CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions of Remarks E1806 HON

E1806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 21, 2006 jazz. In the early 1960’s, Dr. Taylor became THE MILITARY PERSONNEL FI- have always been amazed at the size and im- the first black artist to host a daily radio show, NANCIAL SERVICES PROTECTION portance of their mission considering what lit- ‘‘The Billy Taylor Show,’’ on WNEW, a major ACT tle Congress gives them in the way of guid- New York station. Dr. Taylor also brought jazz ance or funds. Funding that should go to SPEECH OF back to Harlem and the surrounding commu- NOAA to bolster ocean research and manage- nities through the revolutionary Jazzmobile HON. MAXINE WATERS ment already pales in comparison to other nat- ural resource programs, and now, we are project, which he co-founded with Daphne OF CALIFORNIA about to authorize only the atmospheric com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Arnstein, a fellow member of the Harlem Cul- ponent of NOAA. This is just another example tural Council. The Jazzmobile began with a Wednesday, September 20, 2006 of the failure of this Congress to make the float borrowed from the Budweiser Beer Com- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong management of our oceans a priority. This pany that was converted into a bandstand-on- support of the Military Personnel Financial amazes me, considering the size and eco- wheels. The organization produced summer Services Protection Act, S. 418, as passed by nomic value of our oceans. outdoor concerts, lectures and special pro- the Senate. The bill amends the Investment We have been called to make our oceans a grams for disadvantaged inner-city youth. Re- Company Act of 1940 to make it unlawful for greater priority for more than 6 years now. nowned artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Duke any registered investment company to issue or When are we going to act? After our fish Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, and sell any periodic payment plan certificate. In stocks are fully depleted? After global warming Milt Jackson all contributed to the Jazzmobile short, the bill will protect the members of our have caused rising sea levels to erode our by performing free outdoor concerts for the Armed Forces from unscrupulous practices re- beaches and the oceans to become so acidic that coral reefs have wasted away? In 2000, public. In particular, Dr. Taylor recalled the ex- garding the sale of insurance as well as other with the passage of the Oceans Act, Congress citement of the audience when Duke Ellington financial and investment products. called for a National Commission on Ocean performed, saying, ‘‘I don’t know who was Many of us have known for some time that Policy to conduct a nationwide fact-finding more excited, the audience, or Duke. He loved members of our Armed Services have been mission on the state of our oceans. The goal preyed upon by unscrupulous individuals in playing for the people of Harlem, and they was to develop policy recommendations that the financial services arena. Members of the loved him, madly.’’ The program continues would lead to a coordinated and comprehen- Armed Services are often the victims of ag- today throughout the United States. sive national ocean policy. The independent gressive and misleading sales practices and Pew Oceans Commission underwent a similar Billy Taylor’s recording career is nothing schemes that result in exorbitant commissions process to identify the root problems threat- short of extraordinary. With more than two and fees for insurance products, etc. Some ening our nations’ oceans. The products of dozen albums recorded over a span of six sales commissions are in excess of 50 per- decades, Dr. Taylor is renowned within the re- these two commissions are nothing short of cent on the first year of contributions to the in- remarkable. Both commissions independently cording community through such compositions surance product. In addition, certain life insur- came to the same clear message: our oceans as, ‘‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be ance products are being marketed as invest- are in peril. Free’’ and ‘‘Peaceful Warrior,’’ a work inspired ment products, providing minimal death bene- It is NOAA that must tackle these chal- by and dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin fits in exchange for excessive up-front pre- lenges. As the lead agency on ocean manage- Luther King Jr. In 1990, Dr. Taylor was award- miums. ment, both commissions acknowledged the ed the National Medal of Arts by President I believe that this bill takes a major step to size of the task that NOAA faces. Americans close the existing loophole in the law allowing George H.W. Bush and also has received two are facing declining fish stocks, beach clo- for the proliferation in the sale of these prod- Peabody Awards, an Emmy, and a Grammy. sures due to poor water quality, and laws that ucts. Mr. Speaker, it would be disgraceful if, are inadequate to protect America’s oceans. Dr. Taylor continues to be the country’s after the sacrifices made by the men and Both commissions have called on Congress spokesman for jazz. From 1977 until 1982, Dr. women in our armed services, this body al- repeatedly to provide NOAA with an organic Taylor hosted ‘‘Jazz Alive,’’ National Public lowed these practices to continue. Today we act. In fact, both have listed an organic act as Radio’s most listened-to jazz program of its should send a strong message to the people one of the highest priorities in taking steps to- time. in the industry who would put profit above the wards better management of our oceans. well-being of our troops by passing S. 418. NOAA already administers the core pro- In March 1993, he was appointed Jazz Ad- The sooner we can pass this legislation and grams that manage our ocean resources, and viser to the Kennedy Center, where he was other measures to protect our service men again, does so under an ever tightening budg- responsible for dramatically expanding and en- and women from these predators the better off et. For example, National Marine Fisheries hancing its jazz program—and although he we will be. I urge my colleagues to support Service manages all Federal fisheries under has officially retired, Dr. Taylor is busier than this bill. the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The Office of ever, continuing to provide his expertise to the f Ocean and Coastal Resource Management administers the Coastal Zone Management institution. As with Jazzmobile, Billy Taylor NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOS- Act that protects our coasts from pollution and continues to create outreach activities and PHERIC ADMINISTRATION ACT public performances to expose people of all erosion. Congress sure likes to give NOAA a lot to do, but nothing to do it with. ages to the genre of Jazz at the Kennedy SPEECH OF Furthermore, NOAA also administers a Center. At the University of Massachusetts, HON. THOMAS H. ALLEN number of completely unauthorized programs where he is the Wilmer D. Barrett Professor of OF MAINE that Americans depend on. The Ocean and Music, Dr. Taylor leads the annual Jazz in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Atmospheric Research office played a lead July program. Wednesday, September 20, 2006 role in helping institute an integrated ocean As we prepare for the 2nd Annual Duke observation system based on what we already Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Ellington Festival to be held in October, it is have in the Gulf of Maine. Analogous to the H.R. 5450 and applaud Representative routine monitoring of weather and climate, my pleasure to recognize Dr. Billy Taylor for EHLERS, Chairman BOEHLERT and the mem- ocean observation collects a myriad of tem- his lifetime achievements and contributions to bers of the House Science committee for their perature and current data that enhances the the genre of jazz and to the world at large. He work on this bill. However, I am also deeply prediction of hurricanes and storms, the im- is not only an extraordinary artist, but also a concerned with H.R. 5450. My concern, how- pacts of global warming, and is used by renowned and celebrated professional who ever, is not what is actually in this bill, but search and rescue teams and shipping fleets has dedicated his life to bringing music to the what is missing. Because the House Re- for navigation. Despite the multiple uses of masses. Dr. Billy Taylor inspires the next gen- sources Committee refused to consider this ocean observation, the regional associations eration of musicians to continue in his foot- important legislation, we are now debating a are now at risk of shutting down because as steps and not only excel in their musical per- bill that does not include authorization for the an unauthorized program, they are unable to oceanic component of NOAA. formances, but also to motivate and educate. find a sustainable funding path. It is ridiculous. This greatly disappoints me. As a co-chair In essence, this innovative program may have of the bipartisan House Oceans Caucus, I to shut down for being too ahead of its time. have worked closely with the line offices of The challenges NOAA faces are only going NOAA that handle ocean stewardship, and I to increase over the next century. More than

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:58 Sep 22, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21SE8.047 E21SEPT1 CColeman on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS September 21, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1807 50 percent of the population already lives in IN HONOR OF PLANTRONICS companies in the Western New York area for coastal counties, and the numbers are rising. her local UAW. She held this post until her To support NOAA in their task, Congress must HON. SAM FARR election as UAW Regional Director. provide it with a full organic act. With an or- OF CALIFORNIA Elected in 1998, Ms. Ochocinska became ganic act, the offices that run the core pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the first woman to hold the post of Regional grams that Americans nation-wide depend on Director of the UAW. As Regional Director of would be provided with an established mis- Thursday, September 21, 2006 UAW Region 9, Ms. Ochocinska represented sion. A clear mission would help NOAA Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- the 91,898 active and retired members of the prioritize and justify itself during appropria- gratulate Plantronics of Santa Cruz, California UAW from Western and Central New York, tions, perhaps heading off the crippling cuts on being recognized as one of the ‘‘Top 25 New Jersey, and most of Pennsylvania. She that are leveled against it each year. Guidance medium companies places to work for in was re-elected to her post in 2002. from Congress would also help NOAA reorga- America’’ by the Society for Human Resource A recent article printed in Western New nize and enhance inter-office and inter-agency Management (SHRM). This honor is bestowed York’s Business Newspaper, Business First, communication, thus making NOAA operations only upon the most deserving companies in pointed out that Geri Ochocinska has risen more efficient and streamlined. the country who meet high standards of em- higher than any woman in the history of orga- While I support H.R. 5450 for taking us to- ployment. nized labor in Western New York. Geri re- ward the goal of authorizing NOAA, we must Plantronics is a hardware company from ceives recognition as a great negotiator. She remember it only takes us halfway. By author- Santa Cruz that specializes in lightweight is a woman who takes firm stands in negotia- izing only the atmospheric and educational headsets and is the market leader worldwide. tions. She also is known for her compassion components of NOAA, we fail half of this vital The company was founded in 1961, and was and for the nurturing ways she cared for and agency, and I urge Congress to make a full the first to introduce the lightweight commu- fought for UAW workers. organic act for NOAA a priority. nication headset in 1962, and in 1969 a Ms. Ochocinska’s retirement is a loss to the Plantronics headset carried Neil Armstrong’s Labor Community of Western New York, Mr. f first words from the moon. Plantronics have Speaker, and I’d like to take this opportunity to remained on the cutting edge of headset tech- thank her and congratulate her for a lifetime of INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RISK nology ever since it’s founding and continue to service to the working men and women of REDUCTION ACT raise the bar in the field. Western New York. Each of the companies recognized by HON. EARL BLUMENAUER SHRM is dedicated to communicating clearly f with their employees and encouraging their HONORING THE HONORABLE OF OREGON workers to voice their opinions. In addition, MARY DENNY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES these companies provide generous salaries and benefit packages. In return, their employ- Thursday, September 21, 2006 ees are motivated and invested in the organi- HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, from hur- zation, making these companies some of the OF TEXAS ricanes and floods in Latin America to earth- most successful medium-sized businesses in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES quakes in Asia, natural disasters are increas- their industries. Thursday, September 21, 2006 ingly becoming a regular feature of life for Plantronics is known to have flexible hours Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to large numbers of people around the globe. By for its employees, allowing them to take time recognize Representative Mary Denny for her 2050, two billion people are expected to be to participate in exciting activities that Santa service in the Texas House of Representa- especially vulnerable to floods due to growing Cruz has to offer such as surfing, cycling, and tives. populations, indiscriminate logging on hillsides, hiking. They have a subsidized on-site cafe- Representative Denny has played an intri- rapid urbanization, and increasing develop- teria which serves locally grown, organic fruits cate part in the development of the Repub- ment along coasts and in other hazardous re- and vegetables. Importantly, Plantronics is ac- lican Party in Denton and the North Texas re- gions. tive in the community, and contributes to local service organizations. gion over the past 20 years. She has helped Thankfully, as I have seen on trips to dis- in over 300 State, Local and National elections aster-affected area, the devastating impacts of Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to acknowledge Plantronics for their recognition as one of the in her career and has represented Denton natural disasters can be mitigated by building County in both State and National Republican in safer locations, constructing sturdier dwell- best places to work in the country and I wish them continued success. conventions. ings, enforcing sound building practices, and As a local businesswoman and former f protecting natural ecosystems. For example, teacher, she graduated from the University of communities in Indonesia that had intact man- CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Edu- grove stands along their coastlines were pro- UNION REPRESENTATIVE GERI cation. She is presently serving her 6th term tected from the full force of the December OCHOCINSKA as State Representative for the 63rd district in 2004 tsunami and faced less damage and Texas. Currently Mrs. Denny is assigned to fewer lives lost. In many Indonesian towns, HON. BRIAN HIGGINS several House Committees including; Chair- the only buildings left standing were the man of Elections, House Criminal Jurispru- mosques, having been built to a higher stand- OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dence, House Administration committee, and ard. the Select Committee on Ethics. In 2004, the United States spent $529 mil- Thursday, September 21, 2006 Throughout her amazing career Mrs. Denny lion responding to disasters in foreign coun- Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct has received several awards recognizing her tries, making us the largest donor for disaster honor to recognize the career of Union Orga- achievements as both a businesswoman and relief, recovery, and rehabilitation. However, nizer and Negotiator Geri Ochocinska, who is a legislator. She has been recognized for the according to a study by the WorId Bank and retiring after a distinguished career as Director past four consecutive terms as a Leader of the United States Geological Survey, during of UAW Region 9. Excellence by the Free Enterprise Committee, the 1990s, $40 billion invested globally in pre- Ms. Ochocinska has been a leader of Buf- a special honor given to the top ten percent of ventive measures could have saved $280 bil- falo’s Labor movement since 1965 when she conservative legislators. She has also been lion in disaster relief funds and saved count- helped organize Rich Ice Cream Co. Following recognized as a Friend to the Taxpayer and less lives. this success, she joined UAW Local 55 as a honored as an Outstanding Legislator by the To address these issues, Mr. BURTON and I Technical, Office and Professional unit Chair. American Family Association of Texas. are introducing the International Disaster Risk She was then promoted up the ranks of Local Mr. Speaker, it has been my distinguished Reduction Act. This bill promotes the use of 55, serving at various times as Office Man- honor to work alongside Mrs. Mary Denny for disaster mitigation efforts in foreign countries, ager, Administrative Assistant to retirement the improvement and development of Denton, authorizes assistance to help in those efforts, and welfare funds, Business Representative, Texas. Her leadership and commitment to the and requires that U.S. disaster relief efforts Vice President and Financial Secretary. citizens of Denton County is remarkable and it help make communities less vulnerable to fu- In 1976, Ms. Ochocinska was appointed has been a privilege to know such a dedicated ture disasters. International Representative, servicing 60 individual.

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