July 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7823 this sad episode has left a permanent impres- to as ‘‘Phish-heads’’—follow the band COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT sion on Shigeru. Fortunately, Shigeru has from concert to concert living off HOMEOWNERSHIP TAX CREDIT overcome this tragedy and has maintained a veggie burritos, grilled cheese sand- ACT standard for other young people to follow. wiches and the charity of others. Shigeru has proven to me that life is too im- ∑ Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, portant to waste and to enjoy every moment Through it all, Phish has always con- President Bush officially declared the by being an active member of society, not sidered Vermont home. In a tribute to month of June as ‘‘National Homeown- just a spectator. their Burlington roots, the band’s first ership Month,’’ and with this annual Sincerely, album produced with a major record tradition, America’s attention was JOHN INUMERABLE. company was titled A Picture of Nec- again drawn to the importance of f tar. And the band’s share of proceeds homeownership and the stability it can TRIBUTE TO PHISH from sales of the popular ‘‘Phish Food’’ bring to families and neighborhoods. It Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor goes is often homeownership that finan- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, on Au- directly toward environmental projects cially anchors American families and gust 15 in Coventry, VT, a beloved in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Water- civically anchors our communities. But chapter in American music history will shed. Now, as they prepare for their I believe our focus on homeownership come to a close as the jam band Phish final show in Vermont, it is appro- also returns our attention to the basic holds its final concert for legions of de- priate that they finish where they ideals of the American Dream. Ensur- voted ‘‘phans’’ and ‘‘Phish-heads.’’ We started. ing access to homeownership, and in Vermont are well known for our su- Though Phish has sold millions of al- through it access to the American perb maple syrup, our wonderful ice bums and become a huge success, in Dream, is among the most significant cream, our award-winning cheese and spirit they remain a group that is un- ways we can empower our citizens to our beautiful scenery, but after 21 re- pretentious and unfailingly loyal to achieve the happy, productive and sta- markable years, the jam band Phish their fans. Their admirable generosity ble lifestyle everyone desires. has certainly become one of our most has fostered a sense of community Having a house of one’s own that pro- famous exports. among those who follow the group. The vides security and comfort to one’s The four musicians of Phish—Trey band’s break-up is a source of sadness family and that gives families an ac- Anastasio, Mike Gordon, Page to all of us who know and love them. tive, vested interest in the quality of O’Connell, and Jon Fishman—met and I congratulate Trey Anastasio, Mike life their community provides is cen- started playing together as under- Gordon, Jon Fishman and Page tral to our collective ideas about free- graduates at the University of O’Connell on their remarkable success. dom and self-determination. As a na- Vermont in the early 1980s. The band I am grateful for all they have done for tion, we know that homeownership quickly moved beyond its humble be- Vermont, for American music, and for helps the emotional and intellectual growth and development of children. ginnings in a dormitory basement to their fans. Most importantly, we sin- We know that homeowners show great- playing a small nightclub in Bur- cerely appreciate their authenticity, er interest and more frequent partici- lington called Nectar’s. While they their enthusiasm and their generosity. pation in civic organizations and toured for 5 years before releasing any While no one wants to see Phish stop commercial albums, the buzz around neighborhood issues. We know that playing after this summer, we can all when people own homes, they are more the band spread as their striking melo- take some solace that their music will dies and lively jam sessions endeared likely to accumulate wealth and assets live on, in these words from their song, and to prepare themselves financially them to a growing legion of fans. ‘‘Down With Disease.’’ Phish released its first commercial for such things as their children’s edu- Waiting for the time when I can finally say album, Junta, in 1989. Since then, the cation and retirement. That this has all been wonderful, but now In America today, homeownership is band has put out more than 35 studio I’m on my way. and live albums that have sold millions at a record high. Unfortunately, how- But when I think it’s time to leave it all be- ever, there remains a significant gap of copies. They have more than 200 hind, between minority and non-minority original songs, and many of the songs I try to find a way, but there’s nothing I can populations, leaving homeownership an die-hards love most were never re- say to make it stop. elusive financial prospect for many. corded in the studio. f The homeownership rate for the na- But the magic of Phish is not as tion’s African American and Hispanic much in its studio recordings as it is in ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS households lags more than 25 percent- its live performances. In an era when age points below White households. slick marketing techniques often over- LAUREN AMBER COOK In Congress, we have the responsi- shadow the musical accomplishments bility of ensuring that the dream of of the artists themselves, this talented Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay homeownership is possible for more of band from Vermont has provided a re- tribute and congratulate Lauren our citizens. Last year, Senator JOHN freshing contrast by promoting free Amber Cook of Princeton, KY on being KERRY and I drafted and sponsored S. spiritedness and individuality in their awarded the William R. Sprague Schol- 875, the ‘‘Community Development music. arship from the Kentucky Farm Bu- Homeownership Tax Credit Act,’’ a bill The band has always been uncon- reau Education Foundation. This aca- that enjoys strong bipartisan support cerned about releasing catchy singles demic scholarship will provide Lauren in the Senate. This legislation would and making millions of dollars from with $4,000 toward her education. give developers and investors an incen- record sales. Instead they play long Lauren has proven to be a very able tive to participate in the rehabilitation jams—oftentimes with songs lasting 30 and competent student by winning this and construction of homes for low- and minutes or longer—and tour year- prestigious award. She will represent moderate-income buyers. This measure round. Bucking a trend in the industry, the graduates of Caldwell County High is aimed at reaching President Bush’s they even encouraged people to tape School very well when she enrolls at goal of increasing American minority their shows for free and trade them on Vanderbilt University in the autumn. homeownership by 5.5 million families, the Internet. For the members of There she plans to study chemical en- thus making 5.5 million new dreams Phish, it really is all about their music gineering with a focus on agriculture. come true. and their fans. The citizens of Caldwell County Owning a home is an integral part of Every night on stage is a new and dif- should be proud to have a young attaining the security, continuity, and ferent showcase for the talents of the woman like Lauren Amber Cook in comfort of living the American Dream. versatile and endlessly creative band their community. Her example of dedi- I will continue to advocate policies members. Whether they are playing cation and hard work should be an in- that help make this dream become a electric guitars, keyboards, drums, or spiration to the entire Commonwealth. reality for our Nation’s families. I ask vacuum cleaners, Phish’s She has my most sincere apprecia- my colleagues to join me in support- improvisational talent has never dis- tion for this work, and I look forward ing homeownership by cosponsoring appointed. Many fans—often referred to her continued service to Kentucky. S. 875.∑

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:49 Jan 29, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2004SENATE\S08JY4.REC S08JY4 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S7824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 8, 2004 TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT For the past 3 years, ADM Jim Ellis the staff of the commander in chief, GENERAL ROBERT B. FLOWERS has demonstrated his leadership as U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He assumed duties ∑ Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I want commander of United States Strategic as deputy chief of Naval Operations— to take a few moments today to pub- Command. During his time at Offutt Plans, Policy and Operations—in No- licly thank Lieutenant General Robert AFB, in Nebraska, Jim Ellis personi- vember 1996. Flowers, who left his post as com- fied the Navy’s core values of integrity, Admiral Ellis became commander in mander and chief of engineers of the selfless service, and excellence in all chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on July things. I join the many Members and headquartered in London, England, and 1. General Flowers is one of the finest staff who enjoyed the opportunity to commander in chief, Allied Forces, individuals I have worked with as a meet with him on a variety of strategic Southern Europe headquartered in U.S. Senator representing North Da- issues and came to appreciate his abil- Naples, Italy, in October 1998. During kota. He is not only a fine, trusted pub- ity to integrate his many talents at his time serving in Europe, Admiral lic servant, he is also a good friend. Offutt. Ellis provided support to NATO forces North Dakota and the Nation owe Admiral Ellis is retiring from his as they waged war over Kosovo. General Flowers a deep debt of grati- post tomorrow. There will be a cere- I was especially pleased when he was tude. He served as chief of engineers for mony in Omaha to honor him that I nominated to continue service to the 4 years, and he served admirably. Dur- will attend. Nation as commander, U.S. Strategic Today, it is my privilege to recognize ing that period, he helped advance the Command in 2001. As such, Admiral with admiration and thanks some of construction of the Grand Forks flood Ellis is responsible for the global com- Admiral Ellis’ many accomplishments control project and other important mand and control of U.S. strategic since he entered the military 35 years flood control projects in the Red River forces and provides a sweeping range of ago, and to commend the superb serv- Valley. He also fought hand in hand strategic capabilities and options for ice he provided the Navy, the Congress with the North Dakota congressional the President and Secretary of Defense. and the Nation. Admiral Ellis is a 1969 delegation as we have worked to imple- While combatant commander in 2002, graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. ment solutions to the chronic flood at Admiral Ellis oversaw the merger of He was designated a Naval aviator in Devils Lake. Throughout it all, he has U.S. Space Command with U.S. Stra- 1971 and has held a variety of sea and always gone above and beyond the call tegic Command, demonstrating exem- shore assignments since 1972. plary leadership during a critical pe- of duty. His sea duty billets as a Navy fighter General Flowers is one of the most riod of transition. pilot included tours with Fighter Over the years, Admiral Ellis’s lead- capable leaders of the Corps of Engi- Squadron 92 aboard USS Constellation, neers I have ever had the pleasure of ership, professionalism and expertise CV 64, and Fighter Squadron 1 aboard enabled him to foster exceptional rap- working with. He is a true professional, USS Ranger, CV 61. and has a unique ability to walk into a port with many Members of both the From early in his career, Jim Ellis’ Senate and the House. I am personally difficult condition, assess the situa- exceptional leadership skills were evi- tion, and calmly, but decisively, take grateful for his friendship. I offer con- dent as he repeatedly proved himself in gratulations to him and his wife, Polly, action. He listens carefully to people select command positions. Admiral and has a leadership style that invites on his exceptionally well-deserved re- Ellis was the first Commanding Officer tirement. The Congress and country creative solutions to complex prob- of Strike/Fighter Squadron 131, deploy- lems. applaud the selfless commitment his ing in 1985 with new F/A–18 Hornets entire family has made to the Nation General Flowers is also a man of tre- aboard USS Coral Sea, CV 43. He served mendous integrity. He cares deeply in supporting his military career. I as executive officer of the nuclear-pow- know I speak for all my colleagues in about the people of this Nation, and his ered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, commitment to doing the right thing expressing my heartfelt appreciation CVN 70, and as commanding officer of to Admiral Ellis. We wish our friend was unmatched. He was willing to fight USS LaSalle, AGF 3, the Arabian Gulf for the needs of common citizens, even the best of luck. He is truly a credit to flagship of the Commander, Joint Task both the Navy and the Nation.∑ if it meant leading an uphill fight and Force, Middle East. challenging others within the Corps. In 1991, Admiral Ellis assumed com- f To General Flowers, ‘‘no’’ was simply mand of the USS Abraham Lincoln, CVN MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT unacceptable. He worked diligently to 72, and participated in Operation turn over every stone and formulate Desert Storm while deployed during Messages from the President of the solutions that are workable and re- her maiden voyage in the western Pa- United States were communicated to sponsive to the water challenges faced cific and Arabian Gulf. In June 1995, the Senate by Ms. Evans, one of his by communities across the country. Admiral Ellis assumed command of secretaries. I know that the General Flowers Carrier Group FIVE/Battle Force SEV- f leaves the Corps a much better organi- ENTH Fleet, breaking his flag aboard EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED zation due to his leadership. The Gen- USS Independence, CV 62, forward de- eral set high standards for his team, ployed to the Western Pacific and As in executive session the PRE- and they delivered time and time homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. As SIDING OFFICER laid before the Sen- again. I will not forget the contribu- carrier battle group commander he led ate messages from the President of the tions General Flowers has made to the contingency response operations to United States submitting sundry nomi- people of my State and the country. both the Arabian Gulf and Taiwan nations which were referred to the ap- I want to again express my deep ap- Straits. propriate committees. preciation and respect for General Admiral Ellis also excelled in a vari- (The nominations received today are Flowers for his service to my state and ety of key shore and staff assignments printed at the end of the Senate pro- to our Nation. We in North Dakota will that included tours as an experimental/ ceedings.) miss you, General, but wish you all the operational test pilot, service in the f best.∑ Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, and f duty as F/A–18 program coordinator, MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE deputy chief of Naval Operations, Air At 12:26 p.m., a message from the RETIREMENT OF ADMIRAL JAMES Warfare. He also served as deputy com- House of Representatives, delivered by O. ELLIS, JR. FROM U.S. STRA- mander and chief of Staff, Joint Task Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, TEGIC COMMAND Force FIVE, the counternarcotics force announced that the House has passed ∑ Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- for U.S. Commander in Chief Pacific. the following bills, in which it requests dent, today, it is my honor and my In November 1993 he reported as inspec- the concurrence of the Senate: privilege to recognize one of the finest tor general, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and H.R. 1856. An act to reauthorize the Harm- officers in the U.S. Navy, and a good subsequently served as director for Op- ful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and friend of mine, ADM James O. Ellis, Jr. erations, Plans and Policy, N3/N5, on Control Act of 1998, and for other purposes.

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