in identifying the need two congressmen applied to come to China to 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF MI- NERVA, OHIO to renovate and develop the new visitors cen- get in touch with the United States con- ter in Bridgeville, Delaware as a combined sulate. We hope the two U.S. congressmen can respect the country they visit and obey HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE State Police barracks, paramedic unit and Chinese laws. Regarding the issues on reli- service center, and as a result it now bears OF OHIO gion and human rights, the exchange be- his name. His commitment to the Veterans of tween the two countries is more meaningful IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Foreign Wars, NRA, American Legion and his than meeting private citizens.’’ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Scottish heritage is without question. The congressmen said they came to Beijing I want to publicly thank, recognize and ac- to discuss human rights, religious freedom, Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: the Olympics and Darfur. Mr. Smith said Whereas, the village of Minerva, Ohio is knowledge Ben Ewing for his many decades they met Monday with the country’s former celebrating their 175 years of history this July; of service and numerous contributions to the foreign minister, Li Zhaoxing, and gave him and State of Delaware. He is an excellent role their list of political prisoners. ‘‘He took it Whereas, the members of the community of model for those who aspire to serve their com- and said they would look at it,’’ Mr. Smith Minerva, Ohio are active, enthusiastic mem- munity through public service and he has said. ‘‘Our argument is that these people bers of their area; and raised the bar for all who follow in his foot- have done nothing wrong.’’ Whereas, Minerva is holding an exciting steps. While I will miss working with Ben on a The guest list at the Sunday night dinner was supposed to include three activist law- weekend of tours, garden shows, and histor- regular basis to solve issues facing our con- yers, Li Baiguang, Teng Biao and Li Heping. ical scenes to commemorate this anniversary; stituents, I hope to continue to seek his coun- They were among this year’s winners of the and sel and advice on issues of importance to all ‘‘Democracy Award’’ by the National Endow- Whereas, Minerva continues to be an impor- Delawareans. He has been a good friend to ment of Democracy in Washington. Li tant and vibrant asset of Southeastern Ohio me and all Delawareans.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.008 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS July 16, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1477 HONORING KALAMAZOO GOSPEL I would like to recognize all of the chapters DISCUSSION OF THE CARIBBEAN MISSION OF KALAMAZOO in my great State of Ohio including: Alpha DIASPORA AT THE 2008 CARICOM Lambda, Alpha Omega, Alpha Sigma Omega, CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY HON. FRED UPTON Beta Eta Omega, Beta Theta Omega, Beta Xi, OF MICHIGAN Delta Delta, Delta Phi, Delta Pi, Epsilon Chi, HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Epsilon Mu Omega, Iota Iota, Iota Phi Omega, OF NEW YORK Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Lambda Mu, Lambda Phi Omega, Omega, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Omicron, Phi Psi Omega, Pi Gamma, Pi Omi- Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, it is with cron, Psi Eta Omega, Rho Omega, Sigma Mu Wednesday, July 16, 2008 great pleasure that I rise today in honor of the Omega, Sigma Omega, Tau Lambda Omega, Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today Kalamazoo Gospel Mission of Kalamazoo, Theta, Zeta Alpha Omega, Zeta Theta Omega to introduce an article that recapitulates the Michigan, to commemorate its 75th anniver- Chapters. Your service to our great State is successful discussions that took place during sary. immeasurable. the 2008 Caribbean Community and Common What began in 1933 with Jacob and Anna Additionally, I am privileged to have had the Market (CARICOM) conference on the Carib- Hildebrand serving soup and sandwiches at opportunity to call so many of the members of bean Diaspora in the United States. The arti- tent meetings has evolved into the largest mis- AKA my colleagues and friends. I would espe- cle was written by Tony Best and was pub- sion for the homeless in southwest Michigan. cially like to recognize my colleagues here in lished in the July 8, 2008 edition of In 2007, the mission served over 180,000 Congress who are members of AKA; Rep- CaribNews. This New York based publication meals to those who were hungry, and pro- resentatives SHEILA JACKSON-LEE, EDDIE BER- serves as the voice of the Caribbean commu- vided a warm bed to over 90,000 more in NICE JOHNSON, DIANE WATSON and the late nity in the New York metropolitan area. need of shelter, all while imparting that true Juanita Millender-McDonald who have and The article entitled: ‘‘Work Together’’ sum- healing comes through the power of Christ. continue to serve their constituents and this marizes the forum held at York College in I stand here today honored that such a car- country with distinction. Queens, New York. Several Caribbean Heads ing and compassionate organization serves Therefore, on behalf of the Congress of the of State were in attendance along with fellow the needs of the less fortunate in southwest United States and the people of the 11th Con- members of Congress, Ms. YVETTE CLARKE Michigan, and continues to selflessly struggle gressional district of Ohio, I wish to extend and Mr. GREGORY MEEKS. to make a difference in the lives of ‘‘the least, congratulations and best wishes to the women Discussions about the Caribbean Diaspora the last, and the lost.’’ Believing all people to of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on this took place as many members of the panel rec- be brothers and sisters in Christ, the love and monumental occasion. I look forward to con- ognized the great importance of the. Carib- respect that the mission provides both to the tinuing to work with you towards the better- bean community living and working abroad. homeless and to the community is truly re- ment of our communities and this country. Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson markable. f was quoted as saying, ‘‘We Caribbean leaders I would like to sincerely thank the staff and MEDICARE IMPROVEMENT FOR PA- have recognized that the time has come for us volunteers whose spiritual strength, commit- to tap the resources available to us from the ment, and dedication have made the work of TIENTS AND PROVIDERS ACT OF 2008 Diaspora’’. the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission possible for I am both proud and honored to have been the past 75 years. SPEECH OF able to help facilitate dialogue between f HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY CARICOM Head of State and the New York IN RECOGNITION OF THE CENTEN- based Diaspora. Conferences such as this OF NEW YORK open up lines of communication which con- NIAL CELEBRATION OF ALPHA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. tribute greatly to economic growth and devel- Tuesday, July 15, 2008 opment in the Caribbean. HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam [From the CaribNews, July 8, 2008] ORK OGETHER OF OHIO Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the W T IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES President’s shortsighted veto of H.R. 6331, the (By Tony Best) Medicare Improvements for Patients and Pro- The picture at York College of the City Wednesday, July 16, 2008 viders Act of 2008, and urge my colleagues to University of New York was essentially Car- Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I vote to override this veto. ibbean. rise today, in recognition of the centennial Medicare has been a true success story for And for good reason. celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority In- seniors—but Medicare will continue to suc- An audience of about 300 people, truly rep- corporated (AKA), founded on January 15, resentative of the West Indian Diaspora, ceed only as long as doctors continue to par- gathered in the large Performing Arts Center 1908 at Howard University by nine visionary ticipate. And no doctor can afford to take a 10 of the school in Queens to be addressed by a young African American women. In an era percent cut in payments. number of Caribbean Heads of Government when the African American voice was stifled Last week, H.R. 6331 passed by over- or their representatives on issues chosen by by prejudice, these collegiate women formed whelming bipartisan majorities in both the the people themselves. an alliance that has transcended generations. House and Senate because our Nation’s Billed as a conversation with the Diaspora, Their mission of ‘‘service to all mankind’’ still health depends on it. The bill eliminates the a ‘‘Dialogue,’’ if you will, the function was resounds world-wide through a coalition of Medicare-killing payment cut and provides a the penultimate item on the program for a much anticipated two-day Caribbean Com- over 900 undergraduate and graduate chap- 1.1 percent increase for physicians for 2009. It munity Conference attended at different ters comprised of 225,000 college-trained provides mental health parity in the Medicare times by nine of the region’s Prime Min- women. This week, I am pleased to join my program—something I’ve been fighting for, be- isters and a President, Dr. Bhrarrat Jagdeo colleagues in welcoming them to the city of cause people suffering from mental illness are of Guyana. their founding, Washington, DC and commend just as in need of treatment as people suf- On stage were Prime Ministers David them for their hard work and commitment to fering physical illness. The bill also allows Thompson, Barbados, Dean Barrow, Belize, the community. poor people to keep more of their assets and Baldwin Spencer, Antigua and Barbuda, Ste- For the past 100 years, Alpha Kappa Alpha still qualify for help with Medicare costs. phenson King, St. Lucia, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana, senior cabinet min- Sorority, Inc. has and continues to dem- My district includes more hospitals than isters from Jamaica and Suriname who head- onstrate their dedication to service through a probably any other district in the country—and ed their countries’ delegations, and diplo- variety of programs including Economics, Sis- all the doctors affiliated with those hospitals matic officials from Trinidad and Tobago, terhood and Partnerships program in which have offices in my district. They have been St. Kitts-Nevis, the Bahamas, and Dominica. members provide community awareness about clear—unless they receive fair payment for It stands to reason, then, why the reality economic issues and the importance of mental their work, they cannot afford to continue to of the occasion didn’t escape PM Thompson. and physical health. Other programs include treat Medicare patients. Without good doctors, ‘‘As I was sitting here I was reflecting on when last I, as a political leader in the Carib- the Educational Advancement Foundation seniors’ health will suffer. Congress was right bean, had the opportunity to address what (EAF), which strives to make a difference in to pass this bill the first time, and I hope we one might call a truly Caribbean audience the lives of young women and men. EAF stand strong to pass it again today. I urge my like this,’’ meaning people from throughout awards scholarships, fellowships, grants and colleagues to join me in voting to override the the region assembled under one roof,’’ said mini-grants to young people across America. President’s veto. Thompson.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.011 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E1478 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 16, 2008 Thompson, one of the three heads of Gov- In his statement, PM King, who narrowly style auditorium of their own experiences as ernment invited to make an opening state- survived a recent political attempt and immigrants: leaving home to go to better ment before the function got down to ‘‘brass power struggle by leading members of his education abroad but with plans to return to tacks’’, an exchange of views between the own ruling United Workers Party in St. the birthplace. Instead, they decide to stay leaders and the West Indians who now call Lucia to remove him from office, said that on and in the process rise to the pinnacle of New York home-away-home, seemingly felt ‘‘it was important, vital was a better way of academic or professional success, or both. compelled to remark on the essential quali- putting it, for Caribbean nations to dip into Helen Marshall, the first Black person ties that separate Jamaicans, Guyanese, the vast human reservoir of talented human elected to serve as Borough President of Trinidadians, Antiguans, Vincentians, resources from the Caribbean that can be Queens, also spoke and emphasized the value Grenadians and the rest of the Diaspora from found in the United States’’. ‘‘We Caribbean of maintaining links between the U.S. and other immigrants in North America, Europe leaders have recognized that the time has the Caribbean. In her own Guyana, the and elsewhere. The dividing line is the desire come for us to tap the resources available to homeland of her parents, it is a good exam- to return to the land of their birth and live us from the Diaspora,’’ he said. ple of bridging the geographic divide. in comfort. What a pity then that such an atmosphere f Admittedly, only a fraction of the millions of cordiality and interest wasn’t recip- of West Indians now living and working rocated by a handful of immigrants, no more PERSONAL EXPLANATION abroad ever return home and those who do than five or six, mainly Guyanese, who usually keep one foot firmly planted in the turned up at the function to harass and con- U.S. be it New York, Boston, Miami, Hart- demn Dr. Jagdeo, and to do it in a dis- HON. DENNIS MOORE ford or Los Angeles and the other in their respectful and shameless manner by shout- OF KANSAS country of birth. ing at him from their seats and before the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘If you are living in Ireland and meet microphones in an attempt to disrupt his Wednesday, July 16, 2008 somebody from Australia or the Ukraine, presentation. Fortunately, the President was very seldom do they tell you that they are able to give even better than be got, respond- Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam Speaker, returning to those places. But most of the ing to them in a clear an unemotional tone. on July 14, 2008, due to a delayed flight, I people you meet from the Caribbean they But perhaps the most rousing welcome was was unable to cast one recorded vote on Roll- want to return home, said the Barbados lead- reserved for the Belizean Prime Minister, the call vote 486, concerning H. Res. 1067, recog- er. first person of truly African-heritage to lead nizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of That was why, he, added, West Indians liv- CARICOM’s lone country in Central Amer- the North Pole by the U.S.S. Nautilus. Had I ing abroad should continue to find ways to ica. Some of his enthusiastic political sup- cast my vote, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’. I was be involved in what their countries are porters who were seeing him for the first doing. time since his election victory jumped for present and able to vote on the next two As Thompson saw it, the immigrants joy and waved their arms in delight and in measures. should have another item on their list of pri- turn were warmly acknowledged by a Prime f orities: using their presence abroad to help Minister who seemingly enjoyed every sec- the Caribbean region achieve its social and ond of the acclaim. PM Spencer, the Anti- ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE economic development goals. guan head of government, was upbeat as he ‘‘UNITED STATES PAROLE COM- ‘‘I don’t think in your daily rounds and soaked in the cheerful response from Anti- MISSION EXTENSION ACT OF wherever you hold positions of influence, au- guans in the audience and regularly took the 2008’’ thority or where you can use your diplomacy opportunity to explain his government’s and and other skills you should forget to put the CARICOM’s stance on domestic and regional Caribbean’s case forward and advance the in- issues. HON. JOHN CONYERS JR. terest of the Caribbean region,’’ he said. The opportunity for an exchange of ideas OF MICHIGAN President Jagdeo added another dimension wasn’t lost on two members of Congress, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to the task: the election of officials to fed- Yvette Clarke of Brooklyn and Gregory eral, state and local legislative bodies. Meeks of Queens, two lawmakers with large Wednesday, July 16, 2008 ‘‘While Barbados is important and Guyana Caribbean constituents. When the time came Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am and Jamaica are important we are Caribbean for them to speak, they grasped the chance pleased to introduce the ‘‘United States Parole people,’’ he told the gathering. ‘‘We have to with both hands and used it to pledge con- Commission Extension Act of 2008’’ with tinuing support for the region. work together as Caribbean people and (when Ranking Member LAMAR SMITH and Rep- we do) it significantly magnifies the power Interestingly, a public figure who wasn’t resentatives BOBBY SCOTT, LOUIE GOHMERT that people have within this society.’’ there but was on most people’s minds was One way of flexing that muscle while at U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, Chairman and ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON. This legisla- the same time pushing their own and the of the powerful Ways and Means Committee tion will extend the Parole Commissions’ au- Caribbean’s agenda was to help get people of the U.S. House of Representatives. thority for another three years. This will be the ‘‘who look like us and who share our views It was Rangel who engineered the con- fifth time since the elimination of Federal pa- elected to offices at the local level, the state ference and opened the doors of Wall Street role in 1987 that the Parole Commission has level and hopefully at the national level so to the Prime Ministers and President been reauthorized. that they can be sympathetic to the cause of Jagdeo. It was people’s way of saying thanks In the more than 20 years since the elimi- the Caribbean and to make a better life and to him. Of the leaders who came to New nation of Federal parole, Congress has de- space for the Caribbean people who live here York, Jagdeo was the only one who had to in the United States of America,’’ Jagdeo ar- face a few placard carrying hostile dem- bated whether or not to phase-out the Parole gued. onstrators. From all indications, he handled Commission. Currently, the Commission has But he didn’t stop there. himself with aplomb, even breaking away jurisdiction over all decisions regarding parole ‘‘We hope that in November you all turn from the protective shield of the Secret release for D.C. prisoners and decisions on out and elect the person who we feel would Service to have an exchange with some of his mandatory release supervision and revocation be sensitive to our interest,’’ he said. ‘‘This critics. ‘‘I was not afraid to talk to them,’’ for all persons serving D.C. felony sentences. is a person I have seen in an image squatting he said afterwards. In the event though, as The Commission also has jurisdiction over outside of a small hut in Kenya’’. William Shakespeare’s immortal line re- Federal and foreign transfer treaty offenders minds us ‘‘All’s well that Ends Well.’’ ‘‘This of a person who although he is a convicted before November 1987, some mili- Christian, he is very proud of that, grew up And the conference certainly ended on a with an understanding of the Muslim faith,’’ high note when some of the leaders joined tary code offenders and state defendants in the president added. ‘‘Anyone who shares U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, Chairman the U.S. Marshals Service Witness Protection these experiences will understand us better, of the influential Ways and Means Com- Program. According to the Parole Commis- and will understand our challenges. We need mittee of the House of Representatives, for sion, at least 7500 people will fall into one of that kind of person to lead the United breakfast at Sylvia’s, a New York City land- these categories by 2010. This is why in the States.’’ mark in Harlem. 1996 extension of the Parole Commission, Although President Jagdeo was careful not The event at York College was chaired by Congress finally recognized that there would to call a name and didn’t pinpoint the elect- Dr. Ivelaw Griffith, Provost and Senior Vice be a need for the Commission through 2002 ed position he had in mind, few persons, if President for Academic Affairs. He’s an ex- any at all, had failed to identify U.S. Sen- pert on Caribbean security and has written and beyond. ator Barack whose quest for the White House several books and scholarly papers on the It is for these reasons that I am introducing in Washington has captivated Americans and subject. The College’s President Dr. Marcia this important legislation with my fellow Judici- has warmed the hearts of people around the Keizs, a Jamaican, set the tone with a wel- ary Committee Members and Representative world. come that reminded many in the theater- HOLMES NORTON.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.014 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS July 16, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1479 IN MEMORY OF TONY SNOW the first boy saying, ‘‘I hired Juan to do my That was the first and only time Charlie homework.’’ found himself at a loss for an image. Pretty HON. JOE WILSON The second showed a man with a clipboard decent statement about a 50-year career that standing at the front door of the home of a has produced an estimated 15,000 cartoons OF SOUTH CAROLINA and four books. very angry man who said, ‘‘Well it’s about time IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘I really was stymied,’’ Charlie recalled of someone came to ask my opinion,’’ and the that moment four decades ago. ‘‘It was very Wednesday, July 16, 2008 man with the clipboard said, ‘‘Sir, I’m just here personal for me. Here was the guy who gave Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam to read your meter.’’ me my shot at a time when newspaper edi- Speaker, on July 12th, former White House Charlie worked from 1958 until the early torial cartooning was at a low point.’’ Press Secretary, writer, commentator, patriot 1990s at the Knoxville Journal, which for most Alas, the cycle has come around to an even and a true gentleman, Tony Snow, passed of its history was our morning daily news- lower ebb. Charlie, who joined the News Sen- paper. When the Journal closed, he began to tinel staff after the Journal’s closure in 1992, away from colon cancer. Throughout his life is one of only 80 newspaper editorial cartoon- and his career, Mr. Snow earned a reputation work for the Knoxville News Sentinel where he ists working in America today. Theirs never for wit, thoughtfulness, and intellectual prow- remains today. was a populous force, but at the craft’s peak ess that brought him admiration and acclaim I worked at the Journal in 1968 and 1969, in the 1960s and ’70s, nearly 300 were using from his political allies and opponents. hired by the longtime editor, Guy Smith, who their skills to poke, prod, tweak and guide A graduate of Davidson College in North also was the man who hired Charlie. the nation’s conscience. Usually with a Carolina, Tony Snow had a diverse career be- The Journal in those days gave titles easier laugh. ginning as an editorial writer for a local North than they gave money, and I was the Assist- Fortunately for readers of the News Sen- ant State Editor, working under a woman tinel, this 78-year-old treasure has no inten- Carolina paper. He grew in the field of jour- tion of setting his pens aside. nalism to become a syndicated columnist and named Juanita Glenn. Last year I was interviewed in my Wash- ‘‘I’ll stay as long as the light bulb comes commentator for several well respected news on,’’ Charlie laughed. ‘‘I have no hobbies. I programs. He was a speechwriter for Presi- ington office by a reporter for the Wall Street don’t fish or paint or play golf. If I retired, dent George H.W. Bush. After leaving the Journal. As we walked out, I told her I had I’d just go home and bug Patsy (his wife of 54 White House for the first time, Mr. Snow took once been Assistant State Editor for the Knox- years). We have trouble making it through a a post at the Fox News Channel—helping to ville Journal. I didn’t tell her that among my weekend.’’ You’ll soon be reading, seeing and hearing build that network’s news programming—be- duties were the TV logs and the obituaries. The Journal newsroom in those days had a lot about Charlie Daniel. The News Sen- fore returning to the White House as press the most colorful cast of characters I have tinel is celebrating his golden anniversary secretary for President George W. Bush. ever been around. this month in a variety of ways. I am personally grateful that a former mem- The corner of my desk touched the desk of In next Sunday’s Life and Arts section, staff writer Amy McRary will profile the life ber of the staff of South Carolina’s Second Dick Evans, the morning editor and a great District, Emily Lawrimore, had the distinct of her fellow Tar Heel. On the same day, our journalist. I will never forget how he slammed Perspective pages will showcase some of his honor to work with Tony Snow in her post as down his phone after every phone call, no assistant press secretary for President Bush. I classics. matter whether it was a good call or bad. Readers are invited to join the festivities know from her experience and the stories of Others who I remember so well who worked as well. A display of Daniel drawings generosity and decency from Mr. Snow’s at the Journal besides Charlie, were Steve through the years graces our lobby at 2332 friends and colleagues that we have truly lost Humphrey, Tom Sweeten, Byron Drinnon, Bill News Sentinel Drive, just off Western Ave- an honorable individual who believed in rising Vaughan, Sam Venable, Dudley Brewer, Pat nue. It’ll be open to the public 8:30 a.m.–5 above the political rhetoric in this Nation. With p.m. Monday–Friday through September. Fields, Bob Adams, Bill Bolus, Jim Skelton, As one of the few journalists who served his college background at Davidson, the peo- Ben Byrd, Russ Bebb, Ted Griffith, Al Roberts, ple of the Carolinas especially appreciated his with Charlie at both the Journal and News Hugh Lunsford, Tom Greene, Doug Price, Sentinel, I’m qualified to propose Daniel success. At this time of loss, our thoughts and Raymond Flowers, and Margie Trent. trivia. Such as: prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their three Ron McMahan, Ralph Griffith, and Margaret —Why is the plaque he won for highway children. Underwood, all of whom I knew very well, had safety awareness inscribed to ‘‘I. Daniel’’? f left before I worked at the Journal to work in (Because he used to put a double descender Washington for Senator Howard Baker. One of on the ‘‘D’’ on his tag line, and it looked like CONGRATULATING CHARLIE an ‘‘I.’’ To keep from embarrassing the high- DANIEL my longtime best friends, Bill Vaughan, later way officials, he really should have changed left to work for Congressman Jimmy Quillen, his name to Ignatius.) and even Dick Evans left to work for the De- —What was the ghastly mixture of pipe to- HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. partment of Commerce. bacco he used to fog the Journal newsroom OF TENNESSEE A few days ago, Sam Venable, now a long- with before kicking his smoking habit? IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES time columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel (Half-and-half and some fancy-smancy aro- Wednesday, July 16, 2008 and also a former Journal employee, wrote a matic blend neither of us could immediately wonderful column in tribute to Charlie. recall after all these years; fittingly, Charlie Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, one of the I would like to congratulate Charlie on 50 termed it ‘‘Half-and-Half-and-the-Other- finest men I know, Charlie Daniel, has now Half.’’) great years in the news business and also Obviously, it has been a joy to work along- completed 5 years as a newspaper editorial thank him for his service to our community in cartoonist in my hometown of Knoxville, Ten- side Charlie at both newspapers. And I mean many ways. ‘‘alongside’’ literally. nessee. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would request As a college student in the late 1960s, my Charlie is one of Knoxville’s most popular that the Sam Venable column about Charlie Journal police reporter desk sat an arm’s and respected citizens. Almost every morning Daniel be reprinted in the RECORD at this length away from his drawing room. Here in for all these years, people in East Tennessee point, and I would like to call it to the attention the News Sentinel’s new building, Chas and I have been inspired or made angry by, or per- of my colleagues and other readers of the reside in neighboring cubicles. I call it the haps simply have laughed at one of his car- Geezer Quad. RECORD. That’s going to change in a few weeks toons. 50 YEARS AND STILL ON THE JOB He has certainly helped bring about better when our newsroom undergoes a fruit basket (By Sam Venable) turnover desk rearrangement—one of those government through his work, but the laughter One of the most poignant cartoons Charlie New Age efficiency initiatives the suits is all right, too. There is not enough good Daniel ever produced wasn’t a drawing at all. dream up over noon martinis. humor in the political process today. It ran on the editorial page of the old Charlie will be moving into the old busi- I have one of his cartoons hanging in my Knoxville Journal on Saturday, Nov. 23, 1968, ness news department, which is shuffling to Knoxville office and two are on the wall of my two days after the death of the newspaper’s heaven-knows-where, while I’ll be going over home. I have many favorites among his work, legendary editor. to his old cubicle. This is called progress. but I will give just two examples. ‘‘Today I find my limited talents fall far But I maintain nothing will change, be- too short of paying proper tribute to Guy L. The first showed a father reading a news- cause Charlie, dangnabbit, will still be closer Smith—a great man,’’ Daniel wrote in his to the window and thus will have greater ac- paper with the headline ‘‘Americans Hire signature block letters. ‘‘I shall miss his in- cess to the muse who delivers inspiration on Illegals to Do Work They Don’t Want to Do.’’ sight, his leadership and his humor—but a daily basis. Then it showed a little boy with his arm most of all I shall miss the man who gave me Hey, I need the muse! Not Charlie! This around an obviously Hispanic little boy, with the opportunity to fill this space each day.’’ guy swims in creative juices!

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.018 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E1480 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 16, 2008 Charlie shows up around 7:30 a.m. and nation’s most noted political wits, including that he does not believe providing them with spends several hours scanning newspapers, the late syndicated columnist Art Buchwald. access to quality health care is a priority of his journals and magazines. Then he doodles Ask anyone who saw this performance: The administration. with the vast array of ideas the %$#@! muse others were funny, but Charlie brought the Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to has dumped into his lap, cranks out three or house down with self-deprecating lines, one four potential cartoons for the next day, de- after another. vote in favor of overriding the veto and by cides on one, colors it and saunters out the That same shy attitude is reflected when doing so, support Medicare beneficiaries’ abil- front door, carefree as a hoppy toad. he talks about the impact of his editorial ity to choose their physicians. I, on the other hand, am lucky to wake up cartoons: f in time to grab lunch, pour a cup of coffee, ‘‘I’d be happy hitting .350.’’ exchange office gossip with colleagues, com- Trust me, his batting average is exceed- RESOLUTION RAISING A QUESTION pare fishing stories over the phone with ingly higher. Ol’ Ignatius Daniel has made OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE friends, e-mail the latest bawdy jokes I’ve journalism’s All-Star roster 50 years HOUSE heard to everyone in my address book, drink straight—and counting. more coffee, loudly curse the moron who f SPEECH OF didn’t rebrew coffee, check my parlay sheets, drink even more coffee—and then type my- MEDICARE IMPROVEMENTS FOR HON. EARL POMEROY self into a furious, sweaty, nail-biting panic PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS ACT OF NORTH DAKOTA till deadline, milking the lone thread of cre- OF 2008 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ativity I stole from someone else until it is toast-dry. Is this fair? Tuesday, July 15, 2008 SPEECH OF OK, so here’s the serious truth: Charlie Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, today I Daniel is blessed with the quickest wit this HON. SILVESTRE REYES side of Hollywood. Plus the ability to take will vote to refer House Resolution 1345 to the that humor, reduce it to a drawing and zing OF TEXAS Judiciary Committee. My vote does not reflect his point home in a panel the size of a Klee- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a belief that this Resolution deserves contin- nex. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 ued consideration in the House of Representa- Try it sometime. After you’ve spent a tives, instead it was a vote cast to preclude week in frustration, you might understand Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I rise in consideration of the Resolution on the floor of how difficult the task is day after day, year strong support of overriding the President’s the House. after year. veto of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improve- As you know, the Constitution provides for Yet he dismisses the silly notion that he’s ments for Patients and Providers Act. ever had a real job. ‘‘impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, ‘‘I’m doing what I did in the second grade,’’ For the past several weeks, Congress has bribery or other high crimes and mis- he says. ‘‘I’ve never gone high-tech. I still debated an issue that should not be consid- demeanors.’’ Whether we agree or disagree draw with a pen and paper, not on a com- ered controversial—health care for our Na- with this President, most Americans—including puter screen.’’ tion’s seniors. This important piece of legisla- myself—do not feel this high threshold has Perhaps. But you don’t stay on top of this tion addresses impeding cuts to physicians’ been met. Furthermore, as the lone represent- game without a keen eye for news and a co- Medicare payment rates. The issue not only ative for North Dakota in the United States median’s sense of timing. affects seniors in my district of El Paso, House of Representatives, I take the responsi- ‘‘Some of my earlier work was overdone,’’ Texas, but also hurts access to health care for he said. ‘‘I’ve learned to know when to quit bility of representing the beliefs and values of a drawing. Just make your point and stop. all El Pasoans. my State seriously, and I believe I am reflect- ‘‘Also, editorial cartoons have a short life The most important issue to consider when ing prevailing view among the majority of span. Next week, somebody might look at it discussing this bill is that the provisions not North Dakotans on this issue. and say, ‘What the heck was that all about?’ only stop the impeding 10.6 percent cut, but it Again, I do not believe that the House of At the same time, you can’t be too quick ensures that seniors and people with disabil- Representatives should be considering the with an idea or else you’ll be ahead of the ities can continue to see the doctors of their highly partisan issue of impeachment at this public.’’ choice. An excellent example occurred recently time. Bringing up this Resolution on the floor when NASA announced it was sending It is also critical to understand that a cut to of the House would not only waste valuable plumbing materials to the International Medicare will have a significant impact on floor time, but would also distract from far Space Station to fix a broken toilet. The similar programs. For instance, these cuts more pressing national issues and undermine next morning, Charlie’s cartoon showed a would not only affect those covered by Medi- the bipartisan cooperation that is necessary to giant plunger blasting off. When confused care, but it would also threaten access to pass effective and timely legislation. readers began calling, he realized he’d struck health care for military members and their f too soon. families under the military health program, ‘‘I probably should have given that one a TRICARE. Physicians serving our troops also CARIB NEWS EDITORIALS SPEAK day or two more,’’ he said. ‘‘But you’re al- OF PROGRESS IN THE CARIBBEAN ways juggling with the fact that bloggers face the 10.6 percent cut due because and late-night TV folks are already using the TRICARE payments are directly tied to Medi- same material.’’ care. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Let me tell you a few things I’ve learned Also, private insurance companies look to OF NEW YORK about ‘‘Cholly’’ after working with him over Medicare to base their physician reimburse- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES most of 40 years: ment rates. Physicians in El Paso and across The same fellow who has rubbed shoulders the Nation rely on reimbursement by Medicare Wednesday, July 16, 2008 with presidents and barons of commerce is one of the most laid-back, down-to-earth, and other health care insurance groups to Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today genuine nice guys you’ll ever meet. cover health care services rendered when a to enter into the RECORD two editorials from He can, and often does, make a serious patient does not pay the full cost of care. In the June 24, 2008, publication of CaribNews. point without having to dip his pen into poi- a recent survey of Texas physicians, more The first editorial is entitled ‘‘Caribbean Her- son ink. than 60 percent stated they would be forced to itage: Building on Its Foundations In a Foreign He is a five-time nominee for journalism’s stop seeing Medicare patients should their re- Land.’’ The piece reminds us of the distance highest award, the Pulitzer Prize. imbursement rates be cut. that those of Caribbean heritage have traveled He is soft-spoken, leads a quiet life of hum- ble service to society’s lost and down- H.R. 6331 is significant legislation that elimi- both physically and figuratively. ‘‘Confidence in trodden, and is quick to laugh at himself. nates the cuts to Medicare payments for the their inner strength has helped people from He takes immense delight in sharing with remainder of 2008 and provides a 1.1 percent the Caribbean to win their independence from me visceral hate mail from the occasional increase for 2009. The bill also extends and an imperialistic stranglehold, fight alongside reader who either misunderstood a cartoon improves low-income assistance programs for their long-standing African-American allies, in or was its most-deserved target. Or, as one Medicare beneficiaries. Finally, the bill protects the battle for respect for people’s human nutty reviewer ranted in misplaced criticism seniors’ access to therapy services. rights, and succeed in opening up new vistas of country music legend Charlie Daniels I am extremely disappointed at President for the generations that come after them.’’ (with an ‘‘s’’), ‘‘I hate your music, too!’’ I was sitting in the audience in 2005 for a Bush’s obvious disregard for Congress and Caribbean Americans have come a long way humor-in-politics seminar hosted by the the people they represent by vetoing this crit- from being strangers in a foreign land to gain- Howard Baker Center at the University of ical legislative proposal. By doing so, the ing recognition for their contributions to Amer- Tennessee. The panel featured some of the President has sent a clear message to seniors ican culture.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.020 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS July 16, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1481 The second editorial is entitled ‘‘Wanted: A lions annually from its overseas nationals, a rience through which feeling is educated. Productive Caribbean Community Con- slender operation with well defined set of Through which feeling is deepened. Through ference.’’ This piece speaks of the importance goals can’t break the bank. which feeling can increase capacity to ac- But the Diaspora isn’t the only major ob- commodate a great variety of knowledge.’’ of the CARICOM Conference but also how im- jective of the summit that begins on Thurs- Many of these manifestations of ‘‘feeling’’ portant it is that the leaders of CARICOM take day and ends the following day. Investment are being thrust onto center-stage in New the lead on the next steps necessary for the and trade are crucial to Caricom’s future York City and indeed across the United Conference to have tangible results. To make prosperity and any concerted effort to help States in June as the celebrations marking sure that follow-up is taken care of, it has open the doors to such investment would be Caribbean Heritage Month allow immigrants been suggested that CARICOM ‘‘consider es- useful. The leaders are going to Wall Street. from the English, French, Spanish and tablishing a permanent diplomatic outpost Goldman Sachs, one of the world’s leading Dutch-speaking nations, coastal states and whose responsibility would be to ensure that investment banks and the New York Stock territories that comprise the archipelago to Exchange, another financial services indus- present their cultural background and its regional initiatives . . . are not simply talked try leader, are to host the heads of state or underpinnings in a fashion that warms the about but are launched.’’ The editorial echoes government at closed door meetings. In addi- cockles of one’s heart, especially those of the the voice of many in the opinion that the tion, Ambassador Susan Schwab, U.S. Spe- anthropologists and the sociologists in our CARICOM leaders have done badly in the cial Trade Representative is coming to New midst. past with follow-up. It is now up to them to York to sit down to talk trade and explore An area of conquest, colonial domination, make sure that the benefits of the conference opportunities to increase the flow of goods imperialism and in the past 40-plus years, a are realized. from the region to the United States and the region which manifestly asserts self-deter- other way around. mination, independence and nationalism, the [From the CaribNews, June 24, 2008] Now that the legislation which extends the Caribbean has come to be recognized as an WANTED: A PRODUCTIVE CARIBBEAN life of the Caribbean Basin Initiative has sur- important sub-region of the world’s devel- COMMUNITY CONFERENCE vived the threat of a veto by President oping countries that belong to a host of ‘‘The Diaspora is essential to our success.’’ George Bush, Ambassador Schwab should be international institutions, ranging from the Dr. Denzil Douglas was referring to the in a position to tell the leaders how they can United Nations, UNESCO, and Organization hundreds of thousands, some say million- link arms so their countries can export more of American States to UNICEF, the Group of plus immigrants from the English, French, to the U.S. 77 developing countries, now led by Antigua Dutch and Spanish-speaking countries that Congressman Rangel, who brokered both & Barbuda to the International Cricket comprise the Caribbean archipelago. the Wall Street sessions and the talks with Council, and the global Olympic movement, Actually, he was zeroing in on a major rea- Schwab, was careful to limit his expecta- to name a few. son why most of Caricom’s Prime Ministers tions to the goals of the Caribbean. That’s Its heritage provides a set of building and Presidents are heading to New York City wise. blocks that aided the transformation of a this week for a dialogue with nationals of ‘‘I would hope that the Caricom leaders get collection of colonial possessions into a vi- their countries who have made the north- what they wish out of the meeting with Am- brant civilization with an interesting past eastern region of the United States their bassador Schwab,’’ was the way he articu- and a bright future. It’s a heritage whose home. lated it. components are not only cultural expres- For in organizing the first-ever summit of It wasn’t simply a matter of being diplo- sions, in the sense of the artistic but are Caribbean leaders in New York City, the matic but his approach was essentially cor- firmly grounded in religion, governance, re- planners put meetings with the Diaspora rect because in the end it’s up to the execu- spect for law and order and a firm belief that high on the agenda. That made a lot of sense. tive branch of the U.S. government and to the governed must select its governors and Caribbean-New Yorkers, indeed West Indian- the Caribbean states to agree on the archi- governments. Just as important, the society Americans, as they sometimes refer to them- tecture of trade. must extend a helping hand to the less fortu- selves, are part of the vertebral column, a Education and the relationship between nate by creating opportunities for those at segment of the region’s economic and social tertiary level institutions in the Caribbean the bottom of the economic and social lad- backbone. and the United States are another vital item der. It would be outside the realm of common on the agenda. The universities and colleges This rich heritage as reflected in lit- sense for a two day conference of the kind in the Caribbean and the U.S. can benefit erature, music, dance, diverse languages and being arranged to occur without a meaning- from closer collaboration. The City Univer- a range of religious experience, not to men- ful dialogue between the leaders and the An- sity of New York, the University of the West tion traditions that have given birth to vital tiguans, Belizeans, Bahamians, Barbados, Indies, the University of Guyana and the regional state and local institutions that Grenadians, Dominicans, Guyanese, Hai- University of Suriname come quickly to help to fashion our behavior and the orderly tians, Jamaicans, Vincentians, Kittians, St. mind as example of schools that can and way of everyday life, can’t be ignored or Lucians, Trinidadians, you name them. must fashion stronger ties. downplayed. U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, Chair- York College in Queens and Medgar Evers Wherever Caribbean immigrants go, man of the powerful Ways and Means Com- College in Brooklyn are making a substan- whether in Britain, North American, Europe, mittee of the House of Representatives and tial contribution to the educational develop- Africa, Latin America, Asia or the Middle easily one of the most influential members ment of the Caribbean immigrant commu- East, their music, literature, indeed, their on Capitol Hill summed up the situation well nity. Their leadership, Dr. Marcia Keiz at entire way of life is transplanted into the when he told this newspaper ‘‘we see this as York and Dr. Edison Jackson at Medgar soil they describe as home-away-from home. an opportunity for the leaders of these sov- Evers, are well attuned to the needs of the It was that pride and belief in themselves ereign nations of the Caribbean to meet with communities they serve, including Caribbean and what Norman Manley, a builder of mod- their nationals and have an important dia- students. It would be wise to open up new ern day Jamaica whose influence extended logue.’’ lines of cooperation and communication up-and-down-and-around the Caribbean, But exchanging views is one thing, acting with the universities in the Caribbean so called ‘‘their own destiny.’’ on the ideas is another. Far too often Carib- that there would be an exchange of faculty That confidence in their inner strength has bean leaders come to the City, visit Miami, and students and the launching of innovative helped people from the Caribbean to win Toronto, Boston, Hartford and other places programs that can help all partners, not just their independence from an imperialistic with large Caribbean immigrant populations, the Caribbean. stranglehold, fight alongside their long- have meetings, promise a lot but deliver on standing African-American allies in the bat- precious little. [From the CaribNews, June 24, 2008] tle for respect for people’s human rights; and The real problem is a lack of an effective succeed in opening up new vistas for the gen- follow up and that’s a commitment which CARIBBEAN HERITAGE: BUILDING ON ITS erations that come after them. the heads of government can make and solve. FOUNDATIONS IN A FOREIGN LAND Such qualities plus the friendship, support Caricom itself should consider establishing, As one of the Caribbean’s literary giants, and respect of members of the U.S. House of a permanent diplomatic outpost whose re- George Lamming is well-placed to articulate Representatives and the Senate led the re- sponsibility would be to ensure that regional his awareness of the role of the artist and cent decision of the Congress to designate initiatives designed to forge stronger links the creative imagination of people from the June as Caribbean Heritage Month. And with the Diaspora are not simply talked West Indies. when at first President George Bush hesi- about but are launched. ‘‘The central and seminal value of the cre- tated to sign the legislation into law, the Granted, Caribbean countries have their ative imagination is that it functions as a machinery of persuasion switched into high own missions and Consulates-General in civilizing and a humanizing force in a proc- gear and he eventually felt it necessary to Washington and New York to get things done ess of struggle,’’ was the way he put it quite affix his signature to it and declare it an im- but that’s at the individual nation level. eloquently and succinctly. portant step forward for the United States Yes, we know that the money supply is As he explained it, artistic expression, and the peoples of the Caribbean. tight and that at a time of escalating energy whether a work of art, a play in the theater, As West Indians think of their heritage, in- and food prices the countries have other pri- a piece of pulsating music, a poem or a evitably their thoughts go back to those orities. But for a region which receives bil- novel, not to mention dance ‘‘offers an expe- early trail blazers who fought alongside the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.024 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E1482 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 16, 2008 revolutionaries to throw off the colonial Caribbean Tourism Organization, CTO, and The same level of cooperation is beginning chains in the 18th century. Crispus Attucks, the Caribbean Hotel Association, CHA, to in- in the areas of marketing and in providing the first to die in the American war of inde- crease Caribbean revenue through the tourism airline guarantees. In the past few years, an pendence against England was said to be increasing proportion of the funds voted to from the Caribbean. Their thoughts also dart sector. departments of tourism across the world are to Prince Hall, the Caribbean immigrant who Increasing airline cutbacks have posed a being forced into escrow to cover airline devised a plan for the education of Blacks in great challenge to many nations; however the guarantees. That leaves far less available for Massachusetts and who fought to end slavery Caribbean has seen an opportunity through the promotion. This situation has compelled in the United States, the Caribbean and in- this challenge. Through the CTO and CHA, Caribbean governments to aggregate their deed the rest of the world. Caribbean nations have decided to pool their promotional budgets for greater promotional Frederick Douglass, the 19th century gold- resources. Many Caribbean destinations are efficiency and to devise financial arrange- en trombone of the abolition movement that reached with a connection in Puerto Rico, ment that reduce the cost of these arrange- helped to erase the bloody stain of immo- ments which also serve to minimize the risk. rality spawned by slavery in the Americas in hence an increase in flights to Puerto Rico ‘‘There is a silver lining on every cloud,’’ general and the United States in particular, would mean increased access to the Carib- according to Allen Chastanet, Chairman of once paid tribute to the role of West Indians bean. the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). in that epic struggle. I would like to recognize all who are in- ‘‘We believe that this high level of coopera- Zeroing in on Emancipation Day in the volved in this transition for heightened co- tion is being driven by the Governments, the West Indies in the first half of the 19th cen- operation and coordination within the Carib- private sector and the people of each terri- tury, he described it as ‘‘the first bright star bean community. These efforts not only con- tory recognizing that we in the Caribbean in a stormy sky—the first smile after a long tribute to the unification of the Caribbean, but are more interdependent than independent,’’ providential frown—the first ray of hope— will build up the economies of the region as a he emphasized. ‘‘Governments now realize the first tangible fact demonstrating the that if they do not cooperate to maximize possibility of a peaceful transition from slav- whole. benefits or minimize risk to their countries, ery to freedom, of the Negro race.’’ [From the CaribNews, July 8, 2008] they will be called to account by their people Few, if any one, could say it better. AIRLINE CHALLENGES LEAD TO WHAT COULD asking why they refused to cooperate.’’ Whoever else, he went on, may either seek BECOME UNPRECEDENTED COOPERATION Peter Odle, the President of the Caribbean to forget or slight the claim of that historic AMONG CARIBBEAN GOVERNMENTS Hotel Association (CHA) also commented on day, ‘‘it can never be said of us other than this suddenly elevated level of cooperation. memorable and glorious.’’ The current economic difficulties facing the airline industry worldwide have provided Odle noted that, ‘‘Even though the coopera- Almost a 100 years later Marcus Garvey tion between CTO and CHA has grown over and others took up the torch to illuminate numerous challenges to the destinations they serve, but have led to at least one posi- the past several years, I see increased co- the path to political and economic self-deter- operation on this issue even at the destina- mination and much later still, Malcolm X, tive in the Caribbean region: what could be- come an unprecedented level of cooperation tion level where members of the private sec- Shirley Chisholm and a host of others served tor are ensuring that their governments are as standard bearers for those principles of and coordination among Caribbean govern- ments. The airline challenges have caused engaged in these cooperative ventures. I equality for Blacks with the rest of human- promise you, the private sector gets it. We ity. many to recognize that they can deliver far more benefits to their citizens by cooper- will achieve much more in addressing this The vibrant Caribbean communities across crisis through intra-regional cooperation the land have every reason to be proud of ating with other governments than by acting alone. than we can ever achieve by going alone. I their heritage and shouldn’t forget those will tell you that those governments that do who helped them along the way to turn the This coordination level accelerated re- cently when the Chairman of the Caribbean not cooperate will be seen as pariahs by both dream of a Caribbean Heritage Month into their own people as well as by other govern- reality. Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Presi- dent of the Caribbean Hotel Association ments in the region.’’ Their Black brothers and sisters on Capitol At the meeting in Antigua, four task Hill and their supporters of every color and (CHA) had the foresight to call an emergency meeting in Antigua for Ministers and Com- forces were established, headed by Ministers ethnic background in and out of the House of to examine the four critical issues. These Representatives and the Senate must be missioners responsible for Tourism, Min- isters and Commissioners responsible for committees will report to the CTO and CHA hailed and recognized for what they have Board meetings which will be held prior to done in bringing about the official recogni- Aviation, and members of the tourism pri- vate sector to find ways to minimize the im- the inaugural Annual Caribbean Tourism tion and the celebrations that showcase that Summit (ACTS) in Washington, D.C. The re- heritage. pact on their economies brought on by rapid increases in airline fuel prices. It soon be- sults of these committees will also be pre- f came clear to every participant at that sented to the Caricom Heads at their meet- ing in Antigua on July 2nd. PERSONAL EXPLANATION meeting that by cooperating on the estab- lishment of hubs, on the promotion of the re- Governments have also come to recognize gion, on providing revenue guarantees to air- that they need to cooperate in speaking to- HON. JOHN BARROW lines and on coordinating the establishment gether with one voice to the government of OF GEORGIA of more efficient intra-regional carriers, all the United States on a number of critical IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Caribbean countries would suffer less than if issues and they propose to take advantage of their presence in Washington to begin those Wednesday, July 16, 2008 each country attempted to address the crisis on its own. discussions. Thus it appears that this un- Mr. BARROW. Madam Speaker, due to The case of Caribbean hubs, and in par- precedented spirit of cooperation will con- Georgia’s primary elections, I was absent from ticular the case of the Puerto Rico hub, was tinue even beyond the current situation. the House of Monday, July 14, and Tuesday, most instructive. The Government of Puerto f July 15, and missed several rollcall votes. Had Rico has come to recognize that by increas- ing the number of flights and seats con- A PROCLAMATION HONORING TIM- I been present I would have voted in the fol- OTHY L. MOORE FOR HIS 24 lowing manner: H. Res. 1067—‘‘Yes’’; H. Res. necting through Puerto Rico, they increase the number of flights, seats and flexibility of YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE 1080—‘‘Yes’’; H. Con. Res. 297—‘‘Yes’’; H. passengers traveling to Puerto Rico. This UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SE- Res. 1259—‘‘Yes’’; H. Res. 1323—‘‘Yes’’; point was made most forcefully in a recent CURITY FORCES Passage, Objections of the President Notwith- meeting in San Juan and many of the gov- standing, of H.R. 6331—‘‘Yes’’; Motion To ernments to the south of San Juan are rely- Refer Kucinich Privileged Resolution—Yes; ing heavily on decisions being made in Puer- HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE H.R. 5803—‘‘Yes’’; and H. Res. 1090—‘‘Yes.’’ to Rico for their continued survival. OF OHIO All governments also understand that with f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the current structure of the airline industry, Wednesday, July 16, 2008 THE CARIBBEAN SOLUTION FOR it is indispensably necessary to ensure that AIRLINE CHALLENGES the flights coming into Puerto Rico can con- Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: nect easily to the onward carriers such that Whereas, Timothy L. Moore spent 24 years HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL travelers traveling beyond the hub can con- in dedicated service to the United States Air nect online or through their travel agent Force Security Forces; and OF NEW YORK seamlessly. Without those connections many Whereas, Mr. Moore has received high hon- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the southern destinations are invisible in ors such as the Air Force Security Forces Out- Wednesday, July 16, 2008 electronic booking systems. It is this inter- dependence that is forcing discussions be- standing Senior Noncommissioned Officer of Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today tween governments at an unprecedented the Year in 2005 and the Inspector General to recognize the efforts being made by the level and at an unprecedented rate. Outstanding Performer Award in 2003; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.024 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS July 16, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1483

Whereas, Timothy L. Moore is the recipient Americans of conscience must come to- CONYERS and Ranking Member SMITH, and I of the Meritorious Service award; and gether to stop the senseless death of ‘‘The want to thank them for their support and com- Whereas, Timothy L. Moore is the recipient Daily 45.’’ When will we say ‘‘enough is mitment to this issue. I also want to commend of the NATO Medal; now, therefore, be it enough, stop the killing!’’ Chairman SCOTT and Ranking Member Resolved that along with his friends, family, f GOHMERT for their leadership in getting H.R. and the residents of the 18th Congressional 5057 to the Floor today. District, I commend and thank Timothy L. TRIBUTE TO MARJORIE I have been working on this issue since Moore for his contributions to his community MATTHEWS 2001 when I, along with former Representative and country. Steve Horn, held a hearing in the Government f HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS Reform Committee where we heard from the OF NEW YORK courageous rape survivor, Debbie Smith. RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVER- Debbie recounted her horrifying story . . . SARY OF THE INTEGRATION OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES how an intruder broke into her home and THE ARMED SERVICES Wednesday, July 16, 2008 raped her in the nearby woods. Six years later Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today SPEECH OF her assailant was charged with her rape be- to honor the life and work of Marjorie Mat- cause DNA processing techniques had pro- HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL thews. duced a ‘‘cold hit.’’ OF NEW YORK Marjorie Matthews prodigiously served the Inspired by Debbie’s story, I resolved to do IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Kings County Hospital Center Community Ad- something to combat the epidemic of violence Monday, July 14, 2008 visory Board for twenty years, as vice chair against women in the United States, where a from 1990 to 1994 and as chair from 1994 Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sexual assault occurs every two minutes. until 2001, where she championed the cause I knew that DNA processing techniques support of H. Con. Res. 297 Recognizing the of better service to the Brooklyn community. could serve as conclusive proof in countless 60th Anniversary of the integration of the Marjorie Matthews labored as a committed other rape cases. But I was outraged that a Armed Services. The bill recognizes the anni- and strong advocate for the redevelopment of backlog of hundreds of thousands of rape kits, versary of President Truman’s executive order the Kings County Hospital Center and worked with DNA evidence already collected, were declaring a policy of equality of treatment and diligently to rebuild the facilities for the benefit gathering dust in police stations and crime opportunity for all persons in the armed serv- of all. Throughout her remarkable career in the labs all over the country . . . all because of ices without regard to race, color, religion, or healthcare field, she became a formidable inadequate government funding. national origin. leader whose work spanned the length and It was for Debbie, and the thousands of The legacy of racism in America is one that breadth of Brooklyn, as demonstrated through rape survivors like her, that I authored ‘‘The runs so deep that even those that were willing her devotion to the children of Brooklyn, her- Debbie Smith Act’’ to provide federal funding to die for this country did not have basic rights culean service on the Community School to process the unconscionable backlog of while living in it. The process of getting army Board District 16 and pioneering work with the DNA evidence. integration to be reflected in the law took over Head Start Program at P.S. 262. I first introduced this legislation in 2001. In 15 years, but just like racial inequality through- The model of citizenship set forth by Mar- 2004, it was signed into law as part of the out the U.S., it took much longer de facto. jorie Matthews is a guide to all wishing to ‘‘Justice For All Act,’’ comprehensive DNA leg- I served in the all-black 503rd Field Artillery make their communities better, the lives of our islation that has helped bring justice to rape Battalion in the 2nd Infantry Division during children brighter and our city stronger, which survivors and their families across the country. the Korean War from 1948 until 1952. Today she established through inspiration and a last- The ‘‘Justice For All Act’’ accomplished sev- I am proud to see that it is a much different ing legacy for future generations. eral critical objectives including authorizing the reality for our servicemen of color. Today we Madam Speaker, I cannot in this short time necessary funding, $151,000,000 in each fis- fight side by side with all races with one mis- do justice to the life and achievements of Mar- cal year from FY2005 through FY2009, to start sion and respect for the value of each indi- jorie Matthews. As a lifelong change agent, processing the backlog of DNA evidence vidual life. But we take this time to honor the her dedication was boundless and her cour- through the creation of the Debbie Smith DNA 60th anniversary because we must continue to age unparalleled. Backlog Grant Program. Since 2004, millions honor those that fought for this country while On behalf of New York’s Tenth Congres- of dollars in funding have been appropriated suffering under the extra burden of inequality, sional District, I salute and commend Marjorie under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant as well as those that fought for justice in the Matthews for her distinguished record of serv- Program. army and outside of it. ice to the residents of New York’s Tenth Con- Because this groundbreaking program’s au- f gressional District and beseech all those she thorization expires at the end of FY2009, H.R. THE DAILY 45: FROM COAST TO left behind to continue her outstanding work. 5057 extends the program through FY2014. COAST Sadly, she has left us but not before she be- Estimates place the number of unprocessed stowed her indelible mark on our community, rape kits nationwide in the tens and possibly HON. BOBBY L. RUSH on our lives, and in our hearts. hundreds of thousands. Each kit represents an Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to innocent life and a rapist who may commit OF ILLINOIS join me in paying tribute to Marjorie Matthews multiple rapes before he is caught. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and the wonderful example that she rep- DNA is remarkable evidence. It doesn’t for- Wednesday, July 16, 2008 resented. get, it can’t be confused, it can’t be intimidated Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, the Depart- f and it doesn’t lie. While an eyewitness can ment of Justice tells us that every day, 45 easily get mixed up about height, weight, hair people, on average, are fatally shot in the THE DEBBIE SMITH color—DNA never changes its story. United States. Forty-five violent stories of trag- REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008 Debbie’s bravery and dedication to working edy every day are 45 too many. with me to pass ‘‘The Debbie Smith Act,’’ SPEECH OF From coast to coast, the stories affect us all. which was no small feat, has already made a On Saturday night, in Seattle, Washington, a HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY tremendous impact on our justice system. I 17-year-old boy was fatally shot during an ar- OF NEW YORK also want to acknowledge RAINN for its stead- gument involving more than 20 young men at IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fast support of ‘‘The Debbie Smith Reauthor- a fast-food restaurant. ization Act’’ and for its efforts on behalf of sex- On Sunday night, in Washington, DC, Frank Monday, July 14, 2008 ual assault victims and survivors. L. Parker, a 47-year-old man, was found fa- Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, Tragically, only six percent of rapists will tally shot in the 300 block of Parkland Place, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5057, ‘‘The spend any time in jail. Congress must con- SE. Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act,’’ legislation tinue to support programs, like the Debbie On Monday afternoon, in Chicago, Mario that I introduced to ensure that the nationwide Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, that help Lopez, a 19-year-old man, was fatally shot in backlog of DNA evidence is processed. I was to put rapists in prison and reduce violence a West Side park. These are only three stories pleased to have been joined in introducing the against women. of 135 stories that could be told just between legislation by the Chairman and Ranking I urge my colleagues to support this impor- Saturday, July 12 and Monday, July 14. Member of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman tant legislation.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16JY8.004 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E1484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 16, 2008 HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVER- uted to the transportation sector, making it the enue and ridership of any month in its history. SARY OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA second largest contributor to GHG emissions, Fiscal year 2008 year-to-date ridership is up trailing only electricity generation. According to 11 percent and revenues are up 14 percent HON. HILDA L. SOLIS the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, over the previous year. OF CALIFORNIA this figure is expected to rise to 36 percent by We also need to consider extending the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2020. ‘‘Section 45G’’ tax credit for investments in Wednesday, July 16, 2008 In a carbon-constrained world, it makes short line track rehabilitation that expired in sense for government to invest in transpor- 2007. The Section 45G tax credit has helped Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to tation infrastructure that will promote the use hundreds of short line railroads increase the honor the 100th anniversary of the founding of of technologies that improve fuel efficiency, volume and rate of track rehabilitation and im- the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Throughout while also reducing carbon emissions and traf- provement programs. This allows them to offer the years Alpha Kappa Alpha has instilled in fic congestion. Railroads are the most fuel effi- more efficient, cost-effective, and environ- its members the qualities of sisterhood and cient mode of surface transportation. In 2007, mentally friendly rail service to communities service to the community. It should be com- freight railroads moved one ton of freight an throughout the country. mended on reaching this tremendous mile- average of 436 miles per gallon of fuel— The key to reducing fuel consumption in stone. roughly the distance between Boston and Bal- Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek-let- transportation and our addiction to oil and de- timore. pendence on foreign oil is by encouraging the ter organization established by African Amer- In its January 2008 final report to Congress, ican college-trained women in 1908. Since its use of the most fuel efficient modes of trans- the National Surface Transportation Policy and portation—railroads. America’s freight and inception, Alpha Kappa Alpha has always Revenue Study Commission stated that ‘‘inter- been an advocate for the less fortunate and passenger railroads offer a simple, cost effec- city passenger rail is . . . more energy effi- tive and meaningful way to do this, thereby an agent for change in the community. One of cient than many other modes of passenger the top priorities of Alpha Kappa Alpha has helping to ensure a sustainable future for our transportation.’’ The report notes that the aver- planet. been to remain true to its core mission of sis- age intercity passenger rail train produces 60 terhood and service to the community. Alpha percent lower carbon dioxide emissions per f Kappa Alpha’s Extraordinary Service Program passenger-mile than the average automobile, has worked to improve the living standards and half the carbon dioxide emissions per RETIREMENT OF CHIEF LANSON within the black community through economic passenger-mile of an airplane. W. RUSSELL education, creating exposure and opportunities Using railroads more means consuming less for the women entrepreneur, assisting black fuel, and that’s more important today more families, and improving the mental and phys- than ever. However, the railroads may not cur- HON. BILL FOSTER ical health of local communities. rently have the capacity to handle socially op- OF ILLINOIS This week over 25,000 members of Alpha timal amounts of freight and passenger traffic. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Kappa Alpha, including Patricia Jones, a con- Freight railroads are reinvesting record stituent from the 32nd Congressional District amounts of their own funds into their systems, Wednesday, July 16, 2008 of California, came to Washington, DC to at- but that will not be enough to take full advan- Mr. FOSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today tend the Centennial Convention. They are tage of railroads’ potential to meet our trans- to congratulate Chief Lanson W. Russell on joined in their work and the legacy of their portation needs. the occasion of his retirement from the DeKalb work by Honorary Members of the Sorority in- One step we must take is to provide relief Fire Department. I join with the city of DeKalb cluding Maya Angelou, former astronaut Mae to states, local communities, and captive rail in thanking him for 44 years of dedicated com- Jemison and the late Rosa Parks, Coretta customers who continue to suffer from unrea- munity service. Scott King, Marian Anderson and Eleanor sonably high railroad rates and poor service. Chief Russell began his distinguished career Roosevelt. This relief cannot be accomplished through Madam Speaker, I hope that my colleagues in 1964 as a volunteer with the Peotone Fire capital improvements alone. Reforms to re- Protection District. In 1975, he established Will will join me in congratulating Alpha Kappa duce impediments to competition must also be Alpha for 100 years of service to the commu- County’s first paramedic unit, and was pro- enacted. moted to chief in 1984. nity. As a Latina Member of Congress, I look Further, railroads have traditionally invested forward to working to promote economic and in their own networks and there is increased From 1988 to 1992, he served as fire chief educational advancement in all communities of interest in public-private relationships to help in Villa Park, Illinois, then moved on to Down- color. address the projected underinvestment in our ers Grove for the next 9 years. During his ten- f Nation’s rail network. However, the govern- ure there, Chief Russell worked with neigh- ment as a public partner has a duty to ensure boring communities to develop joint hazardous A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA’S materials, technical rescue, and cause and ori- RAILROADS that the public interest is best served under any agreements it enters into. We need to be gin teams. Under his guidance, the Downers careful when creating these partnerships as Grove Fire Department was among the first 44 HON. ROBERT A. BRADY private businesses’ objectives and motivations agencies in the country to receive Accredited OF PENNSYLVANIA may not necessarily be aligned with the public Agency Status from the Commission on Fire IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES interest. When public-private partnerships are Accreditation International. Wednesday, July 16, 2008 used to finance, design and build roads, Chief Russell arrived in DeKalb in 2002, and Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam bridges, rail projects, and transit facilities, we immediately set out to strengthen the depart- Speaker, we all know that the U.S. needs a must safeguard the public interests. ment’s relationships with Northern Illinois Uni- long term strategic energy policy if we are H.R. 2116, an excellent piece of legislation versity and neighboring departments. He led ever to break our addiction to foreign oil and introduced by my friend from Florida, the negotiations that resulted in a 4-year col- become energy independent. Part of that long KENDRICK MEEK, will provide a 25 percent tax lective bargaining agreement, and worked to term solution is to focus on a policy that al- credit for railroads to invest in capital expan- foster an effective labor-management relation- lows us to begin using less oil today. sion. This will help augment their financial ca- ship. The United States transportation system is pacity for transportation investments. As we Chief Russell received an associate’s de- the largest in the world and is almost entirely review this legislation, we should also consider gree in Applied Science from Joliet Junior Col- responsible for our Nation’s dependence on including a provision that ensures prevailing lege, and a bachelor of science in Fire Service using oil as the major source of energy. For wages for the workers responsible for the con- Management from Southern Illinois University. instance, while the United States has only 4.5 struction of this expansion. Amtrak ridership He continued his education at the National percent of the world’s population, it uses 25 may reach 28 million this year—the highest it Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Pro- percent of the world’s oil. About 60 percent of has ever been and up from 25.8 million pas- gram and the University of Virginia’s Senior this oil is imported. The transportation sector sengers last year. In fact, Amtrak ridership Executive Institute. consumes seven of every ten barrels of oil and revenues are up and experiencing signifi- Chief Russell’s tireless service to his com- consumed in the United States. cant growth in all categories: short distance, munity over 44 years has been exemplary. I In addition, about 28 percent of greenhouse long distance, and Northeast Corridor serv- wish him a happy retirement, and extend my gas emissions, GHGs, in the U.S. are attrib- ices. Last month, Amtrak had the highest rev- deepest gratitude.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.031 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS July 16, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1485 THE IRAQI REFUGEE AND INTER- HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVER- the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics NALLY DISPLACED PERSONS HU- SARY OF UPPER UWCHLAN Kansas 2008 Summer Games in Wichita. This MANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, RE- TOWNSHIP year’s Summer Games theme was ‘‘Be a Fan SETTLEMENT, AND SECURITY of Courage.’’ This theme reflects the senti- ACT OF 2008 HON. JIM GERLACH ments of the athlete oath, ‘‘Let me win. But if OF PENNSYLVANIA I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’’ HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES These words were uttered by gladiators in an- OF FLORIDA Wednesday, July 16, 2008 cient Rome, and are equally appropriate for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES modern-day gladiators overcoming their own Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise Wednesday, July 16, 2008 adversities. today to honor a wonderful southeastern After 40 years, there are now millions of sto- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, Pennsylvania municipality celebrating its 150th ries of courage in the Special Olympics, but as Chairman of the Commission on Security anniversary. one athlete who has taken the oath and that and Cooperation in Europe and Special Rep- Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County, embodies this year’s theme is LP Esquibel resentative on Mediterranean Affairs of the Or- was created in 1858 on a plain between the from Dodge City, Kansas. He is more than a ganization for Security and Cooperation in Eu- North Valley Hills and the Nantmeal Hills. fan of courage. He is courageous and be- rope Parliamentary Assembly, I rise today in Welsh Quakers first settled the rural area in cause of his courage he was awarded the strong support of The Iraqi Refugee and Inter- the late 17th century and dubbed the region Most Inspirational Athlete award at the Sum- nally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assist- Uwchlan, which means ‘‘upland’’ or ‘‘land mer Games this year. Cerebral palsy kept him ance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 above the valley.’’ from walking until he was 5 years old, but it (H.R. 6496), a bill which I reintroduced yester- The Township is blessed with natural beau- has not kept him from becoming a 13-year day with a group of 11 bipartisan original co- ty, including the scenic waterways of Pickering veteran of the Special Olympics. It also has sponsors. Creek, Black Horse Run and Marsh Creek not kept a smile from his face. From all ac- The bill I am introducing today addresses Lake. The Little Conestoga Road running counts, LP is more than a great athlete in his the impending humanitarian crisis and poten- through the Township is believed to be the tial security break-down as a result of the events of basketball, shot put, and the 100- oldest road in Pennsylvania between the Dela- yard walk, he is an encouragement to his fel- mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring ware and Susquehanna Rivers. Pioneers in countries, and the growing internally displaced low teammates and helps them on the court. America’s westward expansion traveled It is stories like LP’s that has sold me on the population in Iraq. The bill increases account- through Upper Uwchlan on the Conestoga able assistance to these populations and their power and benefits of the Special Olympics. Turnpike, which also served as a major busi- Since 2007, I have served as the Honorary host countries, as well as seeking to facilitate ness route for getting goods into Philadelphia. the resettlement of Iraqis at risk. Chairman for the Kansas Law Enforcement The Township is also home to the Eagle Tav- Torch Run. The Torch Run covers hundreds The plight of Iraqi refugees and Internally ern, which has been serving patrons since ap- Displaced Persons (IDPs) is worsening by the of miles throughout the State and raises thou- proximately 1727. sands of dollars in support of Special Olym- day. It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of Residents, businesses and local officials will pics Kansas programs. This year-round fund- families who fled for their safety, are now un- mark the Township’s 150th anniversary on raiser and awareness initiative was imple- able to work and have subsequently depleted Saturday, July 19, 2008 with a daylong cele- mented by Wichita Police Chief Richard their savings in order to survive. bration in the village of Eagle. In doing so, LaMunyon in 1981. It became an international Madam Speaker, I would like to announce they will celebrate the Township’s rich history event three years later in 1984 when Chief the support that I have received for this very and outstanding quality of life for residents LaMunyon presented it to the International As- important legislation from prominent non-gov- and businesses. sociation of Chiefs of Police. The Law En- ernmental organizations (NGOs) and religious Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues forcement Torch Run is now the largest grass- groups. To date, the following organizations join me today in congratulating the Township roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle have endorsed this legislation: The Campaign on its historic anniversary. for Innocent Victims of Conflict (CIVIC), for Special Olympics around the world. f Church World Service, Congregation of Divine It was an honor to help raise money this Providence of San Antonio, Education for SPECIAL OLYMPICS 40TH past summer to help send Kansas athletes to Peace in Iraq (EPIC), International Rescue ANNIVERSARY compete in China at the World Olympics. I en- Committee, the Leadership Conference on joyed meeting them and hearing of their suc- Women Religious, the Maryknoll Office for HON. JERRY MORAN cess. Global Concerns, Mercy Center, Mercy Corps, OF KANSAS Special Olympics does remarkable work, NETWORK, Open Society Policy Center, Pax IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES both in the State of Kansas and across the Christi USA: National Catholic Peace Move- globe. I would like to commend the leaders Wednesday, July 16, 2008 ment, the Presbyterian Church (USA), Refu- and volunteers of Special Olympics for 40 gees International, Sisters of Charity of New Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I years of outstanding service and wish them York, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Sisters rise today to recognize and congratulate Spe- continued success in the future. of St. Joseph NW PA, and Save the Children. cial Olympics for 40 years of extraordinary f I thank all of these organizations who have service to individuals with intellectual disabil- endorsed my legislation and who every single ities. RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVER- day work tirelessly to make this world a better Beyond giving 2.5 million athletes a chance SARY OF THE COUNCIL-MAN- place. Without their commitment to helping the to compete, it gives their families a way to in- AGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN people devastated by this crisis, the situation volve their sons, daughters, brothers and sis- FOND DU LAC, WISCONSIN in the region would be even worse. ters. A chance for them to cheer. A chance to Finally, I would like to thank Congressman coach. A chance to connect in a special way. HON. THOMAS E. PETRI DINGELL for his continued leadership in the A chance to see their family member be ac- OF WISCONSIN House of Representatives on this issue and cepted and respected in their communities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for his help in drafting this legislation as well Originally an initiative of Eunice Kennedy as the other original co-sponsors supporting Shriver, the first Special Olympic Games were Wednesday, July 16, 2008 this bill. As I have said on many occasions, held on July 20, 1968 at Soldier Field in Chi- Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I have always this must not be a partisan issue, but rather cago, Illinois. Participation in Special Olympics agreed with that famous quotation from former Congress and the Administration have an obli- develops improved physical fitness and motor House Speaker Tip O’Neill, who noted ‘‘all pol- gation to work together before the Iraqi ref- skills, greater self confidence and a more posi- itics is local.’’ I also subscribe to the adage ugee crisis further destabilizes the region. tive self image. Through competitions like that ‘‘all government is local.’’ I urge my colleagues to support this impor- power lifting, cycling, track and field, aquatics, Wisconsin is particularly proud of its strong tant legislation, which will provide much need- tennis and gymnastics, athletes exhibit end- tradition of local government, formally dating ed relief for Iraqi refugees and IDPs. I urge less courage and enthusiasm and enjoy the back to the ratification of the Wisconsin State the leadership of the House to support this bill rewards of friendship. Constitution in 1848. The Wisconsin State and bring it to the floor for its expeditious con- Last month I had the great privilege of ad- Constitution contains at least four references sideration. dressing the athletes, fans, and families during to local government and clearly grants the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.034 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E1486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 16, 2008 Wisconsin State Legislature the authority to 50 years for the care they have taken in ap- casions. I am well aware of its impact on soci- enact legislation to create local government pointing those who have served as city man- ety and the enormous profits it generates for and establish the framework within which local ager and in efficiently and effectively super- Fox Television and its producers and adver- governments operate. vising the city’s affairs. Of historical interest, it tisers. In 2007, the show allegedly generated Ten Wisconsin cities currently have the is fitting to note that James Megellas, a highly over $200 million in profits for the Fox net- council-manager form of government which decorated World War II hero and native son of work, while FremantleMedia’s worldwide prof- was first authorized in 1919. Fond du Lac, was the first city council presi- its exceeded $1.8 billion. This year, the city of Fond du Lac, Wis- dent to preside under this new form of govern- Why then, are they unable to pay a fair and consin, celebrates the 50th anniversary of its ment. equitable wage to its employees who provide adoption of the council-manager form of gov- I hope you will join me in congratulating the the written content or other services that make ernment. The council-manager system has City of Fond du Lac and its citizens on the these shows so successful? In an April 2008 served the city well, and I am pleased to con- 50th anniversary of their adoption of the coun- filing with the California Department of Labor gratulate Fond du Lac on this significant mile- cil-manager form of government. Standards, ‘‘American Idol’’ employees re- stone. Interestingly enough, Fond du Lac was the f ported working 15–20 hour days, 7 days a week and FremantleMedia avoided paying any last city in Wisconsin to have the commis- IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE WRIT- overtime by declaring that a substantial major- sioner form of government, which featured ERS GUILD OF AMERICA, WEST ity of their employees are ‘‘exempt.’’ In addi- three commissioners and a mayor, all elected, IN ACTION AGAINST FREMAN- tion to failing to abide by California’s wage with the commission directly supervising city TLEMEDIA NORTH AMERICA departments. Fifty years ago there were in- and hour statutes, Fremantle refuses to offer creasing questions about the effectiveness of most of their employees access to health cov- this form of government. While local political HON. JACKIE SPEIER erage. For such a popular and profitable issues made some sort of change appealing, OF CALIFORNIA show, I find this behavior reprehensible. there was growing popularity across the coun- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES American reality show fans should not be try at that time for the council-manager form of Wednesday, July 16, 2008 confused. The reality is, ‘‘reality’’ shows are government, which the city of Fond du Lac ul- written. The plot lines, the banter between per- Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, the most timately adopted. sonalities, the contests that are at the heart of successful and profitable television show in Often cited as an advantage of the council- the shows; all are created by talented mem- this country is ‘‘American Idol’’, produced by manager model is the balance achieved be- bers of the creative community. These individ- FremantleMedia North America. ‘‘American tween professional management of daily oper- uals should be paid fairly and like other Amer- Idol’’ and other FremantleMedia productions ations and policy decisions made by elected ican workers, allowed to join a guild to collec- entertain many millions worldwide with the officials. While ultimate control of the govern- tively bargain on their behalf. ment lies with elected officials, functional ex- promise of providing an opportunity for young Madam Speaker, no one wants to shut perts provide professional management of talented people to display their abilities and be ‘‘American Idol’’ down. All I am asking, all the daily operations. rewarded for their hard work. American people are demanding, is that those Robert McManus was the first city manager That is why it is such a shame that Freman- talented Americans who create content for appointed by the city council in 1958. Mr. tleMedia refuses to offer the same basic op- these vastly profitable enterprises be paid fair- McManus was followed by Henry Buslee, portunity to its writers and other employees. Myron Medin, Daniel R. Thompson, Jack The California Labor Commissioner has re- ly with industry-standard benefits and in ac- Howley, Stephen T. Nenonen, and Tom corded claims from ‘‘American Idol’’ and other cordance with federal and state laws. We are Ahrens. Thomas Herre, who was most re- FremantleMedia employees totaling more than asking that one of the country’s most popular cently appointed in 2005, currently serves in $300,000 in unpaid wages and unsafe working and profitable shows treats its employees with this key leadership role. Of this group, Myron conditions. The State Labor Commissioner the respect and dignity they deserve. You can Medin was Fond du Lac’s longest serving city has conducted serious investigations into bet that the on-air personalities who read the manager, serving from November of 1967 FremantleMedia productions and has even words are paid dearly. It’s time that Fremantle through August of 1983. been forced to cite the company for failure to allow those who put the words in their mouths On the occasion of this noteworthy anniver- pay overtime to their employees. simply be allowed to be represented at the sary, it is important to commend the members Madam Speaker, I have watched ‘‘American bargaining table. of the Fond du Lac city council over the last Idol’’ with my teenage daughter on many oc-

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JY8.037 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS July 16, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1487 SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2 p.m. 10:30 a.m. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Aging Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, fairs To hold hearings to examine person-cen- agreed to by the Senate on February 4, Oversight of Government Management, the tered care, focusing on reforming serv- 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- Federal Workforce, and the District of ices and bringing elderly citizens back Columbia Subcommittee tem for a computerized schedule of all to the heart of society. To hold hearings to examine improving SD–562 meetings and hearings of Senate com- performance relating to a review of 2 p.m. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- pay-for-performance systems in the Judiciary tees, and committees of conference. Federal Government. To hold hearings to examine the nomina- This title requires all such committees SD–342 tions of J. Patrick Rowan, of Mary- 2:30 p.m. land, and Jeffrey Leigh Sedgwick, of to notify the Office of the Senate Daily Intelligence Massachusetts, both to be an Assistant Digest—designated by the Rules Com- To hold closed hearings to examine cer- Attorney General, Department of Jus- tain intelligence matters. mittee—of the time, place, and purpose tice, and William B. Carr, Jr., of Penn- SH–219 of the meetings, when scheduled, and sylvania, to be a Member of the United any cancellations or changes in the JULY 23 States Sentencing Commission. meetings as they occur. SD–226 9:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Environment and Public Works As an additional procedure along Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions To hold hearings to examine the midwest with the computerization of this infor- Children and Families Subcommittee floods, focusing on ways to determine mation, the Office of the Senate Daily To continue hearings to examine child- what happened and how to improve Digest will prepare this information for managing risk and responses in the fu- hood obesity, focusing on declining printing in the Extensions of Remarks ture. health of America’s next generation section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD SD–406 (Part II). Veterans’ Affairs SD–430 on Monday and Wednesday of each Homeland Security and Governmental Af- week. To hold an oversight hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs, fo- fairs Meetings scheduled for Thursday, cusing on responding to the needs of re- To hold hearings to examine the nomina- July 17, 2008 may be found in the Daily turning United States Guard and Re- tions of Carol A. Dalton, Anthony C. Epstein, and Heidi M. Pasichow, all of Digest of today’s RECORD. serve members. SR–418 the District of Columbia, all to be an 9:45 a.m. Associate Judge of the Superior Court MEETINGS SCHEDULED Energy and Natural Resources of the District of Columbia. To hold hearings to examine the status SD–342 JULY 22 of existing federal programs targeted 9:30 a.m. at reducing gasoline demand, focusing JULY 24 Armed Services on additional proposals for near-term 10 a.m. To hold hearings to examine the nomina- gasoline demand reductions. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- tions of Michael Bruce Donley, of Vir- SD–366 fairs ginia, to be Secretary, General Norton 10 a.m. To hold hearings to examine the nomina- A. Schwartz, for reappointment to the Foreign Relations tion of James A. Williams, of Virginia, grade of general and to be Chief of To hold hearings to examine the nomina- to be Administrator of General Serv- Staff, and General Duncan J. McNabb, tions of James Christopher Swan, of ices Administration. for reappointment to the grade of gen- California, to be Ambassador to the Re- SD–342 eral and to be Commander, United public of Djibouti, Alan W. Eastham, Judiciary States Transportation Command, all of Jr., of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to To hold hearings to examine crimes asso- the United States Air Force. the Republic of the Congo, and W. Stu- ciated with polygamy, focusing on the SR–325 art Symington, of Missouri, to be Am- need for a coordinated state and federal Homeland Security and Governmental Af- bassador to the Republic of Rwanda, all response. fairs of the Department of State. SD–226 To hold hearings to examine ways for SD–419 2:30 p.m. America to gain energy security. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Intelligence SD–106 fairs 10 a.m. To hold hearings to examine information To hold closed hearings to examine cer- Environment and Public Works sharing, focusing on connecting the tain intelligence matters. To hold hearings to examine global dots at the Federal, State, and Local SH–219 warming, focusing on an update on the levels. science and its implications. SD–342 JULY 30 SD–406 Judiciary 10 a.m. Finance To hold hearings to examine courting big Judiciary To hold hearings to examine Indian gov- business, focusing on the Supreme To hold hearings to examine the White ernments and the tax code, focusing on Court’s recent decisions on corporate House and the Environmental protec- maximizing tax incentives for eco- misconduct and laws regulating cor- tion Agency (EPA), focusing on imped- nomic development. porations. ing congressional oversight. SD–215 SD–226 SD–226

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:31 Jul 17, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\M16JY8.000 E16JYPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS