E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 110 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 154 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008 No. 64 House of Representatives The House met at 12:30 p.m. and was people is. Their desire to perform for dents, and she presented them each called to order by the Speaker pro tem- our Nation’s brave men and women in with her commander’s coin in recogni- pore (Mr. COHEN). uniform illustrated the depth of their tion of their outstanding performance. f character and the caliber of their fami- Colonel Horoho, who also is an Appa- lies and of the communities that have lachian State University alumna, is a DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO raised them. Their music, no doubt, fine example of a dedicated leader who TEMPORE lifted the spirits of our troops at Wal- went above and beyond to welcome and The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ter Reed Medical Center. The fact that to congratulate the students. fore the House the following commu- they would travel hundreds of miles Yesterday’s performance was an il- nication from the Speaker: was nothing short of inspiring for all lustration of the generosity and kind- WASHINGTON, DC, who were in attendance. ness of the people of the Fifth District. April 22, 2008. I want to thank Band Director Scott It was a proud moment for Ashe Coun- I hereby appoint the Honorable STEVE Turnmyre for the long hours and hard ty High School. The band members’ di- COHEN to act as Speaker pro tempore on this work he put into getting this trip to- rector, Scott Turnmyre, and the par- day. gether and for rallying the people of ents are to be commended for their NANCY PELOSI, Ashe County to this very worthy cause. service to our wounded warriors at Speaker of the House of Representatives. Their generous donations helped make Walter Reed. f this trip a reality. Mr. Speaker, the remarks made by President Bush and by Pope Benedict MORNING-HOUR DEBATE The people at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel also deserve praise. When during the Pope’s visit to the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- they learned about the band’s plans to States last week were profound and ant to the order of the House of Janu- play for the troops at Walter Reed, should be available widely. So I am of- ary 4, 2007, the Chair will now recog- they graciously reduced the band’s fering them today to be included in the nize Members from lists submitted by room rates during peak tourist season. RECORD. the majority and minority leaders for Kenny Lincoln, Monica Rao and Lisa With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back. morning-hour debate. Schmitt at the hotel went the extra REMARKS OF PRESIDENT BUSH AND HIS HOLI- f mile to help make this trip possible for NESS POPE BENEDICT XVI AT THE WHITE the Ashe County Steel Drum Band. HOUSE, APRIL 16, 2008 HONORING THE ASHE COUNTY Mike Asgedom at the Union Station President Bush: Holy Father, Laura and I HIGH SCHOOL ‘‘CANS AND PANS’’ parking garage also generously reduced are privileged to have you here at the White STEEL DRUM BAND the parking rate for the band’s charter House. We welcome you with the ancient The SPEAKER pro tempore. The words commended by Saint Augustine: ‘‘Pax bus. Here on Capitol Hill, Stefan Bieret Tecum.’’ Peace be with you. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from and Ted Daniel in the Sergeant at You’ve chosen to visit America on your North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) for 5 min- Arms Office provided on-site parking birthday. Well, birthdays are traditionally utes. for the bus while Scott, the students spent with close friends, so our entire nation Ms. FOXX. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. and their parents joined me for break- is moved and honored that you’ve decided to Yesterday, I was honored to join the fast in the Capitol and for a tour. share this special day with us. We wish you Ashe County High School ‘‘Cans and Of course, I don’t want to forget the much health and happiness—today and for Pans’’ Steel Drum Band at the Walter many years to come. fine people serving at Walter Reed This is your first trip to the United States Reed Army Medical Center where these Army Medical Center. They took care since you ascended to the Chair of Saint fine young people performed for our of every detail from parking to setup Peter. You will visit two of our greatest cit- Nation’s wounded warriors. It was a to greeting the students. Nancy ies and meet countless Americans, including true privilege to give these student Popejoy, Dayna Jamison and Latanya many who have traveled from across the musicians, their committed parents Torrence dotted every ‘‘I’’ and crossed country to see with you and to share in the and their band director, Scott every ‘‘T,’’ and I applaud them for a job joy of this visit. Here in America you’ll find Turnmyre, a tour of the Capitol before well done. a nation of prayer. Each day millions of our they played for our brave men and I also want to thank Walter Reed citizens approach our Maker on bended knee, seeking His grace and giving thanks for the women in uniform. Health Care System Commander, Colo- many blessings He bestows upon us. Millions Earlier in the morning while we nel Patricia Horoho. Colonel Horoho of Americans have been praying for your shared breakfast together, I was struck took time out of her very busy sched- visit, and millions look forward to praying with how unique this group of young ule to thank personally each of the stu- with you this week.

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:39 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.000 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 Here in America you’ll find a nation of this nation, of which they are proud to be litical leaders and those whom they rep- compassion. Americans believe that the citizens. resent are guided by truth and bring the wis- measure of a free society is how we treat the From the dawn of the Republic, America’s dom born of firm moral principle to deci- weakest and most vulnerable among us. So quest for freedom has been guided by the sions affecting the life and future of the na- each day citizens across America answer the conviction that the principles governing po- tion. universal call to feed the hungry and com- litical and social life are intimately linked For well over a century, the United States fort the sick and care for the infirm. Each to a moral order based on the dominion of of America has played an important role in day across the world the United States is God the Creator. The framers of this nation’s the international community. On Friday, working to eradicate disease, alleviate pov- founding documents drew upon this convic- God willing, I will have the honor of address- erty, promote peace and bring the light of tion when they proclaimed the self-evident ing the United Nations organization, where I hope to places still mired in the darkness of truth that all men are created equal and en- hope to encourage the efforts underway to tyranny and despair. dowed with inalienable rights grounded in make that institution an ever more effective Here in America you’ll find a nation that the laws of nature and of nature’s God. voice for the legitimate aspirations of all the welcomes the role of faith in the public The course of American history dem- world’s peoples. square. When our Founders declared our na- onstrates the difficulties, the struggles, and On this, the 60th anniversary of the Uni- tion’s independence, they rested their case the great intellectual and moral resolve versal Declaration of Human Rights, the on an appeal to the ‘‘laws of nature, and of which were demanded to shape a society need for global solidarity is as urgent as nature’s God.’’ We believe in religious lib- which faithfully embodied these noble prin- ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy erty. We also believe that a love for freedom ciples. In that process, which forged the soul of their dignity—as brothers and sisters and a common moral law are written into of the nation, religious beliefs were a con- dwelling in the same house and around that every human heart, and that these con- stant inspiration and driving force, as for ex- table which God’s bounty has set for all his stitute the firm foundation on which any ample in the struggle against slavery and in children. America has traditionally shown successful free society must be built. the civil rights movement. In our time, too, herself generous in meeting immediate Here in America, you’ll find a nation that particularly in moments of crisis, Americans human needs, fostering development and of- is fully modern, yet guided by ancient and continue to find their strength in a commit- fering relief to the victims of natural catas- eternal truths. The United States is the most ment to this patrimony of shared ideas and trophes. I am confident that this concern for innovative, creative and dynamic country on aspirations. the greater human family will continue to earth—it is also among the most religious. In the next few days, I look forward to find expression in support for the patient ef- In our nation, faith and reason coexist in meeting not only with America’s Catholic forts of international diplomacy to resolve harmony. This is one of our country’s great- community, but with other Christian com- conflicts and promote progress. In this way, est strengths, and one of the reasons that munities and representatives of the many re- coming generations will be able to live in a our land remains a beacon of hope and oppor- ligious traditions present in this country. world where truth, freedom and justice can tunity for millions across the world. Historically, not only Catholics, but all be- flourish—a world where the God-given dig- Most of all, Holy Father, you will find in lievers have found here the freedom to wor- nity and the rights of every man, woman and America people whose hearts are open to ship God in accordance with the dictates of child are cherished, protected and effectively your message of hope. And America and the their conscience, while at the same time advanced. Mr. President, dear friends, as I begin my world need this message. In a world where being accepted as part of a commonwealth in visit to the United States, I express once some invoke the name of God to justify acts which each individual group can make its more my gratitude for your invitation, my of terror and murder and hate, we need your voice heard. joy to be in your midst, and my fervent pray- message that ‘‘God is love.’’ And embracing As the nation faces the increasingly com- ers that Almighty God will confirm this na- this love is the surest way to save men from plex political and ethical issues of our time, tion and its people in the ways of justice, ‘‘falling prey to the teaching of fanaticism I am confident that the American people will prosperity and peace. God bless America. and terrorism.’’ find in their religious beliefs a precious In a world where some treat life as some- source of insight and an inspiration to pur- f thing to be debased and discarded, we need sue reasoned, responsible and respectful dia- ENGINEERED INTELLIGENCE your message that all human life is sacred, logue in the effort to build a more human and that ‘‘each of us is willed, each of us is and free society. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The loved’’—and your message that ‘‘each of us is Freedom is not only a gift, but also a sum- Chair recognizes the gentleman from willed, each of us is loved, and each of us is mons to personal responsibility. Americans California (Mr. SHERMAN) for 5 min- necessary.’’ know this from experience—almost every utes. In a world where some no longer believe town in this country has its monuments hon- Mr. SHERMAN. Thank you. that we can distinguish between simple right oring those who sacrificed their lives in de- Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor to and wrong, we need your message to reject fense of freedom, both at home and abroad. focus on an issue that I have been dis- The preservation of freedom calls for the cul- this ‘‘dictatorship of relativism,’’ and em- cussing with my colleagues for almost brace a culture of justice and truth. tivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice In a world where some see freedom as sim- for the common good, and a sense of respon- a decade and that I have brought to ply the right to do as they wish, we need sibility towards the less fortunate. It also this floor several times since the year your message that true liberty requires us to demands the courage to engage in civic life 2000. That is an issue I call ‘‘engineered live our freedom not just for ourselves, but and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values intelligence.’’ By that, I mean the ef- ‘‘in a spirit of mutual support.’’ to reasoned public debate. forts of computer engineers to develop Holy Father, thank you for making this In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a chal- computers with intelligence that far journey to America. Our nation welcomes lenge held out to each generation, and it exceeds that of the normal human you. We appreciate the example you set for must constantly be won over for the cause of the world, and we ask that you always keep good. Few have understood this as clearly as being and, likewise, the efforts of bio- us in your prayers. the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on logical engineers to create either intel- Pope Benedict XVI: Mr. President, thank the spiritual victory of freedom over totali- ligence enhanced forms of human you for your gracious words of welcome on tarianism in his native Poland and in East- beings, or new life forms that have in- behalf of the people of the United States of ern Europe, he reminded us that history telligence far beyond that of the aver- America. I deeply appreciate your invitation shows time and again that ‘‘in a world with- age human. to visit this great country. My visit coin- out truth, freedom loses its foundation,’’ and Mr. Speaker, I believe that science cides with an important moment in the life a democracy without values can lose its very will have a greater impact on the com- of the Catholic community in America: the soul. Those prophetic words in some sense ing century than it has had in the last celebration of the 200th anniversary of ele- echo the conviction of President Wash- several centuries, knowing full well of vation of the country’s first Diocese—Balti- ington, expressed in his Farewell Address, more—to a metropolitan Archdiocese and that religion and morality represent ‘‘indis- the enormous impact that science has the establishment of the Sees of New York, pensable supports’’ of political prosperity. had in the last 100 and 200 years. Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville. The Church, for her part, wishes to con- As one futurist points out, if some- Yet I am happy to be here as a guest of all tribute to building a world ever more worthy one describes the future 40 years from Americans. I come as a friend, a preacher of of the human person, created in the image now and paints a picture that looks the Gospel, and one with great respect for and likeness of God. She is convinced that like a science fiction movie, that pic- this vast pluralistic society. America’s faith sheds new light on all things, and that ture may be wrong, but if someone is Catholics have made, and continue to make, the Gospel reveals the noble vocation and discussing the future 40 years from now an excellent contribution to the life of their sublime destiny of every man and woman. country. As I begin my visit, I trust that my Faith also gives us the strength to respond and paints a picture that does not look presence will be a source of renewal and hope to our high calling and to hope that inspires like a science fiction movie, then you for the Church in the United States, and us to work for an ever more just and fra- know they are wrong. We will be living strengthen the resolve of Catholics to con- ternal society. Democracy can only flourish, in a science fiction movie. We just tribute ever more responsibly to the life of as your founding fathers realized, when po- don’t know which one.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:51 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.002 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2493 I believe that the issue of engineered working with my colleagues to see that lifetime we will see new species possessing intelligence is one that will have a these issues are confronted long before intelligence which surpasses our own. greater impact on humankind than science confronts us with new reality. The last time a new higher level of intel- even the development of nuclear weap- I believe that the impact of science on this ligence arose on this planet was roughly ons. Just a few years before nuclear century will be far greater than the enormous 50,000 years ago. It was our own ancestors, weapons were first exploded, Albert impact science had on the last century. As fu- who then said hello to the previously most in- Einstein wrote to Roosevelt, and ex- turist Christine Peterson notes: If someone is telligent species, Neanderthals. It did not work plained that it was possible to create describing the future 30 years from now and out so well for the Neanderthals. such a nuclear bomb. In fact, just a few they paint a picture that seems like it is from I used to view this as a contest between the years went by before it was a reality. a science fiction movie, then they might be bio-engineers and the computer engineers (or Now we have not a few years, but a wrong. But, if someone is describing the future if you use the cool new lingo, wet few decades, to wrestle with the enor- a generation from now and they paint a pic- nanotechnology and dry nanotechnology), in mous ethical, theological and socio- ture that doesn’t look like a science fiction an effort to develop a new species of superior logical impacts of the technologies movie, then you know they are wrong. intelligence. I felt that the last decision that hu- that are out there—just 10, 20, 30 years We are going to live in a science fiction mans would make is whether our successors away. My fear is that we will over the movie, we just don’t know which one. are carbon-based or silicon- based: 5 the prod- next 10 years do what we have done There is one issue that I think is more ex- uct of bio-engineering or of computer engi- over the last 10 years: Basically, waste plosive than even the spread of nuclear weap- neering. the time that we so urgently need to ons: engineered intelligence. I have spent nine Now I believe we are most likely to see deal with issues that we have just years focused on this issue 1 By ‘‘engineered combinations that will involve nature, computer begun, that we really have not begun, intelligence’’ I mean the efforts of computer engineering, and bio-engineering: humans with to think through. engineers and bio-engineers who may create pharmaceutical intelligence boosters; DNA en- Now, as we develop more intelligent intelligence beyond that of a human being. In hancements; computer-chip implants; or all computers, we will find them useful testimony at the House Science Committee,2 three. First, this will be used to cure disease, tools in creating even more intelligent the consensus of experts testifying was that in then to enhance human capacity. The par- computers, a positive feedback loop. I roughly 25 years we would have a computer tially-human will precede the trans-human. don’t know whether we will create the that passed the Turing Test,3 and more impor- Now how should we react to all of this? It maniacal Hal from 2001: A Space Odys- tantly exceeded human intelligence. is important that we benefit from science even sey or the earnest Data from Star As we develop more intelligent computers, as we consider its more troubling implications. Trek. My guess is that we will create we will find them useful tools in creating ever I chair the House Subcommittee on Non- them both. There are those who say more intelligent computers, a positive feed- proliferation which deals with the only other don’t worry because even the most in- back loop. I don’t know whether we will be technologies that pose an existential threat to telligent or malevolent computer is in creating the maniacal Hal from 2001, or the humankind, namely the proliferation of nuclear a box, and cannot affect the outside earnest Data from Star Trek—or perhaps both. and biological weapons. world. But I believe there are those of There are those who say don’t worry, even The history of nuclear technology is instruc- the human species who would give if a computer is intelligent and malevolent—it tive. On August 2, 1939, Einstein sent Roo- hands to the devil, in return for a good is in a box and it cannot affect the world. But sevelt a letter saying a nuclear weapon was stock tip. I believe that there are those of our species possible; six years later, nuclear technology lit- I do draw solace from the fact that who would give hands to the devil, in return erally exploded onto the world scene. Only because a computer is intelligent or for a good stock tip. after society saw the negative effects of nu- even self-aware, that this does not I do draw solace from the fact that just be- clear technology, did we see the prospects for mean that it is ambitious. That is, will cause a computer is intelligent, or even self- nuclear power and nuclear medicine. it try to affect the outside world? Will aware, this does not mean that it is ambitious. The future of engineered intelligence will be it have a survival instinct? By ambitious, I mean possessing a survival in- different. The undeniable benefits of computer My washing machine does not seem stinct together with a desire to affect the envi- and DNA research will arrive long before the to care whether I turn it off or not. In ronment so as to ensure survival, and usually problematic possibilities. Their introduction will contrast, my pet mouse does seem to a desire to propagate or expand. be gradual, not explosive. And fortunately, we care. We should be working on ele- My washing machine does not seem to care will have far more than six years to consider ments to implant in computers to pre- whether I turn it off or not. My pet mouse does the implications—unless we choose to squan- vent self-awareness, survival instinct seem to care. So even a computer possessing der the next few decades. My fear is that our and ambition. But I know no politician great intelligence may simply have no ambi- philosophers, ethicists and society at large, is supposed to say that, because it tion, survival instinct, or interest in affecting will ignore the issues that will inevitably sounds wacky; it sounds like science the world. present themselves until . . . they actually fiction. But if we are not talking about DARPA 4 is the government agency on the present themselves. And these issues require things that sound like science fiction, cutting edge of supercomputer research. I more than a few years of thought.6 then we are not talking about the real have urged DARPA to develop computer sys- I have been urged not to make this issue issues that will confront us in the gen- tems designed to maximize the computer’s the centerpiece of my reelection campaign. eration to come. utility, while avoiding self-awareness, or at One journalist has told me that he can guar- We also should focus not only on least ambition. antee that computers will not be self-aware or computer engineering but on the engi- I have spoken about computer engineering. overly intelligent: ‘‘All we have to do is get neering of DNA. Biological engineering But there is a whole different area of engineer- them elected to Congress.’’ starts with an inherently ambitious ing: bio-engineering. Roughly 30 or 40 years I am confident that if we plan ahead we can raw material. Virtually all life forms from now bio-engineers should be able to start obtain the utility of supercomputers, and the seem to seek to survive, seem to try to with human DNA and create a 2,000 pound medical treatments available from bio-engi- affect their environment to achieve mammal with a 300 pound brain designed to neering, without creating new levels of intel- that purpose. Most of them seem to beat your grandkids on the LSAT. No less ligence. We can then pause and decide care whether their progeny survive. troubling, they might start with canine DNA whether we in fact wish to create a new intel- Now, bioengineers could create a 1,000- and create a mammal with near-human intel- ligent species or two. pound mammal with a 100-pound brain ligence, and no civil rights. Finally, I would quote Oliver Wendell that will beat your kids on the LSAT. DNA is inherently ambitious. Those mi- Holmes in 1913 when he said, ‘‘I think it not These are issues that deserve the at- crobes which didn’t seek to survive or rep- improbable that man, like the grub that pre- tention of all of us in the public sphere licate, didn’t. Even birds seem to care whether pares a chamber for the winged thing it never but particularly those who are our best they or their progeny survive, and they seek to has seen but is to be—that man may have philosophers, theologians and sociolo- affect their environment to achieve that sur- cosmic destinies that he does not under- gists. vival. stand.’’ 7 I thank the Chair for giving me the In any case, you have the bio-engineers Likewise, it is possible that within the next time to, once again, bring these issues and the computer engineers both working to- 30 or 40 years, our children—or should I say before the House, and I look forward to ward new levels of intelligence. I believe in our ‘‘our successors’’—will have less resemblance

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:51 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.051 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 to us than a butterfly has to a caterpillar. I ceedings and announces to the House 50 frivolous lawsuits in the San Fran- don’t know whether to cry or rejoice, but I do her approval thereof. cisco courts. know that our best minds in philosophy, Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- Sixty-six days have passed while the science, ethics and even theology ought to be nal stands approved. House considers bills such as the Beach focused on this issue. f Protection Act, National Landscape ENDNOTES Conservation System Act, Arts Require PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. I gave my first speech on the House floor Timely Service Act, and the National regarding engineered intelligence on May 17, The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observa- 2000. For speech go to http://thomas.loc.gov/ from Illinois (Mr. JACKSON) come for- tion Act. This body is failing in its re- home/r106query.html on page H 3306. ward and lead the House in the Pledge sponsibility to protect the American 2. On April 9, 2003, the U.S. House of Rep- resentatives, Committee on Science, held a of Allegiance. people by continuing to delay passage hearing titled The Societal Implications of Mr. JACKSON of Illinois led the of a foreign intelligence surveillance Nanotechnology. The transcript is available Pledge of Allegiance as follows: bill that will provide our intelligence at http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/ I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the community with the tools they need to science/hsy86340.000/hsy86340l0f.htm United States of America, and to the Repub- listen in on international phone calls 3. A test to determine whether computers lic for which it stands, one nation under God, from terrorists plotting to attack the are able to demonstrate intelligence match- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ing a human’s. In particular, a human sends United States. text-only messages to communicate with f No matter what my friends on the both a computer and another human located CELEBRATING 60TH ANNIVERSARY other side of the aisle say, this is an in a different room. If the human sending the OF ISRAEL urgent matter. messages cannot determine if the response f messages are composed by the computer or (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was by the human, then the computer has passed given permission to address the House WE NEED LEADERSHIP the Turing Test. It should also be noted that for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina one route to developing a computer with his remarks.) asked and was given permission to ad- human intelligence is by reverse engineering Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, the human brain perhaps using nanobots. dress the House for 1 minute and to re- 4. The Defense Advanced Research Projects today I rise to join in those sponsoring vise and extend his remarks.) Agency. H. Con. Res. 322, celebrating the 60th Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. 5. While I realize that supercomputers may anniversary of Israel’s independence. Speaker, the Democrat majority in not use chips with silicon substrate, I still On May 14, 1948, the people of Israel this House has said they have a plan to prefer to call computer chips ‘‘silicon’’. proclaimed the establishment of the lower gas prices and help make Amer- 6. This issue is discussed in ‘‘Brave New sovereign and independent State of World War’’ by Jamie Metzl. Published in ica more energy independent. Since Issue 8, Spring 2008, Democracy: A Journal of Israel; and just minutes later in the January 2007, we have seen no plan but Ideas. White House, President Harry Truman we have seen the price of gas go up 7. Oliver Wendell Holmes. ‘‘Law and the signed the order so the U.S. would also over $1 per gallon. Court,’’ speech at the Harvard Law School recognize this new Jewish State of Our outdated domestic refinery ca- Association of New York, 15 February 1913. Israel. pacity, our dependence on foreign oil, f Since then, the U.S. has had a close and a growing global demand for oil are RECESS and special relationship with the State responsible for the increase in oil of Israel, shared democratic values and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- prices. So we need to target those common strategic interests with the ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair issues. We need to build more refineries people of Israel and the United States. declares the House in recess until 2 in the United States, promote all alter- The people of Israel have fought costs p.m. today. native energy sources, and tap unex- Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 42 of war, have fought terrorism, and dip- plored oil and natural gas reserves, in- minutes p.m.), the House stood in re- lomatic and economic boycotts, and cluding ANWR. This majority wants to cess until 2 p.m. still they remain committed to peace target the American taxpayer and raise and security in their country and the taxes on American companies. f region. We need to stop turning our backs on b 1400 I have had the privilege to visit the the resources we have here at home AFTER RECESS country twice and witness the strength and start reinvigorating our energy in- and resilience of the people of Israel. The recess having expired, the House frastructure. We need to start invest- They are committed to freedom of was called to order at 2 p.m. ing in American ingenuity and alter- speech and freedom of religion. In this native fuels and stop trying to tax our f thriving democracy, we need to con- way to energy independence while PRAYER tinue that support and the commit- blaming American companies. The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. ment to the peace process, and I con- In conclusion, God bless our troops, Coughlin, offered the following prayer: gratulate Israel on the 60th anniver- and we will never forget September the Eternal light, Who brightens our day, sary of their independence. 11th. here in America You find a nation of f f compassion. We believe that You will FISA SAN JACINTO DAY measure us as a free society on how we treat the weakest and most vulnerable (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- (Mr. POE asked and was given per- among us. Each day citizens across mission to address the House for 1 mission to address the House for 1 America answer the universal call to minute and to revise and extend his re- minute and to revise and extend his re- feed the hungry, comfort the sick, and marks.) marks.) care for the infirm. Mr. PITTS. Today marks the 66th Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, April 21 is May all citizens in this vast plural- day since this House allowed the Pro- known as San Jacinto Day in Texas. In istic society strengthen their resolve tect America Act that affects foreign 1836, Texas was in a fight for independ- to contribute ever more responsibly to intelligence surveillance to expire. For ence from the dictator of Mexico, the life of this Nation, prove them- over 2 months now, we have needlessly Santa Anna. On March 6, 1836, 186 vol- selves proud of its goodness and gen- hampered our intelligence agencies’ unteers from all races had fought and erosity, and so reflect Your glory now ability to conduct surveillance on for- died at the Alamo trying to hold off and forever. Amen. eign terrorists because some in this the massive invading armies of Santa f Chamber would rather allow the trial Anna. Meanwhile, General Sam Hous- lawyers to have an opportunity to sue ton was forming an army of Texans and THE JOURNAL telecommunications companies that Tejanos—Tejanos were Texans of Mexi- The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- assisted the government following the can descent—to stand and fight the ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- September 11 terrorist attack in some three invading armies of Mexico.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:39 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.018 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2495 Finally, on the swampy, marshy groups aren’t being hurt, but they are ongoing projects and allows you sufficient plains of southeast Texas where the really hurting the poor and the lower time to call a special election to fill the re- San Jacinto River meets Buffalo income and the working people of this mainder of my term and maintain the super Bayou, General Sam and the boys took country. delegate seat at this year’s Democratic Con- vention. a stand. In broad daylight in midafter- We don’t need to produce all of our It has been my honor to serve the constitu- noon on April 21, 1836, the volunteers oil here domestically, but if we would ents of the 4th Congressional District for the for Texas freedom charged a Mexican just start producing a little bit more, past 16 years. I will do everything in my army over twice their number. This then some of the OPEC countries and power to assist my successor with the transi- fierce bunch of frontiersmen from all foreign energy producers would hold tion. the States overwhelmingly defeated their prices down. We need to not let Sincerely, the invaders. this country be sent into a deeper re- ALBERT R. WYNN, In 18 minutes, Texas had won inde- cession by environmental extremists Member of Congress. pendence and the largest amount of and radicals. f land in North American history f changed hands because of a single bat- b 1415 tle. COMMUNICATION FROM THE Texas remained a free and inde- CLERK OF THE HOUSE COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON- ORABLE JOHN A. BOEHNER, RE- pendent republic for 9 years, electing The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. PUBLICAN LEADER General Sam as its first president. JACKSON of Illinois) laid before the Then Texas was admitted to the U.S. House the following communication The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- by just one vote. And the rest, as they from the Clerk of the House of Rep- fore the House the following commu- say, is Texas history. resentatives: nication from the Honorable JOHN A. And that’s just the way it is. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, BOEHNER, Republican Leader: f Washington, DC, April 18, 2008. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Washington, DC, April 17, 2008. HONORING ISRAEL ON ITS 60TH The Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. NANCY PELOSI, ANNIVERSARY Washington, DC. Speaker, U.S. Capitol, (Mr. MILLER of Florida asked and DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to the Washington, DC. was given permission to address the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI: Pursuant to Section House for 1 minute and to revise and of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- 605(a) of the Consolidated Appropriations extend his remarks.) tives, the Clerk received the following mes- Act, 2008 (P.L. 110–161), I am pleased to ap- sage from the Secretary of the Senate on point Dr. David Schonfeld of Glendale, Ohio Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, April 18, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.: and Mr. Lawrence E. Tan of Newark, Dela- I rise today also to honor the state of That the Senate passed with an amend- ware to the Commission on Children and Dis- Israel which will celebrate its 60th an- ment H.R. 1195. asters. niversary in May. The relationship be- With best wishes, I am Both Dr. Schonfeld and Mr. Lawrence Tan tween the United States and Israel is Sincerely, have expressed interest in serving in this ca- indeed a special one. Israel has been LORRAINE C. MILLER, pacity and I am pleased to fulfill their re- our close friend and ally through the Clerk of the House. quests. Sincerely, Cold War and now in the global war on f JOHN A. BOEHNER, terror. It is a relationship that will RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE Republican Leader. continue to strengthen in the years to OF REPRESENTATIVES come. f Even after 60 years, Israel continues The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- to fight for its very survival against re- fore the House the following resigna- COMMUNICATION FROM DISTRICT lentless attacks by Hamas and tion from the House of Representa- LIAISON, THE HONORABLE TODD Hezbollah and other terrorist groups. tives: TIAHRT, MEMBER OF CONGRESS The United States and Israel must al- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ways stand in complete solidarity Washington, DC, April 9, 2008. fore the House the following commu- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, against those nations and groups that Speaker of the House of Representatives, nication from Jill Craven, District Li- seek to destroy Israel. We have stood Washington, DC. aison, the Honorable TODD TIAHRT, together against anti-Semitism for the DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI, I am hereby resign- Member of Congress: last 60 years, and we will continue to ing my position as the United States Rep- WASHINGTON, DC, do so for many years to come. resentative for the 4th District of Maryland April 15, 2008. I congratulate the Israeli govern- effective 11:59 p.m. EST, May 31, 2008. Hon. NANCY PELOSI, ment and the Israeli people on their I have chosen that date because it allows Speaker, House of Representatives, special day. May God continue to bless me the necessary time to complete several Washington, DC. ongoing projects and allows Governor the very close American relationship DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: This is to formally O’Malley sufficient time to call a special notify you, pursuant to Rule VIII of the with Israel not only in this special election to fill the remainder of my term and Rules of the House of Representatives, that I year, but for all eternity. maintain the super delegate seat at this have been served with a preliminary hearing f year’s Democratic Convention. subpoena for testimony issued by the Court It has been my honor to serve the constitu- of the Eighteenth Judicial District of Kan- OIL HITS $118 A BARREL ents of the 4th Congressional District for the sas. (Mr. DUNCAN asked and was given past 16 years. I will do everything in my After consulting with the Office of General permission to address the House for 1 power to assist my successor with the transi- Counsel, I have determined that compliance minute and to revise and extend his re- tion. with the subpoena is consistent with the Sincerely, marks.) privileges and rights of the House. ALBERT R. WYNN, Sincerely, Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, oil has Member of Congress. JILL CRAVEN. hit $118 a barrel. Gas is $3.50 to $4 a gal- lon. Fox News this morning said some HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, f experts say it will be $5 a gallon by Washington, DC, April 9, 2008. later this summer. Hon. MARTIN O’MALLEY, ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Most environmental radicals and ex- Governor, State of Maryland, Maryland State PRO TEMPORE tremists seem to come from very House, State Circle, Annapolis, MD. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- wealthy or very upper-income families. DEAR GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, I am hereby re- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair signing my position as the United States They want gas to go even higher so Representative for the 4th District of Mary- will postpone further proceedings people will drive less. Perhaps the land effective 11:59 p.m. EST, May 31, 2008. today on motions to suspend the rules wealthy leaders of the Sierra Club and I have chosen that date because it allows on which a recorded vote or the yeas some of these other environmental me the necessary time to complete several and nays are ordered, or on which the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:39 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.006 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2496 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 vote is objected to under clause 6 of 33 S., R. 12 W., Willamette Meridian, down- (1) the date on which the Secretary publishes rule XX. stream to 0.01 miles below Forest Service Road in the Federal Register notice that the condi- Record votes on postponed questions 3353, as a scenic river. tions in the potential wilderness area that are ‘‘(ii) The approximately 5.5-mile segment of will be taken after 6:30 p.m. today. incompatible with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. the North Fork Elk from 0.01 miles below Forest 1131 et seq.) have been removed; or f Service Road 3353 to its confluence with the (2) the date that is 10 years after the date of COPPER SALMON WILDERNESS South Fork Elk, as a wild river. the enactment of this Act. ‘‘(C)(i) The approximately 0.9-mile segment of (f) INCORPORATION INTO COPPER SALMON WIL- ACT the South Fork Elk from its source in the south- DERNESS; ADMINISTRATION.—On its designation Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I move to east quarter of sec. 32, T. 33 S., R. 12 W., Wil- as wilderness under subsection (e), the potential suspend the rules and pass the bill lamette Meridian, downstream to 0.01 miles wilderness area designated by subsection (a) (H.R. 3513) to amend the Oregon Wil- below Forest Service Road 3353, as a scenic shall be— river. derness Act of 1984 to designate the ‘‘(ii) The approximately 4.2-mile segment of (1) incorporated into the Copper Salmon Wil- Copper Salmon Wilderness and to the South Fork Elk from 0.01 miles below Forest derness; and amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Service Road 3353 to its confluence with the (2) administered in accordance with the Wil- to designate segments of the North and North Fork Elk, as a wild river.’’. derness Act, the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984, South Forks of the Elk River in the SEC. 4. PROTECTION OF TRIBAL RIGHTS. and other laws applicable to the Copper Salmon Wilderness, except that, with respect to the po- State of Oregon as wild or scenic riv- (a) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in this Act shall be tential wilderness area, any reference in the ers, and for other purposes, as amend- construed as diminishing any right of any In- dian tribe. Wilderness Act to the effective date of that Act ed. shall be deemed to be a reference to the date on The Clerk read the title of the bill. (b) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.—The Secretary shall seek to enter into a memorandum which the lands are designated as wilderness The text of the bill is as follows: of understanding with the Coquille Indian Tribe under subsection (e). H.R. 3513 regarding access to the Copper Salmon Wilder- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ness to conduct historical and cultural activi- ant to the rule, the gentleman from ties. resentatives of the United States of America in West Virginia (Mr. RAHALL) and the Congress assembled, SEC. 5. DESIGNATION OF POTENTIAL WILDER- gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUN- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. NESS AREA, SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST, OREGON. CAN) each will control 20 minutes. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Copper Salmon (a) DESIGNATION.—In furtherance of the pur- Wilderness Act of 2008’’. The Chair recognizes the gentleman poses of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et from West Virginia. SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF THE COPPER SALMON seq.), certain National Forest System land in the WILDERNESS. State of Oregon administered by the Forest Serv- GENERAL LEAVE (a) DESIGNATION.—Section 3 of the Oregon ice as part of the Siskiyou National Forest and Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Pub- compromising approximately 1,708 acres, as gen- unanimous consent that all Members lic Law 98–328) is amended— erally depicted on the map entitled ‘‘Copper (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by may have 5 legislative days in which to Salmon Wilderness Proposal’’ and dated April 1, striking ‘‘eight hundred fifty-nine thousand six revise and extend their remarks and in- 2008, are designated as a potential wilderness hundred acres’’ and inserting ‘‘871,593 acres’’; clude extraneous material on the reso- area for eventual inclusion in the Copper Salm- (2) in paragraph (29), by striking the period at on Wilderness designated by paragraph (30) of lution under consideration. the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and section 3 of the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there (3) by adding at the end the following: (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law 98–328), as objection to the request of the gen- ‘‘(30) certain land in the Siskiyou National added by section 2. Forest, comprising approximately 11,922 acres, tleman from West Virginia? (b) MAP AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.—As soon as There was no objection. as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘Cop- practicable after the date of the enactment of per Salmon Wilderness Proposal’ and dated this Act, the Secretary shall file with the Com- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today the April 1, 2008, to be known as the ‘Copper Salm- mittee on Natural Resources of the House of House of Representatives starts our on Wilderness’.’’. Representatives and the Committee on Energy celebration of Earth Day with the con- (b) MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— and Natural Resources of the Senate a map and sideration of two measures to des- (1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after legal description of potential wilderness area ignate wilderness on Federal lands in the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary designated by subsection (a). The map and legal of Agriculture (referred to in this Act as the opposite ends of the country, Oregon, description shall have the same force and effect and in my home State of West Vir- ‘‘Secretary’’) shall file a map and a legal de- as if included in this Act, except that the Sec- scription of the Copper Salmon Wilderness retary may correct clerical and typographical ginia. with— errors in the map and description. In the case of As chairman of the Committee on (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- any discrepancy between the acreage specified Natural Resources, I think it appro- sources of the Senate; and in subsection (a) and the map, the map shall priate to recognize that in many places (B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the control. The map and legal description shall be House of Representatives. of this great Nation of ours, there re- on file and available for public inspection in the (2) FORCE OF LAW.—The map and legal de- main areas with special features, Office of the Chief of the Forest Service. unique landscapes teeming with wild- scription filed under paragraph (1) shall have (c) MANAGEMENT.—Except as provided in sub- the same force and effect as if included in this section (d) and subject to valid existing rights, life that deserve and command con- Act, except that the Secretary may correct typo- the Secretary shall manage the potential wilder- servation. graphical errors in the map and legal descrip- ness area designated by subsection (a) as wilder- The pending measure, introduced by tion. ness until its designated as wilderness under our colleague, Representative PETER (3) BOUNDARY.—If the boundary of the Cop- subsection (e). per Salmon Wilderness shares a border with a DEFAZIO, would designate portions of (d) ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION.— the National Forest System land in Or- road, the Secretary may only establish an offset (1) IN GENERAL.—For the purposes of imple- that is not more than 150 feet from the center- menting the planned ecological restoration ap- egon as wilderness and potential wil- line of the road. proved by the Decision Notice and Finding of derness, and designate segments of the (4) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—Each map and No Significant Impact for the Environmental Elk River as wild and scenic. legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall Assessment for the Coastal Healthy Forest These areas include some of the last be on file and available for public inspection in Treatments, dated May 25, 2007, the Secretary remaining stands of Port Orford Cedars the appropriate offices of the Forest Service. may use motorized equipment and mechanized in the Elk River watershed. Further- SEC. 3. WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATIONS, transport in the potential wilderness area until more, the fisheries of the Elk River are ELK RIVER, OREGON. its designated as wilderness under subsection Section 3(a)(76) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers (e). known as one of the best salmon and Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)(76)) is amended— (2) LIMITATION.—To the maximum extent steelhead producers in the continental (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), practicable, the Secretary shall use the minimum United States. by striking ‘‘19-mile segment’’ and inserting tool or administrative practice necessary to ac- This bill has broad support from the ‘‘28.2-mile segment’’; complish ecological restoration under paragraph Governor of Oregon, the Curry County (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘; and’’ (1) with the least amount of adverse impact on Commission, the Mayor of Port Orford, and inserting a period; and wilderness character and resources. (3) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting (e) EVENTUAL WILDERNESS DESIGNATION.—The the Port Orford Chamber of Commerce, the following: potential wilderness area designated by sub- the Friends of the Elk River, Trout Un- ‘‘(B)(i) The approximately 0.6-mile segment of section (a) shall be designated as wilderness on limited, and the American Fisheries the North Fork Elk from its source in sec. 21, T. the earlier of— Society, the Oregon Chapter.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.011 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2497 I wish to commend our colleague, a the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. posed Wilderness’’ and dated March 11, 2008, member of our Natural Resources Com- RAHALL) that the House suspend the which shall be known as the ‘‘Spice Run Wil- mittee and our Transportation and In- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3513, as derness’’. (b) MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— frastructure Committee, Representa- amended. (1) FILING AND AVAILABILITY.—As soon as tive DEFAZIO, for his outstanding work The question was taken; and (two- practicable after the date of the enactment on this bill. thirds being in the affirmative) the of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, I support H.R. 3513. rules were suspended and the bill, as acting through the Chief of the Forest Serv- I reserve the balance of my time. amended, was passed. ice, shall file with the Committee on Natural Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield A motion to reconsider was laid on Resources of the House of Representatives myself such time as I may consume, the table. and the Committee on Energy and Natural and I will simply rise to say this: I be- Resources of the Senate a map and legal de- f lieve that Chairman RAHALL has ade- scription of each wilderness area designated quately described this bill. WILD MONONGAHELA ACT: A NA- or expanded by subsection (a). The maps and I reserve the balance of my time. TIONAL LEGACY FOR WEST VIR- legal descriptions shall be on file and avail- Mr. RAHALL. I have no further re- GINIA’S SPECIAL PLACES able for public inspection in the office of the quests for time. We’re ready to yield Chief of the Forest Service and the office of Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I move to the Supervisor of the Monongahela National back if the gentleman from Tennessee suspend the rules and pass the bill Forest. is. (H.R. 5151) to designate as wilderness (2) FORCE AND EFFECT.—The maps and legal Mr. DUNCAN. I have no further additional National Forest System descriptions referred to in this subsection speakers, and I yield back the balance lands in the Monongahela National shall have the same force and effect as if in- of my time. Forest in the State of West Virginia, cluded in this Act, except that the Secretary Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in may correct errors in the maps and descrip- and for other purposes, as amended. strong support of H.R. 3513, the Copper tions. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Salmon Wilderness Act. (c) ADMINISTRATION.—Subject to valid ex- The text of the bill is as follows: The Copper Salmon Wilderness Act would isting rights, the Federal lands designated as permanently protect nearly 13,000 acres in the H.R. 5151 wilderness by subsection (a) shall be admin- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- istered by the Secretary in accordance with headwaters of the Elk River on the southern the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.). coast of Oregon, and designate more than 11 resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, The Secretary may continue to authorize the additional miles of the river as either Wild or competitive running event permitted from SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Scenic under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. 2003 through 2007 in the vicinity of the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Wild boundaries of the Dolly Sods Wilderness ad- This legislation would protect some of the last Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for dition designated by paragraph (3) of sub- remaining stands of Port-Orford-cedar in the West Virginia’s Special Places’’. Elk River watershed, which has the distinction section (a) and the Roaring Plains West Wil- SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS, derness Area designated by paragraph (5) of as one of the most productive salmon and MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST, WEST VIRGINIA. such subsection, in a manner compatible steelhead rivers outside of Alaska. This is rug- with the preservation of such areas as wil- (a) DESIGNATION.—In furtherance of the ged, wild territory, and I am hopeful that it may derness. purposes of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 finally become wilderness in the 110th Con- (d) EFFECTIVE DATE OF WILDERNESS ACT.— et seq.), the following Federal lands within gress: With respect to the Federal lands designated the Monongahela National Forest in the as wilderness by subsection (a), any ref- Renowned among fishermen, the Elk River State of West Virginia are designated as wil- erence in the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 watershed is one of the last intact watersheds derness and as either a new component of the et seq.) to the effective date of the Wilder- on the southwest Oregon Coast and is widely National Wilderness Preservation System or ness Act shall be deemed to be a reference to regarded as Oregon’s last, best coastal salm- as an addition to an existing component of the date of the enactment of this Act. on and steelhead stream. Oregon State Uni- the National Wilderness Preservation Sys- (e) FISH AND WILDLIFE.—As provided in sec- versity researchers have concluded that the tem: tion 4(d)(7) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. Elk River is one of the healthiest habitats in (1) Certain Federal land comprising ap- 1133(d)(7)), nothing in this section affects the the lower 48 states for anadromous fish, and proximately 5,144 acres, as generally de- jurisdiction or responsibility of the State of picted on the map entitled ‘‘Big Draft Pro- the stream is home to chinook salmon, winter West Virginia with respect to wildlife and posed Wilderness’’ and dated March 11, 2008, fish. steelhead, coho salmon, cutthroat trout, and which shall be known as the ‘‘Big Draft Wil- rainbow trout. SEC. 3. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT, LAUREL FORK derness’’. SOUTH WILDERNESS, MONONGA- One of the things about this legislation (2) Certain Federal land comprising ap- HELA NATIONAL FOREST. about which I am most proud is that diverse proximately 11,951 acres, as generally de- (a) BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.—The boundary stakeholders have been working together for picted on the map entitled ‘‘Cranberry Ex- of the Laurel Fork South Wilderness des- more than a decade to gain broad support for pansion Proposed Wilderness’’ and dated ignated by section 1(3) of Public Law 97–466 protecting the Copper Salmon area. H.R. 3513 March 11, 2008, which shall be added to and (96 Stat. 2538) is modified to exclude two par- enjoys backing from Curry County Commis- administered as part of the Cranberry Wil- cels of land, as generally depicted on the derness designated by section 1(1) of Public sioners, local elected officials, the local Cham- map entitled ‘‘Monongahela National Forest Law 97–466 (96 Stat. 2538). Laurel Fork South Wilderness Boundary ber of Commerce, hunting and fishing groups, (3) Certain Federal land comprising ap- Modification’’ and dated March 11, 2008, and tribes, the timber industry, and all local con- proximately 7,156 acres, as generally de- more particularly described according to the servation groups. This is a model for the com- picted on the map entitled ‘‘Dolly Sods Ex- site-specific maps and legal descriptions on munity-based consensus approach to desig- pansion Proposed Wilderness’’ and dated file in the office of the Forest Supervisor, nating wilderness. March 11, 2008, which shall be added to and Monongahela National Forest. The general Copper Salmon is truly a rare coastal Or- administered as part of the Dolly Sods Wil- map shall be on file and available for public egon gem. It is almost entirely intact ancient derness designated by section 3(a)(13) of Pub- inspection in the Office of the Chief of the forest, which supports healthy fish runs and lic Law 93–622 (88 Stat. 2098). Forest Service. (4) Certain Federal land comprising ap- (b) MANAGEMENT.—Federally owned land great elk herds, blacktailed deer, bears, and proximately 698 acres, as generally depicted delineated on the maps referred to in sub- other wildlife. It is adjacent to the existing on the map entitled ‘‘Otter Creek Expansion section (a) as the Laurel Fork South Wilder- Grassy Knob Wilderness, and combined, Proposed Wilderness’’ and dated March 11, ness, as modified by such subsection, shall these two areas will be one of the largest in- 2008, which shall be added to and adminis- continue to be administered by the Sec- tact areas of forest in the Coast Range. This tered as part of the Otter Creek Wilderness retary of Agriculture in accordance with is an area that deserves protection for the en- designated by section 3(a)(14) of Public Law Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.). Any joyment of future generations. 93–622 (88 Stat. 2098). reference in the Wilderness Act to the effec- I am a proud advocate of protecting the (5) Certain Federal land comprising ap- tive date of that Act shall be deemed to be a Copper Salmon area, and urge my colleagues proximately 6,792 acres, as generally de- reference to the effective date of Public Law picted on the map entitled ‘‘Roaring Plains 97–466 and this Act. to join me in the passage of H.R. 3513, the Proposed Wilderness’’ and dated March 11, SEC. 4. MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST Copper Salmon Wilderness Act. 2008, which shall be known as the ‘‘Roaring BOUNDARY CONFIRMATION. Mr. RAHALL. I yield back the bal- Plains West Wilderness’’. The boundary of the Monongahela Na- ance of my time. (6) Certain Federal land comprising ap- tional Forest is confirmed to include the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The proximately 6,030 acres, as generally de- tracts of land as generally depicted on the question is on the motion offered by picted on the map entitled ‘‘Spice Run Pro- map entitled ‘‘Monongahela National Forest

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:51 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.012 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 Boundary Confirmation’’ and dated March sage of the Wilderness Act in 1964. Ac- legislation, I will agree to discharge H.R. 13, 2008, and all Federal lands under the ju- cording to this landmark statute, these 5151 from further consideration by the Com- risdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, are places ‘‘where the Earth and its mittee on Agriculture. I do so with the un- acting through the Chief of the Forest Serv- community of life are untrammeled by derstanding that this action in no way ice, encompassed within such boundary shall waives the Committee on Agriculture’s juris- be managed under the laws and regulations man, where man himself is a visitor dictional interests in the subject matter of pertaining to the National Forest System. who does not remain.’’ the legislation or serves as a precedent for SEC. 5. ENHANCED TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES. To be in a wilderness area is, to me, future referrals. Furthermore, in the event a (a) PLAN.— truly a humbling experience. To be House-Senate conference is requested on this (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Agri- part of designating wilderness is even matter, the Committee on Agriculture re- culture, in consultation with interested par- more humbling because wilderness is serves the right to seek the appointment of ties, shall develop a plan to provide for en- an effort to retain the landscape as God conferees. hanced nonmotorized recreation trail oppor- I ask that you insert a copy of our ex- has created it. change letters into the Congressional Record tunities on lands not designated as wilder- As the Reverend Dennis Sparks, Ex- ness within the Monongahela National For- during consideration of this measure on the est. ecutive Director of the West Virginia House floor. (2) NONMOTORIZED RECREATION TRAIL DE- Council of Churches wrote to me, and I Thank: you very much for your courtesy in FINED.—For the purposes of this subsection, quote, ‘‘We believe that carefully pro- this matter and I look forward to continued the term ‘‘nonmotorized recreation trail’’ tecting this wonderful national forest cooperation between the Committee on Nat- means a trail designed for hiking, bicycling, and its wilderness-quality lands not ural Resources and the Committee on Agri- and equestrian use. only has a sound biblical basis, but is culture as we deal with forestry issues in the (b) REPORT.—Not later than two years future. also the best and most practical course Sincerely, after the date of the enactment of this Act, of action for safeguarding the world the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to COLLIN C. PETERSON, Congress a report on the implementation of which we will pass along to our chil- Chairman. the plan required under subsection (a), in- dren.’’ cluding the identification of priority trails A great many people have worked to HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, for development. make this legislation possible: Matt COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, (c) CONSIDERATION OF CONVERSION OF FOR- Keller, Dave Saville, Mary Wimmer, Washington, DC, April 18, 2008. EST ROADS TO RECREATIONAL USES.—In con- Beth Little, Mayor John Manchester of Hon. COLLIN C. PETERSON, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Long- sidering possible closure and decommis- Lewisburg, West Virginia, Bob Bittner, sioning of a Forest Service road within the worth H.O.B., Washington, DC. Monongahela National Forest after the date Jr., Mike Price, as well as the Rev- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for your of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary erend Sparks. And there are many oth- letter on April 18, 2008, indicating jurisdic- of Agriculture, in accordance with applicable ers with whom I’ve hiked and with who tional interests in H.R. 5151, the ‘‘Wild law, may consider converting the road to I’ve worked on this legislation for Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for nonmotorized uses to enhance recreational which time will not allow me to name West Virginia’s Special Places.’’ As you are opportunities within the Monongahela Na- them all. aware, the Committee on Natural Resources tional Forest. favorably reported an amended version of the I would also like to express my ap- bill on April 2, 2008, and would like to have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- preciation to the Monongahela Na- the House of Representatives consider the ant to the rule, the gentleman from tional Forest Supervisor, Clyde legislation next week. West Virginia (Mr. RAHALL) and the Thompson, as well as to Sammie I acknowledge your jurisdictional interests gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUN- Lammie, for his excellent map making. in the bill, and note that the Committee on CAN) each will control 20 minutes. And finally, to the Governor of West Natural Resources and the Committee on The Chair recognizes the gentleman Virginia, Joe Manchin, and to the Divi- Agriculture have had a history of working from West Virginia. cooperatively on matters that generally con- sion of our Natural Resources Director, cern forestry. I appreciate your willingness GENERAL LEAVE Frank Jezioro. We have and will con- to discharge the bill without further consid- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask tinue to work to ensure that appro- eration by the Agriculture Committee and unanimous consent that all Members priate wildlife management activities understand that this action will in no way may have 5 legislative days in which to can take place in the areas designated waive your Committee’s jurisdictional inter- revise and extend their remarks and in- by this bill. ests in the subject matter of the legislation clude extraneous material on the reso- Mr. Speaker, I submit the following or serve as a precedent for future referrals. Furthermore, in the event that a con- lution under consideration. exchange of letters for the RECORD. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ference with the Senate is requested on this HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, matter, I would support naming Agriculture objection to the request of the gen- COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, Committee members to the conference com- tleman from West Virginia? Washington, DC, April 17, 2008. mittee. A copy of our exchange letters re- There was no objection. Hon. NICK J. RAHALL II, garding this bill will be inserted into the Mr. RAHALL. Today, it is my privi- Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Congressional Record during floor consider- lege to bring to the floor of the House Longworth House Office Building, Wash- ation. of Representatives the ‘‘Wild ington, DC. Thank you for your courtesy in this mat- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On April 2, 2008 the ter and I look forward to continued coopera- Monongahela Act: A National Legacy Committee on Natural Resources favorably for West Virginia’s Special Places.’’ tion between our respective Committees as reported an amended version of H.R. 5151, the we deal with forestry issues in the future. This legislation is supported by the ‘‘Wild Monongahela Act: A National Legacy With warm regards, I am entire West Virginia delegation: In this for West Virginia’s Special Places.’’ As you Sincerely, body, my colleagues Representatives are aware, the bill was primarily referred to NICK J. RAHALL II, ALAN MOLLOHAN and SHELLEY MOORE Committee of Natural Resources, while the Chairman. CAPITO, and in the other body, our Sen- Agriculture Committee received an addi- I reserve the balance of my time. ators, ROBERT C. BYRD and JAY ROCKE- tional referral. Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, at this H.R. 5151 seeks, among other policy objec- FELLER. time I yield such time as she may con- tives, to designate as ‘‘wilderness’’ certain The pending measure would des- Federal Lands within the Monongahela Na- sume to the gentlelady from West Vir- ignate 37,771 acres of Federal land as tional Forest in the State of West Virginia. ginia (Mrs. CAPITO). wilderness within the Monongahela Na- Clause 1(a) of Rule X confers upon the Agri- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise tional Forest. culture Committee jurisdiction over bills re- today on Earth Day in support of H.R. Included in this legislation is the ex- lating to forestry in general and forests 5151, the Wild Monongahela Act: A Na- pansion of three existing wilderness other than those created from the public do- tional Legacy for West Virginia’s Spe- areas: Cranberry, Dolly Sods and Otter main. In the past, the Committee on Agri- cial Places, introduced by my col- Creek. Additionally, three new wilder- culture has worked cooperatively with the league from West Virginia’s Third Dis- ness areas would be established: The Committee on Natural Resources regarding matters that generally concern forestry. trict and the chairman of the Natural Big Draft, the Roaring Plains West, It is my understanding that the Committee Resources Committee, Congressman and Spice Run. on Natural Resources wishes to have the NICK RAHALL. The issue of wilderness has cap- House of Representatives consider the bill I’m proud to be an original cosponsor tivated many Americans since the pas- next week. Given the need to expedite this of this important legislation, and I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:39 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.012 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2499 commend the chairman for all of his I have no further requests for time, The Clerk read the title of the bill. hard work on this bill. and I’ll reserve, pending any further re- The text of the bill is as follows: In 1964, Congress enacted the Wilder- quests that the ranking member has. H.R. 831 ness Act that permanently protected Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- some of the most natural and undis- myself such time as I may consume. resentatives of the United States of America in turbed places in America. Today the H.R. 5151 will designate portions of Congress assembled, U.S. Forest Service preserves the nat- the Monongahela National Forest in SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ural and cultural resources and values West Virginia as wilderness, and it is This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act of 2008’’. of the forest system, including those of my understanding that Members of SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. the Monongahela National Forest for Congress whose districts are affected In this Act: the enjoyment, education and inspira- support the bill. (1) CITY.—The term ‘‘City’’ means the city of tion of this and future generations. Although we should give considerable Coffman Cove, Alaska. West Virginia’s wilderness is part of deference to those who have been elect- (2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means our history and heritage, and it is ed to represent the people in the area, the Secretary of Agriculture. passed on as a legacy. This bipartisan I do not necessarily agree that wilder- SEC. 3. CONVEYANCE. (a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to valid existing bill will protect approximately 38,000 ness designation is always the wisest conservation decision we can make. rights, the Secretary shall convey to the City, acres of the Mon Forest in West Vir- without consideration and by quitclaim deed all ginia through the designation of three Wilderness designation is the most re- right, title, and interest of the United States, ex- additional wilderness areas and expan- strictive policy we can impose on an cept as provided in subsections (c) and (d), in sion of three existing Federal wilder- area, and there are often far better, and to the parcel of National Forest System ness areas including: Big Draft, Cran- more creative ways to conserve our for- land described in subsection (b). berry Expansion, Dolly Sods Expan- ests and other natural areas. In many (b) DESCRIPTION OF LAND.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The parcel of National For- sion, Dry Fork Expansion, Roaring instances, it is a mistake to foreclose active management options that can est System land referred to in subsection (a) is Plains West and Spice Run. the approximately 12 acres of land identified in West Virginia’s national forest pro- improve fish and game habitat, in- U.S. Survey 10099, as depicted on the plat enti- vides an excellent outdoor experience crease recreational access and lessen tled ‘‘Subdivision of U.S. Survey No. 10099’’ and with our State’s majestic mountains, the severity of wildfires. And to pro- recorded as Plat 2003–1 on January 21, 2003, Pe- winding rivers and superb hunting, tect our economic well-being, provide tersburg Recording District, Alaska. camping, fishing, backpacking and jobs for young people and protect our (2) EXCLUDED LAND.—The parcel of National Forest System land conveyed under subsection other activities. Protecting these addi- national security, our country is going to need continued access to the rich re- (a) does not include the portion of U.S. Survey tional acres of pristine forest will en- 10099 that is north of the right-of-way for Forest sure that future generations will be sources our own public lands provide. Development Road 3030–295 and southeast of able to enjoy the natural beauty of our We now have over 100 million acres in Tract CC–8. home State of West Virginia. wilderness areas, and we keep adding (c) RIGHT-OF-WAY.—The United States may Over the last several months I’ve en- to that at a record level. And we are reserve a right-of-way to provide access to the very close to getting to the point National Forest System land excluded from the gaged in discussion with many of my conveyance to the City under subsection (b)(2). constituents, many whom are avid where that’s beginning to hurt us eco- nomically at a time when we don’t (d) REVERSION.—If any portion of the land hunters, anglers, mountain bikers and conveyed under subsection (a) (other than a outdoorsmen who have a unique and need more blows to our economy. portion of land sold under subsection (e)) ceases vested interest in the impact of the Nevertheless, I do wish the people of to be used for public purposes, the land shall, at wilderness designation on their local West Virginia good luck living around the option of the Secretary, revert to the United community. The people of this area are these wilderness areas, and I know that States. (e) CONDITIONS ON SUBSEQUENT CONVEY- well acquainted with wilderness, and they, like the people of my State, will ANCES.—If the City sells any portion of the land H.R. 5151 reflects their desire to pre- in the long run prove to be better guardians of their mountains, rivers conveyed to the City under subsection (a)— serve their natural treasures, while (1) the amount of consideration for the sale maintaining important flexibility for and wildlife than bureaucrats in Wash- shall reflect fair market value, as determined by the local residents. ington. an appraisal; and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this bill is vitally im- (2) the City shall pay to the Secretary an Mr. RAHALL. I yield back, Mr. amount equal to the gross proceeds of the sale, portant to guaranteeing that future Speaker. which shall be available, without further appro- generations of Americans can experi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The priation, for the Tongass National Forest. ence the natural wonder and beauty of question is on the motion offered by The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- West Virginia. I applaud Chairman RA- the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. ant to the rule, the gentleman from HALL and his staff for all of their hard RAHALL) that the House suspend the West Virginia (Mr. RAHALL) and the work on this bill and all those in West rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5151, as gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUN- Virginia who have seen it come to this amended. CAN) each will control 20 minutes. point. The question was taken. The Chair recognizes the gentleman I encourage my colleagues to support The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the from West Virginia. the legislation, and I encourage each of opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being GENERAL LEAVE them to experience firsthand the pris- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask tine natural beauty of West Virginia Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, unanimous consent that all Members and the Mon National Forest. on that I demand the yeas and nays. may have 5 legislative days in which to Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I have no The yeas and nays were ordered. revise and extend their remarks and in- further requests for time. But, in con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- clude extraneous material on the reso- clusion, I want to commend the staff of ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the lution under consideration. our Natural Resources Committee as Chair’s prior announcement, further The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there well, Mr. Jim Zoia, who’s been with me proceedings on this motion will be objection to the request of the gen- for numerous years and knows our peo- postponed. tleman from West Virginia? ple in West Virginia, has been with this f There was no objection. legislation almost daily. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, the pend- Rick Healy, our chief counsel. And I COFFMAN COVE ADMINISTRATIVE ing measure was introduced by the wish as well to commend the ranking SITE CONVEYANCE ACT OF 2008 ranking member of the Natural Re- minority member on my committee, Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I move to sources Committee, the gentleman Mr. DON YOUNG, for his assistance and suspend the rules and pass the bill from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG). willingness to work with us on this as (H.R. 831) to provide for the conveyance The bill would direct the U.S. Forest well, and today’s acting ranking mem- of certain Forest Service land to the Service to convey a 12-acre administra- ber, Mr. JIMMY DUNCAN, for his help on city of Coffman Cove, Alaska, as tive site in the middle of Coffman this legislation. amended. Cove, Alaska to that city.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:39 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.015 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2500 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 b 1430 parcel of land is of no use to the Forest Serv- (2) in section 4 (16 U.S.C. 460iii–3)— The land under discussion is in the ice and it is an impediment to the growth and (A) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ‘‘Con- economic well-being of an isolated community servation Area’’ and inserting ‘‘conservation center of the town near a new ferry ter- area’’; and minal. This conveyance will help the surrounded by a National Forest larger than (B) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘Visitors city’s efforts to diversify its economic the State of West Virginia. I urge my col- Center’’ and inserting ‘‘visitors center’’. base. leagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 831. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no Additionally, the location of the site ant to the rule, the gentleman from further speakers, and I yield back the has been difficult for the Forest Serv- West Virginia (Mr. RAHALL) and the balance of my time. ice to manage. gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUN- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield I support passage of H.R. 831. CAN) each will control 20 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of back. The Chair recognizes the gentleman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The my time. from West Virginia. Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield question is on the motion offered by GENERAL LEAVE myself as much time as I may con- the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask sume. RAHALL) that the House suspend the unanimous consent that all Members Mr. Speaker, H.R. 831 introduced by rules and pass the bill, H.R. 831, as may have 5 legislative days in which to our distinguished colleague, DON amended. revise and extend their remarks and in- YOUNG, conveys approximately 12 acres The question was taken. clude extraneous material on the reso- of National Forest System land to the The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the lution under consideration. City of Coffman Cove. The City of opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Coffman Cove, Alaska, is a small com- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. objection to the request of the gen- munity with about 200 residents that Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, on that I tleman from West Virginia? developed around the Tongass National demand the yeas and nays. There was no objection. Forest logging camp and work site. The yeas and nays were ordered. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, the pend- The 12-acre Forest Service site is now The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ing measure introduced by our col- in the middle of town, and a new ferry ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the league, MIKE SIMPSON, renames the terminal is planned for an adjacent Chair’s prior announcement, further Snake River Birds of Prey National parcel. The location of most of the For- proceedings on this motion will be Conservation Area in the State of est Service site makes it difficult and postponed. Idaho as the Morley Nelson Snake inefficient for the Forest Service to f River Birds of Prey National Conserva- manage and an obstacle to the future MORLEY NELSON SNAKE RIVER tion Area. development and design of the city’s BIRDS OF PREY NATIONAL CON- Morley Nelson was an ardent advo- downtown. Conveyance of the Forest SERVATION AREA ACT cate for birds of prey and was instru- Service site would benefit both the mental in establishing the Snake River Forest Service and the city in this re- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I move to Birds of Prey National Conservation gard. suspend the rules and pass the bill Area. The National Conservation Area In short, this noncontroversial bill (H.R. 3734) to rename the Snake River includes approximately 500 acres and is simply conveys to Coffman Cove a Birds of Prey National Conservation one of the densest known nesting popu- small parcel of Forest Service land for Area in the State of Idaho as the Mor- lations of eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, which the Forest Service has no use. I ley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey and other birds of prey in North Amer- urge my colleagues to support the bill. National Conservation Area in honor of ica. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I would the late Morley Nelson, an inter- I do commend our colleague, MIKE like to thank Chairman RAHALL for scheduling national authority on birds of prey, SIMPSON from Idaho, for his work on this noncontroversial bill for floor consideration who was instrumental in the establish- the bill. I support the passage of H.R. today. ment of this National Conservation 3734. H.R. 831 will provide for the conveyance of Area, and for other purposes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of approximately 12 acres of surplus Forest The Clerk read the title of the bill. my time. Service land to the city of Coffman Cove, The text of the bill is as follows: Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Alaska. The 12-acre parcel sits in the middle H.R. 3734 myself such time as I may consume. of town adjacent to the site of a new Inter-Is- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Mr. Speaker, it’s appropriate that land Ferry Terminal that the city hopes to use resentatives of the United States of America in the Snake River Birds of Prey National to help spur economic growth. In addition to Congress assembled, Conservation Area be named after Mor- being an obstacle to the ferry terminal and any SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ley Nelson. Morley Nelson dem- new economic development in the city’s down- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Morley Nel- onstrated how private voluntary wild- town, the location of the parcel makes it dif- son Snake River Birds of Prey National Con- life conservation efforts can be far ficult and inefficient for the Forest Service to servation Area Act’’. more effective than big Federal pro- manage. As such, the conveyance provided SEC. 2. RENAMING OF SNAKE RIVER BIRDS OF grams and showed that punitive laws, PREY NATIONAL CONSERVATION for in this bill would benefit both the city and AREA. like the Endangered Species Act, can the Forest Service, and according to the Con- (a) RENAMING.—Public Law 103–64 is inhibit and interfere with more cre- gressional Budget Office, it will do so at little amended— ative approaches. or no cost to the taxpayer. (1) in section 2(2) (16 U.S.C. 460iii–1(2)), by He worked with Idaho Power to rede- To give you some background, Mr. Speaker, inserting ‘‘Morley Nelson’’ before ‘‘Snake sign their towers and power lines so ea- Coffman Cove is a small, isolated community River Birds of Prey National Conservation gles would not be electrocuted when with about 200 residents that developed Area’’; and they landed on them. This not only around a Tongass National Forest logging (2) in section 3(a)(1) (16 U.S.C. 460iii– saved the eagles; it saved Idaho Power 2(a)(1)), by inserting ‘‘Morley Nelson’’ before camp and work site. While the timber industry ‘‘Snake River Birds of Prey National Con- the substantial cost of power disrup- and the jobs it once provided in the region servation Area’’. tions. have largely disappeared, the community re- (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, He worked with private falconers to mains, and opportunities for economic growth map, regulation, document, paper, or other create a captive breeding and release and expansion are limited by the fact that it is record of the United States to the Snake program that was so successful, the surrounded on all sides by the 17-million-acre River Birds of Prey National Conservation peregrine falcon was one of the first Tongass National Forest. I don’t expect to Area shall be deemed to be a reference to the species taken off the endangered spe- change that anytime soon, but I think it is Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Na- cies list. The Fish and Wildlife Service tional Conservation Area. has yet to achieve a comparable recov- more than reasonable to convey 12 acres of (c) TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.—Public Law surplus Federal land located within the com- 103–64 is further amended— ery after more than 30 years. munity’s economic center. (1) in section 3(a)(1) (16 U.S.C. 460iii– I am pleased to see Morley Nelson Mr. Speaker, this bill provides a fair and 2(a)(1)), by striking ‘‘(hereafter referred to as recognized for his great conservation commonsense solution to a problem. The tiny the ‘conservation area’)’’; and achievements.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:39 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.019 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2501 Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the public about health care decision-mak- time to discuss important end-of-life of my time. ing, particularly advance directives; and medical decisions with their loved Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Whereas as a result of National Health ones. back the balance of my time. Care Decisions Day, recognized on April 16, Second, this resolution recognizes 2008, more Americans will have conversa- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tions about their health care decision, more the emphasis of over 450 organizations question is on the motion offered by Americans will execute advance directives to spanning all 50 States that worked to- the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. make their wishes known, and fewer families gether on April 16 to educate Ameri- RAHALL) that the House suspend the and health care providers will have to strug- cans about their options in preparing rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3734. gle with making difficult health care deci- advanced medical directives and ap- The question was taken; and (two- sions in the absence of guidance from the pa- pointing medical powers of attorney. thirds being in the affirmative) the tient: Now, therefore, be it Of these groups, 75 are national orga- rules were suspended and the bill was Resolved by the House of Representatives (the nizations, including AARP, the Amer- Senate concurring), That the Congress— ican Bar Association, the American passed. (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- A motion to reconsider was laid on tional Health Care Decisions Day; Medical Association, National Right to the table. (2) supports the goals and ideals of advance Life, and an additional 370 State and community organizations participated f care planning for all adult Americans; (3) encourages each person in the United in the National Health Care Decisions NATIONAL HEALTH CARE States who is over the age of 18 to prepare an Day efforts. DECISIONS DAY advance directive to assist his or her loved Mr. Speaker, as a result of the Na- ones, health care providers, and others as Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I move tional Health Care Decisions Day, they honor his or her wishes; thousands of people across the country to suspend the rules and agree to the (4) calls upon all members of this body to concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 323) execute such documents and discussions for have received information on advanced expressing Congressional support for themselves; and directives through newspaper articles, the goals and ideals of National Health (5) encourages health care, civic, edu- television, and radio broadcasts, all re- Care Decisions Day. cational, religious, and for- and non-profit leased last week on April 16. I want to The Clerk read the title of the con- organizations to encourage individuals to thank and congratulate all those in- current resolution. prepare advance directives to ensure that volved for their hard work on this im- their wishes and rights with respect to portant cause. I am also proud of the The text of the concurrent resolution health care are protected. is as follows: broad bipartisan support this resolu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tion has garnered. H. CON. RES. 323 ant to the rule, the gentleman from Companion legislation sponsored by Whereas National Health Care Decisions Michigan (Mr. DINGELL) and the gen- Senators WYDEN and ENZI has already Day is designed to raise public awareness of tleman from Georgia (Mr. GINGREY) the need to plan ahead for health care deci- passed the Senate, and now over 100, as sions related to end-of-life care and medical each will control 20 minutes. I mentioned earlier, of my fellow House decision-making whenever patients are un- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Members of both sides of the aisle have able to speak for themselves and to encour- from Michigan. signed on to this resolution. age the specific use of advance directives to GENERAL LEAVE Mr. Speaker, I want to urge the communicate these important decisions; Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask American people to invest time and ef- Whereas the Patient Self-Determination unanimous consent that all Members fort into seeking out information on Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc(f) et seq.), guarantees may have 5 legislative days to revise advanced directives. Advanced direc- patients the right to information about their rights under State law regarding accepting and extend their remarks and to in- tives allow individuals to maintain or refusing medical treatment; clude extraneous material on the reso- control over their health care decisions Whereas it is estimated that only a minor- lution under consideration. even at the end of their lives, regard- ity of Americans have executed advance di- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there less of the circumstances they may rectives, including those who are terminally objection to the request of the gen- face at that time. And I also encourage ill or living with life-threatening or life-lim- tleman from Michigan? Americans to educate themselves on iting illnesses; There was no objection. the options and details of the various Whereas advance directives offer individ- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, at this types of advanced directives so that uals the opportunity to discuss with loved time, I reserve the balance of my time. ones in advance of a health care crisis and their wishes may be correctly docu- decide what measures would be appropriate My good friend from Georgia, I know, mented and carried out. for them when it comes to end-of-life care; has some important comments. Let me be very clear: This bill does Whereas the preparation of an advance di- Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise not express what an individual’s end- rective would advise family members, health today in support of H. Con. Res. 323, ex- of-life decision should be. Those are the care providers, and other persons as to how pressing congressional support for the decisions that should be left to the in- an individual would want to be treated with goals and the ideals of National Health dividual undertaking this difficult but respect to health care; Care Decisions Day. important step. Whereas to avoid any legal or medical con- National Health Care Decisions Day This resolution merely seeks to raise fusion due to the emotions involved in end- of-life decisions, it is in the best interest of was recognized by hundreds of organi- awareness about advanced directives all Americans that each person over the age zations across the United States last themselves. And that’s why this resolu- of 18 communicate his or her wishes by cre- Wednesday, April 16, and it is appro- tion is being supported by such a di- ating an advance directive; priate for this body to stand with those verse range of organizations. Educating Whereas the Conditions of Participation in organizations in recognition of this im- individuals and making them aware of Medicare and Medicaid, section 489.102 of portant day. their choices is a key to respecting and title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (as in Mr. Speaker, first of all, though, I preserving life. effect on the date of enactment of this reso- want to thank the distinguished chair- Mr. Speaker, as a physician, I cannot lution), require all participating facilities to man of the Energy and Commerce Com- provide information to patients and the pub- stress enough that these decisions lic on the topic of advance directives; mittee, Mr. DINGELL, and his staff for should be made with the input of med- Whereas the Centers for Medicare and Med- their cooperation in helping us get this ical professionals and should be acces- icaid Services has recognized that the use of to the floor. I want to thank the rank- sible to the patient’s doctor in the time advance directives is tied to quality health ing member, Mr. BARTON, and the mi- of greatest medical need. Too many care and has included discussions of advance nority staff and the 100 Members, many times, families are left to guess what directives in the criteria of the Physician of them members of the Energy and medical decisions their family member Quality Reporting Initiative; Commerce Committee who are cospon- would have wanted. Think about the Whereas establishing National Health Care sors of this resolution. Decisions Day will encourage health care fa- Terri Schiavo case a couple years ago. cilities and professionals as well as chap- Mr. Speaker, the goals of the resolu- But physicians are sometimes left to lains, attorneys, and others to participate in tion are twofold. First, it aims to raise guess as well. a collective, nationwide effort to provide awareness of the importance for every- A recent study by the U.S. Agency clear, concise, and consistent information to one at all stages of life to take the for Health Care Research and Quality

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:51 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.022 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2502 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 found that 75 percent of physicians vance directives. It also encourages (3) in subparagraph (C), by inserting before whose patients had advanced directives medical, civic, educational, religious the period at the end the following: ‘‘, including were not even aware that those direc- and other nonprofit organizations to the proposed regulation published on May 23, 2007 (72 Federal Register 28930)’’. tives existed. This is a problem, Mr. promote advance directive preparation, (b) EXTENSION OF CERTAIN MORATORIA IN Speaker, and I hope that as we get particularly among their constituents. PUBLIC LAW 110–173.—Section 206 of the Medi- electronic medical records and HIT, I would like to thank my colleague care, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of Health Information Technology, be- on the other side of the aisle, Rep- 2007 (Public Law 110–173) is amended— comes more sophisticated and resentative PHIL GINGREY, for his work (1) by striking ‘‘June 30, 2008’’ and inserting intraoperable, these advanced direc- in raising this important issue. Our ‘‘April 1, 2009’’; (2) by inserting ‘‘, including the proposed reg- tives can be stored electronically and colleagues in the Senate have already ulation published on August 13, 2007 (72 Federal be made accessible to the medical staff recognized the need to highlight ad- Register 45201),’’ after ‘‘rehabilitation services’’; in an instant, really, in a timely man- vance directives, and I urge us here in and ner. the House to do the same. (3) by inserting ‘‘, including the final regula- So, in conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tion published on December 28, 2007 (72 Federal want to encourage all Americans to set my time. Register 73635),’’ after ‘‘school-based transpor- aside time to have what may very will Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I just tation’’. (c) ADDITIONAL MORATORIA.— be one of the most vital conversations want to thank my friend from New (1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other that any family can have. York for his support of this resolution. provision of law, the Secretary of Health and I urge my fellow Members to vote in And again, I want to thank the chair- Human Services shall not, prior to April 1, 2009, support of this resolution and to recog- man of the committee, Mr. DINGELL, take any action (through promulgation of regu- nize the critical role of education in al- for allowing this to be brought to the lation, issuance of regulatory guidance, use of lowing Americans to effectively ex- floor under suspension and for his sup- Federal payment audit procedures, or other ad- press their end-of-life wishes. ministrative action, policy, or practice, includ- port, and for the support of the major- ing a Medical Assistance Manual transmittal or With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the ity staff, and also to my distinguished letter to State Medicaid directors) to impose any balance of my time. colleague, the ranking member of En- restrictions relating to a provision described in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without ergy and Commerce, Representative subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) objection, the gentleman from New BARTON, and the minority staff. if such restrictions are more restrictive in any York (Mr. TOWNS) will control the I urge all of my colleagues to support aspect than those applied to the respective pro- time. the resolution, as Representative vision as of the date specified in paragraph (3) for such provision. There was no objection. TOWNS just said. Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- (2) PROVISIONS DESCRIBED.— Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance (A) PORTION OF INTERIM FINAL REGULATION self as much time as I may consume. of my time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support RELATING TO MEDICAID TREATMENT OF OPTIONAL Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES.— of H. Con. Res. 323, expressing congres- back the balance of my time. (i) IN GENERAL.—Subject to clause (ii), the sional support for the goals and ideals The SPEAKER pro tempore. The provision described in this subparagraph is the of National Health Care Decisions Day. question is on the motion offered by interim final regulation relating to optional As a cosponsor of this resolution, I State plan case management services under the the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. DIN- understand the importance of making Medicaid program published on December 4, GELL) that the House suspend the rules our health decisions clear to our family 2007 (72 Federal Register 68077) in its entirety. and agree to the concurrent resolution, members and other loved ones through (ii) EXCEPTION.—The provision described in H. Con. Res. 323. this subparagraph does not include the portion advanced directives. While it is very The question was taken; and (two- of such regulation as relates directly to imple- difficult for us to face the prospects of thirds being in the affirmative) the menting section 1915(g)(2)(A)(ii) of the Social Se- our own mortality, many of us write rules were suspended and the concur- curity Act, as amended by section 6052 of the wills in order to ensure that our loved rent resolution was agreed to. Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Public Law 109– ones are adequately provided for in our A motion to reconsider was laid on 171), through the definition of case management services and targeted case management services absence. Unfortunately, we often do the table. not take that care in making provi- contained in proposed section 440.169 of title 42, sions regarding our end-of-life medical f Code of Federal Regulations, but only to the ex- PROTECTING THE MEDICAID tent that such portion is not more restrictive care. than the policies set forth in the Dear State Nobody can predict when disease, SAFETY NET ACT OF 2008 Medicaid Director letter on case management tragedy, or other medical conditions Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I move issued on January 19, 2001 (SMDL #01–013), and will render one unable to make medical to suspend the rules and pass the bill with respect to community transition case man- decisions for ourselves. Accordingly, (H.R. 5613) to extend certain moratoria agement, the Dear State Medicaid Director letter we must plan ahead in case of such a and impose additional moratoria on issued on July 25, 2000 (Olmstead Update 3). tragedy to ensure that our wishes are (B) PROPOSED REGULATION RELATING TO RE- certain Medicaid regulations through DEFINITION OF MEDICAID OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL properly carried out. April 1, 2009, as amended. Advanced directives are an integral SERVICES.—The provision described in this sub- The Clerk read the title of the bill. paragraph is the proposed regulation relating to part of any care-delivery plan. They The text of the bill is as follows: clarification of outpatient clinic and hospital are simply a statement by a competent H.R. 5613 facility services definition and upper payment person that articulates the medical, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- limit under the Medicaid program published on legal, and personal wishes regarding resentatives of the United States of America in September 28, 2007 (72 Federal Register 55158) in medical treatment in the event of fu- Congress assembled, its entirety. (C) PORTION OF PROPOSED REGULATION RELAT- ture incapacity. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Where advanced directives are ING TO MEDICAID ALLOWABLE PROVIDER TAXES.— This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Protecting the (i) IN GENERAL.—Subject to clause (ii), the present, medical professionals, fami- Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008’’. provision described in this subparagraph is the lies, and loved ones are best able to SEC. 2. MORATORIA ON CERTAIN MEDICAID REG- final regulation relating to health-care-related make critical care decisions should a ULATIONS. taxes under the Medicaid program published on patient become unable to make sound (a) EXTENSION OF CERTAIN MORATORIA IN February 22, 2008 (73 Federal Register 9685) in judgments about their health care. PUBLIC LAW 110–28.—Section 7002(a)(1) of the its entirety. The resolution before us commemo- U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina (ii) EXCEPTION.—The provision described in rates National Health Care Decisions Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropria- this subparagraph does not include the portions Day on April 16, 2008. Although this tions Act, 2007 (Public Law 110–28) is amended— of such regulation as relate to the following: (1) by striking ‘‘prior to the date that is 1 year (I) REDUCTION IN THRESHOLD.—The reduction specific day occurred last week, the after the date of enactment of this Act’’ and in- from 6 percent to 5.5 percent in the threshold goals and ideals of today should be rec- serting ‘‘prior to April 1, 2009’’; applied under section 433.68(f)(3)(i) of title 42, ognized perpetually. (2) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after Code of Federal Regulations, for determining b 1445 ‘‘Federal Regulations)’’ the following: ‘‘or in whether or not there is an indirect guarantee to the final regulation, relating to such parts, pub- hold a taxpayer harmless, as required to carry This resolution encourages those 18 lished on May 29, 2007 (72 Federal Register out section 1903(w)(4)(C)(ii) of the Social Secu- years of age and older to prepare ad- 29748)’’; and rity Act, as added by section 403 of the Medicare

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:51 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.023 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2503 Improvement and Extension Act of 2006 (division (C) recommendations on actions by the Fed- ‘‘(IV) 75 percent by the end of fiscal year 2012. B of Public Law 109–432). eral government and the States that can make ‘‘(V) 100 percent by the end of fiscal year 2013. (II) CHANGE IN DEFINITION OF MANAGED claims for such items and services more accurate ‘‘(B) CONSIDERATION.—In selecting States CARE.—The change in the definition of managed and complete consistent with such title. under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall care as proposed in the revision of section (3) DEADLINE.—The report under paragraph consult with the States involved and take into 433.56(a)(8) of title 42, Code of Federal Regula- (1) shall be submitted to the Committee on En- account the feasibility of implementing asset tions, as required to carry out section ergy and Commerce of the House of Representa- verification programs in each such State. 1903(w)(7)(A)(viii) of the Social Security Act, as tives and the Committee on Finance of the Sen- ‘‘(C) STATES SPECIFIED.—The States specified amended by section 6051 of the Deficit Reduc- ate not later than March 1, 2009. in this subparagraph are California, New York, tion Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–171). (4) COOPERATION OF STATES.—If the Secretary and New Jersey. (3) DATE SPECIFIED.—The date specified in of Health and Human Services determines that a ‘‘(D) CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in subpara- this paragraph for the provision described in— State or the District of Columbia has not cooper- graph (A)(ii) shall be construed as preventing a (A) subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) is De- ated with the independent organization for pur- State from requesting, and the Secretary ap- cember 3, 2007; poses of the report under this subsection, the proving, the implementation of an asset (B) subparagraph (B) of such paragraph is Secretary shall reduce the amount paid to the verification program in advance of the deadline September 27, 2007; or State or District under section 1903(a) of the So- otherwise established under such subparagraph. (C) subparagraph (C) of such paragraph is cial Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)) by $25,000 ‘‘(4) EXEMPTION OF TERRITORIES.—This sec- February 21, 2008. for each day on which the Secretary determines tion shall only apply to the 50 States and the SEC. 3. FUNDS TO REDUCE MEDICAID FRAUD AND such State or District has not so cooperated. District of Columbia. ABUSE. Such reduction shall be made through a process ‘‘(b) ASSET VERIFICATION PROGRAM.— (a) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of reducing that permits the State or District to challenge ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this sec- fraud and abuse in the Medicaid program under the Secretary’s determination. tion, an asset verification program means a pro- title XIX of the Social Security Act, there is ap- (c) FUNDING.— gram described in paragraph (2) under which a propriated to the Secretary of Health and (1) IN GENERAL.—Out of any money in the State— Human Services, out of any money in the Treas- Treasury of the United States not otherwise ap- ‘‘(A) requires each applicant for, or recipient ury not otherwise appropriated, $25,000,000, for propriated, there are appropriated to the Sec- of, medical assistance under the State plan each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year retary without further appropriation, $5,000,000 under this title on the basis of being aged, blind, 2009). Amounts appropriated under this section to carry out this section. or disabled to provide authorization by such ap- shall remain available for expenditure until ex- (2) AVAILABILITY; AMOUNTS IN ADDITION TO plicant or recipient (and any other person pended and shall be in addition to any other OTHER AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED FOR SUCH AC- whose resources are material to the determina- amounts appropriated or made available to the TIVITIES.—Amounts appropriated pursuant to tion of the eligibility of the applicant or recipi- Secretary for such purposes with respect to the paragraph (1) shall— ent for such assistance) for the State to obtain Medicaid program. (A) remain available until expended; and (subject to the cost reimbursement requirements (b) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than Sep- (B) be in addition to any other amounts ap- of section 1115(a) of the Right to Financial Pri- tember 30 of 2009 and of each subsequent year, propriated or made available to the Secretary of vacy Act but at no cost to the applicant or re- the Secretary of Health and Human Services Health and Human Services with respect to the cipient) from any financial institution (within shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Medicaid program. the meaning of section 1101(1) of such Act) any Commerce of the House of Representatives and financial record (within the meaning of section SEC. 5. ASSET VERIFICATION THROUGH ACCESS 1101(2) of such Act) held by the institution with the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report TO INFORMATION HELD BY FINAN- on the activities (and the results of such activi- CIAL INSTITUTIONS. respect to the applicant or recipient (and such ties) funded under subsection (a) to reduce (a) ADDITION OF AUTHORITY.—Title XIX of other person, as applicable), whenever the State waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid pro- the Social Security Act is amended by inserting determines the record is needed in connection gram under title XIX of the Social Security Act after section 1939 the following new section: with a determination with respect to such eligi- during the previous 12 month period, including bility for (or the amount or extent of) such med- ‘‘ASSET VERIFICATION THROUGH ACCESS TO the amount of funds appropriated under such ical assistance; and INFORMATION HELD BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS subsection (a) for each such activity and an es- ‘‘(B) uses the authorization provided under timate of the savings to the Medicaid program ‘‘SEC. 1940. (a) IMPLEMENTATION.— subparagraph (A) to verify the financial re- resulting from each such activity. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the provisions of sources of such applicant or recipient (and such this section, each State shall implement an asset SEC. 4. STUDY AND REPORTS TO CONGRESS. other person, as applicable), in order to deter- verification program described in subsection (b), (a) SECRETARIAL REPORT IDENTIFYING PROB- mine or redetermine the eligibility of such appli- for purposes of determining or redetermining the LEMS.—Not later than July 1, 2008, the Secretary cant or recipient for medical assistance under eligibility of an individual for medical assist- of Health and Human Services shall submit to the State plan. ance under the State plan under this title. the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the ‘‘(2) PROGRAM DESCRIBED.—A program de- ‘‘(2) PLAN SUBMITTAL.—In order to meet the House of Representatives and the Committee on scribed in this paragraph is a program for requirement of paragraph (1), each State shall— Finance of the Senate a report that— verifying individual assets in a manner con- ‘‘(A) submit not later than a deadline speci- (1) outlines the specific problems the Medicaid sistent with the approach used by the Commis- fied by the Secretary consistent with paragraph regulations referred to in the amendments made sioner of Social Security under section (3), a State plan amendment under this title by subsections (a) and (b) of section 2 and in the 1631(e)(1)(B)(ii). that describes how the State intends to imple- provisions described in subsection (c)(2) of such ‘‘(c) DURATION OF AUTHORIZATION.—Notwith- ment the asset verification program; and section were intended to address; standing section 1104(a)(1) of the Right to Fi- ‘‘(B) provide for implementation of such pro- (2) detailing how these regulations were de- nancial Privacy Act, an authorization provided gram for eligibility determinations and redeter- signed to address these specific problems; and to a State under subsection (b)(1) shall remain (3) cites the legal authority for such regula- minations made on or after 6 months after the effective until the earliest of— tions. deadline established for submittal of such plan ‘‘(1) the rendering of a final adverse decision (b) INDEPENDENT COMPREHENSIVE STUDY AND amendment. on the applicant’s application for medical as- REPORT.— ‘‘(3) PHASE-IN.— sistance under the State’s plan under this title; (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than July 1, 2008, ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.— ‘‘(2) the cessation of the recipient’s eligibility the Secretary of Health and Human Services ‘‘(i) IMPLEMENTATION IN CURRENT ASSET for such medical assistance; or shall enter into a contract with an independent VERIFICATION DEMO STATES.—The Secretary ‘‘(3) the express revocation by the applicant or organization for the purpose of— shall require those States specified in subpara- recipient (or such other person described in sub- (A) producing a comprehensive report on the graph (C) (to which an asset verification pro- section (b)(1), as applicable) of the authoriza- prevalence of the problems outlined in the report gram has been applied before the date of the en- tion, in a written notification to the State. submitted under subsection (a); actment of this section) to implement an asset ‘‘(d) TREATMENT OF RIGHT TO FINANCIAL PRI- (B) identifying strategies in existence to ad- verification program under this subsection by VACY ACT REQUIREMENTS.— dress these problems; and the end of fiscal year 2009. ‘‘(1) An authorization obtained by the State (C) assessing the impact of each regulation re- ‘‘(ii) IMPLEMENTATION IN OTHER STATES.—The under subsection (b)(1) shall be considered to ferred to in such subsection on each State and Secretary shall require other States to submit meet the requirements of the Right to Financial the District of Columbia. and implement an asset verification program Privacy Act for purposes of section 1103(a) of (2) ADDITIONAL MATTER.—The report under under this subsection in such manner as is de- such Act, and need not be furnished to the fi- paragraph (1) shall also include— signed to result in the application of such pro- nancial institution, notwithstanding section (A) an identification of which claims for items grams, in the aggregate for all such other 1104(a) of such Act. and services (including administrative activities) States, to enrollment of approximately, but not ‘‘(2) The certification requirements of section under title XIX of the Social Security Act are less than, the following percentage of enrollees, 1103(b) of the Right to Financial Privacy Act not processed through systems described in sec- in the aggregate for all such other States, by the shall not apply to requests by the State pursu- tion 1903(r) of such Act; end of the fiscal year involved: ant to an authorization provided under sub- (B) an examination of the reasons why these ‘‘(I) 12.5 percent by the end of fiscal year 2009. section (b)(1). claims for such items and services are not proc- ‘‘(II) 25 percent by the end of fiscal year 2010. ‘‘(3) A request by the State pursuant to an au- essed through such systems; and ‘‘(III) 50 percent by the end of fiscal year 2011. thorization provided under subsection (b)(1) is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:51 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.019 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2504 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 deemed to meet the requirements of section fulfills the terms of such corrective action the U.S. Department of Health and 1104(a)(3) of the Right to Financial Privacy Act plan.’’. Human Services. The regulations and of section 1102 of such Act, relating to a (d) REPEAL.—Section 4 of Public Law 110–90 is would have restricted payments to repealed. reasonable description of financial records. critical safety net providers such as ‘‘(e) REQUIRED DISCLOSURE.—The State shall SEC. 6. ADJUSTMENT TO PAQI FUND. inform any person who provides authorization Section 1848(l)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 hospitals and nursing homes, as well as pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A) of the duration U.S.C. 1395w–4(l)(2)), as amended by section payments for graduate medical edu- and scope of the authorization. 101(a)(2) of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP cation training. The regulation would ‘‘(f) REFUSAL OR REVOCATION OF AUTHORIZA- Extension Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–173), is have reduced or eliminated payments TION.—If an applicant for, or recipient of, med- amended— that allow children with severe mental ical assistance under the State plan under this (1) in subparagraph (A)(i)— illness to remain in family settings, title (or such other person described in sub- (A) in subclause (III), by striking and payments to schools transporting section (b)(1), as applicable) refuses to provide, ‘‘$4,960,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$3,790,000,000’’; or revokes, any authorization made by the ap- and poor children with disabilities. The plicant or recipient (or such other person, as ap- (B) by adding at the end the following new Governors of all 50 States oppose these plicable) under subsection (b)(1)(A) for the State subclause: rules, as do the State Medicaid direc- to obtain from any financial institution any fi- ‘‘(IV) For expenditures during 2014, an tors, State legislators, and the Na- nancial record, the State may, on that basis, de- amount equal to $3,690,000,000.’’; tional Association of Counties. termine that the applicant or recipient is ineli- (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by adding at the More than 2,000 national and local gible for medical assistance. end the following new subclause: groups such as the American Hospital ‘‘(g) USE OF CONTRACTOR.—For purposes of ‘‘(IV) 2014.—The amount available for ex- implementing an asset verification program penditures during 2014 shall only be available Association, the American Federation under this section, a State may select and enter for an adjustment to the update of the conver- of Teachers and the March of Dimes into a contract with a public or private entity sion factor under subsection (d) for that year.’’; support this legislation. They know of meeting such criteria and qualifications as the and the devastating effect these rules State determines appropriate, consistent with re- (3) in subparagraph (B)— would have upon local communities, quirements in regulations relating to general (A) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the upon the hospitals, and upon vulner- contracting provisions and with section end; (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the able beneficiaries. 1903(i)(2). In carrying out activities under such Without this moratorium, schools contract, such an entity shall be subject to the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and same requirements and limitations on use and (C) by adding at the end the following new would be forced to lay off workers disclosure of information as would apply if the clause: starting in June. Hospitals and nursing State were to carry out such activities directly. ‘‘(iv) 2014 for payment with respect to physi- homes would be forced to cut off serv- ‘‘(h) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary cians’ services furnished during 2014.’’. ices and to lay off workers as well. In shall provide States with technical assistance to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- troublesome economic times, we can- aid in implementation of an asset verification ant to the rule, the gentleman from not afford to lose good-paying jobs or program under this section. Michigan (Mr. DINGELL) and the gen- to cut services that enable people with ‘‘(i) REPORTS.—A State implementing an asset verification program under this section shall tleman from Texas (Mr. BARTON) each disabilities to be gainfully employed. furnish to the Secretary such reports concerning will control 20 minutes. H.R. 5613 will postpone the imple- the program, at such times, in such format, and The Chair recognizes the gentleman mentation of these seven rules for 1 containing such information as the Secretary from Michigan. year, giving Congress time to evaluate determines appropriate. GENERAL LEAVE the effect they would have on States, ‘‘(j) TREATMENT OF PROGRAM EXPENSES.— Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask providers and beneficiaries. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, unanimous consent that all Members I want to again commend my col- reasonable expenses of States in carrying out leagues on both sides of the aisle, in- the program under this section shall be treated, may have 5 legislative days to revise for purposes of section 1903(a), in the same man- and extend their remarks and to in- cluding my dear friend, Mr. BARTON, ner as State expenditures specified in paragraph clude extraneous material on the bill and Mr. DEAL for their leadership and (7) of such section.’’. under consideration. hard work on this matter. I urge my (b) STATE PLAN REQUIREMENTS.—Section The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there colleagues to vote for H.R. 5613. 1902(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)) is objection to the request of the gen- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of amended— tleman from Michigan? my time. (1) in paragraph (69) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the There was no objection. Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, end; (2) in paragraph (70) by striking the period at Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield I yield myself such time as I may con- the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and myself 3 minutes. sume. (3) by inserting after paragraph (70), as so Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and amended, the following new paragraph: of H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Med- was given permission to revise and ex- ‘‘(71) provide that the State will implement an icaid Safety Net Act of 2008. This is a tend his remarks.) asset verification program as required under sec- bipartisan bill, critically important to Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, tion 1940.’’. (c) WITHHOLDING OF FEDERAL MATCHING PAY- our Nation’s safety net. The Com- I rise today to join my good friend, MENTS FOR NONCOMPLIANT STATES.—Section mittee on Energy and Commerce re- Chairman JOHN DINGELL of the Energy 1903(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(i)) is amend- ported it favorably with a strong bipar- and Commerce Committee, in support ed— tisan vote of 46–0. of H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Med- (1) in paragraph (22) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the I want to commend and thank our icaid Safety Net Act of 2008. end; subcommittee chairman, Mr. PALLONE, Given the fact that Secretary Leavitt (2) in paragraph (23) by striking the period at and our distinguished colleague and co- of Health and Human Services indi- the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and (3) by adding after paragraph (23) the fol- sponsor of the legislation, Mr. MURPHY cated that he would recommend to the lowing new paragraph: of Pennsylvania, for their leadership on President of the United States that he ‘‘(24) if a State is required to implement an this matter. And I want to express to veto the bill before us in its current asset verification program under section 1940 my good friends and the ranking mem- form, I do wish we could have brought and fails to implement such program in accord- bers on the committee and the sub- the bill to the floor under a rule with ance with such section, with respect to amounts committee, Mr. BARTON and Mr. DEAL, several potential amendments and a expended by such State for medical assistance motion to recommit so that we can for individuals subject to asset verification for their superb cooperation. under such section, unless— I also want to thank my colleagues have a little bit fuller debate rather ‘‘(A) the State demonstrates to the Secretary’s on the Committees on Ways and Means than putting it on the suspension cal- satisfaction that the State made a good faith ef- and Financial Services for the splendid endar. Having said that, I am very glad fort to comply; cooperation and help they gave us in that it is coming to the floor as a ‘‘(B) not later than 60 days after the date of moving this legislation to the floor ex- stand-alone bill, and that Chairman a finding that the State is in noncompliance, the peditiously. The support of Chairmen DINGELL and Chairman PALLONE of the State submits to the Secretary (and the Sec- retary approves) a corrective action plan to rem- Rangel and Stark were both necessary subcommittee have followed regular edy such noncompliance; and and very much appreciated. order in passing this legislation. ‘‘(C) not later than 12 months after the date H.R. 5613 places a 1-year moratorium I want to thank Chairman DINGELL of such submission (and approval), the State on seven regulations recently issued by and Chairman PALLONE for holding a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:34 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.019 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2505 legislative hearing as well as a sub- did, that we’re going to continue to lowed to implement all seven Medicaid committee markup and a full com- work on the problems these rules were regulations, their States would lose mittee markup on the bill that’s now designed to address so that over time nearly $50 billion in Federal funds over before us. I also want to thank them we can reach agreement on how to save the next 5 years. The result of these for having an open process, where staff money under Medicaid. cost shifts would not be greater effi- on both sides of the aisle could work I do believe the bill before us is a ciency, it would not be a savings of together, amendments could be shared, good bill. It does have a pay-for. It is, money, it would simply come out of and some of those amendments could on a net basis, a slight revenue in- the reimbursements, and fewer eligible be agreed upon and incorporated into crease to the Federal Treasury, so it is populations. They would disrupt the the bill that’s before us today. I would paid for. And if we spend the next year existing systems for care of fragile pop- not have been able to support H.R. 5613 working together, if we implement ulations, such as adults with severe as originally introduced, but I can sup- some of the things in this bill, the bill mental illness or children with special port the bill that’s before us this after- gives $25 million a year to combat health care needs. They would under- noon. I’m proud that, on occasion, we waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid, if cut the financial stability of hospitals do put good public policy ahead of par- we use that money wisely, we will un- and emergency rooms that treat Amer- tisan politics, and the bill before us, cover some savings. And if we look at icans without health insurance. They again, is an example of what I believe some of these suspended rules, we can would impose large, new administra- to be better public policy. perhaps work together to fine tune tive burdens and costs on State Med- I do hope that we take this oppor- them so that a year from now, at the icaid programs without any offsetting tunity to take the issue before us, if beginning of the next administration, policy benefit. In short, the best professional judg- this bill becomes law, and actually we don’t have to extend the morato- ment was that the regulations would work on it for the year that the mora- rium. have harmful fiscal and programmatic In short, Mr. Speaker, while this is torium is in place. The bill before us consequences for their States and the not a perfect bill, it’s a good bill. Don’t would place a year-long moratorium on people that look to the Medicaid pro- let the pursuit of perfection prevent seven Medicaid rules. It does not mean gram as the safety net for health care. that the suspended rules themselves the accomplishment of what is some- are all bad and don’t address a problem thing that is good and possible. b 1500 that needs to be addressed. It does I would urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on H.R. The bill before us gives the depart- mean that many of the interest groups 5613, especially on my side of the aisle, ment and the Congress the time to and many of the States had significant among the Republicans in the House of look into these issues in the detail problems with those rules, and so it Representatives. they deserve without making funda- was felt prudent to have a moratorium With that, I reserve the balance of mental changes in Federal Medicaid where we could hopefully, in the in- my time. policy. I urge support for this bipartisan leg- terim, determine how to fine tune and Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gen- islation. maybe change some of those rules. Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, We do need to save money in Med- tleman from California (Mr. WAXMAN). Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in I reserve the balance of my time. icaid. We do need to do something on Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 this system of intergovernmental strong support of the Dingell-Murphy bill, H.R. 5613, which would delay seven minutes to the distinguished gentle- transfers. For those of you who don’t woman from California (Ms. HARMAN). understand what an intergovernmental Medicaid regulations that would shift Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, it’s an billions of dollars in costs from the transfer is, as used in Medicaid, a State honor to serve under Chairman DIN- will give money to the Federal Govern- Federal Government to States, coun- GELL on the Energy and Commerce ment that is then matched by the Fed- ties, school districts, hospitals, and Committee and to support this effort eral Government and sent back to the other medical providers. There is abso- to keep the Medicaid safety net intact. State. The State will give some of that lutely no justification for such a cost That our chairman shepherded this money to, in this case a hospital sys- shift, especially at a time when many must-pass bill through our committee tem, but then keep some of the money States are struggling to avoid budget with unanimous support is testament that it initially gave. So it’s kind of a cuts as their economies slow and reve- to his enormous legislative skill and shell game where you put up some nues decline. The bill would delay the bipartisanship. money to get it matched, and once you implementation of these regulations Unless we pass this bill, Mr. Speaker, get the matched back, the money you until April 1, 2009. public hospitals and the essential serv- put up you use for another purpose, not The Oversight Committee held hear- ices they provide will be at grave risk. for a health purpose, but maybe for a ings on this matter. We heard testi- A major public hospital in my district, different purpose, like building a high- mony from public and teaching hos- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, is among way or something like that. One of the pital administrators, an emergency them. It is the only level 1 trauma cen- suspended rules would have addressed room physician, a child welfare worker ter near top terror targets like LAX and the ports of Long Beach and L.A. this intergovernmental transfer, and I and a school nurse. They explained how In the event of an attack, Harbor hope that in the next year, on a bipar- the regulations would shift costs to would be on the front lines. As a teach- tisan basis, we can address the inter- States and localities and what that ing hospital, it helps train the next governmental transfer issue itself. cost would mean for access to services Mr. DINGELL. Will the gentleman for beneficiaries. We also heard from a generation of doctors. representative from the Centers for Mr. Speaker, if all seven Medicaid from Texas yield? regulations are implemented, Los An- Mr. BARTON of Texas. I would be Medicare and Medicaid Services, which geles County will lose $240 million in happy to yield. issued these regulations. Mr. DINGELL. I want to again com- And since Medicaid is a Federal- annual funding, the equivalent of clos- mend my friend from Texas for his su- State program, one would think that ing a public hospital like Harbor. Har- perb performance on this legislation. when the Federal Government changes bor is already overcrowded. It needs more help, not less. It needs to offer And I want to assure him that I share the rules, as these regulations would more services, not to close. H.R. 5613 his concerns on the intergovernmental do, it would first try to determine what will stop these catastrophic cuts, and transfer matter, and that we will be the impact of these changes would be on the different States. Well, we fol- it deserves our full support. going into it. I thank my friend. I urge our colleagues to vote ‘‘aye’’ lowed up with the head of the CMS for Mr. BARTON of Texas. I thank the and to join in overriding a White House Medicaid, and he told us that he had distinguished chairman. veto should one occur. We simply cannot pretend on a day not done a State-by-State specific Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, that we’re suspending these rules that analysis of the impact and he had no I reserve the balance of my time. there are not fundamental financial plans to do such an analysis. So our Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield difficulties facing Medicaid. So while committee made our own analysis. We myself such time as I may consume. we agree to suspend the rules for the did a survey of Medicaid directors for The distinguished gentleman from next year, I hope we can also agree, as 43 States and the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania (Mr. TIM MURPHY) the chairman just indicated that he and they told us that if CMS were al- worked very hard on this important

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:34 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.027 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2506 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 legislation and is a cosponsor of it. Re- $20 billion in Federal Medicaid funding over groups have warned that the unexpected grettably, he is detained, unfortu- the next 5 years to States for vital programs slashes in Federal Medicaid dollars could nately, on an aircraft and is not able to and services. These programs and services force States to shift their Medicaid costs to pa- be with us today to speak in favor of will only shrink and shrivel if they are put tients, who would be hard pressed to make up this bill on which he worked so hard. against the wall to eat up these costs. the differences in health care costs. At And I want the RECORD to show that Even school districts, like Rialto Unified present, some 30 million low-income children the House owes the distinguished gen- School District from my district, will face dif- depend on the Medicaid program. tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. TIM ficult challenges in providing direct health The Government Accountability Office testi- MURPHY) a real debt of thanks for his services to the 30,000 students it currently fied that it had not recommended the specific hard work here and for his remarkable serves. changes proposed by the administration, nor leadership. Cutting these valuable services at a time had officials there had time to adequately Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to when many States, including California are study the potential effects of these changes my dear friend the gentleman from facing record budget deficits is not an option. for 6 of the 7 regulations. Before the President New York (Mr. TOWNS). The poorest amongst us on Medicaid are most starts tinkering with domestic programs upon Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to affected. We cannot turn our backs during which millions of our most vulnerable citizens commend Chairman DINGELL and, of these troubling times of increasing fore- rely, he owes it to them to do his homework. course, Congressman MURPHY and Con- closures and rising gas prices. If he won’t, then Congress owes it to the gressman BARTON for placing this 1- Cancer does not distinguish between in- American people to investigate his proposed year moratorium on the CMS Medicaid comes, why should health care coverage? changes so we can fully understand their ef- rules that would devastate patients, I support H.R. 5613, and urge my col- fect on poor and working families. persons with disabilities, hospitals, leagues to do the honorable thing and vote for Nearly 2,000 groups from across the coun- States, and our entire safety net. In- this bill. try, including school districts, hospitals, case stead, these are the very entities and Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express management providers, and organizations people that we should be helping, not my strong support for H.R. 5613, the ‘‘Pro- serving people with disabilities and mental ill- hurting. CMS went well beyond the au- tecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008.’’ nesses have joined us in support of the Pro- thority Congress allowed in enacting This bill stops George Bush’s draconian at- tecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act. I am these rules. tempt to gut the Medicaid program, which pro- proud to be a cosponsor of this bill and urge Therefore, as a cosponsor, I urge my vides medical care to millions of low-income my colleagues to cast their votes in favor of it. colleagues to vote in favor of this children and families. Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in measure and support our Nation’s Gov- If we fail to enact this bill, more than $20 bil- support of H.R. 5613 the Protecting the Med- ernors who have called for this morato- lion in vital Federal funding for States will dis- icaid Safety Net Act, and urge my colleagues rium and rightfully so. So I urge my appear. This is $20 billion that helps schools to join me in voting for it. Last week, my colleagues and I on the En- colleagues to support this legislation. provide transportation for physically disabled ergy and Commerce Committee unanimously Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, children, allows local governments to con- approved H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Med- I simply want to reiterate that as the tribute to the State Medicaid share, and trains icaid Safety Net Act. This bill places moratoria ranking member on the Energy and physicians. on seven regulations issued by the Center for Commerce Committee, I strongly sup- This President has presided over the great- Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS. If al- port this piece of legislation. It did re- est transition from boom to bust since the lowed to go into effect as currently written, ceive the votes of every Republican on 1920s. As families face foreclosure and rising these regulations would seriously erode fed- food and gas costs, States see declining sales the committee. It passed 46–0. I had eral funding to the states for a range of Med- tax receipts and greater numbers in need of wished it would not have been a sus- icaid services, including rehabilitation and assistance. Our President would add insult to pension calendar bill, but I am happy it medical services for schoolchildren with dis- injury for working families by dismantling their is a stand-alone bill, and I would en- abilities, and would totally eliminate federal safety net. courage my colleagues to vote for this Medicaid matching funds for Graduate Medical The seven regulations proposed by the bill. Education at a time when my state is already Bush administration would undermine long- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance in the grip of a growing physician shortage. of my time. standing practices upon which States have I am particularly concerned about the detri- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I want built their Medicaid programs. The regulations mental effect that these regulations would to thank again my colleague from are opposed by a bipartisan coalition of law- have on students and schools in my district Texas. He is always a gentleman. makers; all the Nation’s Governors from both and districts across the country. Under the In- I want to note that last night the sides of the aisle; and a host of public health, dividuals with Disabilities Education Act, Commerce Committee dedicated a pic- physician, and patient advocates. The bill schools are required to provide medical and ture hung in the committee in honor of passed unanimously out of the Energy and rehabilitation services that are necessary for our good friend Mr. BARTON. It is a Commerce Committee. In this day and age, children to enter and continue to attend fine-looking picture of a distinguished that is a remarkable phenomenon. I am proud school. If federal matching funds are reduced former chairman of the committee, and to join colleagues from both sides of the aisle or eliminated, our schools will still be required I would urge my colleagues, if they to vote in favor of this moratorium and to pro- pay for these services, meaning other vital want to look at a distinguished Mem- tect the health care safety net for America’s services and programs would have to be sig- ber of this body hanging on the wall in working families. nificantly cut back or eliminated. the committee and to look at a very Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, Another major concern of mine is the extent fine piece of art, they should come over today I join a bipartisan House to stand up to to which these regulations would reduce or and see the excellent picture of our the Bush administration to prevent it from irre- eliminate federal matching payments for many good friend Mr. BARTON hanging there sponsibly slashing the Medicaid budget. of our community hospitals, seriously under- in the committee. States that work with the Federal government mining access to care for poor and disabled Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of to run and fund Medicaid programs are al- women, children, and persons with disabilities. H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Medicaid Safety ready facing budgetary restraints, flat funding, Our hospitals are already struggling under low Net Act of 2008. After unsuccessful attempts and shortfalls. The administration’s proposed Medicaid reimbursement rates and higher at S–CHIP over the last several months, over cuts to Medicaid would exacerbate their budg- rates of uncompensated care as my State’s 33,000 children in my district are still unin- etary crunch, and would directly affect the economy has worsened. Like schools, hos- sured. quality of care given to low-income kids, sen- pitals are under a federal mandate—this one Now the most vulnerable of beneficiaries of iors, families and people living with disabilities. to examine and stabilize every patient who Medicaid, children and the disabled, are faced The bill before us today, H.R. 5613, would walks through their emergency room doors. with a major crisis. This bill has bipartisan place a 1-year moratorium on seven Medicaid These regulations could significantly increase support, this is not about politics. It’s about regulations proposed by the administration. hospitals’ burden of uncompensated care. helping hardworking families and the poorest This 1-year moratorium would give Congress I am also concerned about provisions in among us. more time to evaluate the potential effects of several of the regulations that could well undo This bill includes a moratorium of 7 CMS his proposed cuts on State Medicaid programs the progress we have made over many years regulations, preventing the stripping of over and the individuals that they serve. Several in enabling persons with mental and physical

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.031 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2507 disabilities to live independently and partici- I would like to take this opportunity to thank ure out how to provide Medicaid services to pate as fully as they are able in the workforce Chairman DINGELL for his superb leadership their populations, now is not the time for the and the life of their communities rather than on this issue and for introducing and garnering Federal Government to cut back on its share being confined to institutional settings. bipartisan support for this unfortunate but very of funding. The legislation before us today Because of all these factors, I again encour- necessary moratorium. This important legisla- would delay implementation of the regulations age my colleagues to join me in voting for this tion will help protect beneficiaries from harmful put forth by CMS so that Congress can exam- bill. cuts and alleviate the immediate concerns that ine their full impact. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Medicaid regulations cause for long term Mr. Speaker, we have a responsibility and I rise in strong support of H.R. 5613, the Pro- care patients, residents and providers alike. an obligation to our vulnerable citizens—low- tecting Medicaid Safety Net Act. The rules The bill also establishes an independent re- income children, the disabled, and the elder- issued by CMS in August were said to be cost view of these regulations prior to the expira- ly—to effectively provide access to adequate saving measures and a way to reduce waste, tion of the moratorium next year. In addition, and quality health care services. I urge my fraud, and abuse. it provides $25 million to HHS each year, be- colleagues to support this bipartisan bill. If these 7 regulations go into effect Texas ginning in FY 2009, to fight fraud and abuse Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise would lose $3.4 billion in Federal Medicaid in the Medicaid program. today in full support of H.R. 5613—the Med- funding over the next 5 years and nationwide This moratorium is a temporary fix, allowing icaid Safety Net Act of 2008. cuts to Medicaid funding could total around Congress an opportunity to review these regu- The millions of people who depend on this $50 billion. These regulations attack the core lations as thoroughly as possible before they critical safety net and I thank and applaud mission of Medicaid by eliminating much are implemented and the burden is borne by Chairman DINGELL for once again protecting needed services for children, the elderly, and our constituents. our Nation’s critically important Medicaid pro- the poor. While CMS argues that these changes will gram. These cuts will also have a devastating im- create efficiencies in the program, there is no It is a shame that every year Democrats pact on state’s Medicaid funds; consequently evidence to support this claim. What is known have to fight back at least one attempt to cut hurting the most vulnerable populations who is that these changes will cause extreme harm funding and provisions in this program that is are helped by the Medicaid safety net. This to our most vulnerable citizens—low-income so vital to the Nation’s poor—the majority of population accesses services and support children, the disabled, and the elderly. By ut- which are people of color. The administration and the Secretary’s poli- care from Medicaid because they cannot ac- terly disregarding the immense public outcry cies are going in the absolute wrong direction. cess services elsewhere due to costs or re- surrounding the enactment of these rules, this Rather Medicaid and Children’s Health Insur- strictions on benefits. administration is placing desperately needed ance funding needs to be increased to meet If these regulations go into effect, I don’t services in jeopardy without thoroughly weigh- the needs of the increasing numbers of un- know where the states will find the funds to ing the effects these regulations will have on and under-insured which includes 9 million continue operating programs such as school States. children. This administration’s failed economic administrative and transportation services, Now more than ever, in the face of major policies have left more people vulnerable. coverage for rehabilitative services, and out- State budget deficits, we cannot allow the patient hospital services. Especially since the Racial and ethnic minorities suffer worse Federal Government to make major regulatory morbidity and mortality because of lack of ac- lack of Medicaid funding will create budget cri- changes to Medicaid that will result in billions ses in most states as they scramble to pay for cess. Caps on Medicaid in the territories don’t of additional costs to states. even allow us to cover residents at 100 per- services or eliminate them altogether. I am a proud, original cosponsor of Chair- cent of poverty and per capita spending is a This bill gives Congress enough time to un- man DINGELL’s H.R. 5613, the Protecting the shamefully small fraction of that of our fellow derstand the consequences of these regula- Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 and urge all tions and come up with a solution we all can Americans in the States. my colleagues in this 110th Congress to stand This Nation’s healthcare system as we all agree on rather than cutting these necessary with me and stop this Administration from im- know has become a sick-care system and not services. plementing these foolish and potentially dev- only is it not doing a good job at that, it is in I am disappointed that the Administration astating regulations. has threatened to veto this bill. This piece of crisis and on the verge of catastrophe. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise The proposed actions restricting payments legislation is the result of a lot of hard work on in strong support of the Protecting the Med- for graduate medical education and blanket both sides of the aisle. icaid Safety Net Act of 2008. I am particularly upset that the Administra- regulations against payment for certain serv- Since its inception, Medicaid has been a ices, threaten to not only make the healthcare tion seems to have forgotten once again about joint State and Federal partnership to provide situation in this country worse for the poor, but its Texas roots. Texas, along with California health care to the country’s neediest and most for everyone, and to threaten the competitive- and New York stand to lose the largest vulnerable populations. Unfortunately, the ness and security of our Nation. amount of funding from these Medicaid cuts Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, I look forward to the new Democratic admin- and this is money our states cannot afford to CMS, recently issued a series of Medicaid istration, who will work with Chairman DINGELL lose. regulations that will significantly shift costs to and others to transform health care in this This bill has the support of 2,000 organiza- States and restrict services to needy individ- country and reduce the skyrocketing costs tions and the National Governors Association. uals. These regulations will force States to through emphasis on prevention and equal ac- I urge my colleagues to support this bill and stop providing beneficiaries access to certain cess to quality, comprehensive culturally com- stop these cuts. Medicaid services. petent care for everyone who lives here. The Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, over the past Among the damaging Medicaid regulations foundation of this effort must be stronger Med- year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid issued by CMS, I am especially concerned icaid and SCHIP. Services, CMS, have introduced a series of about the restrictive rules on targeted case By stopping the assault on these two pro- Medicaid regulations that have caused grave management services that help people with grams; by stopping payments to hard working concern to our States and beneficiaries. disabilities remain in their community. Nearly providers and for the training of the healthcare States are struggling as the economy sinks 200,000 people in Maryland receive some workforce needed, we set the stage for that into recession, and these proposed regula- type of Medicaid case management services, transformation to begin. tions, if not suspended, will add billions in and these new rules will put more than $60 Thank you Mr. Chairman, for your continued Medicaid costs to our States at a time when million in Federal funds for Maryland at risk. leadership. their tax revenues are falling and Medicaid CMS also proposes to eliminate or severely I urge passage of H.R. 5613 to protect this caseloads are growing. restrict Federal Medicaid funding for rehabilita- important safety net. The seven regulations issued by CMS erode tion services, graduate medical education, Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express the foundation of the Medicaid system by pre- hospital outpatient services, safety net institu- my strong support for the passage of H.R. venting beneficiaries from accessing the care tions, and school-based transportation and 5613, the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net they need. These proposed regulations would outreach programs. While CMS claims that the Act. I commend my colleagues Representative endanger access to care by severely limiting elimination of $20 billion in Federal Medicaid DINGELL and Representative MURPHY for intro- payments to public hospitals, eliminate cov- funding will create efficiencies in the program, ducing this bill, which would extend until erage for outpatient services that keep bene- it did not consult with Congress on these far March 31, 2009 the moratorium on several ficiaries from unnecessary emergency room reaching regulations. Medicaid regulations that would strip an esti- use, and by restricting support for transpor- With so many States, including Maryland, mated $20 billion over 5 years from the Med- tation services for children with disabilities. facing huge budget shortfalls and trying to fig- icaid program.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.029 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2508 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 Mr. Speaker, for more than 40 years, Med- Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Resolved, That the United States House of icaid has served as the Nation’s health care on that I demand the yeas and nays. Representatives— safety net, providing access to health services The yeas and nays were ordered. (1) recognizes the first-ever World Glau- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- coma Day; for millions who cannot afford private insur- (2) supports the efforts of the National Eye ance in a dynamic and changing economy. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair’s prior announcement, further Institute within the National Institutes of Today, more than 57 million children, poor, Health to continue research on the causes of disabled and elderly individuals rely on Med- proceedings on this motion will be glaucoma, including genetic and environ- icaid for care. The program now serves more postponed. mental risk factors, glaucoma prevention, people than Medicare, and with the ranks of f the relationships between damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision, societal and the uninsured growing, and the threat of an WORLD GLAUCOMA DAY economic recession, the Medicaid program is individual impacts, diagnostics, and treat- Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to more important than ever. ment to save and potentially restore sight; suspend the rules and agree to the reso- and Mr. Speaker, hospitals are the backbone of lution (H. Res. 981) recognizing March (3) congratulates the American Glaucoma America’s health care safety net, providing 6, 2008, as the first-ever World Glau- Society for its efforts to expand awareness of care to all patients who come through their coma Day, established to increase the prevalence and economic burden of glau- doors, regardless of their ability to pay. But, awareness of glaucoma, which is the coma. hospitals are experiencing severe payment second leading cause of preventable The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- shortfalls when treating Medicaid patients. blindness in the United States and ant to the rule, the gentleman from Despite these financial pressures, the Ad- worldwide, as amended. New York (Mr. TOWNS) and the gen- ministration continues to call for further cuts in The Clerk read the resolution. tleman from Texas (Mr. BARTON) each federal funds for the Medicaid program that The text of the resolution is as fol- will control 20 minutes. will affect hospitals and the patients they lows: The Chair recognizes the gentleman serve. H. RES. 981 from New York. Despite concerns raised by Congress, CMS Whereas glaucoma is a progressive disease GENERAL LEAVE continues to take steps to implement these of the optic nerve, robbing individuals of Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask regulations. These rules range from limiting both peripheral and central vision; unanimous consent that all Members payments for teaching hospitals, public hos- Whereas glaucoma affects all age groups, may have 5 legislative days to revise pitals and hospital outpatient services to re- including infants, children, and the elderly; and extend their remarks and include ducing school-based services for children and Whereas glaucoma disproportionately af- extraneous material on the resolution case management for the disabled. fects underserved minority populations, with under consideration. Last year, Congress imposed a year-long African-Americans having a three times The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there greater risk of developing this disease than objection to the request of the gen- moratorium (P.L. 110–28) on two regulations White Americans, and it is the leading cause the proposed and final cost-limit rule and the of irreversible vision loss in African-Ameri- tleman from New York? proposed graduate medical education (GME) cans and Hispanics; There was no objection. rule. The moratorium on implementation of Whereas glaucoma is the second leading Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- these rules expires May 25, 2008. cause of preventable vision loss in the United self such time as I may consume. CMS’s regulatory budget-cutting policies will States, afflicting 2,200,000 Americans, and it I rise today in support of H. Res. 981, have a devastating effect on my home State is the leading cause of permanent blindness recognizing March 6, 2008, as the first- ever World Glaucoma Day. As a co- of New Jersey’s Medicaid program, along with worldwide, afflicting 67,000,000 persons; Whereas awareness is absolutely crucial, as sponsor of this resolution, I am proud the hospitals and physicians serving our Na- glaucoma often has no symptoms until vi- to speak out in favor of greater support tion’s most vulnerable population—poor chil- sion loss occurs, and it is estimated that, in for glaucoma awareness and preven- dren and mothers, the disabled and elderly in- the United States, more than half of the in- tion. dividuals. Much of Congress has expressed dividuals with glaucoma are unaware that Glaucoma is the second leading cause opposition to these rules. they have it and, in developing countries, 90 of preventable vision loss in the United percent of individuals with glaucoma are un- This bill would delay implementation of reg- States and the leading cause of perma- ulations affecting: CPEs; IGTs; GME; cov- aware that they have it; Whereas with early diagnosis and ongoing nent blindness worldwide. It afflicts 67 erage of rehab services for people with dis- million people by some estimates. abilities; outreach and enrollment in schools, treatment, 90 percent of the cases where blindness occurs can be avoided and aware- While glaucoma affects all age groups, in addition to specialized medical transpor- ness is crucial, so that individuals with it is of special concern to me because it tation to school for children covered by Med- known risk factors for glaucoma and those disproportionately affects underserved icaid; coverage of hospital outpatient services; over the age of 40 should have regular, com- minority populations, particularly Af- case management services that allow people prehensive eye examinations that include rican Americans over age 40 and Mexi- with disabilities to remain in the community; careful evaluation of the optic nerve and can Americans over 60. and state provider tax laws. measurement of eye pressure; The resolution before us supports the Whereas the National Eye Institute Mr. Speaker, there is no question that observance of World Glaucoma Day, CMS’s regulatory budget-cutting policies will (‘‘NEI’’) within the National Institutes of Health (‘‘NIH’’) has been a worldwide leader which would raise awareness about have a devastating effect on my home State in glaucoma research, elucidating the ge- glaucoma on a global scale. Awareness of New Jersey’s Medicaid program, along with netic basis of different types of the disease is especially important since nearly 90 the hospitals and physicians serving our Na- (including risk factors) and the potential for percent of individuals with glaucoma tion’s most vulnerable population—poor chil- gene therapy approaches, identifying factors are unaware that they have it. More- dren and mothers, the disabled and elderly in- that can protect the optic nerve from dam- over, regular comprehensive eye exams dividuals. age, evaluating the potential for optic nerve can lead to early diagnosis and treat- Mr. Speaker, we need to pass H.R. 5613 cell regeneration, and better understanding ment that can lessen the impact of this today. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill how elevated intraocular pressure leads to optic nerve damage and how pressure-reduc- devastating disease. legislation. ing drugs ultimately developed from NEI-led The resolution also supports the ef- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have research can reduce glaucoma progression; forts of the National Eye Institute and no further requests for time, and I Whereas it is the role of the NEI to support its commitment to continue research yield back the balance of my time. research to prevent, diagnose, and cure glau- on the causes of glaucoma. By learning The SPEAKER pro tempore. The coma-related vision impairment and blind- more about the causes of this insidious question is on the motion offered by ness, which disproportionately affects under- disease, we may one day find a cure. the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. DIN- served minority populations; and The resolution also congratulates the GELL) that the House suspend the rules Whereas the public needs to know the in- American Glaucoma Society for its ef- and pass the bill, H.R. 5613, as amend- sidious nature of glaucoma, that there are forts to raise awareness about the prev- means for detecting and treating it to save ed. sight, and the importance of compliance as- alence of the disease. The American The question was taken. sociated with those treatments, and the Glaucoma Society helps to preserve vi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the first-ever World Glaucoma Day is an observ- sion by supporting glaucoma special- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ance planned to increase global awareness in ists and scientists through the ad- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. that regard: Now, therefore, be it vancement of education and research.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.035 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2509 I also wish to thank the Friends of other visual disorders, but the vast ma- It really comes about through aware- the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus jority occurs without any known ness, where people who perhaps are Foundation, a nonprofit foundation cause. Glaucoma affects all age groups, hearing about glaucoma for the first funded in part by the Centers For Dis- including infants and children. In most time and understanding about the pres- ease Control and Prevention, for its cases, however, glaucoma appears later sure that is put on the eye that can outstanding contributions in providing in life, and its frequency increases with cause this blindness, but is prevent- free glaucoma screening for 200,000 peo- age. able. I hope that the time that we ple from 2001 to date, while admin- There is no cure for glaucoma yet, spend today will find itself in messages istering the programs that include fol- and vision loss is irreversible. There- to thousands of people who recognize low-up and treatment services across fore, early detection is essential to that their time to come to Washington, the country. Further, I must point out limiting visual impairment and pre- DC to tell their story about this, really that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 3005, the venting the progression towards severe did matter, and paid off. Glaucoma Screening Act of 2007. This visual handicap or blindness. With Mr. Speaker, at this time I would measure was introduced by Representa- early diagnosis and treatment, 90 per- like to notify the gentleman that I do tives SERRANO and BOOZMAN and Mr. cent of cases where blindness occurs not have any additional speakers, and I MENENDEZ of the Senate. I urge my col- can be avoided. will find out if he does. But I would en- leagues on the House Energy and Com- My colleague from New York just courage him to run through his speak- merce Committee to hold a hearing on said this important fact: This is a pre- ers. this bill soon. ventable disease. Individuals with nu- I reserve the balance of my time. Finally, I want to thank my col- merous factors and those over the age Mr. TOWNS. I do not have any addi- league, Congresswoman TAMMY BALD- of 40 should have a regular comprehen- tional speakers. I think we have the WIN, for her leadership on H. Res. 981, sive eye exam. World Glaucoma Day is right to close. which recognizes March 6, 2008, as the one of the many efforts to increase Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I would first-ever World Glaucoma Day. I urge awareness of the importance of eye like to thank the gentleman from New my colleagues to join me in support of health. There are several ways to de- York, Mr. TOWNS, for taking the time its adoption. tect and treat glaucoma to save sight, to come in a little bit early today to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of and it is essential that the message work on behalf of the gentlewoman, my time. reaches every single person. Congresswoman BALDWIN, on this im- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without I’m honored to support this legisla- portant effort. She and I joined to- objection, the gentleman from Texas tion and to work for its passage. But gether on this effort. We joined to- (Mr. SESSIONS) will control the time of today, Mr. Speaker, we have a message gether and had the support from some the gentleman from Texas (Mr. BAR- that is there for all Americans and the 100 other Members of Congress, who TON). world to hear, and that is glaucoma is have heard the message, who believe There was no objection. preventable. Awareness is something that it is important that we have this Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield we should all have and be mindful that resolution on the floor today. We are myself such time as I may consume. we can work towards a cure in the very proud that we have done this. It is a I would like to start by thanking my near future. meaningful effort that this entire colleague Congresswoman BALDWIN for Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of House of Representatives do this. I will introducing this legislation along with my time. be very proud of what the House does 100-plus additional Members who have today to pass the bill. b 1515 signed on as cosponsors to this impor- I thank the Speaker for allowing this tant resolution. I would also like to Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- bill to come to the floor today. praise the extensive grassroots effort self such time as I may consume. With that, I yield back my time. made by numerous eye disease and pre- This is very important legislation to Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would vention groups to ensure that this bill me. In the early part of my life, I like to commend my colleague for the passes today in the House of Represent- worked for the Industrial Home for the outstanding work that he has done. I atives. Blind, which is now referred to as the also would like to thank Congress- It is an honor for me to speak in Helen Keller Foundation. I had the op- woman BALDWIN for her outstanding favor of this legislation today. This bill portunity to see and to talk to people, work as well, who has been detained recognizes March 6, 2008, as the first- in many instances who were blind be- and not able to get here. But she has ever World Glaucoma Day. This day cause they did not get the attention at worked real hard on this because she was established to increase awareness an early stage and as a result they lost understands how important it is in of glaucoma, which is the second lead- their vision. terms of early detection. ing cause of preventable blindness in So I think what we are doing here Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the United States and worldwide. I can today is so important, that we pass strong support of House Resolution 981, speak from personal experience regard- this legislation which encourages peo- which recognizes March 6, 2008, as the first- ing the importance of eye health and ple to seek treatment, encourages peo- ever World Glaucoma Day and I wish to thank getting the appropriate screenings ple to get eye exams. I think that is my colleague, Mr. SESSIONS, for joining me in throughout a person’s lifetime. the thing we need to do. Because as my introducing this resolution. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases colleague indicated, early detection Glaucoma is the second leading cause of that cause progressive damage of the sometimes can prevent this. preventable vision loss in the United States. It optic nerve at the point where it leaves On that note, I reserve the balance of is a group of diseases that damages the optic the eye to carry visual information to my time. nerve and leads to vision loss. An estimated the brain. This disease robs individuals Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I too 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma. An ad- of both peripheral and central vision. If join my colleague from New York in ditional 2 million have glaucoma, but do not left untreated, many types of glaucoma talking about not only the importance know it, as glaucoma often has no symptoms progress towards gradually worsening of what we are doing here today, but until vision loss occurs. visual damage and could and may lead also to thank the many groups from If left untreated, glaucoma leads to blind- to blindness. Once incurred, visual around the country that have taken ness, which has occurred in about 120,000 damage is irreversible. time to touch base with their Member Americans. Worldwide, nearly 70 million peo- It is estimated that glaucoma affects of Congress about the importance of ple are affected by the disease. 2.2 million Americans and 67 million not only treatments of glaucoma, but Every American over the age of 60 is at risk people worldwide, that 4.5 million peo- the awareness of glaucoma. of developing glaucoma, which also dispropor- ple globally are blind due to glaucoma, Today, we are on the floor for the tionately affects minority populations. African and that number will rise to 11.2 mil- first ever opportunity to say we are Americans have a three times greater risk of lion by 2020. going to highlight this important ef- developing this disease than white Americans, There are several types of glaucoma. fort and battle that we are doing, and and it is the leading cause of irreversible vi- Some may occur as a complication of we are going to make progress on that. sion loss in African Americans and Hispanics.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.033 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2510 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 With early diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Whereas over 50 percent of all federally economic value for people around the however, 90 percent of the cases where blind- managed fisheries species in the U.S. depend world. ness occurs can be avoided. Awareness is upon coral reefs for part of their life cycle; However, coral reefs across the plan- Whereas coral reef systems provide for et are in peril and face an uncertain fu- crucial, so that individuals with known risk fac- one-fourth of the total fish catch in the de- tors for glaucoma and those over the age of veloping world; ture. Global estimates suggest that 10 40 should have regular, comprehensive eye Whereas coral reefs around the world are percent of the earth’s coral reefs have examinations that include careful evaluation of confronted by many grave threats, including already been seriously degraded, and the optic nerve and measurement of eye pres- destructive fishing methods, damage by ma- an even greater share of reefs face seri- sure. rine vessels and divers, development, pollu- ous decline. Rising sea temperatures, So Mr. Speaker, I am happy today that the tion, ocean acidification, increasing sea tem- damage by divers and marine vessels, House of Representatives is considering this peratures, bleaching, and invasive species; pollution, and other manmade threats and have raised the specter that over the resolution, which seeks to expand global Whereas increased public awareness, as awareness about the incidence and burden of well as public and private investment, can next century, a vast number of the glaucoma. prevent the further degradation of the world’s coral reef systems will cease to In addition, Mr. Speaker, I also want to rec- world’s coral reef systems in order to pre- exist. ognize the American Glaucoma Society for its serve this precious resource for future gen- One of the most troubling threats efforts to expand awareness of the prevalence erations: Now, therefore, be it facing coral reefs is ocean acidifica- and economic burden of glaucoma. Their ad- Resolved, That the United States House of tion, a phenomenon that occurs when vocacy surrounding the first-ever World Glau- Representatives— the ocean becomes so acidic that corals (1) recognizes the International Year of the and other shell-making organisms are coma Day has been truly valuable in pro- Reef; moting eye health. (2) supports strong programs in environ- unable to produce the calcium car- Mr. TOWNS. I yield back the balance mental and marine research at the National bonate or to use the calcium carbonate of my time. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that they need to form their shells. An- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and other Federal agencies to better under- other disturbing trend is the onset of question is on the motion offered by stand the threats faced by coral reef sys- coral bleaching, which results from ris- the gentleman from New York (Mr. tems; ing sea temperatures causing corals to (3) supports the efforts of the International TOWNS) that the House suspend the expel the algae that live within their Coral Reef Initiative to promote public tissues and provide the corals’ different rules and agree to the resolution, H. awareness and encourage public stewardship Res. 981, as amended. of the world’s coral reefs; and colors. Once the algae has been ex- The question was taken. (4) encourages further research and devel- pelled, corals lose their color and, lack- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opment efforts to preserve coral reefs around ing the nourishment provided by pho- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being the world. tosynthesis that algae provides, the in the affirmative, the ayes have it. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- coral dies. Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on that I ant to the rule, the gentleman from In 1994, recognizing the increasing demand the yeas and nays. Washington (Mr. BAIRD) and the gen- degradation of the world reefs, the U.S. The yeas and nays were ordered. tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) partnered with other countries to es- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- each will control 20 minutes. tablish the International Coral Reef ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the The Chair recognizes the gentleman Initiative. Through its efforts, the Chair’s prior announcement, further from Washington. International Coral Reef Initiative has proceedings on this motion will be GENERAL LEAVE mobilized regional and national gov- postponed. Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- ernments to pursue science-based man- agement of coral reef systems, spurred f imous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- the establishment of coordinated coral INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE tend their remarks and to include ex- reef protection efforts, and assembled REEF traneous material on H. Res. 1112, the organizations and stakeholders Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I move to resolution now under consideration. throughout the world to address pollu- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tion and other manmade threats that lution (H. Res. 1112) recognizing 2008 as objection to the request of the gen- imperil the coral reefs of the world. the International Year of the Reef. tleman from Washington? The International Coral Reef Initia- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- There was no objection. tive has declared 2008 the International tion. Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Year of the Reef. The Initiative is lead- The text of the resolution is as fol- self such time as I may consume. ing an international effort to continue I am very pleased to be here today to lows: to bring the preservation of coral reefs speak in support of H. Res. 1112, a reso- into the global spotlight so that we can H. RES. 1112 lution I have introduced with my do what needs to be done to protect Whereas the International Coral Reef Ini- friend from Illinois, MARK KIRK. The these vital national resources for gen- tiative has designated 2008 as the Inter- resolution expresses the support of the national Year of the Reef; erations to come. Whereas the International Year of the Reef House of Representatives for the Inter- I would like to commend the Inter- is a global effort to raise public awareness of national Coral Reef Initiative designa- national Coral Reef Initiative for its the value of coral reefs and the significance tion of the year 2008 as the Inter- efforts and express my enthusiasm for of the threats faced by coral reef systems, national Year of the Reef, and for the level of interest, participation, and and to mobilize action to develop and imple- strong environmental and marine re- action that has been generated as a re- ment innovative solutions and strategies to search efforts that will allow us to bet- sult of its work. I would also like to protect and conserve these important nat- ter understand the threats facing the thank Chairman GORDON and Ranking ural resources; planet’s coral reef systems. Member HALL, as well as their staff, for Whereas over 225 organizations in 50 coun- From the Great Barrier Reef that tries and territories participated during the bringing this resolution to the floor. I first International Year of the Reef in 1997; spans over 1,600 miles just off Aus- look forward to working with them fur- Whereas coral reef systems provide eco- tralia’s northeast coast, to the coral ther to ensure that the world’s coral nomic, environmental, and cultural benefits reefs found within the Red Sea, to the reefs are protected and preserved, and I to millions of people around the world and coral reef system that began forming urge passage of the resolution. are vital in protecting shorelines and sup- off the Florida coast nearly 7,000 years I reserve the balance of my time. porting coastal economies; ago, coral reefs are among the most vi- Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Whereas coral reef systems are the most brant and diverse ecosystems on the self such time as I may consume. diverse ecosystem on earth, supporting at planet. Known as the Rain Forest of Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support least 1,000,000 known species of plants and animals and 25 percent of all marine life; the Sea, these important treasures are of House Resolution 1112, recognizing Whereas coral reef systems contribute not only the source of food and shelter 2008 as the International Year of the $375,000,000,000 each year to the worldwide to millions of sea creatures, they also Reef. For almost 15 years, the United economy; provide environmental, cultural, and States has been an active participant

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.034 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2511 in the protection of coral reefs around quent comments about the leadership reductions for the debt of developing the world. In 1994, the U.S. was one of of our Nation in this regard are well nations in return for investments in the founding governments of the Inter- put. protecting key ecosystems. Using this national Coral Reef Initiative, ICRI. I have no speakers at this time, and technique, we created the largest park ICRI is a partnership among govern- would reserve the balance of my time. in the Western Hemisphere, the Beni ments, international organizations, Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, the gen- Biosphere Reserve in Bolivia. and nongovernmental organizations tleman from Washington, it has indeed All combined, debt-for-nature swaps that strive to preserve coral reefs and been a pleasure to work with, and we have now saved an area 50 times larger related ecosystems. This year, the U.S. have accomplished many things. than Yellowstone National Park. The and Mexico share responsibilities for With that, I would like to yield such key addition of the Tropical Forest and the joint secretariat of the ICRI. time as he might consume to the gen- Coral Conservation Act is to extend The first International Year of the tleman from Illinois (Mr. KIRK). this debt-for-nature authority to the Reef was designated by ICRI in 1997, Mr. KIRK. I thank my colleague from Department of the Treasury to protect and this campaign proved to be very Oklahoma, and appreciate the leader- coral reefs. This legislation passed the successful. Over 225 organizations in ship, and especially my friend from House overwhelmingly on October 9, more than 50 countries participated Washington for bringing forward this 2007, but still remains pending in the and helped raise awareness of the im- legislation. It is a strong resolution Senate. Like so many other things, we portance of coral reef conservation and that follows up on a congressional rec- would like to see the Senate complete catalyzed international conversations ognition of 2008 as the International the good work of the House of Rep- and national level policy initiatives. Year of the Reef in support of research resentatives. This was certainly true in the U.S.A. and development to preserve coral My hope is that by passing this legis- when in 1998 an executive order estab- reefs around the world. lation we continue to call attention on lished the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force We all know that coral reef systems the attack of coral reefs across the that led to coordination and the are vital to the ecology of our planet. world, on their critical role in pre- strengthening of U.S. Government ac- They provide food and jobs and recre- serving the biological diversity of the tions to preserve and protect coral reef ation to millions of people around the world, and especially the United States ecosystems. In 2000, this task force de- world. Most importantly, they provide and its Caribbean coastline, and, most veloped the National Action Plan to key environmental benefits, including importantly, to pass the Tropical For- Conserve Coral Reefs, a comprehensive resistance to climate change and pro- est and Coral Reef Conservation Act, so strategy to conserve those coral reefs. tection of shorelines from harmful ero- that we can offer more than just help An example of the commitment of sion. on a resolution, that we can have visi- the U.S. Government to such coral reef Coral reefs and their surrounding ble support to developing nations so conservation efforts included the es- ecosystems are now under siege. They that they can protect their coral reefs, tablishment in 2006 of the North- face damage from marine vessels, de- much as the United States should do western Hawaiian Islands Marine Na- structive fishing methods, develop- on our own shores. I thank the gen- tional Monument. President Bush set ment, and especially increased ocean tleman from Washington. aside almost 140,000 square miles to re- pollution. Climate change has contrib- Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- ceive the most extensive maritime en- uted to increasing sea temperatures, self such time as I may consume. vironmental protection permitted which also threaten these critical habi- Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Mr. under U.S. law. This national monu- tats. According to the National Oce- KIRK for his leadership on this and ment, which is, by the way, the largest anic and Atmospheric Administration, thank him for mentioning Representa- in the U.S., includes a substantial 60 percent of the world’s coral reefs tive Portman, who is really a champion number of coral reefs and related eco- may be destroyed by the year 2050 if of efforts to preserve the global envi- systems. the present rate of destruction con- ronment. The goals of the 2008 International tinues. Mr. Speaker, it is entirely appro- Year of the Reef campaign include The International Coral Reef Initia- priate that we do this today, on Earth strengthening awareness about the tive deemed 2008 as the International Day. I wore a tie which my wife gave ecology, economic and cultural value Year of the Reef. It established a global me for Christmas which has a picture of coral reefs; improving understanding campaign to raise awareness about the of my twin 3-year-old boys on it. When of critical threat to reefs and gener- value and importance of coral reefs and we talk preserving rain forests or pre- ating both innovative and practical so- their threats to sustainability. The ef- serving coral reefs, I think all of us lutions to reduce such threats; and ac- fort also aims to mobilize action to de- have this commitment, that our chil- tion to develop and implement effec- velop and implement innovative solu- dren and our grandchildren should one tive management strategies for con- tions and strategies to protect and pre- day be able to enjoy these. But if we do servation and sustainable use of coral serve this important natural resource. not act promptly, quite frankly, I fear reefs. It’s very important for the United that they will not be able to. These worthwhile objectives will en- States to lend its support and re- I have witnessed firsthand the deg- sure the continued awareness of the sources to this effort. I would also say radation of some of what were the most American people in the environments it’s very important for the Congress to the magnificent reefs on Earth. If you that are not only beautiful, but provide complete its work on another piece of did not know what they are supposed substantial economic benefits. The Na- legislation that my friend and I to look like, you might not recognize tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- backed, the Tropical Forest and Coral the difference. But when you go under- ministration will lead the U.S. effort Reef Conservation Act, H.R. 2185. My water and things that are supposed to on this campaign, and I applaud colleague, Mr. BAIRD, and I supported be there are not, species of fish, certain NOAA’s hard work in preserving coral this resolution, which is based on legis- types of corals, gone; when you see cor- reefs for the enjoyment of future gen- lation coauthored by myself and Mr. als that have been knocked over; when erations. Their dedication does not go HASTINGS of Florida. It would offer a you see bleaching of almost every coral unnoticed in this Chamber. key ‘‘debt for nature swaps’’ in devel- you see; when you see areas where ma- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oping countries to protect key coral rine anchors have been dragged across support House Resolution 1112. reefs. them; when you see areas where exces- And with that, I reserve the balance sive human pressure in the form of div- of my time. b 1530 ers and other things have damaged the Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I want to This legislation was based on work reefs; when you see invasive species thank the gentleman from Oklahoma. by my previous colleague, the former that are devouring some of the crea- He and I have had the privilege first- Member from Ohio, Rob Portman. We tures that should be there; when you hand of visiting some of the endan- worked together since the late 1980s to see runoff from nearby rivers; that is gered reefs and hearing from some of pioneer a new strategy to support what is happening already. As popu- the world’s leading experts, and his elo- international ecology; that is, offering lations grow, as temperatures increase,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.038 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2512 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 as ocean acidification worsens, it is a Landsat 1, originally called the Earth Re- Washington (Mr. BAIRD) and the gen- very, very real possibility that reefs sources Technology Satellite, as the first ci- tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) which we are able to enjoy, that count- vilian Earth observation satellite to study each will control 20 minutes. less species depend on, that many na- the Earth’s land cover and monitor natural The Chair recognizes the gentleman resources; tions depend on for their very survival, Whereas since 1972, the United States Geo- from Washington. some of the coastal nations, our own logical Survey has led the data archiving and GENERAL LEAVE areas in Florida and elsewhere on the distribution efforts for the Landsat program, Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- coast depend on for security from which has continued to collect data without imous consent that all Members have 5 storms, when you see these precious re- interruption through the successful launches legislative days to revise and extend sources in peril, it is deeply moving of Landsats 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7, and has estab- lished the longest and most comprehensive their remarks and include extraneous and profoundly troubling. material on H. Res. 891, the resolution By recognizing the International record of global land surface data ever col- now under consideration. Year of the Reef, I hope we can follow lected; Whereas the National Aeronautics and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there what Mr. KIRK said and urge Congress Space Administration, the United States Ge- objection to the request of the gen- to take more actions to protect these ological Survey, the Department of Com- tleman from Washington? valuable resources. I am proud that we merce, the Department of Defense, and the There was no objection. can cosponsor this in a bipartisan fash- private sector have all played a role in ion, and I will urge passage. Landsat’s history; Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Whereas Landsat greatly enhanced remote self such time as I may consume. my time. sensing science, helped give rise to a global Mr. Speaker, I rise on this occasion, Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I have no change research plan and international ini- again I mention it is on Earth Day, to further requests for time, and I yield tiatives to study the Earth system, and led seek support for House Resolution 891, to new types of careers in engineering and back the balance of my time. as amended, celebrating 35 years of natural sciences; space-based observation of the Earth Mr. BAIRD. I thank the gentleman Whereas Landsat data have been used for from Oklahoma, I thank Mr. KIRK and multiple scientific and applied purposes in- by the Landsat spacecraft. all the cosponsors of this resolution. cluding cartography, land surveys and land This resolution celebrates the world’s Again, this resolution is somewhat of a use planning, agricultural forecasting, water longest unbroken record of civil Earth symbolic act. What we really need to resource management, forest management, observations of the land beginning with do in addition to this is support the mapping of sea ice movement, assessment of the launch of the first Landsat sat- various efforts, both nationally and tropical deforestation, food security, mineral ellite on July 23, 1972. The data col- internationally, to preserve these mag- and oil exploration, and global change re- lected from Landsat satellites have search; helped advance our scientific under- nificent resources for generations yet Whereas Landsat data are being widely to come and for the entire world. used by Federal, local, county, and State standing of global change and fostered Mr. Speaker, I have no further re- governments, and by foreign nations, non- applications that benefit our private quests for time and would yield back governmental organizations, private indus- sector, as well as our State, local, re- the balance of my time and urge a try, and universities; gional and Federal Government activi- ‘‘yes’’ vote. Whereas Landsat data are collected at a ties. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The scale that enables the study of both natural Mr. Speaker, the scientific and ap- question is on the motion offered by and human-induced changes in land cover plied uses of these space-based land ob- the gentleman from Washington (Mr. over time and their impacts on the Earth’s ecosystems; servations are vast. Landsat data are BAIRD) that the House suspend the Whereas Landsat data illuminated for the used to monitor crop patterns, manage rules and agree to the resolution, H. first time how human decisions, such as the natural resources such as water and Res. 1112. expansion of cities, led to large-scale im- forests, assist in land use and urban The question was taken; and (two- pacts on the environment; growth planning, help protect wildlife thirds being in the affirmative) the Whereas the U.S. Climate Change Science habitats and support national security rules were suspended and the resolu- Program has recognized Landsat and its objectives, to name just a few exam- tion was agreed to. long-term data record as instrumental to the ples. Landsat’s 35 year data record has study of climate and environmental change, A motion to reconsider was laid on also been critical in helping to under- the table. noting that ‘‘Landsat data are invaluable for studying the land surface and how it affects stand the interactions between land f and is affected by climate’’; and cover changes and variations in the CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF Whereas the scientific and societal benefits Earth’s climate. SPACE-BASED OBSERVATIONS OF of the Landsat program and its 35-year data The most recent report of the U.S. record illustrate the significant return on THE EARTH BY THE LANDSAT Climate Change Science Program Re- the public investment in Earth observations port references Landsat as one of two SPACECRAFT and the need for continued support for this critical satellites. It states, ‘‘Without Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I move to critical national asset: Now, therefore, be it these satellite observations, the cur- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Resolved, That the House of Representa- rent pace of discovery and innovation lution (H. Res. 891) celebrating 35 years tives— in global land use and land cover of space-based observations of the (1) expresses its appreciation to all of the dedicated scientists, engineers, and program change climate research would not be Earth by the Landsat spacecraft and personnel who have contributed to the suc- possible.’’ looking forward to sustaining the long- cessful development and operation of the Mr. Speaker, this celebration of est unbroken record of civil Earth ob- Landsat program over the past 35 years; Landsat’s continuous 35 years record of servations of the land, as amended. (2) looks forward to another 35 years of The Clerk read the title of the resolu- continuous Landsat-like observations of the land observations provides a clear ex- tion. Earth; ample of the societal benefits derived The text of the resolution is as fol- (3) urges the continuation of the Landsat from our Nation’s space program. But lows: program and data record so as to sustain there is more to be gained from Landsat’s value to scientific research, espe- H. RES. 891 Landsat data. Increases in computing cially the study of global and climate and communications capabilities are Whereas the year 2007 represents 35 years change, and to the myriad applied uses of the of continuous collection of space-based ob- stimulating innovative approaches to data for societal benefit; and using Earth observations data such as servations of the Earth’s land cover by the (4) believes that the Nation should con- United States Landsat satellites, which have tinue to support the research, technological Landsat. One need only look to the enabled increased scientific understanding of improvements, educational outreach, and de- Internet, where anyone can access im- the interrelationships of the Earth’s land velopment of decision making tools required ages of neighborhoods, cities and re- cover, energy balance, and biogeochemical to expand the use of Landsat data separately gions to see firsthand the ways in processes as well as the realization of numer- and as integrated with other Earth observa- which Landsat data are finding their ous societal benefits from the applied uses of tions data. the data; ways into our lives. Whereas on July 23, 1972, the National Aer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. Speaker, in reflecting on the con- onautics and Space Administration launched ant to the rule, the gentleman from tributions that Landsat has made over

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His pro- Mr. Speaker, I thank the scientists hard-working scientists, engineers and nouncement apparently spurred NASA and engineers, and thank the gen- other professionals who have been in- to take the initiative to proceed in an tleman from Oklahoma for his support volved in the Landsat program. ambitious manner to build Landsat. of this resolution. I urge my colleagues to support H. Today, Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 con- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Res. 891. As we address the implica- tinue to operate in Earth orbit, al- my time. tions of climate change and the pres- though both are nearing the end of Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I have no sure on our environment and resources, their operational lives and may not further requests for time, and I yield it is important that we ensure the con- last long enough to overlap the launch back the balance of my time. tinuation of the Landsat program and of their successor in 2011, called the Mr. BAIRD. Again, I want to com- ensure the research, technology and Landsat Data Continuity Mission. If mend my colleagues for introducing educational investments that are re- they both fail, the 35 year record of this legislation. I think this is abso- quired to expand the use of Landsat continuous Landsat coverage will be lutely appropriate, particularly on data and the benefits they provide to interrupted, and though it will be dis- Earth Day. But it is helpful for us to science and society. appointing, I am optimistic that other remember down here on Earth that our Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of methods of data collection will be able lives on Earth are made better by the my time. to fill in most of the gaps during that space program and the observing net- Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- interim. work that we have up in space that self such time as I may consume. The Landsat program’s data records help us anticipate all kinds of potential Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my col- are an invaluable national resource. disasters and avoid those, and also league in support of H.R. 891, cele- The tenacity and the brilliance of the guide us in doing proactive things to brating 35 years of continuous oper- men and women at NASA, at USGS, improve the health of our great planet. ation of the Federal Government’s and the contractors who helped design, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Earth observing Landsat satellite pro- build and launch the satellites, as well of my time and urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on gram. Generations of Landsat sat- as manage the huge volume of data this resolution. ellites have taken and continue to take generated by the family of Landsat sat- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The an uninterrupted record of images of ellites, have created a legacy that will question is on the motion offered by Earth’s oceans and lands, enabling re- continue to serve our Nation’s needs the gentleman from Washington (Mr. source managers, geologists, climate for many, many years to come. BAIRD) that the House suspend the researchers and scientists to closely Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to rules and agree to the resolution, H. monitor land use changes, water con- support House Resolution 891. Res. 891, as amended. sumption, forestry, agricultural and With that, I reserve the balance of The question was taken; and (two- the effects of climate change through my time. thirds being in the affirmative) the the regular acquisition and cataloging Mr. BAIRD. I want to thank the gen- rules were suspended and the resolu- of these photographs. This detailed and tleman from Oklahoma. It is an aston- tion, as amended, was agreed to. continuous record of observations of- ishing history, isn’t it? The fact that A motion to reconsider was laid on fers an unambiguous insight into the we have now got a continuous record of the table. changes that are occurring on a global, changes at all sorts of levels, changes f regional and local scale. in ground cover, changes in agri- 1545 Landsat data and the research find- culture, changes in the water re- b ings they enable would not be possible sources, et cetera, is an extraordinary JOHN ARCHIBALD WHEELER without the excellent cooperation and resource for a host of uses. Our agri- Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I move to joint management between NASA, who culture community benefits from this, suspend the rules and agree to the reso- designs, builds and launches the sat- our national parks benefit from this, lution (H. Res. 1118) honoring the life ellites, and the United States Geologi- flood control managers benefit from and achievements of John Archibald cal Survey and the Department of Inte- this. Wheeler and expressing condolences on rior, who manage the archives of This Landsat satellite system, which his passing. Landsat data at the National Satellite was, as the gentleman from Oklahoma The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Land Remote Sensing Data Archives, pointed out, once rather controversial, tion. what a title, located in Sioux Falls, is now seen as something that would be The text of the resolution is as fol- South Dakota. Their data records ex- very difficult to plan without. It has lows: tend back 33 years. produced enormous economic benefits H. RES. 1118 The early history of Landsat offers a and economic savings. Whereas John Archibald Wheeler was born remarkable insight into the events, Who would have thought many dec- July 9, 1911, in Jacksonville, Florida; culture, personalities and institutional ades ago before the space program that Whereas John Wheeler graduated from jealousies of the 1960s and 1970s. When one day we would be able to send up re- high school at age 15 and earned a Ph.D. in our earliest astronauts returned from mote instruments to look back down physics from Johns Hopkins University at the Mercury and Gemini missions with on Earth, not from the 40,000 foot level, age 21; photographs of the Earth taken from but much higher, to give us the broad Whereas Dr. Wheeler then moved to Copen- their spacecraft, scientists and engi- sweep; but not only the temporary hagen to work in the field of nuclear physics neers quickly began to envision the snapshot, but the vast look over time, with pioneering physicist Niels Bohr; Whereas, while still in his 20s, Dr. Wheeler, value of using robotic spacecraft as a so you can see changes, both construc- then a Professor of Physics at Princeton, means of monitoring land use changes. tive changes and the losses. Absolutely along with Dr. Bohr in 1939 worked out the However, the Department of Defense incredible and important. first explanation of how the newly discov- initially objected to a space-based ci- I want to share the gentleman’s con- ered nuclear fission actually worked; vilian reconnaissance satellite out of cern. We need that continuity to con- Whereas Dr. Wheeler spent the war years concern that it would compromise tinue. Let us hope that the good engi- at Hanford, Washington working on the the- their own spy satellite programs. The neers of NASA have produced an in- oretical understanding of nuclear reactions Office of Management and Budget also strument which can last much longer, that led to production of plutonium for the as they have in many cases, as we see bomb dropped on Nagasaki and later worked objected, arguing that land use data on the development of the American hydro- could be more cheaply acquired by in the Mars rover system, for example. gen bomb under Project Matterhorn B; high-flying aircraft. But we need that continuity in the Whereas Dr. Wheeler then returned to According to NASA historians, then data records so scientists can see what Princeton where, after discussion with Al- Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. changes have occurred over time with- bert Einstein, he switched from the study of

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Mr. Speaker, earlier could see farther on the horizon than most the truly great scientific minds of the this month the United States lost a co- people by way of his physical intuition; 20th century. I urge my colleagues to lossus within the science community, a Whereas Dr. Wheeler was a beloved aca- support this resolution honoring John visionary who advanced our under- demic who trained some of the best minds in Wheeler’s achievements and expressing standing of the universe while inspir- the next generation of physicists, a gifted our profound condolences on his pass- ing generations of younger scientists. communicator sometimes called a physics ing. John Archibald Wheeler is perhaps best poet, and an active researcher for over 70 I reserve the balance of my time. known to the public for coining the years; and Whereas Dr. Wheeler was, in the words of Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- term ‘‘black hole,’’ but throughout his Dr. Max Texmark, the last Titan, the only self such time as I may consume. career he also worked alongside the physics superhero still standing until the Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support likes of Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr time of his death on April 13, 2008: Now, of House Resolution 1118, honoring the on theoretical physics’ most puzzling therefore, be it life and achievements of John Archi- questions, helped develop the hydrogen Resolved, That the House of Representa- bald Wheeler and expressing condo- bomb, and, upon his death on April 13, tives— lences on his passing. Dr. John Archi- was appropriately called: The last (1) honors the life and accomplishments of bald Wheeler, who was one of Amer- Professor John Archibald Wheeler and ex- Titan, the only physics superhero still presses condolences on his passing; and ica’s greatest physicists, passed away standing. (2) recognizes the profound importance of this last week at the age of 96. Dr. For 22 years, I was a particle physi- Dr. Wheeler’s record as a pioneer in nuclear Wheeler’s wife of over 70 years passed cist at Fermi National Laboratory, and theoretical physics and a long-time con- away in 2007; and he is survived by working with my colleagues on giant tributor to advancing mankind’s under- three children, eight grandchildren, 16 experiments to move beyond the hori- standing of the nature and workings of the great-grandchildren, six step grand- zons of current scientific under- universe. children, and 11 step great-grand- standing. As a graduate student at Har- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- children. What a fruitful life. vard and as an undergraduate before ant to the rule, the gentleman from Dr. Wheeler was a man who was dec- that, I could not escape the mention of Washington (Mr. BAIRD) and the gen- ades ahead of his time. He not only John Wheeler’s name engraved on the tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) played a key role in the development of promontories or floating on the deli- each will control 20 minutes. the theory of nuclear fission with Niels cate backwaters of what is now called The Chair recognizes the gentleman Bohr, but also became the first sci- modern physics. from Washington. entist to give black holes and worm- As a member of the tribe of experi- GENERAL LEAVE holes a name. mental physicists, that is, people like Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- Dr. Wheeler is described as a vision- me who did real experiments in the imous consent that all Members may ary physicist and teacher. His work on real world, we were always surrounded have 5 legislative days in which to re- the Manhattan Project in 1941 helped by a wondrous shimmering cloud of vise and extend their remarks and to build the atomic bomb. Always seeking theoretical physicists. These are men include extraneous material on H. Res. answers to the larger questions of the and women who spend their days bob- 1118, the resolution now under consid- universe, he would spend his time de- bing and weaving through the world of eration. bating the meaning of the quantum what might be mathematically pos- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there theory and the nature of reality with sible, of what might show up in experi- objection to the request of the gen- Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr. ments that have yet to be invented, or tleman from Washington? John Archibald Wheeler was born on what might have shown up if we had There was no objection. July 9, 1911, in Jacksonville, Florida. just done the last experiment just a lit- Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Dr. Wheeler earned his Ph.D. in physics tle more carefully. John Wheeler was self such time as I may consume. from Johns Hopkins University at the one of the most luminous droplets in I rise today to pay tribute to a great old age of 21 years. that shimmering cloud. American scientist, Dr. John Archibald Dr. Wheeler accomplished many As young scientists, we studied the Wheeler. Dr. Wheeler passed away re- things during his lifetime. Perhaps his legacy of those great minds, physicists cently at the age of 96. He was a pio- greatest accomplishment was his abil- like Einstein, Bohr, Enrico Fermi, and neer in the fields of nuclear and theo- ity to inspire generations of physicists John Archibald Wheeler. To a fellow retical physics. Along with Niels Bohr, and scientists through his teachings at physicist, the breadth of John Wheel- Dr. Wheeler worked out the first expla- Princeton and at the University of er’s achievements are staggering. Born nation of how nuclear fission actually Texas, and his constant ambition to in Jacksonville, Florida on July 9, 1911, worked. During the war years, Dr. answer the greatest questions of the he graduated from high school at 15, Wheeler went to work on the Manhat- universe. and earned his Ph.D. from Johns Hop- tan Project, helping to understand the In 1981, Dr. Wheeler wrote: ‘‘We are kins University at the age of 21. He theoretical basis for plutonium produc- no longer satisfied with insights only sailed to Copenhagen a year later to tion. After the war, Dr. Wheeler con- into particles, or fields of force, or ge- begin work with the eminent physicist tinued his work for the country by ometry, or even space and time; today Niels Bohr, and in 1939 the pair pro- helping to develop the American hydro- we demand of physics some under- duced the first description of how nu- gen bomb. standing of existence itself.’’ Think clear fission works. During the Second After returning to academia, Dr. about that. It is for this constant quest World War, Dr. Wheeler joined with sci- Wheeler continued his contributions to for knowledge that inspired his life and entists working on the Manhattan the field of physics. In 1957, Dr. Wheel- will continue to inspire the American Project to build the atomic bomb. He er created the concept of wormholes to scientific community. Mr. Speaker, I continued to work with the U.S. gov- describe tunnels in space-time, and in urge my colleagues to support House ernment well after the war, and was 1967 he coined the term ‘‘black hole,’’ Resolution 1118. awarded the Enrico Fermi Award by not to describe Congress, but as part of I reserve the balance of my time. President Johnson in 1968. the theory of gravitational collapse. Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, at this mo- By the time he returned to academic John Wheeler also contributed great- ment it is a real pleasure to yield time life, Dr. Wheeler had become fascinated ly to the scientific community with his to one of our distinguished new Mem- with Einstein’s General Theory of Rel- devotion to teaching and training the bers. We sometimes say in this body ativity. Studying gravitational col- next generation of scientists. He was a that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist lapse, he introduced not only the term devoted teacher and textbook author, to do something. In this case, we actu- black hole, but also the concept of the

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In 1999, he status of U.S. scientists so that we lished a vibrant, pluralistic, democratic po- wrote that the black hole ‘‘teaches us could provide role models for young litical system, including freedom of speech, that space can be crumpled like a piece people and rise above the gathering association, and religion; a vigorously free of paper into an infinitesimal dot, that storm. press; free, fair and open elections; the rule time can be extinguished like a blown- Our science committee, chaired by of law; a fully independent judiciary; and other democratic principles and practices; out flame, and that the laws of physics BART GORDON, has helped lead the ef- Whereas Israel has developed some of the that we regard as sacred, as immu- fort in that. We are proud to have leading universities in the world, and 8 table, are anything but.’’ His work in passed The America COMPETES Act. Israeli citizens have been awarded the Nobel the 1960s revived and transformed this The America COMPETES Act is de- Prize; field. signed to produce many, many more Whereas Israel has developed an advanced, In the last years of his career, Dr. John Wheelers. I want to express our entrepreneurial economy, is among the Wheeler considered the mysterious and thanks on behalf of the Congress to his world’s leaders in the high-tech industry, and is at the forefront of research and devel- sometimes bizarre world of quantum family and our condolences for their opment in the field of renewable energy mechanics, seeking connections be- loss. sources; tween science and philosophy to ex- I yield back the balance of my time Whereas Israel regularly sends humani- plain fundamental questions of exist- and urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on this out- tarian aid, search-and-rescue teams, mobile ence. standing resolution. hospitals, and other emergency supplies, to Despite these high achievements, Dr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The help victims of disasters around the world, Wheeler remained committed to the including the 1994 Rwandan civil war, the question is on the motion offered by 1998 bombing of the United States Embassy nurturing of the next generation of sci- the gentleman from Washington (Mr. in Kenya, the 1999 earthquakes in Turkey, entists. He continued to teach intro- BAIRD) that the House suspend the the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 hur- ductory classes to undergraduates rules and agree to the resolution, H. ricanes along the southern coast of the throughout his career, and he Res. 1118. United States, and the 2007 fires in Greece; mentored some of the century’s most The question was taken; and (two- Whereas Israel has absorbed millions of noted theoretical physicists. Any phys- Jews from countries throughout the world thirds being in the affirmative) the and fully integrated them into Israeli soci- icist with the amount and color of the rules were suspended and the resolu- ety; hair that I possess will also have indel- tion was agreed to. Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself ible memories of ‘‘MTW,’’ the big black A motion to reconsider was laid on from repeated terrorist and military attacks book called Gravitation authored by the table. since its independence; Misner, Thorne, and John Archibald Whereas successive leaders of Israel have f sought to achieve peace with Israel’s Arab Wheeler that describes in intuitive neighbors; terms what is really going on in Ein- b 1600 Whereas Israel has established peaceful bi- stein’s general theory of relativity. RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVER- lateral relations with neighboring Egypt and So at a time when the primacy of our SARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE Jordan and has made its desire to establish peaceful relations with all Arab states abun- Nation’s science programs are in peril, MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL John Wheeler’s example should remind dantly clear; Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move Whereas for 6 decades, the United States us of our own commitment to the next and Israel have maintained a special rela- generation of American scientists and to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 322) tionship based on mutually shared demo- innovators. cratic values, common strategic interests, Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to intro- recognizing the 60th anniversary of the and moral bonds of friendship and mutual re- duce this resolution, and I urge my col- founding of the modern State of Israel spect; leagues to join me in honoring the life and reaffirming the bonds of close Whereas the American people feel a strong and achievements of John Wheeler. The friendship and cooperation between the affinity for the Israeli people based on com- United States and Israel. mon values and shared cultural heritage; and power of his intellectual accomplish- Whereas the United States continues to re- ments and the memorable color of his The Clerk read the title of the con- gard Israel as a strong and trusted ally and phrases will grace physics textbooks current resolution. an important strategic partner: Now, there- forever. The text of the concurrent resolution fore, be it Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield is as follows: Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress— back the balance of my time. H. CON. RES. 322 (1) recognizes the historic significance of Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I want to Whereas on November 29, 1947, the United the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment thank Dr. FOSTER for introducing this Nations General Assembly voted to partition of the sovereign and independent State of resolution, and for his eloquent de- the British Mandate of Palestine and create Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people; scription of an individual to whom we a Jewish state; (2) reaffirms its enduring support for Israel owe such a great debt in this country. Whereas on May 14, 1948, the people of as Israel pursues peace with its neighbors; A recent survey asked citizens of the Israel proclaimed the establishment of the (3) reaffirms its support for Israel’s right sovereign and independent State of Israel, to defend itself against threats to its secu- United States if they could name a sin- and the United States Government estab- gle living United States scientist, and, rity and existence; lished full diplomatic relations with Israel; (4) commends the people of Israel for their sadly, many, many weren’t. In this Whereas the desire of the Jewish people to remarkable achievements in building a new body it is not at all uncommon for us establish an independent modern State of state and a pluralistic, democratic society in to bring up suspension bills honoring Israel is an outgrowth of the existence of the the face of terrorism, as well as hostility, os- sports teams who may have won an historic kingdom of Israel established in the tracism, and belligerence from many of their NCAA championship or the Super Bowl Land of Israel 3,000 years ago, with the city neighbors; or something like that. It is thor- of Jerusalem as its capital; (5) reaffirms the bonds of friendship and co- Whereas for over 2,000 years, there has operation which have existed between the oughly appropriate that we do more to been continuous Jewish presence and resi- recognize outstanding scientists who United States and Israel for the past 60 dence in the land comprising the modern years, and commits to strengthening those did not just win a single sporting State of Israel; bonds; and event, but changed the face of the Whereas the establishment of the modern (6) extends the warmest congratulations Earth through their intellect, through State of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish and best wishes to the State of Israel and the their diligence, and through their dis- people followed the slaughter of more than Israeli people for a peaceful, prosperous, and coveries. And I very much commend 6,000,000 European Jews during the Holo- successful future. Dr. Foster for raising this, and I thank caust; Whereas since its establishment 60 years The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- him. And, I hope it is not the last that ago, the modern State of Israel has rebuilt a ant to the rule, the gentleman from he will enlighten us with his knowledge nation, forged a new and dynamic demo- California (Mr. BERMAN) and the gen- as a physicist. I know it won’t be. But cratic society, and created a thriving eco- tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- I would urge this body to see what we nomic, political, cultural, and intellectual LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes.

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Mr. Speaker, I ask Israel has given the world a first-rate cent Israel Defense Forces prevailed, unanimous consent that all Members high-tech industry that pioneered wi-fi defending the people of Israel and may have 5 legislative days to revise and instant messaging, and a medical soundly defeating the Arab coalition. and extend their remarks and include industry that pioneered microscopic French President Nicolas Sarkozy extraneous material on the resolution cameras that can be swallowed in a called the emergence of the State of under consideration. pill. And Israel has shown that a 2,000- Israel ‘‘a miracle of the 20th century.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there year-old dream, the creation of a state However, Golda Meier once remarked objection to the request of the gen- for the Jewish people in their historic that there had been ‘‘too much self-sac- tleman from California? homeland, can indeed come true. rifice and too many lives lost for There was no objection. Time and time again, Mr. Speaker, Israel’s emergence to be considered a Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Israel has made the impossible a re- miracle.’’ myself 15 seconds. I rise in strong sup- ality. Yet today, Israel once again But the establishment and the evo- port of H. Con. Res. 322 which recog- finds itself besieged in every direction lution of the State of Israel can be con- nizes the 60th anniversary of the found- by dangerous regimes like Iran and sidered, without doubt, one of the daz- ing of the modern State of Israel and Syria and by the rapidly arming and zling human achievements of our reaffirms the bonds of close friendship violent Islamic groups that those re- times. and cooperation between the United gimes sponsor like Hamas and Hundreds of thousands of Jews and States and Israel. Hezbollah. their descendants escaped oppression, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Today, Israelis live in fear, fear of or worse, because Israel exists. Spurn- my time. the threat of their very existence rep- ing the authoritarian model that domi- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I resented by the pariah states of Iran nates its region, and persevering in a yield myself such time as I may con- and Syria. Innocent blood in Tel Aviv, sea of enmity, Israel has built a world- sume. in Jerusalem, and in other commu- class civilization, a vibrant democracy, Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to join nities is shed regularly as a result of a thriving economy, and a culturally with this House today in commemo- the jihadists from Hezbollah, from and academically rich society. rating a milestone that few would have Hamas, and other such militant organi- The American people, and particu- once thought possible, and in cele- zations. larly the United States Congress, have brating one of America’s most special Palestinian suicide bombers have contributed mightily to Israel’s suste- bilateral relationships. struck at crowded bus stops, at hotels nance and security over the years. Of When the State of Israel was declared and cafes and other civilian targets. that we are justifiably proud. on May 14, 1948, some worried whether And in a little town called Sderot, chil- But Israel’s triumphant story is also it would survive for even 6 months in dren play indoors because of Pales- tinged with tragedy. Each year just be- the face of ruthless and relentless war tinian rockets, and ordinary people fore its independence day, Israel honors from much of the Arab world. face the draining pressure that at any soldiers who have fallen in its defense. Naysayers worldwide fought against moment a rocket could be launched at A siren sounds all over the nation, and the establishment of a state for the them, killing or maiming them or their Israelis everywhere stop to remember. Jewish people, and urged the United loved ones. This minute of silence is a poignant States not to recognize any such Jew- Mr. Speaker, Israel’s existence is in- memory for all who have witnessed it. ish state. To our Nation’s credit, the dispensable to advancing America’s But it is also, unfortunately, symbolic United States recognized Israel 11 min- most basic interests and values. For of Israel’s wider regional reality for utes after it declared independence, decades, our two nations have success- Israel has lived under the Damoclesian leading the way for other responsible fully collaborated on everything from threat since its birth. nations to follow. science and business to defense and For years the Arab world sought to And despite predictions of gloom and homeland security. As America goes drive Israel into the sea. But eventu- doom, and the strongest efforts of its forward, fighting for a free and pros- ally, after much death and destruction, enemies, Israel did not perish. Indeed, perous world and against violent ex- the visionary Egyptian president, Israel has flourished. Israel won three tremist groups who seek our ruin, Anwar Sadat, and the wise Jordanian, wars of self-defense on multiple fronts. Israel once again stands with us. And King Hussein, recognized the value of It has survived not merely for 6 months America will and must continue to peace and coexistence with Israel. And but for 60 extraordinary years. Through stand with Israel for the next 60 years although much of the Arab world’s eco- it all, Israel has endured. And as the and beyond. nomic, cultural and political boycott only democracy in the region, Israel I strongly urge my colleagues to sup- of Israel remains intact and terrorism continues to be a beacon of hope and a port this important resolution. has never ceased, the prospect of a col- model for her neighbors. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of lective military attack on Israel fortu- It has been said that the strength of my time. nately has faded in recent years. a nation is determined by the caliber of Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Nevertheless, Israel today lives under its people. There is perhaps no better myself such time as I may consume. potentially greater threats to its well- example of this truth than the State of Mr. Speaker, in the 60 years since the being and existence than ever before. Israel and the Israeli people, vivid ex- founding of our ally Israel, the United The daily rocket assaults from Gaza, amples of conviction, of courage, of States has had no greater friend in the controlled by fundamentalist Hamas, faith. Indeed, through the blood and Middle East. U.S.-Israeli friendship is have reaped vast physical and psycho- the toil and the creativity of its citi- based first and foremost on shared logical damage on the people of Sderot, zens, Israel has grown accustomed to democratic values and our mutual pur- not to mention the fact that they have dispelling established wisdom and ex- suit of peace and stability in the Mid- killed more than a dozen Israelis. And ceeding expectations. dle East, and it is buttressed by our increasingly, sophisticated rockets are Israel has proven that democracy, Nation’s unshakable commitment to being used. They are more deadly accu- liberty, prosperity and innovation can Israel’s security. rate by the day, and they have greater indeed thrive in the Middle East. The remarkable story to Israel’s range. In Israel’s north, Hezbollah’s re- Today, Israel is a vibrant democracy foundation and survival is inspiring. plenished missile supply poses an even where unfettered free speech fills the Shortly after the decision by the greater threat. airwaves, and where Arabs serve in United Nations to partition the British On the other end of the military government, and have excelled in busi- Mandate of Palestine into Jewish and spectrum, a theologically based state, ness and science. Arab states, Israel declared its inde- the Islamic Republic of Iran whose Israel has demonstrated that deso- pendence on May 14, 1948, in Tel Aviv. president says Israel should be wiped late areas of the Holy Land can be re- In response, Israel’s Arab neighbors in- off the map, is developing nuclear

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.049 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2517 weapons and long-range missiles. Now I note that this congressional rec- sey. That day was just the beginning of is not the time to go into details about ognition is a little earlier than a another chapter in Israel’s long history these threats. This body has spoken month before Israel’s independence of defending its right to exist. specifically to each of these dangers in day, but this allows us to get ready and Almost immediately after Israel an- the relatively recent past, and will do to have a few weeks of festivities to nounced independence in 1948, Egypt, so again. bring in the May celebration. Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Now it is time to reaffirm our Na- In this body we sometimes have po- Arabia all declared war on Israel, tion’s pledge to Israel that we will litical differences, but today and every launching Israel’s long fight for the stand in solidarity with Israel against day we speak with one voice united mere right to exist. In that war, the all violent assaults on its security and with Israel. As we support Israel, we newly created State of Israel defeated well-being. And most of all, it is time recognize that the national security of the Arab armies that invaded it, and to say to our friend and ally, Israel, Israel is in our national interest. even expanded some of its territory. Then again, in 1967, Israel acted once congratulations on your incredible so- b 1615 cial, political, economic, and techno- more to defend itself against hostile in- logical achievements in the face of the A week ago, Noam Shalit, father of vasion by its neighbors during the Six most stupefying odds. We in the United Gilad Shalit, came to my office. Gilad Day War. Once again, in 1972, Israel States could not be prouder of our spe- was captured from his army base in was targeted by Arab armies during cial relationship with you. Israel near the Gaza border on June 25, the Yom Kippur war. I reserve the balance of my time. 2006. For almost 2 years, Gilad has been And recently Israel has been at- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I held in captivity. Our thoughts are tacked in the north by terrorist hate continue to reserve the balance of my with him and his family, as well as groups Hezbollah, and in the south by time and would be glad to allow Mr. with all of the other missing Israeli Hamas terrorist group. Also, Israel has been forced to defend BERMAN to recognize the Speaker. soldiers, such as Ehud Goldwasser and Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am Eldad Regev. We will continue to work itself against Palestinian aggression. very proud to recognize the chief spon- for their release from captivity. And since January 1 of this year, Pal- sor of this resolution, the Speaker of Mr. Speaker, every leader from the estinians have fired more than 450 mor- the House of Representatives, a stal- region who comes into my office, or tar shells into Israel. This rocket fire wart supporter of the State of Israel just other people that I find worthy of has intentionally targeted civilian communities in Israel, and made life for all of her political life that I have knowing about this, I show the dog for these people a nightmare. But known her, for 1 minute. tags of Eldad, Ehud and Gilad as a con- Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman stant reminder in the Speaker’s Office Israel is resilient and continues to fly for his kind words. I am pleased to join of our commitment to them and to the flag of freedom. I proudly join my colleagues in com- Mr. BOEHNER and other cosponsors of their freedom. mending the people of Israel for build- this legislation, and thank Chairman In America’s partnership with Israel, we have both given support and we ing this democratic state in the face of BERMAN and Ranking Member ROS- terrorism, hostility, hate and war from LEHTINEN for their leadership in bring- have drawn strength. We share a com- mon history, nations founded to be their neighbors. ing this resolution to the floor, and for Israel and the United States are like beacons of democracy, forged by pio- leading us in our strong friendship with family. Sometimes we disagree on neers, and fulfilled by immigrants in the State of Israel. things, but when someone attacks part search of a better tomorrow. We also I thank Mr. BERMAN for following so of the family, it’s an attack on the share a common cause, a safe and se- ably in the footsteps of Mr. Lantos as whole family. Let there be no mistake cure Israel, living in peace with her he follows the tradition of Chairman about it. The United States stand side neighbors. Lantos whose loss we feel every day. by side with its friend, Israel, and with Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to Mr. Speaker, this weekend, families the concept of freedom. around the world, including my own speak with one voice and support this And that’s just the way it is. grandchildren, gathered around the resolution recognizing the 60th anni- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I’m priv- Seder table to retell the Biblical story versary of the State of Israel. In doing ileged to recognize for 1 minute a gen- of freedom and hope that is Passover. so, we not only commend Israel, we tleman who has probably done as much The closing words of the Passover also bring luster to this House by asso- as anyone in this House to promote the haggadah evoke the age-old yearning of ciating ourselves with that great State U.S.-Israeli relationship, including his the Jewish people to return to Zion. of Israel. own personal missions that he leads Today, in Congress, we mark the ful- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady there, the majority leader, Mr. HOYER fillment of those aspirations in observ- from Florida for her generosity in al- of Maryland. ing the founding of the modern State of lowing me, the Speaker, to speak out Mr. HOYER. I thank my friend of Israel. By recognizing the 60th anniver- of turn. some 45 years for his observations. sary of Israel, we reaffirm the bonds of Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at There are a lot of my very dear friends close friendship and cooperation be- this point I would like to yield 3 min- for a long time in this chamber. tween the United States and Israel. utes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Israel is America’s friend for a very Again I thank Chairman BERMAN and POE), an esteemed member of our Com- long time. Congresswoman ROS-LEHTINEN for their mittee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting today that leadership in giving us this oppor- Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the Nation of Members of both sides of the aisle, al- tunity today. I am pleased to join Re- Israel has fought for 60 years for the most in unanimity, join to recognize publican Leader BOEHNER as lead co- right to exist, and I’m proud to be a co- the founding of our Nation’s steadfast sponsors of this legislation, as I am sponsor of H. Con. Res. 322, a measure friend and ally, the State of Israel, to pleased to join him in leading a delega- before the House today. It recognizes reconfirm the special bond that exists tion to Israel in a few weeks to be part the 60th anniversary of Israel’s state- between our two Nations, and to reit- of the 60th anniversary observance. hood, and reaffirms United States sup- erate that the support for Israel in this Mr. Speaker, the creation of the port for Israel as Israel continues to Congress is bipartisan, overwhelming, State of Israel, as Mr. BERMAN said so pursue peace with its neighbors and de- stronger than ever, and continuing to eloquently, stands out as one of the fend itself against constant threats to grow. greatest achievements of the 20th cen- its security and its existence. On May 14, 1948, the day on which the tury and as a beacon of hope to the Sixty years ago, on May 14, in the British mandate for Palestine expired, world. President Truman’s role in rec- aftermath of World War II, the people the people of Israel proclaimed the sov- ognizing the new state just 11 minutes of Israel declared independence and ereign and independent State of Israel. after its proclamation is a source of claimed sovereignty of about 8,000 And 11 minutes later the United pride for all Americans. It is also a square miles of land that was between States, at the direction of President symbol of the strength of the friend- the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Harry S. Truman, recognized the estab- ship between our two countries. Sea, the area about the size of New Jer- lishment of this new state.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.050 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 President Truman observed, at that Furthermore, Israel has developed an b 1630 time, and I quote, ‘‘I had faith in Israel advanced entrepreneurial economy, Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am before it was established, I have faith and is among the world’s leaders in the very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the in it now. I believe that it has a glo- high tech industry. majority whip for the House of Rep- rious future before it, not just another Mr. Speaker, as Mr. BERMAN ob- resentatives, Representative CLYBURN sovereign nation, but an embodiment served, over the last 5 years I’ve had of South Carolina. of the great ideals of our civilization.’’ the opportunity to take a tenth of the Mr. CLYBURN. I thank my friend, So said President Harry Truman, Congress, actually more than a tenth Mr. BERMAN, for yielding me this time. May 14, 1948, 11 minutes after the dec- of the Congress to Israel, congressional Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support laration of sovereignty of the State of delegations, which have gone to see of H. Con. Res. 322, recognizing the 60th Israel. An embodiment of the great where we invest our money and where anniversary of the founding of the ideals of our civilization. I believe that we have committed our security State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, when to be the fact, and because I believe pledge. And what the Members saw was the world was still struggling with the that to be the fact, I believe it is abso- a reflection, really, in many respects, aftermath of the Holocaust, Israel de- lutely essential that those who uphold of America and themselves, people who clared itself a Nation. Eleven minutes those ideals pledge their support and love their country, people who want to later, President Harry Truman made defense of Israel against those who live in peace and freedom, and people the bold decision to make the United would undermine, not only the nation, who want their children to have even States of America the first country in but the idea of the civilization that greater opportunities and safety. the world to recognize Israel as a sov- Truman said it represents. As our allies in Israel celebrate their ereign state. That was the start of a Mr. Speaker, over the ensuing 6 dec- 60th anniversary in just a few weeks, strong allegiance between the United ades, it has become increasingly clear let us honor their determination to ful- States and Israel, a close friendship that Israel’s success is not only a stra- fill the vision of Zionism’s founding fa- that has grown and strengthened over tegic imperative for the United States, ther, Theodore Herzl. Through courage the years, one that will never be bro- but a moral imperative as well. Ours is and will, Israel was born and the dream ken. a relationship of principle and con- of generations was made real, and it As the only true democracy in the science, of shared values and common will endure. It will endure with our Middle East, we recognize Israel’s aspirations, of peace and opportunity support, with our encouragement, and struggle to protect its people, maintain and a mutual commitment to freedom with our commitment. peace with its neighbors, and defend and democracy. I want to congratulate the citizens of the freedoms of a democratic society. The United States and Israel are na- Israel and the entire Jewish commu- As we join our friend and partner in tions of immigrants. We are safe ha- nity, not only in the United States, but celebration of this important mile- vens for the oppressed. The Statue of throughout the world, who have en- stone, we reaffirm the bonds of close Liberty lifts her lamp beside the gold- abled Israel to survive. Congratula- friendship and cooperation that have en door, ‘‘Send these, the poor, the tions. Happy birthday. been forged between our nations over homeless, tempest tossed to me,’’ it We remain a loyal, steadfast and un- these six decades. says. That is what Israel has said to swerving ally in your quest for a better Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I millions of Jews, and others as well, life, not just for your people, but, as am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the black and white. Truman observed, for civilization as distinguished gentleman from Indiana We are partners with Israel for peace, well. (Mr. PENCE) who is the ranking mem- and we are united in fighting against Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ber of our Subcommittee on the Middle terrorism. Few people on Earth have am proud to yield 2 minutes to the dis- East and South Asia. been subjected to more bigotry, vio- tinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- lence and discrimination than have the (Mr. PRICE). mission to revise and extend his re- Jewish people, and no people are more Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, marks.) in need, in my view, of a sovereign, se- I’m so pleased to rise today to con- Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, 60 years cure homeland to provide safe haven gratulate the State of Israel on its 60th ago next month, the State of Israel, and to protect identity. anniversary as an independent and sov- under the leadership of a small band of That is why the Balfour Resolution ereign Nation. Our friends have real- courageous Zionists declared independ- was passed in 1918. That is why, in 1948, ized this historic milestone in the face ence in its ancient homeland. It was the world looked on the creation of of innumerable challenges to their very promptly recognized by the United Israel as an imperative. existence. States, as the majority leader just elo- David Ben-Gurion once remarked: Constant threats of terrorism and at- quently described, and it was promptly ‘‘The security of Israel is,’’ he said, and tacks have not defeated the hopes and attacked by its Arab neighbors. The I quote, ‘‘a question of the survival, dreams of the Israeli people. And with more things change, the more they not only of the people of Israel, but of remarkable restraint, and despite great seem to stay the same. the Jewish people the world over.’’ odds, the State of Israel proudly stands Well, Israel has prevailed against History has taught us that is true. and has secured the creation of a new long odds, and we celebrate 60 years of Throughout the last 60 years, Israel has and enduring Jewish society in their that on the floor today and around the been an island of freedom in a sea of ancestral homeland. United States and around the world despair and an absence of democracy. As a vibrant and strong democracy in next month. It was against those ex- It has been vilified, threatened and at- the Middle East, Israel is a model for traordinarily long odds. It was forced tacked. My colleagues have set forth the region. A lack of natural resources again in 1967, 1973, and on countless those facts. has not prevented Israel from becoming other times since. And yet, it has prevailed, indeed, home to one of the world’s most dy- It is important that we note through prospered, just as it will prevail and namic economies. Its achievements in these trials and travails, Israel remains prosper today and tomorrow and every agriculture, solar energy, medical elec- the only fully functioning democracy day thereafter. tronics and telecommunications have in the Middle East. It was founded by When we talk of Israel, we inevitably gained worldwide recognition. Each of Holocaust survivors resolved to over- acknowledge her courage in the face of these accomplishments can be directly come the horrors of the mid-20th cen- those who seek her destruction. But let attributed to Israel’s greatest asset, tury Europe’s atrocities. us also acknowledge that over the last her people. Today, Israel’s boasts a vibrant econ- 60 years, the Israeli people have estab- Mr. Speaker, as we continue to pro- omy with a well-educated populace. lished a vibrant, pluralistic, demo- mote peace and stability for the people Israel’s GDP exceeded most major cratic political system that includes of Israel and all in the region, let us economies in 2007 and it’s reached Or- freedom of speech, association, reli- congratulate Israel on the occasion of ganization for Economic Cooperation gion, a vigorous free press, free, fair her 60th anniversary and reaffirm our and Development candidate status. and open elections, the rule of law, and steadfast support for one of America’s Israel’s 60 years on from that historic an independent judiciary. greatest allies. day next month is an extraordinary

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.054 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2519 success. But Israel is still in the neigh- been languishing in temporary reset- South Asia, the gentleman from Flor- borhood of sworn enemies. In its 60th tlement camps in Europe. The new ida (Mr. KLEIN). year of history, all of two Arab coun- State of Israel also became the home Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I tries have seen fit to recognize Israel. for Jews from scores of countries rise today to honor the State of Israel And today’s leader of Iran threatens around the world. In a very short pe- on its 60th birthday. Since its incep- with regularity to wipe Israel off the riod of time, Israel developed a strong tion in 1948, Israel has shared with the map. economy, became one of the leading United States and the people of the That’s why I rise today, Mr. Speaker, countries within the world in terms of United States an unbreakable bond of to say two things: Number one, I join development, of scientific technology, democratic freedom and a hope for se- my colleagues in both parties who rise and academic learning. curity and stability in the Middle East. to congratulate this historic accom- Since its creation, Israel has contin- Sixty years later, in a region where plishment of 60 years hence. But I also ually confronted hostile forces that fostering democracy and human rights say that as we commend Israel, we in threaten its existence, and the United is a top priority, Israel has continued this body in both parties should look States must remain steadfast in ensur- to be a strategic partner to the United for opportunities to recommit our- ing the security of Israel. States and a beacon of light through- selves to her defense. We cannot stand With the assistance of the United out the world. idly by while a gathering menace grows States, Israel was able to achieve peace The United States and Israel are nat- in the region. We cannot stand quiet treaties with Egypt and Jordan in the ural allies who share democratic gov- while some Americans travel overseas 1970s and 1990s, respectively. These ernments’ belief in the rule of law and and associate themselves with the agreements made Israel more secure a commitment to protect the human blood-soaked enemies of Israel. and greatly lessened the chances for rights of all people. My home State of So today we celebrate, and we cele- another Arab-Israeli war with those Florida has a particular special rela- brate in a spirit of bipartisanship. But two countries. However, peace negotia- tionship with Israel, and I have made I hope as this historic 60th anniversary tions between the Israelis and Palestin- bolstering Florida’s economic ties with approaches, we in this body in both ians, and friendly relations with its Israel one of my top priorities when I parties will look for those opportuni- other neighbors, have proved to be was in the Florida legislature. I worked ties upon which we can come together more difficult. with others on legislation that opened to rededicate ourselves to the preserva- It is my sincere wish that such nego- the State of Florida’s Trade Office in tion and the protection of Israel as a tiations will succeed, and that the Israel, and in my last visit to Israel, I Jewish state and to Jerusalem as her Israeli people and all peoples of that visited our sister city in Israel, Kiryat eternal capital. troubled region will be able to live in a Bialik, in order to reinforce that bond. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my lasting peace. It is with great pleasure that we cele- pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gen- Mr. Speaker, I hope that all Ameri- brate today, and coming up, Israel’s tleman from Maryland (Mr. VAN cans will join me in congratulating the 60th anniversary, and I join the Amer- HOLLEN). citizens of Israel and the entire Jewish ican people in congratulating Israel on Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I thank the gen- community on the 60th anniversary of its myriad of accomplishments and tleman and the chairman of the For- the establishment of the State of achievements. I hope that the next 60 eign Affairs Committee and congratu- Israel. years will bring peace, prosperity, and late him on his leadership along with Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I security to the State of Israel. the ranking member. reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am Mr. Speaker, this year on May 14 we Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the chair- will mark the 60th anniversary of the pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- woman of the Homeland Security Sub- founding of the State of Israel. We will tleman from New Jersey, a member of committee on Intelligence Information also celebrate the strong bonds of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assess- friendship and cooperation between the SIRES. ment, the gentlelady from California United States and Israel. Our country, Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise (Ms. HARMAN). under the leadership of President in support of H. Con. Res. 322, to recog- Ms. HARMAN. Thank you Mr. Chair- Harry Truman, was the first country to nize the 60th anniversary of the found- man for yielding. recognize the State of Israel. And he ing of the State of Israel and the bond The State of Israel and I are about later said, ‘‘I had faith in Israel before of friendship between the United States the same age. And the connection has it was established. I have faith in it and Israel. Like the United States, the been deep and constant throughout my now. I believe it has a glorious future State of Israel has stood as a beacon of life. My late father, a refugee from before it, not just as another sovereign democracy and hope for Jewish immi- Nazi Germany, spoke fluent Hebrew nation but as the embodiment of the grants all over the world. As an immi- and fondly remembered his early visit great ideals of our civilization.’’ We grant myself, I understand the impor- to Israel, then under British mandate. need to maintain the special relation- tance of the democratic freedoms and He returned to Israel many times, ship we have with Israel based on values that our Nation holds dear. The though never to his childhood home in shared values, common strategic inter- United States and Israel share and em- Germany. ests, and moral bonds of friendship. brace those values as the cornerstones I, too, make frequent visits to Israel, Today, we honor not only that coun- of a vibrant, democratic society. two in the past year, and am proud of try’s independence but the significance Last August, I was fortunate enough many friendships and recognition as a of what Israel stands for. to visit Israel for the first time, and I passionate advocate for the U.S.-Israel It represents the centuries-long witnessed the importance of friendship security relationship. Many of our yearnings of the Jewish people for a that the United States and Israel joint security programs with Israel, homeland of their own in the land of share. We share the common goals of like the Arrow Missile Defense System, their forebears. The pogroms in tsarist peace, freedom, security, and pros- continue to be among my highest pri- Russia in the late 19th and early 20th perity for our citizens and for the re- orities in Congress. Just a week ago, centuries and the Holocaust under the gion. Mr. Speaker, Congressman MARK KIRK Nazi regime in the 1930s and 1940s made I am pleased to help honor the State and I urged full sharing of the U.S.- the idea of a Jewish people having a of Israel on its 60th birthday, and I Israel early warning system to protect State of their own where they could would urge all of my colleagues to vote Israel from the possibility of incoming feel secure and never again be sub- in favor of this resolution. Iranian missiles. jected to such horrors and brutality Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Sixty years ago, as has been said, even more compelling and necessary. continue to reserve my time. President Harry Truman was first to After many years of struggle, Israel Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am now recognize the State of Israel. The emerged as an independent state. It pleased to yield 2 minutes to the vice United States and Israel have been gave refuge to tens of thousands of Hol- chairman of the Foreign Affairs Sub- democratic allies ever since in times of ocaust survivors, many of whom had committee on the Middle East and war and fragile peace.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.056 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2520 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 Israel has become a technology and Mr. Speaker, the bonds of trust be- Israeli people on their commitment to economic powerhouse, a beacon for the tween Israel and America have never democracy, peace and advancement. Jewish diaspora, a protector of the been stronger or more important than May the next 60 years bring continued rights of women and its minority Arab they are right now. Our Nation will prosperity and the realization of per- population. And yet, according to an stand firmly beside our Israeli friends manent peace for this great nation. excellent State Department report, over the next 60 years just as we’ve I urge my colleagues to support this anti-Semitism and anti-Israel senti- done over the last 60. And with a resolution. ment are growing. Most of Israel’s shared faith in God, a respect for lib- Mr. BERMAN. I yield myself the bal- neighbors do not recognize her right to erty, and a commitment to its defense, ance of my time. exist, and Iran’s leader actively threat- our friendship will only grow deeper. As Speaker PELOSI indicated in her ens to destroy her. May God bless the Jewish State of own comments, the person that I think Some of Israel’s actions are provoca- Israel on this anniversary and all of all of us in this Chamber miss very tive, to be sure. Halting new settle- those that will follow. much in not being able to manage this ment construction and easing check- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I resolution because of his own back- points could go a long way to ease ten- have no further requests for time and ground and his own deep love and com- sions. Yet as a recent yield back the balance of my time. mitment for the State of Israel was our MiamiHerald.com article points out, a Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am late chairman, Tom Lantos. This would key piece of the Israeli dream remains pleased to yield 2 minutes to the have been something that he would a mirage. For all their successes, gentlelady from New York, the chair- have been personally very gratified Israelis remain unsure that their coun- man of the Foreign Operations Sub- with, and certainly wanted to join in try’s presence is truly permanent. No committee and a very knowledgeable the trip that the Speaker will be lead- other nation on earth faces that fear, and supportive advocate for the U.S.- ing to the State of Israel in the next and the fear is not unfounded. Israel Israel relationship, Mrs. LOWEY. couple of weeks to help celebrate this distributes gas masks and practices Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentleman, anniversary. And so I think it’s fair to bomb shelters drills. This is hardly the very distinguished, extraordinary say that everyone in the Chamber birthday fare. But 60 years is a mile- Chair of the Foreign Affairs Com- wishes that things might have been dif- stone and perhaps a miracle. mittee. ferent, that he might have been here During Passover week, we retell and Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong himself to manage this resolution. And celebrate the story of the Jews’ exile support of H. Con. Res 322, which recog- we are looking forward to a group that from Egypt and quest to return to nizes the 60th anniversary of the found- the Speaker will be taking to Israel to Israel. ing of the modern State of Israel. actually personally participate in that The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. For all of us who gathered around the celebration. CARNAHAN). The gentlewoman’s time Passover table this weekend to pledge Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong has expired. ourselves, ‘‘next year in Jerusalem,’’ support of H. Con. Res. 322, which celebrates Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentlelady the Jewish State of Israel is a commit- the 60th anniversary of the Jewish State of 2 additional minutes. ment of both mind and heart. It is a Israel’s independence and reaffirms the friend- Ms. HARMAN. That quest continues. homeland for the Jewish people per- ship between the U.S. and Israel. I want to Dayenu. Peace remains illusive, but secuted, slaughtered and driven from thank the Speaker and the Minority Leader for that for sure is what my father would their land for centuries, and it con- sponsoring this legislation, as well as the wish and so do I. tinues to be a safe haven for refugees Chairman and Ranking Member of the Foreign Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at from around the world. Affairs Committee for bringing it to the Floor this time I am proud to yield 1 minute One of the most compelling experi- so quickly. to the leader on our side of the aisle, ences of my life was greeting the Ethi- On May 14, 2008, Israel will celebrate the Mr. BOEHNER of Ohio. opian Jews as they arrived in Ben 60th anniversary of Yom Ha’atzmaut, or the Mr. BOEHNER. Let me thank my Gurion Airport after their dramatic declaration of the State of Israel by David colleague from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it’s my honor to join rescue as a part of Operation Solomon Ben-Gurion in Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948. in the 1980s. I also will never forget vis- While this date traditionally celebrates Israel’s Speaker PELOSI in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. This iting with the children of Yemin Orde birth as a pluralistic democracy—the only one is just the first opportunity for us to in northern Israel. This youth village in the Middle East—this date also marks 60 honor the foundation of the Jewish is home to orphaned, disadvantaged years of strong and vibrant U.S.-Israel rela- State leading up to its anniversary on and at-risk children from over 20 coun- tions, 60 years of Israel’s success as one of May 14. tries, and it exemplifies Israel’s hu- the most technologically advanced countries in After 60 years, Israel may not be our manitarian commitment. Israel has of- the world, and 60 years of Israel struggling to oldest ally, but there is no doubt that fered its technical expertise in search find a peaceful solution to the ongoing Pales- it’s among our most treasured. Since and rescue, medicine, and humani- tinian-Israeli conflict. its establishment 6 decades ago, Israel tarian aid in the aftermath of nearly The U.S.-Israel relationship that we cele- has been a pillar of strength, integrity, every modern disaster, from Katrina to brate today is grounded in centuries-old Amer- freedom and, above all else, friendship. the tsunami. ican regard for Israel as the homeland of the Israel is also an intellectual and cul- Jewish people. This was so brilliantly dis- b 1645 tural hub: Eight Israeli citizens have cussed in Michael Oren’s latest book ‘‘Power, They’re not simply allies by chance. received the Nobel Prize, and Israeli Faith, and Fantasy,’’ which describes Amer- Our friendship has flourished over the technology has helped countless farm- ican support for Israel as the homeland for the last 60 years because we share the same ers in dry-weather areas and provided Jewish people starting before the American values. First and foremost, we recog- low-cost, life-saving drugs to millions. Revolution and being a strong element in U.S. nize that we would not exist if not for Moreover, Israel is a source of sta- foreign policy ever since. the grace and power of God. bility and a voice of reason in a neigh- But while this historic connection is true, Faith forms our Nation’s very foun- borhood plagued by extremism and vio- Israel’s value to the U.S. as a military and dation and is reflected in everything lent uprising. Its commitment to de- economic partner is also incredibly important. we do. We value liberty, and recognize mocracy and freedom of expression is For the last 60 years, Israel has been Amer- how precious it is in a world where it’s unshakeable, and it is our most reli- ica’s number one ally in an extraordinarily not only rare, but often under attack. able partner in our efforts to combat strategic region for the United States—she is, And we recognize the responsibility we terrorism, enhance human rights and in many ways, our ‘‘forward battleship of de- have to defend our freedom. That’s why basic freedoms, and encourage free in- mocracy’’ in a sea of totalitarians, terrorists, we have stood beside our Israeli allies stitutions. and murderous thugs. Just appreciate the fact for the past six decades and why we are It is simply incredible that all of this that the United States spends $150 billion a taking the fight to those committed to has occurred while Israel is under con- year in Iraq in order to have 165,000 U.S. destroying the Jewish state and, for stant threat. That is why I rise today combat troops stationed there. Without that matter, destroying us. to commend the State of Israel and the Israel—God forbid—the United States might

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.059 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2521 well need to have 100,000 or more troops sta- of a Jewish homeland and subsequent U.S. learned’’ from their extensive combat experi- tioned permanently in that part of the world to recognition of Israel’s sovereignty. In my ten- ence with their counter-parts at the Depart- protect U.S. strategic interests. ure in the House. I proudly followed his lead, ment of Defense. There are literally hundreds more examples encouraging close diplomatic, economic, and With U.S. help, Israel is able to maintain its of how Israel has helped the United States strategic ties with our fellow democratic nation. qualitative military edge for deterring aggres- since its founding in 1948 in matters of intel- Since its independence, Israel, the ‘‘key- sion by its potential enemies. By collaborating ligence, improving American military equip- stone in the arch of peace’’ in the Middle East, with Israel, the U.S. has a reliable, democratic ment, capturing Soviet and Russian equip- as my father put it, has dealt with its share of and technologically advanced partner in secur- ment, destroying the Iraqi nuclear reactor, ob- crisis and wars. The United States stood by as ing American strategic interests. This partner- literating the Syrian nuclear facility, and a its partner and friend and has served over the ship includes: bilateral strategic agreements thousand more classified instances where years as the chief broker in negotiations be- on military planning; ballistic missile defense Israel provided literally invaluable assistance tween Israel and its neighbors. It is imperative and counter-terrorism; joint development of to the United States in ways that no other the United States continue in these efforts and weapons and technologies; intelligence shar- country on the planet could do or has done. continue to foster a close friendship with ing; and combined military exercises. The U.S. For myriad reasons, the United States could Israel, as a nation that shares our ideals and and Israel have established a cost-effective not ask for a better friend and ally in the re- values. I urge my colleagues to support this partnership in the research and development gion than the State of Israel. The Israeli peo- resolution today, and honor the 60th anniver- of military technologies and know-how, and in ple know they will always be able to count on sary of Israel’s independence. identifying solutions to some of the most chal- the U.S. and the American people. Whether or Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sup- lenging technical problems facing both coun- not the Palestinians ever become a true part- port of H. Con. Res. 322, honoring the 60th tries’ military planners. ner for peace to the Israelis—and I certainly anniversary of the establishment of the mod- Despite its small size, Israel is recognized hope that they do—the United States will con- ern State of Israel’s independence. as a world leader in the quality of its indige- tinue to stand by the Jewish State of Israel After the horrible actions of the Holocaust, nously developed military technology. As such, and make sure it has the qualitative military Israel was established as an independent na- the U.S. has incorporated Israeli equipment edge and superior force to defend itself tion. She has since blossomed into a success- and technology into its armed forces. against all enemies. ful, democratic, and booming nation. It is also important to note that the ties be- Once again, I extend my best wishes and In times of uncertainty over the last 60 tween Israel and the Jewish Community in the congratulations to the people of the State of years, Israel has been a friend and a strong Sixteenth Congressional District of Texas re- Israel on their 60th Independence Day and ally to the United States. I stand here with my main strong. Through many community based urge my colleagues to join with me in strong colleagues and reaffirm this bond of friendship programs, the Jewish Federation of El Paso support of H. Con. Res. 322. and cooperation between the United States strives to strengthen this connection through Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be and Israel. education, through scholarships for trips to able to speak in support of House Resolution We support Israel and commend the Israel, and through financial and spiritual sup- 322, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of progress made as she continues to work to- port for their Israeli family. The Federation’s the founding of the state of Israel. wards peace with her Arab neighbors. upcoming celebration of Israel’s independence For the past six decades, Israel has per- I also commend all our Jewish friends in the (Yom Ha’atzmaut) will be a unifying experi- severed in its quest to establish a free, open United States whose tireless efforts contribute ence that will also help teach our younger and democratic society—a society that reveres to Israel’s success. generation about the incredible story of Israel. With my support of House Concurrent Reso- the same values that we do here in the United I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. lution 322, I recognize the historic significance States. It is for that reason that we have been Res. 322, reaffirm our friendship, and con- of the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment a stalwart ally of Israel. And it also for that gratulate Israel on this memorable occasion. of the sovereign and independent State of reason that we will be allies for the next 60 Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 322, Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people, years to come. and I extend my warmest congratulations and For as long as it has existed, Israel has recognizing the 60th anniversary of the found- best wishes to the State of Israel and the been a beacon for the Jewish Diaspora and a ing of the modern State of Israel and reaffirm- Israeli people for a peaceful, prosperous, and ing the bonds of close friendship and coopera- lone democracy in the Middle East. It has successful future. given refuge to those in search of a homeland tion between the United States and Israel. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Israel sets the example for the nations of and provided a safe haven for people around recognize the 60th anniversary of the founding the world who have fled from persecution. the Middle East, as the only true democracy in of the State of Israel. On May 14th, 1948, the While it has struggled with its neighbors to that region. For the past 60 years, Israel has people of Israel proclaimed the establishment find a workable peace, Israel and its people been a sanctuary of democracy and pluralism of the sovereign and independent State of have never ended its pursuit for a permanent in a region dominated by authoritarian re- Israel. solution. Over the years we have witnessed gimes. Israel is the only country in the Middle Over the last 60 years, Israel has built a na- too much bloodshed and considerable sorrow, East with free elections, a free press, freedom tion, forged a new and democratic society, but we have also seen the enduring faith that of religion, protection for minority rights and and created thriving economic, political, cul- peace will reign. other safeguards typical of a free society. tural and intellectual life. For six decades now, Israel has proven itself capable of monu- Like the United States, Israel is a country the United States and Israel have maintained mental achievement and I see no reason to founded by immigrants. Since its founding, the a special relationship and the U.S. continues despair that peace with its neighbors will not tiny state has absorbed more than three mil- to regard Israel as a strong and trusted ally be yet another of Israel’s achievement. lion immigrants from more than 100 countries, and an important strategic partner. I commend Israel on its 60th anniversary including Jews from the former Soviet Union On the House floor today, H. Res. 322, reaf- and believe its future is bright. And I continue and those forced to flee from Arab countries. firms Congress’s support for Israel and reaf- to hope that its future will be free of the vio- A haven for Jewish refugees from around the firms the bonds of friendship and cooperation lence of much of its past. world, Israel has also reached out to assist which have existed between the United States Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Jews wherever they suffer from persecution and Israel and commits to strengthening those a proud cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 322, rec- and has made the successful absorption of bonds. I too support Israel, its continued sta- ognizing the 60th anniversary of the State of new immigrants in society a top priority. bility, democratic principles and its important Israel. Israel established itself as a sovereign The United States and Israel have formed a role in the Middle East by extending the warm- nation on May 14, 1948. Since that time, it unique strategic partnership to meet the grow- est congratulations and best wishes to the has been a close friend and ally to the United ing dangers in one of the world’s most volatile State of Israel and the Israeli people for a States. regions. To support the U.S. war on tenor peaceful, prosperous, and successful future. Throughout the beginning of the 20th Cen- since September 11, 2001, the U.S. and Israel Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tury and in the aftermath of the Nazi Holo- share vital intelligence on terrorism, weapons strong support of this resolution to celebrate caust, millions of Jews from around the world proliferation and other threats, at a level of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the found a home in Israel. Serving as the rep- sensitivity almost unparalleled among Amer- modern State of Israel. resentative for Michigan’s 15th Congressional ican allies. Thousands of U.S. armed forces Mr. Speaker, just 60 years after its estab- District, my father, John D. Dingell, Sr., was personnel have utilized Israeli training facili- lishment as a modem state, Israel has flour- an outspoken proponent for the establishment ties, and Israeli officials have shared ‘‘lessons ished as a democracy and has proven to be

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.037 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2522 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 a close and trusted friend of the United States. Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise ments on Palestinian land, perpetuating the I want to associate myself with the remarks of in strong support of House Concurrent Resolu- consequences of dispossession and exile. Ad- many of my colleagues, especially those of tion 322, a resolution recognizing the 60th an- ditionally, I am concerned that the government the Honorable Speaker of the House NANCY niversary of the founding of the State of Israel. of Israel has increased the number of check- PELOSI and the Honorable Chairman of the Mr. Speaker, beyond just being an influen- points which destroy a viable Palestinian Committee on Foreign Affairs HOWARD BER- tial world leader, the State of Israel has been economy and a vibrant civil society. I am con- MAN. a staunch and ardently loyal ally of the United cerned that the Israeli government has erected The founding of Israel is a very emotional States over the last several decades. This a wall, often on Palestinian land, that divides issue, Mr. Speaker, not just for those who are great nation’s commitment to protecting it citi- Palestinians from Palestinians, rather than di- Jewish by religion and heritage, but for every- zens and securing its homeland are simply un- vide Israel from the West Bank. As stated by one who loves democracy, and who can matched. Judge Elaraby of the International Court of empathize with the pain of exile, the horror of Since the founding of the modern State of Justice in his 2004 Advisory Opinion on the le- unfathomable hatred, repression and discrimi- Israel in 1948, the bond between the United gality of Israel’s separation barrier, ‘‘The fact nation, and the yearning for home. States and our Middle East partner has grown that occupation is met by armed resistance In preparing for this anniversary, I came and remained strong. It is incumbent that we cannot be used as a pretext to disregard fun- across a copy of the letter signed by President as Members of Congress do all we can to damental human rights in the occupied terri- Harry Truman on May 14, 1948 recognizing make sure that this relationship continue to tory.’’ This conundrum of a dialectic of conflict the new state of Israel. Its simple words rever- flourish. further separates Israelis and Palestinians berate even today: ‘‘This Government has Mr. Speaker, the United States must make alike from hopes for peace. been informed that a Jewish state has been every effort possible to safeguard our relation- H. Con. Res. 322 eloquently states the proclaimed in Palestine, and recognition has ship with the Middle East’s only democracy, many reasons why I celebrate Israel’s accom- been requested by the provisional government Israel. Now more than ever, we must diligently plishments and I sincerely wish it a bright fu- thereof. The United States recognizes the pro- advance our shared interests and goals as it ture. I only wish to add that, in my opinion, visional government as the de facto authority pertains to promoting peace and combating and in the opinion of many Israelis and Pal- of the new’’—and here it scratches out Jewish terrorism. estinians as well, Israel’s future will be bright state and written in by hand are the words— Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to con- only if it includes an open dialogue with Pal- ‘‘State of Israel.’’ Signed Harry Truman, Ap- gratulate the State of Israel, the Israeli citi- estinians, a respect for human rights and inter- proved, May 14, 1948. zens, and the Jewish community on reaching national law, and a society built on coexist- For the past 60 years, Israel has rep- this milestone. This great nation has much to ence and tolerance. Israelis and Palestinians resented democracy in a region dominated by celebrate and be proud of on its 60th birthday. deserve to live in peace with justice and I en- mainly authoritarian regimes. Despite a con- Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I join my courage the United States government to help stant struggle for survival, Israel has flourished colleagues in Congress in celebrating Israel’s Israel achieve that so the joy of future anniver- as a center of innovation in the fields of agri- accomplishments over the past 60 years. I am saries will be unalloyed. culture, medicine, technology and alternative happy to be co-sponsor of this congratulatory I support the resolution in the spirit of rec- onciliation to which we must all inevitably turn, energy. resolution. However, like many Israelis and Like the United States, Israel is a nation of Palestinians, I have concerns about Israel’s fu- to achieve peace and justice with our brothers immigrants. Since its inception in 1948, ture, its stability, its security and the prospect and sisters from whom we may be estranged. Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Israel’s population has grown five-fold. Despite for peaceful coexistence for both Palestinians support of the bipartisan House Concurrent its small size, it has absorbed millions of immi- and Israelis. One of those concerns relates to Resolution 322, celebrating Israel’s 60th anni- grants from more than 100 countries. A haven the ongoing lack of resolution on the dis- versary. In the winter of 1982–83, I traveled to for Jewish refugees from around the world, possession of Palestinian property and the Israel with my husband Paul when he served Israel has helped Jews wherever they suffer dislocation of Palestinians after Independence. on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I It must be remembered that about 700,000 from persecution and welcomed them into had heard the passionate concern about Palestinians became exiled. Much Arab prop- Israeli society. In the 1990s, when the Soviet Israel’s tenuous geographic position from erty was appropriated. And about 500 Arab vil- Union collapsed, Israel absorbed a massive many in the Jewish community who were lages were destroyed. On December 11, wave of new immigrants. More than one mil- close to Paul and me—from my two brothers- 1948, the United Nations passed Resolution lion Jews from the former Soviet Union immi- in-law as well as from Paul’s closest 194, affording Palestinian refugees the right to grated to Israel, changing the face of Israeli confidantes in his Senate office, his Chief of society. return to their homes in Israel, or to com- Staff and Legislative Director, among others. Currently, Israel’s 7.1 million residents rep- pensation for their property should they But hearing and empathizing are very different resent a mosaic of people with varied ethnic choose not to return. To this day, the mandate from seeing and experiencing. On the trip to backgrounds, lifestyles, religions, cultures and of U.N. Resolution 194 has not been fulfilled. Israel, I saw and experienced. traditions. As we celebrate Israel’s 60th anni- Unfortunately, this failure remains as one of When one stands on the Golan Heights and versary, Jews now comprise 76 percent of the the most significant barriers to the realization looks out as I did at the slender strip of land country’s population, while the remainder, of a two-state negotiated solution. that Israel occupies between her adversaries mostly Arabs, number about 24 percent. Over I am also concerned for those Palestinians and the Mediterranean, the primacy of security 90 percent of the population lives in the urban who did not flee and who became Israeli citi- as the overriding factor in Israel’s relations centers, many of which surround ancient his- zens after Independence. According to the with its neighbors is brought vividly home. The torical sites. Only about 5 percent are mem- Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, other impression I came away with from that bers of Israel’s unique rural cooperatives—the today there exist 20 Israeli laws which explic- trip was how diverse and democratic Israel is kibbutz and the moshav. itly discriminate against the Palestinian minor- and how important it is for the United States Mr. Speaker, in 2005, I had the privilege of ity in Israel, who constitute 20 percent of its to support this vital democracy, both for traveling to Israel with then Minority Leader population. In its 2005 Annual Report, the U.S. Israel’s sake and our own. Israel is a model of Nancy Pelosi. It’s a visit I will never forget. We State Department said that ‘‘[There is] institu- the values we seek to promote around the were there at Easter. We visited Bethlehem tionalized legal and societal discrimination world, including her recognition of her female and the holy sites of Jews, Christians, and against Israel’s [Arab] Christian, Muslim and citizens as full participants in all aspects of so- Muslims. We touched the same stones that Druze citizens. The government does not pro- ciety. Beyond that, she is a critical ally and had once been touched by David and Sol- vide Israeli Arabs with the same quality of strategic partner. We must continue our com- omon. We walked on streets known to Josh- education, housing, employment and social mitment to the unique relationship we have ua. We were able to walk freely, to talk to services as Jews.’’ with Israel in the years ahead. people of all stations and professions. We Finally, Israel has a right to security and a Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take read a free press and heard a range of views, right to defend itself. Accordingly, I am con- this opportunity to share my strong support for freely spoken, without fear of reprisal. cerned that the 40 year military occupation of Israel upon its 60th anniversary and to remind Mr. Speaker, I have been and always will be the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jeru- the House of Missouri’s unique connection to a friend of Israel. I celebrate this 60th anniver- salem has been and continues to be brutal the creation of Israel—a critical democratic ally sary of her founding. And I pledge to work and unjust and undermines the security of of the United States. with my colleagues to bring peace and secu- Israel. It is a fact that the government of Israel President Harry S. Truman, Missouri’s favor- rity to this very special and unique nation. continues to support the construction of settle- ite son and the 33rd President of the United

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.042 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2523 States, was a long-time supporter of estab- wishes to the State of Israel and to her people homeland that reflects the most varied tradi- lishing a Jewish homeland and worked as on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the tions and trajectories of Jewish history. Time President to ensure Israel’s creation. founding of the modern State of Israel. and time again, with the support of the United A supporter of the Balfour Declaration, a Last August, I had the honor of going on an States, Israelis have taken great risks to seek British statement issued in 1917 that endorsed enlightening and humbling visit to Israel. peaceful coexistence with their Arab neigh- the establishment of a Jewish national home- As a child, I had heard the stories of Israel bors. land in Palestine, when Harry S. Truman be- from my mother. I pictured busy markets and One of the issues closest to my heart is came President of the United States in 1945, crowded streets, and men with yarmulkes in Israeli ingenuity in environmental conservation. he made clear his sympathy for the Jewish synagogues. Visiting the Holy Land was the While Israel’s commitment to the environment people and his concern for the sufferings they experience of a lifetime, and I was entranced has moral and economic dimensions, it has had endured during the Nazi Holocaust. by the sheer beauty of the living history that also been a security imperative. In 1946, President Truman urged British surrounded me. For much of its existence, Israel has been Prime Minister Clement Attlee to allow a rea- However, as I made my way through the subjected to Arab oil embargoes. Today, soar- sonable number of European Jews to immi- striking juxtaposition of modern and ancient ing oil prices are enriching adversaries like grate to British-controlled Palestine. The gov- architecture, I worried that I might find a grim Iran that are bent on its destruction. With the ernments of the United States and Great Brit- reminder of what this cherished place might price of oil now reaching $100 a barrel, Iran is ain created the Anglo-American Committee of become after years of fighting. reaping more than $90 billion in revenue a Inquiry to study the situation. The Committee One mother with whom I spoke told me a year. Those profits are being passed on to a recommended that the United Nations estab- sobering story. While driving in Israel with her dangerous nuclear program and terrorist cells lish a trusteeship over Palestine, with the goal family, as we do here everyday, a rocket ex- in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and beyond. of reconciling Jewish and Arab interests in the ploded next to her family’s car. Without think- The United States and Israel have built region. The Committee also agreed that ing, she jumped over the front seat to cover strong security ties to address these threats. 100,000 Jewish displaced persons should be her children from the shrapnel and smoke that But we need to explore energy-oriented solu- admitted to Palestine. On the eve of Yom filled the air around them. Protecting her chil- tions to help us overcome an addiction to oil Kippur in 1946, President Truman issued a dren was all she could think to do—in Israel that is driving prices even higher. I think Amer- statement supporting these recommendations. this is a conditioned response, a learned re- icans can learn a lot from Israel about water In response to a British request, the United flex. and energy conservation, and the use of solar Nations Special Committee on Palestine was Israelis want to live in peace. Foreign Min- power and other energy alternatives. Working created in May 1947. This Committee rec- ister Tzipi Livni told me that Israel is willing to together we can do even more to reduce car- ommended that the British mandate over Pal- make changes in the West Bank, release pris- bon emissions and reverse climate changes estine be terminated and that the area be par- oners, or give up land if that means peace. that threaten our national interests. For many, including my own parents and titioned into separate Jewish and Arab states. Many Israeli leaders share Livni’s optimism, as relatives, the idea of a Jewish state was a President Truman forced a reluctant U.S. do I, that peace will come to the region. dream. Its creation was indeed a miracle. State Department to support this plan. On No- We must begin to find ways to look beyond Since then, the U.S.-Israel alliance has only vember 29, 1947, the partition plan was ap- comfort zones to stem the tides that divide grown stronger. Today, we can look forward to proved by the U.N. General Assembly, thanks and find ties that bind. If we can take sub- many more decades of peaceful and pros- in large measure to vigorous American sup- stantive steps to stop the violence and move perous partnership. port. Palestinian Arabs and Arab governments towards peace and justice we will have moved Congratulations to the Israeli government remained strongly opposed to partition, and ef- mountains. and the Israeli people on the 60th anniversary. forts to find a peaceful settlement disinte- On May 14, 1948, Israel rose from the Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to grated. ashes of the Holocaust. Over these last 60 congratulate the people of the State of Israel In February 1948, President Truman’s close years, the American people have formed a and the greater Jewish community on the 60th friend and former business partner, Eddie profound and unshakable friendship with our anniversary of their independence. Jacobson, himself a Jewish person, sent Tru- democratic ally. The United States supported the establish- man a telegram asking him to meet with The United States must continue its commit- ment of the Jewish State in 1948, and our two Chaim Weizmann, the president of the Jewish ment to Israeli sovereignty, security, and de- countries have been the closest of friends and Agency for Palestine and the World Zionist Or- mocracy. We face common threats, share strong allies ever since. ganization. Angered by criticism from some common values and we must continue to work Our friendship is rooted in some deeply American Jewish leaders, President Truman together to achieve our common goals. shared beliefs. We believe in freedom of reli- refused to meet with Mr. Weizmann. In March I praise the miracle of Israel. The history of gion, in freedom of the press, and in freedom 1948, Mr. Jacobson walked into the White Israel and of her people is a story of freedom of speech. We believe in free and fair elec- House without an appointment and pleaded and rebirth that gives hope to oppressed peo- tions. And we believe that extremism and ter- with his old friend to meet with Weizmann. ples across the world and that will for mil- rorism have no place in the global community. The President relented, and when Weizmann lennia to come. Since its Independence, Israel has endured came to the White House a few days later, Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, next month the unstable and troubling conditions in the Middle Truman assured him that the United States State of Israel will celebrate its 60th anniver- East. They have been subject to violence and would continue to support the partition of Pal- sary. Indeed there are many reasons to be unwarranted attacks. They have been asked estine and the creation of a Jewish state. proud. to compromise their borders. They have had At midnight on May 14, 1948, the British Despite a backdrop of conflicts, boycotts, missile strikes threatening the lives of innocent mandate over Palestine expired and the new and constant regional turmoil, Israel has man- citizens on an almost daily basis. Yet, the State of Israel was proclaimed. Eleven min- aged to generate a vigorous economy, a vi- Israeli people remain united and strong—con- utes later, by order of President Harry S. Tru- brant democracy, and a robust military. It has tinuing to stand up for their beliefs and for man, the United States granted diplomatic rec- emerged as the closest and strongest ally the their country. ognition to the new Provisional Government of United States has in the Middle East and per- Israel is a modern success story. It is the Israel. Following Israel’s declaration of inde- haps in the entire world. only Democracy in the Middle East. It is the pendence, Arab armies invaded the new na- Some say Israel’s success is a miracle. only Middle Eastern country where Arabs have tion, and a long and continuing struggle for se- Maybe that comes as an easy explanation for the right to vote for their elected officials and curity began for Israel. a land steeped in Biblical history. The reality their political leaders. And, it is one of the only Mr Speaker, throughout the time I have of course is that the Israeli people don’t sit Middle Eastern nations without oil wealth that been privileged to serve in Congress, I have around waiting for miracles—they create them. has transformed itself from an agrarian based worked to foster a strong alliance between the From the battlefield of hard-fought wars to economy to a high tech economic power- United States and Israel. I am proud that Mis- the produce fields of flowering kibbutzim, house. souri’s favorite son, Harry S. Truman, was first Israelis have accomplished feats many Israel’s detractors, and those who hide their to recognize Israel and that our Nation has deemed impossible. They built up strong anti-Semitism behind anti-Zionism, must not stood shoulder-to-shoulder with that country democratic institutions in a region hostile to and will not denigrate the success of Israel. for these 60 years. their values. They turned a chaotic influx of That is why I stand here today. Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to Jews from Europe, Africa, the Americas and I believe the survival of the Jewish state is extend my warmest congratulations and best the Middle East into a prospering Jewish paramount. I believe her existence, while

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I am proud to be Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that H. Con. from developing and acquiring these weapons. one of Israel’s strongest friends in Congress. Res. 322 recognizes the many similarities be- To that end, I will continue to be a staunch ad- And today, I want to join my colleagues in tween Israeli and American values, ideals, and vocate for Congressional initiatives that en- Congress in wishing Israel a hearty Mazel Tov interests. Our two peoples maintain an equal hance American-Israeli cooperation and on 60 years of Independence. respect for the rule of law, democratic prin- strengthen Israel’s defensive capabilities. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong ciples, and progressive ideals that have pro- In the post-9/11 world, Americans and support of H. Con. Res. 322, a resolution to vided the foundations of our two societies for Israelis are forever linked by the common recognize the 60th anniversary of one of our decades. threats we face from terrorism and in our effort most steadfast and vital allies: Israel. I join with many of my colleagues in the to confront extremists. More importantly, our Although it was created at a time of great U.S. House of Representatives in highlighting two nations share a deep commitment to international uncertainty, from its inception my admiration for all that the nation of Israel human rights, civil society, freedom and de- Israel has been a determined ally of the has accomplished in the last 60 years. May mocracy. United States. Its history is a prime example this resolution before us today serve as the These shared values have created an un- of the strength that a commitment to political impetus for many more years of Israeli and breakable bond of friendship, and I urge my liberalism and equality of opportunity can af- American friendship, cooperation, and pros- colleagues to join me in pledging their commit- ford even the smallest and most vulnerable perity. ment to further enhance American-Israeli rela- state. Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to tions for generations to come. Israel is a nation that has weathered con- join my colleagues in marking Israel’s 60th an- It is my most sincere wish that the vision of stant threats from outside its borders, indeed, niversary. I want to express my strong support hope embodied in Israel’s national anthem, that was born out of war and conflict. But de- for House Concurrent Resolution 322, which Hatikva, may come to fruition and that Israel spite its harsh beginnings, this inspirational recognizes the 60th anniversary of the found- may soon find a genuine peace that will last country along the River Jordan has, for over ing of the modern State of Israel, and reaf- I’dor v’dor, from one generation to the next. To half a century, fended off threats to its sov- firms the bonds of close friendship and co- that end, I urge my colleagues to join me in ereignty and to its survival. And it has done so operation between the United States and recognizing the 60th anniversary of Israel. even as it has built a pluralistic society Israel. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in grounded in the highest ideals of equality, rep- On this historic day for Israelis and Jewish support of the bipartisan House Leadership resentative government, and democratic prin- communities around the globe, it is imperative Resolution, H. Con. Res. 322, of which I am ciples. that Congress recognizes this important event a cosponsor, to celebrate the 60th anniversary Mr. Speaker, a nation as threatened as and once again reaffirms America’s ironclad of the State of Israel. Israel could certainly be excused for turning commitment to and friendship with the State of In 1947, the year I was born, the area now inward on itself, focusing on defending its terri- Israel. Given the difficulties facing Israelis in known as Israel was about to go through a tory and citizens against terrorism, and with- their efforts to secure lasting peace and secu- birth of its own. In 1948, with the founding of drawing from an international community that rity, it is essential that the United States and the only Jewish state to ever exist in history, has increasingly targeted it with unfair sanc- the American people stand shoulder to shoul- Jews found that their new homeland was filled tions and biased political statements. It is a der with Israel. with sand and little water, but it was also filled testament to the character and inner strength Since 1948, Israelis have created a thriving with great hope and resolve. Following the of the Israeli people that they have not al- Jewish homeland, overcoming numerous ob- murder of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust, this lowed their country to do so. stacles and challenges. They have also dis- small country would soon become a homeland Instead, Israel has repeatedly volunteered played enormous courage and fortitude in the for another 6 million Jews, free to practice Ju- its resources, manpower, and experience to face of unconscionable terrorism, violence and daism, but still targeted for their faith. help victims of disasters around the world. It threats to their very existence. In six decades, While Israel was formed, Jews all over the has sent humanitarian aid and emergency a democratic and free state, Israel, has risen Middle East were facing a crisis of their own; medical supplies to war zones in Rwanda; dis- from the ashes of the Holocaust and devel- Jewish refugees in Arab lands were expelled aster areas in Turkey, the Indian Ocean, and oped into one of the most technologically ad- systematically, under an official regime policy along the Gulf Coast; and, to fire-scorched vanced and innovative nations on Earth. which included anti-Jewish decrees, pogroms, areas in Greece. Israel’s national mission is a Through all of the hardships, Israel has per- murders and hangings, anti-Semitic incitement higher calling than mere survival or self-per- severed and joined the United States and our and ethnic cleansing. The Arab League’s 1947 petuation. It is an example to the world of the democratic allies by creating a nation based decree provided a formula for state-sanctioned power of a determined national spirit, a citi- on freedom, justice and human rights. To that discriminatory measures, replicated in many zenry dedicated to justice, and a set of found- end, I join my colleagues in praising the Israeli Arab countries, in a deliberate campaign to ing principles that cannot be corrupted even people, whose nation has become a shinning expel the Jewish refugees from their home by the constant threat of terrorism. bastion of democracy in a region rife with dic- countries. Unlike the Palestinians, the Jewish Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, terrorism is a tators, extremists and hate. refugees were absorbed into their new host serious and ever-present threat to Israel’s sov- While Israelis celebrate 60 years of inde- countries, mostly by Israel. About 600,000 ereignty and menaces innocent Israeli citizens pendence, their freedom and security con- stayed in Israel and the remaining 300,000 on a daily basis. As the number of rockets tinues to be challenged by terrorist groups fled to other countries, such as France, Can- aimed at Israel by Hamas and other terrorist such as Hamas and Hezbollah as well as by ada, Italy, and the United States. In Israel organizations has increased in recent days, the leading state sponsors of terrorism Syria today, the Jewish refugees from Arab coun- the world has been reminded of the ugly inten- and Iran. Unfortunately, Israelis know inti- tries and their children comprise the majority tions of those who refuse to discuss peace mately the challenges that come with pro- of the Jewish population. with the only democracy in the Middle East. tecting their people, understanding that ter- This House recently adopted my resolution, By contrast, Israel has demonstrated time rorism knows no borders and cannot be justi- H. Res. 185, urging that the rights of Jewish and again that it is willing to make conces- fied, qualified or ignored. refugees be recognized in any future com- sions to other countries in the name of peace. As a Member of Congress deeply con- prehensive Middle East settlement. We are As a result, it now lives beside its Jordanian cerned about the threats posed to Israelis by continually working to ensure that any Middle and Egyptian neighbors in relative calm. terrorist attacks, I believe it is critical that the East peace agreement is just, fully just to all However, organizations like Hamas and United States support Israel’s right to self de- parties. Hezbollah, along with countries like Syria and fense. In that vein, I cosponsored House Res- This is a continual process. From its first Iran, have refused to take meaningful steps to olution 951, declaring America’s solidarity with day, Israel has fought for its right to exist forge similar agreements that could begin to Israelis as they face continuous rocket attacks when it was attacked by its Arab neighbors. heal the regional divisions that restrict the Mid- from Hamas in Gaza. These rocket attacks Since then, continuous wars have been dle East from reaching its full potential. For are a daily reminder to Israelis and their waged, all aiming to destroy the Jewish state

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.049 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2525 and its people. At times, mothers and fathers teach the public and government how to better Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today have had to buy gas masks for their children; itself, and an independent judiciary which the House of Representatives voted on H. young children have had to celebrate their seeks to preserve the liberties for which it has Con. Res. 322, recognizing the 60th anniver- birthdays in bomb shelters. Despite this, fami- fought. sary of the founding of the modem State of lies have shared laughter on the beaches of The relationship the United States has with Israel and reaffirming the bonds of close the Mediterranean; young couples have Israel is special; we have more in common friendship and cooperation between the peo- danced on the rooftops of Jerusalem. That all than we do apart, and we continue to work in ple of the United States and the people of of these times have been simultaneous is a cooperation to achieve the broader goals of a Israel. I am proud to be a cosponsor and testament to the strength and determination peaceful future for our children and grand- strong supporter of this legislation because it for not only the State of Israel, but for human- children. As we grow together as democratic pays appropriate honor and respect to our tru- ity. nations facing challenging times, I urge my est partner and defender of freedom and de- Following their independence, Israel’s peo- colleagues to support this resolution acknowl- mocracy in the Middle East, Israel. ple, driven to immigrate for fear of persecution edging the special bonds of friendship the Since its establishment 60 years ago, the and for their ideological dreams, struggled with United States shares with our only democratic people of Israel have turned a desert into a basic life, rationing food and living in makeshift ally in the Middle East, Israel. I thank our lead- new nation, forged a new and dynamic soci- shelters. The early immigrants began building ership for sponsoring this resolution and I ety, and created a unique and vital economic, the land, irrigating, planting, and educating strongly urge its passage. political, cultural, and intellectual life despite their children. Working in the sun, Israel’s Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in very the heavy costs of seven wars, unrelenting wrinkles began to show the stress, but the strong support of H. Con. Res. 322 and to terrorism, frequent international ostracism, and outcome can be seen today; flowers and olive offer my warmest congratulations on the 60th economic boycotts. Through it all, the people trees on the hillsides and universities at full anniversary of the founding of the State of of Israel and the people of the United States capacity. In cooperation with the United States Israel. have shared a special bond. Forged originally and other countries, innovations by Israelis in On May 14, 1948, the people of Israel pro- in Israel’s fight for survival, for freedom and for science, energy, agriculture, technology, and claimed the establishment of the sovereign democracy in a region dominated by authori- medicine have been felt around the world. and independent State of Israel. Since this tarian and military regimes; today that relation- Today, the country is flowing with milk and proud and historic day, Israel has proven itself ship encompasses broad, social, cultural and honey, as a nation of immigrants and a home to be a vibrant democracy and a true friend of economic ties as well. for the persecuted. But it is also facing much freedom. Throughout, the United States and For 60 years, the United States and Israel hardship. Like the United States, Israel was Israel have had a special friendship; an un- have maintained a special relationship based founded by immigrants escaping persecution breakable bond between nations whose rela- on mutually shared democratic values, com- and wanting to live in peace. But while Israel tionship is much deeper than mere allies of mon strategic interests, and moral bonds of remains a sanctuary for Judaism, it remains a convenience. friendship and mutual respect; most impor- dangerous place to be a Jew. During its six decades of existence, the tantly, the people of the United States have a In its 60th year, Israel faces some of its Israeli people have faced the most grave special affinity for the people of Israel, and re- greatest challenges and needs its allies and threats from hostile neighbors and have brave- gard Israel as a strong and trusted ally and an friends more than ever. The Middle East is still ly defended themselves against repeated ter- important strategic partner. To our ally, our a very dangerous place, and scapegoating rorist and military attacks. Yet, despite the partner, and our friend, I offer my prayers for Israel is still a very convenient means of hold- years of war, terrorism, and diplomatic and peace and my congratulations on your 60th ing power for some very dangerous autocrats. economic isolation by enemies far and near, birthday. Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I Such tactics are deplorable, and we must do the Israeli people have never turned away would like to congratulate the Nation of Israel everything we can to stop them. from their vibrant, pluralistic democracy that on its 60th anniversary and add my support While some Arab states have been working guarantees freedom of speech, association with us to respond to Iran’s vicious lies and for H. Con. Res. 322. and religion. The Nation of Israel holds a unique position rhetoric, we must also continue to demand Indeed, the modern State of Israel has built in the history of Western Civilization, and is that Israel, our democratic ally, be recognized a new and dynamic democratic society and supported the world over by millions of Chris- by these very states. And we must call for the created a thriving economic, political, cultural tians, Jews and people of other faiths. immediate and unconditional release of Israeli and intellectual life. It is a nation of immi- I have had the pleasure to serve as the co- soldiers kidnapped and held captive by Hamas grants, as is the United States, which has chair of the Israel Allies Caucus in the House and Hezbollah, which is called for by H. Res. benefited from the diversity of its population. and it has been my pleasure to work with 107, a bill I cosponsored. Throughout my career in Congress, I have members of the Knesset on important issues Indeed, Israel is now at a critical cross- consistently made a strong and close relation- of concern to both United States and Israel. roads. We hope for the best, but we remain ship between the United States and Israel During my years in Congress I have come mindful that peace cannot be achieved unless among my highest priorities. As the only true to know and befriend numerous Israelis, and I sincere and substantive acts are forthcoming democracy in the Middle East and our closest am always moved by their sincere desire for from the Palestinians. Terror must come to an ally in the region, I firmly believe that we must peace. The vast majority of people in Israel end, as must incitement. At middle age, and I support Israel as it faces the many serious hope for a day when their hostile neighbors speak of personal experience, as I am also threats to its very existence. We must stand recognize and embrace their presence in the marking my 60th year, one must take stock of shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel when it is Middle East. I am proud that America was by their past and look forward to the future. The under attack and support its right of self-de- Israel’s side in 1948, and I am proud today to Israeli State and its people continue to work to fense even when the rest of the world turns highlight this relationship between our coun- preserve its foundation as a Jewish state with away. tries that is now 60 years strong. Jewish values, while they live in a region As we approach the 60th anniversary of Only two short years ago, the Jewish popu- where the very idea of the existence of a Jew- Israel’s founding, I am reminded not only of lation in Israel surpassed the Jewish popu- ish state continues to be challenged. As Israel the close strategic ties between our countries, lation in the United States, and soon there will looks toward the future, integrating its immi- but of how much our two nations have in com- be more Jewish people in Israel than perished grants, expanding its economy, preserving its mon. Through Democratic and Republican Ad- in the Holocaust. While we will always remem- heritage, and providing foreign assistance and ministrations, alike, the bonds between us ber the atrocities of the 20th century against refuge to Jews throughout the world, the have only grown stronger. As Israel enters its the Jewish people, today we recognize and af- United States will stand alongside her in her seventh decade, let us resolve ourselves to firm this moment in history as a triumphant re- quest for peace and prosperity. make security and prosperity of the State of alization of the dream for a Jewish homeland. We hope to learn from each other; Israel Israel a key priority here in the House of Rep- Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong continues to fight terror alongside the United resentatives while we continue to promote a support of H. Con. Res. 322, recognizing the States and stands as an example of how to warm and unshakable friendship between the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State balance civil liberties and security, religious U.S. and Israel. of Israel. And I would like to commend Speak- freedom and the expression of religious values Once again, I urge my colleagues to support er PELOSI for introducing this resolution and for in its economic and political structure. Like the H. Con. Res. 322 and offer my warmest con- bringing it to the floor. United States, the Jewish democratic State gratulations to the Israeli people on the 60th This is a truly bipartisan resolution, intro- has a robust freedom of press that serves to anniversary of their independence. duced with the support of the leadership of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.086 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2526 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 both parties in the House. This bipartisanship ing of the modern State of Israel and reaffirm- of freedom and democracy in an area histori- is entirely appropriate, because Americans ing the bonds of close friendship and coopera- cally rampant with violence and oppression. In agree that the State of Israel is a great friend tion between the United States and Israel. just 60 short years, Israel has become the of the United States, and we all celebrate the First and foremost, I want to commend economic leader of the Middle East by proving anniversary of its founding today. Chairman HOWARD BERMAN of the Foreign Af- to its people the rewards of capitalism, while A century ago, Theodore Herzl dreamed of fairs Committee for his support and commit- also leading the region in other facets of a a Jewish homeland, and envisioned Israel as ment to this important resolution. I also want free society, including human rights and free- a ‘‘light unto the nations.’’ Since 1948, Israel to acknowledge the leadership of my good dom of the press. has been that light. I am pleased to join with friend, Ranking Member ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN Israel has worked hard to develop friendly my colleagues in supporting Israel as it con- for her spirit of cooperation on this bipartisan working relationships with its neighbors, Egypt tinues to shine brilliantly as a force for legislation. I especially want to thank Speaker and Jordan, setting an example of leadership progress and hope, not only in the Middle PELOSI and the original cosponsors of this his- and peace while other countries around them East, but throughout the entire world. torical resolution. spread hatred and terror. As the Middle East Prime Minister Golda Meir believed that one I also want to congratulate the government comes to embrace the liberties and freedoms day there would be peace in Israel, because and the people of Israel who will be cele- of democratic societies, the United States will there are mothers and grandmothers—and let brating the 60th anniversary of their great stand steadfast in its commitment to a free me add fathers and grandfathers—in Egypt, in country. We must acknowledge the impor- Israel. Jordan, in Syria and the Palestinian territories tance of the actions made by the United Na- Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize who also want their children and grandchildren tions during the 1940s to create the Jewish and congratulate the success of Israel on its to live in peace. Today is an opportunity to be state soon after the horrific atrocities com- 60th anniversary. It is vital the United States hopeful about the future of Israel and the pros- mitted by the Nazis during World War II. Dur- continue to develop its strong relationship with pects for peace—hopeful that we will soon ing the Holocaust, the Nazis murdered some Israel so that many other countries around the reach the day when children will have to turn 6 million Jews and imprisoned many more in world still oppressed and ruled by terror can to the history books to learn that there ever concentration camps. see the true value of a free and democratic was conflict in the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, Israel has continued to thrive society. Today, as we celebrate the founding of the despite constant military attacks, threats of ter- Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support State of Israel, our great ally and friend, we rorism, and international boycotts that have of H. Con. Res. 322 and join my colleagues in also know that independence is not enough been placed on such a young government. congratulating the people of the State of Israel without security. The Jewish homeland must Being the only democracy in the Middle East, on the 60th anniversary of their independence. In its short 60 years as an independent na- be secure and must be surrounded by neigh- we must applaud their efforts in sustaining a tion, Israel has made remarkable achieve- bors who respect its right to exist in peace democratic political system. Israel has contin- ments in all sectors of society. and security. Through struggle and sacrifice, ued to emphasize the importance of inalien- Despite its tumultuous experiences, Israel is ingenuity and innovation, Israel has managed able rights that are much like the U.S. Their a vibrant democracy that embraces a free 60 years in a dangerous and unstable region protection of individual rights, freedom of the press and political dissent. of the world. Let us hope that the conflicts that press, freedom of religion, fair and open elec- Israel has also contributed remarkably have marked Israel’s first 60 years will subside tions and rule of law are examples of their un- through miraculous breakthroughs in medicine, in the years to come. wavering commitment to democracy and they revolutionary technological advancements, cul- Sixty years ago, Israel’s pioneers began to remain a model for neighboring countries in tural icons and an agricultural system that is a revitalize an ancient land. Today, Israelis re- the region. model for the entire world. main pioneers at heart—pioneers for peace, Israel is at the forefront of modern tech- But the one thing Israel has yet been unable prosperity and progress. They are once again nology and they have taken the lead in re- to achieve is a lasting peace with its neigh- facing challenges in their homeland with deter- search and development from everyday elec- bors. mination and a vision for a better future for tronics to renewable energy resources. This is Wouldn’t the best way to celebrate Israel’s their children and for their country. important given the global dependence on oil 60th anniversary be a renewed commitment to I congratulate the State of Israel on its 60th and the perpetual rise in the cost of fuel. Ear- peace? anniversary, and I urge adoption of this resolu- lier this year, I visited Israel with Ambassadors We know that peace will only be achieved tion. of the Pacific Islands to the United Nations through a two-state solution. Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I and we personally witnessed Israel’s devotion The Palestinian people’s legitimate political rise today in recognition of the 60th anniver- to research and development for improving the aspirations must be realized in order for the sary of the founding of the modern State of lives of all. Their technological advancements people of Israel to live safely and securely. Israel and reaffirm the friendship and coopera- in wind, water, and solar energy as well de- I have spent time with Israelis and Palestin- tion between the United States and Israel. salination and diabetes research are the tip of ians and the message they convey is uni- Since its establishment 60 years ago, the the iceberg for what Israel has contributed to versal. State of Israel has rebuilt a nation and devel- the global community. They just want to live in peace knowing that oped a new and dynamic democratic society. This resolution reaffirms the U.S. support for the future for their children is brighter than the The Israeli government and its people have Israel as an ally and a strong partner in the re- past they have experienced. created a thriving economic, political, cultural gion. Israel has a unique role to play in the It is time for us to focus on our common and intellectual life despite the heavy costs of Middle East and has a historical importance to goals rather than our differences. It is time to foster the people-to-people pro- war, terrorism, and unjustified diplomatic and Christians and Muslims throughout the world. grams that connect Israelis and Palestinians economic boycotts against the country. We must continue to strengthen U.S.-Israel re- The Israeli people have established a nation on more human levels. lations and support their efforts for peace in Peace for Palestinians and Israelis is in the of diverse cultures with a deep connection to the Middle East. best interest of everyone in the region and their historical past while at the same time Again, I want to take this opportunity to ex- also the United States. forging their place in today’s global economy. tend my personal congratulations to the peo- The U.S. must be active participants in the Israel has proven its commitment to creating a ple of Israel and their government for their peace process and direct more resources to- better global community by becoming a world 60th anniversary celebration. May they con- wards this goal. leader in technology. tinue to succeed, and may their future be Again, the best way to celebrate Israel’s an- On Israel’s 60th anniversary it is important prosperous. I strongly urge my colleagues to niversary is to secure a safer future for her to recognize the achievements of the Israeli support this resolution. citizens. people and of the Jewish community whose Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to I remain committed to this goal and urge my faith and commitment to democracy is a bea- support H. Con. Res. 322. colleagues to do the same. con of hope for peace and stability. America’s As Israel celebrates the 60th anniversary of I wish Israel and all Israelis a ‘‘Yom Huledet commitment to Israel reflects our support for the founding of its modern state, I rise to rec- Sameach’’ and look forward to the continued those nations that share our values of liberty ognize the bonds of close friendship and co- friendship enjoyed by the people of Israel and and equality. operation forged over the years between the the United States. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise United States and Israel. Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 322, Since declaring its independence on May recognize the 60th anniversary of the founding recognizing the 60th anniversary of the found- 14, 1948, Israel has been the shining symbol of the modem State of Israel.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.063 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2527 Israel has been a constant friend of the Mr. Speaker, Israel is truly one of our great- freedom for all groups who have been op- American people and a strong proponent for est allies and most trusted friends. She stands pressed. the spread of democracy. as a beacon of democratic values in a region The creation of the State of Israel followed In my travels, I saw the future for Israel and of the world where those values are largely the attempted extermination of the Jewish for the region: The children. It is our moral ob- absent. Today, we celebrate the friendship people in the Holocaust. Neighborhoods and ligation to current and future generations to that exists between our two Nations and look Jewish communities were divided and families support a true path to peace and reconcili- forward to strengthening and expanding our were shattered, but the identity of the Jewish ation. We must work towards a time free from bond in the future. people as a whole remained strong. The faith, conflict. The children of Israel and the region Mr. MCNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I join today hope, and belief in each other and their herit- deserve the right to hope and dream of a with many of my colleagues in supporting this age kept the eternal flame of the Jewish peo- world that is secure and stable. Resolution celebrating the 60th anniversary of ple burning, even in those grave times of de- Today, I join my colleagues in recognition of the State of Israel. spair. this important anniversary and look forward to On May 14, 1948, the Jewish people proud- Following World War II, the Jewish people, a peaceful role for the U.S. throughout the re- ly stood up and, for the first time in 2000 having lost six million of their own, had no- gion. years, renewed for themselves a Jewish where to go—no land to call their own. On No- Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. homeland. Today, Israel is the only real and vember 29, 1947, the United Nations general Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in stable democracy in the Middle East, and a assembly voted to partition the British Man- support of H. Con. Res. 322, celebrating the true friend to the United States. date of Palestine and create a Jewish State. 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. In the past 60 years, Israel has built a vi- On May 14, 1948, the people of Israel pro- Last summer, I was fortunate enough to visit brant and pluralistic society, become a leader claimed the establishment of the sovereign Israel for the first time. For me as a practicing in the high tech and renewable energy sec- and independent State of Israel, and the Catholic, it was a humbling experience to walk tors, produced 8 Nobel Prize laureates, freed United States Government established full dip- the same streets that Jesus walked over 2,000 and welcomed oppressed Jews from across lomatic relations with Israel. years ago. Israel is a Jewish state, but Jeru- the globe, and has continued to be a cham- Not only has Israel provided so much to the salem is at the center of three world religions pion of humanitarian causes throughout the Jewish people, absorbing millions of Jews and when I was there, I felt like I was among world. from countries throughout the world and inte- friends. Despite war and terrorism, Israel remains grating them into Israeli society, it has also I know first hand how badly America needs dedicated to a lasting peace with its neigh- done much to assist other nations facing nat- allies and friends in the Middle East. Having bors. I pray for hatikva, the hope of the Jewish ural and manmade crises around the world. served in Iraq, I understand how important the people, to continue to flourish in Israel, and I Israel regularly sends humanitarian aid, Israeli-American relationship is. They are our am honored to congratulate our friend, the search-and-rescue teams, mobile hospitals, most important ally and one of our great State of Israel, on reaching this occasion. I and other emergency supplies, to help victims friends. They are our partners in peace and in join you in wishing for many more years of of disasters around the world. war. And while we do not shrink from the fight continued prosperity, friendship, and success. Just as our brave men and women fight to against terrorism, we also recognize that this Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise protect democratic values, Israel, too, fights global battle is one that cannot be won without today in support of H. Con. Res. 322, recog- for its right to exist and to protect its citizens. diplomacy. nizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of Every day, Israel bravely defends itself from The 60th anniversary of Israel’s founding is the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the repeated terrorist and military attacks. In addi- a landmark moment. In her brief history, great bonds of close friendship and cooperation be- tion, it has established peaceful bilateral rela- soldiers, noble statesmen and women and in- tween the United States and Israel. tions with neighboring Egypt and Jordan and spiring leaders have made history by refusing Since its founding, Israel has been one of has made its desire to establish peaceful rela- to back down in the face of great adversity. America’s staunchest allies. As the only de- tions with all Arab states abundantly clear. As we celebrate this historic day, we must mocracy in the Middle East, a close relation- The American people feel a strong affinity also take time to remember those that have ship between the United States and Israel for the Israeli people based on common val- fallen in her defense. Brave men like my fel- helps ensure stability in that region. ues and shared cultural heritage and the low paratrooper and fellow Pennsylvanian Mi- The ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict is of United States continues to regard Israel as a chael Levin. Michael’s story serves as an in- great concern to me. The loss of innocent strong and trusted ally and an important stra- spiration to me as he embodied and personi- lives on both sides is troubling and tragic. The tegic partner. For 6 decades, the United fied the values that America and Israel hold in ultimate solution must come in the form of a States and Israel have maintained a special common: Loyalty, honor and sacrifice. He left true peace between these neighbors so they relationship based on mutually shared demo- the comforts of America to serve in the Israeli may live side-by-side. I support policies that cratic values, common strategic interests, and Defense Force—and he died protecting the promote a peaceful solution to the conflict. I the bonds of friendship and mutual respect. country and the people he loved. Americans have visited the region a half dozen times and and Israelis alike will always remember his met with leaders in several of the key coun- At this time, I wish to congratulate the State courage and keep his memory in our hearts. tries. I am convinced that a path to peace is of Israel on its 60th anniversary and reaffirm Today is also a day where we must pray for the only way to provide true security and pros- my commitment to maintaining the close those Israeli soldiers being held captive by perity for every nation. friendship and cooperation between the United Israel’s enemies. As a former soldier myself, Since Israel is our strongest ally in the Mid- States and Israel. my thoughts and prayers are with Gilad Shalit, dle East, peace in this troubled area is of di- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev and their rect interest to our Nation. Our Nations’ strong back the balance of my time. families. We pray for their safety and hope for alliance will help create a lasting peace be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The their swift return. tween the Palestinians and the Israelis and question is on the motion offered by Mr. Speaker, this significant moment is a will diminish much of the tension and violence the gentleman from California (Mr. time where we should also pray for peace and throughout the Middle East. BERMAN) that the House suspend the understanding around the world—but espe- Born out of the tragedy of World War II and rules and agree to the concurrent reso- cially in the Middle East. We pray that in the the Holocaust, Israel provides a safe and se- lution, H. Con. Res. 322. near future, Israel and her neighbors will live cure homeland for Jewish people from the en- The question was taken. side-by-side in peace and that no more lives tire world. I thank Israel for its friendship with The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the will be lost in this needless cycle of violence the United States, and look forward to another opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being and hate. 60 years of close cooperation between our in the affirmative, the ayes have it. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in Nations. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I Congress and all of the families in my district Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- demand the yeas and nays. as we pledge to always support efforts to ognize the 60th anniversary of the founding of The yeas and nays were ordered. maintain Israel’s identity as a Jewish state the State of Israel and to reaffirm the bonds of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- with secure borders. We also commit our- close friendship and cooperation between the ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the selves to work diligently towards the creation United States and Israel. The birth of the State Chair’s prior announcement, further of a viable and independent Palestinian state, of Israel gave the Jewish people a land to call proceedings on this motion will be living in peace alongside of Israel. their own and serves as a symbol of hope and postponed.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.053 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 RECESS California (Mr. MCNERNEY) and the the other crucial environmental issues The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- gentleman from Maryland (Mr. BART- of our time. We need to preserve our ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair LETT) will each control 20 minutes. precious natural resources, and to do declares the House in recess subject to The Chair recognizes the gentleman that, we have to maintain our national the call of the Chair. from California. lands, protect biodiversity, ensure Accordingly (at 4 o’clock and 54 min- GENERAL LEAVE clean air for everybody, and make utes p.m.), the House stood in recess Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask smart investments in environmental subject to the call of the Chair. unanimous consent that all Members cleanup efforts. These are important f may have 5 legislative days to revise legislative opportunities before us, and and extend their remarks and to in- I hope that we will embrace the chance b 1722 clude extraneous materials on H.R. to preserve our treasured landscapes. I AFTER RECESS 1117, the resolution now under consid- am optimistic about our environmental The recess having expired, the House eration. future. Looking forward, I see an The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there was called to order by the Speaker pro America that runs on clean sources of objection to the request of the gen- tempore (Mr. CARNAHAN) at 5 o’clock energy and supports a wide spectrum of tleman from California? family wage green energy jobs. I see an and 22 minutes p.m. There was no objection. f America where environmentally sus- Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield tainable building practices are the myself such time as I may consume. EARTH DAY norm, not the exception. And I see an Mr. Speaker, today, all over the Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I America where our most beautiful world, concerned citizens are coming move to suspend the rules and agree to together to celebrate the 38th annual landscapes are protected for our chil- the resolution (H. Res. 1117) declaring anniversary of Earth Day. Since its in- dren and grandchildren. the support of the House of Representa- I commend the organizers of Earth ception in 1970, Earth Day has become tives for the goals and ideals of Earth Day and the millions of people around an international call to action on be- Day and for developing the scientific the globe who are participating in half of the environment, and I am and technological capabilities to Earth Day events today. Your dedica- proud to offer this resolution in sup- achieve those goals. tion is admirable, and I am confident port of the goals and ideals of Earth The Clerk read the title of the resolu- that environmental awareness and ac- Day. tion. We are constantly reminded of the tivism will continue to flourish. I am The text of the resolution is as fol- serious environmental challenges that also inspired by the grassroots commit- lows: our country and our world are facing. ment to environmental protection that H. RES. 1117 The greatest challenge, global warm- Earth Day embodies, and I look for- Whereas the need to educate Americans on ing, continues to grab headlines, as it ward to celebrating many more Earth the importance of stewardship of the envi- should. We are already feeling the ef- Days in the future. ronment led to the first Earth Day in 1970, Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my col- the passage of a variety of environmental fects of a heating planet, and it is long past time for our country to get seri- leagues to join me in supporting the laws, and substantial environmental im- goals and ideals of Earth Day. provements over the intervening years; ous about climate change. Global warming is a serious threat, I reserve the balance of my time. Whereas substantial air quality and other Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. I rise environmental problems persist in many but also presents an opportunity and areas of our country; strong motivation to develop the clean in support of this resolution commemo- Whereas today increasing numbers of energy economy of the future. I spent rating Earth Day and its goals and Americans are concerned with the relatively much of my career before entering Con- ideals. The first Earth Day was cele- rapid changes in our environment and de- gress as a renewable energy engineer, brated in 1970 by 20 million people. creasing biodiversity; and I have seen firsthand the develop- That same year, President Nixon cre- Whereas the need to improve our inter- ated the Environmental Protection action with the environment has led to the ment and evolution of the clean tech- nologies that combat climate change. Agency to protect public health and need for more sophisticated environmental the environment and Congress amend- research and development of solutions to en- We have much of the scientific knowl- vironmental problems; edge and technical capability to attack ed the Clean Air Act with the goals of Whereas today the importance of scientific climate change head on, but there is improving the national air quality, re- evidence in making correct decisions about still more progress to be made. duce auto emissions, and create anti- environmental problems has never been Today, Earth Day is an important op- pollution standards. more important; portunity to rededicate ourselves, both We have come a long way as a Nation Whereas Earth Day activities increase our as individuals and as a Nation, to mak- since that first Earth Day. In 1972, understanding of the environment and its re- when Congress passed the Clean Air lationship to our personal decisions regard- ing the best use of the resources avail- able to us. I want to commend the sci- Act, only 26 percent of the Nation’s ing energy conservation, use of renewable streams were safe for swimming and energy, use of natural resources, and recy- entists, engineers, businesspeople, and cling; and educators who are working to develop fishing. Today, about 60 percent of our Whereas Earth Day has become the pre- the clean economy of the future, as streams are safe for such purposes. eminent day of environmental celebrations, well as the millions of Americans who This day has a very special meaning for clean-ups, and educational events across the are taking action to live greener life- me because of my childhood experi- country: Now, therefore, be it styles. I believe today is an important ences with streams. In the early thir- Resolved, That the House of Representa- opportunity to honor the contributions ties, I grew up in the coal mining coun- tives— try of western Pennsylvania, and every (1) supports the goals and ideals of Earth toward a healthy planet. Day and thanks the many organizers and Earth Day is also an important op- one of the streams that I could get to participants across the country for their portunity to look forward to a greener was called a sulfur creek because it tireless efforts in support of the environ- tomorrow. We should renew our efforts contained waters that had leached the ment; to push ahead with research and devel- sulfur out of the mines. There was only (2) encourages the Department of Energy opment of the cutting edge, environ- one thing that lived in those creeks, to step up its efforts in research, develop- mentally friendly technologies of the and that was a little red wiggly worm. ment, and demonstration of renewable en- future, as well as the many smart poli- It must have been tough because noth- ergy technology and energy conservation ing else lived there. The rocks were all techniques; and cies that will preserve our environ- (3) encourages all segments of American ment. Confronting great environmental covered by a slimy, orangish kind of a society to work together in ensuring that challenges will require technological film. I am sure those streams weren’t the research and development necessary to innovation, as well as a forward-think- safe to swim in, but we swam in them uncover solutions to our major environ- ing public policy. I believe we are up to anyway because we were too poor to go mental problems occurs in a timely manner. the task. to the pool. I didn’t know where a pool The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- As important as combating climate existed. So Earth Day has a very spe- ant to the rule, the gentleman from change is, Earth Day also reminds us of cial meaning for me. Those streams

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.062 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2529 now, I think, are all clear thanks to can create jobs, we can make America mental implications. Plastic bags are every- our attention to that. prosperous. When we trash the environ- where, from grocery to department stores, and A few years later, when Congress ment, everyone gets poorer. We want every year Americans consume an average of passed the Safe Drinking Water Act, an America that is prosperous. We 100 billion. In order to produce our annual de- ensuring EPA regulate the quality of want an America that we are proud to mand for plastic bags, 12 million barrels of oil our drinking water, today many Amer- pass on to our next generation. are used. Reducing national demand for plas- icans receive annual reports on the Earth Day has been a big part of this. tic bags has clear environmental benefits. quality of their drinking water. In 1987, It deserves to be commended and rec- Throughout the ‘‘Bad Bag Competition’’, stu- the United States joined other nations ognized. It is bipartisan. Everybody dents from Woodstock and Brooklyn Middle in signing the Montreal Protocol to drinks the same water and breathes the Schools collected and recycled used plastic phase out the production of same air. So it is an issue that I think bags and educated our neighbors on the im- chlorofluorocarbons, CFCs. As a result, we have broad support on both sides of portance of using reusable bags. At the end of the use of CFCs has been reduced dras- the aisle. I certainly have support back the competition, when all the bags were count- tically. home in California, and I know that as ed, Woodstock and Brooklyn Middle Schools As a Nation, we also focused efforts I go around the country, I see the same collected 43,836 and 66,100 bags respec- on educating the public on the benefits level of interest, both in the environ- tively. The petroleum that was used to of recycling and the clean up of haz- ment and creating clean jobs and end- produce these bags, which collectively totaled ardous materials from our lands and ing our dependence on foreign oil. 109,936, could have fueled a vehicle for 7,853 our waterways. In the 1990s, under These are all national security issues. miles. President George Bush, we passed the They are issues that are great for our Mr. Speaker, these students have exempli- Pollution Prevention Act and the Na- Nation. They are issues that we want fied the spirit of Earth Day. These students not tional Environmental Education Act to to work for, and part of the reason I am only modified their own choices to be more emphasize the importance of pre- here in Congress. environmentally responsible, but encouraged venting pollution, while educating the So, again, I urge my colleagues to our neighbors to do the same. The impact of public on the potential effects their ac- support this resolution. this project on our eastern Connecticut com- tions might have on the environment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of munity has been great, and the multiplier ef- b 1730 my time. fects are even greater. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recog- During the same period, the EPA es- Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I think that a tipping mo- nizing these students’ achievements and to tablished the Energy Star program to choose reusable bags instead of the prover- provide consumers with information on ment occurred for most Americans when in that spacecraft hurdling to- bial ‘‘paper or plastic.’’ the availability of energy efficient ap- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in pliances. ward the Moon they looked back and took a picture of our Earth, how small support of H. Res. 1117 to celebrate the 28’’ I would like to note, Mr. Speaker, Anniversary of Earth Day, take stock of the that our efforts on efficiency have real- it was from that vantage point, and we suddenly recognized that the more progress that has already been made, and re- ly been dramatic, and if it were not for commit ourselves with a sense of focus and the greatly increased efficiencies we than 6 billion of us who occupy this Earth ride a rather, in the grand urgency to the work that remains to be done. have, we would be in even more trouble We have come a long way since Senator scheme of things, tiny spacecraft. It is environmentally and with oil today Gaylord Nelson and Dennis Hayes organized our only home. than we are. their nationwide grassroots demonstration on I am very appreciative of the empha- In 1993, President Clinton launched a behalf of the environment in the Spring of sis today on Earth Day, because I think program encouraging Federal Govern- 1970. In the years that followed, Congress es- that it is more than appropriate that ment agencies to buy recycled and en- tablished the Environmental Protection Agency we focus on this tiny orb that we are vironmentally friendly products. In re- and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric cent years, President George W. Bush privileged to occupy as we hurdle Administration; enacted the Marine Mammal signed the Brownfields Revitalization through space. I remember staying up Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act to reclaim and restore thousands until 2 o’clock in the morning for that Act; and strengthened the Clean Water and of abandoned properties and the first walk on the Moon, and I remem- Clean Air Acts, among other critical initiatives. Healthy Forest Restoration Act to pre- ber those early pictures, and, gee, this To a large extent, these steps—and other vent forest fires and preserve the Na- is our Earth, and it really isn’t all that like them—continue to form the foundation of tion’s forests. big, is it? our environmental laws in the United States. Throughout the last three decades, So I thank those who got this legisla- Unfortunately, recent years have witnessed an efforts have been made to educate the tion together. I am in strong support of erosion to this foundation as regulatory agen- public about the importance of con- recognizing Earth Day and encourage cies shirked their responsibility to enforce the serving resources, preserving the envi- all Americans to do so. law and existing statutes failed to keep pace ronment and protecting the air we Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance with the magnitude of the environmental chal- breathe and the water we drink. Ameri- of my time. lenges we are confronting in the 25th century. cans have a better quality of life due to Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ap- The New Direction Congress has now our own efforts to clean up the envi- preciate the words of the gentleman begun the necessary process of reversing that ronment for ourselves and our children. from Maryland. His concern is noted erosion and establishing a new baseline of I support this resolution recognizing and appreciated. federal commitment to stewardship from which Earth Day and urge my colleagues to Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today our the next chapter in American environmental support it. Nation joins with countries from around the leadership will be written. For the first time in Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of world to celebrate Earth Day. Today, commu- over 30 years, the Energy Independence and my time. nities large and small, collectively come to- Security Act of 2007 increased the corporate Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have gether to recognize past progress and develop average fuel economy (CAFE) standard for been all around this great Nation and I new strategies to improve future environ- automobiles to 35 mpg by 2020. In combina- have seen the environment change mental health. On this day of global environ- tion with the economy-wide energy efficiency from the 1970s until the present day. mental reflection, I rise to recognize two out- standards in the legislation, this step will re- When Earth Day was first declared, we standing schools in my district, Woodstock duce oil consumption by 2.4 million barrels a had lakes that were catching on fire and Brooklyn Middle Schools, which have day—for a more than 25 percent reduction and we had pollution running in our worked to make eastern Connecticut a cleaner over today’s usage—and save 5.3 billion met- rivers. We have seen tremendous and more environmentally conscious commu- ric tons in energy-related CO2 emissions by progress. Our lakes and rivers are nity. 2030. It’s important. But it’s just a start. much cleaner now and our air is Between March 20 and April 10, 2008, We must move decisively to enact an econ- breathable, although it still needs Woodstock and Brooklyn Middle Schools em- omy-wide cap-and-trade program that progress, we still need work. barked on a project, the ‘‘Bad Bag Competi- achieves dramatic reductions in our green- The great thing about looking for- tion’’, which explored the prevalence of plastic house gas emissions by the middle of the cen- ward with the environment is that we bag use in our country as well as its environ- tury—and work with other nations around the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.065 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 world to do the same. We must transition our Mr. Speaker, let us not leave a legacy of [Roll No. 205] economy away from its reliance on fossil fuels waste and pollution for tomorrow’s citizens. YEAS—387 and towards the clean, green energy sources Let us act now to pass policies to protect our Ackerman Dingell LaHood of the future, while making far more efficient environment and be good stewards of the Aderholt Donnelly Lamborn use of the energy we currently use. We must Earth. Akin Doolittle Lampson update, strengthen and enforce bedrock laws Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have Allen Doyle Langevin like the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts. And no further requests for time, and I Altmire Drake Larsen (WA) Arcuri Dreier Larson (CT) we must act locally and individually in all of yield back the balance of my time. Baca Duncan Latham our communities to restore, protect and cher- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bachmann Edwards LaTourette ish ecosystems like the Chesapeake Bay on question is on the motion offered by Bachus Ehlers Latta the gentleman from California (Mr. Baird Ellison Lee which all of life ultimately depends. Baldwin Ellsworth Levin Mr. Speaker, the key decisions we make MCNERNEY) that the House suspend the Barrett (SC) Emanuel Lewis (CA) over the next several years will have a pro- rules and agree to the resolution, H. Barrow Emerson Lewis (GA) found impact on the kind of America we leave Res. 1117. Bartlett (MD) Eshoo Lewis (KY) Barton (TX) Etheridge Linder to our children. I believe the vast majority of The question was taken; and (two- Bean Everett Lipinski our constituents understand this and stand thirds being in the affirmative) the Becerra Fallin LoBiondo ready to do their part as we come together to rules were suspended and the resolu- Berkley Farr Loebsack build a more prosperous, healthier and tion was agreed to. Berman Ferguson Lofgren, Zoe Berry Filner Lowey greener nation. A motion to reconsider was laid on Biggert Flake Lucas Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, in the table. Bilbray Forbes Lungren, Daniel Bilirakis Fortenberry E. honor of the 38th celebration of Earth Day, I f would like to take this time to reflect on the Bishop (GA) Fossella Lynch RECESS Bishop (NY) Foster Mack progress we are making for the health of our Bishop (UT) Foxx Mahoney (FL) planet—and to challenge all Americans—each The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Blackburn Frank (MA) Manzullo and every one of us—to re-dedicate ourselves ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Blumenauer Franks (AZ) Marchant Blunt Frelinghuysen Markey to living in a sustainable manner. declares the House in recess until ap- Boehner Gallegly Marshall Looking back, we can be proud that the proximately 6:30 p.m. today. Bonner Garrett (NJ) Matheson New Direction Congress has made real Accordingly (at 5 o’clock and 35 min- Bono Mack Gerlach Matsui progress toward a future of cleaner energy Boozman Giffords McCarthy (CA) utes p.m.), the House stood in recess Boren Gilchrest McCarthy (NY) and healthier living. until approximately 6:30 p.m. Boswell Gillibrand McCaul (TX) Last year, Congress passed the historic En- Boucher Gingrey McCollum (MN) f ergy Independence and Security Act. Boustany Gohmert McCotter This legislation takes important steps to in- b 1830 Boyd (FL) Gonzalez McCrery Boyda (KS) Goode McDermott crease fuel efficiency, help promote alternative AFTER RECESS Brady (TX) Goodlatte McGovern energy sources, and is set to dramatically re- Braley (IA) Gordon McHenry The recess having expired, the House Broun (GA) Granger McHugh duce CO2 emissions over the years to come. was called to order by the Speaker pro Brown (SC) Graves McIntyre However, we can do more. We must do more. Buchanan Green, Al tempore (Mr. DONNELLY) at 6 o’clock McKeon The time is now. We cannot wait any longer Burgess Green, Gene McMorris to address the countless environmental chal- and 30 minutes p.m. Burton (IN) Hall (NY) Rodgers lenges we must confront. f Butterfield Hare McNerney Buyer Harman McNulty Together, we can leave our planet a little ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Calvert Hastings (FL) Meek (FL) greener and a little more peaceful. It is our PRO TEMPORE Camp (MI) Hastings (WA) Meeks (NY) duty to help spur the next generation of en- Cannon Hayes Melancon ergy technology—solar, hydrogen, wind, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Capito Heller Mica ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Capps Hensarling Michaud other sources of energy that create a sustain- Capuano Herger Miller (FL) able environment. will resume on motions to suspend the Cardoza Herseth Sandlin Miller (MI) The U.S. has the technology and know-how rules previously postponed. Carnahan Higgins Miller (NC) Votes will be taken in the following Carson Hill Miller, Gary to lead the world in environmental solutions. I Carter Hinchey Miller, George believe we can strengthen America’s economy order: Castle Hinojosa Mitchell through environmentally sound policy and, in H. Res. 981, by the yeas and nays; Chabot Hirono Moore (KS) the process, create jobs here at home. H.R. 5151, by the yeas and nays; Chandler Hobson Moore (WI) H.R. 831, by the yeas and nays. Clarke Hodes Moran (KS) As we commemorate this Earth Day ask Clay Hoekstra Moran (VA) yourself, am I doing enough? Can I do more? Proceedings on H.R. 5613 and H. Con. Cleaver Holden Murphy (CT) What kind of planet will we leave for the next Res. 322 will resume on Wednesday. Clyburn Holt Murphy, Tim The first electronic vote will be con- Coble Honda Murtha generation? Cohen Hooley Musgrave We all must share this planet. We all rely on ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Cole (OK) Hoyer Myrick its resources to survive. We must all do our electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Conaway Hunter Napolitano part to pass along a healthy and sustainable minute votes. Conyers Inglis (SC) Neal (MA) Costa Inslee Neugebauer living environment to our children and grand- f Costello Israel Nunes children. Courtney Issa Oberstar WORLD GLAUCOMA DAY Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Cramer Jackson (IL) Obey The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Crenshaw Johnson (GA) Olver Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1117, Crowley Johnson (IL) Ortiz as it supports the goals and ideals of Earth finished business is the vote on the mo- Cubin Johnson, E. B. Pallone Day. tion to suspend the rules and agree to Cuellar Johnson, Sam Pascrell Greenhouse gas emissions in Texas are the the resolution, H. Res. 981, as amended, Culberson Jones (NC) Pastor Cummings Jordan Paul highest in the Nation. In fact, if Texas were its on which the yeas and nays were or- Davis (AL) Kagen Payne own separate country, it would rank seventh in dered. Davis (CA) Kanjorski Pearce the world in carbon dioxide emissions. Unless The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Davis (IL) Kaptur Pence tion. Davis (KY) Keller Perlmutter Texas significantly alters its fuel mix towards Davis, David Kennedy Peterson (MN) lower emitting fuels or renewable energy, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Davis, Lincoln Kildee Petri greenhouse gas emissions are expected to question is on the motion offered by Davis, Tom Kilpatrick Pickering continue to rise rapidly. the gentleman from New York (Mr. Deal (GA) Kind Pitts DeFazio King (IA) Platts I am unhappy that the overall energy use in TOWNS) to suspend the rules and agree DeGette King (NY) Poe Texas is projected to increase by 36 percent to the resolution, H. Res. 981, as Delahunt Kirk Pomeroy over the next 20 years. We must act now to amended. DeLauro Klein (FL) Porter stop this trend. This pattern is bad for our en- The vote was taken by electronic de- Dent Kline (MN) Price (GA) Diaz-Balart, L. Knollenberg Price (NC) vironment. It is bad for the health of our chil- vice, and there were—yeas 387, nays 0, Diaz-Balart, M. Kucinich Pryce (OH) dren and grandchildren. not voting 44, as follows: Dicks Kuhl (NY) Radanovich

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.060 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2531 Rahall Serrano Thompson (MS) Bean Foster McCarthy (CA) Sherman Tanner Walz (MN) Ramstad Sessions Thornberry Becerra Foxx McCarthy (NY) Shuler Tauscher Wamp Rangel Shadegg Tiahrt Berkley Frank (MA) McCaul (TX) Shuster Taylor Waters Regula Shays Tierney Berman Frelinghuysen McCollum (MN) Simpson Terry Watson Rehberg Shea-Porter Towns Berry Gallegly McCotter Sires Thompson (CA) Watt Reichert Sherman Tsongas Biggert Garrett (NJ) McCrery Skelton Thompson (MS) Waxman Reyes Shimkus Turner Bilbray Gerlach McDermott Slaughter Thornberry Welch (VT) Reynolds Shuler Udall (NM) Bilirakis Giffords McGovern Smith (NE) Tiahrt Weldon (FL) Richardson Shuster Upton Smith (NJ) Tierney Bishop (GA) Gilchrest McHenry Westmoreland Rodriguez Simpson Van Hollen Smith (TX) Towns Bishop (NY) Gillibrand McHugh Wexler Rogers (AL) Sires Vela´ zquez Bishop (UT) Gingrey McIntyre Smith (WA) Tsongas Wilson (NM) Rogers (KY) Skelton Visclosky Blumenauer Gohmert McKeon Snyder Turner Wilson (OH) Rogers (MI) Slaughter Walberg Boehner Gonzalez McMorris Solis Udall (NM) Wilson (SC) Ros-Lehtinen Smith (NE) Walden (OR) Bonner Gordon Rodgers Souder Upton Wittman (VA) Roskam Smith (NJ) Walsh (NY) Bono Mack Graves McNerney Speier Van Hollen Ross Smith (TX) Walz (MN) Boozman Green, Al McNulty Spratt Vela´ zquez Wolf Rothman Smith (WA) Wamp Boren Green, Gene Meek (FL) Stark Visclosky Woolsey Roybal-Allard Snyder Waters Boswell Hall (NY) Meeks (NY) Stupak Walberg Wu Royce Solis Watson Boucher Hare Melancon Sullivan Walden (OR) Wynn Ruppersberger Souder Watt Boustany Harman Mica Sutton Walsh (NY) Yarmuth Ryan (OH) Space Waxman Boyd (FL) Hastings (FL) Michaud NAYS—17 Ryan (WI) Speier Welch (VT) Boyda (KS) Hastings (WA) Miller (FL) Salazar Spratt Weldon (FL) Brady (TX) Hayes Miller (MI) Blackburn Franks (AZ) Sensenbrenner Sali Stark Westmoreland Braley (IA) Heller Miller (NC) Blunt Goode Shadegg ´ Sanchez, Linda Stearns Wexler Brown (SC) Hensarling Miller, George Broun (GA) Goodlatte Shimkus T. Stupak Wilson (NM) Buchanan Herger Mitchell Coble King (IA) Stearns Sanchez, Loretta Sullivan Wilson (OH) Burgess Herseth Sandlin Moore (KS) Duncan Miller, Gary Tancredo Sarbanes Sutton Wilson (SC) Burton (IN) Higgins Moore (WI) Flake Paul Schakowsky Tancredo Wittman (VA) Butterfield Hill Moran (KS) NOT VOTING—46 Schiff Tanner Wolf Buyer Hinchey Moran (VA) Schmidt Tauscher Woolsey Calvert Hinojosa Murphy (CT) Abercrombie Granger Rohrabacher Scott (GA) Taylor Wu Camp (MI) Hirono Murphy, Tim Alexander Grijalva Rush Scott (VA) Terry Wynn Cannon Hobson Murtha Andrews Gutierrez Saxton Sensenbrenner Thompson (CA) Yarmuth Capito Hodes Musgrave Brady (PA) Hall (TX) Schwartz NOT VOTING—44 Capps Hoekstra Myrick Brown, Corrine Hulshof Sestak Capuano Holden Napolitano Brown-Waite, Jackson-Lee Space Abercrombie Feeney Renzi Cardoza Holt Neal (MA) Ginny (TX) Tiberi Alexander Grijalva Rohrabacher Carnahan Honda Neugebauer Campbell (CA) Jefferson Udall (CO) Andrews Gutierrez Rush Cantor Jones (OH) Carson Hooley Nunes Wasserman Brady (PA) Hall (TX) Saxton Carney Kingston Carter Hoyer Oberstar Schultz Brown, Corrine Hulshof Schwartz Castle Hunter Obey Castor Maloney (NY) Brown-Waite, Jackson-Lee Weiner Sestak Chabot Inglis (SC) Olver Cooper Mollohan Ginny (TX) Weller Tiberi Chandler Inslee Ortiz Doggett Murphy, Patrick Campbell (CA) Jefferson Whitfield (KY) Udall (CO) Clarke Israel Pallone Engel Nadler Cantor Jones (OH) Young (AK) Wasserman Clay Issa Pascrell English (PA) Peterson (PA) Carney Kingston Young (FL) Schultz Cleaver Jackson (IL) Pastor Fattah Putnam Castor Maloney (NY) Feeney Weiner Clyburn Johnson (GA) Payne Renzi Cooper Mollohan Cohen Johnson (IL) Pearce Doggett Murphy, Patrick Weller ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Cole (OK) Johnson, E. B. Pence Engel Nadler Whitfield (KY) Conaway Johnson, Sam Perlmutter The SPEAKER pro tempore (during English (PA) Peterson (PA) Young (AK) Conyers Jones (NC) Peterson (MN) Fattah Putnam Young (FL) the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Costa Jordan Petri ing in this vote. b 1903 Costello Kagen Pickering Courtney Kanjorski Pitts b 1910 So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Cramer Kaptur Platts Crenshaw Keller Poe So (two-thirds being in the affirma- tive) the rules were suspended and the Crowley Kennedy Pomeroy tive) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to. Cubin Kildee Porter bill, as amended, was passed. The result of the vote was announced Cuellar Kilpatrick Price (GA) The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Culberson Kind Price (NC) Cummings King (NY) Pryce (OH) as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on Davis (AL) Kirk Radanovich A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. Davis (CA) Klein (FL) Rahall Davis (IL) Kline (MN) Ramstad the table. f Davis (KY) Knollenberg Rangel f Davis, David Kucinich Regula WILD MONONGAHELA ACT: A NA- Davis, Lincoln Kuhl (NY) Rehberg COFFMAN COVE ADMINISTRATIVE TIONAL LEGACY FOR WEST VIR- Davis, Tom LaHood Reichert Deal (GA) Lamborn Reyes SITE CONVEYANCE ACT OF 2008 GINIA’S SPECIAL PLACES DeFazio Lampson Reynolds The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- DeGette Langevin Richardson Delahunt Larsen (WA) Rodriguez finished business is the vote on the mo- finished business is the vote on the mo- DeLauro Larson (CT) Rogers (AL) tion to suspend the rules and pass the tion to suspend the rules and pass the Dent Latham Rogers (KY) bill, H.R. 831, as amended, on which the bill, H.R. 5151, as amended, on which Diaz-Balart, L. LaTourette Rogers (MI) Diaz-Balart, M. Latta Ros-Lehtinen yeas and nays were ordered. the yeas and nays were ordered. Dicks Lee Roskam The Clerk read the title of the bill. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Dingell Levin Ross The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Donnelly Lewis (CA) Rothman question is on the motion offered by question is on the motion offered by Doolittle Lewis (GA) Roybal-Allard Doyle Lewis (KY) Royce the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Drake Linder Ruppersberger RAHALL) that the House suspend the RAHALL) that the House suspend the Dreier Lipinski Ryan (OH) rules and pass the bill, H.R. 831, as rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5151, as Edwards LoBiondo Ryan (WI) Ehlers Loebsack Salazar amended. amended. Ellison Lofgren, Zoe Sali This will be a 5-minute vote. This will be a 5-minute vote. Ellsworth Lowey Sa´ nchez, Linda The vote was taken by electronic de- The vote was taken by electronic de- Emanuel Lucas T. vice, and there were—yeas 382, nays 0, vice, and there were—yeas 368, nays 17, Emerson Lungren, Daniel Sanchez, Loretta Eshoo E. Sarbanes not voting 49, as follows: not voting 46, as follows: Etheridge Lynch Schakowsky [Roll No. 207] [Roll No. 206] Everett Mack Schiff Fallin Mahoney (FL) Schmidt YEAS—382 YEAS—368 Farr Manzullo Scott (GA) Ackerman Baca Barrow Ackerman Arcuri Baldwin Ferguson Marchant Scott (VA) Aderholt Bachmann Bartlett (MD) Aderholt Baca Barrett (SC) Filner Markey Serrano Akin Bachus Barton (TX) Akin Bachmann Barrow Forbes Marshall Sessions Allen Baird Bean Allen Bachus Bartlett (MD) Fortenberry Matheson Shays Altmire Baldwin Becerra Altmire Baird Barton (TX) Fossella Matsui Shea-Porter Arcuri Barrett (SC) Berkley

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.051 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 Berman Fortenberry Mahoney (FL) Scott (GA) Speier Walberg port for our entire staff, and her dedi- Berry Fossella Manzullo Scott (VA) Spratt Walden (OR) cation to the people of the 17th Con- Biggert Foster Marchant Sensenbrenner Stark Walsh (NY) Bilbray Foxx Markey Serrano Stearns Walz (MN) gressional District was invaluable. Bilirakis Frank (MA) Marshall Sessions Stupak Wamp Sadly, Kim was diagnosed with mela- Bishop (GA) Franks (AZ) Matheson Shadegg Sutton Waters noma in 1993. Throughout her ordeal, Bishop (NY) Frelinghuysen Matsui Shays Tancredo Watson she never complained, and enthusiasti- Bishop (UT) Gallegly McCarthy (CA) Shea-Porter Tanner Watt Sherman Tauscher cally carried out her work. On March Blackburn Garrett (NJ) McCarthy (NY) Waxman Shimkus Taylor Blumenauer Gerlach McCaul (TX) Welch (VT) 28, Kim lost her battle to cancer, sur- Blunt Giffords McCollum (MN) Shuler Terry Weldon (FL) rounded by loved ones at her parents’ Boehner Gilchrest McCotter Shuster Thompson (CA) Westmoreland home. Kim’s courage and determina- Bonner Gillibrand McCrery Simpson Thompson (MS) Wexler Bono Mack Gingrey McDermott Sires Thornberry tion to live life to the fullest is a model Wilson (NM) Boozman Gohmert McGovern Skelton Tiahrt for all of us. My condolences and best Boren Gonzalez McHenry Slaughter Tierney Wilson (OH) wishes go out to her husband Joshua Smith (NE) Towns Wilson (SC) Boswell Goode McHugh Lang, her parents, Ann and Joseph, and Boucher Goodlatte McIntyre Smith (NJ) Tsongas Wittman (VA) Boustany Gordon McKeon Smith (TX) Turner Wolf all of her family and friends. Boyd (FL) Granger McMorris Smith (WA) Udall (NM) Woolsey f Boyda (KS) Graves Rodgers Snyder Upton Wu Brady (TX) Green, Al McNerney Solis Van Hollen Wynn THE PRICE OF A BARREL OF OIL Souder Vela´ zquez Braley (IA) Green, Gene McNulty Yarmuth (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given Broun (GA) Hall (NY) Meek (FL) Space Visclosky permission to address the House for 1 Brown (SC) Hare Meeks (NY) NOT VOTING—49 Buchanan Harman Melancon minute and to revise and extend his re- Burgess Hastings (FL) Mica Abercrombie Grijalva Renzi marks.) Alexander Gutierrez Burton (IN) Hastings (WA) Michaud Rohrabacher Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, from Butterfield Hayes Miller (FL) Andrews Hall (TX) Rush Buyer Heller Miller (MI) Brady (PA) Hulshof Saxton Congress Daily AM on Monday, 21 Calvert Hensarling Miller (NC) Brown, Corrine Jackson-Lee Schwartz April, the heading was: Florida delight Camp (MI) Herger Miller, Gary Brown-Waite, (TX) Sestak as talks intensify behind closed doors Ginny Jefferson Cannon Herseth Sandlin Miller, George Sullivan on several issues. Members negotiate Capito Higgins Mitchell Campbell (CA) Jones (OH) Tiberi Cantor Kingston Capps Hill Moore (KS) Udall (CO) behind the scenes to finish a farm bill Carney Maloney (NY) Capuano Hinchey Moore (WI) Wasserman conference and plan their maneuvers Castor Mollohan Cardoza Hinojosa Moran (KS) Schultz Cole (OK) Murphy, Patrick for moving a war supplemental bill and Carnahan Hirono Moran (VA) Weiner more possible tradeoffs to move a Co- Carson Hobson Murphy (CT) Cooper Murtha Doggett Nadler Weller lombia Free Trade Agreement. Funny. Carter Hodes Murphy, Tim Whitfield (KY) Castle Hoekstra Musgrave Engel Napolitano No talk about gasoline, no talk about English (PA) Peterson (PA) Young (AK) Chabot Holden Myrick Fattah Price (GA) Young (FL) the high energy prices. The number one Chandler Holt Neal (MA) Feeney Putnam issue affecting consumers today and Clarke Honda Neugebauer the pocketbooks of mom and dad and Clay Hooley Nunes ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Cleaver Hoyer Oberstar driving kids to events is the high cost The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- Clyburn Hunter Obey of gasoline. Coble Inglis (SC) Olver bers are advised there is less than 1 When this majority took over, the Cohen Inslee Ortiz minute remaining in this vote. Conaway Israel Pallone price of a barrel of crude oil was $58.31. Conyers Issa Pascrell b 1917 Today—actually, this is wrong—it was Costa Jackson (IL) Pastor So (two-thirds being in the affirma- updated at $117. It did get to $118 a bar- Costello Johnson (GA) Paul rel. When you don’t have a plan, you Courtney Johnson (IL) Payne tive) the rules were suspended and the Cramer Johnson, E. B. Pearce bill, as amended, was passed. plan to fail. I would hope that the Crenshaw Johnson, Sam Pence Democrat majority would, in their ne- The result of the vote was announced Crowley Jones (NC) Perlmutter gotiations, talk about how they are as above recorded. Cubin Jordan Peterson (MN) going to address the high cost of en- Cuellar Kagen Petri A motion to reconsider was laid on ergy in this country. Culberson Kanjorski Pickering the table. Cummings Kaptur Pitts f Davis (AL) Keller Platts f Davis (CA) Kennedy Poe ADMINISTRATION DRIVING UP OIL Davis (IL) Kildee Pomeroy PERSONAL EXPLANATION PRICES Davis (KY) Kilpatrick Porter Davis, David Kind Price (NC) Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I was un- (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given Davis, Lincoln King (IA) Pryce (OH) avoidably absent from this chamber today. permission to address the House for 1 Davis, Tom King (NY) Radanovich Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ minute and to revise and extend his re- Deal (GA) Kirk Rahall on rollcall votes 205, 206, and 207. DeFazio Klein (FL) Ramstad marks.) DeGette Kline (MN) Rangel f Mr. KUCINICH. I’d like to follow up Delahunt Knollenberg Regula on the comments of my good friend IN MEMORY OF KIM HOA DeLauro Kucinich Rehberg from Illinois. The high cost of gasoline Dent Kuhl (NY) Reichert VERMEIRE LANG Diaz-Balart, L. LaHood Reyes is troubling all Americans. $3.50 a gal- Diaz-Balart, M. Lamborn Reynolds (Mr. HARE asked and was given per- lon, approaching $120 a barrel. Now I Dicks Lampson Richardson mission to address the House for 1 just would respectfully suggest that Dingell Langevin Rodriguez minute.) Donnelly Larsen (WA) Rogers (AL) the administration has a lot to do with Doolittle Larson (CT) Rogers (KY) Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today this. This administration, which has a Doyle Latham Rogers (MI) to honor and remember one of my fin- great familiarity with the oil industry, Drake LaTourette Ros-Lehtinen est constituents, Kim Hoa Vermeire has pursued policies, including the war Dreier Latta Roskam Duncan Lee Ross Lang. A native of South Vietnam, Kim in Iraq, that has led to the price of oil Edwards Levin Rothman arrived in the United States at just 6 being driven up. Even the threats on Ehlers Lewis (CA) Roybal-Allard months of age. She was adopted by lov- attacking Iran have at one time or an- Ellison Lewis (GA) Royce ing parents and grew up to be one of Ellsworth Lewis (KY) Ruppersberger other helped to increase the cost of the Emanuel Linder Ryan (OH) her community’s greatest volunteers, price of a barrel of oil. Emerson Lipinski Ryan (WI) devoting limitless energy to There is one thing that this Congress Eshoo LoBiondo Salazar Prairieview Elementary School, the can do immediately to start to gain the Etheridge Loebsack Sali Everett Lofgren, Zoe Sa´ nchez, Linda Vietnamese Culture Camp, and numer- American public some relief, and that Fallin Lowey T. ous local charities. is to bring a windfall profits tax for- Farr Lucas Sanchez, Loretta I had the pleasure of working with ward. Enforce some discipline in the Ferguson Lungren, Daniel Sarbanes Kim when she was an intern for my marketplace. Bring these oil compa- Filner E. Schakowsky Flake Lynch Schiff predecessor, Congressman Lane Evans. nies to heel by using the power of Con- Forbes Mack Schmidt She was an outstanding source of sup- gress to tax the excess profits and take

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.057 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2533 that money and put it into a fund that A new study conducted jointly by would needlessly endanger a patient. would enable Americans to get tax Harvard University and the University Without an American universal health breaks for the purchase of energy effi- of Washington in my district has yield- care plan, that is exactly what we are cient vehicles. This is the approach we ed a startling conclusion. Reporter doing to the American people. Ignoring ought to be taking. Tom Paulson has the story in today’s the truth has never worked in medi- f Seattle-Post Intelligencer. Let me read cine, and it won’t work for health care an excerpt, ‘‘One of every five Amer- in this country. We need an American CONGRESS MUST ACT ON ENERGY ican women and one of every 25 men universal health care system, and we PRICES are either dying at a younger age or need it now. (Mr. MCHENRY asked and was given seeing no improvement in life span. [From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer] permission to address the House for 1 The lead authors told the PI, ‘‘It is LIFESPAN SHORTER IN PARTS OF U.S.—OBE- minute.) what you would expect to see in a de- SITY, SMOKING CITED; STATE NOT IMMUNE Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Speaker, my con- veloping Nation, not here in the United TO TREND stituents are concerned about high gas States,’’ according to Dr. Ezzati, a Har- (By Tom Paulson) prices. We are a commuter district in vard professor. Dr. Chris Murray from For the first time since the 1918 Spanish western North Carolina, and so when UW called it a complete surprise, and flu pandemic, life expectancy for a signifi- we move to go to the marketplace, if said, ‘‘It’s remarkable in the history of cant proportion of the United States is on we go to take our kids to school, we the U.S.’’ the decline largely because of an increase in have to get an automobile and pay for We pay more for health care than chronic diseases related to obesity, smoking gasoline. My constituents are strug- and high blood pressure. any nation on Earth, yet life expect- Although life expectancy for all other gling under these high gas prices. ancy is declining for millions of Ameri- Western nations and for most of the U.S. has It’s about time that this Congress cans. continued to improve over the past several acted so we have more refineries, that b 1930 decades, researchers at Harvard University we have new exploration here at home and the University of Washington say many so we don’t have to be dependent on At the same time, for about half the of the worst-off here are getting much worse. foreign oil. And we must invest in al- cost, every French citizen has access to One of every five American women, and ternatives long term so we don’t have universal health care, rated the best in one of every 25 men, are either dying at a to rely on foreign oil at all. the world. younger age or seeing no improvement in life ABC News Online carried the story of span. Although this deadly trend is mostly Mr. Speaker, it’s about time this centered in the southern parts of the nation, Congress acted, and tax increases are the French system. It includes data several largely rural counties in Wash- not the way to do it. It is to increase that shows that universal health care ington—Cowlitz, Lewis, Benton and Grays production. That will help get down coverage works. In France, there is one Harbor—are also on the verge of seeing a de- these high gas prices. doctor for every 430 people. In the cline in overall life span. ‘‘It is what you would expect to see in a de- f United States, there is one doctor for every 1,230 people. The average life ex- veloping country, not here,’’ said Dr. Majid SPECIAL ORDERS pectancy in France is 2 years longer Ezzati, a Harvard professor and lead author The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under than in the U.S. And the French sys- of a study published in the open-access jour- nal Public Library of Science Medicine. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- tem is one of the most expensive in the ‘‘This was a complete surprise,’’ said Dr. uary 18, 2007, and under a previous world at $3,500 per person, but it is Chris Murray, co-author of the study and di- order of the House, the following Mem- nothing compared to the $6,100 we rector of the UW’s new Institute for Health bers will be recognized for 5 minutes spend in the United States for every in- Metrics and Evaluation in the Department of each. dividual. And we have 47 million with- Global Health. ‘‘It’s remarkable in the his- tory of the U.S.’’ f out any health care coverage, and mil- lions more with less than adequate cov- Between 1961 and 1999, life expectancy in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the U.S. increased overall for men from 67 to previous order of the House, the gentle- erage because it is too expensive. 74 years and from 74 to 80 years for women. woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) When the American people face soar- Most of this improvement is attributed to is recognized for 5 minutes. ing costs for health care, it is time to a decline in deaths from heart disease and (Ms. WOOLSEY addressed the House. create an American universal health strokes. Her remarks will appear hereafter in care system. When millions of Ameri- Beginning in the early 1980s, however, life the Extensions of Remarks.) cans face a declining life expectancy, it expectancy in some of the nation’s ‘‘worst- is time to create an American uni- off’ counties (based on overall health indica- f tors) either stayed the same or declined by versal health care system. When the HEALTH CARE 1.3 years for both sexes. For those living in U.S. health care system is ranked 37th those counties, men on average die about 11 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a in the world by the World Health Orga- years earlier and women die 7.5 years earlier previous order of the House, the gen- nization, it is time to do something. than people in better-off counties. tleman from Washington (Mr. We don’t have one today, because Nothing like this trend has been observed MCDERMOTT) is recognized for 5 min- special interests have used their influ- in this country since the massive deaths utes. ence to put profits ahead of people by caused by the 1918 flu pandemic, Murray said, and nothing like it appears to be hap- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, re- perpetuating a broken-down system, pening in any of the other industrialized na- forming health care in America is not and whenever someone tries to change tions around the world. nearly as hard as the special interests it, they spend millions of dollars to try ‘‘And I don’t think you can take any com- would like the American people to be- and scare people. They are not spend- fort if you happen to be living in an area lieve. The special interests want to ing all that money to provide better today without an overall decline,’’ he said. protect their profits, but Congress health care; they are spending it to ‘‘It appears to be a problem that is spread- should concern itself with protecting protect their profit margins. And they ing.’’ the health and well-being of the Amer- will try to scare us into thinking that Ezzati, Murray and their colleagues ini- tially performed an exhaustive analysis of ican people. the Americans can’t develop a plan. county mortality data between 1961 and 1999 There are two major news stories That is not true. (the latest year for which the data were today that should be viewed side-by- An American universal system is not available) looking for health disparities. side. On their own, each story is power- only possible, it is imperative. These They did not anticipate discovering that so ful. Taken together, however, the sto- two stories, which I will enter into the many Americans, especially women, were ries offer compelling evidence of what RECORD, are stark reminders of a crisis dying at an earlier age. happens when special initiates lobby that is growing because it is not being ‘‘We started noticing this period, starting against meaningful reform in the treated. in the early 1980s, where the gaps between the best-off and worst-off were getting United States; while in France, people In medicine, it would be as if all the wider,’’ Murray said. Not only were the dis- receive universal health care that is tests showed that a tumor was growing parities getting worse, he said, but those ranked number one in the world by the inside a patient and we did nothing with the worst health indicators were dying World Health Organization. about it. It would be malpractice and it earlier.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.074 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 ‘‘It was pretty shocking to us,’’ Ezzati said. plaining she was sure my American health Years ago, my husband had to wait several And contrary to what might be expected, he insurance would reimburse some of the cost. hours in a Manhattan emergency room as ad- said the observed declines in life expectancy The total bill: $7.50. ministrators tracked down someone in our did not seem to correlate with race or in- As presidential candidates hammer out out-of-state insurance company who would come. Ezzati emphasized this wasn’t just a proposals to deal with the increasing mil- approve (and therefore agree to cover the bill trend affecting poor minorities. lions of uninsured Americans, I know which for) antibiotic treatment for a horrifying in- ‘‘This appears to be something beyond race health plan I’ll choose: the French one. fection in his face that doctors were con- and income,’’ he said. Most of the worst-off The World Health Organization has named cerned could have been flesh-eating strep. counties were lower-income in comparison the French health care system the best in There’s no question you’ll be treated in with other counties, Ezzati said, but the de- the world. (The U.S. ranked 37th). It’s physi- France. Everyone is. The nation pays the cline in life expectancies did not simply cor- cian-rich, boasting one doctor for approxi- bills and the hospitals don’t get stiffed. It’s relate with income. ‘‘For example, the data mately every 430 people, compared with a an all-encompassing cradle-to-grave system. for low-income whites in northern Minnesota doctor for every 1,230 residents in the U.S. My fear now is that I won’t be able to even looked quite different than low-income (and French docs tend to charge signifi- get insurance when and if I return to the whites in Appalachia,’’ Ezzati said. ‘‘The cantly less). The average life expectancy is states, much less be able to afford it. geographical differences here are capturing two years longer than the U.S. And while the ‘‘The French health care system has a lot something significant.’’ system is one of the most expensive in the of lessons for the U.S.,’’ said Northern Ari- The researchers found that the diseases world, costing $3,500 per person, it’s far less zona University Professor Paul V. Dutton, most closely associated with the observed than the $6,100 spent per capita in the U.S. who has studied both extensively for his declines in life spans appeared to be related I’ve had a unique opportunity to see both book ‘‘Differential Diagnoses: A Compara- to smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. systems up close and personal: I had breast tive History of Health Care Problems and So- Women probably have suffered more signifi- cancer in California nine years ago and a re- lutions in the U.S. and France.’’ cant declines, Murray said, because of in- currence in Paris this year. I received excel- ‘‘There seems to be a feeling that Britain’s creased rates of smoking and obesity, com- lent care in both places, though looking back socialized health system is the only one we pared with men. now my California oncologist’s office was a can look at because it’s English, it’s the ‘‘But that’s still just speculation,’’ he said. bit of a meat market—always packed with mother country. But in fact, the French ‘‘We really don’t know all the reasons for patients, from the seemingly not-so-sick to share many of the same values that Amer- this.’’ some a step from the grave—a time-con- ican consumers seek, like choice of physi- Both Ezzati and Murray said it would be suming disadvantage of living in a much cian and freedom from insurance company wrong to simply conclude these declines in larger country with a lower doctor-to-pa- authorization of medical decisions. The life expectancy in certain regions are attrib- tient ratio. French system is already far more similar to utable to poor lifestyle choices—smoking, My French doctors and nurses have been the American ideal,’’ Dutton said. poor diet or lack of exercise. sensitive, skillful, caring—and not so har- Except it works. ‘‘If this was just a matter of bad individual ried. But the biggest difference has been choices, you would expect to see these de- money. f clines in life expectancy evenly distributed My top-level health insurance paid for around the country,’’ Ezzati said. most of my U.S. care, but it was often a COLOMBIAN DRUG CARTELS USING ‘‘I don’t think it’s as simple as lifestyle,’’ struggle to shake loose the money. I was fre- SUBMARINES TO BRING COCAINE Murray said. Having high blood pressure or quently stuck in the middle of disputes be- INTO THE UNITED STATES diabetes isn’t really a matter of choice or tween the company and my hospital and doc- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a lifestyle decisions, he said. tors over ‘‘agreed to fees.’’ previous order of the House, the gen- In the 1960s, when traffic deaths were in- Continually dunned by the hospital for fees creasing, Murray said the nation launched a and facing multiple complaining phone calls tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- safe-driving campaign that failed to reduce to my insurance company, I sometimes sim- nized for 5 minutes. deaths or accidents. When policymakers in- ply caved in and wrote checks to cover bills Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I want to stead began treating that as an engineering that I knew were the insurance company’s bring to the House’s attention a new and regulatory problem—requiring cars to responsibility—part of a wearing-down strat- innovative idea to import drugs into have seat belts, later air bags and improving egy I was convinced was deliberate. the United States. The drug cartels in the safety of the roads themselves—‘‘that’s Here in France I have a green carte South America, specifically in Colom- vitale—literally a ‘‘life card’’ or social secu- when the deaths started to go down,’’ Mur- bia, continue to figure out ways to im- ray said. rity card that provides entree to the system. Likewise, he and Ezzati said they hoped It’s funded by worker contributions and port cocaine at a profit into our coun- their findings will spur policymakers to both other taxes. My husband (and our family) is try. Now they are doing it by sea, and improve chronic disease surveillance and ex- covered through his work with a French sub- they are using submarines that they plore methods aimed at curbing this dis- sidiary of a U.S. company, and so is everyone make in the jungles where they make turbing, deadly trend. else; coverage is universal. The French are the cocaine that they bring into the IN WASHINGTON responsible for co-pays, but some 80% of United States. them have supplemental private insurance Over the past four decades, life expectancy I have here, Mr. Speaker, a photo- to cover the co-pay. People least able to pay in the U.S. has increased overall for men and those with chronic or serious illnesses graph of a submarine. This photograph from 67 to 74 years and from 74 to 80 years for often have the best coverage. Because I’m was taken by the United States Coast women. But in certain locations, starting in being treated for cancer, I’m cent pour Guard as they were on patrol off the the early 1980s, researchers say life expect- cent—100%—covered. ancy began to stall or decline—especially for coast of Colombia with the United The effect of a system where hospitals and women. In Washington State, four counties States Navy. This submarine is made doctors don’t worry about getting stiffed by (Lewis, Cowlitz, Benton and Grays Harbor) out of fiberglass. It is about 100 feet a patient or an insurance company seems to are among those places where life expect- long and it carries approximately $300 be a far more relaxed, generous system. ancy has not declined, but also has not im- When my surgeon discussed breast surgery million worth of cocaine. It has a crew proved much since the early 1980s. here, he suggested that I stay in the hospital of five. five days. ‘‘Of course I can do it the Amer- It is made in such a way that when THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM I WANT ISIN ican way, kind of an outpatient situation,’’ intercepted by the United States Navy FRANCE he told me, apparently not wanting to sound or the United States Coast Guard, they (By Mary Cline) unsophisticated. ‘‘But I don’t like pain.’’ are able to pull certain levers and PARIS, April 15, 2008.—Shortly after we Maternity stays for a normal delivery are valves on this submarine and it is moved to Paris, my son, Luke, cut his lip in a minimum of five days, not the 48 hours a fall at school. I rushed him to the emer- mandated by U.S. federal legislation in 1998 junked in the Gulf of Mexico or off the gency room of a suburban Paris hospital, after many insurance companies insisted coast of Colombia. They scuttle these where a nurse asked my name and address stays be even shorter. ships, because what happens is when and a doctor quickly stitched up his cut. I’ve always had health insurance in the they scuttle them, the five man crew When I tried to pay, the cashier asked me to U.S. And yet the few times I’d had to walk jumps off the boat into a lifeboat, and call the following week because the ‘‘com- into an American emergency room I’ve al- then our United States Navy has to puter is slow.’’ A bill eventually arrived in ways felt a thief who seems to be expected to rescue them and save them, but they the mail for the equivalent of $60. sign over all worldly goods before any med- can’t prosecute them for importation The same week I took Luke to have his ical care can begin, regardless of the state of stitches removed at a clinic where a doctor agony someone might be in. French doctors of drugs into the United States. spent nearly an hour with him first softening address problems immediately and aren’t These submarines cost the drug car- a scab on the cut. This time, the clerk was constrained by approvals from some medical tels about $1 million apiece to manu- apologetic as she handed me the bill, ex- decision maker in a distant insurance office. facture. Intelligence sources tell us

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.083 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2535 that the drug cartels will bring in ap- narcotics, have it be a crime to be in vetoed the children’s health program proximately 90 more loads of drugs into possession as a crew member of one of and has since failed to provide health the United States from Colombia using these vessels. It is things like this care for so many millions of our Na- these submarines the rest of this cal- where we have to keep constant dili- tion’s children whose families are endar year. gence in fighting the war on drugs. working but still have no health insur- They are made in such a way that Just to be clear, Mr. Speaker, intel- ance. they are highly mobile. They go about ligence tells us that these submarines If the measure of a President is how 14 knots apiece, and they are able to go are made by the Revolutionary Armed his administration has treated the all the way from Colombia into the Forces of Colombia, or FARC. That is weakest and most vulnerable among United States without refueling. It is a the military wing of the Colombian us, then George W. Bush has failed the constant problem for our Navy and our communist party. Of course, that is test of that leadership. United States Coast Guard to track how they finance their revolution and Here at home we have people con- these individuals and to catch them the revolutionary ideas in South Amer- verging on food pantries that are not with the cocaine. ica. able to cope with the demand. We have Only one situation where we, I say And that’s just the way it is. young people unable to find summer we, the United States Navy and the jobs, find it difficult to get student f Coast Guard, were able to capture one loans, and even more difficult to get a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a of these vessels before it was scuttled job to pay them off. We have families previous order of the House, the gen- and prosecute the crew was when they that lack health insurance. We have 10 tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is tried to sink it off the coast of Colom- seniors waiting for every one available recognized for 5 minutes. bia after seeing the United States affordable housing unit. And we have (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. Navy. But what happened was after veterans in dilapidated facilities with- His remarks will appear hereafter in they scuttled the submarine, a load of out the proper health care and support the Extensions of Remarks.) cocaine, a bundle of cocaine, if you they need to rebuild their lives when will, came to the surface. Once it came f they return home. This in a land where to the surface it was confiscated by our PRESIDENT’S COMPASSIONATE President Bush says, ‘‘Each of us is Navy. The five member crew was cap- CONSERVATISM A FAILURE IN willed and each of us is loved.’’ tured and they have been taken to AMERICA Mortgage foreclosures have a death Tampa, Florida, and they are on trial grip on our economy, yet Washington for importation of narcotics into the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a continues to drag its feet on a solution United States. previous order of the House, the gentle- with real bite. An estimated 1.6 million I bring this to the House’s attention, woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec- foreclosures occurred in 2007, and as of Mr. Speaker, because of the fact that ognized for 5 minutes. December, 2.9 million loans were past Congress needs to deal with this issue. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, last week due, signaling that the worst is in front These submarines carry no flag. They when Pope Benedict XVI visited our of us. This means that more than 40 are not registered to any nation or for- Nation’s Capital and then the United million homeowners are at risk of see- eign government. The crew members Nations, he inspired America and the ing their property values decline as a come from all over the world, mostly world by invoking the moral impera- result. And by early 2009 as many as from Colombia. They claim no citizen- tives of peace, justice and human 12.5 million homeowners will have no ship from any nation. And they don’t rights. In greeting the Pope to Amer- equity in their homes or will owe more claim, of course, possession of the ves- ica, President Bush dusted off his mes- than their homes are worth. In fact, sel. sage of ‘‘compassionate conservatism,’’ America today is experiencing some- So Congress can deal with this issue which has lain dormant for 8 years thing it never has before, negative net by making it a Federal offense to use a since the Bush-Cheney campaigns of equity in home mortgages. The value submarine within international waters 2000. of the home is less than what people that carries no flag, carries no reg- President Bush said as the Pope sat owe. istration of another nation, and if a there, ‘‘Here in America, you will find Where is the Bush administration? I person is caught operating one of these a Nation of compassion. Americans be- invite the President to Ohio. Help us vessels, they could be prosecuted as if lieve that the measure of a free society get these mortgage servicers to a table they had drugs. The drug cartels are is how we treat the weakest and most so we can do workouts. Where is HUD? smart. They know if they can destroy vulnerable among us.’’ The President Where is the Federal Reserve? Where the evidence they can’t be prosecuted. said, ‘‘So each day citizens across are all these regulatory agencies? We need to make a law that being in America answer the universal call to Where are they? Where is the Presi- possession of this submarine is enough feed the hungry and comfort the sick dent? to prosecute them for crimes on the and care for the infirm.’’ States and localities are struggling high seas. The President might be correct that because of the Federal Government’s Mr. Speaker, I might add that these American citizens try to fulfill these absence in this area of workouts, and vessels are so manufactured that they moral obligations of feeding the hun- municipalities’ tax bases may drop as are not just able to carry cocaine into gry and comforting the sick, but they much as $356 billion over the next 2 the United States worth $300 million, are doing it with no help from his ad- years, further undermining their abil- or 12 tons, that is how much cocaine, ministration. Surely his administra- ity to provide vital services for but that same vessel can go into any of tion has been conservative, but not strapped residents because their tax our ports in the United States as a sub- compassionate. bases are going down as a result of de- marine carrying weapons, explosives, The United States Government under clining property values. weapons of mass destruction, and used George W. Bush has turned its back on We have had the largest home equity as some type of suicide submarine, the hungry. Ask any person who han- washout in U.S. history. And what is similar to what was used against the dles a food bank in this Nation. They the Bush response? To transfer $29 bil- USS Cole some years ago in the Middle took one program, the Commodity lion to bail out Bear Stearns, a Wall East. Supplemental Food Program, and to- Street fast buck operation which is a So the United States Coast Guard tally eliminated it, a program that Federal Reserve favorite and a primary and Navy is to be complimented for feeds our Nation’s hungriest. And while dealer of U.S. Government securities. tracking these vessels and doing every- food pantries across our Nation are Yet nothing is done to help the States thing they can to interdict the individ- short and donations way down, the where these foreclosure crises are uals that bring that cancer into the President turns a blind eye and utters going on every day, to help America’s United States, and Congress needs to those false words before the Pope. families reposition so that they don’t deal with the issue, to have these sub- The United States Government under lose their major asset. marines that are basically at war with George W. Bush has turned its back on Yes, the Bush administration is con- the United States bringing in these the sick and the infirm. It was he who servative, but it is not compassionate.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.078 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 In the Middle East, the Bush invasion try, Memphis Music, is at the very And all of them had at least four of Iraq has yielded over 5 million refu- foundations of our beloved city. things in common: First, they were gees. The President has done nothing Mr. Speaker, so much of the music each just little babies who had done to help those displaced refugees have that is identified as iconic American nothing wrong to anyone. And, each some semblance of a decent life. A mil- music came from Memphis. It rose up one of them had a nameless and lonely lion and a half Iraqis have fled to Syria from the heat of the Mississippi Delta death. And, each of their mothers, alone. and drifted into the city where it was whether she realizes it immediately or Mr. Speaker, justice demands more stamped on vinyl in studios like Stax not, will never be the same. And all of than individual charity. It demands and Sun. From there, the sounds of the gifts that these children might justice of us as a rich and powerful Na- Elvis, Mavis Staples, Al Green, Booker have brought to humanity, Mr. Speak- tion. T. and the MGs, and Isaac Hayes be- er, are now lost forever. f came part of the fabric of American And yet even in the full glare of such culture. tragedy, this generation still clings to REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- This summer, Memphis Music and a blind invincible ignorance while his- VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF Carnival Memphis will turn their hands tory repeats itself and our own silent H.R. 5819, SBIR/STTR REAUTHOR- and their hearts to the Emanuel Epis- genocide mercilessly annihilates the IZATION ACT copal Center Neighborhood School, and most helpless of all victims to date, Ms. SLAUGHTER, from the Com- United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid those yet unborn. mittee on Rules, submitted a privi- South. They will be joined by the King Mr. Speaker, perhaps it is important leged report (Rept. No. 110–603) on the and Queen of Carnival, the Royal Court for those of us in this chamber to re- resolution (H. Res. 1125) providing for and all of the mystic societies. The mind ourselves again of why we are consideration of the bill (H.R. 5819) to economic, cultural, and spiritual en- really all here. Thomas Jefferson said, amend the Small Business Act to im- gine that is the entertainment of in- ‘‘The care of human life and its happi- prove the Small Business Innovation dustry in Memphis will turn their ef- ness, and not its destruction, is the Research (SBIR) program and the forts to lift the spirits and cir- chief and only object of good govern- Small Business Technology Transfer cumstances of those in need in Mem- ment.’’ (STTR) program, and for other pur- phis. The phrase in the 14th amendment poses, which was referred to the House I am proud to represent a city that capsulizes our entire Constitution. It Calendar and ordered to be printed. has left such an indelible mark on says, ‘‘No State shall deprive any per- American culture. I congratulate Car- son of life, liberty, or property without f nival Memphis on their 77th year and due process of law.’’ REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- all their hard work to enrich Memphis. Mr. Speaker, protecting the lives of VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF And I encourage all of my colleagues, our innocent citizens and their con- H.R. 2830, COAST GUARD AUTHOR- the next time they hear Sitting on the stitutional rights is why we are all IZATION ACT OF 2008 Dock of the Bay, Green Onions, or here. It is our sworn oath, Mr. Speaker. The bedrock foundation of this Re- Ms. SLAUGHTER, from the Com- Heartbreak Hotel, to join me and do public is that clarion declaration of the mittee on Rules, submitted a privi- what I do, and think of Memphis. self-evident truth that all human leged report (Rept. No. 110–604) on the f beings are created equal and endowed resolution (H. Res. 1126) providing for The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a by their creator with the unalienable consideration of the bill (H.R. 2830) to previous order of the House, the gen- rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit authorize appropriations for the Coast tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is of happiness. And every conflict and Guard for fiscal year 2008, and for other recognized for 5 minutes. battle our Nation has ever faced can be purposes, which was referred to the (Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed traced to our commitment to this core House Calendar and ordered to be the House. His remarks will appear self-evident truth. It has made us the printed. hereafter in the Extensions of Re- beacon of hope for the entire world. It f marks.) is who we are. b 1945 f And, yet, Mr. Speaker, another day has passed, and we in this body have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a SUNSET MEMORIAL failed again to honor that foundational previous order of the House, the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a commitment. We failed our sworn oath tleman from North Carolina (Mr. previous order of the House, the gen- and our God-given responsibility as we JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. tleman from Arizona (Mr. FRANKS) is broke faith with nearly 4,000 more in- (Mr. JONES of North Carolina ad- recognized for 5 minutes. nocent American babies who died today dressed the House. His remarks will ap- Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speak- without the protection that we should pear hereafter in the Extensions of Re- er, I stand before this body tonight given them. marks.) with what I have started to call a sun- So, Mr. Speaker, let me just conclude f set memorial. It is April 22, 2008 in the in the hope that perhaps someone new land of the free and the home of the who has heard this sunset memorial to- MEMPHIS MUSIC brave, and before the sun set today in night will finally embrace the truth The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a America, almost 4,000 more defenseless that abortion really does kill little ba- previous order of the House, the gentle- unborn children were killed by abor- bies, that it hurts mothers in ways woman from Tennessee (Mrs. tion on demand. That is just today. that we can never express, and that BLACKBURN) is recognized for 5 min- That is more than the number of inno- 12,874 days spent killing nearly 50 mil- utes. cent American lives that were lost on lion unborn children in America is Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I September 11, Mr. Speaker, only it hap- enough. And, that the America that re- rise today to honor Memphis Music. pens every day. jected human slavery, and marched This summer, my district will play It has now been exactly 12,874 days into Europe to arrest Nazi Holocaust, host to a tradition that has evolved since the travesty called Roe versus is still courageous and compassionate with the city for more than 70 years, Wade was handed down. Since then, the enough as a Nation to find a better way Carnival Memphis. Every year, Car- very foundation of this Nation has been for mothers and their unborn babies nival Memphis lifts up the best of our stained by the blood of more than 50 than abortion on demand. city and asks it to help those Mem- million of its own children. Some of So tonight, Mr. Speaker, may we phians who are most in need. Leaders them, Mr. Speaker, cried and screamed each remind ourselves that our own of an honored industry roll up their as they died, but because it was days in this sunshine of life are also sleeves to help special Memphis char- amniotic fluid passing over the vocal numbered, and that all too soon each of ities, charities that are often otherwise cords instead of air, we couldn’t hear us will walk from these chambers for ignored. This year, the honored indus- them. the very last time. And if it should be

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.080 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2537 that this Congress is allowed to con- violence against the majority that sup- been an offender in this. It has even vene on yet another day to come, may ported the movement for democratic given Mugabe means of cover. Presi- that be the day when we finally hear change. dent Thabo Mbeki recently called the the cries of the innocent unborn chil- We should remember that this is the election normal, and denied the crisis dren, and may that be the day when we same Robert Mugabe that engineered a in Zimbabwe. His government would find the humanity, the courage, and massacre in Southern Zimbabwe in have allowed the Chinese armed ship- the will to embrace together our Matabeleland in the early 1980s, and he ment to transit South Africa, but human and our constitutional duty to used North Korean troops, North Ko- China decided to avoid the hassle at protect the least of these, our tiny rean trained troops. Those in the coun- South African ports. This diplomatic American brothers and sisters, from tryside can show you the wells, as they support from South Africa and others this murderous scourge upon our Na- showed us, where those North Korean has bolstered Mugabe at home. But, in tion called abortion on demand. troops of the fifth brigade directed the the meantime, the neighbors have Mr. Speaker, this is April 22, 2008, local villagers be thrown down alive taken their lead. Their opposition has 12,874 days since Roe versus Wade first down those wells and be killed. And snowballed: Mozambique has said no. stained the very foundations of this that spate of killing took thousands Namibia has said no. We hope tomor- Nation with the blood of its own chil- and thousands of lives across the coun- row Angola says no, and sends this ship dren, and this in the land of the free try. So, this is an autocrat who has laden with its weapons back to China. and the home of the brave. stopped at nothing. And he has allies. f As we speak, a Chinese freighter is f adrift somewhere off the western coast b 2000 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a of Africa looking for a friendly port to IN MEMORY OF SERGEANT previous order of the House, the gentle- unload a shipment destined for WILLIAM ALLMON woman from California (Ms. SOLIS) is Zimbabwe. And in the hull of that ship recognized for 5 minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a is 3 million rounds of AK–47 ammo, (Ms. SOLIS addressed the House. Her previous order of the House, the gen- 1,500 rounds of 40 millimeter rockets, remarks will appear hereafter in the tleman from Georgia (Mr. GINGREY) is 2,703 rounds of 60 millimeter mortar Extensions of Remarks.) recognized for 5 minutes. bombs. This cargo could quickly turn Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, today f Zimbabwe into a killing field. the residents of Floyd County, Georgia ZIMBABWE China has played a similar role else- are saying goodbye to a native son who where, fueling other African violence, died while bravely serving his Nation The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a showing contempt for African lives. It in Iraq. Sergeant William Elliot previous order of the House, the gen- provided the machetes to the Hutu mi- Allmon was killed in action on April tleman from California (Mr. ROYCE) is litia to carry out its 1994 genocide. Bei- 12, 2008 outside of Baghdad, after his recognized for 5 minutes. jing is arming the government in vehicle encountered an IED, an impro- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, there is an Sudan, which is committing genocide vised explosive device. issue of critical concern to the human in Darfur with those weapons. It does Last night, I joined Sergeant Will rights movement around the world and this for political influence and Beijing Allmon’s family, friends, and sup- a critical concern to the continent of does it for economic gain, especially oil porters at his visitation to honor the Africa. And it is because tonight, I just and mineral wealth. China is currently life of this brave soldier. He was re- want to report, that the country of Zimbabwe’s largest investor and second membered as a man of the highest Zimbabwe is in very, very grim and largest trading partner, where it se- character whose receipt of two Army dire shape. President Robert Mugabe cures much needed natural resources commendation medals, an Army has plundered his country, driving it to for China. But it is also its armory. achievement medal, a combat action ruin. And you know a little bit about But the thing I have to reported to- badge are testament to the supreme the violence that you have seen on tel- night is that China is running into sense of duty he felt to his country and evision over the last 72 hours. A once roadblocks, because last week South to his brothers in arms, his comrades. prosperous economy has been dev- African port and truck workers refused Most importantly, he was remembered astated by misrule; inflation is running to move this 70-ton weapons shipment as a first-born son, a father, and grand- at 200,000 percent per year, and life ex- to Zimbabwe. They were made aware of son whose contagious smile brought a pectancy there has been driven down to it by an investigative journalist. Their sense of warmth to those in his pres- a mere 34 years. strike was backed by the South African ence. This was once a major agricultural union movement which said: South Af- Born and raised in Floyd County, exporter to the rest of Africa, but rica cannot be seen to be facilitating Georgia, Will joined the National many Zimbabweans are now facing the flow of weapons into Zimbabwe at Guard at age 17 before going full active starvation because Mugabe has kicked a time when there is a political dispute duty in 2003. After serving one tour in productive farmers off his land. His re- and a volatile situation. Iraq, and even being wounded, Sergeant gime has used food as a weapon; he re- The spokesman was being diplomatic. Allmon selflessly decided to return to wards backers; he starves and punishes South African labor has been one of the the war zone for a second tour, from opponents. As Karl Marx said: Those few to pointedly and vocally criticize which his unit will return home this who will not obey will not eat. Mugabe’s tyranny. They despise the ty- summer. Today, after 28 years of misrule, rant to their north and they called for His whole mission in Iraq centered on Mugabe is trying to steal the election, an international boycott of this ship. keeping his fellow soldiers safe, risking cracking heads to extend his reign. De- And this is an inspiring event. his life for the sake of others. Sergeant feated at the ballot box, the regime has In the early 1970s, a labor leader at a Allmon served as a combat engineer for simply refused to release official elec- Polish port stood up as well. Lech the Army, where he specialized in tion results. And, instead, what has it Walesa faced off against Soviet tyr- building protective structures for done? It has stepped up its violence anny, demanding democracy and free- friendly forces and destroying protec- against the people across the country- dom for his native Poland. tive structures for the enemy. side. It has arrested and killed its po- This week, South African port work- I think his mom put it best when she litical opponents. 3,000 families have ers said they weren’t going to play any said, ‘‘He was a leader who was looked been forced from their homes. The tor- role in Mugabe’s next slaughter. Their up to by other soldiers. He was a loyal ture chambers are full. Human rights action hasn’t brought down a tyranny, soldier who went beyond the call of groups report on those dead and those but it may have been the beginning of duty.’’ tortured to death. Ominously, the re- one’s fall. For years, Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Allmon leaves behind his gime has charged the opposition presi- neighboring countries have set back wife, Jennifer; his 3-year-old son, dential candidate with treason, and we applauding Mugabe despite the many Damien; an 11-year-old stepson, Jason know what that means, a charge that Zimbabweans he has beaten and killed. Luke Johnson; his mother, Donna For- could signal the beginning of massive The South African government has tune; his father, William Allmon; his

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.084 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 grandfather, Leonard Allmon; and the fact that we spend more per capita tainly the core tenets of our universal grandparents, Billy and Joann Phillips. on health care than any other industri- health care proposal. Mr. Speaker, my prayers go out to alized country, we produce very dis- Now under AHBP, employers who his family and my deepest gratitude appointing outcomes by a number of wish to continue negotiating with pri- goes out to Sergeant Allmon for his important measures. One major attrib- vate insurance carriers may do so as selfless sacrifice for this Nation, and I utable factor is the high level of unin- long as the coverage they offer meets a ask all Members, and I know they will, sured in America. basic standard set by AHBP. However, join me in honoring the distinguished Furthermore, the U.S. remains the employer-sponsored coverage is prov- memory of Sergeant William Allmon. only developed nation that does not ing to be more and more cost-prohibi- guarantee health coverage as a right to tive for businesses as health care costs f all of its citizens. Today, there are continue to outpace inflation and in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a nearly 47 million Americans who lack surance options drastically fluctuate previous order of the House, the gen- health insurance coverage, leaving one from plan to plan. That’s why AHBP tleman from New Jersey (Mr. GARRETT) in six without access to proper medical allows companies to choose to pay a is recognized for 5 minutes. care. What makes these figures more fixed predictable payroll tax according (Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey ad- shocking is that over 80 percent of the to their size and average employee dressed the House. His remarks will ap- uninsured come from working families. earnings. pear hereafter in the Extensions of Re- As the cost of health care continues to We have a chart here which says that marks.) rise, it is clearly burdening our fami- depending on the average number of f lies and placing American employers at employees that a company has, as well The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a more and more of a competitive dis- as according to their average salary, previous order of the House, the gen- advantage. Therefore, I believe it is our they would pay a certain percentage of tleman from Oregon (Mr. WALDEN) is duty as policymakers to offer a new vi- their payroll tax. For example, on the recognized for 5 minutes. sion and new solutions to fix our ailing very lower end where you have the (Mr. WALDEN of Oregon addressed health care system. small businesses that have the lowest the House. His remarks will appear Providing quality, affordable health average earnings, that company would hereafter in the Extensions of Re- care to every American has been a only pay a maximum of 4 percent of marks.) long-time priority of mine. And it is in payroll. this spirit of furthering the national On the higher end, you would have f the companies that at the very highest The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a dialogue on this important issue that my colleague from Connecticut, Con- end would pay no more than 10 percent previous order of the House, the gen- of payroll. There would be a certain gressman CHRIS SHAYS and I have tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. TIM worked together to introduce H.R. 5348, cap on the average earning itself. MURPHY) is recognized for 5 minutes. So my point is that there is a range the American Health Benefits Program (Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania of options here. There is a range of addressed the House. His remarks will Act of 2008. This bipartisan universal health care plans to choose from, but this is also appear hereafter in the Extensions of an affordable way for employees to proposal is based on a tried-and-true Remarks.) have health care coverage. program that has stood the test of f Basically we are separating out the time, and that is the Federal Employ- coverage from the workplace itself. We REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER ees Health Benefits Program or FEHBP need to get away from the issue of just AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 5515 as it is called. Currently over 8 million employer-sponsored coverage. I think Federal employees, retirees and their Mr. GOODE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- it is the best way to go, and it is a sen- dependents receive health insurance sible proposal. imous consent to withdraw my name as coverage under FEHBP. This includes a cosponsor of H.R. 5515. For many businesses this may cost Members of Congress. less than they currently spend on pre- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there This program uses a system of man- objection to the request of the gen- mium contributions and health care aged competition between private in- and health plan administration. Pay- tleman from Virginia? surance carriers and provides enrollees There was no objection. roll tax revenue under the system we with a large menu of coverage options. are proposing will basically create a f Its use of bulk purchasing power helps funding stream to allow for a fixed gov- contain costs and brings stability to UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ernment contribution of 72 percent to- the system. In 2007, this resulted in an ward health care premiums of every The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under average premium increase of just 1.8 participating American. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- percent compared to the private mar- Individuals in AHBP will have the re- uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from ket average of 6.1 percent. And by the sponsibility to pay for the remaining Rhode Island (Mr. LANGEVIN) is recog- way, I have yet to come across an em- share of their premiums, to the extent nized for 60 minutes as the designee of ployer, at least in my home district, or that they can afford it, again with the the majority leader. anywhere in the country, for that mat- lowest income earners receiving sub- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, to- ter, who has only realized a 6.1 percent sidies to ensure affordability. night I am honored to be able to speak increase in their health care costs. This new program is not a single- this evening about the issue of uni- Generally it is in the double digits and payer system. It is not one size fits all, versal health care, one of the biggest sometimes you can be talking about 20 and it does not reinvent the wheel. domestic challenges that is facing our or 30 percent or more increases to a Medicare, Medicaid and veteran serv- country at the present time. I am also given health care plan in any given ices and other public programs that are pleased to be joined this evening and year. Our proposal basically would use tailored to specific populations will re- who will be speaking in just a few min- that successful model to provide simi- main intact. Additionally, no one will utes, by the gentleman from Con- lar benefits to all Americans, estab- be denied coverage or discriminated necticut (Mr. SHAYS) on the issue of lishing the first ever American health against based on their health status or universal health care. benefits program or AHBP. preexisting condition. That is a very Mr. Speaker, again I am very pleased Now the development of AHBP will important tenet of this proposal. to have this time to speak on a topic be guided by eight fundamental prin- AHBP will use basically an expanded that remains of paramount concern to ciples, and they are on this chart to my system of managed competition to en- individuals and families across the right: choice, shared responsibility, af- sure that private insurance carriers country, and that is again the issue of fordability, portability, continuity, compete for enrollees on the basis of health care in America. preventive care, and health care rein- benefits as well as efficiency, service Health care costs, Mr. Speaker, are vestment. I believe these are the types and price. It will offer portable and rising in the United States at an of principles that we have to have in continuous coverage and incentivize in- alarming, alarming rate. Yet despite any type of system and they are cer- vestment in disease preventive and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.088 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2539 long-term preventive care which de- care while leaving room for further dis- moves somewhere else they’re going to crease the costs of care over time. cussion on this very complex issue. have that same coverage. And if the Investments in health information And, Mr. Speaker, I believe this is not employee wants to upgrade, they can technology will also lower costs while a Democratic or a Republican issue. upgrade every year, or reduce it, be- increasing quality and efficiency. It’s not a conservative or a liberal cause Federal employees pay 28 percent Mr. Speaker, instituting meaningful issue. It’s an issue that matters most of the cost. The government pays the systemic reforms will require a funda- to the American people. employer, in this case, 72 percent. So 28 mental shift in how we view employer- And on that note, I am pleased to and 72 on the part of the government. provided coverage and health care de- yield this evening to the gentleman The continuity concept, that if em- livery. While it is critical that busi- from Connecticut, my partner in this ployers have worked out a really good nesses maintain a role, I believe it is bipartisan universal health care bill program with their employees then essential that we change our perspec- and this effort to finally, once and for they can keep it. But eventually I tive of health insurance as a privilege all, solve our Nation’s health care cri- think they will ultimately want to be or benefit tied to employment. Instead, sis, the gentleman from Connecticut, part of the American health benefit we must look at it as a right and a re- Mr. CHRIS SHAYS. plan. sponsibility to be shared by the com- Mr. SHAYS. I thank the gentleman And I particularly like the aspect munity. Individuals and employers, for yielding and I appreciate his that no insurer is going to be allowed health care providers and the govern- launching this bill. to participate unless they have a ment, all have key roles to play in Let me say, first and foremost, that strong preventative care program. And reaching a truly inclusive and efficient you have worked on this legislation for we can get into that. health care model. over 4 years, and you have done what And then the health care re-invest- The unsettling truth is that society many of us in Congress said we wanted ment. Insurers take 20 percent out and already pays for the uninsured. Some to do. We said we wanted Americans to 80 percent goes to health care. The way think that there is no cost associated have the same health care that Mem- you’ve drafted the bill, and we are pro- with the uninsured. That is completely bers of Congress have. And that’s what moting this bill, there’s going to be, not true. Society already pays for the I said, the same health care that Fed- our expectation, and this is our goal, is uninsured, but it does so at tremendous eral employees have, because that’s the that 90 percent be reinvested into cost and with staggering inefficiencies. program that Members of Congress are health care. Individuals without health insurance a part of. It’s a program that in my Now, it’s pretty amazing when you are most often forced to seek care from State, and in most States, we have, look at the differences in cost. And doctors and hospital emergency rooms like, 18 different choices. maybe you want to comment on this. only after their illnesses reach cata- And so what I’d like to do, I’d like to You have a pretty good view of it. strophic levels, drastically increasing start out, if you wouldn’t mind putting But we’re looking at statistics in the risk of complications and the cost the American health benefit guiding 2004. And you can see that the Gross of treatment. principles back up on the chart there, Domestic Product in the United States, Our most recent estimates place because I think that’s a good way to in 2004, was 15 percent. And yet, it was total uninsured medical expenses at start out. 11 percent, and in 1980 it was 8.8. But nearly $125 billion a year. That is stag- And, again, let me say, Congressman the significant thing is Canada’s is at gering. Approximately $41 billion of LANGEVIN, it’s a privilege to work with 10, just slightly under 10, where ours is this total comes in the form of uncom- you. You have done incredible work to at 15. The United Kingdom is at 8 per- pensated care which is predominantly bring forward a plan that Congress can cent of Gross Domestic Product. Japan borne by the government and financed consider seriously. And what you’ve is at 8. And Germany slightly over 10. by the taxpayer. Beyond this, the cost done is what all of us said we wanted to There’s a big difference in the cost here is also reflected in the form of higher do, and you’ve given me the privilege compared to our cost. I have a sense health insurance premiums that every- of not having to write it, but I got to that part of that is just the uncompen- one pays. This cost is only compounded edit it. And that’s a lot of fun. sated care, and that’s, you know, we’ve by the lost income due to reduced em- So this is a partnership, and what a had information that says that. But I ployment and job productivity. How- great partnership, to be able to first think this is one that just gets you to ever, Mr. Speaker, the most disturbing argue, as you have, that chart in front have to wake up. costs are not the monetary costs in na- of you, universal coverage. So there’s If we do nothing, if we do nothing, we ture, but the immeasurable price that 85 percent of the Americans have cov- are going to be spending, by the year we pay in human lives each year as a erage and 15 percent don’t. 90 percent 2016, it’s estimated, over $4 trillion a result of inequitable, inadequate care. have it in Connecticut. But there are year in health care. And it still means A recently released analysis esti- about 45 million Americans that don’t that a good number of Americans don’t mated that 22,000 deaths nationwide oc- have health coverage. get the coverage. curred last year resulting from adults What that does, as you’ve pointed out So we have to do something. And let not having health insurance, averaging so well, it means that you have a dis- me just make this last point, and then one death every 24 minutes. This is tortion in the marketplace because I know that you’ll have things that you simply an unacceptable price to pay for those 45 million are going to get cov- want to say as well. delaying necessary reforms to our ered when they are really sick in a hos- But our bill, the bill that you wrote, health care system, and we need to pital, and it’s going to be the uncom- and the bill that I’m now a part of, is change it. pensated care. going to give Americans choice. And The challenges we face in fixing our So you’ve written a bill that says, there are going to be some other bills ailing health care system are great. universal coverage. You’ve written a presented. There’s a bill that says you However, the costs of inaction are even bill that says, Americans will have have a single payer system. There’s an- greater. choice, which is really important to other bill that says the individual pays Mr. Speaker, the time has come for me. You’ve written a bill that said and not the employer in a tax to, and policymakers at all levels and across there’ll be shared responsibility, that as you’ve designed the bill, pays into a the ideological spectrum to take action individuals, employers, the govern- tax, in which we have 300 million peo- toward developing a health care system ment, hospitals, insurers, all have a re- ple in one pool. So you don’t have this that really works for our Nation, one sponsibility. That’s what you’ve done. problem of a single employer. that offers Americans choice, calls for You and I are seeking to have this be But, no, I just want to make this shared responsibility, and is affordable affordable, so we are going to talk point before yielding back. The point I to all. about a commission that we’ve estab- want to make is that we all know we’re lished that would be established under going to get to universal coverage. And b 2015 this bill. the question is not if, but when. I believe our proposal introduces a But you want it to be portable. You The other question is what is it going practical model for universal health want it to be that if an employee to look like? We have the perfect

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.093 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2540 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 model, a system that the employer ferent health care plans for more than surance Company B, you know, pays, that the individual pays, a sys- 8 million Federal employees, depend- wouldn’t be with the Insurance Com- tem now where the hospitals, because ents and retirees. You’ve got every- pany A years down the road. They they won’t have such uncompensated thing, and the choices of options that would be with potentially another in- care, will be contributing a bit, and are available, from the very basic plan surance company, which means, you where the insurers are going to be with the small premium and the small know, why should Insurance Company making sure that more goes into copay, up to the more classic com- A invest in all this early preventative health care. prehensive Blue Cross-type plans and care, when, down the road, when some- And there’s the other plan that will everything in between. one gets older and we all become great- come out here, Mr. WYDEN’s bill, that Mr. SHAYS. And if I could just jump er consumers of health care, that, why deserves to be looked at, where the in- in. The key that you make is that would they, that company wouldn’t dividual is going to pay. There’s again, there are 8 million individuals, either benefit from the investment that they the single payer plan. And then there’s actively working for the government or made, where under this system they the other groups that say, well, let’s retired, who are part of the same pool, would. You may change plans within a just kind of work on the edges and and so the purchasing power becomes particular company, but you may very keep covering more and more of the more powerful. well be with the same insurance com- uninsured and then see what it looks Mr. LANGEVIN. That’s right. Using pany or plan throughout most of your like when we’re done. bulk purchasing power is the thing, by life. So maybe we could have more back getting more people into one insurance b 2030 and forth dialogue, but this is some- pool, we spread risk around, and it Mr. SHAYS. I love to talk about this thing I deeply believe in. And I appre- achieves cost containment and sta- and just delve into the preventative ciate the work that’s gone in by you bility in the system. Mr. SHAYS. And the exciting part, I care part even more. and your staff. And now, my staff as The insurance company isn’t guaran- think, or the very sensible part of what well. teed that that individual will be with we have as Federal employees, because And this is a debate that Congress them for life. But they are aware that as Congressmen, we have that same needs to say, let’s begin it. Let’s have the insurance company’s part of the plan that all Federal employees have, a hearing in the House and in the Sen- American Health Benefit Plan and that is that we can choose to upgrade our ate on this legislation, on the other all of the other insurers, as well, have plan and spend 28 percent on the more legislation. Let’s understand the im- to focus on preventative care. And expensive plan, or we can choose to pact on individuals and on employers. that’s going to be hugely important lower it each year. But we never have So this is a lot of fun for me to be out how people take care of themselves; a problem of there being a pre-existing here with you. are they having physical checkups, but Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gen- condition. more importantly, how do they take And thinking how it would work in tleman for his words and also his pas- care of themselves? Are they smoking? the private sector, you move to an- sion and support on this bipartisan uni- Are they overweight? versal health care bill. Your input has other job and you will be able to keep You are going to have insurance com- been invaluable in crafting this bipar- the same plan. Or you are unemployed. panies that are going to provide incen- tisan bill and bringing it to where it is You lost your job. And you have this tives for people, one, to not smoke; to today, and we hope that this, now, con- huge fear of buying COBRA and having provide incentives for them to lose tinues, where we begin the process of to pay all of the cost, and you can’t. weight; and this is going to also in- fixing our health care system, bringing You’re not working. In this case, you clude a health savings account for it to the top of the public policy agen- would be part of the government cov- those who want it. And the significance da. It is clearly long overdue. erage, and it would be paid for almost of that will be that it becomes a high The American people are asking, entirely by the government, in that in- deductible. they’re demanding that we fix our stance, until you were back working. So they would have to put in for the health care crisis, and that we cover And what’s hugely important about first few thousand dollars, but it comes the uninsured, not only cover the unin- that is to recognize though, that that out of what they put into a savings ac- sured, but making health care afford- individual wouldn’t, then, be able to count. And if they don’t spend it, then able. This is something that’s long get the most expensive plan, they’d it stays in that savings account. And overdue. have the basic plan. But the basic plan then there has been no cost to the in- I think it’s a national disgrace that is a good plan. surer and, in this case, it will be a less we have 47 million people in this coun- Mr. LANGEVIN. That’s right. Abso- expensive plan to the government as try without health insurance. And as lutely. And it’s equally important to well. we have both pointed out, that because recognize that this is not a big govern- Mr. LANGEVIN. Right. of that, it’s a major contributing factor ment-run plan. We’re not creating an- Mr. SHAYS. I would love to, if you in that we have the highest cost and other big government bureaucracy. It’s wouldn’t mind, just point out that the worst outcomes in comparison to government negotiated but it’s private what we have done in this legislation is other industrialized nations. Again, the competition. It’s managed competi- that when the bill passes, it will take 2 high number of uninsured is a major tion. Private insurers would be able to years to be implemented so that as we contributing factor to that statistic. compete for now enrollees based on vote out the legislation with whatever So the fact that we have a bill now is benefits, efficiency service and price. changes are in there, it may be that exciting because it’s based on a tem- So the insurance companies have an in- the amount that an employer has to plate, a tried and true program that’s centive now to economize, find effi- put into the system may be higher or already working. ciencies. They would have to deliver on lower in certain numbers of employees When I first came to this debate, I what has been negotiated in the var- and so on; and we can go back to that said, this is one of the most, the big- ious plans, and that would be clearly chart in a second. But we want to have gest challenges facing our country spelled out, but they would now be time to write the legislation but then right now. And I said, why can’t we challenged to find ways to do things to examine it during the course of the solve it? And is there anything out like invest in preventative and early 2 years. there that is working now that serves care, which there really isn’t nec- And one of the things that we’ve done as an example of what we could base a essarily the incentive, I believe, right is that we require there to be a health universal health care system on? now for insurers to do that, because, benefits commission. And the signifi- And after studying it and looking at for example, when it’s tied to employ- cance of that is that we don’t want the it, I said it’s really right before us, and ment, you know, we all, people change United States to be spending so much that’s the Federal employees health jobs several times throughout their ca- more than other countries. So much of benefits program. Right now, we have, reers. There’s no guarantee that an en- our wealth and our income is going the Federal Government, as mentioned rollee that starts with an insurance into health care, and we would like it earlier, negotiates a variety of dif- company today is going it would be In- to be less.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.094 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2541 Mr. LANGEVIN. Right. We are having them look at the cost company may only offer one plan, and And I think that is an important and implementation factor of retiree it may not fit the needs of all of the point, if I could just interject. The high health coverage under the American employees. It may be good for some costs of health care now are putting Health Benefit Plan. What is the im- but, again, not everyone. not only a tremendous burden on our pact of retirees? And candidly, what is Under this plan, there would be a va- individuals and families, but it’s put- the impact of the last few months of riety of plans to choose from: again, a ting our companies at a significant someone’s life when we see a huge very basic plan with a small premium, competitive disadvantage in terms of amount of money spent? a small copay, up to the more com- those companies overseas whose na- A comparison of prescription drug prehensive-type programs, and several tions have universal health care. And prices under the American Health Ben- options in between. And it’s basically so it is not particularly burdening in efit Plan to other public health pro- bringing everyone into one insurance individual business itself in foreign grams, and the effects of insurance mo- pool. countries where it is here where com- nopolies on health care costs and deliv- So you’re bringing a younger, panies bear much of the costs of pro- ery, we need to look at that. healthier population into the program; viding universal health care. Now, what this commission will do, you’re spreading risk, which leads to So we’re helping to change the dy- it has 18 months to file its findings, more stable costs; and we talked about namic, if you would, of how health care which is 6 months before the law actu- the fact that the Federal Employees is provided in America. And, again, ally goes into effect. But we’re asking Health Benefit Program under last we’re changing it from an employer them to give us a preliminary finding year only had a 1.8 percent increase in kind of run system, a sponsor system, 12 months in, a final version 18 months, its health care plans on average and to now a universal health care model but one 12 months. the private sector had about a 6.1 per- that everybody is participating in, and So the legislation passes 2 years be- cent increase. And I think that’s even it’s not necessarily tied to employ- fore it’s implemented. The commission modest. ment. Again, businesses still have an comes back in a year and says, You So, again, a good model here. important role to play, we all do. Busi- need to make these changes to help I’m glad that you raised the issue of nesses, government, health care pro- control costs, to help discourage over- the commission because it is important viders. utilization, to help with preventative to look at the reasons for the rising Mr. SHAYS. But they won’t have to care. That would help save costs in the costs of health care and then look at negotiate a plan every year, and it long run. We will come back 18 months what options we can employ to achieve won’t be unique to that business. It later. cost containment and bring stability to will be a plan that will have been nego- Now, one of the last points I would the system. Things like employing tiated by the American Health Benefits make, and I know that you have com- health information technology, the Plan. ments that you need to make as well, electronic medical records that we’re You know, I look at this trend line, we are willing to amend this legisla- talking more and more about these and I see that we’re looking that in the tion as we get data. And, for instance, days, the cost of prescription drugs and year 2016, we would be spending $4 tril- I hope that sometime again we can how that system is run, and how we lion. But what will we be spending in look at the chart that you had where pay for prescription drugs. I’m looking the year 2020? And this is without you talked about employer contribu- at performance-based outcomes that doing what we need to do, which is to tions because we’re asking employers the commission would look at. Again, reform the system. And so what we have done is we have to say, okay, what do you pay now and all important tenets of achieving cost established a commission, and the how would this legislation impact you. containment. commission will be of nine members, And even if now they would be paying And you rightly pointed out that em- the chair and vice chair, as well as two a little bit more, I suspect that in the ployers, in determining whether they other members who will be chosen by long run, because their costs are going like the system or not, are going to the comptroller general. The President, up significantly without a plan, but if look at the range of costs or percent- the majority leader, the minority lead- I could just point out how this chart age of payroll that they would con- ers of the Senate and Speaker, the mi- works. It’s rather small. But we look tribute based on the size of their com- nority leader of the House will choose at an average wage earner of $21,000 or pany. Employers, I suspect right now, one representative. And the commis- less, and then we say okay, there’s 10 hopefully this will encourage them to sion shall examine and make rec- employees to 25 employees. There are ask, what are we paying as a percent- ommendations regarding the major 200 to 500 employees. That’s on the left age of payroll right now, and that fig- issues and cost drivers affecting the de- column. And in an average wage of ure will determine, in many ways, livery of health services as it pertains $21,000 or less, even with 500 employees, whether this system works better or to the American Health Benefit Pro- they would only be paying about $1,000, worse for them. I suspect that in many gram. slightly over $1,000 a year. cases it will be better. Within the legislation, we specifi- Now, when you go and look at some- And we pointed out that the smaller cally are directing the commission to one who is making $83,000-plus, the companies with the lowest average sal- examine a comparison of the American amount that they would be contrib- aries would pay no more than 4 percent Health Benefit Plan to other public uting would ultimately max out, po- of their payroll toward this payroll health insurance programs, the proper tentially, at a much higher rate, more tax. And the larger companies with the implementation and utilization of elec- than $10,000. But the question is, what highest salaries would pay no more tronic medical records and other do they pay now? than 10 percent of payroll and not to health information technologies, in- Did I get that right? Yeah. exceed more than $12,000 per employee. cluding privacy and interoperability But the point is, employers are going Mr. SHAYS. Right. Because what we issues. We’re directing them to look at to say, I have 26 employees, their aver- do is we cap the payroll at $120,000. And the effects of medical malpractice in- age salary is $42,000. They will know so it ends up being $12,000 an employer surance and defensive medicine on the that they’re going to be paying ap- would pay. delivery and cost of health care, and proximately $6,600 an employee. So But when I was speaking of someone that’s something that needs to be that’s what they would pay under this with 500 employees, they would pay looked at. plan. What do they pay now, and are $21,000 salary, they pay 5.25, 51⁄4 percent The patterns and effects of overutili- there employees having the same of payroll. It gets up to, if they’re mak- zation. When do people overutilize choices that now—do they have the ing $83,000 on average, and that would care? Why do they overutilize it, and same choices under their private plan be quite a company, then they would what steps can an overall plan do to as they would under this plan? be paying the 10 percent rate. And the encourage all of the insurance compa- Mr. LANGEVIN. Right. And that’s an key is that when we drafted this legis- nies to have some of the basic same important point to make. lation, we had the input of private practices that would discourage over- There are some employers that, foundations and experts. But in the utilization? though they offer health insurance, the end, this still is an estimate of what we

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.096 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2542 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 think brings in the revenue needed to ness, but that happens every day across words and his support in helping to provide the services. this country right now because of the craft this bipartisan universal health And the challenges you just don’t present health care system. And again, care bill. know until you get more into it. That’s it’s not that there is no cost associated Like you, I believe that the Amer- why the hearings are so necessary. with the uninsured. If someone is that ican people deserve the same kind of Mr. LANGEVIN. Absolutely. sick and they need to be treated, health care coverage as Members of Mr. SHAYS. We have to draft legisla- they’re going to go, very often, to the Congress. And this is a bill that tion that we think is as accurate as hospital, to the emergency room where achieves that goal. It’s something that can be, and then we present it to those they’re going to be seen. But usually is long overdue. It’s something that is who would be impacted: Employers, by then it’s at the end stage of an ill- vitally important to every family government individuals, and say tell us ness where a person is so sick that they across America, making sure that our how it impacts your life. I have com- have to be likely hospitalized, or the families are taken care of, our busi- mittee meetings, and I had individuals cost of treating them is far more ex- nesses can stay competitive, and that say, well, for a period of time I lost my pensive than it otherwise would have we’re offering something that is afford- job. This plan would have meant I been at the earlier stages when early able, not only for the short term, but would have had health care. intervention, early care would have for the long term. made all the difference if it were with In closing, for individuals, the Amer- b 2045 a prescription or some other treat- ican Health Benefits Program offers I had someone else who said, you ment. Now we’re offering a system to choice, affordability, and portability. know, I had a condition. I was insured. change that. You can take the coverage with you if I couldn’t hold my COBRA. I couldn’t Mr. SHAYS. See, that’s, I think, one you change jobs. And on the side of keep my insurance for a while. It of the key points. You could make an how we provide this coverage, it’s man- stopped. And then I got insurance later assumption that 15 percent are not cov- aged competition whereby insurers and they said, you had a preexisting ered and you’re now going to cover would now have to compete for enroll- condition, and they weren’t covered. them, that it means it’s going to be ees based on benefits, efficiency, serv- I had business men and women who more expensive for everyone. And there ice and price; again, a good model for said, I only have five people in my of- are arguments that we might have to guaranteeing coverage, but making fice, and we’re paying an exorbitant phase the legislation in to make sure sure that it’s affordable, with an im- amount. I mean, under our legislation, that we get more doctors and nurses portant component of cost contain- someone who had less than 10 would be and so on because we’re looking at po- ment, making sure that we’re looking paying, if their salary was $21,000, 4 tential shortages. But the key thing is at using the most innovative tech- percent of payroll. If their salary was that those that don’t have insurance nologies out there, such as health IT 83, they would be paying 6 percent of have extreme measures taken, and by records, and other things that would extreme, more services, more costly payroll, far less than what they’re pay- make sure that we’re providing the services. And so we have this artifi- ing now, far less. And so, it’s a debate most efficient and affordable care pos- cially inflated cost, and that clearly that we need to have. Now, I’m waiting sible, but comprehensive care. for the employer who comes to me and will have an impact if everyone is, in I think my friend has some other says, guess what? Under your plan, I’m fact, covered. comments that you would like to make Before we end, I’d love to make sure going to have to pay more. I want him as we close? we just go right through the simple or her to tell us why and how much. So Mr. SHAYS. We just have to insert parts of this legislation. If I could just we need to make sure that people get different names here, but our web page start by saying you’ve written a bill on your web page or our web page and is www.house.gov/shays. If someone that says all Americans should have take a look at this legislation and give goes to www.house.gov/shays, they will the same health care benefits and op- us feedback. see this plan, as we’ve been talking portunities that Federal employees We’re going to literally tour the about, on our main page. And I’m as- have. Federal employees, Members of country to argue that we need to begin, suming that your web page would be first, a debate on health care that our Congress who are Federal employees, we pay 28 percent of the cost, the gov- www.house.gov/langevin. So they can bill, the bill presented by Mr. WYDEN, go on either of our web pages and see the bill of the single payer, all of that ernment pays 72 percent of the cost. We can get a more expensive plan or we the plan. should be brought forward for really a We would love for people to respond, terrific debate. can get a less expensive plan. What your plan does is it puts every- tell us what they like about it, how Mr. LANGEVIN. I couldn’t agree one in a pool, one pool, 300 million peo- they would benefit. And then we would more. This is one of the most chal- ple. It spreads out the cost. It gives all like their help in contacting their lenging issues facing us in our time Americans at least, probably—we have Member of Congress and saying we right now. It’s going to take time and now 18 choices, there will probably be would like you to support the Langevin effort to get the message out and hope- more, and they have choice. Your plan bill, and get on it. We need to start get- fully encourage support for our plan. says that you will never lose your in- ting cosponsors. We need to encourage I’m glad that you and I have made a surance, ever. Your plan says it doesn’t Congress to have hearings on this legis- commitment to travel the country so matter if you’re an employer with five lation, begin that process. that we can help to bring the plan be- employees or one with a thousand. So again, that’s www.house.gov/ fore people, hopefully to educate the Your plan recognizes whether you’re langevin or www.house.gov/shays. American people about what we’re pro- one person or 500, you’re going to get Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank my col- posing, and offering this as a viable so- covered and be part of the same pool. league. And I couldn’t agree more. We lution to our Nation’s health care cri- And ultimately it means that we’re want people to look at this plan, tell us sis. It’s clearly long overdue. And in going to do something that we’ve what part of it they like, what they my home State of Rhode Island, it’s talked about for 50 years, and that is, don’t, what works, what doesn’t, so the number one domestic issue that I this great country of ours, the United that we can improve upon it. And cer- hear most about. It is directly tied in States of America, will have a uni- tainly it’s important for people to get many ways to the health of our econ- versal plan, all Americans. And when educated because this is an issue that omy and making sure that our compa- we do it, I think you’re going to find is clearly confronting our country. It is nies can be competitive in this global that we’re going to say, what took us serious, it is challenging, but the time market. It’s important to individuals so long? to solve it is now. and families. So it’s just a real pleasure and an We’re beginning the process. We in- And no person should have to worry honor to work with you and your staff. vite the American people to be part- if they’re going to lose their home be- And I look forward to our having some ners with us in this effort. I look for- cause they come down with a cata- impact on this hugely important issue. ward to traveling the country with you strophic illness or a family member Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gen- as we talk to groups across the country comes down with a catastrophic ill- tleman from Connecticut again for his and hopefully enlisting their support,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.097 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2543 and ultimately the support of all the together, if not to join forces as the ability to destroy.’’ I can’t talk about Members of this House and the Senate. same group, but to join forces in pro- other States, and I’m delighted to have I look forward to the day where we viding resources to each other that another Member with me on the floor can pass this bill in both Chambers and they don’t have to duplicate. I said to tonight to discuss this issue as well, put it on the President’s desk for the the speaker afterwards, you know, my friend and colleague and the fresh- President’s signature, and again, truly that’s, indeed, what government ought man class president, of which I’m part, make a difference for the people that to be doing as well. BILL SALI from Idaho. I can’t talk, Con- we serve. I think it’s the right thing to The only way we will do that, gressman, about your State, but I can do. though, is by forcing ourselves to do talk about Michigan, a great State, a With that, I thank my colleague from things appropriately to allow the en- great State of natural resources, sur- Connecticut for his friendship, his val- gine of our economy, that being the rounded on three sides by the Great uable input and support on this bipar- private sector, individual worker, en- Lakes if we count our upper peninsula, tisan universal health care bill. And I trepreneur, risk taker, business person, and I would not forget the Upers, sur- also want to take a minute just to industry, to do for themselves only rounded on three and a half sides by thank the Speaker for giving us time what they can do. And to do that, they the Great Lakes, with natural re- to discuss this very important issue. certainly need to have the resources in sources in the ground, growing on top Mr. SHAYS. If I could thank the place that will enable them to function of the ground, and with natural re- Speaker as well. And thank you again successfully. sources known as human resources and your staff, and my staff as well. b 2100 that would be second to none. A State It’s a great opportunity to work on this that has a history of producing things, legislation with you. Thank you. By having to work until April 23 just of manufacturing, leading in manufac- Mr. LANGEVIN. Thank you. I thank to pay taxes, that’s not the right ap- turing, developing the auto industry. my staff as well. It is something that proach to accomplish that. The district of which I represent, right often gets overlooked, and I want to I recently was hooked on the HBO in the heart of it was where Henry Ford make sure that it’s not because your mini-series ‘‘John Adams,’’ a mini-se- developed the whole process that has staff and my staff have worked so ries on the take-off on the book writ- become the assembly line approach to closely on this, as well as the effort ten by David McCullough, a noted his- the auto industry. torian on the Framers of our way of that you and I have put in. A lot of And yet this great State at this point life here in the United States, our gov- great work has come from this collabo- in time sits at, sadly, the number one ernmental system, the Constitution, rative effort. And I thank you again for worst unemployment rate in the Na- Bill of Rights, and all that makes this your support and your input. tion. According to CEO Magazine last country great. And I was again im- f week, we rank the 49th worst business pressed by the character of the Fram- climate in the United States. We have TAXPAYER FREEDOM DAY ers of our system of government who people moving out of the State to find The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. saw freedom and liberty as the ulti- jobs. We have our friends in Indiana re- ELLSWORTH). Under the Speaker’s an- mate priority and saw that freedom cruiting jobs from Michigan and doing nounced policy of January 18, 2007, the and liberty ultimately flowing from in- it far more easily because of what we gentleman from Michigan (Mr. dividual property rights, individual have done in our State. A State that WALBERG) is recognized for 60 minutes rights to use resources that they had, truly is being destroyed by the ability as the designee of the minority leader. and the opportunity ultimately in the to tax. Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I appre- Revolution to break away from the ciate the opportunity tonight to be on King and be able to control more of Most recently, the State legislature this floor to speak on an issue that is one’s own largesse, limited or great as and our Governor went the wrong di- near and dear to a lot of our hearts, it might be. rection and frustrated any type of and certainly a lot of our constituents’ I was impressed by the character of turnaround by increasing income tax, hearts, because tomorrow, April 23, is these gentlemen and those behind by putting a tax on services for the Taxpayer Freedom Day. It’s an oppor- them, the men and women who sup- first time, and then putting a new busi- tunity, for the first time this year, for ported them. I was impressed with the ness tax in place. And then having the taxpayers to start working for them- fact that they believed in people, in in- cry come up from the taxpayer about selves and not simply for their govern- dividuals, in their ability to make good the service tax, they rescinded that ment to pay taxes. decisions, their ability to choose well, and put a surcharge on top of the busi- On April 15 we paid our taxes. On their ability to spend their resources ness tax. And then we have the April 23, days beyond that, we come to more wisely, more efficiently, and bet- chutzpah in ads and otherwise that say a point where it is no longer an issue of ter, certainly, than a larger body that we are open for business. working to pay just the taxes that each known as the government. I love my State. I love the people of taxpayer needs to pay, but now we go They were also appreciative, Mr. my State. And I think we are Wolver- on to do for ourselves what we can and Speaker, of the fact that these individ- ines because we’re tenacious, as de should do that would allow us to do uals, in greatness of their own hearts, Tocqueville said. But we are frus- things for others that we would like to could reach out and meet the medical trating the engine of the economy by do as well, to benefit them, to meet needs, meet the security needs, meet the excessive taxation that we have needs that cannot simply be met by the housing and care needs of individ- put on. government, that can be met in special uals, and go beyond just themselves be- I want to talk more about it, but I ways by ourselves. cause they had ability to do that, if know Congressman SALI has much to This morning I had the privilege of their government allowed them the lib- say on this as well because, Congress- being at a Big Brothers, Big Sisters erty and freedom of choice because man, you are known, first and fore- breakfast fundraiser and hearing an they had resources to do that as well. most, as a man of principle, but a outstanding speaker who was from I believe that our Framers never ever friend of the taxpayer, a man who came business and industry, a leader in her would have envisioned what we’ve to Congress because of that agenda to own right with a major corporation in come to today. They would have never provide less frustration and more op- my district, and yet appealing to the envisioned that we, as individual tax- portunity for taxpayers. And I know fact that in the private sector, in char- payers, would work until April 23, after that tomorrow you will rejoice that we ities and special functions, that there paying taxes on April 15, just to pay have reached Taxpayer Freedom Day. is a place for finding ways to do it bet- the taxes that we paid on April 15. That But I know as well, my friend, that you ter, quicker, faster, more efficiently is what they revolted for, that lack of wish it was far sooner than April 23. and cheaper in the process, that there liberty and choice in using their own I yield to my friend from Idaho. needs to be ways to collaborate in such resources. Mr. SALI. I would like to thank the a way that organizations that some- Someone far more significant than I good gentleman for yielding to share a times are redundant and overlap come once said, ‘‘The ability to tax is the few thoughts.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.099 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2544 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 Now that the April 15 deadline for fil- ture cut the tax on personal property ated equal’’ and ‘‘endowed by their Cre- ing tax returns has passed, I would ac- for businesses. We had a tax that was ator with certain unalienable Rights’’ tually like to ask everyone to consider imposed upon the personal property and then later said ‘‘Governments are a few things. that businesses owned, and that’s being instituted among men’’ to protect In 1900 most Americans only had to phased out at least at the bottom, and those rights, that’s one vision that work until January 22 to fully meet all there will be a floor so that if you have says our rights come from God and it’s of their tax obligations to the Federal, less than $100,000, I think was the num- government job to protect and respect State, and local governments. At that ber they settled on, worth of business those rights. time the percentage of a worker’s in- property, you won’t pay any property When Franklin Delano Roosevelt come needed to pay their taxes was tax on that. It’s not just for business, was, I think, addressing a press club just 6 percent. Imagine how much easi- though. It’s for individuals as well. And here in Washington, DC, he described it er life would be today if we were done I will let you know that in Idaho we quite differently. He described govern- working for the government by the end have been paying tax on the food that ment as a contract where the people of January. we buy, sales tax. This year the legisla- give power to the government and then And today, Tax Freedom Day, for ture passed a plan that would increase the government dispenses benefits to most Americans doesn’t come until to- the deduction that’s allowed against the people. We call those things enti- morrow, April 23, as my good friend has your State taxes. We call it the ‘‘Gro- tlements today. The vision of the pointed out. The deadline to fill out cery Tax Credit.’’ It will increase that Founding Fathers didn’t rest at all on your tax forms, it comes and goes, and significantly and will reduce the taxes entitlements. They rested on rights. yet you’re still working for the govern- that people pay on food. That vision that wants to see bigger ment, not for yourself, not for your This is an important concept because government, government’s securing a business, not for your family. A third I have kind of a principle that I use as solution for every problem— of your income goes to pay the taxes a test here, and it’s this: If you had a Mr. WALBERG. Reclaiming my time, that you owe government. dollar to put wherever you thought it if I could just pose a question on that, Government has demonstrated an in- would do the most good and you could why would you say that government satiable appetite to grow. In fact, Fed- pick your favorite government pro- should not be flexible and mobile eral spending has more than tripled gram or anywhere in the private sec- enough in order to deal with the chang- since 1965. Almost every week in Con- tor, where do you think it would do the ing of times? The right to life, liberty, gress, we are asked to vote to create most good? What the legislature in the and the pursuit of happiness was the new programs and expand existing State of Idaho has said is we think it envisionment of the Framers of this ones. Unless there is some urgent need, will do the most good if we leave it in wonderful country, this wonderful sys- and there usually isn’t, I vote ‘‘no.’’ the hands of individuals. It comports tem of government as well. But as time Americans just can’t afford it any- with the Founding Fathers, as you went on and problems developed with a more. Congress is not being careful were referencing earlier. Unfortu- much larger country, what would you enough with our hard-earned tax dol- nately, I don’t understand the thinking answer to the person who says we lars. of your State legislature where they should be mobile and we should be The majority recently passed a budg- are going the other direction. flexible to meet the needs of people as et plan that would raise taxes by $683 And I guess this represents the battle it develops? I pose that to you know- billion in the next 5 years. That’s the that exists within this country today. ing, I think, what your answer will be. largest tax increase in American his- Many people say we live in a divided I yield to the gentleman. tory. It requires higher taxes on mar- country. And I think that’s true. And 2115 ried couples and small businesses. it’s divided, I think, into two main cat- b Their plan also includes no permanent egories, the first one being those who Mr. SALI. Well, again, I thank the fix for the alternative minimum tax believe in the vision of the Founding gentleman. It begins with your vision that threatens unsuspecting middle in- Fathers, that want a government that of the principles that underlie your vi- come Americans to the tune of $70 bil- is there to serve the people, that we sion for how you want government in lion in new taxes. will have a government that allows this country to exist. If you have a vi- And on the horizon are even more tax people to have the freedom to deter- sion that says the principles can increases if Congress fails to act. High- mine what’s going to happen in their change over time, essentially that the er income tax rates and higher capital own lives, allows them the freedom to truth can be molded over time, that gains tax rates will hit virtually every- use their personal property, the wealth there is not absolute truth, then you one. Higher dividend taxes will hit that they create because of that per- don’t have to have that vision of the every investor. The death tax will be sonal property to do as they see fit. Founding Fathers. Everything can back, as will the marriage tax penalty. And that’s opposed to the other vi- change. Up can be down if you go far The tax credit for every child will be sion, which is one that says govern- enough with that. cut in half. ment must do more for people. We hear The principles over time that change I think Congress needs to recognize that phrase on this floor regularly or will lead you to a point where you can that Americans are taxed too much, some iteration of it: Government must move from that vision of the Founding and that is why I am a proud cosponsor do more. That’s not what the Founding Fathers, where they said that freedom of my friend Congressman WALBERG’s Fathers thought. This vision that gov- is the thing that matters the most, Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2007, ernment needs to do more, that some- where liberty is the thing that matters which would prevent this unprece- how if the government takes control of the most. That those rights that are dented tax increase. Congress must a problem, that it will be solved. How given by God, it is the obligation of make a priority of finding ways to many times have we looked at a pro- government, and the reason that gov- lower the tax burden on Americans in- gram and said why won’t this thing ernment exists is to protect those stead of increasing it. If we don’t, Tax work? And the answer, I think, is be- rights. If you can change those prin- Freedom Day will soon be delayed until cause generally government doesn’t ciples, you can end up with a govern- May or June and we will reminisce work. That was the whole point that ment that will take care of you and do about the ‘‘good old days’’ when our the Founding Fathers brought to light. everything for you, and your rights tax debts were paid in full by April. And I think there are two places don’t matter at that point. It’s not the Well, let’s hope and pray that that where we can see kind of the under- government’s job to protect your never happens. lying principles that get at these two rights that are God-given, it’s govern- As a kind of a bookend here on your very different visions for our country. ment’s job to give you those rights. comments earlier about what’s hap- The Founding Fathers relied on that Again, we call those entitlements. pening in your State, I want to let you vision that was set out in the Declara- At the end of the day, when I talk to know, Congressman WALBERG, in the tion of Independence; that when they people who live in my State, what they State of Idaho, we’re actually going said these words, ‘‘We hold these truths want is they want a future for their the other way. This year our legisla- to be self-evident, that all men are cre- kids and their grand kids, where they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.100 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2545 will have freedom and security and In the meantime, I appreciate you new taxes, new regulations. You know prosperity. Freedom comes when you taking the opportunity to talk about what it didn’t have? New energy. Now make fewer laws. Prosperity comes the issue of taxes, Tax Freedom Day, how you can call a bill an energy bill when you take less money out of my and your concerns with it. with no energy, I don’t get it. Some- pocket and give it to government, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. times we just need some common when Tax Freedom Day comes earlier Thank you, Mr. WALBERG. Thank you sense. The American people get it. in the year. Security comes when we for your friendship, thank you for lead- They understand that common sense. have things like a strong national de- ership. You’re doing a great job. Thank And then you look at the budget. The fense, when we allow our government you for your foresight and under- two things that are facing Americans to do those things that are needed to standing that you can’t tax and regu- today are their family budget, their protect the security of the people who late yourself into prosperity. Never small business budget, and then that live here, and of our country itself. could, can’t now, and never will. It’s cost of energy. Those are the two When I talk to Idahoans, that is what that simple. things that are on peoples’ minds they tell me that they want. That can’t I do come from the Volunteer State across America. And you look at the exist under a government where the of Tennessee, and thankfully our Tax Democrats’ budget resolution, it fails people give power to the government, Freedom Day is not tomorrow. It was the test of fiscal responsibility miser- and the government distributes entitle- actually about 3 weeks ago. The reason ably. Instead of exercising fiscal re- ments. Whoever became free living on it was 3 weeks ago in the Volunteer straint in lowering our taxes, the Dem- entitlements? Whoever became pros- State is because we keep our taxes low, ocrat budget raises taxes by $683 billion perous living on entitlements? Who and people in Tennessee are actually over the course of the next 5 years. You was ever secure living on entitlements spending their money on their families heard me correctly: $683 billion. that at any moment can be changed by now and not sending it to the govern- Now I go home to my district every the 535 Members that serve in Con- ment. I am happy for that. I’d like to weekend, talk to a lot of people about gress. see that move even back up in the year a lot of issues, and I can tell you not With that, I would yield back to the a little more. once do I hear somebody say, If you gentleman. There are mothers and fathers all could just raise the budget by $683 bil- Mr. WALBERG. I appreciate those across east Tennessee. I have the op- lion and take a little bit more of my thoughts. I think you got to the nub of portunity to represent the beautiful tax dollars, my family is going to be the question. It’s not the fact that we mountains of northeast Tennessee and better off. I don’t hear, If you can just don’t want people to have those enti- there are mothers and fathers sitting pass an energy bill with no energy and tlements, we don’t want them to back home in east Tennessee and all just put a little more tax on top of the achieve, we don’t want them to have across America. They sit around their energy and regulate them just a little the opportunity that is afforded to all kitchen table and they have to work bit more, then my family is going to be of us here in the United States. But it’s out a budget. It’s that simple. better off. That is not what the Amer- based upon the fact, first and foremost, I can remember my wife and I when ican people are looking for. that there is liberty for us to choose, we first started our family, having to If you look at $683 billion, that is the there’s liberty for us to be responsible, do that, knowing how much money largest tax increase in American his- there’s liberty for us to fail, even. And came in and how much money went tory. It blows away the previous larg- that is quite a liberty, when you think out. We had to make some decisions. est tax increase in history, which was about it. But when we succeed, the lib- You can’t spend more than you bring passed in 1993, and that was over $443 erty to keep and benefit from what we in. If you do, you get in a credit billion. These are real tax hikes on real have, and in order to not only care for crunch. It’s amazing that we have a people. ourselves, but then voluntarily assist Congress that sometimes don’t sit Here are some staggering statistics others, and what a liberty that is. around that kitchen table. That is ex- for families living in northeast Ten- It was said of the Athenians, I read actly what we need to be doing. nessee. According to the Heritage one place, that they desired most free- Those families back in east Ten- Foundation, because of the Democrat dom, security, and prosperity. And in nessee, they are having to choose be- budget, the average taxpayer in my the end, they lost all of them because tween buying gasoline, and it costs district will be forced to pay an in- they weren’t willing to keep liberty over $50 to fill up their pickup truck, crease in $1,596. This will result in al- first and foremost. and buying their food. They’re seeing most 2,000 jobs lost and a loss of $188 So I appreciate your comments to- the price of milk and bread go up. They million in the First District’s econ- night on this eve of Taxpayer Freedom are having to worry about paying their omy. Day, where government often times house payments or making sure they When I go home every weekend, I says why celebrate that? It’s your duty provide health care for their children. don’t hear people say, Please raise my to pay the taxes, it’s your privilege to Those are the things that moms and taxes so we can lose 2,000 jobs. We are pay taxes. Well, I do thank God that I dads across America are having to deal actually seeing jobs move to Tennessee have the opportunity to live in Amer- with and we have got people right here because we keep taxes low and keep ica and I have the opportunity to earn in Washington that think if we can just regulations low. We are a good work and I have the opportunity to pay a tax them a little bit more and spend a State. We have a good work ethic. We certain level of tax to support a certain little bit more, we can take care of certainly don’t need the Federal Gov- level of government that is needed. But them. ernment to come in and help us to I am frustrated that we have gone way Now where I grew up, I never came to move us in the wrong direction. beyond that and lost liberty in the the conclusion if government could By reimposing the marriage penalty process. just take care of us, things will be tax, roughly 23 million taxpayers will I’d like to turn over now some time okay. Actually, the way we believe see their taxes increase by $466 a year to another good friend and colleague back in the mountains in east Ten- simply because they are married. Now from Tennessee. DAVID DAVIS has been nessee, if government will just get out in east Tennessee I don’t go home an outspoken friend of the taxpayer, of our way and keep taxes and regula- every weekend and hear people say, I and I think evidenced by his willing- tions low, we have actually been able want you to raise my taxes just be- ness to battle for the taxpayer and to to take care of ourselves pretty well. cause I did what is biblically correct continue to support prosperity that has We have done it well in America for and I did the right thing. blessed his State of Tennessee, and over 200 years, and why we think we We have choices. We have choices be- continues to, and sadly, has become need to change now, I just don’t under- tween a bigger economy or a bigger home to a number of my Michiganders stand it. government. Taxing spending is not as well, who have gone for places of Especially when you look at gas the road we need to head down. Ronald employment, and have benefited there. prices. My goodness, we passed an en- Reagan once said we don’t have a tril- Congressman DAVIS, we hope to bring ergy bill, so-called energy bill back in lion-dollar debt because we haven’t some of those back to Michigan. December on this House floor. It had taxed enough, we have a trillion-dollar

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.102 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2546 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 debt because we spend too much. That erty. We are talking about people who lief. Let us do for ourselves what we is common sense. That is the type of say I am not asking for anything ex- can and should do, if we have the re- logic I hear when I go home to east cept the opportunities. I am willing to sources to do it. So you hit it right on Tennessee every weekend. be responsible. Generally speaking, I the head. I think we as Members of Congress am willing to be held accountable. If I I am privileged tonight as well to need to be more concerned about the have the resources to use, the re- have another good friend and col- budgets of mothers and fathers that sources to spend, if I have the re- league, a member of our freshman they have to put together sitting sources to save, to invest, and take the class, an outstanding spokesperson for around kitchen tables every month risks as necessary, if I have a job that the taxpayer, for all things that people rather than growing the Federal budg- I can produce those resources and move like John Adams and Jefferson and et and taking money from those very further, all it says is that I get more Washington and others spoke for when mothers and fathers that have to sit liberty and I get full use of it. If I am they framed all that we are pleased around the kitchen table every month. tied to April 23 as my time when I can with in the United States, the Con- Mr. WALBERG. That is common say I finished paying taxes for this gresswoman from Minnesota, Michele sense, I would submit to my good year to the Federal Government, now I Bachmann. friend, isn’t it? can buy for myself, but I have got to I am sure you have significant things Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. start thinking about paying taxes next to say about this great event we have That is the common sense that the year April 15 as well, it ties me back. tomorrow, Tax Freedom Day. But look- American people are looking for. None of us here on the floor aren’t ing on the other side of the picture, Mr. WALBERG. And not status quo saying there is some tax base that is why in the world we have to have that government. type of a day so late in the year? Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. I necessary. But what we are saying is I yield to the Congresswoman from hear a lot about hope and change. Real- we have gone way overboard. When you pointed out that if the majority pro- Minnesota. ly, the hope that people are looking for Mrs. BACHMANN. Congressman is just the hope that they can fill up posal Democrat budget goes through and it’s paid for as they intend with a WALBERG, I want to thank you for your their gas tank, the hope they can buy leadership during this special hour that a gallon of milk, the hope they can buy $683 billion tax increase, which was we are enjoying this evening, talking a loaf of bread, the hope they don’t passed, which does away with all of to the American people about Tax have to spend all their money to take those tax relief issues that we had in Freedom Day. For a lot of people, they care of government, the hope that the 2001 and 2003, and have benefited this just can’t believe it when they find out government will let them go out and great country since that time, and what the definition is. have that life, liberty, and pursuit of then it adds other things to it like the I can’t thank you enough for your happiness that you were talking about marriage penalty back into it, does leadership, not only for this special earlier with our good friend, Mr. SALI away with the ending of the AMT, al- hour to talk about this very special from Idaho. That is the hope that the ternative minimum tax, an onerous re- day that is coming tomorrow with Tax Americans are looking for, and the gressive tax that’s strapping down Freedom Day eve, you might say this change they are looking for is just to more of our taxpayers than ever were evening, but also with your leadership get back to some common sense prin- assumed to be in it. If we put all that on the Tax Increase Prevention Act. I ciples that worked over 200 years very in place, we see less liberty, less free- can’t thank you enough for the work well. dom, more opportunity for abuse by The Founding Fathers knew exactly government that doesn’t know how to that you are doing, not just on behalf what America needs. I look around this say no. of the great constituents that you have in Michigan, but on behalf of all Amer- beautiful room and I look behind you b 2130 and it actually says: In God We Trust. icans, because the last thing Ameri- That is the type of change we need in We end up frustrating ourselves cans need right now is a tax increase. America. We need to get back to some again, don’t we. So we all thank you, and I thank you of those bedrock principles where we Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. I that I have had the opportunity to sign allow people to go out and pursue hap- wanted to thank you for your leader- onto your legislation as well. piness. ship in introducing the Tax Increase I couldn’t help but think when Con- You know, one of my favorite quotes Prevention Act. That is exactly the gressman SALI, our fellow freshman, is from Henry Ford. Henry Ford once type of leadership we need. You are a was standing here earlier, he is a gen- said: If you think you can or you think great leader in your State. You are a tleman who fought for years in his own you can’t, you’re right. The American great leader here on the floor of Con- State assembly in Idaho for tax cuts people think they can. But they think gress and in America. Thank you for and for fiscal sanity in Idaho. I think they can’t if they see government con- the opportunity to be a sponsor of this that is why the people in Idaho sent tinue to get bigger and go bigger and legislation. Together we will make him here, because they knew they bigger. We talk about taxing and some changes. God bless you. could trust BILL SALI. They could trust spending. The reality is you spend, Mr. WALBERG. I thank my friend. I him to come to the floor and make the then you tax. So it should really say only have to think about the fact that case for fiscal sanity in our country. spending and taxing. to the taxpayer in my State, that if When we see tax increases around So we have got to keep the spending this $680 billion tax increase goes every corner, what was it, maybe 6 low, regulations low, taxes low, and the through to pay for additional spending, weeks ago we saw that the majority American people will go out and suc- deficit spending, in a budget that goes passed I believe it was a $683 billion tax ceed. There’s no better people any- way beyond what is necessary, it increase for the budget, the largest tax where in the world than right here in means that on top of the burden that increase in American history. I know I America. We have a great work ethic, my State government has given to the was flabbergasted when I saw that. we have great values, we have great hard-working taxpayers of Michigan, it Could it be possible that the Congress, morals, and we can take care of our gives a $3,000 per taxpayer increase on in a time of a weakened economy, families if we will just allow families January 1, 2011, automatically. And, would come here to this Chamber, to to take care of families. like you, my taxpayers that I meet this floor, and make a decision like I would like to see if you have any with each weekend back in the district that, that they would heap burden comments. and in the 140 town hall type meetings upon burden upon burden upon our con- Mr. WALBERG. Well, I have a lot of I have held since January 4th, they are stituents? I didn’t think it would be comments on that, but you said it so not saying, Mr. Congressman, please possible. well. I appreciate the commonsense ap- give us more taxes. Please give us more Then when I listened to our fellow proach from a place where Davy Crock- gas tax. Please raise the cost of our colleague, Congressman DAVID DAVIS ett roamed. I know that for a fact. fuels. They are not saying that at all. from the State of Tennessee, who has Again, we are talking about, Con- They are saying, give us some freedom. said so well so many times about the gressman DAVIS, we are talking lib- Give us some liberty. Give us some re- average American family, who sits

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.103 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2547 around their kitchen table wondering for Uncle Sam and start working for freedom around so that our children are they going to be able to fill up themselves. When you average all your and grandchildren and great grand- their gas tank tomorrow morning when Federal, State and local taxes to- children will enjoy the benefits we they get up and go to work? What gether, the American taxpayer spends have. If we are to pass it on to them in about buying that gallon of milk? You the first 113 days of the year as a Fed- such a way that they will have equal or go to the grocery store and you see eral employee. Basically, that is what better freedoms than we had, we have that grocery store prices have gone up it comes down to. We are all Federal to get on the stick. 64 percent since the beginning of the employees because we are working for So, absolutely, I have been floored year. the man. We are not working for our- since coming here that it is so easy to Mr. WALBERG. If I could break in, selves. spend money in this Chamber without didn’t we hear at the beginning of this Mr. WALBERG. And that is not the thought of actually who will generate year, January 4th and prior to that, idea that the framers of our Constitu- those resources, and we frustrate the that if the majority party had control tion had in mind. engine of the economy. we would see the prices go down on gas Mrs. BACHMANN. That is exactly Mrs. BACHMANN. If the gentleman and other things? Didn’t we hear that? right. You talked about Adams and will yield further, that has been my Have we seen that take place? Jefferson. We have the wonderful privi- impression as well. It strikes me to Mrs. BACHMANN. Well, I think the lege, you and I and Congressman think that the serfs in the Middle Ages gentleman already knows the answer DAVIS, we have the wonderful privilege paid over about 25 percent of what they before he is asking the question, be- of being a part of that great cloud of earned in the year to a nobleman. We cause it has been now hundreds and witnesses that went before. They laid could only wish, many of us, that 25 hundreds and hundreds of days since down the freedom. percent was our total tax burden. We the majority said to the American peo- Just think, it was a stamp tax that haven’t seen that in this country for ple that they had a commonsense plan, our founders were willing to lay down many, many years. It is almost un- they had a commonsense plan for re- their lives for, their fortune, their sa- thinkable that the serfs in the Middle ducing the price of gasoline. And as of cred honor. They were willing to give Ages would be better off from a tax today, the average price of gasoline up everything, just to throw off a point of view than the average Amer- across America is now a whopping stamp tax. My goodness, we do that ican taxpayer today. We are far beyond $3.51. just in the morning before we have 25 percent of our income. I went with our family this weekend, even gotten to lunch yet around here. I As a matter of fact, don’t you agree, we went to visit my father-in-law. It can’t believe the level of tax increases Congressman, that it would be I think was his 84th birthday on Sunday. So we we have seen, can you? very enlightening for most Americans had my daughter’s car, because it had Weren’t you floored coming here as a to learn that they spend more on their the best gas mileage of any car that we new Member of Congress? I know if tax bill, they pay more on their tax had in our family, so we took her car. there is one thing that I have learned, bill, than they do for food, clothing and On the way back, we were in Baldwin, Congressman WALBERG, in the time I housing combined? Wisconsin. We pulled up to a gas sta- have been in Congress, what has been The average American works 108 days tion. We put gas in. I could not believe now maybe 15 or 16 months, it has been to pay for their food, their clothing and it. It was $45 that I put in her little gas how easy it is to spend somebody else’s their housing. They work on average tank. Just a few years ago, that is money. How easy it is. I know it isn’t 113 days to pay their tax bill. Just what we spent on our big conversion for me. It is really hard for me to spend think of that. Those are necessities van, our high-top conversion van. We my own money, and it is really hard that Americans can’t do without. You are not alone. We are here as Members for me to spend other people’s money. have to have food, you have to have of Congress, but we hear this every day I am not there yet. I haven’t drank clothing, you have to have housing. from people back home. that Kool-Aid. But I am floored when I But the one thing that will happen is Let me give you just one example. see how easy it is for Members of this that you will go to jail if you don’t pay You remember Art Linkletter and the body to spend other people’s money. your tax bill. show that he had years ago called What is your reaction to that? I am a former Federal tax litigation House Party? He had a little segment Mr. WALBERG. Well, it is very simi- attorney. I tried a lot of cases in Fed- called ‘‘Kids Say the Darndest Things.’’ lar, if I might add, to see how large ex- eral Tax Court. The reason why people I loved that segment. penditures go out with so little over- showed up when it was time for their I thought about that, because just re- sight, and so much statement that, oh, court date was because if they didn’t cently I went to speak to Minnesota well, it has to be done. If we don’t do show up, the judgment may be that Pheasants Forever. It is a wonderful it, who will? And there are so many they go to jail. Because in this country outdoor heritage group. I love to do needs. if you don’t pay your tax bill, you have that. That is one marvelous thing Well, there are. I mentioned earlier the potential of going to jail. So that is about being a Member of Congress, you this evening I had the opportunity to the first bill you have to pay, because can go to speak to great groups about attend a breakfast fundraiser for Boys if you don’t pay it, you may end up in things. and Girls Clubs in my area. They do a a place you don’t want to be, so a lot of So I went to go speak to them. So I great work, and they are doing it on sacrifices have to be made by a lot of laid my notes, Congressman WALBERG, the basis of individual contributions, people. on the island in our kitchen, and it corporate entities that give not only fi- I will tell you one thing, and I think said ‘‘Minnesota Pheasants Forever.’’ nancial support, but also human sup- you would agree as well, Congressman. Our little daughter Caroline came, and port as well. You have probably seen a lot of waste, she picked up the notes and she said, The speaker, a president of a major a lot of fraud and a lot of abuse in leg- ‘‘Mom, what is Minnesota peasants for- industry in my area, she said it so elo- islation that has gone through this ever?’’ And I said, ‘‘Well, Caroline, that quently, that it has come to a point in body. We will be taking up legislation would be the taxpayers of the State of time where we have to find ways to re- tomorrow that is trying to squeeze Minnesota.’’ duce the cost by drawing together and waste, fraud and abuse out of the Medi- The reason I say that is because to- not having redundancies that add cost, care system. morrow will be Tax Freedom Day, and but become more efficient and more ef- Don’t you agree, Congressman, that in Minnesota, we are a little bit worse fective doing not only the same work, is something that the American people off. Our Tax Freedom Day won’t occur but more work for less cost as a result have been looking for for a long time? until next Sunday. of the effort that is shared. I know you are a reformer. I know you What that means for people across In government we have to get that came here because you did not want to America that might be listening to our concept. We have to understand that be part of the status quo. You are an repartee as we go back and forth to- there is a person called the taxpayer, outsider, and you came here because night, Tax Freedom Day is the first and a taxpayer that is not of unlimited you wanted to change the way that day the American people stop working resources, especially if we want to keep Washington does business. I feel the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.104 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2548 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 same way. I know that Congressman that has provided the jobs, the growth, wonderful State of Michigan that has SALI shares that opinion and Congress- the unparalleled level of prosperity all of the resources available, and yet man DAVIS shares that opinion. We are that we have enjoyed. It is all going we are frustrated. The real conversa- not about continuing the levels of away if we don’t stop that. tion in living rooms across the country waste, fraud and abuse. That is why I thank you again, Con- is about how to get our economy mov- Mr. WALBERG. It can’t continue. If gressman WALBERG, for being willing ing again. it does, we have lost it all. Jefferson to sponsor this important legislation. Essentially, this debate boils down to said the government that governs best It is why I am on it, it is why Congress- one question, the question that I was governs least. And it wasn’t simply man DAVIS and so many of our col- asked in conversations in town hall govern least to allow people less oppor- leagues are on it. As a matter of fact, meetings that I have in various ways, tunity, but it is to give them more there is a piece of legislation that I be- and that question is: Should America freedom; to give them more of their lieve you signed on recently as well as promote economic growth and job cre- own resources to make better decisions I signed on; this is one that our col- ation, or raise taxes to destroy jobs for themselves, making better deci- league JOHN CAMPBELL came up with, and economic opportunity? sions on basic needs. and that is putting a spending ceiling Right now, Republicans, our col- That was the genius of what we had on what Congress can spend. Because I leagues are asking all House Members here in a capitalistic system, a system think that Congressman DAVIS said it to decide which side of this debate they that said we will offer freedom and op- very well earlier: We have a spending are on by forcing votes on a bill that I portunity. You make your choices, you problem. That is what leads to our tax- introduced that we have referred to to- determine your lifestyle. And, in turn, ing program. And JOHN CAMPBELL came night, that is the Tax Increase Preven- as we also encouraged through forward, the Congressman from Cali- tion Act, House Resolution 2734. House supplementing what went on in the fornia, and he said, let’s put a ceiling Members have to choose whether they home, what went on in the school, on government spending, and let’s support Speaker PELOSI’s budget pro- what went on in the church and mak- make sure it is not more than one-fifth posal that in total is the largest single ing it a common theme that we are our of GDP. tax increase ever promoted in the his- brother’s keeper, but it is with our own What is GDP? Gross domestic prod- tory of the United States, a $3,000 per resources, with our own choices, the uct. Well, what is that? That is basi- taxpayer tax increase overnight. opportunity that we have to expand cally everything that we produce in With so much money already being and meet needs of others. this country every year. Just think of wasted in Washington, I believe it is Ultimately in doing that ourselves, that. Government eats up one-fifth, al- wrong for Congress to try and take we are also blessed. We also felt the most one-fifth, 20 percent, of every- more money out of the paychecks of warmth of saying I lifted someone up thing that is produced in this country hard-working Americans. My bill, to that was falling, and I also know that just to run the machine. Sometimes I make more point about it, would make there are plenty of others who would think that government is just a big permanent the tax relief of 2001 and come to my aid, individuals who are money eating machine, and we are all 2003, and stop tax increases on raising family members, who are community the people that are working to stoke children, earning money, saving and in- members right from my own area that that furnace to keep it going. But this vesting, operating a small business, would reach out, and, at last resort, if legislation that we signed says that adopting a child, paying off college necessary, maybe there was something there is a limit. We are going to draw loans, and even dying. in the government. a line in the sand, and no more. And Consider the implications of the But it is reversed now, where the that is what your great legislation does Democrat’s proposed $680 billion tax in- first place we go is the government. Of as well, the Tax Increase Prevention crease in 2011 alone. Marginal income course, that causes the ramp-up of Act, it draws a line in the sand and it tax rates will increase by anywhere costs that now results in the largest says we are going to keep this pros- from 9 percent to 50 percent, with the tax increase in the history of the perity going, and the way we do it is by lowest tax bracket receiving the high- United States being offered and passed cutting those taxes. est tax rate increase. That is not talk- just recently. Mr. WALBERG. And I appreciate ing to the rich and wealthy, that is that fact. There are good pieces of leg- talking again of the lowest tax brack- 2145 b islation, whether it be setting a cap on et. Capital gains rates for individuals And, if allowed to be completed and spending or setting a moratorium on will increase dramatically, punishing my legislation isn’t put in place to earmarks, and looking at a way to get saving and investing. Restoration of make permanent those tax relief issues control of that so we are not wasting the marriage penalty tax, that is a pu- of 2001 and 2003, we will have a $683 bil- dollars. These are common-sense issues nitive tax that thankfully we got rid lion tax increase over the next 5 years, that taxpayers generally look at and of, and now they want to put it back. and on January 1, 2011, the taxpayers say, what is the problem? This ought to The child tax credit will be slashed 50 in my State and across the country, be just common sense, to have a line percent, raising taxes by $500 per child. generally speaking, will pay upwards of item veto, to have a balanced budget The death tax will go from 0 percent to $3,000 more the day after December 31 amendment. All of the above speaks to 55 percent. than the day before. That is not the the common taxpayer, which I am one I have always held the conviction way to go. We have to stop it. The tax- and you are one and all of us who have that the American citizen should keep payers out there, whether they be in spoken tonight are one. It speaks com- as much as their hard-earned money as Tennessee, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, mon sense to the taxpayer saying, this possible. With Americans facing rising or Indiana, are all saying the same just ought to be the way it is, because health care costs, high energy prices, thing; they just want us to hear an an- we are willing to do for ourselves if you and economic instability, the last swer. leave us the opportunity. thing families need is to be hit with a Mrs. BACHMANN. That is right. And So I certainly appreciate your pas- massive job killing tax increase. if the gentleman would yield, I would sion on this issue and the fact of your Every week in my home State, I absolutely agree. And that is why it is awareness of tax issues having been a meet with Michiganders, as I did this important and imperative, I believe, tax attorney and understanding that, weekend, who are working harder than that we shout it from the rooftops. while there are taxes necessary, that ever before and at best breaking even. This is not a hypothetical we are talk- we have gone way beyond the limit. We Michigan families and businesses have, ing about, this is reality that we are have gone beyond reality. unfortunately, felt firsthand the pow- talking about tonight, the fact that There is little debate right now on erful negative impact of tax increases. these tax cuts right now are on auto- Capitol Hill about whether the Amer- These working families’ wages have matic pilot. They are going away. They ican economy is struggling. That is been slashed by higher taxes on income are the engines that have propelled the just there. We recognize the fact. And and on small businesses. During our growth in this economy, both with the some of us who are in States that are Governor Jennifer Granholm’s admin- cuts on capital gains and on dividends, struggling even more so, like my own istration, Michigan has experienced job

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.105 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2549 losses, declining personal incomes, di- breathe again and be able to work for stroy ourselves and our liberty in the minishing home values, and the high- ourselves. process. est unemployment rate in the Nation, But when Americans go to the pump So let’s fight together to stop this sadly. By proposing a massive $3,000 tomorrow, I just want to remind them, $683 billion tax grab that will frustrate per taxpayer tax increase, Democrats Congressman WALBERG, when they go this country and take it back as op- in this Congress are following the same to the pump and they put $1 worth of posed to pressing it forward. I thank failed blueprint that has threatened to gasoline in their vehicle, over 60 cents my colleagues for spending this time ditch our economy in Michigan and de- of that dollar will go to taxes in one with me tonight. stroy Michigan jobs. form or another. Just think about that. I yield back the balance of my time. Instead of working on tax hikes that We hear a lot about oil companies and f ultimately make America less com- about profits, but when you have $1 of LEAVE OF ABSENCE petitive, I believe Congress should stop gasoline, over 60 cents of that dollar this $683 billion money grab from tax- goes to taxes. That is something we By unanimous consent, leave of ab- payers. Congress could better spend really need to think about here in Con- sence was granted to: time eliminating ineffective and ineffi- gress. We need to consider it. It is just Mr. ABERCROMBIE (at the request of cient government programs, making a microcosm, just a picture of the Mr. HOYER) for today. health care more affordable, and pass- heavy tax burden every day that im- Mr. CARNEY (at the request of Mr. ing any energy legislation to move pacts the average American. I can’t HOYER) for today on account of Penn- America toward energy independence thank you enough for putting this to- sylvania primary. and reduce energy prices. gether this evening. Mr. DOGGETT (at the request of Mr. The debate over whether to raise Mr. WALBERG. I thank my friend HOYER) for today and the balance of taxes is just the beginning of a long from Minnesota, and appreciate your the week on account of medical rea- battle over America’s economic future. passion as well in fighting this good sons. By making tax relief permanent and fight. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas (at the re- continuing to grow our economy, Con- I would yield now to the Congress- quest of Mr. HOYER) for today. gress can go an awful long way to re- man from Tennessee, DAVID DAVIS. Mr. CLYBURN (at the request of Mr. store the trust of the American people, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. HOYER) for April 23 on account of two build a better and brighter future for Thank you, Mr. WALBERG. Thank you funerals in his district. our country, and avoid the economic for your leadership. I would like to Mr. CAMPBELL of California (at the suffering now felt in States like Michi- thank Mrs. BACHMANN for your interest request of Mr. BOEHNER) for today and gan. in this, your hard work here in Con- the balance of the week on account of It doesn’t have to be that way. And I gress. personal reasons. certainly appreciate the fact that there I really appreciate your leadership in Mr. WELLER of Illinois (at the request are those of us who are fighting for this and understanding that you can’t of Mr. BOEHNER) for today on account taxpayers’ interests. I know the 13 of tax and spend and regulate yourself of personal reasons. us who came in as freshmen came in into prosperity. The American people Mr. YOUNG of Florida (at the request for a reason. That is the smallest fresh- understand it. It is a simple principle. of Mr. BOEHNER) for today on account man class in the history of the United We need to start thinking outside the of attending the funeral of a soldier States, probably. But we came in reso- Beltway, not inside the Beltway. And if who died in Operation Enduring Free- lute that the taxpayer was to be we do those things with lower taxes, dom. served; that taxpayers were paying too lower spending, we will actually start f much, not too little; that we were reg- to produce energy in America again, SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED ulating too much, not too little; that start to use American oil and Amer- By unanimous consent, permission to we were destroying the incentives of ican coal, safe nuclear, those things to address the House, following the legis- private hard-working citizens, risk bring down the energy costs. If we lative program and any special orders takers, entrepreneurs to do the job bring those taxes, those regulations heretofore entered, was granted to: down, then the American people will go that they can only do. Government (The following Members (at the re- doesn’t do that. And that is why 13 of out there and have those jobs. The best quest of Ms. KAPTUR) to revise and ex- economic stimulus package in America us came while others lost and weren’t tend their remarks and include extra- is a good paycheck. And thank you for sent back because of overspending and neous material:) overtaxing. your leadership. Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. And it is sure a privilege to join with Mr. WALBERG. I thank the gen- Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. the both of you here in the room to- tleman from Tennessee. And, again, I Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. trust this has been helpful for tax- night. I guess I would offer opportunity Mr. MCDERMOTT, for 5 minutes, for any final comments before we are payers to hear at least some that will today. forced to close this interesting con- defend. And there are others in this Ms. SOLIS, for 5 minutes, today. versation this evening, hopefully of Congress. It has been said that we are (The following Members (at the re- benefit to the taxpayers out there on red state, blue state, totally divided in quest of Mrs. BLACKBURN) to revise and this eve of tax freedom day. Hopefully this country. When you get to the com- extend their remarks and include ex- it has been interesting, but more than mon-sense issues, the virtues that peo- traneous material:) that, it has been something that would ple see as common sense, we are not di- Mr. BURTON of Indiana, for 5 minutes, stir them into action as well to say: vided, we are not red state, blue state. today and April 23 and 24. Enough is enough, and we stand for We are a common based unified people Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, for 5 minutes, freedom. that believe in common sense things. today and April 23 and 24. Mrs. BACHMANN. If the gentleman Jonathan Witherspoon, one of the Mr. POE, for 5 minutes, April 29. would yield. I want to thank you for signers of the Declaration of Independ- Mrs. BLACKBURN, for 5 minutes, your wonderful words and your elo- ence, said: A Republic once equally today. quent statement and your deep passion poised must either preserve its virtue Mr. BISHOP of Utah, for 5 minutes, that you have stated. And you are or lose its liberty. Virtue of hard work, April 29. again to be commended for the Tax In- the virtue of risk taking and entrepre- Mr. ROYCE, for 5 minutes, today. crease Prevention Act. Thank you for neurial spirit, the virtue of account- Mr. JONES of North Carolina, for 5 doing that, and for putting this ability, of responsibility, of honesty, of minutes, April 29. evening together to let the American integrity, those are virtues. And they Mr. DENT, for 5 minutes, April 23. taxpayer know that tomorrow is a day go all into what makes our country Mr. GINGREY, for 5 minutes, today. of freedom, but it is also a day of re- great and what our taxpayers generally Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, for 5 ality to realize, finally, that we are commit themselves to on a common minutes, today. going to be able to take off our ball and base. And when we break down those Mr. WALDEN of Oregon, for 5 minutes, chain and be unshackled and finally virtues and give those away, we de- today.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.106 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE H2550 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2008 Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania, for 6172. A letter from the Chief Counsel, 2002 (No FEAR Act) Report for FY 2007; to 5 minutes, today. FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, the Committee on Oversight and Govern- transmitting the Department’s final rule— ment Reform. f Final Flood Elevation Determinations—re- 6183. A letter from the Chairman, Federal ENROLLED BILL AND JOINT ceived April 15, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Housing Finance Board, transmitting the RESOLUTION SIGNED 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Financial Board’s FY 2007 Annual Report required by Services. Section 203 of the Notification and Federal Ms. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the 6173. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of House, reported and found truly en- FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, 2002, Pub. L. 107-174; to the Committee on rolled a bill and joint resolution of the transmitting the Department’s final rule— Oversight and Government Reform. House of the following titles, which Suspension of Community Eligibility [Dock- 6184. A letter from the Administrator, Gen- were thereupon signed by the Speaker. et No. FEMA–8019] received April 15, 2008, eral Services Administration, transmitting pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- the Administration’s Notification and Fed- H.R. 1119. An act to amend title 36, United mittee on Financial Services. eral Employee Antidiscrimination and Re- States Code, to revise the congressional 6174. A letter from the Director, Regu- taliation Act of 2002 Report for fiscal year charter of the Military Order of the Purple latory Management Division, Environmental 2007; to the Committee on Oversight and Heart of the United States of America, In- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Government Reform. corporated, to authorize associate member- cy’s final rule—Determination of Nonattain- 6185. A letter from the President, Inter- ship in the corporation for the spouse and ment and Reclassification of the Imperial American Foundation, transmitting the siblings of a recipient of the Purple Heart County, 8-hour Ozone Nonattainment Area Foundation’s FY 2007 Annual Report re- medal. [EPA–R09–2007–OAR–1109; FRL–8528–4] re- quired by Section 203 of the Notification and H.J. Res. 70. Joint resolution congratu- ceived February 11, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Federal Antidiscrimination and Retaliation lating the Army Reserve on its centennial, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-174; to the Committee which will be formally celebrated on April Commerce. on Oversight and Government Reform. 23, 2008, and commemorating the historic 6175. A letter from the Director, Regu- 6186. A letter from the Director, Equal Em- contributions of its veterans and continuing latory Management Division, Environmental ployment Opportunity, National Endowment contributions of its soldiers to the vital na- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- for the Humanities, transmitting the Endow- tional security interests and homeland de- cy’s final rule—Approval of Louisiana’s Peti- ment’s FY 2007 Annual Report required by fense missions of the United States. tion to Relax the Summer Gasoline Vola- Section 203 of the Notification and Federal f tility Standard for the Grant Parish Area Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of [EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0002; FRL–8529–2] re- 2002, Pub. L. 107-174; to the Committee on BILL PRESENTED TO THE ceived February 11, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Oversight and Government Reform. PRESIDENT 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and 6187. A letter from the Director, National Science Foundation, transmitting the Foun- Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the Commerce. 6176. A letter from the Director, Regu- dation’s annual report for FY 2007 prepared House reports that on April 17, 2008 she latory Management Division, Environmental in accordance with Title II of the Notifica- presented to the President of the Protection Agency, transmitting the Depart- tion and Federal Employee Antidiscrimina- United States, for his approval, the fol- ment’s final rule—Approval and Promulga- tion and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR lowing bill. tion of Implementation Plans for Air Quality Act), Public Law 107-174; to the Committee H.R. 5813. To amend Public Law 110–196 to Planning Purposes; Georgia: Early Progress on Oversight and Government Reform. provide for a temporary extension of pro- Plan for the Atlanta 8-Hour Ozone Non- 6188. A letter from the Chairman, Occupa- grams authorized by the Farm Security and attainment Area [EPA–R04–OAR–2007–0150– tional Safety and Health Review Commis- Rural Investment Act of 2002 beyond April 200711(a); FRL–8528–8] received February 11, sion, transmitting the Commission’s Fiscal 18, 2008. 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Year 2007 annual report prepared in accord- Committee on Energy and Commerce. ance with Section 203 of the Notification and f 6177. A letter from the Director, Regu- Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and ADJOURNMENT latory Management Division, Environmental Retaliation Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-174; to Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I cy’s final rule—Approval and Promulgation ment Reform. move that the House do now adjourn. of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massa- 6189. A letter from the Associate Special The motion was agreed to; accord- chusetts; Certification of Tunnel Ventilation Counsel/EEO Director, Office of Special ingly (at 9 o’clock and 58 minutes Systems in the Metropolitan Boston Air Pol- Counsel, transmitting the Office’s FY 2007 p.m.), the House adjourned until to- lution Control District. [EPA-R01-OAR-2006- Annual Report pursuant to Section 203, Title 0641; A-1-FRL-8527-5] received February 11, II of the No Fear Act, Pub. L. 107-174; to the morrow, Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Committee on Oversight and Government 10 a.m. 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Reform. f 6178. A letter from the Assistant Legal Ad- 6190. A letter from the Acting Director Of- viser for Treaty Affairs, Department of fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, State, transmitting copies of international tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- ETC. agreements, other than treaties, entered into tion, transmitting the Administration’s final Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive by the United States, pursuant to 1 U.S.C. rule—Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic communications were taken from the 112b; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Ves- sels Less Than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA Using Pot Speaker’s table and referred as follows: 6179. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- ment of Energy, transmitting a copy of pro- or Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bering Sea and 6169. A letter from the Director, Defense posed legislation to authorize the Secretary Aleutian Islands Management Area [Docket Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- of Energy to accept funds, contributed pur- No. 071106673-8011-02] (RIN: 0648-XG58) re- partment of Defense, transmitting the De- suant to agreements entered into with for- ceived April 15, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. partment’s final rule—Defense Federal Ac- eign governments, international organiza- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural quisition Regulation Supplement; Export- tions, or others, for use in Russia’s pluto- Resources. Controlled Information and Technology nium disposition program; to the Committee 6191. A letter from the Director Office of (DFARS Case 2004-D010) (RIN: 0750–AF13) re- on Foreign Affairs. Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oce- ceived March 12, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 6180. A letter from the U.S. Global AIDS anic and Atmospheric Administration, trans- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Armed Coordinator, Department of State, transmit- mitting the Administration’s final rule — Services. ting a report on the Oversight Information Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone 6170. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Pertaining to the Global Fund to Fight Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels in the FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, pursuant Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in transmitting the Department’s final rule— to Public Law 110-97; to the Committee on the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Manage- Suspension of Community Eligibility [Dock- Foreign Affairs. ment Area [Docket No. 071106673-8011-02] et No. FEMA–8017] received April 15, 2008, 6181. A letter from the Acting Assistant (RIN: 0648-XG70) received April 15, 2008, pur- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Secretary, Department of State, transmit- suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- mittee on Financial Services. ting the Department’s report on Emergency mittee on Natural Resources. 6171. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Refugee and Migration Assistance for Fiscal 6192. A letter from the Director Office of FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, Year 2009; to the Committee on Foreign Af- Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oce- transmitting the Department’s final rule— fairs. anic and Atmospheric Administration, trans- Final Flood Elevation Determinations—re- 6182. A letter from the Acting Chairman, mitting the Administration’s final rule— ceived April 15, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Financial transmitting the Commission’s Federal Em- Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea Services. ployee Antidiscrimination Retaliation Act of and Aleutian Islands Management Area

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[Docket No. 071106673-8011-02] (RIN: 0648- Mr. DINGELL: Committee on Energy and GALLEGLY, Mr. KIRK, Mr. TERRY, Mr. XG52) received April 15, 2008, pursuant to 5 Commerce. H.R. 5613. A bill to extend certain MANZULLO, Mr. BOOZMAN, and Mr. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Nat- moratoria and impose additional moratoria CARTER): ural Resources. on certain Medicaid regulations through H.R. 5857. A bill to establish licensing and 6193. A letter from the Director Office of April 1, 2009; with amendments (Rept. 110– registration requirements for residential Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oce- 600). Referred to the Committee of the Whole mortgage originators, improve mortgage dis- anic and Atmospheric Administration, trans- House on the State of the Union. closures, create an Office of Housing Coun- mitting the Administration’s final rule— Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California: Com- seling, to provide incentives to facilitate Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, mittee on Education and Labor. H.R. 5522. A loan modifications, reform the regulation of and South Atlantic; Snapper/Grouper Re- bill to require the Secretary of Labor to the Government Sponsored Enterprises, sources of the South Atlantic; Trip Limit issue interim and final occupational safety modernize the Federal Housing Administra- Reduction [Docket No. 060525140-6221-02] and health standards regarding worker expo- tion, improve home ownership for veterans, (RIN: 0648-XG34) received April 15, 2008, pur- sure to combustible dust, and for other pur- reform appraisal activities, and combat suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- poses; with an amendment (Rept. 110–601). mortgage fraud, and for other purposes; to mittee on Natural Resources. Referred to the Committee of the Whole the Committee on Financial Services, and in 6194. A letter from the Program Analyst, House on the State of the Union. addition to the Committees on Armed Serv- Department of Transportation, transmitting Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania: Committee ices, Veterans’ Affairs, and the Judiciary, for the Department’s final rule—Federal Motor on House Administration. H.R. 3032. A bill to a period to be subsequently determined by Vehicle Safety Standards; Cargo Carrying amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of the Speaker, in each case for consideration Capacity [DOT Docket No. NHTSA-2007-0040] 1971 to permit candidates for election for of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- (RIN: 2127-AJ57) received February 20, 2008, Federal office to designate an individual who tion of the committee concerned. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- will be authorized to disburse funds of the By Mr. BOSWELL: mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- authorized campaign committees of the can- H.R. 5858. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- ture. didate in the event of the death of the can- enue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for carbon sequestration; to the Committee on 6195. A letter from the Chief, Publications didate; with an amendment (Rept. 110—602). Ways and Means. and Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, Referred to the Committee of the Whole By Mr. ACKERMAN: transmitting the Service’s final rule—Infor- House on the State of the Union. mation Returns by Donees Relating to Quali- H.R. 5859. A bill to amend the Clean Air Mr. WELCH: Committee on Rules. House Act to provide that State grants under that fied Intellectual Property Contributions [TD Resolution 1125. Resolution providing for 9392] (RIN: 1545-BE11) received April 9, 2008, Act shall be given to States having consumer consideration of the bill (H.R. 5819) to amend beverage container deposit laws on a priority pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- the Small Business Act to improve the Small mittee on Ways and Means. basis, and for other purposes; to the Com- Business Innovation Research (SBIR) pro- mittee on Energy and Commerce. 6196. A letter from the Chief, Publications gram and the Small Business Technology and Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, By Mr. ACKERMAN: Transfer (STTR) program, and for other pur- H.R. 5860. A bill to increase the average transmitting the Service’s final rule—Sec- poses (Rept. 110–603). Referred to the House tion 807.—Rules for Certain Reserves (Rev. fuel economy of light-duty vehicles in the Calendar. Federal fleet; to the Committee on Energy Rul. 2008-19) received March 20, 2008, pursu- Mr. ARCURI: Committee on Rules. House ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- Resolution 1126. Resolution providing for the mittee on Oversight and Government Re- on Ways and Means. consideration of the bill (H.R. 2830) to au- 6197. A letter from the Deputy Director, form, for a period to be subsequently deter- thorize appropriations for the Coast Guard Defense Security Cooperation Agency, trans- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes mitting notification that the Department in- sideration of such provisions as fall within (Rept. 110–604). Referred to the House Cal- tends to use ‘‘no year’’ IMET funds to pro- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. endar. vide Center for Civil Military Relations/De- By Ms. CASTOR: H.R. 5861. A bill to amend the Outer Conti- fense Institute for International Legal Stud- DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE nental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit oil and ies (CCMR/DIILS) training in Sri Lanka; [Omitted from the Record of April 18, 2008] gas preleasing, leasing, and related activities jointly to the Committees on Foreign Affairs Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XII the in certain areas of the Outer Continental and Appropriations. Committee on Science and Technology 6198. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Shelf off the coast of Florida, and for other discharged from further consideration. purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- Administrator, Office of Diversion Control, sources. Department of Justice, transmitting the De- H.R. 5819 referred to the Committee of By Mr. CHABOT: partment’s final rule — Authorized Sources the Whole House on the State of the Union. H.R. 5862. A bill to amend title 18, United of Narcotic Raw Materials [Docket No. DEA- States Code, to require the reading of crime 282F] (RIN: 1117-AB03) received February 28, [The following action occurred on April 22, 2008] victims’ rights in open court in criminal 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); jointly Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII the cases; to the Committee on the Judiciary. to the Committees on the Judiciary and En- Committee on Agriculture discharged By Mr. CUELLAR: ergy and Commerce. from further consideration. H.R. 5151 H.R. 5863. A bill to authorize additional re- f referred to the Committee of the Whole sources to identify and eliminate illicit sources of firearms smuggled into Mexico for REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON House on the State of the Union. use by violent drug trafficking organiza- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS f tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS mittee on the Judiciary, and in addition to committees were delivered to the Clerk the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a pe- for printing and reference to the proper Under clause 2 of rule XII, public riod to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of calendar, as follows: bills and resolutions were introduced and severally referred, as follows: such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Mr. RAHALL: Committee on Natural Re- tion of the committee concerned. sources. H.R. 900. A bill to provide for a fed- By Mr. MICHAUD: By Mr. FORTUN˜ O: erally sanctioned self-determination process H.R. 5856. A bill to authorize major med- H.R. 5864. A bill to designate Puerto Mos- for the people of Puerto Rico; with an ical facility projects and major medical fa- quito Bay National Marine Sanctuary in amendment (Rept. 110–597). Referred to the cility leases for the Department of Veterans Puerto Rico, and for other purposes; to the Committee of the Whole House on the State Affairs for fiscal year 2009, and for other pur- Committee on Natural Resources. of the Union. poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- By Mr. GOODE (for himself and Mrs. Mr. RAHALL: Committee on Natural Re- fairs. MUSGRAVE): sources. H.R. 5151. A bill to designate as wil- By Mr. BACHUS (for himself, Mrs. H.R. 5865. A bill to amend chapter 44 of derness additional National Forest System BIGGERT, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. BOEHNER, title 18, United States Code, to require a lands in the Monongahela National Forest in Mr. BLUNT, Mr. PUTNAM, Ms. GRANG- court adjudication before certain veterans the State of West Virginia, and for other ER, Mr. MCCOTTER, Ms. PRYCE of may be denied the right to possess a firearm, purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 110–598, Ohio, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Pt. 1). Ordered to be printed. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. the Judiciary. Mr. WAXMAN: Committee on Oversight JONES of North Carolina, Mr. CASTLE, By Mr. GRAVES: and Government Reform. H.R. 5712. A bill to Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida, H.R. 5866. A bill to expedite the increased require disclosure by Federal contractors of Mr. HELLER, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. supply and availability of energy to our Na- certain violations relating to the award or LUCAS, Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, Mr. tion; to the Committee on Energy and Com- performance of Federal contracts; with an BONNER, Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. merce. amendment (Rept. 110–599). Referred to the LATHAM, Mr. TURNER, Mr. CHABOT, By Ms. MATSUI: Committee of the Whole House on the State Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida, H.R. 5867. A bill to establish a grant pro- of the Union. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan, Mr. gram to assist retail power providers with

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the establishment and operation of energy Mr. FLAKE, Mr. FORBES, Mr. Mr. TIBERI, Mr. TURNER, Mr. UDALL conservation programs using targeted resi- FORTENBERRY, Mr. FORTUN˜ O, Mr. of Colorado, Mr. UDALL of New Mex- dential tree-planting, and for other purposes; FOSSELLA, Mr. FOSTER, Ms. FOXX, Mr. ico, Mr. UPTON, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. FRELING- WALBERG, Mr. WALDEN of Oregon, Mr. By Mr. PEARCE (for himself, Mr. KUHL HUYSEN, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. GARRETT WALSH of New York, Mr. WALZ of of New York, Mr. NUNES, and Mr. of New Jersey, Mr. GERLACH, Mr. Minnesota, Mr. WAMP, Mr. WEINER, MILLER of Florida): GILCHREST, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. Mr. WELCH of Vermont, Mr. WELDON H.R. 5868. A bill to amend title 10, United GOHMERT, Mr. GOODE, Mr. GOOD- of Florida, Mr. WELLER, Mr. WEST- States Code, to provide for the retention of LATTE, Ms. GRANGER, Mr. GRAVES, MORELAND, Mr. WHITFIELD of Ken- members of the Armed Forces on active serv- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. HALL tucky, Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico, ice or in an active status who would other- of Texas, Mr. HAYES, Mr. HELLER, Mr. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. wise be retired or separated for a combat-re- HENSARLING, Mr. HERGER, Mr. HILL, WITTMAN of Virginia, Mr. WOLF, Mr. lated disability, but who are still medically Ms. HIRONO, Mr. HOBSON, Mr. HOEK- WU, Mr. WYNN, Mr. YOUNG of Florida, able to perform noncombat-related military STRA, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. HOLT, Mr. and Mr. YOUNG of Alaska): occupational specialties or duties; to the HULSHOF, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. INGLIS of H.R. 5872. A bill to require the Secretary of Committee on Armed Services. South Carolina, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. ISSA, the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- By Mr. RODRIGUEZ (for himself, Mr. Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. JEFFER- tion of the centennial of the Boy Scouts of ENGEL, and Mr. REYES): SON, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of America, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 5869. A bill to authorize additional re- Texas, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. mittee on Financial Services. sources to identify and eliminate illicit SAM JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. JOHNSON By Mr. STARK (for himself, Mr. sources of firearms smuggled into Mexico for of Illinois, Mr. JONES of North Caro- GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. use by violent drug trafficking organiza- lina, Mr. JORDAN, Mr. KANJORSKI, Mr. WOOLSEY, and Mrs. MALONEY of New tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- KELLER, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. KILDEE, York): mittee on the Judiciary, and in addition to Mr. KIND, Mr. KING of New York, Mr. H.R. 5873. A bill to provide for a paid fam- the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a pe- KING of Iowa, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. ily and medical leave insurance program, riod to be subsequently determined by the KIRK, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mr. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Speaker, in each case for consideration of KNOLLENBERG, Mr. KUHL of New Education and Labor, and in addition to the such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- York, Mr. LAHOOD, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. Committees on Oversight and Government tion of the committee concerned. LAMPSON, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. LARSEN Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to By Mr. RYAN of Ohio (for himself and of Washington, Mr. LARSON of Con- be subsequently determined by the Speaker, Mr. WILSON of Ohio): necticut, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. in each case for consideration of such provi- H.R. 5870. A bill to authorize the Secretary LATOURETTE, Mr. LATTA, Mr. LEWIS sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the of Housing and Urban Development to make of California, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, committee concerned. grants to assist local governments with va- Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky, Mr. LINDER, By Mr. BURGESS (for himself and Mr. cant housing problems, and for other pur- Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. CARNAHAN): poses; to the Committee on Financial Serv- LUCAS, Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of H.R. 5874. A bill to amend the Public ices. California, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. MACK, Mr. Health Service Act to provide for the estab- By Mr. SALAZAR: MAHONEY of Florida, Mrs. MALONEY lishment of a permanent Multiple Sclerosis H.R. 5871. A bill to designate the Ludlow of New York, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. National Surveillance System; to the Com- Massacre National Historic Landmark in the MARCHANT, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. mittee on Energy and Commerce. State of Colorado, and for other purposes; to MATHESON, Mr. MCCARTHY of Cali- By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (for herself and the Committee on Natural Resources. fornia, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. Mr. ROSKAM): By Mr. SESSIONS (for himself, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. MCCRERY, Mr. H. Res. 1124. A resolution expressing the ABERCROMBIE, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. MCHENRY, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. MCIN- sense of the House of Representatives that ADERHOLT, Mr. AKIN, Mr. ALEXANDER, TYRE, Mr. MCKEON, Mrs. MCMORRIS there should be established a National Brain Mr. ALLEN, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. RODGERS, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. MEEKS Tumor Awareness Month, and for other pur- ARCURI, Mr. BACA, Mrs. BACHMANN, of New York, Mr. MICA, Mrs. MILLER poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- Mr. BACHUS, Mr. BAIRD, Mr. BARRETT of Michigan, Mr. GARY G. MILLER of merce. of South Carolina, Mr. BARTLETT of California, Mr. MILLER of Florida, By Mr. ACKERMAN (for himself, Mr. Maryland, Mr. BARTON of Texas, Mr. Mr. MOLLOHAN, Mr. MOORE of Kansas, PENCE, Mr. FORTUN˜ O, Mr. BURTON of BECERRA, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Mr. TIM MUR- Indiana, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, PHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. MURTHA, lina, Mr. ENGEL, and Mr. POE): Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. BISHOP of Mrs. MUSGRAVE, Mrs. MYRICK, Mrs. H. Res. 1127. A resolution condemning the New York, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. NAPOLITANO, Mr. NEAL of Massachu- endemic restrictions on freedom of the press BOEHNER, Mr. BONNER, Mrs. BONO setts, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. NUNES, and media and public expression in the Mid- MACK, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. BOREN, Mr. Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. OLVER, Mr. ORTIZ, dle East and the concurrent and widespread BOUSTANY, Mr. BOYD of Florida, Mr. Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. PASTOR, Mr. presence of anti-Semitic material, Holocaust BRADY of Texas, Mr. BRADY of Penn- PAUL, Mr. PEARCE, Mr. PENCE, Mr. denial, and incitement to violence in the sylvania, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. PETERSON of Min- Arab media and press; to the Committee on BROWN of South Carolina, Ms. GINNY nesota, Mr. PETRI, Mr. PICKERING, Foreign Affairs. BROWN-WAITE of Florida, Mr. BU- Mr. PITTS, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. POE, Mr. By Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee (for CHANAN, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. BURTON of POMEROY, Mr. PORTER, Mr. PRICE of himself, Mr. GORDON, and Mr. Indiana, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. Georgia, Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. PUT- SHULER): BUYER, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. CAMP of NAM, Mr. RADANOVICH, Mr. RAMSTAD, H. Res. 1128. A resolution expressing sup- Michigan, Mr. CAMPBELL of Cali- Mr. REGULA, Mr. REHBERG, Mr. port of the goals and ideals of National Car- fornia, Mr. CANNON, Mr. CANTOR, Mrs. REICHERT, Mr. RENZI, Mr. REYES, Mr. riage Driving Month; to the Committee on CAPITO, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. CARNAHAN, REYNOLDS, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Mr. ROG- Oversight and Government Reform. Mr. CASTLE, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. CHAN- ERS of Michigan, Mr. ROGERS of Ken- By Mr. FORBES (for himself, Mr. DLER, Mr. CLAY, Mr. COBLE, Mr. tucky, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- CONAWAY, Mr. COOPER, Mr. COSTA, ROSKAM, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. lina, and Mr. HAYES): Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. ROSS, Mr. ROYCE, Mr. RUPPERS- H. Res. 1129. A resolution regarding the CRENSHAW, Mr. CROWLEY, Mrs. CUBIN, BERGER, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin, Mr. readiness of the Armed Forces of the United Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. SALI, Ms. LINDA T. States, and the implications for national se- DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of SA´ NCHEZ of California, Ms. HERSETH curity; to the Committee on Armed Services. Tennessee, Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, SANDLIN, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. SCHIFF, By Mr. GRAVES (for himself, Mr. Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. Mrs. SCHMIDT, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, BLUNT, Mr. BRADY of Texas, Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. DEAL of Mr. SERRANO, Mr. SHADEGG, Mr. THOMPSON of California, Mr. Georgia, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. DELAHUNT, SHAYS, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. SHULER, Mr. FORTENBERRY, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE Mr. DENT, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART SHUSTER, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. SKELTON, JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. SNYDER, Mr. of Florida, Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Mr. SMITH of Washington, Mr. SMITH LOBIONDO, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. KIND, Mr. Florida, Mr. DICKS, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. of New Jersey, Mr. SMITH of Texas, ROSS, Mr. ETHERIDGE, Mr. POE, Mr. DONNELLY, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. SNYDER, ENGEL, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Mr. DOYLE, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. DREIER, Mr. Mr. SOUDER, Mr. SPRATT, Mr. KIRK, Mr. GORDON, Ms. GINNY BROWN- DUNCAN, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. ELLS- STEARNS, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. SULLIVAN, WAITE of Florida, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. WORTH, Mrs. EMERSON, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. TAY- PETERSON of Minnesota, Mrs. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. LOR, Mr. TERRY, Mr. THOMPSON of MYRICK, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mrs. MIL- ETHERIDGE, Mr. EVERETT, Ms. Mississippi, Mr. THOMPSON of Cali- LER of Michigan, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of FALLIN, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. FERGUSON, fornia, Mr. THORNBERRY, Mr. TIAHRT, Texas, Mr. WOLF, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr.

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MARSHALL, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. HONDA, H.R. 241: Mr. CALVERT and Mr. JONES of H.R. 2914: Mrs. BONO Mack. Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. HAYES, Mr. SAXTON, North Carolina. H.R. 2933: Mr. BOREN. Mr. DREIER, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, H.R. 248: Mr. ROYCE. H.R. 3010: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. H.R. 383: Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. PASTOR, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. TSONGAS, and WALSH of New York, Mr. HALL of H.R. 579: Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, Mrs. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Texas, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. YOUNG of NAPOLITANO, Mr. PICKERING, Mr. GILCHREST, H.R. 3089: Mr. MCCOTTER, Ms. FOXX, Mrs. Alaska, Mr. FERGUSON, Mr. PORTER, and Mr. PALLONE. EMERSON, and Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. MARKEY, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. WU, H.R. 594: Mr. INSLEE and Mr. KAGEN. H.R. 3142: Mr. CARTER. Mr. SHAYS, Mr. MEEKS of New York, H.R. 623: Mr. ELLISON. H.R. 3175: Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. ARCURI, Mr. H.R. 643: Mr. SIRES, Mr. RENZI, and Mr. H.R. 3197: Mr. CARNAHAN. BOOZMAN, Mr. BARROW, Mr. NUNES. H.R. 3257: Mr. CUMMINGS. WHITFIELD of Kentucky, Mr. CLAY, H.R. 676: Mr. CLEAVER. H.R. 3289: Mr. PASTOR, Mr. SARBANES, and Mr. CARTER, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. SMITH H.R. 685: Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. of Washington, Mr. MORAN of Vir- H.R. 728: Mr. HIGGINS. H.R. 3334: Mr. TOWNS. H.R. 3434: Mrs. BACHMANN. ginia, Mr. PERLMUTTER, and Mr. H.R. 758: Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. H.R. 3480: Mr. MAHONEY of Florida, Mrs. KUHL of New York): H.R. 818: Mr. ELLISON. H. Res. 1130. A resolution recognizing the H.R. 840: Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN MYRICK, and Mr. Latta. H.R. 3544: Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. ARCURI, Ms. roles and contributions of America’s teach- H.R. 895: Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. CASTOR, Mr. BARROW, Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, ers to building and enhancing our Nation’s H.R. 943: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. Mr. MELANCON, Mr. ROSS, and Mr. DONNELLY. civic, cultural, and economic well being; to H.R. 971: Mr. KINGSTON. H.R. 3652: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina the Committee on Education and Labor. H.R. 989: Mr. LATTA. H.R. 1038: Ms. SPEIER. and Mr. CAPUANO. By Mrs. JONES of Ohio (for herself, H.R. 1050: Mr. STARK. H.R. 3658: Mr. POE. Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. BAIRD, Ms. BALD- H.R. 1078: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. H.R. 3660: Mr. DONNELLY. WIN, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. BERRY, Mr. H.R. 1194: Mrs. BLACKBURN. H.R. 3665: Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- BUTTERFIELD, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. CAR- H.R. 1228: Mr. HINOJOSA. ida. SON, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. CLARKE, H.R. 1264: Mr. ALEXANDER. H.R. 3750: Mr. COHEN and Mr. RUSH. Mr. COHEN, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. CON- H.R. 1283: Mrs. EMERSON. H.R. 3769: Mr. ABERCROMBIE. YERS, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. DAVIS of Il- H.R. 1295: Mr. PEARCE. H.R. 3846: Mr. Carson. linois, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. ELLISON, H.R. 1306: Mr. CRENSHAW and Mr. CONAWAY. H.R. 3852: Mr. PICKERING. Mr. ELLSWORTH, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. AL H.R. 1338: Ms. SPEIER. H.R. 3861: Mr. WALBERG. GREEN of Texas, Mr. HARE, Mr. H.R. 1343: Mr. POE. H.R. 3865: Mr. ROTHMAN. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. INSLEE, Mr. H.R. 1353: Mr. JEFFERSON. H.R. 3870: Mr. MCGOVERN and Mr. STARK. ISRAEL, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, H.R. 1392: Mr. SHAYS and Mr. BURTON of In- H.R. 3892: Mr. STARK and Mr. HIGGINS. Ms. LEE, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. diana. H.R. 3926: Mr. ALTMIRE. LYNCH, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. MARSHALL, H.R. 1409: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. H.R. 3934: Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida Ms. MATSUI, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Min- H.R. 1420: Mr. BOUCHER. and Mr. TURNER. nesota, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. MCNUL- H.R. 1422: Mrs. BACHMANN and Mr. KIRK. H.R. 3955: Mr. SCHIFF. TY, Mr. MICHAUD, Ms. MOORE of Wis- H.R. 1475: Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, and Mr. H.R. 3968: Mr. CAMP of Michigan. consin, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of Cali- LEWIS of Georgia. H.R. 3981: Mr. GUTIERREZ. fornia, Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, H.R. 1553: Mr. WILSON of Ohio and Mr. TIM H.R. 4010: Mr. TAYLOR and Mr. PICKERING. Mr. OLVER, Mr. POMEROY, Ms. ZOE MURPHY of Pennsylvania. H.R. 4055: Mr. GUTIERREZ. LOFGREN of California, Ms. LORETTA H.R. 1589: Mr. GOHMERT and Mr. PICKERING. H.R. 4061: Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. SANCHEZ of California, Ms. H.R. 1606: Mr. FILNER. H.R. 4105: Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. SCOTT of Georgia, H.R. 1609: Mr. CARNEY and Mr. FEENEY. Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. PASTOR, Mr. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mrs. H.R. 1616: Mr. HONDA. MCGOVERN, Ms. RICHARDSON, Mr. LEWIS of TAUSCHER, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- H.R. 1621: Mr. ALTMIRE. California, and Ms. BALDWIN. sissippi, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, H.R. 1665: Mr. WU. H.R. 4122: Mr. COHEN. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Ms. WAT- H.R. 1673: Mr. OLVER. H.R. 4123: Mr. COHEN. SON, Mr. WATT, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. H.R. 1746: Mr. CROWLEY. H.R. 4133: Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. COLE of WALZ of Minnesota, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. H.R. 1776: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia and Ms. Oklahoma, Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia, and Mr. BARROW, Mr. COOPER, Ms. KIL- SPEIER. CARTER. PATRICK, and Mr. SHERMAN): H.R. 1783: Mr. CONYERS and Mr. SCOTT of H.R. 4173: Mr. CLAY. H. Res. 1131. A resolution recognizing that Virginia. H.R. 4204: Mr. STARK. the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- H.R. 1926: Ms. SCHWARTZ and Ms. LEE. H.R. 4265: Mr. HONDA. tion observes the month of April as National H.R. 1927: Mr. BERMAN and Mr. GOHMERT. H.R. 4279: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. STD Awareness Month and urging the House H.R. 1930: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. H.R. 4318: Mr. JONES of North Carolina and of Representatives to focus greater attention H.R. 1932: Mr. PLATTS and Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. SHAYS. on activities related to the prevention of H.R. 1967: Mr. WELLER and Mr. LATTA. H.R. 4335: Mr. FARR. STDs and screening and treatment for STDs; H.R. 1983: Mr. SMITH of Nebraska and Mr. H.R. 4344: Mr. ALEXANDER and Mr. WILSON to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. SALAZAR. of South Carolina. By Mr. POE: H.R. 2021: Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. WEINER, H.R. 4449: Mr. PASTOR. H. Res. 1132. A resolution supporting the and Mr. UDALL of Colorado. H.R. 4453: Mr. HARE. goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial H.R. 2032: Ms. SUTTON, Mr. FARR, and Mr. H.R. 4461: Mr. PASTOR. Day; to the Committee on Oversight and DAVIS of Illinois. H.R. 4544: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina Government Reform. H.R. 2049: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. and Mr. KANJORSKI. H.R. 4790: Ms. RICHARDSON. By Mr. WALZ of Minnesota (for him- H.R. 2131: Mr. SCHIFF. H.R. 2159: Mr. PASTOR. H.R. 4836: Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. ROSS, and Mr. self, Mr. ELLISON, Ms. MCCOLLUM of H.R. 2169: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Ms. MCINTYRE. Minnesota, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. PE- WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, and Mr. MURPHY of H.R. 4900: Mr. HASTINGS of Washington and TERSON of Minnesota, Mr. RAMSTAD, Connecticut. Mr. PICKERING. Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. KLINE of Min- H.R. 2188: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas and H.R. 4990: Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. JACKSON-LEE nesota, Mr. KIND, Mr. OBEY, Mr. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. of Texas, and Mr. BERMAN. ALTMIRE, Mr. KENNEDY, and Mr. H.R. 2267: Mr. BOYD of Florida and Mr. H.R. 5130: Mr. COHEN. TOWNS): MURTHA. H.R. 5131: Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. H. Res. 1133. A resolution congratulating H.R. 2303: Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. ALEXANDER, and Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Winona State University on winning the 2008 H.R. 2352: Mr. CONYERS. Florida. Division II men’s basketball championships; H.R. 2371: Mr. ARCURI, Mr. BOUCHER, Mrs. H.R. 5155: Mr. HALL of New York. to the Committee on Education and Labor. BOYDA of Kansas, and Mr. RUSH. H.R. 5176: Mr. DOGGETT. f H.R. 2449: Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. H.R. 5223: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD and Mr. H.R. 2472: Mr. FILNER. HINOJOSA. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 2552: Ms. BERKLEY and Mr. ELLISON. H.R. 5265: Mr. DONNELLY, Ms. HARMAN, and Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 2593: Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. Speier, and Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. H.R. 5404: Ms. ESHOO. were added to public bills and resolu- Mr. GUTIERREZ. H.R. 2676: Ms. BALDWIN and Mr. PASTOR. H.R. 5440: Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- tions as follows: H.R. 2686: Mr. MARSHALL. ida. H.R. 82: Mr. TIAHRT. H.R. 2694: Mr. SHULER. H.R. 5442: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. BRADY of H.R. 154: Mr. PAUL and Mr. HINCHEY. H.R. 2744: Mr. HALL of New York and Mr. Pennsylvania, and Ms. JACKSON-LEE of H.R. 211: Mr. CLEAVER. COSTA. Texas.

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H.R. 5443: Mr. HONDA, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, H.R. 5787: Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Mr. BUR- TA SANCHEZ of California, Mr. DANIEL E. Mr. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. GENE TON of Indiana, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. TOWNS, and LUNGREN of California, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. WAXMAN. ALLEN, and Mr. THOMPSON of California. H.R. 5444: Ms. SOLIS. H.R. 5791: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. H. Con. Res. 323: Mr. MARKEY. H.R. 5447: Ms. DELAURO, Mr. MCINTYRE, Ms. ISRAEL, and Mr. MCGOVERN. H. Con. Res. 329: Mr. DENT and Mr. WATSON, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, H.R. 5793: Ms. SPEIER and Mr. JORDAN. MCHENRY. and Mr. HARE. H.R. 5796: Mr. TOWNS. H. Res. 68: Mr. ELLISON. H.R. 5466: Mr. MCGOVERN. H.R. 5802: Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. H. Res. 76: Mr. CLEAVER. H.R. 5481: Mr. GOHMERT and Mr. PICKERING. WOOLSEY, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. JACKSON of Illi- H. Res. 102: Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. H.R. 5509: Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. nois, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. CLAY, Mr. RANGEL, Ms. H. Res. 111: Mr. SIMPSON and Mr. LATTA. H.R. 5522: Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. KILPATRICK, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. NORTON, H. Res. 127: Ms. BORDALLO. WU, Mr. ALTMIRE, and Mr. SESTAK. Mr. WATT, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. JOHN- H. Res. 353: Mr. MITCHELL, Ms. CORRINE H.R. 5532: Mr. SESSIONS. SON of Georgia, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. BROWN of Florida, and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. H.R. 5534: Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. NADLER, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mrs. JONES of H. Res. 620: Mrs. MUSGRAVE and Mr. ROYCE. ROTHMAN, and Mr. CASTLE. Ohio, Ms. SOLIS, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. H. Res. 653: Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. MEEKs H.R. 5545: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. GRIJALVA, Mr. REYES, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. of New York, Mr. SMITH of Washington, Ms. H.R. 5546: Mr. TIBERI, Mr. PORTER, Mr. WEINER, Ms. WATSON, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. WATSON, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. SCOTT of Geor- CARNAHAN, and Mr. MARSHALL. TOWNS, and Ms. WATERS. gia, and Ms. LEE. H.R. 5549: Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. H.R. 5804: Mr. SHERMAN. H. Res. 679: Mr. ARCURI and Ms. SLAUGH- H.R. 5554: Ms. BERKLEY. H.R. 5806: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. TOWNS, Mrs. TER. H.R. 5561: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. CHRISTENSEN, and Mr. MORAN of Virginia. H. Res. 863: Mr. MCCOTTER. H.R. 5571: Mr. MORAN of Kansas. H.R. 5815: Mr. SHERMAN. H. Res. 888: Mr. LUCAS. H.R. 5590: Mr. FILNER, Mr. GRIJALVA, and H.R. 5825: Mr. TIAHRT, Mr. YOUNG of Flor- H. Res. 891: Mr. Fortun˜ o and Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. GERLACH. ida, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, H. Res. 925: Mr. TURNER and Ms. SPEIER. H.R. 5594: Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. REICHERT, Mr. ALTMIRE, Mr. SMITH of H. Res. 937: Mr. MARSHALL, Ms. KAPTUR, H.R. 5595: Mr. SARBANES, Mr. REGULA, Mr. Washington, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, Mrs. Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. ROGERS of Michi- ˜ BISHOP of Georgia, and Mr. BILIRAKIS. BACHMANN, Mr. FORTUNO, Mr. KAGEN, Mr. gan, Mr. MILLER of Florida, and Mrs. URPHY H.R. 5611: Mr. M of Connecticut. TANCREDO, and Mr. ELLSWORTH. SCHMIDT. H.R. 5613: Mr. ROTHMAN, Mr. WELLER, Mr. H.R. 5830: Mr. MAHONEY of Florida, Mr. H. Res. 987: Mr. ACKERMAN. CARNAHAN, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. PORTER, CARSON, and Mr. CROWLEY. H. Res. 1019: Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. GRAVES, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mr. H.R. 5833: Ms. HOOLEY and Mr. DAVIS of Il- H. Res. 1058: Mr. CUELLAR. KANJORSKI, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. ROS- linois. H. Res. 1069: Mr. WOLF, Mr. CANTOR, Mrs. LEHTINEN, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. ´ H.R. 5838: Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- NAPOLITANO, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. MARSHALL, ANDREWS, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. MOORE of fornia. Mr. SHAYS, and Mr. HONDA. Kansas, and Mr. ETHERIDGE. H.R. 5841: Mr. MARSHALL and Mr. BOREN. H. Res. 1079: Mr. KUHL of New York, Mrs. H.R. 5627: Mr. MARSHALL and Mr. BACA. H.R. 5844: Mrs. TAUSCHER. DRAKE, Mr. KANJORSKI, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. H.R. 5637: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania and H.R. 5845: Ms. SPEIER. MCGOVERN, Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois, Mr. Mr. GUTIERREZ. H. J. Res. 23: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. SHAYS, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. DREIER, and Mr. H.R. 5638: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. H. J. Res. 67: Mr. CONAWAY. MCCARTHY of California. H.R. 5640: Mr. WOLF. H. J. Res. 80: Ms. LEE. H. Res. 1086: Mr. SNYDER, Mr. SARBANES, H.R. 5646: Mr. GOODLATTE. H. Con. Res. 28: Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS Mr. SPRATT, Mr. BOSWELL, Ms. LEE, Mr. H.R. 5668: Ms. SPEIER. and Mr. KENNEDY. HINOJOSA, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. WU, Mr. H.R. 5669: Ms. CASTOR, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. H. Con. Res. 81: Mr. DOGGETT. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. SKELTON, Mr. ROSS, WAXMAN, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. WEXLER, Mr. H. Con. Res. 134: Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mrs. Mrs. DAVIS of California, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. SHAYS, and Mr. MORAN of Virginia. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. MEEKs of New York, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. SHAYS, Ms. H.R. 5672: Mr. PICKERING and Mrs. RANGEL, and Mr. MCGOVERN. SUTTON, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, CHRISTENSEN. H. Con. Res. 257: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama Mr. GUTIERREZ, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. WYNN, H.R. 5673: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. and Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. PASTOR, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. GENE GREEN of POE, Mr. LATTA, Mr. BONNER, Mr. BURTON of H. Con. Res. 294: Mr. COHEN. Texas, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Ms. Indiana, Mrs. MYRICK, and Mr. BOOZMAN. H. Con. Res. 299: Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. WATSON, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. BURTON of Indi- H.R. 5676: Mr. YOUNG of Florida. HINOJOSA, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. BOU- ana, and Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. H.R. 5683: Mr. FATTAH, Mr. WYNN, Mrs. CHER, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, and H. Res. 1091: Mr. BOUCHER and Mrs. DRAKE. JONES of Ohio, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, and Mr. TIBERI. H. Res. 1109: Ms. SUTTON and Mr. MILLER of Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. H. Con. Res. 305: Mr. LIPINSKI and Ms. North Carolina. H.R. 5684: Mr. BOYD of Florida. SHEA-PORTER. H. Res. 1110: Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. FRELING- H.R. 5686: Mr. GUTIERREZ and Mr. TURNER. H. Con. Res. 318: Ms. SPEIER. HUYSEN, Mr. BOYD of Florida, Mr. SIRES, Mr. H.R. 5695: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. H. Con. Res. 320: Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. KNOLLENBERG, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. HAYES, Mr. H.R. 5699: Mr. REHBERG. BORDALLO, and Mr. TURNER. HOEKSTRA, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. MAN- H.R. 5712: Mr. SHERMAN. H. Con. Res. 322: Mrs. SCHMIDT, Mr. ZULLO, Mr. WELLER, Ms. GIFFORDS, Mrs. H.R. 5721: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. RODRIGUEZ, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Ms. CLARKE, BACHMANN, Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- H.R. 5731: Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- Mr. FILNER, Mr. ELLSWORTH, Ms. BORDALLO, ida, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. fornia and Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. MITCHELL, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. HONDA, and H.R. 5734: Mr. PEARCE, Mr. FORTUN˜ O, Mr. WU, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. WELCH of Vermont, Ms. Mr. LINDER. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- ZOE LOFGREN of California, Mr. SARBANES, H. Res. 1111: Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Ms. GIF- vania, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, and Ms. Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. JACKSON of Illi- FORDS, and Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. BORDALLO. nois, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin, Mr. MILLER of H. Res. 1112: Ms. BORDALLO. H.R. 5737: Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. LATTA, and North Carolina, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. LOBIONDO. Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. ROYCE, Mr. TOM DAVIS of H.R. 5740: Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. ROSS, Ms. Virginia, Mr. CARNEY, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. DAVIS f FOXX, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. PEARCE, of Kentucky, Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. BARROW, SERRANO, Mr. RADANOVICH, Mrs. BACHMANN, CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM- Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington, Ms. SLAUGH- ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM- TER, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mr. BARTLETT FARR, and Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS H.R. 5746: Mr. CARNAHAN. of Maryland, Mr. WOLF, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. H.R. 5749: Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. BOYD of Florida, Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky, Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. ROGERS of Michigan, Mr. WALZ of Minnesota, Mrs. BONO MACK, statements on congressional earmarks, Mr. SHERMAN, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. Mr. CANNON, Mr. WAMP, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff WALBERG, Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Ms. CASTOR, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. LATTA, benefits were submitted as follows: Ms. WATSON, and Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Ms. GRANGER, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. H.R. 5753: Mr. TOWNS. KENNEDY, Mr. CLEAVER, Ms. SOLIS, Mr. WAL- OFFERED BY JAMES L. OBERSTAR H.R. 5755: Mr. WAXMAN. DEN of Oregon, Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois, Mr. The amendment to be offered by Mr. OBER- H.R. 5759: Mr. MILLER of Florida and Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. KUCINICH, STAR or his designee to the Amendment in ALEXANDER. Mr. BRADY of Texas, Mr. FARR, Mr. SCOTT of the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 2830, the H.R. 5770: Mr. SCHIFF. Virginia, Mr. LEWIS of California, Mr. FLAKE, ‘‘Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007’’, H.R. 5771: Mr. DENT. Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. MARCHANT, does not contain any congressional ear- H.R. 5775: Mr. HENSARLING and Mr. COLE of Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. HERGER, marks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff Oklahoma. Mr. STEARNS, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. TIM MURPHY of benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) H.R. 5784: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Pennsylvania, Mr. KING of Iowa, Ms. LORET- of rule XXI.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.074 H22APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with HOUSE E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 110 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 154 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008 No. 64 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was ator from the State of Florida, to perform thought it was really too bad that the called to order by the Honorable BILL the duties of the Chair. Republicans held up another bill, this NELSON, a Senator from the State of ROBERT C. BYRD, one dealing with veterans health bene- Florida. President pro tempore. fits. We have hundreds of thousands of Mr. NELSON of Florida thereupon veterans returning from Iraq. Twenty PRAYER assumed the chair as Acting President percent of them have severe problems pro tempore. The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- as a result of post-traumatic stress fered the following prayer: f syndrome, many of them caused by Let us pray. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY those terrifying explosions over there O God, our Father, You are our light LEADER that occur all the time, around them and to them. We have 150,000 men and and our salvation. Whom then shall we The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- women now in Iraq serving our country fear? We thank You for all of life’s pore. The majority leader is recog- bravely. positive things. Help us to see them nized. and to count them and to remember The veterans’ benefits legislation was f them, that our lives may flow in cease- reported out of the committee 9 less praise. SCHEDULE months ago, and we have been trying Use our lawmakers. Control their Mr. REID. Mr. President, following to get permission from the Republicans minds that all of their thoughts will be my remarks and those of Senator to bring it to the floor, and they have guided by You. Shine Your light upon MCCONNELL, we will be in a period for refused. It expands eligibility for trau- their path and strengthen them to the transaction of morning business for matic injury insurance; extends eligi- walk according to Your will. Give them up to 1 hour, with the time controlled bility for adapted housing for those a sense of duty that they may leave by the leaders or their designees and who have been severely burned; it in- nothing that they ought to do undone. Senators permitted to speak for up to creases benefits for veterans pursuing Teach them to follow You, and lead 10 minutes each. The Republicans will apprenticeships or on-job training pro- them on the right path. control the first half, and the majority grams; and 80 other provisions that are We pray in Your strong Name. Amen. will control the final half. very important. But we learned yester- day from the ranking member of the f Following morning business, the Sen- ate will resume consideration of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee that the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE motion to proceed to S. 1315, the vet- reason they have held this bill up and intend to continue holding it up is be- The Honorable BILL NELSON led the erans’ benefits bill. We are going to cause this legislation restores veteran Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: have that vote at noon today. Today, the Senate will recess from status to Filipino veterans who served I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the under U.S. command during World War United States of America, and to the Repub- 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., as we do every lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Tuesday, for our weekly caucus lunch- II. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. eons, and we will also recess from 3:30 This legislation is important. While p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the unveiling of our Republican friends are stalling for f former Majority Leader Daschle’s por- time, trying to maintain the status APPOINTMENT OF ACTING trait. quo, our veterans—men and women, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Tomorrow, the Senate will be in re- young and old—who served with dis- tinction continue to wait for the sup- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cess from 11 a.m. to 12 noon for a Gold port, care, and services they have clerk will please read a communication Medal ceremony in the Rotunda hon- earned. They are waiting for Congress to the Senate from the President pro oring Dr. DeBakey and from 4 p.m. to 5 to act. tempore (Mr. BYRD). p.m. tomorrow for a Senators-only As I have indicated, the Republicans The assistant legislative clerk read briefing by Admiral Mullen, Chairman have followed the lead of the ranking the following letter: of the Joint Chiefs. That will take place in S–407. member of the committee and opposed U.S. SENATE, f the provision in the bill that provides PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, pensions to Filipino veterans who Washington, DC, April 22, 2008. VETERANS’ BENEFITS fought by our side in World War II. To the Senate: ENHANCEMENT ACT Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, I say what I said yesterday: If you of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby Mr. REID. Mr. President, yesterday I know nothing else about World War II, appoint the Honorable BILL NELSON, a Sen- spoke on the floor indicating that I watch Tom Hanks’ documentary of

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

S3213

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:37 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.000 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 World War II, what went on in the We should not have to invoke cloture provision. Senators on my side of the Philippines. We depended on the Fili- on a motion to proceed simply to begin aisle will have ample opportunity to pinos. They fought bravely, valiantly to legislate. amend the committee bill so we can by our side. So I find this opposition So I hope cloture will be invoked and, have a bill that will pass with bipar- baffling. With threats emerging from if it is, we do not have to use the tisan support and be signed into law. It every corner of our complex world, postcloture 30 hours to sit around and is my hope we can work together on America needs allies. We need to set an do nothing. We should be able to start this bill and produce another strong, example that we stick by our friends. legislating on this bill. I am not even bipartisan achievement for our vet- We should be sending a message to the asking Republicans to support the bill erans. I expect that to happen cer- world that we need you to stand with at this point, just support allowing us tainly in the very near future. We will us. We cannot fight the global war on to move to the bill so we can start leg- have an opportunity in our conference terror alone. islating. at noon to discuss going forward, but What kind of example does this set? This is an example; almost 70 times we anticipate moving forward with the What better message can we send to in a little over a year, the Republicans Burr amendment early in the process. I our global allies than we will honor the have stopped us from moving legisla- think we are going to be able to get a past service of men and women born on tion. Is it any wonder that today it is strong, bipartisan accomplishment in foreign soil who rallied around our flag reported ‘‘Bush’s disapproval rating the very near future in the Senate. and fought for our freedom? worst of any president in 70 years’’? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- My friend from North Carolina, dis- That is no surprise. Holding up legisla- pore. The majority leader. tinguished Senator BURR, argues we tion, even legislation with which they Mr. REID. Mr. President, I want the should not be providing pensions for agree, hold us up, just to stall, to world to hear what the Republican Filipino soldiers who served our coun- maintain the status quo. What is the leader just said: We are not holding up try but who were not injured during status quo giving the American people? the bill. That simply is without any World War II. Nothing. And that is how they feel basis of fact. That is why we are going World War II was a different war about President Bush. That is why we to vote at noon on being able to move from the war we are fighting now. In see this headline in today’s paper. to the bill. In years past, it was done Iraq, everybody is fair game to the ter- f automatically. Rarely did we have to rorists. It was not that way in World file a motion to invoke cloture on the War II. Only 20 percent—one in five— RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY motion to proceed. It is Orwellian, served on front lines taking enemy fire. LEADER what my friend just said. Of course The other 80 percent provided support The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- they are holding up the bill. And we services and engaged in intelligence pore. The Republican leader is recog- have asked other times to move to this gathering. They transported and main- nized. legislation, as far back as November tained equipment. They took care of f 2007. the ammunition. They repaired combat So, Mr. President, I now ask unani- VETERANS’ BENEFITS vehicles. They were in the Quarter- mous consent that following morning ENHANCEMENT ACT master Corps making sure the uni- business, we move to the bill, we viti- forms and other equipment the soldiers Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, of ate the need to invoke cloture on the needed got to where they were sup- course the bill is not being held up, and motion to proceed, that all germane posed to go. They cooked the food. of course the majority does not need amendments would be in order—and They acted, as we know, as nurses. It permission from us to take up the bill. certainly what Senator BURR said he cannot be argued those 80 percent were Today we will, in fact, vote on the clo- wanted to do would be totally germane. any less a part of that war. It cannot ture motion to proceed to the Vet- It is a striking provision. be argued that sacrifices do not count. erans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of I ask unanimous consent that fol- It cannot be argued that these men and 2007. It is my belief cloture should be lowing morning business, the Senate women are less entitled to the benefits invoked and will be invoked. move to the bill that is before the Sen- of veteran status. This legislation There is actually much to commend ate. would give them $300 a month. Don’t in this bill. It will improve the lives of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- they deserve that? Doesn’t this country our veterans by supplementing the pore. Is there objection? owe that to them? level of assistance for disabled veterans Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, re- I urge my Republican colleagues to for the purchase of automobiles and in- serving the right to object, I really break away from this foolishness and creasing assistance for those veterans think any observers will find all of this join us in providing a pension for the who need to modify their homes to ac- quite silly, really. We are going to dis- brave Filipino troops who stood with commodate their disabilities. cuss the measure at noon. Many in my us, fought with us, and helped us win I wish to recognize with admiration conference are not on the Veterans’ Af- World War II. I hope the Republicans my colleague from North Carolina, the fairs Committee and have not had an will support all components of this leg- ranking member of the Committee on opportunity to hear from Senator BURR islation. It is good legislation, but it Veterans’ Affairs, and thank him for about this issue. Yesterday was a no- should be known that I have reached his hard work on this bill. Yesterday, vote day. Members were not around. out to Republicans on this issue on he made clear that he will offer a sub- We are going to discuss the matter at many occasions, with no takers. stitute that seeks to correct the one noon. As I said to Senator BURR on the glaring flaw contained within S. 1315, a I already indicated to my good friend floor yesterday, if he does not like this provision that would divert $221 mil- the majority leader that we are going provision, why hold up the whole bill? lion over the next 10 years to create a to be able to move forward, I think, We should have been on the bill Thurs- special pension for Filipino veterans of with dispatch on this issue, and we are day night, Friday, Monday. It is Tues- the Second World War living in the going to get a bipartisan accomplish- day now. Offer an amendment. Say: I Philippines who have no service-con- ment. No amount of trying to steam- don’t believe these people who were not nected disability. That money, of roll the minority into giving up its front-line soldiers deserve anything. course, would be diverted at the ex- rights is going to work. Maybe that is They are old. The average age is 84. pense of American veterans living in one of the reasons this Congress has a They do not deserve anything. Let’s America. The Senator from North lower approval than the President of strike that with an amendment. Carolina spoke eloquently about the the United States. My good friend the Let’s have a debate on it and vote on fact that diverting these resources majority leader never misses an oppor- it, not hold up the whole bill. But that from our veterans returning from Iraq tunity to talk about the President not is what is being done. If a majority of and Afghanistan represents misplaced being very popular. Every time in the the Senators vote for the amendment, priorities, and I agree with him. future the majority leader wants to the bill will be altered. That is how the My expectation is the Senate will bring up the President’s popularity, I legislative process is supposed to work. have a healthy debate concerning this will bring up the popularity of this new

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:37 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.003 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3215 majority which makes the President’s think, at the end of the day, anybody ing numerous Iraq votes, we were try- popularity look really good. in the country is going to believe we ing to change the course in Iraq, Mr. What I think the American people are obstructing this bill. This is a seri- President, because it needed changing, would like for us to do is to quit this ous effort to legislate. Senator BURR and it still does. silly sparring back and forth, and fin- has taken it very seriously. He has an We have been here I don’t know how ger-pointing, and legislate. We have a important amendment to be offered, many seconds this morning, but every very good chance to begin this week which will be offered later today. The second we have been here we have been with a strong bipartisan accomplish- Senate will have an opportunity to spending $5,000 in Iraq—$5,000 a second ment, and I think we ought to get consider it. or $12 billion a month. During the pe- about it. As soon as lunch is out of the Look, the way you get things done in riod of time he complains about our of- way and Senator BURR has had an op- the Senate is on a bipartisan basis, and fering amendments related to the war portunity to brief our Members on this the rules around here give the minority in Iraq, our troops were getting killed measure, with which many of them are an opportunity to be involved. This is at the rate of more than one a day. not yet familiar, we will sit down, as not the House of Representatives. I Tens of thousands have been wounded. we always do, the majority leader and wish we had been able to get more done A third of them are missing eyes. Their I, with smiles on our faces, and figure last year, but one of the reasons we minds aren’t good. One-fifth of them out how to go forward. And I think we didn’t is because we had 34 Iraq votes. have brain problems—injuries to their will be able to get there in the rel- Some of my friends in the other con- brains. We have more than 3,000 double atively near future. ference told me last year that any amputees and thousands and thousands The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- week they weren’t voting on Iraq was a of single amputees. We have an obliga- pore. Is there objection? bad week. We spent an awful lot of tion to the American people to talk Mr. MCCONNELL. I object. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- time on sense-of-the-Senate resolu- about the war in Iraq, and we are going pore. Objection is heard. tions on Iraq last year. to continue to do that. Mr. REID. So that it is very clear, Floor time is at a premium in the So we don’t apologize to anyone for the statement of the Republican leader Senate, as the majority leader used to the votes we took on Iraq. The first was untrue. He can talk all he wants say repeatedly when he was the leader many years of this war—a 6-year war about finger-pointing. All we want to of the Democratic Party and in the mi- now—the war went along with the Re- do is legislate. That is what we want to nority. The Senate is not the House. publican leadership in the House and do. And it would seem to me, as this Things don’t move as speedily. Most the Senate doing nothing about the legislation has been pending for 9 observers of the Senate understand war except patting the President on months—reported out of the committee that. By Senate standards, this bill is the back. We have not done that. We 9 months ago—that since we are deal- going to move forward in relatively have been critical of the operation of ing with the veterans, the people for rapid order after the rights of the mi- the war in Iraq, but we have done ev- whom we want to do the very best we nority to offer amendments have been erything we can to support our troops. can because they deserve it, that in 9 protected. We were the first to call for more body months the Republican caucus would So I don’t know what this little back armor for the troops. We were the first have been able to focus on veterans and and forth this morning is all about be- to call for up-arming the vehicles so health care and not wait until today, cause I do think we are going to have they wouldn’t be killed as easily in April 22—or whatever today is, 9 an opportunity to get a bipartisan ac- those vehicles. We have done every- months after the legislation was re- complishment in the very near future. thing we can to support the troops. We ported out of the committee—to deter- I yield the floor. have done everything we can to change mine what is in the legislation. Sen- Mr. REID. What this is all about is the course of the war in Iraq. ators need to be briefed on how to take the truth. That is what it is all about. The President has not allowed us to care of our soldiers medically? I think Senator DURBIN, assistant majority change the course of the war in Iraq, that is without any foundation. leader, on November 8, 2007, said this: and we are here today for the truth. I will also say this, Mr. President: I This is Senator DURBIN speaking, Mr. The truth is, we are trying to legislate feel very good about my job as a Sen- President. for the American people and change ator. I am very grateful to the people I ask unanimous consent that the Senate the status quo. The Republicans want of Nevada for allowing me to serve in may proceed to the consideration of calendar to maintain the status quo. the Senate. But I am never going to No. 336, S. 1315, at any time determined by The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the majority leader following consultation come to the floor and denigrate this pore. The Republican leader. body, as my Republican friend obvi- with the Republican leader; that when the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, ously wants to do. The rating of the bill is considered, the only amendments in order to the bill, other than the committee- with all due respect to my good friend, Senate, over the history of the coun- reported amendment, be first-degree amend- the majority leader, the American peo- try, the rating of the Congress is tied ments that are relevant to the subject mat- ple are giving Congress such low ap- to the President. If the President is un- ter of the bill and that they be subject to rel- proval ratings principally because of popular, the Congress is unpopular, the evant second-degree amendments; that upon the rhetoric and the tone and the feel- city council is unpopular. If you have a disposition of all amendments, the com- ing that we can’t accomplish anything. popular President, everybody feels mittee-reported substitute amendment, as good about the Government itself. So I amended, if amended, be agreed to; the bill, I don’t know why, on this particular will never come to the Senate or any- as amended, be read the third time, passed, Tuesday morning, at about the time we place else and denigrate my job and and the motion to reconsider be laid upon are going to go to a bill on which we the table. those of my 99 colleagues. I think we could achieve an important bipartisan have important responsibilities, and I The Presiding Officer asked: Is there accomplishment, we want to engage in think we should live up to those in a objection? this kind of rancorous debate. We will manner that is best in keeping with The Republican side: Objection. have plenty of highly contentious the Senate tradition. The objections to this go back issues to come before us. That is the I came here this morning to state a months. So what is this about today, nature of the legislative process. And fact. I want to legislate on behalf of the Republican leader says? It is about certainly we have spirited debates in the Senate on legislation dealing with the truth. It is about the Republicans the Senate. But on the measure that the medical care of our veterans, and it stalling everything that comes up—ev- we are about to go to later today, I is being held up by the Republicans. erything—and then to have the audac- think there will be very little dif- That is clear. That is what I said, and ity to come to the floor and say: We ference of opinion, and at the end of I stand on that. are not stalling anything. the process we are likely to have a bi- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- We should have been on this bill a partisan accomplishment that we can pore. The Republican leader. long time ago. all feel good about. Mr. MCCONNELL. At the risk of pro- And during the period of time the Re- So I would hope we could improve longing this a little longer, I don’t publican leader complains we were hav- our moods and attitudes this week as

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:37 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.004 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3216 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 we go forward and see if we can’t ac- hostage to political gains, and it refusing medical attention, continued complish something important for the should not become a vessel for to lead his troops through 5 more days veterans of our country. porkbarrel projects and bloated spend- of fighting. That is, Mr. President, the I yield the floor. ing. kind of courage, strength, and selfless- f We should pass a clean emergency ness that ought to leave all of us in supplemental funding bill for our awe. RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME troops as soon as we possibly can, and Justin finished out his 15-month as- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I hope immediately following the pas- signment in Iraq in August and came pore. Under the previous order, the sage of this legislation we are on home, a hero to many—perhaps not the leadership time is reserved. today. least of which being his father. Try as f he might, his dad John simply could f not put into words how proud he was HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES MORNING BUSINESS and is of his son. After having dinner STAFF SERGEANT JUSTIN YOUNG The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- with Justin’s unit at Fort Bragg, he Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, it is my pore. Under the previous order, the said simply, ‘‘He’s unbelievable and so honor to speak today about a young Senate will proceed to a period of are his friends.’’ Both Justin and his man whose courage and strength have morning business for up to 1 hour, with father would be quick to remind us earned him the Silver Star, and more Senators permitted to speak for up to that even though Justin received this importantly the respect and admira- 10 minutes each, with the time equally medal, it is all the men and women tion of all those who have heard about divided and controlled between the two serving in our military who deserve our his story. leaders or their designees, with the Re- admiration and respect. SSG Justin Young was born in Mes- John told me that while ‘‘Justin was publicans controlling the first half and quite, TX, just outside of Dallas. The there for his buddies, they were there the majority controlling the final half. son of John Young and Kathy Sutton, for him, too.’’ Soldiers like Justin and The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Justin was a swimmer for the Boerne his squadmates are a prime example of pore. The Senator from Texas. High School Greyhounds. After grad- the great commitment all of our troops f uating, he told his dad he needed to share, not only to each other but to our IRAQ SUPPLEMENTAL find his priorities and his focus in life. country as well. As such, they serve That level of maturity and insight is two of the most noble principles the Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I, too, rare for someone so young, and it al- world will ever know. am confident that we will pass impor- ready tells you something about the What is Justin doing now? Having tant legislation on a bipartisan basis character of Justin Young. found his focus and oriented his prior- this week to provide the benefits to Justin decided what was best for him ities, with an example of true courage veterans that they have earned and was to join the U.S. Army. I doubt any- and dedication, Justin reenlisted in the that they deserve, but we can’t forget one in this body would deny that the Army just before finishing his first the unfinished business of this Con- U.S. Army has a long and storied his- tour. Despite his harrowing experience, gress last December when we wrapped tory of taking young men and women Justin stood in the sands of Iraq and he up the fiscal year 2008 appropriations with strong character and trans- raised his right hand and swore to con- bill and we left a balance of more than forming them into proven soldiers, and tinue his service to the defense of our $100 billion that the Department of De- also into courageous leaders as well. great Nation. Recognizing his great fense said it needed to fight the global Justin was no exception. courage and leadership, Justin is now war on terror. Just over a year ago, on March 24, training with the hopes of joining the In other words, it is important to Justin and the rest of the 82nd Air- special forces. support our veterans, but I would sub- borne were conducting operations in That is why I wanted to come to the mit it is equally important to make Diyala Province in Iraq. As the squad floor today and honor Justin’s exem- sure we are supporting our troops cur- leader with C Troop, Justin led his plary service to our country. He is just rently in the fight and in harm’s way, nine-soldier squad into a compound in one example of the bravery, courage, and this Congress has an unfortunate Qubbah, Iraq, a location where known and strength of thousands of Texans, record of delaying that and playing po- enemy fighters were entrenched. both past and present, who have served litical games with that money. It is Once inside the compound, Justin in the U.S. military. time that should end. and his troops quickly encountered I yield the floor. In the Army alone, this shortfall armed insurgents. Justin disarmed and The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- amounts to $66 billion. As a result, the detained a guard before pressing on. In pore. The Senator from Arizona is rec- Army will run out of pay for Active the confusion of the initial entry, Ser- ognized. Duty and National Guard soldiers in geant Young was ambushed by a hidden f June unless Congress acts promptly. fighter about 10 feet away. The enemy At the same time, funding for extra fired his AK–47 assault rifle, hitting SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS vehicle armor, hospital construction Justin’s rifle three times and striking Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I appreciate and renovation, and new service vehi- Justin once in the chest. The force of my colleague from Texas putting a per- cles will dry up. Our troops will not these shots sprayed shrapnel up into sonal face on this war. Our young men have the resources they need to carry Justin’s neck and knocked him off his and women are making tremendous out their mission unless we act soon to feet. sacrifices. We here in the Congress pass this emergency supplemental ap- Injured, and with a broken weapon, should be willing to do our part to en- propriation. Justin killed his attacker and got to sure they succeed in their mission. Provincial reconstruction teams will his feet. Now, it is difficult for us here Hearing a story like Justin’s simply also run out of funding. These teams in the comfort of our Nation’s Capitol confirms that we should redouble our are an integral part of our strategy in to imagine what such a fight for one’s efforts to fund what they need to carry Iraq and go a long way to fostering life must be like. We can only try to out their mission. growth, freedom, and good ties to the imagine the chaos and confusion, the The majority leader talked a little Iraqi communities and ensuring we win adrenaline, the pain, and the fear. You bit earlier about delays with the legis- the battle for hearts and minds as well. wouldn’t blame anyone for pulling lation that is currently pending before We have also appropriated less than back after something like that. But, the Senate. It is going to take us 2 or half of what the military leaders in frankly, that is one thing that makes 3 days, presumably, to complete this Iraq tell us they need for the Com- these young men and women so excep- legislation that is currently pending—2 manders’ Emergency Response Pro- tional, and that is what makes them or 3 days. That is not a big delay in the gram, or CERP, which is essential for the U.S. Army. Senate. But 14 months is a big delay, continued bottom-up reconciliation ef- Justin got up, took a confiscated and that is the time since the Presi- forts. We should not hold this funding enemy AK–47 and three magazines, and dent first asked for the supplemental

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Others have been looking at the sup- and thereby apply pressure to accom- Clearly, military planners are leery plemental as an opportunity to in- plish one of two objectives—either put of engaging in a new operation when crease funding for their favorite non- pressure on the administration to back they do not even know that the mate- defense programs. It has been sug- off of the war effort or, knowing we are rial assets they are going to need for gested by members of the Senate Ap- now really up against a funding that operation are going to be avail- propriations Committee last week that crunch, put pressure on the President able or that what they have available some $24 billion in nondefense spending to accept a lot of unrelated spending, today is not going to be replaced in the might be added for that purpose. spending that has to do with our pet future because this supplemental fund- As I said, Congress should not be ex- projects here at home. That is on the ing has not been provided. torted into supplying nonwar spending theory that the President would have We have no more important obliga- on this supplemental appropriations to sign a bill because our troops are so tion as Members of the Senate than bill, the emergency bill to fund our war desperate for the funding they need, funding our troops when they are in effort. Any effort to do that I suggest even if that bill includes a lot of unre- the middle of a battle. That is precisely should be rejected—among other lated spending Members of Congress the situation right now. things, because we know the President want for their folks back home. We In fact, let me just quote something has said he will veto a war supple- should not submit to what I would that was said just a couple of days ago mental funding bill that contains refer to as legislative blackmail, to by Ayman al-Zawahiri, currently the nonwar-related items or strings at- hold our troops hostage, in effect, for leader of al-Qaida. Here is what he said tached such as some kind of a time- this domestic spending. Nothing else in a long audio message, among other table for troop withdrawal from Iraq. explains this 14-month delay. things: Knowing that is going to be vetoed, it would be irresponsible for the Congress We have already been told by the Iraq today is now the most important to go ahead and send him a bill and Secretary of Defense that it is critical arena in which our Muslim nation is waging take additional time to get the bill that this supplemental funding be pro- the battle against the forces of the Crusader- back and redo it in a way that will be vided to the troops to prevent a slow- Zionist campaign. Therefore, backing the not vetoed. down in daily efforts in training and Mujahidin in Iraq, led by the Islamic State of Iraq, is the most important task of the Is- The bottom line is that we have to equipping, the halting of military oper- lamic nation today. take care of our troops. We have to ations and enabling us to replace lost We are in a war, and what Zawahiri support them in the mission we have or damaged equipment for ongoing op- sent them to achieve. It is time that erations. All of these are implicated by said in one sense is right. This is the most important arena in which this we get about that, and I urge my col- this delay. leagues, when the war supplemental General Petraeus, when he was back conflict is currently playing itself out. We have a choice: to leave in defeat or comes to this body—hopefully next here, added another reason. He stressed week—to act with alacrity, we will the importance of this supplemental to continue to assure victory. We have sent our troops in harm’s pass it and not hold it hostage to our appropriations to further progress in other spending priorities that do not Iraq. Here is what he said: way to achieve their mission. They are accomplishing it. The surge General relate to our efforts in Iraq and Af- The Commander’s Emergency Response Petraeus has implemented is working. ghanistan. Program, the State Department’s Quick Re- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- sponse Fund, and the USAID programs en- It is up to us to do our part in this ef- fort. All we have to do is have a brief pore. The Senator from Oklahoma. able us to help Iraq deal with its challenges. Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I wish debate and a vote, and the vote is to To that end, I respectfully ask that you pro- to spend a minute talking about what vide us by June the additional CERP funds send money the troops need to sustain a supplemental is because oftentimes requested in the supplemental. These funds their operation. We have known this the words we use up here do not have have an enormous impact. now for 14 months, yet Congress con- the clarity for the American public as In other words, it is not just the tinues to dither. Now we have run out to what they really mean. A supple- funds to buy the equipment and sup- of time. mental appropriation is an appropria- port our troops for their mission there There has been a suggestion that in tion that is outside the budget. What but also to enable our military to pro- this effort to fund our troops, we does that mean and what does that vide what is necessary to enable the should combine all of the spending into mean to the average taxpayer? That Iraqi people and the Iraqi Government one massive appropriations bill. It means all the money that is used to there to succeed. would be well over $100 billion. If all it pay for the supplemental will be bor- All of these are reasons for acting does is fund the troops, then that is rowed. It is not coming from taxes with speed. Yet for 14 months Congress fine. But if it is used, as I said before, today. It does not fit inside the pay-go has delayed the supplemental funding. as a way for the majority to sneak rules. It purely and simply is borrowed The Director of the Office of Manage- through either unrequested defense from our children. ment and Budget, Jim Nussle, stated spending or our favorite other domestic I have significant problems with during his testimony last week to the pet projects, that would be a grave in- that. If you look back at our history, Senate Appropriations Committee that justice to our troops. President Roosevelt cut 29 percent out if the supplemental request is not pro- I note the distinguished chairman of of his favorite domestic programs dur- vided to the DOD by Memorial Day, one of the subcommittees in the House ing World War II. President Truman then the Army and Marine Corps will of Representatives on the Appropria- cut 26 percent out of domestic pro- be forced to take funding from other tions Committee has revealed that he grams to pay for the Korean war. We areas of their operations budget and is ready to move the particular bill routinely, year after year, charge the will even have to start laying off civil- here because he is going to use it as a war to our children. ians and contractor personnel. It will way to add other items to the Pen- I raise the issue for two points. No. 1 certainly force the Pentagon to use tagon, including additional Navy war- is that is the way the President has short-term expedients which are very ships and the procurement of new C–17s chosen to do it, and I fault him as well costly. In other words, instead of hav- and F–22 fighter planes beyond what as the Congress. But No. 2 is this great ing the ability to spread out their con- the Defense Department has budgeted. propensity of ‘‘legislators’’ who add ev- tracts over time, which is a much more Maybe those are good defense expendi- erything including the kitchen sink to economical way of acquiring services tures, maybe not, but the reality is it because it is a free pass and it is out- and equipment, the Pentagon is forced that they should stand on their own side the budget. to pay a premium for short-term con- two feet as part of a general authoriza- The last appropriations bill that we tracting, and it is forced to move funds tion and appropriations process and did that was a supplemental had $17

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So I raise the issue ourselves on the back that we funded et. that we are going to pass a supple- the war. But we did it on the backs of I am in my fourth year in the Senate. mental, and the games are going to be those who do not have the same oppor- One of the things we have done ever played on it like they are every year. tunities we were given. We are going to since I have been here is try to root out People are going to add things that are steal those opportunities from the next waste, fraud, and abuse. There is no not a priority; they are going to add two generations. question right now that in the Federal them in—they are not in the budget— It is time for Congress to start doing budget—almost $3 trillion—over $300 knowing they are going to go straight its job. That means tough, rigorous billion right now that is in the appro- to the debt. Is it in our interest for us oversight and staying within the budg- priated programs and in the mandatory to consider, as we do the supplemental, et guidelines and spending the money programs is lost to fraud, waste, and what we are spending right now per like it was ours, not like we had an abuse. So we are going to be bringing a American family on different things? unending credit card that never comes bill to the floor for $120 or $107 billion, Let me spend a minute to outline due. plus probably another $10 or $15 billion that every American family is paying I yield the floor. that the porkers will add to it and oink $8,668 for Medicare and Social Security The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- all the way, and nobody is going to every year; every American family is pore. The Senator from Maryland. offer anything to offset it out of the paying over $5,000 a year to defend this fraud, waste, and abuse—the waste we country; we are spending $3,752 for f have because we are not paying atten- antipoverty programs every year; we FAIR PAY RESTORATION ACT tion to the running of the Government. are spending $2,000 a family for interest We hear this big debate about ear- on the national debt, which is going to Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, thank marks, the prerogative to make sure be higher next year because we are you very much. I too wish to speak as that we point to things. The fact is, the going to borrow all the supplemental in morning business. way you point out things is to do over- and add that to our debt. All over America today, people are sight on the waste, fraud, and abuse. Federal employee retirement benefits celebrating Earth Day. But we, the If you think this is not accurate, let cost every family in this country $1,000 women of the Senate, have another day me give you a list of where the waste a year—$1,000 a year for every family. we are commemorating, it is called is. There is $90 billion worth of fraud in Veterans’ benefits, $750 per family; Pay Equity Day. That means women Medicare right now, and there is $10 health research and regulations, $692; should get paid equal pay for equal or billion that we pay that we inherently education, $578; highway mass transit, comparable work. pay wrongly. So that comes to over $455; unemployment benefits, $320; You are going see the women of the $100 billion in Medicare alone that international affairs, $300. Senate dressed in red today. We are should not be going out the door. We We have a deficit that is going to be going to be on the Senate floor, we are are not doing a thing about it. Nobody $800 billion this year. While Congress going to be in our committees, and we is going to offer an amendment. It will sits on its heels and has debates about are going to be doing our job. But we not even be judged as in order with the legislating or not legislating, we are wear the color red with solidarity for rules, to get rid of the fraud in Medi- going to continue the same bad habits women all over who say: We are red in care. Medicaid is same thing—$30 bil- of not holding agencies accountable, the face because of the way women lion in fraud, $15 billion in overpay- not being transparent about what we have been treated in terms of our pay. ments for people that we just made a are doing, and we are going to say we Right now, in the year 2008, women mistake in paying. No, there is not funded the war, but we are not going to still make less money per hour than going to be anything offered during the make any of the hard choices about it. men for the same or comparable job. If supplemental to fix that, so right there When this bill comes to the floor, it that was not hard enough about the you have $125, $130 billion that would is going to have $17 to $20 billion that business practices, we actually have a pay—just in fixing Medicare and Med- does not have anything to do with the Supreme Court that agreed with dis- icaid fraud. war but has everything to do with po- crimination. There will not be a rule that will litical directives outside the budget so So today we come to the floor with allow us to vote on that. There will not we can spend more money. legislation that has been developed, on be a way for us to do it because that is Washington does not need a raise, it a bipartisan basis, to reverse a Su- hard work, and we do not want to do needs a cut. It is time for us to pay for preme Court decision called the the hard work. the war by getting rid of the waste, Ledbetter decision. Social Security disability fraud, $2.5 fraud, and abuse in this Federal Gov- You have to hear this. Last May, the billion; the governmentwide overpay- ernment. Unfortunately, there is not Supreme Court made an outrageous de- ments, improper payments, overpay- the character or the courage in either cision that said women cannot get ments for other things, $15 billion. the House or the Senate to take on equal pay for equal work if they do not These are not my numbers, these are that fight because it might impact po- do it within the first 180 days that a documented numbers by either the litical careers. discrimination occurs. The decision GAO, the Congressional Budget Office So as you listen to the debate when was sexist, it was biased, and it did not or the IGs; $8 billion that the Defense we come up with the supplemental, we understand the reality of women’s lives Department pays out for bonuses for need to fund our troops, there is no or the reality of the workplace. companies that did not earn the bonus question about it, but we should not be Their decision was a step backward or performance awards. funding our troops on the backs of our for women, and it hit women right in There is not going to be anything in children. We should be funding our the pocketbook. It violates the Amer- this to fix that. It is not even going to troops on the backs of us, and we ought ican concept of fairness and justice and be made in order. And $4 billion that to be doing that every time. equal treatment under the law. we are being defrauded on a crop insur- So I am going to do all in my power Let me tell you about Lilly ance modernization program, where we to try to offer amendments to offset Ledbetter, who brought the case to the allow for crop insurance a higher rate the funds in this war supplemental. I Supreme Court. I met her in the HELP of return than any other casualty or know the rules will prohibit me from Committee—the Health, Education, insurance company could earn. doing many of them. But I am not Labor Committee—when we were lis- No bid contracts, $5 billion. U.N. con- going to stop talking. I am not going tening to the testimony about it. I lis- tributions that are purely waste, that to stop talking about the $350 billion tened to her story. This is a woman

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We work that she did, but she did not get parable work. are going to pass this reform legisla- comparable raises when the men got From the bench, Justice Ginsburg did tion that is called the Fair Pay Res- theirs. call on the Congress for action. She toration Act. We ask the Presiding Of- What does that mean? Not only did said, ‘‘Correct the mistake.’’ ficer to join with us today. For all of us she have less earnings in her work, Well, when Justice Ruth speaks, and who wear red, this is going to be a though she worked as hard, received by the way, do we not miss our Justice great victory. excellent ratings, and was promoted, Sandra Day O’Connor? Justice Alito I yield the floor. but it also now will show up in her pen- wrote the primary assenting opinion. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. sion; she will get less Social Security They told us the Court made a mistake TESTER). The Senator from Wash- and she will get less pension. So re- and the Congress could fix it. Well, fix ington. member, when discrimination begins, it we will. We will be soon voting on Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I come it is compounded over a lifetime. the legislative process in the bill itself to join my colleague from Maryland, Now, Lilly Ledbetter is a real Amer- to right this wrong. We will be voting the distinguished Senator MIKULSKI, ican. She fought the system on her own on legislation that will correct this who has always fought for women’s time and with great risk. She fought mistake. rights because she knows that is what the discrimination and took it to the This legislation was authored by our will make our country strong. I serve Equal Opportunity Commission, took great Galahad in the Senate, Senator on the Health, Education, and Labor it to the courts, and then took it all KENNEDY. He did it in consultation Committee with the Senator from the way up to the Supreme Court. with we, the women in the Senate: Sen- Maryland. We saw Lilly Ledbetter Along the way, she had to raise her ator CLINTON, myself, Senator SNOWE, come before our committee to speak own money to do this, while the big women on both sides of the aisle. He about her experience in a factory where corporate interests at Goodyear had reached out to us. We reached out to she was not given fair pay. Over time it fat-cat, billable-hours lawyers against the best legal thinking. went all the way to the Supreme Court, her. This bill will amend title VII of the where she lost her right in her own life- She faced sexual harassment in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This bill will time to ever be compensated for the workplace because she dared to speak amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964, so pay she lost because she wasn’t treated up and speak out. Well, Lilly Ledbetter the statute of limitations for an em- fairly. She came before our committee, would not give up. If she was the only ployee to file a wage discrimination and she was such a woman of dignity case in America, it would be wrong, but suit runs from the date of the actual and courage, not speaking for herself— this is a persistent pattern in the payment of the discriminatory wage, anything we do on the floor won’t help workplace. And also it has now been not from the hiring. So every time you her personally—but speaking for all approved by the Supreme Court. get a paycheck, it will be an act of dis- women who will come behind her for The Supreme Court said: Someone crimination, which will reset the clock decades, to make sure they have the cannot sue their employer over un- so you can file your case. right to get equal pay when they are equal pay if that person does not file That means employees can sue em- performing an equal job. suit within 180 days after the pay was ployers based on each discriminating I thank Senator MIKULSKI for her established. paycheck, and it does not limit the leadership and urge our colleagues to- Once again, the Supreme Court does time a worker can get the remedy she morrow to vote with us so we can go to not get it. How many women know the deserves. This bill is about fairness, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and salary of their coworkers, especially in justice, and respect. Is it not time, is it once and for all assure that our daugh- the first 6 months on the job? The re- not time? When we think about Lilly ters and future generations will have ality of the workplace is that often Ledbetter and all those wonderful access to equal pay. people are forbidden to talk about their women similar to her, a woman who This Senate has a very proud history salaries. What if you were hired at an worked for 19 years, she was not ex- of working across the aisle to pass civil equal rate with your male counterpart, actly sure when the disparity devel- rights laws. Those historic laws ensure but he gets a raise every few months oped, she could not quite get to all that all people have equal rights, re- and you do not? The Supreme Court de- that. gardless of race, religion, gender, or na- cision was outrageous. It was so bad A jury found they had discriminated tional origin. I am proud that they en- that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, God against her. They awarded her $400,000 sure that my daughter now has the bless her, God bless Justice Ruth, she in backpay. The Supreme Court took it right to work in the same jobs and stood up and actually spoke from the away from her. Well, today, we are achieve the same success as my son. bench to read her dissenting opinion. going to give it back to her. We are But even though women are doing the That is unprecedented. Usually, they going to make sure she and her guts same jobs as men and working as hard file it and let it go into the history and her grit, in standing up for herself, every day, they still are not equal on books. But Justice Ginsburg wanted to has stood up for all women. one important day. That is payday. On put the world and this Congress on no- We who are the women of the Senate payday, women will take home 77 cents tice that we better act. Justice Gins- stand up as well, I believe also with the for every dollar paid to their male co- burg said in her dissenting opinion: very good men who work with us. Men workers. That pay gap is even wider for In our view, the court does not comprehend of quality never fear women who seek African-American and Latino women. or is indifferent to the insidious way in equality. We are doing that today. We African-American women earn 67 cents which women can be victims of pay discrimi- believe in this country all people are on the dollar and Latino women earn 56 nation. created equal. We need to make sure it cents for every dollar a white man She encouraged the Congress to fix is in the Federal law books and in your makes. I know some people out there it, and we will fix it. We will. Unfortu- personal checkbook. say: That can’t be true. It is true. nately, wage discrimination exists. All people are created equal in the I rise on Equal Pay Day to recognize Woman now earn 77 percent for every Federal lawbook and in your personal that we still have a lot of work to do to dollar our male counterpart makes. checkbook. People should be judged by ensure fairness in society. Tomorrow is Women of color even get paid less. Af- their skills, their competence, and by the day the Senate can go on record rican-American women get paid 68 the job they do. Once you get that job saying we in this country are going to cents for every dollar a White man because of your skills and talent, you stand behind the women and men and makes. That is almost a 40-percent dif- should get equal pay for equal or com- their children who rely on them to ference. parable work. bring home a paycheck.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:37 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.012 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3220 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 The pay gap that exists is true re- would reverse that decision and ensure discriminated against. They don’t gardless of skill or education. It is so workers have a fair shot at fighting know what everybody else is making. If deeply engrained in society that many discrimination. The Ledbetter decision you are going to say that someone only jobs dominated by women pay less than requires many workers to file a claim has 180 days to file a complaint on dis- jobs dominated by men, even when the within 180 days after their employer crimination from the date the decision work they do is almost exactly the discriminates against them, but it does is made to make that complaint, what same. In my State of Washington, a not recognize that in many cases work- you are saying is that everybody in the woman with a college degree earns ers don’t even know they have been workplace, whether they are an elderly about $20,000 less than a man with the discriminated against for years. It may person, whether they are a minority, same education. According to a study take them much longer than 180 days whether they are a woman, they are by the American Association of Univer- to gather the proof. Frankly, for going to have to turn into a detective sity Women, the difference in pay women in the workplace to be aggres- every time they get a paycheck. They starts as soon as that woman enters sive in finding out how much other are going to have to run around and the workforce. That study found that people get paid in order to even file a interview their colleagues as to how within a year after graduating from case is very difficult. This sounds an much money they are making to make college, a woman will already earn less awful lot like the Supreme Court is sure their paycheck is fair. That is than her male classmates in nearly asking our workers to be mindreaders. dumb. That is just dumb. every major. So that is a problem when That is unfair. It is not what Congress First, you are not even supposed to one starts out. It is also a lifelong intended when we created that law in talk about your paycheck in the work- problem, because by the end of her ca- the first place. place. In many places of employment, reer, a female worker will have lost an The Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will the boss says it is against policy to dis- average of $250,000 in earnings. allow workers to file a claim within 180 cuss with other people what their sal- It is just as important to make it days of any discriminatory paycheck. ary is or what your pay is. So what we clear that the pay gap is a problem for It gives workers the ability to discover are saying to the women and to the everyone. This disparity hurts millions the facts and to challenge ongoing dis- older workforce and to members of mi- of families. In almost 10 million house- crimination. Although the Ledbetter norities is: Now you have to figure out holds, mothers are the only bread- case involved gender discrimination, what is in the head of your employer. winners, and in many cases those the decision applies to all kinds of dis- And by the way, you have 6 months. women are also supporting parents and crimination, including religion, race, If I were an employer in America, I extended family members. In far too age, disability, and national origin. would say: Hey, talk about hurting pro- many of those households women have Our Nation was founded on the prin- ductivity. to struggle to pay for rent or heat or ciple that all of its citizens are created Instead, doesn’t it make sense that food or gas, especially today as prices equal. We think they ought to be equal we should be able to show a pattern of are rising. Think of how much better on payday as well. As a mother and discrimination that is reflected in a se- off families would be if a woman were grandmother, I want my children to ries of paychecks? Of course, it does. paid a wage equal to men, especially as Who has the best knowledge as to the economic downturn grows worse live in a country where my daughter can earn as much as my son. Now is the whether someone is being discrimi- and expenses rise. nated against? I will guarantee you, it If women and men made an equal time to ensure that that can be true by is not the person receiving the check. I wage, single working women would strengthening our pay discrimination think about the cases I represented and have 17 percent more income each and laws. Now is the time to ensure the every year. Ensuring they earn a fair Senate’s history of civil rights cannot what kind of incredibly high bar it paycheck could cut the poverty rate in be eroded. would have been for each one of those half. Wage disparity follows those Tomorrow is an important day for individuals to figure out in 180 days women into retirement. Women today women and men. I urge my colleagues whether their paycheck was fair. It is funny how people around this are twice as likely to live in poverty to vote with us to consider the Fair place talk about activist judges. I have over the age of 65. Women are more de- Pay Act. a feeling that when we debate this pendent upon Social Security for a I yield the floor. greater percentage of their retirement The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- issue today and tomorrow, and as this income. All of us are staring down the ator from Missouri. vote occurs, we won’t hear a word from looming Social Security crisis. Think Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, I the other side about activist judges. how much better off we would be if also rise to talk about Lilly Ledbetter This was, in fact, a Supreme Court de- women could save a little more for re- and some practical realities regarding cision that radically changed the law tirement and contribute more to Social this issue. I had the honor of rep- as we knew it, as it has been practiced Security. resenting a number of people on dis- in this country, as it has, in fact, been My colleagues and I should not have crimination cases during the time I embraced by this country. This Court, to be here talking about this today. I practiced law in Kansas City. I rep- by the narrowest of margins, said 5 to should not have to come to the floor in resented people on age discrimination, 4 that they were going to upset all that the year 2008 to make a case for equal race discrimination, and gender dis- law and make it very difficult for peo- pay. Not only is it a no-brainer, but crimination. I am familiar with the law ple in the workplace to have their day fairness and equality are fundamental before Ledbetter. The thing about this in the bright sunshine of justice. American values. We are not asking for decision that is hardest for me is how I am tempted to call it an activist ju- special treatment. We are here be- unpractical it is. When I was a single diciary. They are out of control. We cause, despite all the work done to en- mom with three small kids in a job have to do something about the judici- sure equal rights, women haven’t with a lot of responsibility and long ary. Instead, what we need to do is achieved equality. We are here because hours, I had to be very practical in the what we have always done in our his- we run the risk that pay discrimina- way I lived my life. Working women tory. We have to correct it. By the tion laws are growing weaker, not across this country are very practical way, that decision spoke to us in terms stronger, if we don’t act. people. They have to prioritize. They of asking us, in the dissent, to take the As Senator MIKULSKI discussed, the make multitasking a way of life. steps necessary to put the law back Supreme Court last May took a big I look at this decision from a prac- where it was before that fateful day step backward with its decision on tical standpoint. Here is what sticks in last summer when the Supreme Court Ledbetter v. Goodyear. That decision my craw. They are acting as if when said to the people who have been dis- went against Congress’s intent and 40 you get a paycheck, immediately some criminated against: We are going to years of EEOC practice. It made it al- switch is turned on in your head that make it really hard for you to hold most impossible for workers who suffer says: My paycheck is discriminatory. your employer accountable. pay discrimination to now seek justice. There is no way women in the work- This is not a twilight zone of liability Today on Equal Pay Day, we urge our place can look at their paycheck and for companies. This is a situation colleagues to support legislation that immediately determine they have been where all the damages that someone

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:37 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.014 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3221 can receive is just 2 years, regardless of of women in America who are going to CONCLUSION OF MORNING how long the discrimination has gone wake up and get busy before November. BUSINESS on. Mr. President, 180 days is a very Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask short period of time in terms of filing I suggest the absence of a quorum. unanimous consent to speak for 10 min- a complaint—much shorter than any Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I would utes on the bill. other statute of limitations that is out like to be recognized, if I could. I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without there for any wrong anyone suffers in to speak in morning business. objection, it is so ordered. our country. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Will the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, would I think people need to remember how Senator withhold the suggestion? the clerk report the motion to proceed Lilly found out about this. The jury Mrs. MCCASKILL. Yes. to the bill at this point, or should I found in her favor. The EEOC found in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- proceed? her favor. The law was in her favor— ator from Illinois. The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is ap- until the Supreme Court overturned it. propriate to close morning business How did she find out she was being f and then report the motion to proceed. discriminated against? She had been Morning business is closed. there all these years. She had started VETERANS’ BENEFITS out on an even keel with the colleagues f who were men. Someone slipped her an ENHANCEMENT ACT anonymous note. There is not a tote Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, this VETERANS’ BENEFITS ENHANCE- board somewhere she could have morning on the floor of the Senate is a MENT ACT—MOTION TO PROCEED checked. Someone slipped her an anon- bill entitled the Veterans’ Benefits En- ymous note in the workplace and said: hancement Act of 2007. Nine months The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Hey, do you realize what is happening ago, this bill came out of committee, the previous order, the Senate will re- to you? You need to start asking some and this bill is now on the floor and to sume the motion to proceed to S. 1315, questions about what is happening to be considered. which the clerk will report. The bill clerk read as follows: your pay. Back in November of last year, I This is not just about women. This is asked for permission to bring this bill A motion to proceed to the bill (S. 1315) to also about the older workforce. By the up for consideration in the Senate and amend title 38, United States Code, to en- way, with the economy the way it is hance life insurance benefits for disabled have amendments. It is the orderly veterans, and for other purposes. right now, under this administration, process of the Senate, a deliberative Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I see people are having to work longer. Peo- process: a debate—and one might ex- Senator KLOBUCHAR on the floor. I ple who used to think they could retire pect that is what we do around here. think she was coming to speak in at 62—forget about that—they are But, sadly, at that point the Repub- morning business, and I may have used working into their late sixties, into lican minority objected to bringing up the minute or two that was remaining their seventies. In fact, we have many the Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement for her. I wish to address the motion to Members in this body who are working Act, even though it had passed out of proceed to the bill that is pending, but hard every day who are well beyond the committee with an overwhelmingly since she is on the floor, I would like to their early seventies who are contrib- positive vote. give her a chance to speak at this mo- uting on a daily basis to this place. What is included in this bill? A long ment before I do. So I ask—if it meets Should those people be discriminated list of important changes in the law, with the approval of the Senator from against because they are older? Should changes which will give to our vet- North Carolina—unanimous consent they have to figure out in 180 days that erans, especially those returning now that the Senator from Minnesota be a younger colleague is making a bigger disabled from combat, benefits they ab- recognized for—— paycheck? solutely need: housing, education. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Five minutes. What about the minorities in this In addition, there is a provision in Mr. DURBIN. Five minutes, and that country? This is not just about women. here which I support—was happy to following her remarks, I be recognized This is about discrimination. We need join as a cosponsor—related to Filipino for 10 minutes to speak on the pending to send a very clear signal to the rest World War II veterans. I think it is motion to proceed. of the country that we understand we long overdue that the U.S. Senate rec- Mr. BURR. Mr. President, reserving have to fix this and we have to fix it ognize the contribution made by so the right to object, and I do not plan quickly. many Filipinos in World War II to the on objecting, if the 5 minutes is to This is not a bunch of whining over success of our war effort. They fought come out of the majority’s time for the something that is not important. That so gallantly and courageously and debate—which the time is split be- 22 cents in Missouri that a woman stood by our troops at a moment we tween now and 12 o’clock between the makes less than a man is important. It desperately needed their help. Those majority and minority—if Senator is important to pay for the gas. It is who are not students of history may KLOBUCHAR’s time comes out of the important to pay for the daycare. It is have forgotten or never read that our majority’s time, fine. important in order to make the bills fight in the Philippines was a bitter, Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, it is my come out even. long, and tragic battle that ended well In Missouri, the figure is that women understanding Senator AKAKA wants to but only after great sacrifice by the earn 78 cents for every $1 earned by speak for up to 10 minutes. So I am Filipino people, by the Filipino sol- men. The median annual income for a trying to figure out—we have 38 min- diers, and by our American soldiers. man with a college degree in Missouri, utes remaining before the vote, so that This provision in the bill related to from the years 2004 to 2006, was $59,000. would allow 19 minutes per side. If Sen- veterans: For a woman with the same amount of ator AKAKA needs 10 minutes, I would education, it was $46,000. The American would deem certain service before July 1, ask for 4 minutes and yield 5 minutes 1946, in the organized military forces of the Association of University Women did to Senator KLOBUCHAR, if that meets Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as ac- with the Senator’s approval. that study in the State of Missouri. tive military service for purposes of eligi- We need to unite behind this legisla- bility for veterans benefits. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tion. This is not going to be onerous [It] would provide that the children of de- objection? for employers out there. It is fair. It is ceased or totally-disabled service-connected The Chair hears none, and it is so or- just fair. It is what we pledge alle- Filipino veterans who qualify for edu- dered. giance to every day in this room: equal cational benefits would be paid at the same The Senator from Minnesota. justice for all. Let’s make sure we fix rate and under the same conditions as the Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I this. Let’s make sure we move and pass children of other veterans. say to my colleague from Illinois, this bill and send it to the President. I Mr. President, this is long overdue. thank you very much. I appreciate the will tell you what, if this President has The PRESIDING OFFICER. Time for time. If I go less than 5 minutes, I will the nerve to veto this bill, I know a lot morning business is expired. give you back the rest of the time.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:11 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.016 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 EQUAL PAY DAY fidential and that there is no way to object to the idea of giving $300 a Mr. President, I am proud to join know when it starts unless we require month to the 18,000 surviving Filipino with my colleagues today, many of women to start the embarrassing prac- World War II veterans who would be el- whom were here earlier—Senator MI- tice of asking what men make—we can igible. They object to it but will not KULSKI, Senator MURRAY, Senator do what Eleanor Roosevelt says. We come to the floor and just offer a mo- BOXER, and Senator MCCASKILL—in can bring the realities to the light. We tion to strike. No. They will filibuster support of Equal Pay Day. cannot expect women to challenge to drag this out for days at a time. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy practices they do not know are hap- This is not fair. It is not fair to the appointed Eleanor Roosevelt as chair- pening, and by passing this law we can veterans who wait on this important woman of the President’s Status on start to give women those 4 months legislation. It certainly is not fair to Women Commission. back—those extra months it takes to the Filipino veterans. In 1963, the Commission’s findings allow them to catch up to their male You have to understand that during enumerated rampant discrimination colleagues. World War II, President Franklin Dela- against women in the workplace: in Mr. President, I yield the floor. no Roosevelt issued a military order hiring, in accommodations, and in pay. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- calling to service the Commonwealth This was part of the larger catalyst to ator from Illinois. Army of the Philippines to stand next finally pass—that same year—the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, the Vet- to American soldiers to fight and die. Equal Pay Act. erans’ Benefits Enhancement Act This entitled—many believe—those It is a sad reality that still, 88 years passed out of the committee 9 months who served beside U.S. troops to some after the 19th amendment gave women ago, and 6 months ago I came to the recognition from the United States of equal voting power and 45 years after floor and asked that we consider it. I America. My goodness, how many more the passage of the Equal Pay Act, it could not imagine there would be any years will we wait? Those 470,000 Fili- takes women 16 months to earn what delay in wanting to bring critical help pino veterans risked their lives to save men can earn in 12 months. In other to our veterans. American lives and their homeland and words, today, Equal Pay Day, marks This legislation expands eligibility to fight for the same values we treas- the day it takes women to finally catch for traumatic injury insurance under ure, and we have put them off that up to where men were back in January. the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insur- long. A cloture motion was filed, forc- But Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong, ance Program. It extends housing bene- ing a vote today at noon. wise woman, and she brought to that fits to individuals—veterans—with se- I can tell you that the continued ef- first Commission her personal philos- vere burns. It increases benefits for forts by the Republican minority to ophy that ‘‘It’s better to light a candle veterans in apprenticeship or on-job stop and stall any efforts for change than to curse the darkness.’’ That is training programs. And it restores vet- and progress is being noted by the why it is so important that the Senate eran status to Filipino veterans. American people. We only have 51 take up the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay The bill had a positive vote coming Democrats. It takes 60 votes to over- Act on the floor this week. We must out of committee, and the Republican come a Republican filibuster, which light a candle to the pay discrimina- minority objected, 6 months ago, to means we need nine of them to join us. tion women continue to experience bringing it up. Then, last week, when Maybe they will at noon. But the obvi- across the country. we tried to bring up this bill to help ous question is, Why did we have to go This important legislation will re- the veterans again, the Republicans through this? Why did we have to wait verse a 2007 Supreme Court ruling— initiated a filibuster trying to stop us when there was an objection last No- Ledbetter v. Goodyear—that signifi- from bringing this bill forward. vember? Why did we have to face a fili- cantly limited the rights of individuals This morning, the Republican leader buster? It is critical to pass the Vet- to sue for gender-based pay discrimina- explained it was because the Repub- erans Benefits Enhancement Act and tion. licans need to sit down at noon and do what is right for our veterans and The facts that gave rise to Lilly talk about the bill so they understand the Filipinos who stood beside our Ledbetter’s case are all too common it. The bill has been out of committee troops and fought in World War II. today. Lilly Ledbetter was a hard for 9 months. It is very clear what is in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- worker, working at Goodyear Tire as a this bill. There was no need for a fili- ator from North Carolina is recognized. manager for 20 years. When she started buster—except for the fact that is the Mr. BURR. Mr. President, let me say at Goodyear, all the employees at the strategy of the Republican minority. this. It is disingenuous to come to the manager level started at the same pay. So far, the Republicans have filed, floor and suggest that I, or any Mem- She knew she was getting the same pay during this legislative session, 66 fili- ber of the minority, have stood in the as the men did. But early in her tenure busters—and continue to file them—66 way. I have stood in the way when the as manager, the company went to an- filibusters, including a filibuster conditions to move forward were such other system. Payment records were against this veterans’ benefits en- that it diluted the minority’s ability to kept confidential, and Lilly did not hancement bill. They continue to file represent its Members but, more im- think to ask what her colleagues were these filibusters in an effort to slow portantly, the American people, and to making. She did not think to look at down or stop the Senate from consid- limit us in the time of debate and in her pay raise and ask if men in the de- ering legislation. the amount of amendments. Yes, sir, it partment were getting the same. As Last week, they wanted to stop a was not offered to have a full and open the years passed by, the pay differen- technical corrections bill that made debate. We are in the process—and, as tial between what she made and what corrections in spelling and grammar I said, I urge my Members to vote for the male managers were making just and a few references in a bill passed cloture. I am sorry we have to have the kept getting bigger. She only found out years ago. It took us a full week to vote, but that is the only thing that about it from an anonymous note from pass a bill, which should have taken no assures us the ability to have the time a coworker. time at all, because the Republicans to debate these issues. At trial, she was able to prove dis- slowed us down. I think what you will find is how crimination. But the company appealed This week is even worse—that they much we are all in agreement, which is the jury’s finding, and the Supreme would force a filibuster on a bill to help 98 percent, and there is 2 percent on Court, in a five-to-four decision, de- veterans. Why? Why in the world would which we have a difference. I respect cided that Lilly filed her charge too they do that? From the beginning, we the chairman and other Members who late. Essentially, they read the law to said if they had an objection to any believe a special pension should be set say that she would have had to file it provision in this bill, they could offer up for Filipino veterans who live in the within 180 days of Goodyear making its an amendment. I know the Senator Philippines and have no service-con- first discriminatory decision. from North Carolina objects to giving nected injury. But I disagree with that Although this decision completely ig- Filipino war veterans—who served next as a priority over our guys. nores the realities of the workplace— to American soldiers, risked their lives So I plan to offer an amendment that that employee records are kept con- and died on behalf of Americans—they I have never had an opportunity to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:37 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.017 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3223 offer which embraces 98 percent of lows on those occasions when there is a bate we could have had two months ago what the chairman has in his bill, but need for floor debate. or even late last year. Let us not waste it elects to prioritize our soldiers in en- It may be that my colleague does not any more time. Let us work together hanced benefits over the $221 million believe there should be any limitation to join the issues and have the Senate that is now devoted to Filipino vet- on amendments to this bill. do its business. I ask my colleagues to erans who live in the Philippines and If there is no limitation on what join in voting for cloture. have no service-connected injury. amendments can be offered during de- I yield back the remainder of my I believe it is time for us to stand up bate of this bill, I anticipate that other time. for our guys versus that select group to Senators will bring forward a signifi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- whom there was never a promise made. cant number of amendments. Some ator from North Carolina is recognized. I yield the floor. will be based on measures considered Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I have a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- by the committee and not adopted. deep respect for my chairman and ator from Hawaii is recognized. Some will be based on measures that friend, Senator AKAKA. I think the Sen- Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I again were debated by the committee and in- ator has suggested that over the course urge my colleagues to vote for cloture cluded in other bills now pending on of the last half year we have had some and express their support for consider- the calendar. Some will represent disagreements. I don’t expect him to ation of S. 1315, the proposed ‘‘Vet- issues not yet considered by the com- know everything that has been commu- erans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of mittee and thus not subjected to the nicated to staff or that my staff com- 2007.’’ This comprehensive bill, re- hearing and debate process. And lastly, municated to his staff. ported by the Committee on Veterans’ I am certain that a number of amend- The reality is that we are here today, and we each respect each other. We are Affairs, would improve benefits and ments will represent issues not under both honored to serve in the Senate. services for veterans, both young and this committee’s jurisdiction. old. We should be debating and voting That does not appear to me to be a We both have the same responsibility on this bill now. It has been on the cal- desirable way to get our business done. to the same people—and that is the American taxpayers—to make sure we endar since last August. However, if that is the ranking mem- are fiscally responsible but, more im- It is well past time for this body to ber’s preference, let him say so. address and resolve the differences of Another misleading statement made portantly, that we are prudent, that we opinion on provisions in this bill—so by the ranking member was his sugges- prioritize things where they are needed the most. active duty service members, veterans, tion that the committee was not will- At noon today we will have a cloture and their survivors can receive im- ing to talk about changes to the bill. vote on the motion to proceed to S. provements to benefits for which they That statement cannot refer to the ac- 1315. For one, I have mixed feelings may be entitled without further delay. tual committee process last year— about where we are in the process. I Mr. President, I respect the fact that where the provision relating to Fili- share the frustrations of Chairman Members have different points of view pino veterans was noticed—and an AKAKA. The proud tradition of the Sen- on parts of this bill, but I do not under- amendment was offered—and debated. ate committee on Veterans’ Affairs has stand why there is an unwillingness to After the bill was reported, I clearly been to write laws that improve bene- debate. expressed my willingness—on multiple fits and services for our veterans. As I noted yesterday, for seven occasions—to reach a compromise on Those laws typically enjoy bipartisan months, all I have asked for is debate the pension provision. As I noted yes- support. As a result, the committee’s on this bill. I reached out in October, terday, the only debate raised in the bills have almost always passed by November, and December of last year, committee was on the amount of the unanimous consent. In fact, I asked the in an effort to come to an agreement to pension for Filipino World War II vet- Senate Library to confirm that for me. hold that debate. This session, my ef- erans, not on eliminating the pension Since 1990, there have been only two forts to reach a time agreement or to entirely. rollcall votes on bills reported from the negotiate, including in February after The provision prevailed in com- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: the the committee’s ranking member in- mittee. Now the ranking member offers first in the 102d Congress which cleared troduced an alternate bill to S. 1315, one option: to give these elderly Fili- by a vote of 99 to 0; the second was in have been rejected time and time pino veterans nothing. That is not a the 105th Congress and cleared by a again. compromise. vote of 98 to 0. There were no amend- Mr. President, I am disappointed that I am ready to debate the core issue— ments that received rollcall votes on members of the minority have contin- but I am not prepared to abandon a either of those bills. ually stood in the way of veterans re- provision that I believe is right. This tells me that Republicans and ceiving the enhanced benefits they de- I believe it is the moral obligation of Democrats have always been able to serve. I am discouraged that they have this Nation to provide for those Fili- reach a compromise on committee bills not been willing to engage in debate— pino veterans—who fought under the out of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- the business of the Senate. This is not U.S. flag during World War II. We must mittee. There has been no need for the way that we should be conducting act to ensure that these veterans are floor debate or rollcall votes when it business on behalf of those who have not left to live out their twilight years comes to the veterans bills. The norm served under the U.S. flag. without acknowledgment that their is to find a common agreement before A number of things were mentioned service during World War II is valued. I moving forward, even on policy issues yesterday by my colleague, the com- am not going to abandon them without with which one side or the other may mittee’s ranking member, which seem a fight. not agree. to demonstrate significant confusion Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to This has changed during this Con- about the process that has brought us agree to begin the process of debating gress with the unprecedented vote on here. this bill. If cloture on the motion to cloture that we will have today. The For example, the ranking member proceed is achieved, I hope that the chairman, in the spirit of our relation- spoke of being asked to agree to no ranking member will join me and our ship, sent me a letter on, I believe, the amendments and limited debate time. party leaders to craft a workable 10th of the month requesting that we That is simply not true. What I asked agreement that allows for a full debate work on this. The next day, the major- for was an agreement to limit amend- on this bill—and on his amendment to ity leader of the Senate filed cloture. I ments to the bill to only those that re- it—along with any other amendments am not sure how quickly I am supposed late to the bill. After identifying such to provisions in the bill. Once this bill to jump through the hoop for him, but amendments, we would then seek to de- is disposed of, our committee will be in I didn’t do it fast enough. I say that fine the time needed to debate these a position to bring forward other bills, with the knowledge that the chairman amendments. This represents the way including whatever bills we report out and I both have that we are not in the Senate most often gets its business of committee later this year. charge. We don’t always make the deci- done and certainly is the process that I look forward to a spirited and in- sions on the course the Senate will fol- the Veterans’ Affairs Committee fol- depth debate on this bill. This is a de- low.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:11 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.019 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 Let me briefly outline for my col- them into the middle class in the the United States as 10 percent above leagues the key disagreement that has United States, but we were getting the poverty line. held up this bill for so long; namely, them out of poverty because that was I can argue that is not good enough, the provision that seeks to use $221 the right thing to do. If it is a sur- but I can certainly make the case that million over the next 10 years to create viving spouse in the United States, going to 1,400 percent above the pov- a special pension for Filipino veterans they get a payment of $7,498, which is erty line is not right. It is not the right who have no war injuries, are not U.S. 11 percent of the median income in the policy, and it is certainly not the right citizens, and who reside in the Phil- United States. priority. Creating any new pension ippines. Today in the Philippines, the Fili- benefits for Filipinos in an effort to There are four groups of Filipino vet- pino Government provides $120 a month rectify what some call an injustice erans. Here is a chart. There are the pension for these 13,000 individuals would only serve to create a new injus- old scouts, who enlisted in the U.S. Senator AKAKA is targeting. I am not tice for U.S.-based veterans because of Army. They are veterans of the U.S. taking into account the $120 a month an enormous discrepancy in the two Army through and through. You see in that the Philippine Government is pro- Nations’ economies. the benefits that is exactly what is dis- viding for each one of these 13,000. But As I said, I have deep respect for Sen- played. We have the Commonwealth if they are a single veteran in the Phil- ator AKAKA. We will have a spirited de- Army of the Philippines, Recognized ippines with the stipend that Senator bate, I am convinced, over the next 2 Guerilla Forces, and new Filipino AKAKA’s bill has, we will provide $3,600 days, 3 days—whatever our leadership Scouts, individuals committed to the a year, which will be 87 percent of the decides. That is where it gets out of Armed Forces of the Philippines and, median income of the Philippine econ- our hands. I am willing to do it. I have yes, at times were under U.S. com- omy. If you add in to that number the done my homework. I am willing to get mand. $120, we see they far exceed the median into the 1946 Senate hearings when the The important thing to notice is our income of the middle class of the Phil- Senate debated an act where they took disagreement is with the pension for ippines. If, in fact, it is a married cou- benefits away because they researched nonservice-connected disability and ple, the stipend from the United States it to find out if we promised veterans’ the death pension for survivors. It is in a special pension for a Filipino liv- benefits be extended. And the court’s the $221 million that is suggested to ing in the Philippines with no service- interpretation was they extended it create a special pension for 13,000 indi- connected injury is $4,500, 108 percent and, quite frankly, the Congress in 1946 viduals whom I do not dislike. I do not of the median income of a Philippine legislatively took those benefits away want any Member of this Congress to family; in the case of a surviving that the court had awarded. think in any way that I devalue what spouse, $2,400, or 58 percent of the me- I have Senate hearings from 1948. they did. But I have researched this in dian income. And in the 1990s, I have the Clinton ad- history, which we will get into over It is important to understand that ministration that came to this body this debate, that Congress never in- the VA pension is designed for veterans and lobbied that this was not the right tended for something such as this to be who have no service-related injuries thing to do; they were not supportive extended. and who are poor, according to the U.S. of it. I am willing to share that infor- I, again, have profound respect for definition of poverty. The maximum mation with all our colleagues, and the World War II service of Filipino VA pension payable to a U.S. veteran over the next couple of days, I think veterans. Their contribution to victory puts them 10 percent above the poverty everybody will get a great history les- in the Pacific is a matter of historical threshold and 17 percent of median in- son on what happened with our deci- record. We honor them—I honor them— come. sions and who has testified since 1944 their service, their sacrifice. We have The Philippine Government, as I to the Senate about this issue. said, already provides a monthly pen- good friends in the Philippines. But the I do not expect any American who sion to Philippine veterans, putting issue at hand is not the merit of the listens to be less than educated on them at roughly 400 percent over pov- service rendered by Filipino veterans. whether this is the right move or the erty with the $120 pension that the The issue is whether creating a special wrong move. But I also believe my col- Philippine Government provides, and 35 pension for them in the Philippines is leagues will recognize the fact if we are percent of the average income of the responsive to the following questions: establishing 10 percent above poverty household. Adding an additional VA Is it the right priority in time of war for U.S. veterans and we are down here pension on top, as considered in S. 1315, when the needs of our men and women talking about a special pension to indi- would put a single Filipino veteran at serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are so viduals who live in the Philippines who roughly 1,400 percent over the Phil- great? have no service-connected injury that Two, is it appropriate policy, given ippine poverty level. is going to be 1,400 percent over pov- the purpose of VA pensions and the What are we talking about in sim- erty, this is the wrong thing for the vast differences in the United States plistic terms? We are going to allow a Senate to do. and Filipino economies? U.S. veteran to get slightly over the And last, is it fair to U.S. pension re- poverty level. The percentage was 10 Mr. President, I am going to yield to cipients from whom this money is percent. But we are going to create a my good friend and former ranking taken to pay for this special pension in special pension for Filipinos who live member of the committee. But I do the Philippines? in the Philippines and have no service- want to say before I yield to him, I Let me ask that another chart be put connected disability that is going to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of up because I think it is absolutely cru- make their percentage over poverty the cloture motion. I want to proceed. cial that we understand exactly what 1,400 percent when U.S. veterans are at I want to debate this issue. I want to we are talking about in a $300, or $221 10 percent over the poverty line and 21 make sure every Member of the Senate million, special pension. percent above the average household has an opportunity to hear the full For a U.S. veteran, if they qualify for income. breadth of what has happened since a special pension, we are going to get A VA pension benefit is not designed 1946, and I am prepared to do exactly their annual stipend to $11,181, which is to put a veteran in the middle class. It that. 17 percent of U.S. median income. We certainly does not in the United I yield the floor. are going to take American veterans States. I do not believe it is our respon- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- slightly above the poverty level. If it is sibility to do it in the Philippines, and ator from Idaho. a married veteran couple, we are going I do not believe in this time of war that Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I under- to get them to $14,643, which is 22 per- it is a priority of this country. stand we are under a unanimous con- cent of the median income in the It is meant to ensure that no war- sent agreement for a vote at 12 o’clock? United States and slightly above the time veterans suffer the indignity of The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is level of poverty. Special pensions were poverty, whether you are in the Phil- correct. designed to make sure a veteran was ippines or whether you are in the Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I will be out of poverty. We were not putting United States. We have defined that in brief, only to amplify what Senator

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:14 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.020 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3225 BURR spoke to clearly and, I hope, un- ago, 13 percent; last year, an 18-percent New Mexico (Mr. DOMENICI), the Sen- derstandably. First and foremost, un- increase. No budget in America, other ator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN), and derstand that my relationship with the than defense, has increased that much. the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. chairman of Veterans’ Affairs Com- And why are we doing it? Because col- VITTER). mittee, DANNY AKAKA, is a personal one lectively this Senate and this Congress The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there and one of great affection. Here is a have always believed in fair and re- any other Senators in the Chamber de- man today attempting to do the right sponsible compensation to America’s siring to vote? thing and probably, in all fairness, is veterans—America’s veterans. The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 94, leading with his heart, and that I re- We also try to compensate those who nays 0, as follows: spect greatly. support us and work in our behalf as [Rollcall Vote No. 109 Leg.] There is no question, there remain in the veterans of the Filipino society did YEAS—94 the Philippines 13,000 veterans who what is right and what is reasonable. Akaka Dole Menendez fought gallantly to save their island The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Alexander Dorgan Mikulski from Japanese domination and fought ator’s time has expired. Allard Durbin Murkowski with us and under our flag to do just Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I believe Barrasso Ensign Murray Baucus Enzi Nelson (FL) that. They deserve to be compensated, what the Senator has offered in this Bayh Feingold Senate bill that is on the floor, S. 1315, Nelson (NE) and they have been compensated. Bennett Feinstein Pryor Immediately following the war, the is too much. There is a middle ground. Biden Graham Reed Bingaman Grassley United States Government put $620 I offered it once, and it was rejected. I Reid Bond Gregg million into the repairs of the Phil- hope we can revisit that as a reason- Roberts Boxer Hagel ippines. In today’s dollars, that is $6.7 able amendment when we get to the Brown Harkin Rockefeller billion. amendment process. Brownback Hatch Salazar Then we left a VA hospital in place I thank my colleagues, Senator Bunning Hutchison Sanders Schumer so that these veterans could receive AKAKA and Senator BURR, for their Burr Inhofe first-class health care. And we did and Byrd Inouye Sessions work on this legislation. It is good leg- Cantwell Isakson Shelby they do and it is still there and it is islation. With a little fine-tuning, then Cardin Johnson Smith still operating. it will be fair, and we ought to support Carper Kennedy Snowe Then we added $22 million—and that it. Casey Kerry Specter is worth $196 million in today’s dol- I yield the floor. Chambliss Klobuchar Stabenow lars—for equipment and construction. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Coburn Kohl Stevens Cochran Kyl America did its part then, and it does ator from Hawaii. Sununu Coleman Lautenberg Tester its part today. The question is what is Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I com- Collins Leahy Thune reasonable and right compensation. mend my ranking member and former Conrad Levin Voinovich Corker I stepped down as ranking member on ranking member for their comments. I Lieberman Warner Cornyn Lincoln the Veterans’ Affairs Committee last Webb look forward to a good debate. I thank Craig Lugar Whitehouse September. In doing so, I was well them for joining in asking for Senators Crapo Martinez aware of this bill, and the chairman to vote for cloture. DeMint McCaskill Wicker Wyden knew at that time that I agreed with CLOTURE MOTION Dodd McConnell 99.9 percent of it. It is a good bill. It is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under NOT VOTING—6 an important bill for America’s vet- the previous order and pursuant to rule Clinton Landrieu Obama erans, and it ought to be passed. XXII, the Chair lays before the Senate Domenici McCain Vitter At that time, I thought I offered the pending cloture motion, which the The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this what was a reasonable compromise; clerk will state. vote, the yeas are 94, the nays are zero. that we would reduce the level of the The assistant legislative clerk read Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- proposed increase in compensation to as follows: sen and sworn having voted in the af- nonservice-connected Filipino veterans CLOTURE MOTION firmative, the motion is agreed to. living in the Philippines; that we would We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I move to not lift them to the standard to which ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the reconsider the vote. Senator BURR has just spoken; that Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move Mr. CONRAD. I move to lay that mo- they would deserve some help. The to bring to a close debate on the motion to tion on the table. chairman had found an offset in a court proceed to Calendar No. 336, S. 1315, the Vet- The motion to lay on the table was erans’ Benefits Enhancement Act. ruling that took money away from our agreed to. veterans, and it was sitting there. Harry Reid, Daniel K. Akaka, Barbara Boxer, Patty Murray, Byron L. Dorgan, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I would have much preferred rewrit- ator from Illinois is recognized. ing the law and reinstating that money Edward M. Kennedy, Christopher J. Dodd, Benjamin L. Cardin, Patrick J. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, would to our veterans to abrogate the court Leahy, Bernard Sanders, Sherrod the Chair advise me, was the last vote decision, but we did not do that. So I Brown, Amy Klobuchar, Richard Dur- 94 to nothing? offered a compromise at that time. It bin, Ken Salazar, Sheldon Whitehouse, The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is was roundly rejected by the com- Max Baucus, Daniel K. Inouye. correct. mittee. It simply did not fit where the The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- Mr. DURBIN. I would like to say to chairman wanted to go. Therefore, imous consent, the mandatory quorum the Chair and to all those following from that point forward, I opposed the call has been waived. this debate, we wasted 4 days of the bill. It is a matter of fiscal responsi- The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate’s time, 4 days to come to a bill bility. It is a near quarter of a billion Senate that debate on the motion to for veterans’ benefits. We tried to bring dollars over the next 10 years, and it proceed to S. 1315, a bill to amend title this bill up last November. The Repub- does exactly what the ranking member, 38, United States Code, to enhance life licans objected. We tried to bring it up Senator BURR, spoke to. It lifts these insurance benefits for disabled vet- last Thursday, and they started a fili- Filipino veterans above their poverty erans, and for other purposes, shall be buster so we had to burn off 4 or 5 days. line into a middle-class status in Fili- brought to a close? Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, the pino society. Well, that is OK; none of The yeas and nays are mandatory Senate is not in order. us should deny that. But we don’t do under the rule. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that for our veterans who live here. If The clerk will call the roll. ate will be in order. you are a Filipino veteran living here The assistant legislative clerk called Mr. DURBIN. We had to burn off 4 or legally, you get full compensation as a the roll. 5 days of doing nothing because of an- veteran living in this country. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the other Republican filibuster. So far in We do tie a benefit to a poverty level Senator from New York (Mrs. CLIN- this Congress the Republicans have ini- and a cost-of-living standard, and we TON), the Senator from Louisiana (Ms. tiated now 67 filibusters. The record in always have. I certainly wish we could LANDRIEU), and the Senator from Illi- the Congress before this Republican do more, but this budget is nearing $100 nois (Mr. OBAMA) are necessarily ab- minority was 57 filibusters over a 2- billion. The overall VA budget is near- sent. year period of time. They have now ing $100 billion. Four years ago, 11 per- Mr. KYL. The following Senators are broken that record by 10, and we still cent; 3 years ago, 12 percent; 2 years necessarily absent: the Senator from have 8 months to go this year.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:14 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.022 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 We are wasting more time. When I to be able to have enough amendments witnessing what could be called a per- ask the Republicans why did you fili- so the minority rights are protected. fect storm of world hunger. The world’s buster a bill for veterans’ benefits, That would be my question. supply of food is down, food demand is they said because when we have lunch The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- up, the climate is changing, and crops today, we want to talk it over. tion is heard. are failing. This bill was reported by the vet- Mr. DURBIN. Would the Chair iden- Food production resources are shift- erans committee 9 months ago. How tify the Senator who objected to the ing every day to energy production, many veterans have been created in 9 unanimous consent request to move to food costs are skyrocketing, and, in- months? How many more have needed the bill immediately and consider all deed, entire societies are falling apart job training, health care benefits, and germane amendments? as a result. This is not another round housing, and now our Republican mi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of appeals for humanitarian food as- nority wants to talk it over? ator from Utah. sistance. There is something new and If we are going to do the people’s Mr. HATCH. I happened to be here for very troubling occurring. business in this Chamber, this fili- the vote. You know, this is a game that One of the greatest responsibilities of buster mentality on the Republican has been played by both sides, last year Government is to assure people the side has to come to an end. There are and this year too. The majority calls basic necessities of life. When that as- critically important issues. Wouldn’t it up a bill, they generally file cloture. surance fails, governments fail with it, be great if we had finished the veterans And, frankly, that does not mean there and an already insecure world moves health bill last Thursday and could is a filibuster. As you can easily see, that much closer to chaos. The most have started debating today the cost of the vote was basically unanimous to basic need, of course, is the need for gasoline across America; the impact of going ahead with the bill. food. However, in recent events around high diesel fuel prices on truckers; What bothers me is that time after the globe, 33 countries have experi- what the jet fuel costs are doing to the time we have had situations where we enced riots and violence because of a airline industry? But no, another Re- were not able to even offer amend- failed food supply, including countries publican filibuster, the 67th filibuster ments, even a limited number of in this hemisphere. In the face of hun- in this session. amendments. But generally we get to ger, order breaks down, and reason is I hope the people of the United that point around here because we have lost. People are painfully realizing that States understand what the problem is. to. And it is the only right the minor- food production is not keeping up with To break a filibuster, it takes 60 votes. ity has. So that is one reason that oc- food demand, and this is a recipe for There are only 51 Democrats. The vot- casionally the minority will require global disaster. ers of America will have their chance cloture. Last month, the Director of the to vote in November. But there is also too much of this fil- World Food Program, Joesette Mr. DORGAN. Will the Senator yield ing cloture by the majority the minute Sheeran, wrote to President Bush on for a question? the bill comes up. That, of course, is a Mr. DURBIN. I yield for a question. the immediate need for increased food game, frankly, with no intention on Mr. DORGAN. Isn’t it the case the assistance due to rising food and re- vote we had is on the motion to pro- our side to filibuster the bill or stop lated costs. I met with Director ceed? This is not on the issue, this is on the bill. Sheeran last week and got a firsthand So these high numbers that are said the motion to proceed to an issue? So appraisal of the dire situation. are mythical, to be honest with you. we have a filibuster on the question of Rising food and transportation costs shall we proceed. Time after time after And, frankly, I hope someday we can have created a $750 million hole in the time, isn’t it the case that even on mo- realize that this is a legislative body World Food Program budget which had tions to proceed, we discover the other where both sides have certain rights assumed that the U.S. contribution side demands 60 votes, then demands to and that one side cannot roll over the this year would include a pending $350 have the full 30 hours elapse after the other side without at least giving them million supplemental request for PL vote has taken place? This one was, I an opportunity to file amendments. 480. think, 94 to zero. There was a require- Frankly, the other side, the majority Unless this Congress acts, thousands ment that we go to a motion to pro- side, has been able to win on amend- of people will die, and an increasing ceed—94 to zero—so it was not con- ments anyway in many cases. I think number of societies and nations will be troversial, it was a matter of bleeding to stand and say that the Republicans at risk. This is indeed a world crisis. time. It makes no sense, with all that are causing all of this mixup is not Last week, OMB Director Nussle ap- we have to do. quite as accurate, as I think the record peared before the Senate Appropria- Mr. DURBIN. Through the Chair I will show. tions Committee, and when asked to say in response to the Senator: That is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- state whether he thought there was a exactly the case. I would like to make ator from Wisconsin. need to provide food assistance above a unanimous consent request that we Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I ask unan- the President’s request of $350 million, go to the bill immediately and enter- imous consent to speak as in morning he declined. He dodged the question. tain germane amendments to the bill. business. There is no way to dodge this prob- Let’s start this bill right now. Let’s get The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lem. This is a problem of world secu- this done for the veterans. I ask unani- objection, it is so ordered. rity. This is a problem of U.S. security mous consent. INTERNATIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE and our place in the world. We must The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Mr. KOHL. Last year, the World and we will respond. objection? Health Organization reported that As chairman of the Appropriations Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I object. 25,000 people died every day from hun- Subcommittee on Agriculture, I take Mrs. HUTCHISON. Parliamentary in- ger-related causes. Let me repeat that the issue of international food assist- quiry, Mr. President? I would like to number: 25,000 people who died every ance very seriously. Although the ask the Senator from Illinois if ger- day last year. President’s supplemental request of mane amendments include a substitute The World Health Organization fur- $350 million was predictable—after all, amendment? I have heard the debate, ther reported that of that 25,000 people he has requested the exact same or at least the statements of the two who died, 18,000 were children. That amount for 3 years in a row—it is to- Senators. But the issue is not going to means that in the time it took me to tally blind as to what is happening in the bill. We have not filibustered the say that last sentence, a child some- the world. It is therefore very dan- motion to proceed. It was unanimous. where in the world has died. It also gerous. The question is are the minority rights means before I finish this sentence, an- If the United States wants to main- going to be recognized? Will we be able other child will have died from hunger. tain its role as a world leader, there is to offer amendments, germane amend- For lack of food, a child dies every 4.8 no better way to do that than to step ments, substitutes? seconds. forward now, take full account of what I would like to know, before we pro- As grim as these facts are, things is happening, and take meaningful ceed further to the bill, if we are going have grown worse, much worse. We are steps to stop the suffering, to stop the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.027 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3227 hunger, stop the dying. In fact, it is the law that had always worked well was decided. It does so by helping to time to be a leader. and would have protected people such eliminate the unreasonable barrier cre- So I will continue to work for food as Lilly Ledbetter from discrimination. ated by the Supreme Court and allows funding assistance at a level that does Her story is not unfamiliar to many workers to file a pay discrimination not turn a blind eye to the suffering in female employees. She was a female, claim within 180 days of each discrimi- the world, nor the danger to the world she was a manager at an Alabama natory paycheck. That was the law be- community. So I ask other Senators to Goodyear Tire plant when she discov- fore Ledbetter. join me in stating support to fight this ered, after 19 years of service, that she The Ledbetter decision was a giant perfect storm of world hunger and to was earning 20 to 40 percent less than step backward in the fight for equal op- support action to do something about her male counterparts for doing the portunity and equal rights. Goodyear it. exact same job. engaged in chronic discrimination Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, tomor- It took her a long time to ferret this against female employees, but because row we will have a vote to proceed—— information out. As Justice Ginsburg of the Ledbetter decision, the Court The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- noted in her dissenting opinion, the must treat intentional ongoing pay dis- ator has an order to recess. pay discrepancy between Ledbetter and crimination as lawful conduct. Mrs. BOXER. I ask unanimous con- her 15 male counterparts was stark. In Employers who can conceal their pay sent to speak for up to 6 minutes as in 1997, her last year of employment at discrimination for 180 days can con- morning business. Goodyear, after 19 years of service she tinue this practice, and there is no re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without earned $5,600 less than her lowest paid dress. We must ask ourselves: Is this the standard that Congress should be objection, it is so ordered. male coworkers, and she earned over proud of? Is this the kind of standard Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I thank $18,000 less than her highest paid male that we should support, where some- you all for indulging me. coworkers. body is treated in an unfair fashion, is FAIR PAY ACT Evidence submitted at her trial paid less than somebody else simply be- Tomorrow we will have a vote to pro- showed that Mrs. Ledbetter was denied ceed to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay cause of their gender? raises, despite receiving performance It is not right. It seems to me, if we Restoration Act. Four of my Demo- awards, and in some cases female su- are going to have fairness and justice cratic female colleagues spoke on this pervisors at the plant were paid less in America today, the least we can do earlier today—four or five. I wanted to than the male employees they super- is overturn the Ledbetter decision. Jus- add my voice to their voices because, vised. tice Ginsburg told us: ‘‘Congress, the as I stand on the floor of the Senate So when Ms. Ledbetter discovered ball is in your court.’’ some 45 years after passage of the this, she took Goodyear to court, and That is why I am so pleased that Sen- Equal Pay Act, it is unfortunate that the jury awarded her full damages. But ator REID is bringing this opportunity workers throughout the Nation will the company, Goodyear, appealed the before us tomorrow. Today, as we re- suffer pay discrimination based on gen- jury’s decision. flect upon the importance of fairness der, race, religion, national origin, dis- In 2007 the Supreme Court made this and equity to our society with a cele- ability, and age. They still suffer this. very bad decision and said she could bration of Equal Pay Day, we must re- We still have a long way to go on not sue for back pay despite—and with store this important protection and re- equal pay for equal work. It stuns some which they agreed—the overwhelming turn the law to its meaning. I hope to- people to learn that women still earn evidence that her employer had inten- morrow when we get a chance to move 23 percent less than men, and the pay tionally discriminated against her be- to this bill our colleagues will all vote disparity is still so great that it takes cause of her gender. aye because what is fair is fair and a woman 16 months to earn what a man But, they said, it took Lilly what is wrong is wrong. We need to fix earns in 12 months. Ledbetter longer than 6 months to de- this problem. Equal pay for equal work In 2006, an average college-educated termine she had been a victim of years is a value that we should hold dear. woman working full time earned $15,000 of pay discrimination. So, in other f less than a college-educated male. Ac- words, because it took her more than 6 cording to the American Association of months to figure this out, she was de- RECESS University Women, working families nied any kind of help. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under lose $200 billion in income per year due It does take a significant amount of the previous order, the Senate stands to the wage gap. time in many cases for the truth to be in recess until 2:15 p.m. This is an important point because so known. Here in the Capitol, if you Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:45 p.m., many women now work. We know this. work for the Government, everybody’s recessed until 2:16 p.m. and reassem- So families are struggling to make pay is on record. And you can see it; it bled when called to order by the Pre- ends meet with higher gas prices, high- is a public document. But in a private siding Officer (Mr. DURBIN). er college tuition, higher food prices, sector plant there may be no way to f higher health care, all of that. We find out. VETERANS’ BENEFITS ENHANCE- know there is not an easy solution that As Justice Ginsburg pointed out: MENT ACT—MOTION TO PRO- will eliminate all pay discrimination, Compensation disparities are often hid- CEED—Continued but the bill we hope to go to tomorrow, den from sight for a number of reasons. the Equal Pay Restoration Act, will Many employers do not publish their Mr. KENNEDY. I suggest the absence ensure that when an employer dis- employees’ salaries, and other employ- of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The criminates based on gender or race or ees are not anxious to discuss what clerk will call the roll. any other factor, the employee can they earn. So this controversial deci- The bill clerk proceeded to call the take his or her case to court. sion is having serious impacts. roll. There was a very bad decision that In the 10 months since the decision Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous con- was made by the Supreme Court which was handed down, the Ledbetter prece- sent that the order for the quorum call reversed decades of legal precedent, dent has been cited 207 times by Fed- be rescinded. and this was the Ledbetter decision. eral district courts and courts of ap- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. With its decision, the Court imposed a peal. So it means, it seems to me from LEVIN). Without objection, it is so or- serious obstacle for equality, equal what I gather, from that statistic dered. pay, by requiring workers to file a pay alone, many people are being denied Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous con- discrimination claim within 180 days of equal treatment under the law: equal sent to speak as in morning business. when their employer first starts dis- pay, equal treatment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without criminating. So what does the bill do that we want objection, it is so ordered. Now, that is an impossible standard to go to, we Democrats on Wednesday, DIVER HEROES OF THE CHICAGO FIRE to meet. You really do not know when tomorrow? It simply restores the law DEPARTMENT that moment occurs. What was impor- to what it was in almost every State in Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask a tant about this decision is it threw out the country before the Ledbetter case few minutes of the Senate’s time to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.028 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 tell you about four men and a little Medical researchers not involved in I ask that this Senate join me in sa- boy. the case say there is reason to hope. luting their courage and the courage of Last Friday, Stanko Bojanovic de- They note that toddlers are sometimes all the working men and women in this cided to take advantage of a warm, able to survive long periods underwater country who take risks and make sac- breezy spring afternoon to enjoy a better than adults and point to a Utah rifices to rescue others, literally and walk with his 2-year-old grandson girl who was submerged in water for 66 figuratively. They are truly American along Lake Michigan near Belmont minutes in 1986. Two years later, when heroes. Harbor in downtown Chicago. an article about her appeared in a med- I yield the floor. Mr. Bojanovic was sitting on a park ical journal, she had made a full recov- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- bench at Belmont Harbor with his ery. ator from Massachusetts. grandson nearby strapped in a stroller Lazar’s grandmother said Sunday EQUAL PAY DAY at his side, when a strong gust of wind that the little boy is showing signs of Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I blew up. Witnesses said the wind sent improvement. She notes that last Sat- thank our majority leader and our soda cans sailing by. That wind also urday—the day after his rescue—was leadership for scheduling a vote on pushed the stroller into the harbor ‘‘Lazarus Saturday,’’ a special holiday what is known as the Ledbetter legisla- with the little boy still strapped in. for Serbian children. She told a Sun tion tomorrow. We expect that we will Mr. Bojanovic, the grandfather, im- Times reporter that she believes God have that vote tomorrow evening mediately jumped into the harbor. was watching over her grandson. sometime. I think it is important that Passersby saw him bobbing in the As for the brave men who rescued the the membership understand that we water, clinging to the side of the little boy—Brian Otto, Bill Davis, will. It is appropriate today that we breakwall, and pleaded with him to try Cedric Collins and Bob Skwarek, mem- have a number of our colleagues speak to swim to a nearby rescue ladder but bers of the Chicago Fire Department’s about the importance of this legisla- the grandfather refused. In broken Air Sea Rescue Unit and Scuba Team tion because today is Equal Pay Day. English, he kept yelling, ‘‘Boy! Boy!’’ 687—they were all back at work the It has been designated Equal Pay Day. Those standing nearby grabbed their next day. It has been Equal Pay Day for a num- cell phones and called 9–1–1. In a story in this morning’s Sun ber of years. At the moment the call came in, a Times, Bob Skwarek said that rescue What do we mean by Equal Pay Day? helicopter carrying Chicago Fire De- divers train for moments like the one We mean equal pay for equal work. partment divers Brian Otto and Bill they experienced last Friday. Still, he That has been a goal of this country Davis was lifting off from nearby Mid- said, ‘‘You really do feel 10 feet tall’’ going back actually to 1963, when we way Airport, where they had stopped after a rescue. passed the Equal Pay Act. At that for fuel. The men were already in scuba Bill Davis and Cedric Collins have time, the disparity between men and gear for a drill. Four minutes later, both been with the Chicago Fire De- women for doing the same job was 60 their helicopter landed at the harbor. partment for 9 years and with the cents to the dollar that the men were At almost the same moment, another scuba team for about a year and a half. getting. We have seen that figure close crew of a dozen Chicago Fire Depart- Brian Otto has been with the depart- over time, now to 77 cents, but still ment rescue divers were finishing an 1 ment for 18 years and a diver for 3 ⁄2 there is a disparity. As long as we have underwater training exercise at a pool years. And Bob Skwarek has been with had a disparity, it has been and is not far from the harbor. They changed the fire department for 28 years and a wrong. into scuba gear and arrived at the har- diver for about 21⁄2 years. As a country, we have tried to re- bor just seconds after the helicopter. They come from the neighborhoods of move forms of discrimination, bigotry, Divers Brian Otto, Bill Davis, Cedric North and South Chicago: Mount and prejudice that have existed in our Collins, and Bob Skwarek dove into the Greenwood, Hegewisch, Roseland and society, and the bigotry and prejudice water near where the grandfather had Gage Park. that exist in terms of pay has been pointed. There was zero visibility in They have won praise from Chicago there for some time. Since 1963, the the murky water so they searched in a Fire Commissioner Ray Orozco and Congress has taken action not only on grid pattern, feeling their way along from people all over that great city pay for women but in terms of other the harbor’s rocks. who have read or heard about their groups as well. It has made progress in Diver Cedric Collins told a Chicago heroism. They deserve every word of making sure that African Americans Sun Times reporter that he prayed, that praise. ‘‘Let me find him.’’ In his great book Working, Studs are not going to feel a disparity. We did Less than 3 minutes after the fire- Terkel, the legendary Chicago writer, that in 1964 with Title 7 of the Civil fighters arrived, diver Brian Otto spot- and a great friend interviewed all kinds Rights Act under President Johnson. ted the little boy’s hair waving in the of everyday working people about their Look at the Senate vote, the ultimate water. jobs. vote, 73 to 27. Republicans and Demo- As he tried to lift the toddler, Otto Many of the jobs involved risk and crats alike said—the Civil Rights Act realized that the boy was still strapped backbreaking labor. Some of the people was primarily focused on public accom- into his stroller. He was going to have Studs spoke to disliked the work they modations provisions but also had an- to lift the little boy and his stroller 10 did. other very important provision—we feet to the water’s surface. He also spoke to a firefighter, who will not permit a disparity and dis- Otto, who has a little 4-year-old son said he liked his work very much be- crimination on the basis of race, na- of his own, told the Sun Times: ‘‘You cause you can actually see what a fire- tional origin, gender, or religion in see this kid underwater, and you’re a fighter produces. You see the results of terms of pay. African Americans and firefighter, you’re a rescue diver, but firefighters’ work and sacrifice in other workers were going to be able to you’re also a father. I held nothing homes saved, families rescued. And get equal pay. back.’’ He told himself: ‘‘No matter sometimes you see the results of their Then, we have the age discrimina- what, we’re going to get to the surface. heroism in little boys pulled miracu- tion. We said, under President John- And we’re doing it now.’’ He lifted the lously from the waters of Lake Michi- son, if individuals are going to be able little boy, stroller and all, to para- gan. to do the job, and they happen to be medics waiting on the pier. On 9/11, we all received a poignant older but yet they have the com- Three minutes passed between the and painful reminder that the real he- petency and the skills and they are time the firefighters arrived and the roes very often are not famous. Most going to be able to do an equal job, we time they pulled the little boy, Lazar are known only to their families and are going to make sure they are not Ognjenovich from the water. His body friends and the people with whom they going to be discriminated against. We was pale blue and icy cold. It is esti- work. have said women will not be discrimi- mated that he was under water for 15 Many times since 9/11, we seem to nated against, minorities will not be minutes. have forgotten that basic truth. discriminated against, and people will Today, little Lazar Ognjenovich re- Last Friday at Belmont Harbor, four not be discriminated against by age. mains in critical condition at Chil- firefighters from the great City of Chi- In 1973, we said: Well, what about dren’s Hospital in Chicago. cago reminded us. those who have some disability? We

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.005 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3229 said we are not going to discriminate going to be interested in the arguments now. The reason it is particularly im- against those people either. Maybe of those who are opposed to it. Here a portant now is because of the kind of they have a mental or a physical dis- Justice of the Supreme Court invites economic conditions we are facing in ability, but if they are able to do the the Congress to take the action. We are this country at this time, where fami- job, and they are qualified to do the taking the action. What we are effec- lies are being squeezed. Working fami- job, they ought to get paid for doing tively doing is restoring the law to lies are being squeezed. The middle the job. That is what we said. We saw what it was prior to the Supreme Court class is being squeezed. In that squeeze, that vote was a voice vote, under Presi- decision—nothing more than that. no one is getting squeezed harder than dent Nixon, supported by the adminis- I will review what exactly this law the women in our society, particularly tration. does here. What this legislation, the working women. Their participation Then, we had later provisions: the Ledbetter legislation, does, is it re- pension and retirement plans is falling. Americans with Disabilities Act, which verses the Supreme Court’s unfair Look at what has happened to women’s was enacted to provide greater kinds of Ledbetter decision. It holds employers participation in pensions over the last protections for the disabled; additional accountable for ongoing discrimina- 6 or 7 years. It has dropped, I think, civil rights protections; and others; the tion. As we pointed out, the Supreme close to 10 percent. We are finding out Civil Rights Restoration Act. So the Court held that Lilly Ledbetter should that their rates of unemployment are sum total, since 1963, has been a con- have known she was being discrimi- increasing faster than the unemploy- stant drumbeat, a constant march, a nated against by her employer on pay, ment figures in terms of men. Their constant statement by the Congress even though the employer controlled savings are down. Women’s savings are and by the administrations by, as we the books, controlled all the docu- down. So they have a greater difficulty have seen, Democrats and Republicans ments and was not sharing that infor- in dealing with the economic reversals alike, that said: When it comes to mation with the employees. Nonethe- we are facing at the present time. They equal pay, it is going to be equal pay less, the Supreme Court said: Well, she have more home foreclosures because for women and for men, it is going to should have found out in any event. If their savings have been down. So they be equal pay for people with disabil- she did not, it is tough luck on her. are under an incredible squeeze. ities, older workers, African-American Tough luck on you. Tough luck on you. This chart is an example of how adult women are seeing a sharper rise in workers, Hispanic workers, and others. Imagine, the Supreme Court of the their unemployment rate. Their rate is This chart shows the various groups United States, after all of the legisla- going up 21 percent as compared to 15 that, under the EEOC’d laws, have tion and all of the congressional intent percent for men. On earnings, women’s found out they have been discriminated in the last 40 years, saying: Tough on earnings are falling faster than men’s. against. you. This chart shows, as of a year ago, in So the employer holds it in a safe, So their earnings are going down fast- 2007, the EEOC had received more than and Lilly Ledbetter cannot find it. er. We are finding out that their unem- 7,000 pay discrimination claims. Here it Tough on her. Doesn’t have a remedy. ployment is going up faster and their earnings are going down faster. is for disability cases—as I mentioned Too bad. Go ahead and continue to dis- If you take what happens to different earlier, we passed the Americans with criminate. In the United States of women within the general group, look Disabilities Act—and for national ori- America, after what we have gone through in terms of civil rights—the at women’s net worth. Unmarried gin cases—we have protections for that women have $13,000 less in net savings group, those people who come from dif- battle to knock down the walls of dis- crimination over the period of these than unmarried men. Here it is, the dif- ferent kinds of ethnic backgrounds—for last 40 years? Tough on you. ference, as shown on this chart. So in age, race, and gender discrimination as Is that what we have come to? Is that this time of recession and economic well. what the Supreme Court is saying to a stress, these issues become much more We see that with regard to race, hard-working mother who has worked acute. This is the right answer at any there have been 2,300 claims; with re- hard, tried to provide for her children, time, but it is particularly something gard to gender, there have been some has demonstrated and won award after that can be done now that can make a 2,400 claims. There are the cases for award for good performance? Tough on difference to these working women— those with disabilities and the national you. You could not find it in that sa- something that can be done now: re- origin cases. These are cases that were cred safe of the employer. Too bad. You store a right. That is what this is basi- brought because we passed laws over lost your remedies. Too bad. cally all about. the period of 40 years that said: If you That is what this is all about. What As I mentioned, this is targeted on are going to work, and work hard, in we are doing is restoring congressional women, but the application is across the United States of America, and you intent. the board. It affects other groups in are going to do effectively the same job So what this legislation does not do: our society. It affects African Ameri- as someone else, you should be paid the It does not encourage workers to delay cans and Hispanics, and they have been same. We have not solved all the prob- the filing of claims. It does not elimi- hard hit by the economic downturn. If lems of comparability in this legisla- nate the statute of limitations in the pay is discriminatory against African tion. That is another issue which is pay cases. It does not increase the liti- Americans and Hispanics—and we saw enormously important and one we gation. We have the CBO’s analysis. I the pie chart, which shows it is, with should address, and I hope we will ad- have referred to it. It does not create thousands of claims every single year— dress, in this Congress because it is ex- new grounds for filing lawsuits. We an- they are going to be denied the remedy. tremely important. All we are trying swered all of these arguments. This is This legislation applies to women. It to do is deal with the pieces of legisla- what it does not do. We have given the applies to minorities. It applies to peo- tion that I have mentioned and restore answers. They are not just my answers, ple discriminated against because of a remedy. We can have a right and, as they are the answers of the CBO’s inde- their religion. It applies to the dis- all of us understand, a right is not pendent review. abled. It applies to older workers. Oth- worth very much if we do not have a What we are basically doing, and the erwise, they are going to get short- remedy. That is what this legislation is reason why we are doing it, is to effec- changed. They are facing the economic all about: to give a remedy to victims tively restore the law to what it was realities in a much harsher way now. of pay discrimination, like Lilly previously. As this chart indicates: the We have an opportunity to do some- Ledbetter. The remedy is that when lighter green being what the law was thing about it. The House of Represent- workers are given unfair pay for doing previously—that is what we are return- atives has done something about it. To- effectively comparable work, that they ing it to—the darker green being what morrow we can do something about it. are entitled as a matter of right and a the law was as interpreted by the Show me something, anything, any matter of law to fair compensation. EEOC, and the orange were the dis- piece of legislation that can have a bet- It is interesting, in the dissent in the senting states. So this is going back to ter, more positive impact in terms of Ledbetter case, the dissent asks for the previous rule. the income of working women than congressional action. We are giving This would be right to do at any this vote tomorrow. That is what it is congressional action. That is why I am time, but it is particularly important about.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.034 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 Finally, let me give you these figures nation on the basis of race, but all the rally around a national effort to to demonstrate what this meant to forms of discrimination they continue achieve energy independence for our Lilly Ledbetter. This is a reflection of to fight and oppose. We have the auto economic, environmental, and national what was actually in the Court’s deci- workers, who see prejudice and dis- security. sion. She was making $44,000 a year. crimination and who are fighting for I have recommended that we estab- She received $5,600 less than the lowest full rights and equality. We have the lish a national goal of energy independ- paid male coworker during her last National Congress of Black Women and ence by the year 2020. I don’t know if year at Goodyear. The highest paid the Religious Action Center, because of we can get all the way to energy inde- male coworker was getting $62,000. She the moral issues raised by this. And we pendence by that year, but I do know if had the qualifications and was doing have the U.S. Women’s Chamber of we do not establish a goal, if we do not the job the same as her colleague who Commerce. strive to achieve energy independence got $62,000. The lowest paid male work- We will have an opportunity to ad- by a date certain, we will never get er—whose skills were much less than dress this and speak more about it. I there. I believe that had our country Lilly Ledbetter’s—was still getting cannot think of an issue where it is embraced this goal in the 1970s, when paid more. You cannot get it any clear- more an issue of fundamental fairness. we were reacting to the embargo, we er than this chart about what the facts Americans try to understand some of would be nearly at energy independ- are. These are not facts I am making the complex issues about which we deal ence right now. up. These are the facts accepted by the here. They are not always easy to un- I am proposing today a 10-point plan courts, not questioned by the Supreme derstand and to catch and find their to get us started on this important ef- Court. There it is. way through. Probably one of the great fort. It is a plan that includes both ac- The most powerful is listening to mysteries is the ERISA law, which was tions that we can take in the short run Lilly Ledbetter herself. She has testi- put in by our old friend Jacob Javits. to help mitigate the impact of high fied. Anyone who is interested ought to An amusing aspect of that was when prices, as well as actions to achieve en- read her testimony, and can read Jacob Javits passed on to his eternal ergy independence in the long term. through the hearings in our committee reward, he took all the knowledge Many causes appear to be responsible about this. She explains it in great de- about ERISA with him. All of us find for the skyrocketing increase in oil tail: how she first heard about it, and complexities in trying to deal with prices: the timing of Government pur- how she was treated, and what the Su- that. It has important implications in chases for the Strategic Petroleum Re- preme Court decided. She has taken a terms of health and the job market. serve; speculative trading on futures double whammy because not only has This is simple. Everyone gets it. The markets; increased global demand for she suffered, and will not recover her American people understand it, be- crude oil; instability in the Middle wages. We have a 2-year limitation on cause it is about fairness. If there is East, Mexico, and Venezuela; supply back pay—you can only recover in one issue Americans understand, it is decisions of the OPEC cartel; insuffi- terms of the 2 years. Her retirement fairness. They believe that when some- cient U.S. refining capacity; and the was based upon what she earned and so body works, they ought to be ade- declining value of the dollar. that has also been lost during this pe- quately paid. Americans don’t believe We will always use oil for part of our riod of time. That was lost, will be lost, one person ought to be paid a different energy needs, but we need to decrease continues to be lost. Imagine that. rate for doing the same job as another our reliance on foreign oil and be Imagine the unfairness of that. We are person. They don’t believe that because smarter about managing our supplies. not addressing that. We are not dealing their skin is a different color, or be- It is appropriate that Senator LEVIN is with that. We should be, but we are cause of gender, or because of dis- in the chair as I discuss the first step not. That is basically and fundamen- ability, or because of sexual orienta- that I believe we should take right now tally wrong. tion they should be paid less. They to help curb the increase in oil prices. I mentioned earlier the CBO. The don’t believe it. If the person is quali- The administration’s decision to fill Congressional Budget Office agrees fied to do the job, and does the job, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve when that the Fair Pay Restoration Act will they ought to get equal pay. This Sen- oil prices are at all-time highs defies not increase the litigation. The Fair ate has gone on record time and time common sense. As the Presiding Officer Pay Restoration Act will not establish and time and time again over the last is well aware, the Strategic Petroleum a new cause of action for claims in pay 40 years, by overwhelming votes, Reserve is an emergency stockpile of discrimination. CBO experts said the against pay discrimination. We have oil that already contains some 700 mil- bill would not significantly affect the our chance tomorrow to restate that lion barrels. In 2005, the Presiding Offi- number of filings with the Equal Em- commitment. I hope the vote will be cer, Senator CARL LEVIN of Michigan, ployment Opportunity Commission. overwhelmingly in favor. and I joined forces on a bipartisan What they are basically saying is, what I yield the floor. amendment that directed the Depart- this will do is it will have the law en- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ment of Energy to better manage the forced and people will pay attention to ator from Maine is recognized. Strategic Petroleum Reserve by requir- it. Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask ing the Department to avoid purchases Many employers are, obviously, good unanimous consent that I be permitted when prices are high. employers, and are playing by the to proceed for 15 minutes as in morning There are two reasons why that rules. But not all of them are. Those business. should be done. First, the Federal Gov- who are not playing by the rules should The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ernment should not be removing oil not be able to exploit people in the objection, it is so ordered. from the marketplace at a time when workplace on the basis of their gender, HIGH ENERGY PRICES there is a lot of pressure on supplies, as race, national origin, religion, disabil- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, our Na- there is right now. ities or age. tion faces record high energy prices, af- Second, it makes absolutely no sense Finally, we have seen—and I have fecting almost every aspect of daily for the Department of Energy to be shown this chart previously of the var- life. The price of gasoline, home heat- buying oil at the height of the market. ious groups that support this legisla- ing oil, and diesel is creating tremen- That is a bad deal for us as taxpayers. tion. These are only some of the dous hardships for American families, Unfortunately, I don’t believe the De- groups. I have included a more com- for truckdrivers, and for small busi- partment of Energy is abiding by the plete list in the RECORD. We have the nesses. High energy prices are a major Levin-Collins law. We questioned the groups representing the disabilities cause of the current economic down- Department at a recent hearing before community, the American Association turn. the Permanent Subcommittee on In- of People with Disabilities; elderly peo- It is clear we need a dramatic change vestigations, and there was no indica- ple, the AARP feels very strongly in our energy policy to protect our- tion that the kind of analysis the law about the discrimination against the selves from rapid increases in oil requires is being done. So I have called elderly; the NAACP, for the obvious prices, without sacrificing our environ- upon the President to stop filling the reasons, not only because of discrimi- ment for future generations. We must reserve until prices drop. It simply

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.035 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3231 does not make sense for the adminis- build on that momentum and quickly tricity in this country. We need a na- tration to be making purchases right take up legislation to enact this pro- tional renewable electricity standard now. posal once and for all. that would require the utilities to gen- The Energy Information Administra- The fourth step we can take in the erate at least 15 percent of their elec- tion has estimated that the impact on short-term: One program with an im- tricity from environmentally sound, gas prices of these purchases for the mediate impact is the Low-Income renewable energy sources by the year Strategic Petroleum Reserve is be- Home Energy Assistance Program, bet- 2020. This would move us away from a tween 4 and 5 cents a gallon. Other ex- ter known as the LIHEAP program. It reliance on coal and natural gas for perts believe it is considerably higher is the Federal grant program that pro- electricity and diversify our energy than that. At the hearing I mentioned, vides vital funding to help our low-in- supply to provide more price stability. one energy expert said: come and elderly citizens meet their (Mr. SANDERS assumed the Chair.) DOE’s actions added between 5 and 20 per- home energy needs. Nationwide, over Ms. COLLINS. There are 28 States, cent to the price of oil. the last 4 years, the number of house- including Maine, that already have a The Department of Energy should holds receiving assistance under this renewable electricity standard. We stop purchasing oil for the Strategic program increased by 26 percent, but should follow their lead and establish a Petroleum Reserve, and it should stop during that period, Federal funding in- national renewable electricity stand- immediately. There is simply no com- creased by only 10 percent. So the obvi- ard. pelling homeland security or national ous result is that, at a time of record I do wish to say, in enacting a stand- security reason for these purchases to high prices, the average benefit under ard, we need to make sure the benefits be made now. the LIHEAP program actually dropped. of renewable electricity reach rural No. 2, we need to extend Federal reg- We need to fully fund this program. I areas, and that means building ade- ulation to the oil futures markets. Ex- tell my colleagues that while it is a quate transmission capabilities. I know the new Presiding Officer, the cessive speculation on futures markets glorious spring here in Washington, Senator from Vermont, is also very is likely another factor pushing up oil Maine and many other States are still prices. Unfortunately, there is a lack of committed to this goal. struggling with temperatures that drop No. 7, we should invest in cellulosic publicly available data to track the ef- into the thirties at night. We need to ethanol and renewable fuels. I want to fect of speculation on prices, and ma- fully fund the LIHEAP program at the distinguish between cellulosic ethanol nipulation can go undetected on cer- authorized level of $5.1 billion. And for versus corn-based ethanol. We have tain electronic markets that are un- the long term, we should also restruc- oversubsidized corn-based ethanol. It is regulated. Experts testifying before our ture this program to make it more causing tremendous distortions. It is Investigations Subcommittee all flexible so that States can take a rea- causing shortages in food supplies. It is agreed that greater transparency and sonable approach to low-income energy driving up the cost. better reporting of trades could help issues and better balance energy bill I have talked with a baker in Lewis- prevent abuses such as were docu- assistance so we can provide some ton, ME, who cannot buy rye flour any- mented in the natural gas markets in grants to winterize the homes of those more because it has been displaced by 2006. One of the experts testified that who qualify for low-income heating as- farmers switching to grow corn. That he believed the current high oil prices sistance. is not what I am talking about. I am are inflated by as much as 100 per- No. 5—and now I am getting into the talking about the very promising de- cent—driven by excessive speculation. long-term aspects of this plan—we need velopment of cellulosic ethanol which Other experts think it is not that high. to improve energy efficiency. could be made, for example, from But shouldn’t we know and the Com- Let me discuss the six steps toward switchgrass and from wood chips, modity Futures Trading Commission, the goal of energy independence. First waste wood, for example. That is why I which oversees the trading of agricul- is to make more efficient use of the en- am proposing to expand tax credits for tural commodities on the futures mar- ergy to heat and power our homes, our cellulosic biomass. At the same time, kets and also oversees the regulation of offices, and our buildings. those fuels have a much smaller life the energy futures markets as well? I have introduced a comprehensive cycle environmental footprint than That would not prevent these markets energy bill that would double funding does corn-based ethanol and traditional from performing their important risk- for the Department of Energy’s weath- fuels. hedging functions, but it would allow erization program. On average, We can do so much in this area. I am regulators to spot and act quickly upon weatherizing a home reduces heating proud researchers at the University of evidence of deliberate attempts to dis- bills by 31 percent, and overall energy Maine have been at the forefront of de- tort prices and excessive speculation. bills by $358 per year. veloping commercially viable tech- No. 3, we should curtail the tax The legislation would also provide nologies to produce ethanol from cel- breaks for major oil industry compa- predictable funding for the valuable lulosic sources. nies and, instead, redirect those funds Energy Star Program, which helps con- In addition to cellulosic ethanol, my to consumers and to alternative en- sumers buy energy-efficient appliances. 10-point energy plan calls for the ex- ergy. It would extend the renewable energy pansion of other sources of clean re- With net profits of a single oil com- tax credit through 2011 and the residen- newable energy. During the height of pany reaching almost $10 billion in a tial investment tax credit for solar and the oil crisis in the 1970s, many Maine single quarter, we simply should not energy-efficient buildings through 2012. families turned to wood as an afford- expect taxpayers who are struggling to It also includes an energy efficiency able way to heat their homes. With oil pay their energy bills to continue to performance standard for utilities that prices soaring, wood is once again the subsidize the oil industry. Congress would help them improve their effi- fuel of choice for an increasing number should act to repeal the needless tax ciency. According to the Alliance to of consumers. breaks for big oil companies and in- Save Energy, an energy efficient per- Unfortunately, many of the wood stead use those billions of dollars to formance standard for utilities could stoves that were purchased three dec- fund the remaining proposals that will save consumers $64 billion and avoid ades ago are outdated, they are ineffi- move us toward energy independence. the need to build 400 powerplants, pre- cient, they waste fuel, and they con- During consideration of this year’s venting 320 million metric tons of car- tribute to air pollution. The good news budget resolution, the Senator from bon dioxide emissions. Making build- is the new style wood stoves emit 70 Michigan and I joined forces again to ings, appliances, and utilities more en- percent fewer emissions, and they provide for the rescission of needless ergy efficient would dramatically re- produce as much energy with 30 per- tax breaks for major oil companies. duce our use of oil and save money for cent less wood. This is a real break- Our proposal would redirect the rev- consumers at the same time. through that allows consumers to get enue to support renewable energy and No. 6, we need to implement a renew- more energy out of their wood stoves energy efficiency initiatives. Our able electricity standard. Another and also to reduce the air pollution amendment was accepted as part of the component in my 10-point energy plan from wood stoves. In fact, I saw a dem- Senate budget resolution. We need to would revamp the way we produce elec- onstration where you could not see any

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:11 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.039 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3232 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 emissions at all coming from these new consumers who modify their existing izing funding to build energy-efficient clean-burning wood stoves because vehicles to be flex-fuel capable. and environmentally friendly modes of there is a second burn of the emissions We need to put more money into re- transportation, such as clean buses and so they are far more efficient. search, into plug-in hybrid vehicles, light rail. Unfortunately, making that change and expand the tax credits in that area The bill would direct the Department from an old dirty, inefficient wood as well. of Transportation to designate 20 tran- stove to a modern, clean, and safer Plug-in hybrids hold great promise. If sit-oriented developmental corridors in wood stove or a wood pellet stove is ex- all the new vehicles that are added to urban areas by the year 2015 and 50 by pensive. That is especially difficult for the American fleet for the next 10 the year 2025. These corridors could be many families today. That is why I years were plug-in hybrids, an addi- developed with the aid of grants to have introduced legislation to provide tional 80 billion gallons of gasoline State and local governments to con- a tax credit so consumers can afford to could be saved each year. That trans- struct or improve facilities for motor- trade in to these better wood stoves, lates into almost 2 billion barrels of ized transit, bicycles, and pedestrians. and I am delighted the authors of the oil. It is significant. It cannot happen We have to look at everything. housing bill we recently passed agreed overnight, but let’s put in place the In these times of high energy prices, to include, at my behest and at the policy that will help us get there. when American families are struggling urging of others, a $300 tax credit for We also must do more to help exist- with the costs of filling their gas tanks consumers who purchase these new ing vehicles be more energy efficient. and heating their homes, we must act clean-burning wood or pellet stoves. The Energy bill I have introduced in the short term to provide them some Wood is a renewable resource and its would direct the Department of Trans- relief, and we must embrace fervently a increased use for home heating is inev- portation to create a national tire fuel national effort to achieve energy inde- itable in these times of high oil prices. efficiency program that would include pendence. We now have the technology that tire testing and labeling, energy-effi- This Nation has demonstrated time makes their use better for the environ- cient tire promotions through incen- and time again throughout our history ment and for human health, as well as tives and information, and the creation our ability to rise to the challenge. I safer and more affordable. of minimum fuel economy standards remember when President Kennedy, in No. 8, we need to promote tidal, geo- for tires. That makes a difference as the 1960s, challenged our Nation to be thermal, solar, and wind energy. Other well. the first to land a man on the Moon clean renewable energy sources include Heavy-duty vehicles also deserve our and how everyone rallied toward that the tide in our oceans and the mod- attention. They move our economy. challenge and we achieved the goal erate temperatures that can be tapped The Energy bill I have introduced that the President set forth for us. under our land. would help keep them on the move Let’s now establish another goal and The U.S. wave and tidal energy re- while helping to reduce both fuel con- embrace it as fervently. Let’s establish source potential that could reasonably sumption and emissions. It would re- the goal of energy independence by the be harnessed is about 10 percent of na- quire the Department of Transpor- year 2020. It is vital to our economic, tional energy demands. We have to put tation to develop a testing and assess- our environmental, and our national all these sources together and look at ment program to determine what is security. If we embrace this goal, Mr. the broader comprehensive picture. feasible to improve the efficiency of President, I am confident we can Once again, I am very proud that a heavy-duty vehicles and then develop achieve it. consortium of the University of Maine, appropriate fuel economy standards. Mr. President, I thank the Chair, and the Maine Maritime Academy, and in- Additionally, we should provide a I suggest the absence of a quorum. dustry is poised to become a key test Federal tax credit for the purchase of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bed for improved tidal energy devices. idling-reduction technology for heavy clerk will call the roll. It still is more costly than tradi- vehicles, such as big trucks. That could The legislative clerk proceeded to tional electricity production, and that save a trucker almost $1,600 in fuel call the roll. is why we need to provide some tax in- costs and $2,000 in maintenance costs Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask centives to spur this kind of alter- each year. It seems almost every week unanimous consent that the order for native development in tidal, geo- I read or hear or talk with another the quorum call be rescinded. thermal, solar, and wood energy. trucker in Maine who has gone out of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without No. 9, we need to improve vehicle ef- business because of the cost of diesel. objection, it is so ordered. ficiency and alternatives to gasoline. Think if through these policies we Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I am We must provide more efficient trans- could help those truckers save that glad Senator AKAKA from Hawaii is on portation options. Last year, we took a kind of money in fuel costs and main- the Senate floor. As chairman of the giant step forward because Congress tenance each year. It would make the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he has enacted, and the President signed into difference for many truckers between done terrific work on this bill. S. 1315 law, a long overdue increase in fuel staying in business or being forced out was reported out of committee 9 economy standards for automobiles, of business. months ago—9 months ago. Senator SUVs, and light trucks that will save a Finally, the 10th point of my plan in- AKAKA has worked on a bipartisan million barrels of oil a day. That is a volves public transportation. Public basis to come up with a new set of ben- great start, but we can do even more. transportation is difficult in a State efits for our veterans, benefits that are The amount of gasoline used in such as the Presiding Officer’s and long overdue to help those veterans transportation amounts to 9.2 million mine. There are only three cities in who are returning from war and faced barrels of oil a day. That is almost half Maine that have regular public trans- with serious medical challenges—to our national consumption of 20 million portation. But it is important for the help them with housing, with edu- barrels of oil each day. Currently, we overall goal nationally of energy inde- cation, and job training, and to right a import about 12 million barrels of oil a pendence that we focus on public trans- wrong. day. So if we reduce the consumption portation for those areas where it is Since World War II, we have realized of oil products for transportation pur- feasible. those Filipinos who fought next to our poses, it goes a long way toward reduc- It is one of the most efficient ways soldiers in that war have not been ing our reliance on foreign oil and de- we can get more passenger miles per treated fairly, and I want to thank creasing overall energy prices, or at gallon of gasoline. The energy legisla- Senator AKAKA and Senator INOUYE for least stabilizing them for consumers. tion I have introduced would promote their leadership in making certain the Flex-fuel vehicles and plug-in hybrid the development of the use of public Filipinos who were there when we vehicles can help us meet the challenge transportation by subsidizing fares, en- needed them in World War II have a of energy independence and lower couraging employers to assist their chance in this bill to receive at least prices. We should extend the existing employees with fares, as we do in the some benefit for that service. tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles Senate, where we subsidize the employ- There were some 470,000 who origi- and consider providing a tax credit for ees who use the subway, and by author- nally served. There may be only 20,000

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.040 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3233 left. Time has taken its toll. But for gage in these delaying and stalling tac- though he would be hard to replace, he those remaining veterans, we owe them tics, it is an effort to stop legislation thought it would be a great oppor- a debt of gratitude, and we should com- that would move us forward either in tunity for John and wanted to make pensate them for service rendered on creating jobs, which are important for sure he didn’t stand in his way in any behalf of the United States. President an economy that is facing a recession, way. Franklin Roosevelt called on the Army or creating veterans’ benefits for the One of the reasons I came to Wash- of the Philippines to stand with us, and thousands of veterans who expect and ington was to be engaged in the issues they did. They fought and many were need a helping hand. of the day and try to find solutions to wounded. Some died in the process. If The Republicans continue to use this the problems facing Floridians and all the United States is going to be known strategy. I don’t know, perhaps some- Americans. Having spent my entire as a country that remembers its one has inspired them to do this, but I public career in the executive side of friends, we should remember our wish they would think twice. This Government, I didn’t know the inner friends in the Philippines. country’s veterans and their families workings of the Congress and looked This provision is opposed by the Re- expect us to work in a bipartisan way for someone with that skill and knowl- publican side—maybe not all, but to try to help them. We have many edge. John Little brought that legisla- some, and they object to it. They will times. But in this bill, in this critically tive experience from day one to my of- have a chance to debate that, and I important bill on veterans’ benefits, fice and has been an invaluable mem- hope we can draw a conclusion soon the Republicans have thrown every ob- ber of my staff and someone I have re- and move this bill forward. stacle in our path that they can legally lied on and counted on every single day It is unfortunate that this bill, as im- under the rules of the Senate. That I have been in the Senate. portant as it is for the veterans of the still leaves us with a major responsi- John’s experience on the Hill started United States, has been subjected to a bility. We owe it to the veterans to get when he was a very young lawyer, fresh filibuster by the Republicans. They this job done. from passing the bar and eager to work have done everything they can to stop I am glad Senator AKAKA is here, in Government. He worked his way up this bill from coming to the floor. You keeping his lonely vigil on the Senate from being a young staffer writing leg- would think that something as basic as floor. I know in a minute we are going islative correspondence to becoming a veterans’ benefits would be bipartisan. to recess and come back in about an legislative aide handling policy in the It certainly was in the committee. It hour, but I thank him for his leader- areas of education and health care. should be on the floor of the Senate. ship on this important bill. I am hope- John had the respect of his peers and Last Thursday, Senator HARRY REID, ful after the break we can come back would eventually become legislative di- the Democratic majority leader, tried to the floor and finally find an accom- rector. He is known in the Hill commu- to call up this bill, and he was told no; modation and agreement on both sides nity for being bright, aggressive, con- that he would have to file cloture. To of the aisle. servative and even-keeled. He knows put that in common terms, it means we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the implications of both large and would have to wait—wait over the ator from Hawaii is recognized. small shifts in public policy and the weekend, not finish the bill last week— Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask impact they might have on families and have a vote, which we had earlier unanimous consent that during today’s and communities. He brought to the today. The vote was at 12 o’clock, a session, all time during any previous people of Florida a great amount of vote which the Republicans insisted on recess and any upcoming recess be knowledge and experience and was a before going to the bill. The final total charged postcloture. problem solver when we had problems on that vote was 94 to nothing. There The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without we faced. wasn’t a single Senator of either polit- objection, it is so ordered. Through his work and in getting to ical party who voted against pro- know John personally, I have come to ceeding to this bill. f admire him greatly for his strength of So all we did was delay this bill for RECESS character, a trait I greatly admire in another 4 or 5 days, and we find our- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under him. In the face of challenges, John selves at this very moment in the same the previous order, the Senate stands courageously rose to meet those chal- position. The Republicans refuse to in recess until 4:30 p.m. lenges. He never wavered in his love of come forward and offer a plan for con- Thereupon, the Senate, at 3:30 p.m., this institution or his love of this sidering amendments under the bill. recessed until 4:31 p.m. and reassem- country, and he has served the people The time may come, and I hope it bled when called to order by the Pre- of Florida and the Senate, an institu- doesn’t, when we face another cloture tion that I know he loves, very well. siding Officer (Mr. KERRY). motion, another effort to stop this, a Over these last few years, John has delay tactic from the Republican side f demonstrated tireless dedication and of the aisle. VETERANS’ BENEFITS ENHANCE- loyalty to me and the people of Flor- Last week, the Republicans used this MENT ACT—MOTION TO PRO- ida. We have successfully turned back delay tactic to stop a technical correc- CEED—Continued attempts to breach Florida’s ban on tions bill, a bill which just cleaned up offshore drilling. We have sought and some mistaken language—poor gram- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- secured funds for restoring the Ever- mar, poor spelling—in a bill passed ator from Florida is recognized. glades. We have fought to ensure Flor- years ago, and a bill that was impor- TRIBUTE TO JOHN LITTLE ida’s military people and bases have tant because it related to highway and Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I am the resources they need to perform bridge projects and that created good- honored today to pay tribute to an out- their duties. Throughout these and paying jobs in the United States. The standing member of my staff. When I other achievements, John has re- Republicans filibustered that bill. It was elected to the Senate, one of the mained humble and committed to en- went on for days and days and days. We first things I had to do was to select suring the policies we have pursued thought, well, when it comes to a vet- and hire a chief of staff. It didn’t take were in the best interests of the people erans bill, they are not going to use long for me to find John Little. He of Florida. that filibuster again. But they did. came to work for me in December 2004, For those who know the life of a To date, the Republicans have en- even before I was sworn in as a Sen- chief of staff for a Senator, it is not gaged in 67 filibusters during this ses- ator. glamorous. The hours are long, the sion of Congress. They have broken the When I first met John, he was legis- issues are complex and innumerable, record. I guess it is a source of pride lative director for the junior Senator and you rarely have the opportunity within their Republican conference. from Alabama, my colleague JEFF SES- for an uninterrupted weekend. For The previous record was 57 filibusters SIONS. I asked JEFF if it would be all these reasons, John has accepted a po- over a 2-year period. They have broken right if I approached John and hired sition in the private sector—a great op- that record in 16 months with 67 fili- away a key member of his staff. He was portunity for John. This speaks to his busters. Each and every time they en- very gracious, and he told me that al- skill and knowledge as one of the great

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.042 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 qualities he possesses as chief of staff course India, but more broadly to the Middle in Islam. If we do not show heart, why should in the Senate. I am sad to see him go, and Far Eastern nations. they? but I am confident he will continue to This evening I will focus elsewhere, but If they don’t see our resolve, how much suffice it to say that we are still, in the find ways to serve the public good. He more fragile is theirs? West, not in the state of comprehension or So how is this battle won? will be missed. analysis we need to be, fully to grasp this We have to recognize that though the cir- I thank him for his service, and I shift. China and India together will over the cumstances and conflicts of the twentieth wish him all the best in all his endeav- coming decades industrialize on a scale, and century are very different from ours, none- ors. John is truly a friend. I will miss at a pace, the world has never seen before. In theless, one thing remains true in any time my personal day-to-day contact with China especially, the implications are huge. and for all time: That if under attack, there him, but he is someone with whom I Whatever the present controversies, a strong is no choice but to defend, with a vigour, de- hope to have a lasting, lifelong rela- strategic relationship with it is vital; as it is termination and will, superior to those at- with India. We are so much better able to tionship. tacking us. Our opponents today think we fashion the terms of such a relationship if we lack this will. Indeed they are counting on I yield the floor. do it in unison. That alone would justify and it. They think that if they make the struggle The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. re-justify our alliance. long enough and savage enough, we will MCCASKILL). The Senator from Alaska This is a challenge of diplomacy and eventually lose heart, and our will fade. is recognized. statesmanship of one kind. They are fanatics but they have, unfortu- The other challenge arises from the secu- TONY BLAIR nately, the dedication that accompanies fa- rity threat that occupied so much of the last Mr. STEVENS. Madam President, naticism. years of my premiership. Today, as we meet, We cannot permit this to happen. Where last evening I had the honor of attend- our armed forces face the prospect of a con- we are confronted, we confront. We stand up. ing a dinner of the Atlantic Council, tinuing campaign in Afghanistan and Iraq. I And we do so for as long as it takes. This ide- and at that dinner they honored the hope one thing unites us all. Whatever the ology now has a nation, Iran, that seeks to former Prime Minister of Great Brit- debate about the decisions that brought us put itself at the head of extreme Islam. They ain, the Right Honorable Tony Blair. I to these countries, there should be no debate need to know what we say, we mean and, if want to quote from his speech, and I about the magnificent and sustained heroism necessary, will do. If we exhibit this atti- ask unanimous consent to have his of our armed forces. British and American tude, peace is more likely; because they will troops and the forces of other allied nations not miscalculate or misread our character. whole speech printed in the RECORD deserve our full support and our gratitude. But if they think us weak, they will fight all after my remarks. But this struggle is not limited to those the harder and risk all the more. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without fields of conflict. Out in the Middle East, it They need to see our belief. We should not objection, it is so ordered. is there in the activities of Hezbollah in Leb- apologize for our values, but wear them with (See exhibit 1.) anon, of Hamas in Palestine; it is played out pride, proclaim their virtues loudly; show Mr. STEVENS. He said this: in the street of Arab opinion every day. It confidence; ridicule the notion that when has spread across the world. More than a The transatlantic alliance is, of course, a people choose freedom this is somehow prov- score of nations have suffered terror attacks product of historical connection, culture, ocation to terror; and do so together, one al- in the last year, still more have foiled them. language and tradition. But most of all it is liance. They do not include only the usual list, but an alliance of belief, of shared values, of a This struggle did not begin on September Thailand, Nigeria, China itself. common outlook not just about nations and 11th 2001. It isn’t the fault of President Bush, In the Middle East, the ideology that of Israel, or of Western policy. The idea that their common interest but about humanity drives the extremism is not abating. The An- and its common destiny. Out of the travails we suppress Muslims in the West is utterly nual Arab Public Opinion survey published absurd. There is more religious freedom for of the twentieth century, the alliance drew last week was not striking simply for its spe- its history and its strength. In the fight Islam in London than in many Muslim coun- cific findings but for its overall picture. The tries. against fascism, and communism, it con- basic ideological thrust of the extremists has fronted and defeated totalitarian ideology. an impact way beyond the small number of Madam President, I found his state- Millions of our citizens died for the victory. those prepared to engage in terror. In sum, it ment very convincing. I urge Senators Through their sacrifice, we gained our free- shows an alarming number of people who buy to read it. dom. the view that Islam is under attack from the EXHIBIT 1 More than that, we came to a profound un- West; the leaders to support are those like SPEECH BY THE RIGHT HONORABLE TONY BLAIR derstanding about what it is to be free. We Nasrallah and Ahmadinejad who are per- realized through the pain and suffering, the ceived to take on the West; and there is a The transatlantic alliance is, of course, a difference between deferring to those in contrast between Governments and their product of historical connection, culture, power and deciding who they are; between people that is stark. language and tradition. But most of all it is the rule of law and the caprice of dictator- The extremism is a tiny minority activity; an alliance of belief, of shared values, of a ship; between the right to speak out and the the ideas, prejudices and sentiments that common outlook not just about nations and silence of the fearful. drive it, are not. The truth is that the roots their common interest but about humanity Now with those twentieth century battles of this global ideology are deep, far deeper and its common destiny. Out of the travails over, it is tempting to think that this alli- than I first thought in the aftermath of Sep- of the twentieth century, the alliance drew ance has served its purpose. But here is the tember 11. its history and its strength. In the fight important point about it. It was never, and is I believe the eventual outcome is not in against fascism, and communism, it con- not now, an alliance only of interests. It was doubt. But it is possible, dangerously, to un- fronted and defeated totalitarian ideology. and is an alliance of conviction. We, in the derestimate the size of this challenge. And it Millions of our citizens died for the victory. West, don’t own the idea of freedom. We is possible completely to misunderstand its Through their sacrifice, we gained our free- didn’t fight for it because of the happen- origins. dom. stance of birth in Europe or America. It is This global ideology is based on a total More than that, we came to a profound un- there, in the DNA of humankind. It is uni- perversion of the true faith of Islam. Its rev- derstanding about what it is to be free. We versal in nature and appeal. We developed it, olutionary rhetoric and attachment to so- realised through the pain and suffering, the but we didn’t invent it. called liberation movements is a sham de- difference between deferring to those in Now is the time to stand up for it. If we signed to hide its profoundly reactionary and power and deciding who they are; between want our values to govern the twenty-first regressive character. It is totalitarian in na- the rule of law and the caprice of dictator- century, we must combine hard and soft ture and compromising with it will lead not ship; between the right to speak out and the power. We must show unhesitating resolu- to peace but to a ratcheting up of demands, silence of the fearful. tion in the face of threats to our security; none of which are remotely tolerable. Now with those twentieth century battles and we must show that our values are indeed But it plays cleverly on the insecurities over, it is tempting to think that this alli- universal, that they encompass not only and uncertainty deep within Islam. It speaks ance has served its purpose. But here is the freedom but justice, and not for us alone but to a sense that the reason for its problems is important point about it. It was never, and is for the world as a whole. We must show these not to be found within, but as victims of out- not now, an alliance only of interests. It was values are global. And build alliances accord- side aggression. and is an alliance of conviction. We, in the ingly, starting with the renewal of our own. So today the issue hangs in the balance. West, don’t own the idea of freedom. We And we need to do it with energy and ur- The Middle East is without doubt a region in didn’t fight for it because of the happen- gency. In the Middle East this is time crit- transition; but in which direction will it stance of birth in Europe or America. It is ical. We must act now. travel? there, in the DNA of humankind. It is uni- Two things I now perceive more clearly Like it or not, we are part of the struggle. versal in nature and appeal. We developed it than in office. The first is: the fundamental Drawn into it, Europe and America must but we didn’t invent it. shift of the centre of gravity, politically and hold together and hold firm. Not simply for Now is the time to stand up for it. If we economically, to the East, to China and of our own sake, but for that of our allies with- want our values to govern the twenty-first

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:11 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.044 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3235 century, we must combine hard and soft ture and compromising with it will lead not And here is the good news. The same poll power. We must show unhesitating resolu- to peace but to a ratcheting up of demands, shows most Muslims want peace. Most sup- tion in the face of threats to our security; none of which are remotely tolerable. port a two-state solution in Israel and Pal- and we must show that our values are indeed But it plays cleverly on the insecurities estine. The modern minded rulers of the suc- universal, that they encompass not only and uncertainty deep within Islam. It speaks cessful Arab economies are also admired. freedom but justice, and not for us alone but to a sense that the reason for its problems is People in Iran don’t hate America even if its for the world as a whole. We must show these not to be found within, but as victims of out- leader does. Go beneath the surface and values are global. And build alliances accord- side aggression. there are allies out in the region and within ingly, starting with the renewal of our own. So today the issue hangs in the balance. Islam; people who believe strongly in their And we need to do it with energy and ur- The Middle East is without doubt a region in faith, but know that the twenty-first cen- gency. In the Middle East this is time crit- transition; but in which direction will it tury is not about civilisations in combat but ical. We must act now. travel? in alliance. In other words people are open to Two things I now perceive more clearly Like it or not, we are part of the struggle. persuasion. than in office. The first is: the fundamental Drawn into it, Europe and America must And here is the point. To win this struggle, shift of the centre of gravity, politically and hold together and hold firm. Not simply for we must be prepared to confront; but we economically, to the East; to China and of our own sake, but for that of our allies with- must also be prepared to persuade. course India, but more broadly to the Middle in Islam. If we do not show heart, why should This is a battle that can take a military or and Far Eastern nations. they? security form. But it can’t be won by mili- This evening I will focus elsewhere, but If they don’t see our resolve, how much tary or security means alone. It is a baffle of suffice it to say that we are still, in the more fragile is theirs? ideas. To win, we must persuade people of West, not in the state of comprehension or So how is this battle won? what we stand for and why; and we must do analysis we need to be, fully to grasp this We have to recognise that though the cir- so in a way that answers their concerns as shift. China and India together will over the cumstances and conflicts of the twentieth well as our own. coming decades industrialise on a scale, and century are very different from ours, none- We believe in freedom and democracy. We at a pace, the world has never seen before. In theless, one thing remains true in any time also believe in justice. We believe in equal- China especially, the implications are huge. and for all time: that if under attack, there ity. We believe in a fair chance for all, in op- Whatever the present controversies, a strong is no choice but to defend, with a vigour, de- portunity that goes beyond an elite and strategic relationship with it is vital; as it is termination and will, superior to those at- stretches down into the core of society. with India. We are so much better able to tacking us. Our opponents today think we That, after all, is the American dream; free not just in politics but free to achieve, to fashion the terms of such a relationship if we lack this will. Indeed they are counting on fulfil your ambition by your own efforts and do it in unison. That alone would justify and it. They think that if they make the struggle hard work, to make something of yourself, re-justify our alliance. long enough and savage enough, we will This is a challenge of diplomacy and eventually lose heart, and our will fade. to give your children a better start than you statesmanship of one kind. They are fanatics but they have, unfortu- had. The other challenge arises from the secu- nately, the dedication that accompanies fa- To win this battle, we must demonstrate rity threat that occupied so much of the last naticism. these values too. That is why the Middle East peace process matters. It is the litmus years of my premiership. Today, as we meet, We cannot permit this to happen. Where test of our sincerity. We should not in any our armed forces face the prospect of a con- we are confronted, we confront. We stand up. way dilute our commitment to Israel’s secu- tinuing campaign in Afghanistan and Iraq. I And we do so for as long as it takes. This ide- rity. We simply have to show equal commit- hope one thing unites us all. Whatever the ology now has a nation, Iran, that seeks to put itself at the head of extreme Islam. They ment to justice for the Palestinians. debate about the decisions that brought us In the coming months, we have a chance to need to know what we say, we mean and, if to these countries, there should be no debate put it on a path to peace. It will require necessary, will do. about the magnificent and sustained heroism Israel to do more to lift the burden of occu- If we exhibit this attitude, peace is more of our armed forces. British and American pation and give the Palestinians a sense that likely; because they will not miscalculate or troops and the forces of other allied nations a state is possible. It will require the Pal- misread our character. But if they think us deserve our full support and our gratitude. estinians to do more to get the robust capa- weak, they will fight all the harder and risk But this struggle is not limited to those bility on security to give the Israelis a sense all the more. fields of conflict. Out in the Middle East, it that a state is possible. It will require a dif- They need to see our belief. We should not is there in the activities of Hezbollah in Leb- ferent and better strategy for Gaza. And it apologise for our values, but wear them with anon, of Hamas in Palestine; it is played out will require a relentless, insistent focus on pride, proclaim their virtues loudly; show in the street of Arab opinion every day. It the issues, from the U.S. and the inter- confidence; ridicule the notion that when has spread across the world. More than a national community, macro- and micro-man- people choose freedom this is somehow prov- score of nations have suffered terror attacks aging it as necessary, to get the job done. ocation to terror; and do so together, one al- in the last year, still more have foiled them. President Bush and Secretary Rice have They do not include only the usual list, but liance. made that commitment. This can be done. It This struggle did not begin on September Thailand, Nigeria, China itself. has to be done. It is not optional. It is man- 11th, 2001. It isn’t the fault of George Bush, In the Middle East, the ideology that datory for success. drives the extremism is not abating. The An- of Israel, or of Western policy. The idea that The origin of this extremism does not lie nual Arab Public Opinion survey published we suppress Muslims in the West is utterly in this dispute; but a major part of defeating last week was not striking simply for its spe- absurd. There is more religious freedom for it, lies in its resolution. cific findings—but for its overall picture. Islam in London than in many Muslim coun- Then, wider than this, we have to work The basic ideological thrust of the extrem- tries. with the modern and moderate voices within ists has an impact way beyond the small You can argue about the rights and wrongs Islam to help them counter the extremism number of those prepared to engage in ter- of the military invasion of Iraq or Afghani- and show how faith in Islam is supremely ror. In sum, it shows an alarming number of stan, but to allow for a single instant that consistent with engagement in the twenty people who buy the view that Islam is under this action justifies not simply terrorism but first century, economically, politically, and attack from the West; the leaders to support the idea that the West is innately hostile to culturally. There is a vast amount of toil are those like Nasrallah and Ahmadinejad Islam, only has to be contemplated, ration- and time and energy to be expended in build- who are perceived to take on the West; and ally, momentarily, for its nonsense to be ing bridges, educating each other about the there is a contrast between Governments and manifest. We get rid of two brutal dictator- other, creating the civic and social networks their people that is stark. ships; put in place a U.N. led democratic of reconciliation. The extremism is a tiny minority activity; process; plus billions of dollars in aid: Where I would go further still. the ideas, prejudices and sentiments that exactly is the hostility to Islam? And the In Africa, we have a cause of justice which drive it, are not. The truth is that the roots only reason our troops are forced to stay is cries out to be pursued; one that is, at the of this global ideology are deep, far deeper because of terror attacks carried out by this same time, a moral imperative and a stra- than I first thought in the aftermath of Sep- ideology in defiance of the democratically tegic investment; one that needs the atten- tember 11. expressed wishes of the Muslim people of tion of East and West. In climate change, we I believe the eventual outcome is not in both countries. have an issue that demonstrates that justice doubt. But it is possible, dangerously, to un- And if it is hard and bloody, how bizarre to is also part of the compact of responsibility derestimate the size of this challenge. And it blame the allied forces, there under a U.N. between this generation and those of the fu- is possible completely to misunderstand its mandate and who are trying to keep the ture. origins. peace, rather than those using terror to dis- My argument is therefore this. The strug- This global ideology is based on a total turb it. gle can be won. But it can only be won by a perversion of the true faith of Islam. Its rev- Yet this paradigm that it is ‘our’ fault that strategy big enough and comprehensive olutionary rhetoric and attachment to so- this terror threat is with us, has infiltrated enough to remove the roots as well as the called liberation movements is a sham de- a large part of Middle Eastern public opinion branches. The battle will, in the end, be won signed to hide its profoundly reactionary and and actually influences significantly a large within Islam. But only if we show that our regressive character. It is totalitarian in na- part of our own. It has to be taken on. values are theirs also.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.007 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 The problem with so much of Western poli- age and over into their military. He The cost is really minimal. The Sen- tics is that the argument is posed as one be- took them all, and they fought, they ate will hear all kinds of estimates on tween the advocates of hard power and soft fought hard, they fought almost to the the amount. But 18,000 people—the power, when the reality is, we need both. death as, really, I think any American youngest age involved is 82. They are This is where America and Europe, united, should act. America has to reach out. Europe knows who knows about the Long just not going to be with us that long. has to stand up. Not a single one of the glob- March and Corregidor and what it Anyone who gives you some estimate al challenges facing us today is more easily meant in terms of the time these peo- of billions of dollars that it is going to capable of solution, if we are apart; if we let ple delayed the Japanese so we could cost to take care of these people and the small irritants obscure the fundamental find a way to rearm this Nation and give them what they were entitled to verities; if we allow ourselves to be assailed find a way to eventually overthrow the long ago—I think it is overestimating by doubt about the value of our partnership, threats of tyranny that existed as it. rather than affirm, albeit self-critically, its manifested in the attack of Japan on Again, I come back to my point. It is strengths. We need now a powerful revival of our alli- December 7, 1941. a matter of honor, the honor of the ance. In the world so rapidly changing After the war, these people were rec- United States is at stake. around us, we cannot take a narrow view of ognized as veterans by our U.S. Vet- These people put on our uniform, our interests or a short-sighted view of our erans’ Administration. All of the Fili- wore our uniform, fought with our destiny. We can’t afford to take fright at pinos who went into the services were comrades, almost to the death, all the these changes and go back into isolationism. entitled to full VA benefits. In 1946, way to Corregidor, and the survivors We can’t avoid the challenges. But we can Congress changed that. They said that were denied what they should have master them. Together. those veterans who came to the United had. The transatlantic partnership was never just the foundation of our security. It was States would get full benefits of being If they came to the United States, the foundation of our way of life. It was in the military service but those who they had the right to become citizens forged in experience of the most bitter and stayed in the Philippines would not. automatically. But if they stayed with anguished kind. I think to deal with this you have to their families and tried to reconstruct Out of it came a new Europe, a new world think about the fact that there were their country, we denied them that order, a new consensus as to how life should 470,000 Filipino World War II veterans right, even though by staying at home be lived. still alive after the war. Millions died. they would have gotten one-third. If Today times are different. Every era is dif- Millions died in defense of our country. they got to come over here and be citi- ferent. What is necessary is to distinguish between what endures for one time and what Yet here, today, there are 18,000 vet- zens they would have the benefits. endures for all time. erans still alive. There were no GI bills over there. If In our history, we discovered the values My distinguished friend from Hawaii, they came over here as citizens, be- that endure. We learnt what really matters who is chairman of our Defense Sub- came citizens, they had the full range and what is worth fighting for. committee, and I went to the Phil- of benefits. And we learnt it together. ippines recently and visited with some Now, I do not get excited too many Today, the challenge to those values is dif- of them. I am the oldest Member of the times on this floor. This one, this bill, ferent. But it is no less real. Our propensity Senate on my side. My good friend is, I excites me. There are very few of us to avow those values will shape the way the twenty first century is governed. Will these think, the second oldest on his side of left from World War II. When I came to values become, as they should be, universal the Senate. We found ourselves junior the Senate, almost every person who values, open over time to all human beings to these people who are still there. was a Member had served in World War everywhere; or will they be falsely seen as Those men who fought over there, who II. There are five of us left now. I hope the product of a bygone age? That is the are still with us now, are very much in the Senate will listen to the five of us question. It is fundamental. It is urgent. It is need of our help. They deserve what because we are united. We say this is a our duty to answer it. this bill would give them. wrong that has to be rectified. We urge Mr. STEVENS. I wish to address an- This benefit that this bill would ex- the Senate not to change this bill, to other matter, as I have a moment. I tend to them is one-third the amount support the bill that has been intro- understand there is no time limit now; they would have received had they duced by the distinguished Senator is that correct? come to this country. That is what was from Hawaii and his colleague with my The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is intended to give them in the first cosponsorship. correct. place—one-third—taking into account The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. STEVENS. Madam President, be- really the cost of living and various ator from New Jersey is recognized. fore the Senate now is a bill, the Vet- other aspects of their life in the Phil- Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I erans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of ippines. They would get the benefits, understand my distinguished colleague 2007. It is a very important piece of leg- one-third of the amount they would re- from Alabama has a colloquy with Sen- islation. It would expand a series of ceive if they came to this country. If ator MARTINEZ for 5 minutes or so. I benefits to our veterans, including they came to this country, they would ask unanimous consent that I be recog- traumatic injury insurance, adapted have been entitled to the veterans’ ben- nized after the Senator from Alabama. housing grants, and burial allowances. efits, to the GI bill, to all of the other The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without As a veteran, I am delighted this bill is benefits we gave the veterans after objection, it is so ordered. here, and I am pleased the Senate has World War II. The Senator from Alabama. invoked cloture so we may debate it Do you know why Congress gave that TRIBUTE TO JOHN LITTLE and find a way to reach an accommoda- to those veterans? Because there were Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, I tion on it with those who may find too many men seeking a job. They had thank my colleague, Senator MENEN- some fault with it or some matter they to take the 16 million of us who sur- DEZ, for his courtesy. I will adhere to may wish to try to change. vived and spread us out over the econ- that timeframe. I ask to be notified in What I wish to address is the provi- omy. They did so by giving us bene- 4 minutes. sions for the Filipino veterans legisla- fits—training as a pilot, we could build I would express my appreciation to tion. In this part of this bill, as far as our own home and get the money to do Senator STEVENS for his service to his I am concerned, we are talking about that, we could go to school through the country during World War II, and Sen- honor, the honor of the United States. GI bill. These people thought they had ator INOUYE, our decorated World War In 1941, on July 26, President Franklin that right, too, but Congress cut it off II veteran himself. Both served in Roosevelt ordered all military forces of in 1946. harm’s way for their country. We do the Philippines into the service of the These people, who are the survivors value their opinions on so many impor- United States to fight the Japanese. now of that almost half-million people tant issues. They were a province of the United who survived as veterans, Filipino vet- John Little, a native of my home- States at that time. They were not an erans of World War II, and who stayed town of Mobile, AL, a product of UMS independent nation right then. The in that country, those 18,000, have High School, a good high school in Mo- President had the power to do that. He, asked us for help, to finally be recog- bile, graduated from Southern Meth- in fact, conscripted all men 18 years of nized once again for what they did. odist University with a BA in history,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.010 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3237 got his juris doctorate from Cum- He will leave the Senate family now So when your income is discrimi- berland School of Law in Birmingham, but will be taking on another impor- nated against, even though you are AL, a fine law school. tant challenge in the corporate world. I doing the same job as anyone else in He interviewed and then joined my know John Little well and the values the company in that category, not only staff 9 months into my term, just as I and high ideals he holds dear. He truly do you not receive the income during had come to Washington. We hired loves the Senate and respects her tradi- your working life, but you have a con- John, and we told him he would have tions. He loves America. The Senate sequence for the rest of your life, in to start at the bottom. And he did. He was a better place with him here. your retirement. handled judiciary issues and cor- Thank you, John, for your friendship, respondence with constituents back your strong personal support, and your It is a discrimination that keeps on home. But within a year, using his ex- service to the Senate and our great discriminating. Today we have a cellent writing and research, it was ob- country. It has been a pleasure and an chance to change that, to make things vious he was destined to take on more honor to work with you. We wish you right. Discrimination is discrimination responsibility. every success in your chosen endeav- no matter when it happens. If someone John had great talent, and we made ors. breaks the law, they should be held ac- him our legislative counsel and gave I yield the floor. countable for it. him the responsibility of several issues, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- This body must make it clear that including education, labor, drug caucus ator from New Jersey. work, welfare, and campaign finance women should be treated the same as FAIR PAY RESTORATION ACT men. We must make it undeniably reform. Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I In 2000, John was promoted to legis- clear that every worker should be paid am here today to stand up for equal fairly for their labor. We must pro- lative assistant and counsel and he pay for women. Now, that is something dove right into the largest issues of our claim in a unified voice the same types we have been working toward for a time, at that point the Elementary and of voices that have previously held to- long time, but we are still falling short Secondary Education Act debate. We gether in this body almost unani- of the goal. were dealing with a very important For decades we have come together mously: that discrimination will not be issue in education, in particular, the across party lines to help men and accepted in the workplace, discrimina- special ed or IDEA reform, the need to women earn the same wage for the tion will not be tolerated in America. create a thoughtful, disciplined stand- same work. The Senate voted over- The idea behind the Fair Pay Res- ard and reform for students and teach- whelming for equal pay when President toration Act is simple. It would restate ers in the classroom. It was a big prob- Kennedy was in office. We gave our the rule that the clock for filing a wage lem. We were hearing a lot about it. support to the Civil Rights Act under discrimination claim starts running John spent countless hours of work on President Johnson. We renewed that this project as my legislative assistant from the day a worker receives a dis- support during President Reagan’s criminatory paycheck, not the day the and helped foster the strong reform term and during the term of the first that eventually would be accepted in employer first decides to discriminate. President Bush. This is, in essence, what the law was the IDEA reform bill which was signed So we have had this history of sup- into law that is affecting positively before the Court decision. It was the porting this proposal, this rule of law, law of the land for a long time. All we every school in America today. under both Democratic and Republican After 2 years spent on education, simply say is, the Court is wrong. And Presidents. Even after all the progress labor, and welfare and judiciary issues, even one of the Justices from the bench we have made, we still have a long way I promoted him to my deputy legisla- in a dissenting opinion said: ‘‘This is to go. But last year, five conservative tive director and counsel. His portfolio something that Congress needs to Supreme Court Justices threw a road- grew on a whole host of issues. He also change.’’ block against fair pay for women. became a key point man in my office Here is what happened. A woman If a female worker sees her wages are on nominations issues. So after the departure in 2003 of my named Lilly Ledbetter was one of only continuously falling behind those of legislative director, John was the obvi- a few supervisors at a tire plant. She her male counterparts, she should be ous choice to take over and manage the worked 12-hour shifts and constantly able to challenge her employer, even if day-to-day legislative operations of my had to endure insults from her male the original decision to discriminate office. He and I spent countless hours bosses just because she was a woman was made years ago. As long as the dis- together working on IDEA reform and doing what was thought to be a man’s crimination continues, the right of a other issues that were so important. job. worker to challenge it should continue He spearheaded my efforts to pro- It was not until late in her career as well. that she discovered her company was mote our plans for a strong national This does not only benefit women, it defense, lower taxes, less regulation, cheating her, paying her up to 40 per- cent less—40 percent less—than her helps all in our country if they are get- and the thoughtful application of com- ting cheated in their paycheck on ac- monsense conservative values to pro- male colleagues earned doing the same exact job. count of their age, or their race, a dis- mote and pass good public policy. ability, their national origin, or what After the elections of 2004, a new Sen- Lilly filed a claim, and a jury award- ator, my good friend and colleague ed her full benefits, full damages. But religion they belong to. from Florida, Mr. MEL MARTINEZ, the Supreme Court said she was enti- Now, as usual, there are those who heard of the outstanding work of my tled to nothing—to nothing—simply are trying to defend the status quo and young legislative director and counsel. because she did not discover the pay scare us into believing that this law I suppose he heard about that because discrimination early enough. would cause a flood of litigation and he called me to ask if he could inter- According to the Court, in the nar- undercut corporations’ bottom lines. view him. And I certainly agreed to row 5 to 4 decision, if you do not dis- Unfortunately for them, history is not that. cover that you are being discriminated on their side in terms of those false I think he sought out John’s leader- against right after your employer fears. ship, know-how, interpersonal skills, starts doing it, you might have to suf- and a command of the inner workings fer the consequences for your entire ca- We know this legislation is workable of the Senate, and he eventually asked reer, and not only for your career of and fair because it was the law of the if he could bring John on as his chief of being shortchanged fair pay for what, land for decades, for decades before the staff. in fact, you were doing equal to any- Supreme Court made its ruling. All Although I would lose a strong coun- body else, man or woman on that com- this bill would do is make the law what selor and a legislative leader and pany’s agenda, but at the same time it was before it was widely interpreted friend, my loss was indeed Senator having a consequence as it relates to to be only 1 year ago. We simply want MARTINEZ’s gain. So it has been for the your pension and your benefits and to return the standard to be able to past 3 years that John has been at the your Social Security because all of protect an individual at the workplace helm with Senator MARTINEZ as his those were factored by the income you from discrimination simply as the law chief of staff. make. was for decades before.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:11 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.052 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 And this is not exposing companies I don’t want my daughter, who is for- came a commonwealth; however, not to unlimited damages either. The fact tunate to have gone to a great univer- citizens of the United States. is, liability is still limited to 2 years of sity, graduated, incredibly smart, to Then in July of 1941, when war clouds back pay following the standard set in realize less in her power to earn simply began to appear in the Asia-Pacific the Civil Rights Act of 1964. because she is a woman compared to area and the Japanese were invading We will hear a lot of goblins here, but those with whom she is competing. Yet other countries, the President of the the reality is the legislation we are if we let the law stand the way it is, United States issued an order forming considering as it was limits a com- that very well can be institutionalized the Commonwealth Army of the Phil- pany’s liability to 2 years of back pay. as something that may happen. ippines. The Commonwealth Army of Now, some of my colleagues on the It is our responsibility as legislators, the Philippines had 470 members. They other side of the aisle will ask why as Americans, as human beings to were all Filipinos. They were assured, workers often cannot file their claim make sure this country holds the same if combat should come about and they within 180 days from the first instance promise for women as it does for men participated, they would be granted of discrimination. and that in the future our daughters American citizenship, if they so de- Well, there are good reasons. There have the same opportunities as our sired. And they would receive all the are good reasons for that. To begin sons. Restoring a woman’s opportunity benefits veterans of the United States with, many workers have difficulty to fight for fair pay is a big part of would receive. comparing their salaries to coworkers, that. It has to be part of a broader Well, December 7, 1941, became his- with many businesses actually prohib- strategy to get our economy back on tory. Two weeks later, the Congress iting it, prohibiting an employee from track. We have to bring down the cost passed a bill making it a very formal making or attempting to make these of health care, create green-collar jobs, order of the day that if a Filipino came comparisons. and help workers get the training and forward and volunteered to serve in the Why would a company be concerned education they need to succeed in a uniform of the United States and about the comparisons among people global environment in which intellect pledged to stand in harm’s way on our doing the same job within the context is the greatest asset the Nation is behalf, at the end of the conflict, they of a company? Why? What is it that going to have, a world that has been would be granted citizenship, if they so they have to fear? What is it they have transformed, where the boundaries of desired, and receive all the benefits to hide? Even if a worker sees their pay mankind have largely been erased in Americans received. is lower than their coworkers, they the pursuit of human capital so an en- The Japanese invaded the Phil- may not recognize it was a result of gineer’s report is created in India and ippines. There were two great battles, discrimination. sent back to the United States for a the battle of Corregidor and the battle If a worker does recognize it as dis- fraction of the cost, a radiologist’s re- crimination, they often have to wait to of Bataan. The battle of Bataan has port is done in Pakistan and read in a been made part of the history of this contact the EEOC or decide not to due local hospital by your doctor for a frac- to feeling ashamed or, more often, they Nation. We have seen countless movies tion of cost or, if you have a problem on the Bataan Death March, one of the fear retaliation by their company, and with your credit card, as I recently did, that is a real fear. better known death marches in our his- you end up in a call center in South Af- tory. In that death march, there were They fear the consequences of rock- rica. The reality is that for the deliv- ing the boat and figure a job in which 75,000 prisoners of war. Of that number, ery of services created by an indi- 54,000 arrived at the prisoner of war they are discriminated against is bet- vidual, we are globally challenged. For ter than being fired and having no job camp; 15,000 died on that march. The America to continue to be the leader distance wasn’t too long. It was 75 at all. Certainly, in this economy economically, it needs to be at the today, an economy that does not work miles. But they were given no medi- apex of the curve of intellect, the most cine, no food, no water, and 15,000 died for working families, those who are for- highly educated generation of Ameri- tunate enough to have a job have to on the way. Six thousand escaped to cans we have ever had. become guerillas. Of the movies I have think about that extra burden of rais- Even as we move toward achieving seen which show Americans being ing their voice against discrimination those educational goals, what is it bayonetted, Americans being shot on because they might, in fact, lose a job. worth if my daughter graduates from the march, you never saw a Filipino on So when people ask: Why can’t they Harvard but still makes 77 cents on the the march. Yet the record will show within 180 days go ahead and file their dollar that a man makes? It is fun- that of the 75,000 who participated in complaints, it is because it simply damentally wrong. If we are going to the death march, 15,000 were Americans doesn’t always work that way. I would prosper as a nation, that prosperity and 60,000 were Filipinos. ask those who raise the question: What must be shared. I have said it before happened during the decades of the and it is as true as it ever was: Only a Most of those who died before arriv- standard of the law that existed? No society with no second-class citizens ing at the prison camp were Filipinos. one raised those concerns then. can be a first-class society. Today it is Strangely also, though they spent Here is what it comes down to. If you time to act on that principle. It is time much time on the frontlines attacking vote against this bill, you are going on to vote for fair pay and ease the way to Japanese, carrying out heroic acts, record and telling an entire nation you prosperity and justice for all. That is they received no medals, no Purple want to make it harder for a woman to our choice. That is our opportunity. Hearts, no Bronze Stars, no Silver get paid the same as a man for the That is the responsibility of the Sen- Stars, and no DSCs. They were serving same work. It is not about working ate. under American command. less. It is not about having a privileged I yield the floor. Well, we were victorious. But before role. It is about being able to achieve The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. we were victorious, General MacArthur pay for doing the same exact job, with SALAZAR). The Senator from Hawaii. left the Philippines and said: ‘‘I shall all the pressures, all the challenges, all Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, when return.’’ The men whom he left in the the skills anyone else would have, male the Spanish-American War ended in Philippines were Filipinos. They had or female. 1898, the Philippines became a posses- the job of harassing the Japanese, These are challenging economic sion of the United States. It became a keeping them occupied so they times, and the challenges are espe- colony of the United States. We hate to wouldn’t be moving to other areas to cially tough for women. For every dol- use that word because we frown upon cause havoc. The casualties mounted in lar a man gets paid, women get paid 77 colonial powers, but we became a colo- the thousands. Thousands died in our cents. Women’s earnings have fallen six nial power. As such, we exercised com- defense. times as much as men as our economy plete power over the people of the Phil- So what happens? Surrender terms began sliding toward a recession last ippines. Legally, we could arrest them. are signed on the USS Missouri, and law year. The truth is, the glass ceiling We could do anything we wanted. How- and order is restored in the Phil- might be a little higher than it was, ever, in 1934, we decided the status ippines. Happy day. About a month and but it is still there. should change a little bit, and they be- a half later, Washington sent one man

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.054 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3239 to serve in the Embassy, to take appli- can to individuals, such as Senator vided at a clinic that the VA has in the cations of those men who wanted to be- INOUYE, who have so much invested not Philippines. Every other benefit they come citizens of the United States. But just in their knowledge but in the com- get. They are getting pensions. They a month later, we called him back. mitment and sacrifices they have are getting death pensions for their That promise we made, if you want to made. survivors. They are getting burial ben- become a citizen, you had to do it in Mr. President, we started debating S. efits. They are getting everything be- some office in the United States, not in 1315 earlier today. Where I ended off in cause they were part of the U.S. Armed the Philippines. That is why they sent that earlier debate was pointing out to Forces, even though they are Filipino. that man down there to represent us. my colleagues and the country how The other three categories you see: When that man left Manila and re- this special pension, a special pension the Commonwealth Army of the Phil- turned to Washington, there was no we intend to provide to a very small ippines, recognized guerilla forces, New one to take applications. group of Filipino veterans who were Philippine Scouts—yes, they were Then in mid-February of 1946, the not enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces under the command of U.S. forces. Ev- Congress, our predecessors, passed a but were under control of U.S. forces erybody in the Pacific was under U.S. bill repealing that law they passed in and command of U.S. forces—I just force command. But they actually en- December of 1941. They repealed it. want to point this out to everybody: listed in the Filipino forces. We never It is a matter of honor, as Senator Currently, the Filipino Government solicited them. They could have joined the U.S. Army. They chose not to. STEVENS pointed out. Here was a prom- provides a $120-per-month pension to The reality is that just about every ise, a solemn promise on the part of this select group of individuals. That benefit, except for two, was extended to Americans. And by congressional ac- pension puts every veteran at 400 per- even the three groups that are the Fili- tion, we break that promise. cent over the poverty line in the Phil- pino veterans. The two glaring excep- Here we have a bill before us that ippines. What S. 1315 attempts to do is tions are pensions for nonservice-re- will restore this honor. It will say to to create a new special pension funded lated disabilities—nonservice-con- the Filipinos, since your cost of living by the American taxpayers that would nected disabilities—and the death pen- is not as great as ours, your pension take the average income of this select sion for survivors. will be one-third of ours. Well, one can group of Filipino veterans to 1,400 per- So what I want everybody to under- say that is better than nothing. But if cent above the poverty line in the Phil- stand is, in a bill that totals over $900 they want to become citizens, they can ippines. million—that, I might add, we are do it in Manila or in Honolulu or any- Now, let me put that in direct com- funding. We are offsetting it because a where else. parison to the United States. We have court ruling took this away from U.S. There are 18,000 who want to become special pensions in the United States veterans. We took money away in bene- citizens. There are many others wait- that apply to our veterans because we fits from U.S. veterans. We are now ing. But as Senator STEVENS pointed believe it is important to say no vet- using this $900 million the courts ex- out, the youngest surviving Filipino eran should live in poverty. Our com- tracted to say we are going to enhance veteran is 82 years old. mitment is such that it is roughly over the benefits for our veterans here at As I speak, men are dying. By the $10,000 a year. Let me compute what home. As a matter of fact, over $300 time we consider this measure and pass that $10,000 means relative to the pov- million of it is life insurance changes it, there will be hundreds more who erty line. It means they are 10 percent we are making. And, yes, our veterans will die. above the poverty line in the United are benefiting from it. But $100 million It is not a matter of money. It is a States. of that $900 million is going in this cat- matter of honor. It is the American So with all due respect to my col- egory to beef up our commitment to thing to do. If we make a solemn prom- leagues, I am supposed to come down Filipino veterans. But there is $221 mil- ise, we should be prepared to keep it. In here on behalf of my constituents, my lion that is going to create a special this case, they were willing to stand in taxpayers, my veterans, suggesting pension, a pension for those Filipino harm’s way for us. The least we can do there is equity in providing a 1,400-per- troops who served as part of the Fili- is to recognize this and to salute them cent pension stipend for Filipino vet- pino military who were commanded by as fellow Americans. erans over the poverty level but only 10 U.S. forces and never injured in com- I yield the floor. percent for U.S. veterans? Well, I can- bat. Let me say that again: Filipinos Mr. President, I suggest the absence not do that. That is why I am at odds who live in the Philippines who were of a quorum. with some of the people whom I really under U.S. command who served in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The love and respect in this institution. Filipino Army and have no service-con- As I said earlier today, I have done a clerk will call the roll. nected disability. The legislative clerk proceeded to tremendous amount of research on this This is not about disabilities. This is call the roll. issue because so many people have sug- about a windfall. This is about a wind- Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I ask unan- gested with a high degree of certainty fall that exceeds what our standard is imous consent that the order for the there was a promise that was made. here for our veterans, which is 10 per- quorum call be rescinded. Well, I cannot find that promise. Ac- cent above poverty, and currently the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cording to information provided at a Filipino veterans are over 400 percent objection, it is so ordered. 1998 congressional hearing, the Depart- above poverty; and some in this insti- Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I have deep ment of the Army examined its hold- tution suggest that the right thing for respect for Senator INOUYE, who just ings on GEN Douglas MacArthur and us to do is to raise their pension to spoke. He is passionate. There is no President Franklin Roosevelt and 1,400 percent over the poverty level in American who can look at Senator ‘‘found no reference by either of these the Philippines. INOUYE and not see an American war wartime leaders to postwar benefits for Some might say: Was it Congress’s hero. He has committed so much, and Filipino veterans.’’ intent to grant full VA benefits to Fili- his perspective on history is important Now, I am going to ask that another pino veterans? It is important to note for all of us to recognize. Before him, chart be put up that displays the dif- that it was a 1942 VA legal opinion Senator STEVENS spoke, one of the ference in Filipino veterans because I which concluded that Filipino veterans foundations of the U.S. Senate. I find think most would believe there is one had served ‘‘in the active military or myself troubled to some degree that I target we are after. What you see here naval service of the United States’’ and am at odds with both of them on this is four different groups. You see Old on that basis were eligible for VA bene- issue. Scouts. These are the Filipino soldiers fits. I want Senator INOUYE to know how who signed up with the U.S. Army, and Senator Carl Hayden, chairman of much I respect him and how much re- they served side by side in the U.S. the subcommittee on appropriations, search I have done on this issue, and I Army. Today, they receive every ben- had this to say about the VA’s legal de- will try to make my case for why I do efit, except for those living in the Phil- termination regarding Philippine not think this is a priority but to do it ippines and outside of the United Army veterans during committee pro- in the most respectful way I possibly States. And medical care is only pro- ceedings on March 25, 1946:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.056 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 There is nothing to indicate that there was turns to civil life in the United States, where sion. It diverts the special pension and any discussion of the meaning of that term, American standards of living prevail. . . . it enhances the ability for housing up- probably because it is generally well recog- Whenever any part of the GI bill of rights is grades for our disabled troops to be nized and has been used in many statutes extended to Filipino veterans, the cost of liv- made from $50,000 to $55,000. It provides having to do with members or former mem- ing in the Philippines and other economic bers of the American armed forces. It would factors must be given careful consideration. additional grants for disabled veterans normally be construed to include persons who need upgrades to their vehicles Let me go back to the chart I ref- that they drive; it will up the special regularly enlisted or inducted in the regular erenced. That is all we are applying. manner in the military and naval service of grants by $1,000. We are going to ad- the United States. That is the only standard I am asking dress additional burial benefits. We are my colleagues to look at: that when we I go on: going to address some discrepancies in apply what sounds in the United States education benefits for our Guard and But no one could be found who would as- like a meager amount—$120 a month— sert that it was ever the clear intention of Reserve. We are using the $221 million what we are talking about is 400 per- Congress that such benefits as are granted solely to divert it to our veterans. under . . . the GI bill of rights—should be ex- cent over the poverty level. When we Each of us has met with veterans or- tended to the soldiers of the Philippine talk about increasing by $300 a month ganizations and constituents who have Army. There is nothing in the text of any of the pension, what we are doing is we asked us to address the needs that the laws enacted by Congress for the benefit are taking potentially a Filipino vet- exist in the veterans community, par- of veterans to indicate such intent. eran who is already 400 percent over ticularly the needs of soldiers, sailors, This is our colleague in 1946. poverty, or more—assuming they have airmen, and marines who are defending I go on: no other income—and we are putting us in the war on terror. The distin- It is certainly unthinkable that the Con- them at 1,400 percent over poverty, guished majority leader touched on gress would extend the normal meaning of which puts them way above the middle this very point last Friday. Frankly, the term to cover the large number of Fili- class of the Philippines. This is a tre- pinos to whom it has been suggested that the after reading his comments, I was mendous windfall when you look at it hopeful he might support the amend- Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1940 ap- from the standpoint of the size of the plies, at a cost running into billions of dol- ment I am offering, the substitute lars, aside from other considerations, with- Philippine economy. amendment. On Friday, he talked out some reference to it either in the debates Mr. President, in total, S. 1315 pro- about the number of Americans who in Congress or in the committee reports. poses about $900 million worth of died in Iraq. He talked about those who Now, I am quoting from the history spending over 10 years. I will ask that are coming home with physical and of our congressional hearings, of our a chart be put up so everybody can see mental wounds. He made the following Senate hearings, in 1946, from the what S. 1315 does. I think many have statement: construed that I am opposed to S. 1315. chairman of the subcommittee on ap- At the height of this war, with soldiers propriations. I am the ranking member. I only have being wounded every day and soldiers com- Again, we have the Department of one piece I am opposed to. I have been ing home from Iraq every day, we can’t even the Army examining the records of accused of holding the bill up since last get a bill to deal with their health to the GEN Douglas MacArthur. We have the August. I have tried to negotiate this Senate floor. Department of the Army examining one piece since last August. What you All I have ever asked for is a fair op- the papers of Franklin Roosevelt. They see there is the Filipino piece, which is portunity to amend the bill and a fair find no references by either of these No. 1 on the list—$332 million out of length of time to debate the bill. The wartime leaders to postwar benefits $900 million. The actual pension issue majority leader has to make decisions guaranteed to Filipinos. We have the is $221 million. There is the term life as to whether he files cloture motions. records of the congressional hearing, insurance program, $326 million for our He has filed 67 of them, because 67 and Senator Carl Hayden says: I have kids; the State approving agencies, $60 times they tried to short the minority looked. There is nothing that suggests million; mortgage life insurance, $51 on our ability to exercise the rights we that this promise was ever made. Yet million. You can go down the list. It is have as the minority, which are not individuals come to the floor and they $909 million worth of benefits. I am many. make this claim. only addressing a small sliver. It is a But 67 times it has been done, so 67 Now, I am convinced that—we are quarter of it in dollars, but it is a small times he filed a cloture motion. That is dealing with something 50 years later— piece. I am for everything else. part of leading; I am sorry. it is very possible that memories are If you take the Filipino special pen- But don’t suggest that the No. 1 not exactly the same, that one person’s sion out, today I will propose to pass it thing that you are for is our guys, recollection may be different today under unanimous consent. I made the when $221 million of this is going to set than it was in 1942 or 1944 or 1946. All offer to the majority leader yesterday. up a new special pension fund for Fili- the basis we have is to go back in his- This chart lists all of the provisions of pinos, who live in the Philippines, with tory, to look at the documents, to see S. 1315, from the most expensive provi- no service-connected disability. It is what the commitments were, and, sion to the least expensive provision. disingenuous. more importantly, to try to get inside Again, you can see that the Filipino There is consensus in this body for the heads of our colleagues then, to un- piece is the most expensive provision everything else in S. 1315, except for derstand: If it was not in the letter of in S. 1315. one provision. We have tried for the law, what was the intent? Senator During a time of tight budgets, and months to negotiate that one provi- Hayden makes it very clear: It is not when multiple commissions have rec- sion. For my colleagues who want to only not the letter of the law, it is not ommended that Congress focus our re- know why this bill has been at a stand- the intent of the Congress of the sources to improve the benefits of our still, it is because we have been trying United States. U.S. returning combat veterans, it is to shift the money to our kids—our Now, what factors influenced plain wrong to put the needs of Fili- children and our grandchildren. At the Congress’s decision to limit certain VA pino veterans, with no service-related committee markup last June, Senator benefits to Filipino veterans in what is injuries, who are residing in the Phil- CRAIG put forward an amendment to re- known as the Rescissions Act of 1946? ippines, ahead of our own service-in- direct the Filipino pension fund to You see, in the United States we jured men and women returning from other priorities. It was rejected on a have the rule of law. When the courts war. I am not sure it is defensible to straight party-line vote—another rar- determined, under their understanding, suggest that we are going to institute ity in the Veterans’ Committee. We this set of benefits would apply, Con- that special pension, which means we don’t have party-line votes in the Vet- gress actually passed legislation to re- are not going to divert that $221 mil- erans’ Committee. For some reason, scind what the courts had awarded. lion to our men and women. this year we have now had them. Again, quoting Senator Hayden: I will have a substitute amendment In December, shortly after the Dole- The GI bill of rights is intended to benefit tomorrow. The only change in my sub- Shalala disability commission rec- an American who served in the armed forces stitute amendment is that it keeps in- ommended we improve a host of bene- and who, upon discharge from the service, re- tact everything but the special pen- fits for war-injured veterans, I offered

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.058 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3241 another proposal to redirect the spend- stay out of poverty. When we left the The chairman of the Veterans’ Af- ing on pensions for Filipinos to higher Philippines, we made some commit- fairs Committee is a good man. He is a priorities. It too was rejected. Any ments to the Filipino Government. We friend. He sent me a letter on April 10, claim that there has not been an at- transferred to them multiple hospitals asking for my cooperation on a way tempt to try to negotiate what is in and all the equipment that was in forward with some of the contentious this bill is ludicrous. I put that pro- those hospitals. As a matter of fact, we issues in S. 1315—primarily this—but posal in the form of a bill, S. 2640. We granted them, at the time, a tremen- on the very next day the majority lead- cannot hide from it. We will vote on it. dous amount of money. That money, in er was already talking about filing a Members will be asked to choose be- today’s standards, would be well into cloture motion on the bill. I was per- tween our veterans and a 1,400-percent the billions of dollars. We didn’t walk plexed a little. On the one hand, I had pension over the poverty line in the away and leave anybody without. We an offer to negotiate a way forward; Philippines. That will happen tomor- made sure that we rebuilt the country, but on the other hand, I have a cloture row. but we also left the infrastructure that vote being proposed. I am not sure This comes down to where our prior- was most needed. where the disconnect is. I don’t like to ities are—the Senate and this Con- Let me suggest to you that this pen- look back. I believe we should look for- gress. I believe our priorities should be sion creates a new inequity. There were ward. on increasing the benefits that apply to a lot of troops in the Second World War I am prepared to go to the bill. I be- our guys. I believe that the substitute under U.S. command. They might not lieve it would be extremely healthy for amendment I will offer that increases have been a territory of the United this Congress and for the American housing grants for profoundly disabled States, but they signed up for their people to be educated on exactly what veterans who need their homes modi- army, and they were under U.S. com- this is about because this truly does fied is important. It should be a pri- mand. What is to keep them from beg where we place our priorities from ority. I believe the auto grants for pro- claiming they are owed a special pen- the standpoint of the Senate. Are our foundly disabled veterans who need the sion from the United States? They priorities to fund our veterans, our freedom of mobility to live independ- have never done it. These are the only kids with service-connected disabil- ently is a priority. I believe improve- ones who have. If you think of all of ities, or is our goal to set up a special ments to the education benefits for re- our global partners who could claim, pension for non-U.S. citizens who live turning Guard and Reservists is a pri- based upon this precedent, quite frank- in the Philippines, with no service-con- ority. I am sad to say that we do in- ly, it would be a difficult thing for this nected injuries, and to divert that crease the burial benefits. I am sorry it country to deal with. money away from our kids? is a provision that people have to take As I said earlier, this new spending is The answer is pretty simple for me. I advantage of. But burial benefit in- paid for by reversing the effects of a believe our priority is to make sure our crease is a priority of this country. I U.S. Court of Appeals decision for vet- troops get it. I believe our priority believe all of these things are abso- erans’ claims decision that granted should be to make sure our soldiers get lutely crucial. extra pension benefits to elderly and whatever they need, to make sure the I met a veteran from North Carolina poor U.S. veterans in a manner that Eric Edmundsons of the world have the last year, Eric Edmundson. He needed a was never intended by Congress. van they need for their disabilities, to vehicle because of his disabilities. An Let me explain in layman’s terms make sure those who need adaptive unbelievable soldier; an unbelievable what that means. The VA made en- housing because of their severe disabil- American. He will never fully recover. hanced payments to U.S. veterans— ities from war have the money they He will only be mobile with the help of benefits that were never intended in need to upgrade their house so they the aids we can make available to him. the letter of the law or in the intent of can maneuver in it. The Edmundsons found an accessible Congress. When the courts determined I daresay, a $1,000 increase on the van to accommodate Eric’s injuries for that, they pulled back about a billion auto grants and a $5,000 increase on the $45,000. They had to pay $14,000 out of dollars from this country’s veterans. It adaptive housing is not enough. I can pocket. is that billion dollars that is used in tell my colleagues, we need to do more, Can we put the need of that van for the offset for the $909 million spending and I am committed to say today I will Eric Edmundson as a top priority? We plan we have in front of us today. I do more. But how are we going to do can if, in fact, we shift the $221 million may argue the court’s decision, but to more if we show something as irrespon- that is going to people who have no take money from veterans in the sible as a decision to spend $221 million service-connected disability, don’t live United States, who are slightly above that we have taken from U.S. veterans, in the United States, aren’t U.S. citi- the poverty threshold, and spend it on away from people slightly over the pov- zens, didn’t serve in the U.S. Army, but a new special pension for Filipino vet- erty level, to allow it to go to individ- were under U.S. command during erans, who are already 400 percent uals who are going to be above the mid- World War II. We are not going to be above poverty in the Philippines, is flat dle class in the Philippines? able to do it if, in fact, we don’t shift wrong. How can any veteran in America be- the money. Let me say that again. What the lieve we are serious about prioritizing My amendment would increase the court exercised was to take money how we spend money in the future if, in auto grant benefit to $16,000 and, more away from U.S. veterans who are fact, we display this type of judgment importantly, in the case of the housing slightly over poverty, and I have said and willingness to extract money from benefit, the auto benefit, and the burial constantly what we do with special our veterans to create new programs? benefit, it would index it so that annu- pensions in the United States, we get I am fairly confident we have a num- ally we don’t have to go in and legis- about 10 percent over the poverty line. ber of Members who would like to late an increase. It increases with in- We have Filipinos today at 400 percent speak on this bill this evening. It is my flation, so for the first time what Con- over the poverty line, and the debate hope we will have an opportunity to gress does is actually thinks about the we are having is whether we go to 1,400 turn to consideration of the actual bill future and makes sure our veterans re- percent over the poverty line. and to entertain any amendments our ceive a benefit that is reflective of the One of the largest service organiza- colleagues plan to offer on this bill. inflation in between times that we tions, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, When the majority leader left the have legislated. agrees. It passed a resolution in August floor earlier today, he said it was his Creating a pension in the Philippines, urging Congress to use funds from re- request that we move as quickly to I suggest, is simply bad policy. I will versing the effects of the court decision conclusion of this bill as we possibly make a comment on why the Phil- on U.S. veterans and not to create new can. I have given my colleagues a small ippine pension is not only the wrong benefits for Filipino veterans. If my snippet tonight of what the history I priority, it cannot be justified as a colleagues adopted that approach, as looked at says of our leaders at the matter of fairness. It is important to many of us have urged from the begin- time. There was no documentation, understand that VA pensions are de- ning, S. 1315 would have become law in there was no hearsay, there was no in- signed for veterans, as I said earlier, to August 2007. tent of those leaders or the Congress to

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The fur- made to the Philippines to purchase EARTH DAY AND GLOBAL WARMING ther we get from the 1942 act and the equipment and material for the oper- interpretation by the Court and the ation of these hospitals. Congress also Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, 38 further we get from the 1946 Senate authorized disability compensation, years ago this week, Senator Gaylord hearings that initiated the Rescissions survivor compensation, funeral and Nelson of Wisconsin, a great environ- Act that took the Court’s interpreta- burial benefits, dependents’ edu- mentalist and a good friend of many of tion of what the Filipinos were due cational benefits at the rate of 50 cents our colleagues who are still here, came away, I am convinced it requires some- on the dollar for individuals residing in to the Senate floor with a novel idea. body to do their homework and come the Philippines and full-dollar benefits He proposed one day each year to to the floor and remind us of where our for those residing in the United States. honor our planet, an occasion to re- priorities are in this country; that Full eligibility for VA health care was dedicate ourselves to stewardship of until we have more than our kids need, provided to Filipino veterans legally the Earth and the fight against pollu- the right priority is to spend it on ours residing in the United States. tion. He called his idea Earth Day. and not necessarily on somebody else’s. We have done a lot. I am sure it is When Senator Nelson proposed the I reiterate the fact that our veterans not as much as some want. We are first Earth Day in 1970, our country’s and our VA pension is designed for vet- faced with a job where we have people environmental outlook was grim. Smog erans who have no service-related inju- come in and ask every day—there is choked the air of Los Angeles, New ries and who are poor, according to the something everybody needs. I learned York, and other great American cities; U.S. definition of poverty, and the very early in life that the toughest many communities dumped raw sewage maximum VA pension payable to a thing to learn in life is to say no be- and untreated industrial waste in our U.S.-based veteran puts him at 10 per- cause that means somebody is upset greatest rivers, including the Mis- cent above poverty and at 17 percent of with you. But you cannot go through sissippi and the Illinois and the Hud- the median average household income. life without learning the word ‘‘no.’’ son. Polluted air and fouled water Again, the Philippine Government You cannot do it in business, and you weren’t the only challenges troubling currently provides a $120 pension to clearly cannot do it in politics. Maybe our country. We had endured a series of this brave group of Filipino veterans, that is why Charles de Gaulle said poli- tragic assassinations of great leaders, putting them at roughly 400 percent of tics is too serious a matter to leave up we were torn over a war in Vietnam, poverty in the Philippines and 35 per- to politicians. It requires a participa- and we had seen civil rights riots and cent of the average household income. tion level of the American people. antiwar demonstrations in our streets. Adding an additional VA pension My hope is, over the next day, 2 The Nation was divided and, frankly, today, adding the pension that is al- days—whatever the leadership decides losing the self-confidence for which ready in S. 1315, would put a single Fil- is the future of this bill—that we will Americans have always been known. ipino veteran at 1,400 percent of the have an opportunity to educate the But Gaylord Nelson was an optimist. Filipino poverty level and 21 percent American people and, at the same He believed that with imagination and above the average household income. time, we will educate Members of the dedication, despite all the problems Think about that. Our special pen- Senate that no matter how far you going on in the world, we could attack sion is going to put them 21 percent want to look back, no matter how at least one of our country’s problems, over what the average Filipino makes much you want to try to speculate and that was the problem of pollution. annually. what went on, that when you stick With the commitment of our people If the argument I have made is not with the written word, when you look and the leadership from our Govern- credible from the standpoint of at what President Roosevelt said, when ment, we could devise ways to clean up prioritizing our spending, that it you look at what General MacArthur our rivers and our lakes and the air we should be our kids and not necessarily said, when you look at what the Senate breathe. He was right. their veterans, then I ask my col- did and Senator Hayden—and they leagues: Is this our responsibility? Our Since 1970, when Congress passed the were there at the time and the Senate responsibility is to take individuals Clean Air Act, we have greatly cut the was charged with determining whether and to put them 21 percent over the av- amount of noxious substances in the this benefit was appropriate—that from erage working Filipino? I do not be- air we breathe. Emissions of carbon all the information in real time they lieve so. I do not believe that is a good monoxide have fallen by 50 percent looked at, their decision was the Re- thing. I believe it is wrong. But that is since 1980, according to the Environ- scissions Act, to take away what the what we are being asked to do. mental Protection Agency, lead emis- I am not sure the VA was intended to courts had awarded. sions are down 97 percent, and sulfur take people and put them in the middle Now, 50 years later, we are being dioxide emissions have dropped by class or, in the case of the Philippines, asked not to apply what they thought nearly 50 percent. to put them above the middle class. It was correct but to apply what we think Since 1972, when the first clean water was to make sure our soldiers and their today. Even if you use that standard, I legislation passed, we have set high soldiers do not live in poverty. Clearly, daresay you cannot make a claim that standards for water cleanliness and they are doing better than we are a special pension that puts Filipino given our cities and towns the re- today, and I challenge us to do more veterans who live in the Philippines, sources they need to stop dumping un- about ours, or maybe it describes for us with no service-connected injury, 21 treated waste. Our great rivers—the the choice we have before us, that this percent over the median income in the Mississippi, the Ohio, and the Hudson— would be ill-advised for us to proceed Philippines is the right thing for us to are healthier today than they were 30 forward. do. years ago. Since World War II, the United I know there are several Members Now, this doesn’t mean we don’t have States of America has provided a tre- who are going to come over shortly. I challenges with the Clean Water Act mendous amount to Filipino veterans. expect Senator CHAMBLISS any minute. and the Clean Air Act. As a member of Congress authorized the construction I yield the floor and suggest the ab- the environmental committee, I know and equipping of a hospital for the care sence of a quorum. some of the problems we have seen of Filipino veterans. The Filipino Me- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The with this administration in terms of morial Hospital Center VMMC was clerk will call the roll. rollbacks of some of these great dedicated in 1955 and turned over to the The legislative clerk proceeded to strides. Nevertheless, we all know Filipino Government free of charge. call the roll. things have improved with the Clean

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:11 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.061 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3243 Water Act and the Clean Air Act since ping a 9-year streak unprecedented in emissions and attack the problem of Gaylord Nelson declared Earth Day. the historical record. The winter of global warming. So here you have re- On Earth Day 2008, however, we con- 2006 was the warmest on record world- lated economic losses, and these are, of front a new environmental challenge. wide. Almost every State in our coun- course, from increased storms and It is a challenge of equal and perhaps try is seeing higher temperatures. wildfires. greater magnitude. I am talking here You can see what we have here, with I think we all remember well the about global climate change. the coldest being 1, the warmest being wildfires in California. I remember this For several years, our country had a 112. And you can see for several of the well because during the same time the debate over whether climate change States it was the record warmest, and wildfires were raging in California, we was real or some sort of hoax perpet- for most of the States it was much had a hearing in our Environment uated by doomsayers. That debate is above normal, as in the Presiding Offi- Committee where we had the commis- over. There is now an undeniable sci- cer’s State of New Jersey. Maybe you sion on disease control testify. We no- entific consensus that the Earth is remember the year of 2006—it wasn’t ticed, when we looked at the written warming. Study after study dem- that long ago—and you can see how hot testimony, it seemed kind of chopped onstrates that global warming is real it truly was when you look at it from up. It turned out it had been edited by and that it is affecting us now. a worldwide perspective. It doesn’t the administration. Among other Early last year, the Intergovern- mean you won’t have a year here or things, of the parts that were edited mental Panel on Climate Change there that won’t be normal, but when out was a part about the effect climate issued its latest report on the science you look at the actual trend over the change would have on disease and the of climate change. This report was pro- last decades, you see an increasing mortality rates in our country. There duced by some 600 authors from over 40 warming temperature. was actually a part edited out that said countries. Over 620 expert reviewers Worldwide, glaciers are rapidly melt- it would lead to more wildfires in the and a large number of government re- ing. In fact, almost everything frozen Western States, just as the wildfires viewers also participated. This is a on our Earth is melting. A few months were raging in California. very cautious group of scientists with a ago, it was reported that glaciers in So this is an example of the increased very conservative process for meticu- the European Alps will be all gone by economic loss we have seen that are lously reviewing the evidence and the year 2050. Experts believe that in 25 weather related in this country. You reaching their conclusions through years there won’t be a single glacier can see that from 1960 to 1969, and then consensus. What did they conclude? left in Glacier National Park. So if you go up to 1988 to 1997, and of course Well, they concluded that changes in people are planning a vacation to visit I am sure you are going to see more climate are now affecting physical and Glacier National Park to see the gla- now. biological systems on every continent. ciers, they better do it soon because ex- We have had fires in Minnesota and Last November, the IPCC issued a perts predict that in 125 years there followup report. It concluded that floods in Minnesota, and the people of won’t be any left. our State are starting to see this in a ‘‘warming of the climate system is un- Globally, sea levels have risen 4 to 10 very different way. In our State, one equivocal,’’ based on observations of inches over the past century. The fre- economic loss that isn’t one of these increases in global average air and quency of extremely heavy rainfalls hurricanes or fires is the decreasing ocean temperatures. It said that evi- has increased throughout much of the levels of Lake Superior. That will be dence from every continent shows dra- United States. matic changes in physical and biologi- The impact is especially dire in surprising to people who think sea lev- cal systems, including melting of the Greenland and the Arctic region. The els are rising because Greenland’s ice permafrost, rising water temperatures, temperature changes there have been sheet is melting. Why would the level and changes in the habitat range of mi- the greatest, resulting in widespread of our Great Lakes be going lower? gratory animals. melting of glaciers, thinning of the They are going lower because the ice is So how did this all come about? Well, polar icecap, and rising permafrost melting more quickly, so the water certain types of gases—most notably temperatures. You can see here in our evaporates, and Lake Superior is now carbon dioxide but also methane and picture that since 1979, more than 20 at its lowest level in 80 years. nitrous oxide—accumulate in the at- percent of the polar icecap has melted Now, you might think: Oh, Lake Su- mosphere and then absorb or trap the away. There is the North Pole, and you perior is so cold, hardly anyone can go sun’s heat as it bounces off the Earth’s see the Arctic sea boundary that we swimming anyway. Who cares? Well, it surface. The problem is that carbon di- had in 1979, and now we have 20 percent affects our economy in Minnesota be- oxide doesn’t dissipate quickly; it stays melting of this icecap. cause the barges are not able to come in the atmosphere for five decades or Well, I saw this firsthand, Mr. Presi- in. We have shipped something like 300 more, causing the Earth’s tempera- dent, when I visited Greenland last tons less, by my memory—we will have tures to rise. This means that most of summer with my colleagues from the to correct the record if I am wrong—300 the carbon dioxide produced in the Environment and Public Works Com- tons less of traffic because these barges 1950s, the 1960s, the 1970s, and the mittee. Greenland has been called the cannot carry as much because the 1980s—as I look at our pages, Mr. Presi- canary in the coal mine for climate water level of Lake Superior is so low. dent, I realize many of them were not change. They have seen vast changes. By that example, this is truly an even born when this carbon dioxide was We talked to local residents, and there issue that has finally moved out of the released—well, that carbon dioxide is are still more dogs than residents— science labs and the classrooms and the still in our atmosphere today. And it more sled dogs—but we talked to some seminar rooms and has entered the ev- means that carbon dioxide produced of the local residents who said they can eryday conversations of people in my today will still be in our atmosphere in remember the days when there was ice State. I hear it from hunters across 2050 and beyond. All of that carbon di- in their front yards, and now they are Minnesota, who notice how our valu- oxide has been trapping heat in our at- growing potatoes. They have lost the able wetlands are changing. I have mosphere. Over time, it makes global size of Texas and Arizona combined heard it from the heads of our snow temperatures rise. In turn, sea levels into the sea from the icecap in Green- mobile associations, who testified at a rise—both because the water expands land. forum I had with our Governor on cli- as the oceans warm and because melt- Other changes, such as the recent in- mate change in January, because they ing glaciers and icecaps add more crease in the severity of hurricanes and have seen decreasing snow levels. I water. other extreme or destructive weather hear about it from ice fisherman be- Global warming is real, with enor- events, are consistent with the kinds of cause they have seen it takes longer mous consequences for our world and changes scientists expect to occur on a for the ice to freeze and they can’t put for our economy. For example, here is warming planet. They are early indica- their fish houses out as early as they a chart which shows the rising tem- tors of even more dramatic climate would like. peratures. Mr. President, 2006 was the shifts and economic damage that await Just yesterday, USAToday had a hottest year ever in this country, cap- us if we don’t reduce greenhouse gas story about the shrinking number of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.064 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 moose in northern Minnesota. Biolo- the opportunity to develop new tech- Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, it is gists think that global warming is af- nologies, new jobs, and new industries. my understanding we are postcloture fecting the habitat of these moose and It gives us the opportunity to reduce and I have up to 1 hour, is that correct? making them more vulnerable to our dependence on foreign oil, which The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- parasites, causing an incredible reduc- just hit another record of $117 per bar- ator will suspend for a moment, please. tion in the number of moose. rel this week. It gives us an oppor- The Senator is correct. This is how real people in the real tunity to give consumers new, cheaper Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I world are talking about this. They are alternatives to fossil fuels. Whether it rise in opposition to S. 1315, but to worried about what is happening to is an electric car, a hybrid car, or look- speak in favor of Senator BURR’s alter- their planet and the consequences that ing at what Brazil did with sugar cane, native bill, S. 2640, the Veterans’ Ben- will have for all of us and our children where they became energy inde- efit Act of 2008. As we continue to pros- and our grandchildren. pendent, so they are not dependent on ecute the global war on terrorism and So the question is, How will we re- foreign oil, we know there are things take care of our veterans who are re- spond in Washington? I am actually we can do beyond what we are doing turning from that effort, as well as going to give a talk on this every sin- now with switchgrass, prairie grass, take care of veterans from all our past gle week, Mr. President, up to our de- and all kinds of alternative tech- conflicts, our Nation has an obligation bate on this bill in June, and I figured nologies. But we have to set the stand- to these veterans and their families a good day to start was with Earth ards as a government so we can encour- who make the greatest sacrifices to de- Day. But just to summarize—and I will age that kind of investment. We are fend our Nation and freedom across the go into more detail in other floor re- not going to have a silver bullet here. world. This obligation extends to pro- marks I will make—how will Wash- As we like to say in Minnesota, we will viding our brave young men and ington respond? have silver buckshot. We are going to women with the optimal rehabilitation In December, the Environment and have a number of proposals and alter- care, compensation packages, and long- Public Works Committee approved a natives, but we have to get moving by term benefits for their service. landmark bipartisan bill to get our setting the standards. This is a very familiar issue to me, country moving in the fight against This is an opportunity that we must and I was pleased to offer several climate change. I thank my colleagues, seize now. I am proud to celebrate amendments with my Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues during Senators WARNER and LIEBERMAN, for Earth Day today, to join with my col- their work on this legislation, and I leagues and millions of Americans in last year’s markup of the wounded war- rior bill, which will go a long way to thank Senator BOXER, the chairwoman honoring our planet. But in the decades improving the treatment and benefits of our committee, for her leadership in since Gaylord Nelson sponsored the these wounded warriors will receive, developing this bill and moving this first Earth Day, the occasion has often both now and in the future. Both of the bill through the committee. turned into a symbolic event, a day for This legislation is visionary, but it is teach-ins at our schools and rallies at bills at issue today go a long way to also practical. The bill would, for the our State capitols. I participated in further improving the care of our vet- first time, set mandatory caps on car- them myself. erans and wounded warriors, and it is But today, 38 years after its incep- very clear that both Senator BURR and bon dioxide emissions, on greenhouse tion, we have the opportunity to return Senator AKAKA worked very hard to gas emissions. It would establish a cap- to the original spirit of Earth Day and craft bills that will benefit our vet- and-trade system to use market forces celebrate the occasion with action, the erans and their families. so that the private sector can reduce action of investing in the farmers and S. 1315 makes many significant greenhouse gas pollution in the most the workers of this country instead of changes in the area of insurance, hous- efficient way possible. the oil cartels of the Mideast; the ac- ing, labor, and education benefits for And I can tell you, we have learned tion of finally doing something to set our veterans. However, the bill pays for from experience. We did this with acid that investment in place so we can de- these increased entitlements by revers- rain, and it was very successful. We velop the next generation of new tech- ing a 2006 court decision, which would have seen from what the European nology, as we did when we said we were effectively take $2,000 annually from Union did what is good and bad, so we going to put a man on the Moon. It was poor, elderly, disabled wartime U.S. can learn from that experience and do, great to put a man on the Moon and veterans. I would say, a better job in this coun- beat Russia—and look at what came Also included in the bill’s spending is try, if we can get this right. out of that: the CAT scan and infrared $221 million to create a new pension This legislation, in its first title, also technology. I remember in the 1970s my benefit for Filipino veterans residing in contains my proposal, the bill I intro- family went on camping trips with the Philippines, all of whom are not duced with Senator SNOWE, for a car- those little chocolate space sticks that U.S. citizens and none of whom have bon counter, which is a national green- came out of that trip to the Moon— any disabilities relating to World War house gas registry, because you can’t hundreds and hundreds of new techno- II service. fix a problem if you can’t measure it. logical developments because our Na- There are two significant problems Right now, we have 33 States off on tion put its mind on one goal. with the new spending on Filipino vet- their own starting a climate registry, This is another time to take action. erans. First, it takes money from poor which shows how absurd the situation We will have a chance to pass this cli- veterans in the United States, to in ef- is getting. They want to act because mate change legislation that is forward fect create a middle class of non- they are hearing from the people in looking, that is bipartisan, and that is United States veterans residing in the their States. They know they can’t pragmatic. We will have the chance to Philippines. Second, it comes at the ex- wait, so they have started their own answer the call of the people in this pense of benefit improvements that are climate registry, instead of what country—the little kids with the pen- needed for our returning combat vet- makes sense, which is a Federal reg- guin buttons, the hunters of Minnesota erans of the war on terror. istry. And that is the first title of this who see the changes of their wetlands. Under current law, a VA pension ben- bill. They see the urgency of this issue. We efit paid to an individual U.S. veteran In a few weeks, we are going to bring have a chance to regain world leader- cannot exceed $11,181 a year, which is the Lieberman-Warner bill to the floor, ship on the most pressing environ- roughly 17 percent of the United States and we will have a chance to take a mental challenge of our day. We will average household income. S. 1315 historic step on behalf of our country— have a chance to take our place in a would create a new, special pension in fact, on behalf of the entire world. great tradition of environmental stew- benefit for Filipino veterans in the As we prepare to consider this impor- ardship in the Senate and to renew the Philippines that will put them at over tant legislation, there is something promise that Americans made on the 87 percent of average household income else we need to remember, and that is first Earth Day, 38 years ago. in the Philippines! that global warming is, of course, a I yield the floor. As Senator BURR stated on the floor huge challenge, but it also presents op- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- earlier today, the contributions of Fili- portunities for our country. It gives us ator from Georgia. pino veterans during World War II is a

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Think of the numbers of admin- which this bill unfortunately does. living consideration, the first time it istrations. The quote then was: I hope the supporters of S. 1315 will has been raised is not today by me. It Its enactment would upset decades-old hear me when I say that a vote against was actually applied in the 1940s, at the policies which have authorized some but not this bill is not a vote against the con- conclusion of the conflict, to the all VA benefits based on this service. tribution that the Filipino veterans United States. I go on: made to the effort in World War II. No. 2, the United States provided History shows that the limitations on eli- Rather, it is a vote against taking an $22.5 million—$196 million in today’s gibility for U.S. benefits based on service in existing benefit away from a U.S. vet- dollars—for the construction and these Philippine forces were based on a care- eran. equipping of a hospital in the Phil- fully considered determination of the gov- Senator BURR’s alternative, S. 2640, ippines for the care and treatment of ernment’s responsibility towards them. will provide veterans with improved Filipino veterans. In addition, the I also continue: life insurance policies, enhance the United States provided annual grants Current law appropriately recognizes our veterans mortgage life insurance pro- for operation of the hospital which was two nations’ shared responsibility for well- gram, improve disabled veterans hous- later donated to the Filipino Govern- being, and should not be changed as proposed ing benefits by 10 percent, as well as ment. The grant assistance continues by this bill. index future housing benefits to infla- to this day. The Clinton administration lobbied tion. Survivors of Philippine veterans who Congress not to do what we are consid- S. 2640 also provides for automatic died as a result of service are eligible ering doing in S. 1315. What is it? To annual increases in burial benefits for for educational assistance benefits, extend a new, special pension to Fili- our veterans families as well as im- paid at a rate that reflects the dif- pino veterans who live in the Phil- proved educational opportunities to ferences in the cost of living. ippines, who have no service-connected our National Guardsmen and Reserv- All of a sudden we have second ref- disability, that, along with the Phil- ists who serve for a total of 2 years in erence to payments being made in the ippine pension that is currently in an active-duty status. Philippines at the conclusion of the place, would put these individuals at In relation to Filipino veterans, S. conflict where the cost of living dif- 1,400 percent over the poverty line and 2640 provides a pension plan to Filipino ferential was considered in what the 27 percent over the average median in- veterans who have resided in the United States payment was. come of the Philippine people. United States and have not received Filipino veterans legally residing in Now, I went a little bit further. I any benefits from the Filipino Govern- the United States are entitled to a full checked out this book from 1948. It is ment. In addition, it provides for full rated compensation, full rate cash ben- called House Committee Hearings. I disability compensation for Filipinos efits, full access to the VA health clin- want to turn to one section I think is residing anywhere in the world. ics and medical centers, and burial in pertinent to this debate. Because 1946 Our Nation’s commitment and num- our Nation’s national cemeteries. was the year we passed the Rescissions ber 1 priority must rest with taking In addition to that, I have mentioned Act. The Rescissions Act revised the care of our current veterans, particu- another hospital at Fort McKinley that Court’s interpretation of what were VA larly those who have disabilities re- was donated to the Philippine Govern- benefits. This sheds a tremendous sulting from their service, which 2640 ment. amount of light on the difference be- provides. I encourage my colleagues to The big question for Members of the tween my understanding and what support S. 2640, which provides the Senate and members of the Roosevelt those who were charged with inves- right compensation and the right poli- administration, the Secretary of War tigating U.S. obligations at the time cies for the right servicemembers. at the time, was how can we best help were. I yield the remainder of my time to the Filipino people? How can we best There was a Father Haggerty who Senator BURR. help these veterans? It was to recon- testified in front of the committee. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- struct the country. It was to create an These are Father Haggerty’s words: ator from North Carolina is recognized. infrastructure where health care could It was constantly promised that as the Mr. BURR. I thank my friend and be delivered. It was to repair roads. It Ambassador mentioned in radio broadcasts, colleague from Georgia. was to repair the infrastructure so the official American broadcasts to the Phil- I think my colleague put it very well. Philippines post war could have an ippines during the war, it was definitely The big question is, has the U.S. Gov- economy, not dissimilar to the Mar- promised by General MacArthur, General ernment met its obligation to Filipino shall plan in Europe where the United Wainwright, and also it has been acknowl- veterans? I think that is at the heart of edged, I believe, that Filipino groups recog- States and others—primarily us—fund- nized the guerillas, acting as members of the what some Members have raised with ed the reconstruction of much of Eu- United States Armed Forces, were entitled respect to this special pension. Let me rope. That is because we knew a coun- at one time to the complete GI bill of rights; say, Filipinos who fought under U.S. try without an economy, without the that is, they were included. I believe that is command in World War II were no ability to manufacture something, correct, and were later left out. doubt invaluable to the victory in the without the ability for its people to Mr. ALLEN, a member of the com- Pacific. Yes, they were U.S. nationals earn something, probably would not mittee: at the time, but they were also on a survive. May I say this, Father, I know you are sin- timetable to transition to a newly We made the right decision. We cere about it. But I think you are in error independent, sovereign Philippine pumped into the infrastructure billions there because there are three or four of us Union. Thus, their welfare has always of dollars by today’s standards. We here on the committee who were present been a shared responsibility between gave them hospitals. We built them when the GI bill was written. And I do not the U.S. Government and the Phil- hospitals. We gave them equipment. think this was ever entered into. ippine Government. We bought them equipment. Today we The chairman: ‘‘It did not come up?’’ Mr. ALLEN: ‘‘The Filipinos never entered Here is what the U.S. taxpayer has still provide a grant assistance to the into it.’’ already funded to meet United States Philippines for the care of Filipino vet- Father Haggerty: ‘‘I am also speaking of commitments to the Filipino veterans. erans. the impression that they all had.’’ After the war the U.S. provided $620 Some might say if we had a different Mr. ALLEN: ‘‘We are not responsible for im- million—that is $6.2 billion in today’s administration maybe things would be pressions, of course.’’ dollars—for repair of public property, different. On July 25, 1997, the Senate I said earlier I have tremendous re- war damage claims, and assistance to Committee on Veterans’ Affairs heard spect for my colleagues who are on the

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What Mr. Aument said was: judged that this is not a promise that House committee, probably the vet- If we calculated today the Filipino pen- is broken; that when you look at the erans committee, along with an ambas- sion, that would be identical to the U.S. pen- numbers, I am not sure you can be sador, and the Ambassador swore: sion, it would be $820. The existing Filipino more compassionate. We are not this ‘‘This is what I understood.’’ pension to the Filipino veterans is $120 a compassionate to our own troops, to Father Haggerty said: month, which equates to 400 percent above our own veterans. poverty. This was what I—I heard it, I heard the How can anybody come to the floor American Government say it. I heard Gen- Our own witness early last year basi- and make a claim that providing a pen- eral MacArthur say it, General Wainwright cally said that the average household sion 1,400 percent above the poverty say it. income in the Philippines was $2,800, rate, when our veterans are at 10 per- Well, I said earlier to those who were and $820 annually would put a Filipino cent above poverty, is equitable or fair; listening, we had testimony from the veteran on the same par with an Amer- that there should be one taxpayer who Army that said: We looked at General ican veteran receiving a special ben- should be asked to contribute to some- MacArthur’s records. We looked at efit, a special pension. thing that does not affect increasing President Roosevelt’s records. There Yet what we are here to debate over the quality of life of our veterans first was never an intent for this to be ex- the next several days is whether the and foremost. tended. Senate is going to extend to these Fili- I think America would hold a dif- Now, what we find in the Congres- pino veterans who live in the Phil- ferent compassion if the current Phil- sional hearing in 1948 is those specific ippines, who have no service-connected ippine pension did not provide a cush- questions were asked by members, and disability, a pension, in combination ion between poverty and the stipend Father Haggerty swears this was accu- with the Philippine Government, that they get of 400 percent. I think we can rate, that we said this, that this was will equal 1,400 percent above poverty, make the case that it is not a big the intent of the GI bill. that will equal 27 percent above the enough cushion to have American vet- And Mr. ALLEN, a member of the median income in the Philippines. erans only 10 percent above the poverty committee: We base this all off the belief that we line. May I say this, Father? I know you are sin- made a promise we are not keeping. I But we have an opportunity not to cere about it. But I think you are in error. gave three specific instances before, I grow it from 400 to 1,400 and to use that You are in error because there are three or read from the committee hearing from extra 1,000 percent to actually affect four of us on this committee who were last year, that dispel any belief that the lives of our service personnel who present when the GI bill was written, and I there was ever a promise. The 1948 ac- are severely disabled who are coming do not think this was ever entered into. count I read from the House committee home every single day. I am sure as we go through this, we hearing is not the only one; it is the It is my hope and my belief that to- are going to find others who come to 1946 Rescissions Act, it is the 1944 hear- morrow my colleagues will understand the floor and say: Listen, I know this ing with Senator HAYDEN. All of them the importance of my substitute was the intent of Congress. It is prob- point to the fact that those people who amendment. It does not devalue the ably the way they envisioned it today. were involved in crafting, writing, and contribution the Filipino veterans But when you go back to the actual passing the GI bill had no intent for made to the United States and to the records of the 1940s, when you go back this benefit to ever be extended. war in World War II. What it does is to the 1948 testimony, when you go I am hopeful my colleagues will see recognize the commitment we already back to the 1946 rescissions bill, when the priorities we are faced with as it made to the Philippines, to its people, you go back to 1944, and Senator Hay- relates to our own veterans, that they recognizing the fact that the group den, this has been explored over and will look at these severely disabled sol- that we are talking about was part of over and over. In every case, with dif- diers and sailors and airmen and ma- the Commonwealth Army of the Phil- ferent members, they came to the same rines who are coming back from Af- ippines, not the Army of the United conclusion. Let me read from a more ghanistan and Iraq today, having given States; that even though they were recent committee hearing, the com- their all, injured in a way we cannot commanded by Americans, they were mittee hearing that took place last replace but with an opportunity to sup- part of a military that existed within year with Senator CRAIG, who was then plement their quality of life. the Philippines, and to suggest that ranking member of the committee, as We can supplement that through a being part of somebody else’s Army but he talked to Mr. Ron Aument. number of different fashions. We can commanded by us would suggest that He said: supplement that by extending and rais- most everybody who was under U.S. Ron, let me take off from where the chair- ing the housing provisions for their command in World War II in the Euro- man has gone with a couple of questions. If ability to adapt their houses to their pean theaters would now be eligible if the committee were to structure a pension disability, $5,000 more dollars; we can benefit for those residing in the Philippines this precedent went through for a spe- that had the same purchasing power that a raise the grant allowance for cars so cial pension, that is not the intent of pension recipient in the United States had, individuals such as Eric Edmundson’s this Congress, it is not the intent of what would be the equivalent maximum pen- family is not stuck with $14,000 out-of- past Congresses, and certainly I do not sion benefit? Have you ever done any cal- pocket to make sure they have a van think it is the intent of the American culations based on S. 57? that his wheelchair can go into, that people. Mr. Aument: Yes, we have, Senator Craig. lifts him up, and gives him the ability I believe the responsible thing to do It has not been a simple calculation because to have some degree of mobility. is to pass this package that has over some of the economic statistics that we I think that is the priority. That is $900 million worth of benefits, $800 mil- would be turning to are not as readily avail- able to us. Having said that, if we take a the choice tomorrow that Members of lion under the substitute that would go look at what today’s pension rate for an this body will be given in a substitute to our children and our grandchildren, American veteran is with one dependent, we that I will propose, that still embraces and 100 million that would go still to mentioned it was around $14,000 annually, the majority of what Senator AKAKA Filipino veterans who live in the and contrast that to the average household had in his bill but eliminates one glar- United States or live in the Philippines income for the most recent census statistic ing thing, it eliminates the special pen- but have service-connected disabilities. we had at around $46,000 annually, it is sion for Filipino veterans who live in We are not an uncompassionate coun- around 30 percent of the average household the Philippines, with no service-con- try. We do not believe our taxpayers income. If we were to compare that to the average nected disability. should help to drive an income level of household income in the Philippines of It replaces it with an expansion of someone else to a point that we are not around $2,800, we are speaking around $820 veterans’ benefits for our soldiers or willing to commit to our own. When we annually in the form of a pension. our airmen, our soldiers, our marines. I have our veterans at 1,400 percent of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.070 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3247 poverty, I am willing to come to the veterans with severe burns. I know in ippines, including the right as a gov- floor and talk about putting their vet- my visits to those who have been ernment to call the military forces or- erans to 1,400 percent of poverty. wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, I ganized by the Commonwealth Govern- But those who have held our job be- have seen many who are in burn units ment into the services of the Armed fore us have already determined there who have suffered the scars of this war. Forces of the United States. is not a promise, there is not an obliga- This benefit for housing units that are On July 26, 1941, President Franklin tion, there is not a piece of paper that specially adapted for those who are suf- Roosevelt issued a military order call- said we were going to do this. A lot of fering burn injuries is a very important ing on the Commonwealth Army of the people think there was. But there was provision in this legislation that will Philippines to serve with the Armed not. be part of our efforts to make sure we Forces of the United States in the Far I look forward to the opportunity to are providing support to our veterans East. debate the amendment and to debate in who have served. The Filipinos who served were enti- more depth the history of this benefit This legislation is also important be- tled to full veterans’ benefits by reason and this obligation. cause it increases benefits for veterans of their service under the command of I yield the floor, and I suggest the ab- pursuing apprenticeships or on-the-job our Armed Forces. sence of a quorum. training programs. Across the country Of the 470,000—that is 470,000; that is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and in my State of Colorado, we know nearly half a million—Filipino vet- clerk will call the roll. there are many veterans who are un- erans who volunteered, approximately The assistant legislative clerk pro- employed. In fact, in most States, 200,000 served in the Philippine Com- ceeded to call the roll. Mr. SALAZAR. I ask unanimous con- about half of the homeless population monwealth Army, the Philippine Army sent that the order for the quorum call comes from the veterans ranks. So pro- Air Corps, and the Philippine Army be rescinded. viding on-the-job training opportunity Offshore Patrol—all under the com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without for these veterans is important. This mand of the United States of America objection, it is so ordered. legislation does that. and our military. Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I ask For all of the good things this legis- We, I believe, in America cannot for- unanimous consent to be listed as a co- lation does, we could have taken it get the sacrifice of our Filipino friends sponsor of S. 1315. through this Chamber, through the who fought side by side with American The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without House of Representatives, and to the soldiers in World War II. objection, it is so ordered. President’s desk, and we could have They constituted the vast majority Mr. SALAZAR. I come to the floor had that legislation already in law. We of the 80,000 soldiers who defended the this evening to speak on behalf of the could have the framework of a law now Bataan Peninsula against the Japanese Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act honoring the veterans of America in invasion. embodied in S. 1315. This legislation the way they should be honored. Yet They constituted the vast majority— passed the Veterans’ Affairs Com- because of one provision of this legisla- the vast majority—of the soldiers who mittee in August of 2007. I know the tion, it has been held up not 1 month, were forced on the Bataan Death work that goes on in that committee 2 months, but since August of 2007, to March. because I served on that committee the point where today it is already They fought side by side with Amer- with Senator AKAKA and many Mem- April of 2008, and we are on the floor of ican soldiers to defend Corregidor in bers. It is an important tradition that the Senate trying to break a filibuster 1942. committee has worked in a bipartisan over legislation that is supposed to They fought as guerrillas after the spirit to make sure the United States provide a benefit to our veterans in im- Japanese captured the Philippines. honors the debt we owe to our vet- portant ways. They worked behind enemy lines to erans, some 25 million veterans in The provision which some on the provide intelligence to the American America and 1.4 million, 1.5 million other side have objected to—not all of Army. More than half the battalion veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom them but some of them—has to do with that was tasked with providing intel- and Operation Enduring Freedom. It is the treatment of Filipino veterans dur- ligence from the occupied Philippines through that committee that legisla- ing World War II. I join, proudly, my later received the Bronze Star for their tion emerges to make sure the promise colleagues—Senator INOUYE and Sen- heroic service. this Nation makes to its veterans is a ator STEVENS—in support of the legis- When President Roosevelt signed a promise we keep. lation that would restore the benefits bill for the Filipinos to enlist in the In my view, the fact that so much to Filipino veterans by granting them U.S. Army, the Army stood up two en- time has passed since S. 1315 came out full veterans’ status for the sacrifices tirely new regiments—the 1st and 2nd of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee in they made during World War II. Filipino Infantry Regiments. August 2007 until we have it today on Over the last half century, the treat- The 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry the floor is, frankly, inexcusable. At ment of Filipino World War II veterans, Regiments participated in the bloody the end of the day, the committee in my view, has been a stain on our na- combat and mop-up operations at New worked to put together legislation to tional honor. Guinea, Leyte, Samar, Luzon, and better serve the Nation’s veterans. The Philippines became a possession other major battles in the Philippines. The legislation before us does some of the United States in 1898, when it Members of the 1st Regiment were very important things. It expands eligi- was ceded by Spain following the Span- also attached to the U.S. 6th Army, bility for traumatic injury insurance. ish-American War. During that time and they were working often behind That is very important, especially period, and for the following 60-some enemy lines to help free the Allied today when we see the kind of trauma years, the United States essentially prisoners from the death camps in 1945. and injuries our veterans are facing controlled the territory and the people In my view, the Filipinos who served coming back from Iraq and Afghani- of the Philippines. in World War II were entitled to full stan. We have now over 30,000 veterans It was in 1934, then, that the Con- veterans’ benefits by reason of their who have been grievously wounded in gress enacted the Philippine Independ- service with our Armed Forces. Despite that war. I know most of my colleagues ence Act. That provided a 10-year time- all their sacrifices—despite all their have been to Walter Reed or to vet- frame for the independence of the Phil- sacrifices—after the war was over, erans hospitals where they have seen ippines. But it was during that 10-year after the Philippines gained officially the kind of wounds our veterans are ex- timeframe, when the Philippines essen- their independence, the Congress periencing because of explosions of tially were in a commonwealth status passed the Rescissions Act of 1946, now IEDs and other kinds of attacks made relationship to the United States of codified in our U.S. law. on our troops. The expansion of trau- America, that the clouds of war and The 1946 act precluded most of the matic injury insurance is important for the horrific war of World War II beset Filipino World War II veterans from re- our men and women who serve. the entire globe. ceiving veterans’ benefits that were The bill also extends the eligibility Between 1934 and 1946, the United available to them prior to 1946 and that for specially adapted housing units to States retained powers over the Phil- are available to all other veterans of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.071 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 our Armed Forces today regardless of I am also proud to support this bill Mr. REID. Mr. President, would my race, national origin or citizenship sta- because it takes an important step in friend like me to be a little more spe- tus. recognizing the sacrifices made by our cific? S. 1315, today, would restore veterans men and women of the National Guard Mr. BURR. I would love for that. status to those World War II heroes and Reserve by expanding the Depart- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- and, in particular, it would provide ment of Veterans Affairs, VA, outreach imous consent that on Wednesday, pension benefits to aid Filipino vet- program. This program provides impor- April 23, following a period of morning erans residing in the Philippines during tant information about benefits and business, the motion to proceed to S. their twilight years. services that veterans and their 1315 be agreed to; and that the vote on The pension benefits under S. 1315 spouses, children and parents may be the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. would amount to less than one-third— eligible for through the VA. By expand- 2831, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, to less than one-third—of the basic ing this program we are ensuring that occur at 6 p.m., with the time from 5 to pension amount provided to veterans our citizen soldiers and their families 6 p.m. equally divided and controlled living in the United States of America have the resources and help they need prior to the vote. today. The average income of persons to make a successful transition back to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there residing in the Philippines, however, is civilian life after answering our Na- objection? Mr. BURR. Reserving the right to ob- considerably lower than their counter- tion’s call. ject, Mr. President. parts in the United States. So the pen- This bill also recognizes the sac- sion benefits under S. 1315 would pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- rifices of veterans who are suffering ator from North Carolina. vide a decent standard of living to from the physical, permanent wounds these veterans. Mr. BURR. We had a unanimous vote of war. It expands eligibility for trau- earlier today to proceed to the bill. I Our Nation cannot abandon those matic injury insurance and specially who have served under our flag and believe it has been a productive day. I adapted housing benefits to veterans who have served under our command. believe Members have learned a lot in with severe burns. It also restores vet- We must rally in support of these prov- the debate, and I think it is important eran status to Filipino veterans who en friends of America and act to re- to get the history of the issue on the served under United States command deem our Nation’s debt in honor of record for all Members. in World War II. their service. Having said that, I am prepared to I urge my colleagues to support S. Whether fighting to defend democ- begin consideration of the bill and for 1315 in its entirety, and to support racy overseas or standing sentry on the the amendment process to begin as granting the benefits that the Filipino home front, America’s veterans have well. Under the rules, my under- veterans from World War II, in my been there for us. We have a sacred standing is the cloture vote on view, have earned. commitment to honor all of the prom- Ledbetter would proceed an hour after Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I am ises made to them when they signed up we convene. proud to rise in support of the Vet- to fight for us. That’s why I am fight- Now, I am not in a position to delay erans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of ing hard today and everyday in the the Ledbetter bill, but I am in a posi- 2007. This bill expands much needed U.S. Senate to ensure that the federal tion to agree to go immediately in the and long overdue benefits for the men government maintains its commitment morning to consideration of S. 1315. and women in uniform who have served to veterans. Promises made must be The way the majority leader has word- overseas in difficult and dangerous cir- promises kept. ed his unanimous consent request cumstances to keep America safe. I suggest the absence of a quorum. would push off the rules of the Senate, We must honor our U.S. soldiers who The PRESIDING OFFICER. The requiring that the Ledbetter vote be in have died in the name of their country. clerk will call the roll. the morning. So, therefore, I have to These service men and women are The assistant legislative clerk pro- object. America’s true heroes and on this day ceeded to call the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- we pay tribute to their courage and Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- tion is heard. sacrifice by bringing this bill to the imous consent that the order for the Mr. REID. Mr. President, I think my Senate floor. Some have given their quorum call be rescinded. friend may have misunderstood my lives for our country. All have given The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without consent request. I think it is appro- their time and dedication to ensure our objection, it is so ordered. priate—we would not have to have country remains the land of the free The majority leader is recognized. morning business in the morning. We and the home of the brave. We owe a f could go directly to the bill in the special debt of gratitude to each and morning. We could convene at 9:30, 10 UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST— o’clock—whatever would be convenient every one of them. S. 1315 AND H.R. 2831 Our Nation has a sacred commitment to the minority—and we would legis- to honor the promises made to soldiers Mr. REID. Mr. President, here we are late on that all day tomorrow, offer when they signed up to serve our coun- again not being able to go to the bill. amendments. My friend wants to, I am try. As a member of the Senate Appro- I would hope we could go to this bill to- sure, offer an amendment to change priations Committee, I fight hard each morrow and debate it all day. As every- the provision in the bill as it relates to year to make sure promises made to one, I think, knows, we would like to Filipinos. That would be fine. our service men and women are prom- have a vote tomorrow night at 6 At 6 o’clock we would have a vote on ises kept. These promises include ac- o’clock on the reversal of the Ledbetter a motion that has already been filed to cess to quality, affordable health care decision. invoke cloture on Ledbetter. That and a proper burial for our veterans. So I have conferred with the manager would take 20 minutes. That is all it That is why I am an enthusiastic sup- of the bill and told him I was going to would take. And then, if cloture, of porter of the Veterans’ Benefits En- ask consent that in the morning we course, is invoked, then we would be on hancement Act of 2007. This bill pro- have the opportunity to go to the bill Ledbetter. If it were not invoked, then vides an increase in burial benefits for and legislate—have people offer amend- we would be right back on S. 1315. the families of our wounded or disabled ments on it tomorrow—that we would So again, I say to my friend, I think veterans, which I have been fighting go at 6 o’clock tomorrow to the cloture it is a good idea we go to the legisla- for since 2001. This means that service- vote—the motion has been filed—on tion in the morning. I wanted to do it connected burial benefits will increase the Ledbetter decision. I ask unani- Thursday night. We did not do it by $2,100 for a total of $4,100; non serv- mous consent that be the case. Thursday night. We did not do it Fri- ice-connected burial benefits will in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there day. We did not do it Monday. We have crease by $900 for a total of $1,200; and, objection? not done it today. So I would hope on plot allowances will increase by $445 Mr. BURR. Mr. President, reserving Wednesday morning we could do that. for a total of $745. These benefits will the right to object. That was my consent: We go to that, increase annually to keep up with in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- we take a brief pause at 6 o’clock to- flation. ator from North Carolina. morrow evening to vote on cloture on

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I was objection, it is so ordered. unanimous consent request is that as extremely impressed with Senator to the rule that would require us to INOUYE’s statement. For someone who f vote on cloture on the Ledbetter issue is a Medal of Honor winner, I think it 1 hour after we started business tomor- means a lot coming from him that we COMMEMORATION OF EARTH DAY all have a misconception of a lot of row, under the unanimous consent re- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, Earth quest, the majority leader has asked things that went on in World War II, not the least of which is the Bataan Day has been celebrated on April 22 that to be postponed until 6:30 tomor- every year since 1970. Much has row night. Am I correct? Death March. In all the movies and everything you changed since then. Americans have Mr. REID. Yes. What I did ask is that grown increasingly aware of impor- the vote on Ledbetter would be at 6 see about the Bataan Death March, you see a bunch of White men being driven tance of environmental stewardship for o’clock tomorrow. the wellbeing of our country. New chal- Mr. BURR. Six o’clock. I apologize. by the Japanese, many of them to their Mr. REID. The reason being—and it deaths. That death march had 15,000 lenges have emerged, though, that we is certainly no secret to anyone—we Americans and 60,000 Filipinos. That didn’t recognize in 1970. New sources of pollution threaten our air and water. have a number of Senators who want to was very educational for me. We have In recent weeks, for instance, we have vote on that matter, and we would ask had a number of good statements here been reminded that there are chemi- that be the schedule. today. So I would renew my consent re- cals and pharmaceuticals entering our I would say no one would be incon- quest. waters whose effects on the environ- venienced with that. If my friends do Mr. BURR. Continuing my reserva- ment are largely unknown. not accept the consent request I offer, tion, Mr. President, as I understand the then the only alternative we have is to Perhaps our most important chal- leader, it is not the minority and it is lenge perhaps the greatest problem waste another day because we are certainly not me who is suggesting postcloture with 30 hours. That time mankind has ever faced—is global that tomorrow be unproductive; it is warming. Disruptive climate change expires at 6 o’clock tomorrow. That is the majority leader’s desire to change what time it expires. That is why that threatens our ecosystems, our national the Senate rules and to move a vote on security, and our economy. Landmark arbitrary 6 o’clock time was chosen. cloture on the Ledbetter issue from 1 As I repeat, Thursday we could have laws such as the Clean Water Act and hour after we come into session to 6 the Clean Air Act have done much to been on the bill. Friday we could have o’clock tomorrow night to accommo- been on the bill. Monday we could have protect America. Now, though, our date people who are not in Washington, generation is being asked to step up to been on the bill. Tuesday we could have supposedly when the Senate is in ses- been on the bill. As I have indicated— save our planet as a whole. sion. The science is unequivocal: global and I am certain my friend has heard I think the Senator makes some some of the statements that have been warming is real and manmade green- great observations about the debate house gases are the root cause. The sci- made today about our not being able to today. I agree with him about the her- legislate—we have had to invoke clo- entific debate is over, and the time for oism of Senator INOUYE and others, ture so many different times it is dif- action is at hand. Senator STEVENS, who performed Congress is taking this responsibility ficult to comprehend, but it is ap- bravely in the Pacific in World War II, proaching 70 times. It would seem to seriously. Several bills have been in- and the debate we have had today. If troduced in the 110th Congress that me it would not be a fruitful use of the we have learned anything, it is that we time not to be in session until 5 o’clock would attempt to reduce greenhouse have brave Senators, but we also have gas emissions. Among them is Amer- tomorrow. Because under the rules— the history to look at as to whether my friend is right—cloture happens ica’s Climate Security Act, the bill this benefit was intended for these in- crafted by Senators Lieberman and automatically an hour after we come dividuals. That is why the debate was into session. So it is going to happen at Warner. so important that Senator REID and I 6 o’clock no matter what. The Lieberman-Warner bill has the It would seem to me, as to this im- discussed earlier yesterday and we con- potential to reduce America’s total portant piece of legislation, we should tinue now. But with the insistence that greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent be legislating on it from 9:30, 10 o’clock we change the Senate rules and delay by 2020 and 66 percent by 2050 compared in the morning—whatever time would the vote on Ledbetter, I would have to to 2005 levels. These cuts would restore be convenient to come in. This request be opposed to the unanimous consent U.S. leadership in international cli- I am making is certainly not an un- request. mate change negotiations and help usual request. We almost always, with The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- avoid the worst consequences of global rare exception, have cloture votes by tion is heard. warming. consent because, as I have indicated, Mr. REID. Thank you, Mr. President. There is no doubt. We need to start the rules call for cloture votes taking I appreciate the comments of my friend cutting greenhouse gases now. What place 1 hour after we come into session. from North Carolina. The record is have we heard from the White House on Today, we set the cloture vote on the very clear. This is a continuation of this? Last week, President Bush said motion to proceed to S. 1315—that was my friends on the Republican side America’s goal should be to start to re- by consent. We, with rare exception, do wanting to accomplish nothing rather duce the rate of greenhouse gas emis- it by consent. It is not as if we are here than something. I understand that. I sions by 2025. Representative EDWARD suddenly trying to invent the wheel. accept that. I have gotten used to it. MARKEY, chairman of the House Select Simply stated again, Mr. President, I Mr. President, I suggest the absence Committee on Energy Independence am saying, at 6 o’clock tomorrow, we of a quorum. and Global Warming, described the are going to have a vote on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The plan this way. The President’s short- Ledbetter reversal. Preceding that, we clerk will call the roll. term plan for global warming is: Do can have a very productive day and The legislative clerk proceeded to nothing. His intermediate plan is: Do work on this veterans bill. Or we can call the roll. nothing much. And his long-term plan follow the rules and be out of session Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- is: Do nothing close to what is required all day tomorrow and come in at 5 imous consent that the order for the to avoid global catastrophe. o’clock and have an hour of debate quorum call be rescinded. The White House plan is not nearly prior to the cloture vote. So it is estab- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without good enough. As global warming pro- lished we are going to have a cloture objection, it is so ordered. gresses we can expect more coastal

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:46 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.086 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 flooding, more inland droughts and On this Earth Day, which is cele- rying him through the streets of Bagh- wildfires, more severe storms, more brated by our Federal, State, and local dad. The explosion tore through his ve- global water and food crises, and more governments; grassroots organizations; hicle, killing him. He was 32 years old. stress on species and habitats that are citizens of North Carolina, the United Major Rosenberg was assigned to the already at risk for survival. A White States, and the rest of the world, we 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery House policy of ‘‘business as usual’’—of set out a vision of how things can be. Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, continuing to allow greenhouse gas We can be energy independent and se- 4th Infantry Division, out of Fort Car- emissions at an unchecked, accel- cure, we can de-carbonize our electric son. The 3rd Brigade Combat team has erating pace—will sentence America to generation, and we can wean ourselves lost 32 soldiers in Iraq, nine since de- an increasing number of catastrophes— off foreign oil. We can leave the cause ploying in November. Major Rosenberg catastrophes that will be costly in of this day—the Earth—cleaner and was the 236th Fort Carson soldier terms of dollars and of human life and more vibrant. It will not be easy, but killed in Iraq. health. we as a nation can and must lead the Words cannot begin to measure the We in Congress have another choice— way. magnitude of Major Rosenberg’s sac- the choice to honestly debate a ration- rifice, or the void left by his loss. f al plan for reducing greenhouse gas Those who knew Mark remember him emissions and enacting laws that pro- THE MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT OF as a dedicated and dutiful soldier full tect our planet and America’s future. 2007 of jokes and smiles. ‘‘He was the life of The founders of Earth Day created a Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise the party,’’ his sister recalls. ‘‘Every- legacy that lives with us today. Ameri- today to speak about the need for hate body wants to be around him.’’ By all cans recognize that our well-being is crimes legislation. Each Congress, Sen- accounts, he was an extraordinary hus- founded on a clean and healthy envi- band to his wife, Julie, and father to ator KENNEDY and I introduce hate ronment. We have seen much improve- crimes legislation that would strength- his two young sons, Joshua and Max- ment in the environmental stewardship en and add new categories to current well. Major Rosenberg was planning to shown by our nation’s citizens and in- hate crimes law, sending a signal that come home on leave in June to cele- dustry. Congress can be proud of the violence of any kind is unacceptable in brate Maxwell’s second birthday. Mark entered the Army in the foot- role it has played, too. Today, on this our society. Likewise, each Congress I steps of his father, Burton Rosenberg. Earth Day, America is faced with a have come to the floor to highlight a He graduated from the New Mexico new set of environmental challenges. I separate hate crime that has occurred Military Institute in 1996 and received look forward to working with my Sen- in our country. his commission shortly thereafter. He ate colleagues as we do what Con- On the night of March 7, 2008, Lance spent a year in Korea in 2001–2002 and a gresses before us have done: set aside Neve was with his boyfriend at a bar in year in Iraq in 2004–2005. For his honor- our personal and partisan differences Spencerport, NY. Neve told police that able service, he earned the Army Com- to do what is right for our country. a man at the bar had been yelling anti- Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise mendation Medal, the National Defense gay slurs at him and his boyfriend and today in support of Earth Day. Thirty- Service Medal, the Global War on Ter- continued to harass them using deroga- eight years ago, 20 million people from ror Service Medal, and the Humani- tory comments throughout the night. across our country celebrated Earth tarian Service Ribbon. The aggressor then allegedly asked to Day for the first time. This has since Mark’s second deployment, which shake Neve’s hand, explaining that he become an important annual tradition, began last November, was scheduled for had never shaken hands with a gay not only in America, but across the 15 months. His unit was tasked with man. When Neve refused, he says the globe. What started as a day to voice training the Iraqi military, a job in man attacked him and continued to concerns over smog, litter and dirty which Major Rosenberg was committed beat him after he had fallen to the rivers is now a global movement to to making a difference. He carried the ground, knocking him unconscious. clean our air, land, and water for fu- spirit of a peacemaker and understood Neve was hospitalized with a fractured ture generations. the humanitarian mission that a sol- skull, nose, left eye socket, and jaw as I am pleased that we have found dier could fulfill. many commonsense solutions to dif- a result of the attack. Police have ar- Major Rosenberg was the type of ficult environmental problems since rested 24-year-old Jesse D. Parsons of ‘great man’ who the activist and hu- the first Earth Day in 1970. For exam- Spencerport, NY, and charged him with manitarian Jane Addams described in a ple, in 1978 we banned second-degree assault designated as a 1903 address to the Union League Club chlorofluorocarbons in aerosol cans be- hate crime in connection with the at- in Chicago. In the remarks she offered cause of their devastating affect on the tack. in honor of George Washington’s birth- ozone layer. In 1990 we passed the Clean I believe that the Government’s first day, Addams argued that ‘‘when we Air Act Amendments to stop acid rain. duty is to defend its citizens, to defend come to the study of great men it is And in 2003 we passed the Clear Skies them against the harms that come out easy to think only of their great deeds, legislation to reduce sulfur dioxide and of hate. Federal laws intended to pro- and not to think enough of their spirit. nitrogen oxide that pollute our air. Al- tect individuals from heinous and vio- What is a great man who has made his though all of these accomplishments lent crimes motivated by hate are woe- mark upon history? Every time, if we make sense to us today, it wasn’t al- fully inadequate. This legislation think far enough, he is a man who has ways easy to convince leaders and even would better equip the Government to looked through the confusion of the the public that these actions were es- fulfill its most important obligation by moment and has seen the moral issue sential to protect our environment. protecting new groups of people as well involved; he is a man who has refused Some folks had concerns about the as better protecting citizens already to have his sense of justice distorted; actual effects of the legislation, while covered under deficient laws. I believe he has listened to his conscience until others had concerns about the eco- that by passing this legislation and conscience becomes a trumpet call to nomic costs. Their concerns are not un- changing current law, we can change like-minded men, so that they gather like the concerns of some in the cur- hearts and minds as well. about him and together, with mutual rent debate about global climate f purpose and mutual aid, they make a change. A number of my colleagues and new period in history.’’ I support a cap and trade system. But HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES Major Rosenberg, as Jane Addams de- no matter how we deal with climate MAJOR MARK E. ROSENBERG scribes, was able to see through the change we know that this will be a Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I rise ‘‘confusion of the moment’’ and under- complex and vigorous debate. The dis- today to honor the life of Major Mark stand the moral dimensions of his cussions about the impact and costs E. Rosenberg—a father, a husband, and work. He was able to inspire and lead are legitimate debates to be had. But I a soldier. Major Rosenberg was on his his soldiers, and the Iraqis whom he firmly believe that inaction is not an second tour in Iraq when a bomb ex- was training, with his vision and his answer to this growing crisis. ploded near the Humvee that was car- heart. He worked in one of the most

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.062 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3251 dangerous places in the world, yet was being Michigan’s oldest college and one current faculty, staff, and students of able to lift those around him with his of our Nation’s 100 oldest colleges. This Kalamazoo College as they celebrate spirit and his optimism. Hope is at a occasion will be marked by a series of the school’s 175th anniversary. We wish premium in Iraq, and he will be sorely celebrations this spring, beginning them continued success in the years missed. with the Founder’s Convocation on ahead.∑ It is at home, of course, that Major April 24, 2008. It is with pride that Sen- f Rosenberg’s absence is most strongly ator STABENOW and I bring this mile- felt. To Julie, Joshua, and Maxwell, to stone to the attention of the Senate. TRIBUTE TO PHIL BLADINE his mother Sheila, to his sister Lori, Since its inception in 1883, Kala- ∑ Mr. SMITH. Mr. President. ‘‘To live and to all his family and friends, our mazoo College has made immeasurable fully,’’ wrote Oliver Wendell Holmes, thoughts are with you. I know of no contributions to the academic, eco- ‘‘is to be engaged in the passions of words that can assuage the grief and nomic, and cultural life of the Greater one’s time.’’ I rise today to pay tribute pain you feel. I pray that you will find Kalamazoo area, the State of Michigan, to Phil Bladine, a remarkable Orego- some consolation in knowing that and the world community. Founded by nian, who passed away last week at the Mark will never be forgotten and that Baptists as the Michigan and Huron In- age of 89. There can be no doubt that his country will always honor his sac- stitute, this institution was formally Phil Bladine lived a very full life, as he rifice. He was among the noblest of our named Kalamazoo College in 1855. devoted much of it to making a posi- Devoted to the study of liberal arts citizens—a great man committed to tive difference in the issues of his time. and sciences and with an enduring mis- justice, humanity, and duty. May his A native of Iowa, Phil first arrived in sion ‘‘to prepare its graduates to better legacy lift us all. McMinnville, OR, as a 14-year-old, understand, live successfully within f when his father purchased a commu- and provide enlightened leadership to a nity newspaper. After graduating from ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS richly diverse and increasingly com- high school and college, Phil did as did plex world,’’ Kalamazoo College has so many others of the ‘‘Greatest Gen- earned a national reputation as a re- RETIREMENT OF DWIGHT eration’’—he wore the uniform of our spected, private, 4-year coeducational country. Phil joined the Navy in 1940, WHITTAKER college. Central to this mission is the and eventually would become an Exec- Kalamazoo Plan, a program established ∑ Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I utive Officer of an LST, a 228-foot ship in 1962 that integrates career develop- am proud to honor an Idahoan who has that carried U.S. Marines and landing ment internships and study abroad ex- devoted his adult life to helping the crafts in the Pacific Theater. periences with a rigorous academic disabled, and the past 37 years, doing After the war, Phil would return to curriculum and an individualized sen- this by leading the Development Work- McMinnville, where he would spend ior project. The Kalamazoo Plan was shop Incorporated, DWI, the largest much of the next half century at the initiated under president Weimer Hicks community rehabilitation program in helm of the McMinnville News-Reg- and seeks to create an academic com- Idaho. DWI provides work and life ister. Under his commonsense leader- skills and job training to those with munity where students are engaged in leadership and connected to their glob- ship, the News-Register became a posi- disabilities, and helps them move into tive and respected force for progress in gainful employment. When Dwight al surroundings. This year also marks the 50th anni- Yamhill County and all of Oregon. founded DWI in 1971, it served 12 indi- Phil was a natural leader who lent viduals; now, it’s grown to a company versary of the college’s study abroad program. Kalamazoo College offers his time and talent to countless orga- that serves 700 to 800 people with loca- over 50 study abroad programs on 6 nizations and worthy causes, including tions in five eastern Idaho counties. continents, and more than 80 percent of the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Asso- Dwight’s steady leadership, renowned its students participate in these pro- ciation, the Republican Party, St. Bar- courtesy and high integrity led DWI to grams, which is among the highest of nabas Episcopal Church, the success and earned him the Milton any college in the Nation. In addition, McMinnville Chamber of Commerce, ‘‘Milt’’ Cohen Leadership Award from Kalamazoo College ranks among the Associated Oregon Industries, and the the National Industries for the Se- top 10 in the number of alumni partici- Oregon Economic Development Com- verely Handicapped in 2006. Dwight led pating in the Peace Corps. Guided by mission. I am just one of many elected efforts over the years to preserve fund- the concept of ‘‘fellowship in learning,’’ officials who, over the years, counted ing and promote legislation at both the Kalamazoo College has continued to on Phil for advise and counsel. I always State and national level for individuals strive to meet the challenges presented knew that instead of telling me what I with disabilities. In his position, he has by an ever changing and increasingly wanted to hear, he would tell me what consistently sought out commonsense interdependent world. I needed to hear. solutions to service and funding chal- Notably, Kalamazoo College ranks Mr. President, I extend my condo- lenges and has surely been most re- among the top 20 liberal arts colleges lences to Phil’s wife Margaret ‘‘Meg’’ warded by seeing DWI grow into an or- in the country for students receiving Bladine; his daughter Pam; his son Jeb; ganization of such esteem and reputa- Fulbright awards and 19th nationally and all the members of the Bladine tion. in the percentage of graduates who family. May they find solace in the The face of community rehabilita- earn doctoral degrees. In addition, the words of the Greek poet, Sophocles, tion in southeast Idaho has undergone college received the State of Michigan who wrote, ‘‘One must wait until the a significant transformation over the Governor’s Service Award in 2006, with evening to see how splendid the day past four decades, and the citizens of the Kalamazoo Public Schools, for the has been.’’ I am confident that in the Idaho Falls and the surrounding areas AMIGOS Program, a bilingual program evening of his time on earth, Phil have Dwight to thank. I wish him well for mentoring middle school students. Bladine could look back at a life filled in his retirement and am certain that Kalamazoo College is an NCAA Divi- with family and friends, a life filled he will bring the same gifts of leader- sion III school and offers eight inter- with making a difference for his coun- ship, comity and energy to whatever collegiate sports for both men and try, his state, and his community, and path he chooses to walk next.∑ women. An especially impressive ath- he could say, ‘‘The day has indeed been f letic accomplishment is the tennis splendid.’’∑ team’s record of 69 successive MIAA 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF f championships, from 1936 to 2007, the KALAMAZOO COLLEGE longest streak by any athletic team at MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE ∑ Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it is my any level at any time. Kalamazoo Col- pleasure, along with that of my col- lege is also proud to have hosted the league from Michigan, Senator USTA Boys 18 & 16 national tennis ENROLLED BILL AND JOINT RESOLUTION SIGNED STABENOW, to recognize the 175th anni- championships since 1943. versary of Kalamazoo College. Kala- We know our Senate colleagues will At 12:45 p.m., a message from the mazoo College enjoys the distinction of join us in congratulating the past and House of Representatives, delivered by

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.051 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, AC35)(Docket No. 2003N–0342)) received on crime laws; to the Committee on the Judici- announced that the Speaker has signed April 17, 2008; to the Committee on Health, ary. the following enrolled bill and joint Education, Labor, and Pensions. EC–5909. A communication from the White resolution: POM–310. A resolution adopted by the House Liaison, Department of Health and House of Representatives of the State of H.R. 1119. An act to amend title 36, United Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to Michigan urging Congress to pass the Fore- States Code, to revise the congressional law, the report of action on a nomination for closure Prevention Act of 2008; to the Com- charter of the Military Order of the Purple the position of Assistant Secretary for mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- Heart of the United States of America, In- Health, received on April 17, 2008; to the fair. corporated, to authorize associate member- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and ship in the corporation for the spouse and Pensions. HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 306 siblings of a recipient of the Purple Heart EC–5910. A communication from the Chair- Whereas, the cascading impact of houses medal. man, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, that are lost to foreclosure for failure to pay H. J. Res. 70. Joint resolution congratu- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report enti- the mortgage is becoming increasingly evi- lating the Army Reserve on its centennial, tled, ‘‘In Search of Highly Skilled Workers: dent in many locations. The impact of the which will be formally celebrated on April A Study on the Hiring of Upper Level Em- foreclosures over the past year is so great 23, 2008, and commemorating the historic ployees from Outside the Federal Govern- that it is estimated by some that as many as contributions of its veterans and continuing ment’’; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- one homeowner in ten now owes more on contributions of its soldiers to the vital na- rity and Governmental Affairs. their house’s mortgage than the house is tional security interests and homeland de- EC–5911. A communication from the White worth. All homes, even those without a fense missions of the United States. House Liaison, Community Relations Serv- mortgage, lose value quickly as houses stand The enrolled bill and joint resolution ice, Department of Justice, transmitting, empty. For many neighborhoods, the pros- were subsequently signed by the Presi- pursuant to law, the report of action on a pect of vacancy is accompanied by justifiable nomination for the position of Director, re- dent pro tempore (Mr. BYRD). concerns over safety; and ceived on April 17, 2008; to the Committee on f Whereas, Congress is considering the Fore- the Judiciary. closure Prevention Act of 2008 as a means of EXECUTIVE AND OTHER EC–5912. A communication from the Under bringing a swift response to reverse the de- COMMUNICATIONS Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Tech- structive trend of people walking away from nology), transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- homes because of loans they cannot possibly The following communications were port relative to the steps taken by the De- laid before the Senate, together with pay. This legislation offers a range of provi- partment to implement the Service-Disabled sions, including allocations for foreclosure accompanying papers, reports, and doc- Veteran-Owned Small Business Program; to prevention counseling, expanding the capac- uments, and were referred as indicated: the Committee on Small Business and Entre- ity of governmental entities to redevelop EC–5902. A communication from the Chief preneurship. properties, allowing housing finance agen- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, f cies to help home buyers and issue refi- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS nancing bonds for owners with subprime Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the loans, and empowering bankruptcy judges to report of a rule entitled ‘‘Source Rules In- The following petitions and memo- change the terms of loans facing foreclosure. volving U.S. Possessions and Other Con- rials were laid before the Senate and The bankruptcy adjustment provision would forming Changes’’ ((RIN1545–BF85)(TD 9391)) were referred or ordered to lie on the be consistent with the power bankruptcy received on April 17, 2008; to the Committee table as indicated: judges already have for other kinds of debts, on Finance. POM–303. A resolution adopted by the including those for vacation homes and rent- EC–5903. A communication from the Assist- Board of County Commissioners of Miami- al properties; and ant Secretary, Office of Legislative Affairs, Dade County of the State of Florida urging Whereas, clearly, the severity of the mort- Department of State, transmitting, pursuant the Florida Legislature to require res- gage foreclosure crisis demands vigorous and to law, the certification of a proposed tech- taurants to post nutrition information; to swift action. Less comprehensive approaches nical assistance agreement for the export of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and voluntary programs alone are not technical data in support of the A400M Mili- and Forestry. enough: Now, therefore, be it tary Transport Aircraft; to the Committee Resolved by the House of Representatives, on Foreign Relations. POM–304. A resolution adopted by the That we memorialize the Congress of the EC–5904. A communication from the Assist- Board of County Commissioners of Miami- United States pass and the President to sign ant Secretary, Office of Legislative Affairs, Dade County of the State of Florida urging the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008; and Department of State, transmitting, pursuant the Florida Public Service Commission to be it further to law, the certification of a proposed license adopt final rules that will encourage the use Resolved, That copies of this resolution be for the export of a commercial communica- of consumer-owned solar and other renew- transmitted to the Office of the President of tions satellite to Russia and Kazakhstan for able energy systems; to the Committee on the United States, the President of the launch; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. United States Senate, the Speaker of the tions. United States House of Representatives, and EC–5905. A communication from the Assist- POM–305. A letter from a private citizen ant Secretary, Office of Legislative Affairs, the members of the Michigan congressional relative to the use of funds over the next 20 delegation. Adopted by the House of Rep- Department of State, transmitting, pursuant years; to the Committee on Armed Services. to law, the certification of the proposed resentatives, March 20, 2008. transfer of eight Patriot missile systems POM–306. A resolution adopted by the from the Government of Germany to the Board of County Commissioners of Miami- POM–311. A resolution adopted by the Government of the Republic of Korea; to the Dade County of the State of Florida urging House of Representatives of the State of Committee on Foreign Relations. the Florida Legislature to sign into law leg- Kentucky urging Congress to act swiftly to EC–5906. A communication from the Assist- islation reinstating a property tax exemp- renew the exemption of the Delta Queen ant Secretary, Office of Legislative Affairs, tion for solar energy systems; to the Com- from the Safety of Life at Sea Act of 1966; to Department of State, transmitting, pursuant mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. the Committee on Commerce, Science, and to law, the certification of a proposed agree- Transportation. ment for the export of defense articles to POM–307. A resolution adopted by the HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 109 support the Portuguese Air Force P–3C Air- Board of County Commissioners of Miami- A Resolution urging the United States craft Program; to the Committee on Foreign Dade County of the State of Florida urging Congress to act swiftly to renew the exemp- Relations. the Florida Legislature to provide matching tion of the Delta Queen from the Safety of EC–5907. A communication from the Acting funds for solar and other energy saving Life at Sea Act of 1966. Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, water heater installations for low-income Department of State, transmitting, pursuant homeowners; to the Committee on Energy Whereas, the Delta Queen is an integral to the Case-Zablocki Act, 1 U.S.C. 112b, as and Natural Resources. part of the culture and character of the Ohio amended, the report of the texts and back- River valley; and ground statements of international agree- POM–308. A collection of petitions for- Whereas, the Delta Queen has made a last- ments, other than treaties (List 2008-35— warded by the Benefit Security Coalition rel- ing impression as a beloved part of the past 2008–43); to the Committee on Foreign Rela- ative to establishing a more equitable meth- in the hearts of passengers and crew mem- tions. od of computing cost of living adjustments bers; and EC–5908. A communication from the Direc- for Social Security benefits; to the Com- Whereas, the Delta Queen is a part of the tor, Regulations Policy and Management mittee on Finance. National Register of Historic Places, a Na- Staff, Department of Health and Human tional Historic Landmark, and a jewel of the Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the POM–309. A resolution adopted by the United States’s inland navigable water sys- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Toll-Free Number Board of County Commissioners of Miami- tem; and for Reporting Adverse Events on Labeling Dade County of the State of Florida urging Whereas, the Delta Queen is the last of its for Human Drug Products’’ ((RIN0910– the Florida Legislature to strengthen hate kind, a sternwheel overnight passenger

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:37 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.018 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3253 steamboat like those that contributed to cial Security benefit as a person who had bly, and to the Director-General of the World this nation’s westward expansion; and worked only in employment covered by So- Health Organization, and to the representa- Whereas, the Delta Queen has been and cial Security throughout his career; and tive of the Taipei Economic and Cultural continues to be a safe and reliable vessel; Whereas, the purpose of Congress in enact- Representative Office in the United States: and ing these reduction provisions was to provide We, your Memorialists, the Senate and Whereas, the Delta Queen was constructed a disincentive for public employees to re- House of Representatives of the State of in 1926 to operate as a passenger vessel in ceive two pensions; and Washington, in legislative session assembled, northern California, during World War II was Whereas, the GPO negatively affects a respectfully represent and petition as fol- used in the United States Navy as a ferry for spouse or survivor receiving a federal, state, lows: wounded being treated in San Francisco; and or local government retirement or pension Whereas, Direct and unobstructed partici- Whereas, after being purchased in 1946 by benefit who would also be entitled to a So- pation in international health cooperation Greene Line Steamers of Cincinnati, Ohio, cial Security benefit earned by a spouse; and forums and programs is crucial for all parts the Delta Queen was carried from California, Whereas, the GPO formula reduces the of the world, especially with today’s greater to and along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, spousal or survivor Social Security benefit potential for the cross-border spread of var- to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for refurbish- by two-thirds of the amount of the federal, ious infectious diseases such as AIDS; and ment in order to carry passengers on the na- state, or local government retirement or Whereas, Taiwan’s achievements in the tion’s inland navigable water system; and pension benefit received by the spouse or field of health care are substantial, including Whereas, the Safety of Life at Sea Act of survivor, in many cases completely elimi- life expectancy levels that are some of the 1966 (P.L. 89–777) mandates that all passenger nating the Social Security benefit; and highest in Asia, maternal and infant mor- vessels having berth or stateroom accom- Whereas, the WEP applies to those persons tality rates that are comparable to those of modations for 50 or more passengers obey who have earned federal, state, or local gov- western countries, free hepatitis B vaccina- safety requirements, particularly fire safety ernment retirement or pension benefits, in tions for children and the eradication of requirements; and addition to working in employment covered polio, cholera, smallpox, and the plague; and Whereas, after this act was passed, the under Social Security and paying into the Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control wooden construct of the Delta Queen was Social Security system; and and Prevention and its Taiwanese counter- treated with fire resistant materials and a Whereas, the WEP reduces the earned So- part have enjoyed close collaboration on a modern sprinkler system, thereby making cial Security benefit using an averaged in- wide range of public health issues; and this vessel considerably more fire resistant; dexed monthly earnings formula and may re- Whereas, In recent years Taiwan has ex- and duce Social Security benefits for affected pressed a willingness to assist financially Whereas, the Delta Queen has historically persons by as much as one-half of the retire- and technically the international aid and been exempted from the Safety of Life at Sea ment benefit earned as a public servant in health activities supported by the World Act; and employment not covered under Social Secu- Health Organization; and Whereas, the Delta Queen’s safety records rity; and Whereas, Taiwan’s population of 23 million do not indicate that she is any less safe Whereas, because of these calculation is larger than that of 75 percent of World today then at any point since the passage of characteristics, the GPO and the WEP have Health Organization member states; and Whereas, The United States, in its 1994 the act in 1966; and a disproportionately negative effect on em- Taiwan Policy Review, declared its intention Whereas, the current exemption for the ployees working in lower-wage government to support Taiwan’s participation in appro- Delta Queen is to expire in 2008, and the jobs, like policemen, firefighters, teachers, priate international Organizations; and United States Congress has not acted to and state employees; and Whereas, Taiwan’s participation in the grant another exemption for the Delta Queen Whereas, because the Social Security ben- World Health Organization could bring many to allow her to continue operating: Now efit statements do not calculate the GPO and benefits to the state of health not only in therefore, be it the WEP, many public employees in Lou- Taiwan but also regionally and globally: Resolved by the House of Representatives of isiana are unaware that their expected So- Now, therefore the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of cial Security benefits shown on such state- Your Memorialists respectfully pray that Kentucky: ments will be significantly lower or non- Congress support the participation by Tai- Section 1. The House of Representatives of existent due to the service in public employ- wan in a meaningful and appropriate way in the Commonwealth of Kentucky hereby ment through which they are required to be the World Health Organization: Now, there- urges the United States Congress to act members of a Louisiana public retirement or fore, be it swiftly to continue the exemption of the pension system, plan, or fund; and Resolved, That copies of this memorial Delta Queen from the Safety of Life at Sea Whereas, these provisions also have a shall be immediately transmitted to the Act of 1966. greater adverse effect on women than on Honorable George W. Bush, President of the Section 2. The Clerk of the House of Rep- men because of the gender differences in sal- United States, the United States Secretary resentatives shall forward a copy of this Res- ary that continue to plague our nation and of State, the United States Secretary of olution to the Clerk of the United States the longer life expectancy of women; and Health and Human Services, the United Senate, the Clerk of the United States House Whereas, Louisiana is making every effort States representative to the World Health of Representatives, and all of the members of to improve the quality of life of her citizens Assembly, the Director-General of the World Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation. and to encourage them to live here lifelong: Health Organization, the representative of Now therefore, be it the Taipei Economic and Cultural Rep- POM–312. A concurrent resolution adopted Resolved, that the Legislature of Louisiana resentative Office in the United States, the by the Senate of the State of Louisiana urg- does hereby memorialize the Congress of the President of the United States Senate, the ing Congress to review and consider elimi- United States to review the GPO and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and nating provisions of federal law which reduce WEP Social Security benefit reductions and each member of Congress from the State of Social Security benefits for those receiving to consider eliminating or reducing them; Washington. the benefits from government retirement or and be it further pension plans; to the Committee on Finance. Resolved, that a copy of this Resolution POM–314. A resolution adopted by the Sen- SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3 shall be transmitted to the secretary of the ate of the State of Kansas urging Congress to United States Senate and the clerk of the To memorialize the Congress of the United amend the No Child Left Behind Act; to the United States House of Representatives and States to review and consider eliminating Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and to each member of the Louisiana delegation provisions of federal law which reduce Social Pensions. to the United States Congress. Security benefits for those receiving pension SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1831 benefits from federal, state, or local govern- POM–313. A joint resolution adopted by the A RESOLUTION urging the Congress of the ment retirement or pension systems, plans, Legislature of the State of Washington urg- United States to amend the No Child Left or funds. ing support for Taiwan’s participation in the Behind Act so that states will be allowed to Whereas, the Congress of the United States World Health Organization; to the Com- continue to work toward the goal of closing has enacted both the Government Pension mittee on Foreign Relations. the achievement gap without overly pre- Offset (GPO), reducing the spousal and sur- scriptive federal rules, unfunded mandates vivor Social Security benefit, and the Wind- SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 8028 and the coercion of losing federal funds. fall Elimination Provision (WEP), reducing To The Honorable George W. Bush, Presi- Whereas, The purpose of the No Child Left the earned Social Security benefit for any dent of the United States, and to the Presi- Behind Act (NCLB), which was enacted on a person who also receives a federal, state, or dent of the Senate and the Speaker of the bipartisan basis and scheduled to be reau- local retirement or pension benefit; and House of Representatives, and to the Senate thorized in 2008, is to increase the academic Whereas, the intent of Congress in enact- and House of Representatives of the United achievement of all students in language arts, ing the GPO and the WEP provisions was to States, in Congress Assembled, and to the mathematics and science, and to close address concerns that a public employee who United States Secretary of State, and to the achievement gaps among various subgroups had worked primarily in federal, state, or United States Secretary of Health and of students; and local government employment might receive Human Services, and to the United States Whereas, The NCLB sets expectations for a public pension in addition to the same So- Representative to the World Health Assem- all students to be 100% proficient by school

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.056 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 year 2013–2014; however, the specific require- Resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate *Yousif Boutrous Ghafari, of Michigan, to ments are unreasonable for students with provide an enrolled copy of this resolution to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- limited English proficiency and students the President of the United States, the potentiary of the United States of America with disabilities, making it impossible for President of the United States Senate, the to the Republic of Slovenia. all schools to comply with the law; and Speaker of the United States House of Rep- Nominee: Yousif B. Ghafari. Whereas, The NCLB requires highly quali- resentatives and to each member of the Kan- Post: Ambassador to the Republic of Slo- fied teachers in core academic areas, which sas Congressional Delegation. venia. conflicts with the process for certifying spe- (The following is a list of all members of cial education teachers and overlooks the f my immediate family and their spouses. I fact that many categories of teachers, in- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES have asked each of these persons to inform cluding special education teachers and mid- me of the pertinent contributions made by dle school teachers in small rural schools, The following reports of committees them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- often teach several subjects; and were submitted: formation contained in this report is com- Whereas, The NCLB coerces participation By Mr. LIEBERMAN, from the Committee plete and accurate.) Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: by placing punitive financial consequences on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- 1. Self: 2007—2,300.00, Team Sununu; on states refusing to participate; and fairs, without amendment: Whereas, The NCLB is an under-funded 6,800.00, Robert A. Ficano Committee; 300.00, S. 1046. A bill to modify pay provisions re- mandate, with actual funding falling over $70 John B. O’Reilly Jr. Committee; 200.00, Com- lating to certain senior-level positions in the billion short of the authorized levels, placing mittee to Elect Notte; 150.00, Committee to Federal Government, and for other purposes the burden on states and school districts to Elect Alan Lambert; 4,600.00, Mitt Romney (Rept. No. 110–328). spend their own limited resources to imple- for President; 80.00, Friends of Nancy A. Hub- By Mr. KENNEDY, from the Committee on ment the NCLB; and bard; 125.00, Diamond PAC/Jewel Ware; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Whereas, States should be allowed to use 250.00, Committee to Elect Mark Steenbergh; Report to accompany S. 1551, a bill to multiple measures of student achievement 65.00, Gary Woronchak for County Commis- amend the Public Health Service Act with and school effectiveness in their state ac- sioner; 125.00, Laura Cox for Wayne County respect to making progress toward the goal countability plan, and to use a student- Commissioner; 100.00, Friends of Suzanne of eliminating tuberculosis, and for other growth approach in their state account- Sareini; 250.00, Health PAC; 2,500.00, Friends purposes (Rept. No. 110–329). ability plan; and of Wayne State PAC; 150.00, Friends of By Mr. INOUYE, from the Committee on Whereas, States should have the flexibility Maureen Brosnan; 6,900.00, Mitt Romney for Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to allow school districts to design appro- President; 1,000.00, McConnell Senate Com- with amendments: priate instructional interventions and incor- mittee; 4,600.00, Friends of Carl Levin; 150.00, S. 1853. A bill to promote competition, to porate differentiated interventions for any Friends of Kevin McNamara; 250.00, Com- preserve the ability of local governments to school not making adequate yearly progress mittee to Re-elect Donald Fracassi; 1,000.00, provide broadband capability and services, so that a school that falls short in only a Friends of Michael Bouchard. small number of federal criteria is not treat- and for other purposes (Rept. No. 110–330). 2006—1,000.00, Mike DeWine for US Senate; ed in the same manner as a school that falls By Mr. LIEBERMAN, from the Committee 100.00, Gary Woronchak for County Comm.; short on all such measures, and to allow a on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- 200.00, Citizens for Jewel Ware; 125.00, Laura district not making adequate yearly progress fairs, without amendment and with a pre- Cox for Wayne County Comm.; 1,000.00, Dave to be the supplemental educational services amble: Camp for Congress; 250.00, Candice Miller for provider; and H. Con. Res. 307. A concurrent resolution Congress; 500.00, Health PAC; 1,000.00, IMP– Whereas, States should be given sufficient expressing the sense of Congress that Mem- PAC; 200.00, Citizens for Sam Salamey; time for improvement plans to take effect bers’ Congressional papers should be prop- 150.00, The Committee to Re-elect Edward A. before applying sanctions, and sanctions erly maintained and encouraging Members Boike, Jr.; 2,500.00, Friends of Wayne State should not be applied if they undermine ex- to take all necessary measures to manage PAC; 500.00, Kilpatrick for US Congress; isting effective reform efforts, or states and preserve these papers. 6,800.00, DeVos for Governor; 5,000.00, Robert should be permitted to replace sanctions S. Res. 497. A resolution expressing the A. Ficano PAC; 750.00, Michael A. Guido that do not have a consistent record of suc- sense of the Senate that public servants Committee; 2,100.00, C. Wakim for Congress; cess with interventions that enable schools should be commended for their dedication 100.00, Gary Woronchak for County Comm.; to make changes that result in improved stu- and continued service to the Nation during 1,000.00, Team Sununu; 250.00, Friends of dent achievement; and Public Service Recognition Week, May 5 Whereas, States and school districts should Kevin McNamara; 1,000.00, Knollenberg for through 11, 2008. Congress; 5,000.00, Michigan Republican have the flexibility to determine the appro- By Mr. LEAHY, from the Committee on priate standards upon which to base assess- Party; 100.00, Charles Chambers for OCC the Judiciary, with amendments: Board of Trustees; 2,000.00, Santorum 2006; ments for students with disabilities and to S. 431. A bill to require convicted sex of- utilize the results from assessments based on 2,100.00, Jeff Lamberti for Congress. fenders to register online identifiers, and for 2005—6,800.00, DeVos for Governor; 1,000.00, such standards in calculating adequate year- other purposes. ly progress without arbitrary federal limita- Friends of Michael Bouchard; 150.00, Com- tion on the use of such assessments; and f mittee to Elect Alan Lambert; 200.00, Whereas, States and school districts should Friends of Mark Steenbergh; 1,040.00, Mi- have the flexibility to exclude assessment re- EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF chael A. Guido Committee; 750.00, Freman sults of newly arrived limited-English pro- COMMITTEES Hendrix for Mayor Committee; 100.00, The ficient students in adequate yearly progress The following executive reports of Committee to Elect Arthur F. Wright; 150.00, Committee to Elect Gregory Pitonialk; calculations for an appropriate number of nominations were submitted: years to ensure that such tests are meas- 7,300.00, Robert A. Ficano Committee; 70.00, uring students’ academic content knowledge By Mr. BIDEN for the Committee on For- Friends of Nancy A. Hubbard; 70.00, Friends and not just their English-proficiency levels; eign Relations. of Suzanne Sareini; 250.00, Friends of Brenda and *Mark Kimmitt, of Virginia, to be an As- Lawrence; 100.00, Sue Hall for Mayor; 300.00 Whereas, Funding for supplemental edu- sistant Secretary of State (Political-Mili- Committee to Elect Joyce Hayes Giles; cational services and school choice transpor- tary Affairs). 150.00, Committee to re-Elect Edward A. tation should be funded by the federal gov- *Patricia M. Haslach, of Oregon, a Career Boike, Jr.; 100.00, Laura Cox for Wayne Coun- ernment, and not come from diverting up to Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class ty Commiss.; 50,250.00, Republican National 20% of school districts Title I funds for such of Minister-Counselor, for the rank of Am- Committee; 25,000.00, Joint Candidate Com- purposes: Now, therefore, be it bassador during her tenure of service as mittee; 1,000.00, Michigan Republican Party; Resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: United States Senior Coordinator for the 200.00, Committee to re-Elect Donald F. That we memorialize the President and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Fracassi; 100.00, Committee to Elect Notte; United States Congress to make a serious Forum. 8,400.00, Bouchard for US Senate. commitment to improving the quality of the *Joxel Garcia, of Connecticut, to be Rep- 2004—25,000.00, Michigan Republican Party; nation’s public schools by substantially in- resentative of the United States on the Exec- 1,000.00, Marc Barron for District Judge; creasing funding for the preauthorized utive Board of the World Health Organiza- 1,500.00, Robert A. Ficano Committee; version of the No Child Left Behind Act; and tion. 2,500.00, Friends of L. Brooks Patterson; be it further *Samuel W. Speck, of Ohio, to be a Com- 1,500.00, Knollenberg for Congress Com- Resolved, That we urge the Congress of the missioner on the part of the United States mittee; 75.00, Committee to Re-elect Edward United States to amend the No Child Left on the International Joint Commission, A. Boike, Jr.; 150.00, Spring event 2004; Behind Act so that states will be allowed to United States and Canada. 1,000.00, Committee to Elect Myrah Kirk- continue working toward the goal of closing *Scot A. Marciel, of California, for the wood; 140.00, Friends of Nancy A. Hubbard; the achievement gap without overly pre- rank of Ambassador during his tenure of 250.00, Citizens to Elect Cheryl Matthews; scriptive federal rules, under-funded man- service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of 150.00, Gorcyca for Justice Fund; 40,000.00, dates and the coercion of losing federal State for East Asian and Association of Republican National Committee; 10,000.00, funds; and be it further Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Affairs. Republican National Committee; (8,000.00),

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:16 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.059 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3255 Republican National Committee; 250.00, Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: 1. Self: Barbara Stephenson, none. Friends for Bill Vollenweider; 140.00, Com- 1. Self, none. 2. Spouse: Matthew Furbush, none. mittee to Elect Alan Lambert; 1,000.00, Com- 2. Spouse: N/A. 3. Children: Claire Furbush, none; Matthew mittee to Elect David Farhat; 1,000.00, Nancy 3. Children and Spouses: James Whong, Brewster Furbush, none. Danhof for State Board; 500.00, Stephen none. 4. Parents: Father, Robert Vernon Ste- Markman for Justice; 26,000.00, Joint Can- 4. Parents: Doris R. Stephens, none; Ken- phenson—deceased; Mother, Jacqueline Jean didate Committee; 27,000.00, Joint State Vic- neth L. Stephens (deceased). Stephenson, none. tory Committee; 1,000.00, Terri Lynn Land 5. Grandparents: Henry and Mabel 5. Grandparents: All deceased. for Secretary of State; 250.00, McCotter Con- Richburg; Harvey and Annie Pearl Stephens, 6. Brothers and Spouses: Gary Lamar Ste- gressional Committee; 200.00, Committee to all deceased. phenson, divorced, none. Elect Notte; 500.00, Committee to re-elect 6. Brothers and Spouses: Kenneth Ste- 7. Sisters and Spouses: N/A. Judge Wm. Whitbeck; 250.00, Melanie Foster phens, none; Jeffrey W. Stephens, none; Mar- for MSU Trustee; 500.00, Senate Republican garet Stephens, none. *William Edward Todd, of Virginia, a Ca- Campaign Com; 5,000.00, IRL PAC; 125.00, Fall 7. Sisters and Spouses: N/A. reer Member of the Senior Executive Serv- Event 2004; 2,500.00, Cox 5200 Club; 250.00, ice, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Rogers for Congress. *Robert J. Callahan, of Virginia, a Career Plenipotentiary of the United States of 2003—200.00, Committee to Elect Notte; Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class America to Brunei Darussalam. 150.00, Gorcyca for Prosecutor; 150.00, Spring of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- Nominee: William Todd. Event 2003; 475.00, Michael A. Gudio Com- traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Post: Chief of Mission Brunei. mittee; 125.00, Sue Hall for Mayor Com- United States of America to the Republic of (The following is a list of all members of mittee; 100.00, Committee to Elect Gil Hill; Nicaragua. my immediate family and their spouses. I 140.00, Friends of Nancy A. Hubbard; 1,500.00, Nominee: Robert J. Callahan. have asked each of these persons to inform John D. Dingell for Congress; 100.00, Friends (The following is a list of all members of me of the pertinent contributions made by of Suzanne Sareini; 2,000.00, Bush-Cheney ’04, my immediate family and their spouses. I them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- Inc.; 1,000.00, Rogers for Congress; 2,000.00, have asked each of these persons to inform formation contained in this report is com- Ros-Lehtinen for Congress; 500.00, Robert A. me of the pertinent contributions made by plete and accurate.) Ficano Committee; 200.00, Bankes for them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: Livonia Mayor; 250.00, McCotter Congres- formation contained in this report is com- 1. Self, none. sional Committee; 25,000.00, Republican Na- plete and accurate.) 2. Wife; Patricia Buckingham, none. tional Committee; 250.00, Committee to Keep Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee. 3. Children: William Todd II, none; Chris- Michael Duggan; 2,000.00, Engel for Congress. 1. Self, none. topher Todd, none, John Todd, none, Caitlyn Ghafari Family Members Political Con- 2. Spouse, none. Todd, none. tributions: Aida Ghafari, 2,300.00, 9/25/07, Mitt 3. Children and Spouses: Andrew M. Cal- 4. Parents: John Todd, none; Marie Todd, Romney; 1,000.00, 3/30/06, Michael J. Bou- lahan, none; Emmett B. Callahan, none. none. chard; Almaza Ghafari, 1,000.00, 9/11/07, Mitt 4. Parents, deceased. 5. Grandparents: Deceased. Romney; 2,000.00, 6/30/03, George Bush; 5. Grandparents, deceased. 6. Brothers and Spouses: John and Mar- Georges Ghafari, 2,000.00, 3/31/06, Michael J. 6. Brothers and Spouses: Thomas D. Cal- garet Todd, $1000, 2004, Republican Party; Bouchard; Louis Ghafari, 500.00, 6/27/06, Eliot lahan (spouse deceased), none; James M. Cal- Douglas and Leigh Anne Todd, none. Engel; 1,000.00, 3/21/06, Michael J. Bouchard; lahan, none. 7. Sisters and Spouses: Jean Todd, none. Sejaan Ghafari, 500.00, 6/27/06, Eliot Engel; 7. Sisters and Spouses: John and Patricia 1,000.00, 4/7/06, Michael J. Bouchard; Vera Schultz, none; Robert and Kathleen Martin, *Hugo Llorens, of Florida, a Career Mem- Kalnins, 2,000.00, 12/4/03, George W. Bush. none; John and Maureen Moore, none; James ber of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of and Nancy Lamb, none. Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- *Kurt Douglas Volker, of Pennsylvania, a traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Career Foreign Service Officer of Class One, *Heather M. Hodges, of Ohio, a Career United States of America to the Republic of to be United States Permanent Representa- Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class Honduras. tive on the Council of the North Atlantic of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- Nominee: Hugo Llorens. Treaty Organization, with the rank and sta- traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Post: Honduras. tus of Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- United States of America to the Republic of (The following is a list of all members of potentiary. Ecuador. my immediate family and their spouses. I Nominee: Kurt D. Volker. Nominee: Heather M. Hodges. have asked each of these persons to inform Post: US–NATO. Post: Ambassador to Ecuador. me of the pertinent contributions made by Nominated: Ambassador. (The following is a list of all members of them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- (The following is a list of all members of my immediate family and their spouses. I formation contained in this report is com- my immediate family and their spouses. I have asked each of these persons to inform plete and accurate.) have asked each of these persons to inform me of the pertinent contributions made by Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: me of the pertinent contributions made by them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- 1. Self, none. them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- formation contained in this report is com- 2. Spouse, none. formation contained in this report is com- plete and accurate.) 3. Children and Spouses: Son, Andrew Lee plete and accurate.) Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: Llorens, none; Son, Dirk Alan Llorens, none. Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: 1. Self, none. 4. Parents: Father, Fulvio Llorens, none; 1. Self, none. 2. Spouse: N/A. Mother, Hildelisa Llorens, none. 2. Spouse: Karen Volker, none. 3. Children and Spouses: N/A. 5. Grandparents: Efebo Llorens, (deceased); 3. Children and Spouses: Sonja Volker, 4. Parents: Aiden & Frances Hodges—De- Francisca Garcia Llorens, (deceased); Amelio none; Katja Volker, none. ceased. Acosta, (deceased); Obdulia Rodriguez 4. Parents: Thelma Jane, $25, 8/01/2004, 5. Grandparents: Joseph & Effy Hodges— Acosta, (deceased). RNC; Volker, $16, 9/18/2004, RNC. Deceased; Herman & Susana Ruppelt—De- 6. Brothers and Spouses: Jorge Llorens, 5. Grandparents. 6. Brothers and Spouses: Mark and Volker, ceased. none; Kim Llorens (spouse), none. $250, 9/29/2006, RNC; $250, 8/02/2004, Bush/Che- 6. Brothers and Spouses: Allan J. Hodges, 7. Sisters and Spouses: Elda Llorens (un- ney; $250, 9/10/2004, RNC; and Craig and none. married), none. Volker, none. 7. Sisters and Spouses: N/A. 7. Sisters and Spouses: N/A. *Nancy E. McEldowney, of Florida, a Ca- *Barbara J. Stephenson, of Florida, a Ca- reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, *D. Kathleen Stephens, of Montana, a Ca- reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambas- reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambas- sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambas- sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Bulgaria. the United States of America to the Republic of Panama. Nominee: Nancy Eileen McEldowney. of Korea. Nominee: Barbara Stephenson. Post: Sofia, Bulgaria. Nominee: Doris Kathleen Stephens. Post: Ambassador to Panama. (The following is a list of all members of Post: Seoul, Korea. (The following is a list of all members of my immediate family and their spouses. I (The following is a list of all members of my immediate family and their spouses. I have asked each of these persons to inform my immediate family and their spouses. I have asked each of these persons to inform me of the pertinent contributions made by have asked each of these persons to inform me of the pertinent contributions made by them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- me of the pertinent contributions made by them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- formation contained in this report is com- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- formation contained in this report is com- plete and accurate.) formation contained in this report is com- plete and accurate.) Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: plete and accurate.) Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: 1. Self, none.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.062 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 2. Spouse, none. 200.00, 8/10/2004, Summers for Congress; 800.00, 2. Spouse: Craig Radford Barrett, John 3. Children and Spouses: Jessica Kim 9/28/2004, Summers for Congress; 200.00, 10/23/ Shadegg’s Friends, 12/18/2007, $4600, 8/24/2006, Hayes, none; Alyssa Mai Hayes, none. 2004, Summers for Congress; 250.00, 8/24/2004, $3200, 12/7/2005, $1000, 4/26/2004, $500; Huffman 4. Parents: Patricia Schamber, none; Clar- Maine Republican Party; 500.00, 2/18/2004, for Congress, 7/27/2006, $2100; Ros-Lehtinen ence McEldowney, deceased. Summers for Congress; 500.00, 6/29/2004, Sum- for Congress, 5/4/2006, $1000; Jeff Flake for 5. Grandparents: Anita Salyer, deceased; mers for Congress; 1500.00, 11/17/2003, Bush- Congress, 3/16/2007, $4600, 3/15/2005, $4200, 3/3/ Clarence Salyer, deceased; Ruth Cheney ’04; 1000.00, 9/22/2003, AGC PAC; Pris- 2004, $2000; Heather Wilson for Congress, 8/15/ McEldowney, deceased; Alva McEldowney, cilla Cianchette, 1500.00, 11/17/2003, Bush-Che- 2007, $200, 8/15/2007, $2300, 3/14/2007, $2100, 2/14/ deceased. ney ’04. 2005, $2000, 2/14/2005, $2000; 2004 Joint Can- 6. Brothers and Spouses: Michael 5. Grandparents: Ralph Cianchette, de- didate Committee, 10/8/2004, $4,000; Maria McEldowney, none; Charlotte Phillips, none; ceased; Edna Cianchette, deceased, Earle Cantwell, 3/3/2004, $1000; People for Pete John McEldowney, none; Catherine Miller, Winslow, deceased, Mary Winslow, deceased. Domenici, 5/25/2007, $1000, 6/3/2005, $1000; none. 6. Brothers and spouses: Thomas Hatch Election Committee, 5/15/2006, $4200, 5/ 7. Sisters and Spouses: Ann McEldowney, Cianchette, none; Bonita Cianchette, none; 15/2006, $2100; Mitch McConnell Senate Com- none; Richard Hertle, none; Jane Earle Cianchette, 250.00, 8/3/2007, Maine Re- mittee ‘08, 9/05/2007, $2300; Jon Kyl for US McEldowney, none; William Cannon, none. publican Party; Mary Ellen Cianchette, Senate, 9/26/2006, $1700; 6/5/2006, $350; 6/5/2006, none; Mark Cianchette, none. $400; 1/9/2006, $1000; 4/28/2005, $750; David 7. Sisters and spouses: Susan Koch, 250.00, Dreier for Congress Committee, 8/8/2005, *Stephen George McFarland, of Texas, a $1000; 2/6/2004, $2000; Friends of George Allen, Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- 8/1/2007, Maine Republican Party; Joseph Koch, deceased, none. 7/12/2006, $1000; 7/21/2005, $1000; Bush-Cheney ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- ’04 Compliance Committee, 10/20/2004, $2000; bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary * Frank Charles Urbancic, Jr., of Indiana, a Friends of Gordon Smith, 11/9/2005, $1000; of the United States of America to the Re- Nethercutt for Congress, 10/15/2004, $2000; public of Guatemala. Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- Santorum 2006, 8/31/2004, $2000; Lisa Mur- Nominee: Stephen George McFarland. kowski for Senate, 9/27/2004, $2000; Citizens Post: COM Guatemala. bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Re- for Hope, Responsibility, Independence and (The following is a list of all members of public of Cyprus. Service (ChrisPac), 4/20/2005, $2500; Romney my immediate family and their spouses. I Nominee: Frank C. Urbancic Jr. for President, 1/10/2008, $2300; Intel Corpora- have asked each of these persons to inform Post: Cyprus tion Political Action Committee, 1/15/2004, me of the pertinent contributions made by $208.00; 1/30/2004, $208.00; 2/13/2004, $208.00; 2/27/ (The following is a list of all members of them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- 2004, $208.00; 3/15/2004, $208.00; 3/31/2004, $208.00; my immediate family and their spouses. I formation contained in this report is com- 4/15/2004, $208.00; 4/30/2004, $208.00; 5/14/2004, have asked each of these persons to inform plete and accurate.) $208.00; 5/28/2004, $208.00; 6/15/2004, $208.00; 6/30/ me of the pertinent contributions made by Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: 2004, $208.00; 7/15/2004, $208.00; 7/30/2004, $208.00; them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- 1. Self, none. 8/13/2004, $208.00; 8/27/2004, $208.00; 9/15/2004, formation contained in this report is com- $208.00; 9/30/2004, $208.00; 10/15/2004, $208.00; 10/ 2. Spouse, none. plete and accurate.) 29/2004, $208.00; 11/15/2004, $208.00; 11/30/2004, 3. Children and Spouses: Christopher E. Contributions, Amount, Date, Donee: McFarland, none; Alexander G. McFarland, $208.00; 12/15/2004, $208.00; 12/31/2004, $208.00; 1/ 1. Frank C. Urbancic, Jr., none. none; Andrew S. McFarland, none; Kevin S. 14/2005, $208.00; 1/31/2005, $208.00; 2/15/2005, 2. Michelle M. Urbancic, none. McFarland, none. $208.00; 2/28/2005, $208.00; 3/15/2005, $208.00; 3/31/ 3. Frank C. Urbancic III, none; Arlette Na- 4. Parents: George A. McFarland, $100, fall 2005, $208.00; 4/15/2005, $208.00; 4/29/2005, $208.00; dine Urbancic, none. 2003, Cong. Sam Johnson; $100, fall 2004, Sen. 5/13/2005, $208.00; 5/31/2005, $208.00; 6/15/2005, 4. Norma Jean Urbancic, none; Frank C. John Kerry; Peggy N. Nash, $150, fall 2006, $208.00; 6/30/2005, $208.00; 7/15/2005, $208.00; 7/29/ Urbancic Sr., none. Van Johnson. 2005, $208.00; 8/15/2005, $208.00; 8/31/2005, $208.00; 5. Grandparents: deceased. 5. Grandparents: deceased. 9/15/2005, $208.00; 9/30/2005, $208.00; 10/14/2005, 6. Brothers and spouses: none; John Vin- 6. Brothers and spouses: John F. McFar- $208.00; 10/31/2005, $208.00; 11/15/2005, $208.00; 11/ cent Urbancic, none; Louis H. Urbancic, Mar- land, none; Yvonne McFarland, none. 30/2005, $208.00; 12/15/2005, $208.00; 12/30/2005, jorie Urbancic, none. 7. Sisters and spouses: Anne M. Meyer, $208.00; 1/13/2006, $208.00; 1/31/2006, $208.00; 2/15/ 7. Sisters and spouses: Sherryl Cromer, 2006, $208.00; 2/28/2006, $208.00; 3/15/2006, $208.00; none; John Meyer, none; Maria McFarland, none. none; Christopher A. Smith, none. 3/31/2006, $208.00; 4/14/2006, $208.00; 4/28/2006, $208.00; 5/15/2006, $208.00; 5/31/2006, $208.00; 6/15/ * Barbara McConnell Barrett, of Arizona, 2006, $208.00; 6/30/2006, $208.00; 7/14/2006, $208.00; *Peter E. Cianchette, of Maine, to be Am- to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- 7/31/2006, $208.00; 8/15/2006, $208.00; 8/31/2006, bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary potentiary of the United States of America $208.00; 9/15/2006, $208.00; 9/29/2006, $208.00; 10/13/ of the United States of America to the Re- to the Republic of Finland. 2006, $208.00; 10/31/2006, $208.00, 11/15/2006, public of Costa Rica. Nominee: Barbara McConnell Barrett. $208.00, 11/30/2006, $208.00, 12/15/2006, $208.00, 12/ Nominee: Peter E. Cianchette. Post: Ambassador to Finland. 29/2006, $208.00, 1/15/2007, $208.00, 1/31/2007, (The following is a list of all members of (The following is a list of all members of $208.00, 2/15/2007, $208.00, 2/28/2007, $208.00, 3/15/ my immediate family and their spouses. I my immediate family and their spouses. I 2007, $208.00, 3/30/2007, $208.00, 4/13/2007, $208.00, have asked each of these persons to inform have asked each of these persons to inform 4/30/2007, $208.00, 5/15/2007, $208.00, 5/31/2007, me of the pertinent contributions made by me of the pertinent contributions made by $208.00, 6/15/2007, $208.00, 6/29/2007, $208.00, 7/13/ them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- 2007, $208.00, 7/31/2007, $208.00, 8/15/2007, $208.00, formation contained in this report is com- formation contained in this report is com- 8/31/2007, $208.00, 9/14/2007, $208.00, 9/28/2007, plete and accurate.) plete and accurate.) $208.00, 10/15/2007, $208.00, 10/31/2007, $208.00, 11/ Contributions, Amount, Date, and Donee: Contributions, Donee, Date, Amount: 15/2007, $208.00, 11/30/2007 $208.00, 12/14/2007, 1. Self, 500.00, 6/11/2007, Collins for Senator; 1. Self: John Shadegg’s Friends, 12/18/2007, $208.00, 12/28/2007, $208.00. 250.00, 11/6/2006, Snowe for Senate; 250.00, 7/18/ $4600; 8/24/2006, $4200; Huffman for Congress, 7/ 3. Children and spouses: No children. 2006, Maine Republican Party; 250.00, 6/30/ 27/2006, $2100; Jon Kyl for U.S. Senate, 6/2/ 4. Parents: Robert Harvey McConnell, (de- 2006, Curley for Congress; 75.00, 4/10/2006, 2006, $1350; 6/2/2006, $2100; 4/22/2005, $750; Ros- Maine Republican Party; 25.00, 5/5/2006, ceased); Betty Lou Dornheim McConnell, Lehtinen for Congress, 11/5/2007, $1000; 5/4/ Heather Wilson for Congress, 10/28/2007, $25, 9/ Maine Republican Party; 500.00, 8/6/2004, 2006, $1000; Kolbe for Congress, 7/18/2005, $2000; Bush-Cheney ’04; 100.00, 4/1/2004, Summers for 8/2007, $25, 7/9/2007, $20, 2/11/2007, $25, 3/24/2006, 4/23/2006, $575; Jeff Flake for Congress, 3/16/ $25; Republican National Committee 12/10/ Congress; 100.00, 4/6/2004, Brian Hamel for 2007, $2300; 3/16/2007, $2300; 3/15/2005, $4200; Congress; 80.00, 5/19/2004; Maine Republican 2007, $25, 5/22/2007, $30, 4/11/2007, $25; National Heather Wilson for Congress, 8/15/2007, $200; 8/ Republican Women 3/8/2007, $30, Pennsylvania Party; 100.00, 7/3/2003, Maine Republican 15/2007, $2300; 3/14/2007, $2100, 2/1/2005, $4000; Party. GOP, 8/15/2007, $25; Republican Women, 10/31/ 2004 Joint Candidate Committee, 10/8/2004, 2006, $25. 2. Spouse: 250.00, 8/26/2006, Craig for Con- $20,000; Pete Coors for U.S. Senate, 10/7/2004, gress. $2000; The Wish List, 5/12/2006, $1000; 8/1/2005, 5. Grandparents: William Dornheim, de- 3. Children and spouses: Evan Cianchette, $1000; 7/26/2004, $1000; John Shadegg for Con- ceased; Solamea Ambil Dornheim, deceased; none; Maria Cianchette, none. gress, 5/19/2004, $500; Hatch Election Com- William Day McConnell, deceased; Della 4. Parents: Ival Cianchette, 1000.00, 3/31/ mittee, 5/15/2006, $2100; Bush, George W. McFeaters McConnell, deceased. 2007, Associated General Co Contractors of (Bush-Cheney ’04 Compliance Committee), 10/ 6. Brothers and spouses: Robert Harvey America PAC (AGC PAC); 1000.00, 05/31/2007, 20/2004, $2000; Romney for President, 7/30/2007, McConnell Jr., deceased; William Ansley Collins for Senator; 1000.00, 2/28/2006, AGC $2300, 1/10/2008, $2300; Mitch McConnell Sen- McConnell and Leslie Hipp McConnell, Pat PAC; 1000.00, 5/26/2005, Snowe for Senate; ate Committee ’08, 9/05/2007, $2300; J.D. Toomey 1/13/2004, $100; John David McConnell 1000.00, 9/1/2005, Snowe for Senate; 1000.00, 3/ Hayworth for Congress, 10/17/2006, $2100; Jill and Lori McConnell McConnell, Heather Wil- 29/2005, AGC PAC; 1000.00, 3/15/2004, AGC PAC; Vogel for Senate, 8/7/2007, $25. son,12/20/2007, $500.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.063 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3257 7. Sisters and spouses: Jill Kathlene sion of the Second Review Conference; to the ator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- Kazmierczak: none; Patricia Lynn Minter Committee on Foreign Relations. NEDY), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. and Richard G. Minter, none. By Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself and NELSON), the Senator from Arkansas Mr. STEVENS): Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, for the (Mr. PRYOR), the Senator from Dela- Committee on Foreign Relations I re- S. Res. 526. A resolution designating April 20 through 26, 2008, as ‘‘National Community ware (Mr. BIDEN), the Senator from port favorably the following nomina- Health Aide, Community Health Practi- North Dakota (Mr. CONRAD), the Sen- tion list which was printed in the tioner, and Dental Health Aide Week’’; con- ator from North Dakota (Mr. DORGAN), RECORD on the date indicated, and ask sidered and agreed to. the Senator from Vermont (Mr. unanimous consent, to save the ex- By Mr. WEBB (for himself and Mr. LEAHY), the Senator from Pennsyl- pense of reprinting on the Executive WARNER): vania (Mr. CASEY), the Senator from Calendar that this nomination lie at S. Res. 527. A resolution designating April West Virginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER), the 23, 2008, as ‘‘National Adopt a Library Day’’; the Secretary’s desk for the informa- Senator from Hawaii (Mr. INOUYE) and tion of Senators. considered and agreed to. By Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. the Senator from Ohio (Mr. BROWN) The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without AKAKA, Mr. BAYH, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. were added as cosponsors of S. 903, a objection, it is so ordered. BROWN, Mr. BURR, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. bill to award a Congressional Gold Foreign Service nominations beginning CARDIN, Mr. CASEY, Mrs. CLINTON, Mr. Medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in rec- with Andrew Townsend Wiener and ending COCHRAN, Mr. COLEMAN, Ms. COLLINS, ognition of his contributions to the with Troy A. Lindquist, which nominations Mr. CRAIG, Mr. DODD, Mrs. DOLE, Mr. fight against global poverty. were received by the Senate and appeared in DURBIN, Mr. FEINGOLD, Mrs. FEIN- S. 1310 the Congressional Record on March 5, 2008. STEIN, Mr. GREGG, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the *Nomination was reported with rec- ISAKSON, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. KERRY, name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. ommendation that it be confirmed sub- Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mrs. LINCOLN, HARKIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. ject to the nominee’s commitment to Mr. MARTINEZ, Mr. MENENDEZ, Ms. 1310, a bill to amend title XVIII of the respond to requests to appear and tes- MIKULSKI, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. NELSON Social Security Act to provide for an tify before any duly constituted com- of Nebraska, Mr. NELSON of Florida, extension of increased payments for mittee of the Senate. Mr. OBAMA, Mr. SPECTER, Mr. STE- ground ambulance services under the (Nominations without an asterisk VENS, and Mr. TESTER): Medicare program. were reported with the recommenda- S. Res. 528. A resolution designating April tion that they be confirmed.) 25, 2008, as ‘‘Global Youth Service Day″; con- S. 1315 sidered and agreed to. At the request of Mr. SALAZAR, his f f name was added as a cosponsor of S. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND 1315, a bill to amend title 38, United ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS JOINT RESOLUTIONS States Code, to enhance life insurance S 335 benefits for disabled veterans, and for The following bills and joint resolu- . other purposes. tions were introduced, read the first At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the and second times by unanimous con- name of the Senator from Michigan S. 1437 sent, and referred as indicated: (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the sor of S. 335, a bill to prohibit the In- By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. EN- names of the Senator from Vermont SIGN): ternal Revenue Service from using pri- (Mr. LEAHY) and the Senator from Ar- S. 2898. A bill to provide for the release of vate debt collection companies, and for kansas (Mrs. LINCOLN) were added as certain land from the Sunrise Mountain In- other purposes. cosponsors of S. 1437, a bill to require stant Study Area in the State of Nevada; to S. 358 the Secretary of the Treasury to mint the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- At the request of Ms. SNOWE, the coins in commemoration of the sources. name of the Senator from California semicentennial of the enactment of the By Mr. HARKIN (for himself, Mr. FEIN- EINSTEIN Civil Rights Act of 1964. GOLD, and Mrs. MURRAY): (Mrs. F ) was added as a co- S. 2899. A bill to direct the Secretary of sponsor of S. 358, a bill to prohibit dis- S. 1576 Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on sui- crimination on the basis of genetic in- At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the cides among veterans; to the Committee on formation with respect to health insur- name of the Senator from Michigan Veterans’ Affairs. ance and employment. (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- By Mr. BROWN: S. 773 sor of S. 1576, a bill to amend the Pub- S. 2900. A bill to provide States with the incentives, flexibility and resources to de- At the request of Mr. SPECTER, his lic Health Service Act to improve the velop child welfare services that focus on im- name was added as a cosponsor of S. health and healthcare of racial and proving circumstances for children, whether 773, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- ethnic minority groups. in foster care or in their own homes; to the enue Code of 1986 to allow Federal ci- S. 1715 Committee on Finance. vilian and military retirees to pay At the request of Ms. SNOWE, the f health insurance premiums on a pretax name of the Senator from New Jersey basis and to allow a deduction for (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND TRICARE supplemental premiums. sor of S. 1715, a bill to amend title SENATE RESOLUTIONS S. 819 XVIII of the Social Security Act to The following concurrent resolutions At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the eliminate discriminatory copayment and Senate resolutions were read, and name of the Senator from Michigan rates for outpatient psychiatric serv- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- ices under the Medicare program. By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Ms. sor of S. 819, a bill to amend the Inter- S. 1738 SNOWE, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. VITTER, nal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand tax- At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the Mr. CARDIN, Mrs. DOLE, Ms. free distributions from individual re- name of the Senator from Texas (Mrs. LANDRIEU, Mr. THUNE, Ms. CANTWELL, tirement accounts for charitable pur- HUTCHISON) was added as a cosponsor of Mr. ENZI, Mr. BAYH, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. poses. PRYOR, Mr. LEVIN, and Mr. TESTER): S. 1738, a bill to establish a Special S. Res. 524. A resolution honoring the en- S. 903 Counsel for Child Exploitation Preven- trepreneurial spirit of the owners of small At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the tion and Interdiction within the Office business concerns in the United States dur- names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. of the Deputy Attorney General, to im- ing National Small Business Week, begin- OBAMA), the Senator from California prove the Internet Crimes Against ning April 21, 2008; to the Committee on (Mrs. BOXER), the Senator from New Children Task Force, to increase re- Small Business and Entrepreneurship. York (Mr. SCHUMER), the Senator from sources for regional computer forensic By Mr. BIDEN (for himself and Mr. NOWE LUGAR): Maine (Ms. S ), the Senator from labs, and to make other improvements S. Res. 525. A resolution recognizing the Virginia (Mr. WEBB), the Senator from to increase the ability of law enforce- progress made by States Parties to the Colorado (Mr. SALAZAR), the Senator ment agencies to investigate and pros- Chemical Weapons Convention on the occa- from Maryland (Mr. CARDIN), the Sen- ecute predators.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.069 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 S. 1760 (Mr. VITTER) was added as a cosponsor Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to re- At the request of Mr. BROWN, the of S. 2401, a bill to amend the Internal move cell phones from listed property name of the Senator from Vermont Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refund under section 280F. (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- of motor fuel excise taxes for the ac- S. 2672 sor of S. 1760, a bill to amend the Pub- tual off-highway use of certain mobile At the request of Mr. CONRAD, the lic Health Service Act with respect to machinery vehicles. names of the Senator from Wisconsin the Healthy Start Initiative. S. 2426 (Mr. KOHL) and the Senator from Con- S. 1817 At the request of Mr. HARKIN, his necticut (Mr. LIEBERMAN) were added At the request of Mr. HARKIN, his name was added as a cosponsor of S. as cosponsors of S. 2672, a bill to pro- name was added as a cosponsor of S. 2426, a bill to provide for congressional vide incentives to physicians to prac- 1817, a bill to ensure proper administra- oversight of United States agreements tice in rural and medically underserved tion of the discharge of members of the with the Government of Iraq. communities. Armed Forces for personality disorder, S. 2585 S. 2681 and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the S. 1843 names of the Senator from Maryland names of the Senator from Georgia At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the (Ms. MIKULSKI) and the Senator from (Mr. ISAKSON), the Senator from Mis- names of the Senator from West Vir- New Mexico (Mr. BINGAMAN) were sissippi (Mr. COCHRAN), the Senator ginia (Mr. BYRD) and the Senator from added as cosponsors of S. 2585, a bill to from Washington (Ms. CANTWELL), the Hawaii (Mr. INOUYE) were added as co- sponsors of S. 1843, a bill to amend title provide for the enhancement of the sui- Senator from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and cide prevention programs of the De- and the Senator from Michigan (Mr. the Age Discrimination in Employment partment of Defense, and for other pur- LEVIN) were added as cosponsors of S. Act of 1967 to clarify that an unlawful poses. 2681, a bill to require the issuance of practice occurs each time compensa- S. 2630 medals to recognize the dedication and tion is paid pursuant to a discrimina- At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the valor of Native American code talkers. tory compensation decision or other name of the Senator from Washington S. 2684 practice, and for other purposes. (Mrs. MURRAY) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. DODD, the S. 2058 sor of S. 2630, a bill to amend the Pub- names of the Senator from Maine (Ms. At the request of Mr. LEVIN, the lic Health Service Act to establish a SNOWE) and the Senator from Maine name of the Senator from New York Federal grant program to provide in- (Ms. COLLINS) were added as cosponsors (Mrs. CLINTON) was added as a cospon- creased health care coverage to and ac- of S. 2684, a bill to reform the housing sor of S. 2058, a bill to amend the Com- cess for uninsured and underinsured choice voucher program under section 8 modity Exchange Act to close the workers and families in the commer- of the United States Housing Act of Enron loophole, prevent price manipu- cial fishing industry, and for other pur- 1937. lation and excessive speculation in the poses. S. 2756 trading of energy commodities, and for S. 2632 At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the other purposes. At the request of Mr. BOND, the name name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. S. 2130 of the Senator from Texas (Mrs. ENSIGN) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mr. CASEY, the HUTCHISON) was added as a cosponsor of 2756, a bill to amend the National Child name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. S. 2632, a bill to ensure that the Sex Of- Protection Act of 1993 to establish a WEBB) was added as a cosponsor of S. fender Registration and Notification permanent background check system. 2130, a bill to express the sense of the Act is applied retroactively. S. 2766 Senate on the need for a comprehensive S. 2640 At the request of Mr. NELSON of Flor- diplomatic offensive to help broker na- At the request of Mr. BURR, the ida, the name of the Senator from Lou- tional reconciliation efforts in Iraq and names of the Senator from Louisiana isiana (Ms. LANDRIEU) was added as a lay the foundation for the eventual re- (Mr. VITTER) and the Senator from cosponsor of S. 2766, a bill to amend the deployment of United States combat Oklahoma (Mr. INHOFE) were added as Federal Water Pollution Control Act to forces. cosponsors of S. 2640, a bill to amend address certain discharges incidental S. 2197 title 38, United States Code, to enhance to the normal operation of a rec- At the request of Mr. AKAKA, the and improve insurance, housing, labor reational vessel. name of the Senator from Delaware and education, and other benefits for S. 2783 (Mr. CARPER) was added as a cosponsor veterans, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. ENSIGN, the of S. 2197, a bill to establish the Fed- S. 2666 name of the Senator from Pennsyl- eral Labor-Management Partnership At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the vania (Mr. SPECTER) was added as a co- Council. name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. sponsor of S. 2783, a bill to allow for ad- S. 2279 ENSIGN) was added as a cosponsor of S. ditional flights beyond the perimeter At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the 2666, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- restriction applicable to Ronald name of the Senator from New York enue Code of 1986 to encourage invest- Reagan Washington National Airport. (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a cospon- ment in affordable housing, and for sor of S. 2279, a bill to combat inter- S. 2819 other purposes. national violence against women and At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, girls. S. 2667 the names of the Senator from Wash- S. 2320 At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the ington (Mrs. MURRAY), the Senator At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the names of the Senator from Michigan from Connecticut (Mr. DODD) and the name of the Senator from North Da- (Ms. STABENOW) and the Senator from Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. REED) kota (Mr. DORGAN) was added as a co- Utah (Mr. BENNETT) were added as co- were added as cosponsors of S. 2819, a sponsor of S. 2320, a bill to amend title sponsors of S. 2667, a bill to direct the bill to preserve access to Medicaid and XVIII of the Social Security Act to Attorney General to make an annual the State Children’s Health Insurance provide continued entitlement to cov- grant to the A Child Is Missing Alert Program during an economic down- erage for immunosuppressive drugs fur- and Recovery Center to assist law en- turn, and for other purposes. nished to beneficiaries under the Medi- forcement agencies in the rapid recov- S. 2844 care Program that have received a kid- ery of missing children, and for other At the request of Mr. LAUTENBERG, ney transplant and whose entitlement purposes. the name of the Senator from Illinois to coverage would otherwise expire, S. 2668 (Mr. DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. KERRY, the of S. 2844, a bill to amend the Federal S. 2401 name of the Senator from Pennsyl- Water Pollution Control Act to modify At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the vania (Mr. SPECTER) was added as a co- provisions relating to beach moni- name of the Senator from Louisiana sponsor of S. 2668, a bill to amend the toring, and for other purposes.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.023 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3259 S. 2848 ceedings have been initiated, with re- Flood Control District’s Master Plan to At the request of Mr. BROWN, the spect to their primary residence. protect the Las Vegas Valley. This name of the Senator from Colorado S. RES. 506 comprehensive floodplain management (Mr. SALAZAR) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. NELSON of Ne- program is designed to protect private sor of S. 2848, a bill to provide for braska, the name of the Senator from and public lands from flood damage and health care benefits for certain nuclear Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added to save lives in this rapidly growing facility workers. as a cosponsor of S. Res. 506, a resolu- metropolitan area. When completed, S. 2858 tion expressing the sense of the Senate the Orchard Detention Basin project At the request of Ms. MIKULSKI, the that funding provided by the United will protect approximately 1,200 acres name of the Senator from California States to the Government of Iraq in of urban development from flooding, (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor the future for reconstruction and train- including 2,500 homes and three of S. 2858, a bill to establish the Social ing for security forces be provided as a schools. The project will also reduce Work Reinvestment Commission to loan to the Government of Iraq. the magnitude of flooding further provide independent counsel to Con- S. RES. 515 downstream. The boundary change executed by gress and the Secretary of Health and At the request of Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Human Services on policy issues asso- the name of the Senator from Wis- this legislation is needed because a portion of the detention basin project ciated with recruitment, retention, re- consin (Mr. FEINGOLD) was added as a search, and reinvestment in the profes- cosponsor of S. Res. 515, a resolution lies within the boundaries of the Sun- sion of social work, and for other pur- commemorating the life and work of rise Mountain Instant Study Area. An poses. Dith Pran. ‘‘instant study area’’ designation places development restrictions on S. 2875 S. RES. 518 public lands similar to those on wilder- At the request of Mr. TESTER, the At the request of Mr. DODD, the ness study areas. This designation cur- name of the Senator from Montana names of the Senator from New Jersey rently prevents the construction of (Mr. BAUCUS) was added as a cosponsor (Mr. MENENDEZ), the Senator from this important flood control project, of S. 2875, a bill to authorize the Sec- Pennsylvania (Mr. CASEY), the Senator leaving the land and residents living retary of the Interior to provide grants from Indiana (Mr. BAYH), the Senator downstream vulnerable to flood dam- to designated States and tribes to from Oklahoma (Mr. INHOFE), the Sen- age. carry out programs to reduce the risk ator from New York (Mr. SCHUMER), Even though the Las Vegas Valley is of livestock loss due to predation by the Senator from Utah (Mr. HATCH) and a desert, flash flooding is an all too gray wolves and other predator species the Senator from Washington (Mrs. common problem affecting the people or to compensate landowners for live- MURRAY) were added as cosponsors of in Las Vegas. In just the last decade, stock loss due to predation. S. Res. 518, a resolution designating Las Vegas Valley has been hit with five S. 2886 the third week of April 2008 as ‘‘Na- 100-year storm events. A severe thun- At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the tional Shaken Baby Syndrome Aware- derstorm in 1999 dropped over 3 inches ness Week’’. name of the Senator from Kentucky of rain in 11⁄2 hours, resulting in a dis- (Mr. BUNNING) was added as a cosponsor S. RES. 520 aster declaration. Along with property of S. 2886, a bill to amend the Internal At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the damage and deaths related to flooding, Revenue Code of 1986 to amend certain name of the Senator from Vermont Clark County residents experience in- expiring provisions. (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- convenience resulting from impassable S. 2888 sor of S. Res. 520, a resolution desig- roads during flooding events. Support At the request of Mr. KOHL, the name nating May 16, 2008, as ‘‘Endangered services such as police, fire and ambu- of the Senator from California (Mrs. Species Day’’. lance can also be delayed, creating life- BOXER) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. RES. 523 threatening incidents. 2888, a bill to protect the property and At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the The House of Representatives has al- security of homeowners who are sub- name of the Senator from South Caro- ready taken up and passed this legisla- ject to foreclosure proceedings, and for lina (Mr. DEMINT) was added as a co- tion during the current Congress. The other purposes. sponsor of S. Res. 523, a resolution ex- version that I am introducing today re- S. 2892 pressing the strong support of the Sen- flects the amendments that were At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the ate for the declaration of the North At- adopted in the House. I look forward to name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. lantic Treaty Organization at the Bu- working with the Energy Committee OBAMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. charest Summit that Ukraine and and my other distinguished friends to 2892, a bill to promote the prosecution Georgia will become members of the al- move this bill in a timely manner dur- and enforcement of frauds against the liance. ing the current session. United States by suspending the stat- f Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- sent that the text of the bill be printed ute of limitations during times when STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED Congress has authorized the use of in the RECORD. BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS There being no objection, the text of military force. By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. the bill was ordered to be printed in S. 2893 ENSIGN): the RECORD, as follows: At the request of Mr. SALAZAR, the S. 2898. A bill to provide for the re- S. 2898 name of the Senator from Colorado lease of certain land from the Sunrise Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (Mr. ALLARD) was added as a cosponsor Mountain Instant Study Area in the resentatives of the United States of America in of S. 2893, a bill to designate the Lud- State of Nevada; to the Committee on Congress assembled, low Massacre National Historic Land- Energy and Natural Resources. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. mark in the State of Colorado, and for Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Orchard De- other purposes. to introduce the Orchard Detention tention Basin Flood Control Act’’. S. 2895 Basin Flood Control Act for myself and SEC. 2. RELEASE OF CERTAIN LAND IN THE SUN- RISE MOUNTAIN INSTANT STUDY At the request of Mr. DODD, the Senator ENSIGN. This Act will release AREA. names of the Senator from New Jersey approximately 65 acres of land man- (a) FINDING.—Congress finds that the land (Mr. MENENDEZ) and the Senator from aged by the Bureau of Land Manage- described in subsection (c) has been ade- Michigan (Mr. LEVIN) were added as co- ment in Clark County, NV, from the quately studied for wilderness designation sponsors of S. 2895, a bill to amend the Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area. under section 603 of the Federal Land Policy Higher Education Act of 1965 to main- The release will allow for the construc- and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782). (b) RELEASE.—The land described in sub- tain eligibility, for Federal PLUS tion of an important flood control section (c)— loans, of borrowers who are 90 or more project. (1) is no longer subject to section 603(c) of days delinquent on mortgage loan pay- The Orchard Detention Basin project the Federal Land Policy and Management ments, or for whom foreclosure pro- is part of the Clark County Regional Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.025 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 (2) shall be managed in accordance with— United States during National Small Busi- am privileged to have as my Ranking (A) land management plans adopted under ness Week, beginning April 21, 2008; Member Senator OLYMPIA SNOWE from section 202 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1712); and (2) honors the efforts and achievements of Maine, and other Committee members (B) cooperative conservation agreements the owners and employees of small business who provide a voice for small business in existence on the date of the enactment of concerns, whose hard work, commitment to this Act. excellence, and willingness to take a risk, concerns and who advocate for the effi- (c) DESCRIPTION OF LAND.—The land re- have made them a crucial part of the Na- cient and effective implementation of ferred to in subsections (a) and (b) is the ap- tion’s economy; small business programs. proximately 65 acres of land in the Sunrise (3) recognizes that small business concerns Almost 27 million small businesses Mountain Instant Study Area of Clark Coun- are essential to restoring the Nation’s eco- power this Nation’s economy, rep- ty, Nevada, that is— nomic health; resenting 99.7 percent of all businesses, (1) known as the ‘‘Orchard Detention (4) recognizes the vital role of the pro- creating more than 2⁄3 of all new jobs, Basin’’; and grams of the Small Business Administration and producing more than a quarter of and the work of its employees and its re- (2) designated for release on the map titled our exports. Additionally, America’s ‘‘Orchard Detention Basin’’ and dated March source partners in providing assistance to 18, 2005. entrepreneurs and the owners of small busi- entrepreneurs are the minds respon- ness concerns; sible for innovations and advancing f (5) strongly urges the President to take technologies that make this country SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS steps to ensure that— resilient and competitive in the global (A) reasonable rules relating to the pro- economy and keep us on the cutting curement program for women-owned small edge of technology. business concerns under section 8(m) of the SENATE RESOLUTION 524—HON- The marketplace can be a daunting Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(m)) are ex- arena for entrepreneurs to wade into, ORING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL peditiously implemented to give women SPIRIT OF THE OWNERS OF business owners a fair opportunity to com- and, though they rise to the challenge SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN pete for Federal contracts; with great ideas, inventive products, THE UNITED STATES DURING (B) small business concerns have access to and thorough business plans, there re- NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS quality affordable health insurance; mains a great deal of financial risk and WEEK, BEGINNING APRIL 21, 2008 (C) the needs of veterans and reservists uncertainty in running a small busi- who own their own businesses, who work for ness. The support, guidance, and finan- Mr. KERRY (for himself, Ms. SNOWE, small business concerns, or want to start cial assistance offered by Small Busi- Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. VITTER, Mr. their own businesses, are met during deploy- ness Administration programs have CARDIN, Mrs. DOLE, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. ment and upon their return from duty; (D) proper measures are enacted to provide been of incredible importance to small THUNE, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. ENZI, Mr. businesses working to succeed. BAYH, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. PRYOR, Mr. a stimulus for business lending during this economic downturn; Mr. Robert Delhome from Wil- LEVIN, and Mr. TESTER) submitted the (E) the tax burdens of small business con- mington, Massachusetts, is being hon- following resolution; which was re- cerns are reduced, and that there is a reduc- ored by the Small Business Adminis- ferred to the Committee on Small tion in regulatory and bureaucratic barriers; tration as the Massachusetts 2008 Business and Entrepreneurship: (F) small minority owned businesses are Small Business Person of the Year for S. RES. 524 supported in their efforts to access the Fed- his work as President of Charter Envi- Whereas the 26,800,000 small business con- eral marketplace and gain access to capital; ronmental, Inc. This civil and environ- cerns in the United States are the driving (G) small business concerns have the tools to become more energy efficient to survive mental contracting firm is not only at force behind the Nation’s economy, creating the forefront of the emerging green 2 rising costs of energy, increase profits, and more than ⁄3 of all net new jobs and gener- collar industry, but is also an example ating more than 50 percent of the Nation’s reduce the Nation’s reliance on foreign oil; nonfarm gross domestic product; (H) all Federal agencies adhere to the con- of a tremendously successful business Whereas small business concerns represent tracting goals for small business concerns, that was able to take advantage of the 99.7 percent of all businesses and employ 50 including the goals for small business con- SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Pro- percent of the Nation’s workforce; cerns owned and controlled by service-dis- gram and transform $300 in seed capital Whereas small business concerns represent abled veterans, small business concerns into a $30 million a year business. What owned and controlled by women, small busi- 97 percent of all exporters and produce 28.6 began with two determined employees percent of exported goods; ness concerns owned and controlled by so- cially and economically disadvantaged indi- and a good idea has become a business Whereas small business concerns are the of over 100 employees providing vital Nation’s innovators, advancing technology viduals, and HUBZone small business con- and productivity; cerns; services and solutions to confront chal- Whereas the resilience, vitality, and (I) venture capital and small business lenging environmental problems. The growth of small business concerns are crit- loans, including microloans and guaranteed 8(a) program offers assistance to so- ical to the Nation’s competitiveness during a loans that are delivered through private cially and economically disadvantaged time of economic downturn; lenders, for start-up firms and growing small small business owners competing for Whereas Congress established the Small business concerns are available to all quali- fied small business concerns; and Federal contracts, and Robert is but Business Administration in 1953, to aid, one of many entrepreneurs to have ben- counsel, assist, and protect the interests of (J) the management assistance programs delivered by resource partners on behalf of efitted from this program. small business concerns in order to preserve As we celebrate Earth Day today and free competitive enterprise, to ensure that a the Small Business Administration, such as fair proportion of the total purchases and small business development centers, wom- discuss the necessity of acting quickly contracts or subcontracts for property and en’s business centers, and the Service Corps to find workable solutions to our envi- services for the Federal Government be of Retired Executives, are provided with the ronmental problems, Robert’s business placed with small business concerns, to en- Federal resources necessary to do their jobs; is both an inspiration and an indica- sure that a fair proportion of the total sales and tion of the economic and environ- (6) urges that the Administrator of the of Government property be made to such mental success this industry promises. small business concerns, and to maintain Small Business Administration have an ac- tive role as a member of the President’s Cab- As we consider the gravity of our envi- and strengthen the overall economy of the ronmental challenges, I will continue Nation; inet. Whereas for over 50 years, the Small Busi- Mr. KERRY. I am pleased to take to promote the essential role that ness Administration has provided aid and as- this opportunity during National Small small businesses must play in the proc- sistance to millions of entrepreneurs who Business Week to introduce a bipar- ess of turning America green, moving have succeeded in achieving the American tisan Senate resolution honoring the us away from our dependence on for- dream of owning a small business concern, entrepreneurial spirit of small business eign oil, and creating the innovative and thus has played a key role in fostering owners and urging the federal govern- industry that will help strengthen our economic growth; and ment to continue to improve upon its economy. Already our Nation’s entre- Whereas the President has designated the preneurs are leading the way to eco- week beginning April 21, 2008, as National efforts to provide the guidance and as- Small Business Week: Now, therefore, be it sistance that has proven so valuable to nomically smart and environmentally Resolved, That the Senate— small businesses across the nation. As sound business practices, and we need (1) honors the entrepreneurial spirit of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on to ensure that the tools to become en- owners of small business concerns in the Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I ergy efficient are accessible to every

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.029 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3261 small business in the country. Our rap- solve to fight for the necessary re- States. With the SBA being the only idly rising energy costs only serve to sources to assist small businesses. I ap- Federal agency with the mandate to underscore the urgency with which we plaud the dedication, innovation, and foster small business growth, we must must address these environmental achievements of America’s entre- work to provide the agency with the challenges. preneurs, and I pledge to continue to resources needed to help our nation’s I also continue to be concerned about advocate on their behalf. entrepreneurs right this economy. the lack of small business inclusion in Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, as we cel- So as we celebrate our Nation’s small Federal contracts. In an effort to level ebrate National Small Business Week, businesses, we must be mindful of the playing field, Congress set forth which runs April 21 through April 25, Congress’s responsibility to ensure specific procurement goals in law, in- 2008, I rise in support of a Senate Reso- that each business has the opportunity cluding goals for women, veteran, and lution—which I introduced along with to flourish. When accounting for infla- minority owned businesses, but the Chairman KERRY, and other members tion the SBA has seen its core lending Bush administration has proven un- of the Senate Committee on Small and business development program willing to work quickly to meet these Business and Entrepreneurship—that budget cut by 28 percent since 2001, and goals. The Women’s Procurement Pro- honors the entrepreneurial spirit of our this trend must simply be reversed. gram is a troublesome example of a Nation’s nearly 27 million small busi- While the SBA touts its ‘‘doing more larger trend. In 2000, this program was nesses and the tremendous contribu- with less,’’ the agency’s resources, pro- created to ensure the Federal Govern- tions they make to our economy. grams, and employees are stretched too ment sets aside at least 5 percent of all Small businesses are the driving thin, which in the end negatively im- procurement opportunities for women- force behind our nation’s economic pacts our Nation’s small business and owned businesses. More than 7 years growth and job creation. Representing the economy as a whole. As we look later, only 3.4 percent of Federal con- 99 percent of all employers, small busi- ahead, rest assured, I will not hesitate to take action and ensure that this tracts are reaching those businesses. nesses create nearly 3⁄5 of all net new Janet Ceddia, president of a security jobs and generate more than 50 percent vital sector continues to have the valu- and fencing company in Hudson, Mas- of the Nation’s nonfarm gross domestic able resources it deserves. The SBA has been, and will continue sachusetts, is just the type of business product. They are the foundation, the to be, a critical partner to millions of owner who would benefit if the Federal engine, the core of our economy. Clear- small enterprises as well as aspiring Government improved its efforts at ly, the greatest source of jobs in this entrepreneurs as they embark on the reaching out to all types of small busi- country are the small businesses that path to prosperity and job creation. nesses. are constantly responding to new chal- The least we can do is strengthen, not A small, disadvantaged, 8(a) cer- lenges with innovations and creativity. erode, the SBA’s core loan and tech- tified, woman-owned company, Secu- As Ranking Member of the Senate nical assistance programs that have rity Construction Services, Inc. in Hud- Committee on Small Business and En- proven time and again to be the key- son, Massachusetts, has grown enor- trepreneurship, I have made it one of stone in aiding the efforts and dreams mously in recent years, doubling its my top priorities to be an advocate for of America’s entrepreneurs. workforce and expanding its services as small businesses, and to help raise the Today we celebrate our Nation’s en- the company has received $15 million needs and concerns of our countries’ trepreneurs and honor America’s small in government contracts. Today, job creators. With more than 600,000 businesses. I urge my colleagues to Janet’s business has completed con- small businesses having opened in 2006, show their support for the small busi- tracts for the Air Force, Army Reserve, this is clearly a sector that deserves nesses in their states and support this Coast Guard, and Veterans Administra- our accolades, recognition, and sup- resolution. We must remember that tion, among other agencies, and Janet port. this country’s future will be deter- was honored as the 2008 Region I Prime Indeed, hope embodies the spirit of mined by today’s small businesses, and Contractor of the Year for her success. the 26.8 million small business owners. the faster we can help them create As Janet has proven, when given the They are willing to take risks that oth- more jobs, the quicker the economy chance, small businesses prove to be ers don’t, they transform their ideas will rebound, and the stronger its foun- excellent partners in Federal projects. and dreams into realities, their hobbies dation will be. I would also like to highlight the become their professions, and their en- f work of Maria Gooch-Smith, who is trepreneurial spirit can be seen in the being honored for her work as the Ex- products and services that make up SENATE RESOLUTION 525—RECOG- ecutive Director of the South Eastern America. Frankly, this week as we cel- NIZING THE PROGRESS MADE BY Economic Development, SEED, Cor- ebrate our Nation’s entrepreneurs, we STATES PARTIES TO THE CHEM- poration in Taunton, Massachusetts. will undoubtedly fall short of fully rec- ICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION ON Over the last eight years, SEED has ognizing what our country’s small THE OCCASION OF THE SECOND made an average of 150 loans each year, businesses truly add to our economy. REVIEW CONFERENCE and has operated as the largest SBA 504 Given the sluggish state of our econ- Mr. BIDEN (for himself and Mr. and Micro Lender in Massachusetts. omy, it is all the more imperative that LUGAR) submitted the following resolu- Last year alone, SEED granted or le- we fully equip our small businesses, tion; which was referred to the Com- veraged over $105 million, which di- our true job generators, and provide mittee on Foreign Relations: rectly contributed to the creation of them with the tools—not just to miti- S. RES. 525 637 new jobs, and, in doing so, dem- gate and stem this crisis—but to be a Whereas, on April 24, 1997, the Senate gave onstrated the vast capability of SBA catalyst for helping to address and ul- its advice and consent to the ratification of 504 Certified Development Companies. timately solve it. We must take advan- the Convention on the Prohibition of the De- It is imperative that these small busi- tage of the opportunities to help our velopment, Production, Stockpiling and Use ness loan programs receive the nec- small businesses thrive. We in Congress of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruc- tion, with Annexes, done at Paris January essary resources for them to maintain should reduce their tax burdens, ensure 13, 1993 (commonly known as the ‘‘Chemical quality, effective programs and serv- they receive the business counseling Weapons Convention’’ and the ‘‘CWC’’) (T. ices to support small businesses and they deserve, and that they have af- Doc. 103–21); our local communities in a positive fordable and reliable health insurance Whereas, the Chemical Weapons Conven- way. options for their employees. tion entered into force on April 29, 1997; I am proud of all of the hardworking One of our most valuable assets for Whereas, since the Chemical Weapons Con- Americans who face the challenges of ensuring the success of small busi- vention entered into force, more than 27,000 opening and running a small business, nesses is the Small Business Adminis- metric tons of chemical weapons have been and I encourage us all to take this tration, SBA. The SBA is pivotal in destroyed, representing over 35 percent of the declared chemical weapon stockpiles week of special recognition to reflect overseeing the delivery of financial and worldwide; on the possibilities for further improv- business development tools for millions Whereas 11 chemical weapons destruction ing the operating climate for small of aspiring entrepreneurs and existing facilities are currently in operation in 5 business owners and to reaffirm our re- small businesses across the United countries;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.047 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 Whereas none of the 65 chemical weapons stroyed over 27,000 tons of chemical Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- production facilities declared by 12 States weapons—over a third of the world’s gram is the only program of its kind in the Parties are producing chemical weapons, and declared stockpiles—and 11 destruction United States, and other countries have all but 4 of the facilities have been either facilities around the world are working modeled their delivery of rural health care verifiably destroyed or converted for peace- after this program; ful purposes in accordance with the Chem- to destroy even more. Sixty-five chem- Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- ical Weapons Convention; ical weapons production facilities that, gram has proven to be effective, efficient, Whereas, on July 11, 2007, Albania became without a Chemical Weapons Conven- and essential in improving the health of the the first State Party to completely elimi- tion, could have churned out still more inhabitants of rural Alaska; nate its entire stockpile of chemical weap- poison gas are no longer carrying out Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- ons, with assistance from the Nunn-Lugar that horrible work, and all but 4 of gram is a patient’s first contact within the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program; those former weapons production fa- network of health care professionals in the Whereas membership in the Organization cilities have been verifiably destroyed Alaska Tribal Health Care System and is one for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons now of the most effective means of delivering stands at 183 states, encompassing 98 percent or converted to peaceful purposes. Most health care services to Alaskan commu- of the world’s population, up from 87 States importantly, there has been no use of nities; Parties when the Chemical Weapons Conven- chemical weapons by any country in Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- tion entered into force; the last 11 years, and no international gram was created with a focus on tuber- Whereas the First Special Session of the support for the use of such weapons by culosis, meningitis, and other infectious dis- Conference of the States Parties to Review terrorist groups. eases, but now successfully cares for other the Operation of the Chemical Weapons Con- Under the able leadership of its Di- common diseases such as diabetes and heart vention was opened on April 28, 2003, and 113 rector-General, Ambassador Rogelio disease; States Parties participated in the First Re- Pfirter, the Organization for the Pre- Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- view Conference; and gram also serves the oral health needs of Whereas the Second Review Conference of vention of Chemical Weapons runs a Alaskans, and is in the process of adding the Chemical Weapons Convention opened on tight ship. It works with all States services to address the behavioral health April 7, 2008, in The Hague, Netherlands: Parties to improve national declara- needs of rural Alaska; and Now, therefore, be it tions, to mount effective inspections, Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- Resolved, That the Senate— and to secure the adoption of effective gram has successfully adapted over the last (1) reaffirms its support for the purposes, national laws, regulations and proce- 50 years to the ever-evolving health care operations, and undertakings of the Chem- dures that criminalize and guard landscape of Alaskan communities: Now, ical Weapons Convention, which have served therefore, be it the interests of international peace and secu- against the production or stockpiling Resolved, That the Senate designates April rity and the national security interests of of chemical weapons. 20 through 26, 2008, as ‘‘National Community the United States; The States Parties to the Chemical Health Aide, Community Health Practi- (2) notes the progress that has been made Weapons Convention are gathering tioner, and Dental Health Aide Week’’. by States Parties to the Chemical Weapons over the next 2 weeks in The Nether- f Convention toward the elimination of stock- lands for the Convention’s Second Re- piles of deadly chemical weapons in pos- view Conference. Senator LUGAR and I SENATE RESOLUTION 527—DESIG- sessor states, and urges continued progress have introduced this resolution during NATING APRIL 23, 2008, AS ‘‘NA- toward that goal; the Review Conference in order to reaf- TIONAL ADOPT A LIBRARY DAY’’ (3) calls on all States Parties— (A) to continue their compliance with their firm the Senate’s commitment to the Mr. WEBB (for himself and Mr. WAR- obligations under the Chemical Weapons goals of the CWC. We are proud of the NER) submitted the following resolu- Convention to permit the monitoring and progress that has been made so far, and tion; which was considered and agreed verification of the inactivation, and later de- we call upon all States Parties to con- to: struction or conversion, of all chemical tinue to meet their commitments S. RES. 527 weapons production facilities, as well as the under the CWC and to do all they can Whereas libraries are an essential part of destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles; to further the noble aims of the Con- our communities and our national system of (B) to submit and allow verification of the vention. education; consistency of industrial chemical declara- Whereas the citizens of the United States tions; and I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution. benefit significantly from libraries that (C) to allow the effective monitoring of the serve as an open place for people of all ages non-diversion of chemicals for activities pro- f and backgrounds to make use of books and hibited under the Chemical Weapons Conven- SENATE RESOLUTION 526—DESIG- other resources that offer pathways to learn- tion; and NATING APRIL 20 THROUGH 26, ing, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowl- (4) calls on all States Parties to adopt the edge; necessary laws, regulations, and enforcement 2008, AS ‘‘NATIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH AIDE, COMMUNITY Whereas the libraries of the United States practices to ban chemical weapons activi- depend on the generous donations and sup- ties, pursuant to Article VIII of the Chem- HEALTH PRACTITIONER, AND port of individuals and groups to ensure that ical Weapons Convention and United Nations DENTAL HEALTH AIDE WEEK’’ those who are unable to purchase books still Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), and have access to a wide variety of resources; to afford appropriate legal and regulatory as- Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself and Mr. STEVENS) submitted the following Whereas certain nonprofit organizations sistance to other countries so as to achieve facilitate donations of books to schools and full implementation of the Chemical Weap- resolution; which was considered and agreed to: libraries across the country to extend the ons Convention. joys of reading to millions of people in the Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, 11 years S. RES. 526 United States and prevent used books from ago this month, the Senate gave its ad- Whereas Alaska experienced one of the being thrown away; and vice and consent to U.S. ratification of most extreme tuberculosis epidemics in re- Whereas several States and Common- the Chemical Weapons Convention, or corded history in the 1950s; wealths that recognize the importance of li- CWC. Those of us who were here then Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- braries and reading have adopted resolutions gram in Alaska was created during the 1950s, remember all too well how contentious commemorating April 23 as ‘‘Adopt A Li- in response to the unique health care needs brary Day’’: Now, therefore, be it and difficult a task that was. of remote Alaskan communities; Resolved, That the Senate— Eleven years later, I have no doubt in Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- (1) designates April 23, 2008, as ‘‘National my mind that the Senate did the right gram, which currently consists of 550 Com- Adopt A Library Day’’; thing. The CWC clearly serves the na- munity Health Aides and Community Health (2) honors organizations that help facili- tional security interests of the U.S. It Practitioners and 40 Dental Health Aides, tate donations to schools and libraries; continues to enhance international serves 178 isolated Alaskan communities to (3) urges all people in the United States peace and security. provide emergency, primary health care, and who own unused books to donate those books Since the CWC entered into force, 183 oral health care; to local libraries; States have signed on to the treaty’s Whereas Community Health Aides, Com- (4) strongly supports children and families munity Health Practitioners, and Dental who take advantage of the resources pro- commitment to forgo poison gas for- Health Aides have proven their dedication to vided by schools and libraries; and ever, and have subjected themselves to serving Alaskans and their ability to work in (5) encourages the people of the United the treaty’s verification procedures. some of the most challenging and diverse States to observe the day with appropriate States Parties to the CWC have de- settings in the world; ceremonies and activities.

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COCHRAN, Mr. COLEMAN, Ms. COLLINS, an amendment intended to be proposed Mr. CRAIG, Mr. DODD, Mrs. DOLE, Mr. geographic boundaries, increasing intercul- tural understanding and promoting the sense by him to the bill S. 1315, to amend DURBIN, Mr. FEINGOLD, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, that they are global citizens; and title 38, United States Code, to enhance Mr. GREGG, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. ISAKSON, Whereas both young people and their com- life insurance benefits for disabled vet- Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. KERRY, Ms. munities will benefit greatly from expanded erans, and for other purposes; which LANDRIEU, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. LEVIN, opportunities for youth to engage in volun- was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mrs. LINCOLN, Mr. teer service and service-learning: Now, lows: MARTINEZ, Mr. MENENDEZ, Ms. MIKUL- therefore, be it On page 78, after line 4, add the following: SKI, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. NELSON of Ne- Resolved, That the Senate— SEC. 808. AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS braska, Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. (1) recognizes and commends the signifi- cant contributions of the youth of the FOR ENHANCEMENT OF OUTREACH OBAMA, Mr. SPECTER, Mr. STEVENS, and United States and encourages the cultiva- OF ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. Mr. TESTER) submitted the following tion of a civic bond among young people (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 5 is amended by resolution; which was considered and dedicated to serving their neighbors, their adding at the end the following new sub- agreed to: communities, and the Nation; chapter: S. RES. 528 (2) designates April 25, 2008, as ‘‘Global ‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—OUTREACH Whereas Global Youth Service Day is an Youth Service Day’’; and annual public awareness and education cam- (3) calls on the citizens of the United ‘‘§ 561. Outreach activities: funding paign that highlights the valuable contribu- States to— ‘‘(a) SEPARATE ACCOUNT FOR OUTREACH AC- tions that young people make to their com- (A) observe the day by encouraging youth TIVITIES.—The Secretary shall establish a munities; to participate in civic and community serv- separate account for the funding of the out- Whereas the goals of Global Youth Service ice projects and by joining them in such reach activities of the Department, and shall Day are to—(1) mobilize the youth of the projects; establish within such account a separate United States to identify and address the (B) recognize the volunteer efforts of the subaccount for the funding of the outreach needs of their communities through service young people of the United States through- activities of each element of the Department and service-learning; (2) support young peo- out the year; and specified in subsection (c). ple in embarking on a lifelong path of serv- (C) support the volunteer efforts of young ‘‘(b) BUDGET REQUIREMENTS.—In the budget ice and civic engagement; and (3) educate the people and engage them in meaningful learn- justification materials submitted to Con- public, the media, and policymakers about ing and decision-making opportunities today gress in support of the Department budget contributions made by young people as com- as an investment in the future of the United for any fiscal year (as submitted with the munity leaders throughout the year; States. budget of the President under section 1105(a) Whereas Global Youth Service Day, a pro- f of title 31), the Secretary shall include a sep- gram of Youth Service America, is the larg- arate statement of the amount requested for est service event in the world and in 2008 is AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND such fiscal year for activities as follows: being observed for the 20th consecutive year PROPOSED ‘‘(1) For outreach activities of the Depart- in the United States and for the 9th year SA 4559. Mr. FEINGOLD submitted an ment in aggregate. globally in more than 100 countries; amendment intended to be proposed by him ‘‘(2) For outreach activities of each ele- Whereas young people in the United States to the bill S. 1315, to amend title 38, United ment of the Department specified in sub- and in many other countries are volun- States Code, to enhance life insurance bene- section (c). teering more than in any other generation in fits for disabled veterans, and for other pur- ‘‘(c) COVERED ELEMENTS.—The elements of history; poses; which was ordered to lie on the table. the Department specified in this subsection Whereas children and youth not only rep- SA 4560. Mr. BAUCUS (for himself, Mr. are as follows: resent the future of the world, but also are TESTER, and Mr. LUGAR) submitted an ‘‘(1) The Veterans Health Administration. leaders and assets today; amendment intended to be proposed by him ‘‘(2) The Veterans Benefits Administration. Whereas children and youth should be val- to the bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered ‘‘(3) The National Cemetery Administra- ued for the idealism, energy, creativity, and to lie on the table. tion. unique perspectives that they use when ad- SA 4561. Mr. MENENDEZ submitted an ‘‘§ 562. Outreach activities: coordination of ac- dressing critical global issues such as pov- amendment intended to be proposed by him tivities within Department erty, hunger, illiteracy, education, gang ac- to the bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered ‘‘(a) PROCEDURES FOR EFFECTIVE COORDINA- tivity, natural disasters, climate change, and to lie on the table. TION.—The Secretary shall establish and myriad others; SA 4562. Mr. SANDERS submitted an maintain procedures for ensuring the effec- Whereas a fundamental and conclusive cor- amendment intended to be proposed by him tive coordination of the outreach activities relation exists between youth service, life- to the bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered of the Department between and among the long adult volunteering, and philanthropy; to lie on the table. following: Whereas service-learning is a teaching and SA 4563. Mr. SANDERS submitted an ‘‘(1) The Office of the Secretary. learning strategy that integrates meaningful amendment intended to be proposed by him ‘‘(2) The Office of Public Affairs. community service with mastery of aca- to the bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered ‘‘(3) The Veterans Health Administration. demic curricula by helping young people to lie on the table. ‘‘(4) The Veterans Benefits Administration. make important connections between what SA 4564. Mr. SANDERS submitted an ‘‘(5) The National Cemetery Administra- they are studying and the challenges that amendment intended to be proposed by him tion. they see in their communities; to the bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered ‘‘(b) REVIEW AND MODIFICATION.—The Sec- Whereas several private foundations and to lie on the table. retary shall— corporations in the United States support SA 4565. Mr. SANDERS submitted an ‘‘(1) periodically review the procedures service-learning as a means for young people amendment intended to be proposed by him maintained under subsection (a) for the pur- to build character and develop the leadership to the bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered pose of ensuring that such procedures meet and career-preparedness skills that are nec- to lie on the table. the requirement in that subsection; and essary for the United States to be competi- SA 4566. Mr. SANDERS submitted an ‘‘(2) make such modifications to such pro- tive in the 21st century, including time man- amendment intended to be proposed by him cedures as the Secretary considers appro- agement, decision-making, teamwork, and to the bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered priate in light of such review in order to bet- problem solving; to lie on the table. ter achieve that purpose. Whereas a report by Civic Enterprises SA 4567. Mr. THUNE submitted an amend- found that 47 percent of high school dropouts ment intended to be proposed by him to the ‘‘§ 563. Outreach activities: cooperative activi- reported boredom as a primary reason for bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered to lie ties with States; grants to States for im- dropping out; on the table. provement of outreach Whereas high quality, semester-long serv- SA 4568. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amend- ‘‘(a) PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this ice-learning has been found to increase stu- ment intended to be proposed by him to the section to assist States in carrying out pro- dents’ academic engagement and achieve- bill S. 1315, supra; which was ordered to lie grams that offer a high probability of im- ment, motivation to learn, school attend- on the table. proving outreach and assistance to veterans,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.041 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 and to the spouses, children, and parents of SEC. 604. REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF THE SEC- for purposes of this chapter includes a sur- veterans who may be eligible to receive vet- RETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN viving spouse who had a subsequent remar- erans’ or veterans’-related benefits, to en- ADDRESSING CAUSES FOR riage), minor child (which for purposes of VARIANCES IN COMPENSATION PAY- this chapter includes a child under 21 years sure that such individuals are fully informed MENTS FOR VETERANS FOR SERV- about, and assisted in applying for, any vet- ICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES. of age, or under 23 years of age if pursuing a erans’ and veterans’-related benefits and pro- (a) REPORTS REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 course of instruction at an approved edu- grams (including under State veterans’ pro- days after the date of the enactment of this cational institution), or, in the discretion of grams). Act, and every year thereafter through 2012, the Secretary, unmarried adult child of any of person described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), ‘‘(b) LOCATION OF PROVISION OF OUT- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall sub- (4), or (7) of section 2402 of this title.’’. REACH.—The Secretary shall ensure that out- mit to the congressional veterans affairs (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (c) of sec- reach and assistance is provided under pro- committees a report describing the progress of the Secretary in addressing the causes of tion 2303 of title 38, United States Code, as grams referred to in subsection (a) in loca- added by subsection (a), shall apply with re- tions proximate to populations of veterans variances in compensation payments for vet- erans for service-connected disabilities. spect to an individual who dies on or after and other individuals referred to in that sub- the date of the enactment of this Act. section, as determined utilizing criteria for (b) ELEMENTS.—Each report under sub- section (a) shall include the following: determining the proximity of such popu- SA 4562. Mr. SANDERS submitted an lations to veterans health care services. (1) A description of the efforts of the Vet- erans Benefits Administration to coordinate amendment intended to be proposed by ‘‘(c) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH with the Veterans Health Administration to him to the bill S. 1315, to amend title STATES.—The Secretary may enter into co- improve the quality of examinations of vet- 38, United States Code, to enhance life operative agreements and arrangements with erans with service-connected disabilities insurance benefits for disabled vet- veterans agencies of the States in order to that are performed by the Veterans Health erans, and for other purposes; which carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise Administration and contract clinicians, in- enhance outreach by the Department and the was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- cluding efforts relating to the use of ap- lows: States (including outreach with respect to proved templates for such examinations and State veterans’ programs). of reports on such examinations that are At the end of title VI, add the following: SEC. 604. PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS OF ROUND ‘‘(d) GRANTS.—(1) The Secretary may based on such templates prepared in an eas- ily-readable format. DOWN OF RATES OF DISABILITY award grants to veterans agencies of States COMPENSATION AND DEPENDENCY in order to achieve purposes as follows: (2) An assessment of the current personnel AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION ‘‘(A) To carry out, coordinate, improve, or requirements of the Veterans Benefits Ad- ROUNDED DOWN DURING COST-OF- otherwise enhance outreach, including ac- ministration, including an assessment of the LIVING ADJUSTMENTS BY THE SEC- tivities pursuant to cooperative agreements adequacy of the number of personnel as- RETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. and arrangements under subsection (c). signed to each regional office of the Admin- (a) PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS OF ROUND ‘‘(B) To carry out, coordinate, improve, or istration for each type of claim adjudication DOWN.—In any month in which a rate of dis- otherwise enhance activities to assist in the position. ability compensation or dependency and in- development and submittal of claims for vet- (3) A description of the differences, if any, demnity compensation specified in sub- erans’ and veterans’-related benefits, includ- in current patterns of submittal rate of section (b) that is payable to an individual ing activities pursuant to cooperative agree- claims to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the laws administered by the Sec- ments and arrangements under subsection regarding service-connected disabilities retary of Veterans Affairs is rounded down (c). among various populations of veterans, in- to the next lower whole dollar amount by cluding veterans living in rural and highly reason of an Act requiring such a rounding ‘‘(2) A veterans agency of a State receiving rural areas, minority veterans, veterans who down in the course of a cost-of-living adjust- a grant under this subsection— served in the National Guard or Reserve, and ment to such rate by the Secretary author- ‘‘(A) may, except as provided in subpara- veterans who are retired from the Armed ized by such Act, the individual shall be paid graph (B)— Forces military retirees, and a description for such month an additional amount equal ‘‘(i) use the grant amount for purposes de- and assessment of efforts undertaken to to the rounded down amount of such rate. scribed in paragraph (1); and eliminate such differences. (b) COVERED RATES OF COMPENSATION.—The ‘‘(ii) award all or any portion of such grant (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: rates of compensation specified in this sub- amount to nonprofit organizations of such (1) The term ‘‘congressional veterans af- section are the rates of compensation and State, for such purposes; and fairs committees’’ means— other allowances as follows: ‘‘(B) if such State has a county or local (A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of (1) COMPENSATION.—Each of the dollar government with a veterans agency, shall the Senate; and amounts in effect under section 1114 of title award all or any portion of such grant (B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of 38, United States Code. amount to not less than one veterans agency the House of Representatives. (2) ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR DEPEND- of a county or local government of such (2) HIGHLY RURAL.—The term ‘‘highly ENTS.—Each of the dollar amounts in effect State, for such purposes. rural’’, in the case of an area, means that the under section 1115(1) of such title. ‘‘(e) FUNDING.—Amounts available for the area consists of a county or counties having (3) CLOTHING ALLOWANCE.—The dollar Department for outreach in the account a population of less than seven persons per amount in effect under section 1162 of such under section 561 of this title shall be avail- square mile. title. able for activities under this section, includ- (4) NEW DIC RATES.—The dollar amounts in ing grants under subsection (d).’’. SA 4561. Mr. MENENDEZ submitted effect under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of an amendment intended to be proposed 1311(a) of such title. sections at the beginning of chapter 5 is by him to the bill S. 1315, to amend (5) OLD DIC RATES.—Each of the dollar amended by adding at the end the following title 38, United States Code, to enhance amounts in effect under section 1311(a)(3) of new items: life insurance benefits for disabled vet- such title. (6) ADDITIONAL DIC FOR DISABILITY.—The ‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—OUTREACH erans, and for other purposes; which dollar mounts in effect under section 1311(c) ‘‘561. Outreach activities: funding. was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- and 1311(d) of such title. ‘‘562. Outreach activities: coordination of lows: (7) DIC FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN.—The dol- activities within Department. At the end of title VII, add the following: lar amounts in effect under section 1313(a) ‘‘563. Outreach activities: cooperative ac- SEC. 703. PLOT ALLOWANCE FOR SPOUSES AND and 1314 of such title. tivities with States; grants to States CHILDREN OF CERTAIN VETERANS (c) TREATMENT AS COMPENSATION.—Any for improvement of outreach.’’. WHO ARE BURIED IN STATE CEME- amount paid an individual under subsection TERIES. (a) shall be treated as disability compensa- (a) PLOT ALLOWANCE.—Section 2303 is tion or dependency and indemnity compensa- SA 4560. Mr. BAUCUS (for himself, amended by adding at the end the following tion, as applicable, for all purposes. new subsection: Mr. TESTER, and Mr. LUGAR) submitted ‘‘(c)(1) In the case of an individual de- SA 4563. Mr. SANDERS submitted an an amendment intended to be proposed scribed in paragraph (2) who is buried in a amendment intended to be proposed by by him to the bill S. 1315, to amend cemetery that is owned by a State or by an him to the bill S. 1315, to amend title title 38, United States Code, to enhance agency or political subdivision of a State, 38, United States Code, to enhance life life insurance benefits for disabled vet- the Secretary shall pay to such State, agen- insurance benefits for disabled vet- erans, and for other purposes; which cy, or political subdivision the sum of $300 as erans, and for other purposes; which a plot or interment allowance for such indi- was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- lows: vidual. ‘‘(2) An individual described in this para- lows: At the end of title VI, add the following: graph is a spouse, surviving spouse (which Strike section 802 and insert the following:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.035 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3265 SEC. 802. AUTOMOBILE ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE. (1) by inserting ‘‘(a) FUNERAL AND BURIAL 38, United States Code, to enhance life (a) INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF ALLOWANCE.— EXPENSES.—’’ before ‘‘In any case’’; insurance benefits for disabled vet- Subsection (a) of section 3902 is amended by (2) in paragraph (1) of subsection (a), as erans, and for other purposes; which striking ‘‘$11,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$22,500 (as designated by paragraph (1) of this sub- was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- adjusted from time to time under subsection section, by striking ‘‘$2,000’’ and inserting (e))’’. ‘‘$4,100 (as adjusted from time to time under lows: (b) ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT.—Such section is subsection (b))’’; and On page 52, after line 21, add the following: further amended by adding at the end the (3) by adding at the end the following new SEC. 604. AUTOMATIC ANNUAL INCREASE IN following new subsection: subsection: RATES OF DISABILITY COMPENSA- ‘‘(e)(1) Effective on October 1 of each year ‘‘(b) COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT.—With TION AND DEPENDENCY AND IN- (beginning in 2009), the Secretary shall in- respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary DEMNITY COMPENSATION. crease the dollar amount in effect under sub- shall provide a percentage increase (rounded (a) INDEXING TO SOCIAL SECURITY IN- section (a) to an amount equal to 80 percent to the nearest dollar) in the amount of bene- CREASES.—Section 5312 is amended by adding of the average retail cost of new automobiles fits payable under subsection (a)(1) equal to at the end the following new subsection: for the preceding calendar year. the percentage by which— ‘‘(d)(1) Whenever there is an increase in ‘‘(2) The Secretary shall establish the ‘‘(1) the Consumer Price Index (all items, method for determining the average retail benefit amounts payable under title II of the United States city average) for the 12-month Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as cost of new automobiles for purposes of this period ending on the June 30 preceding the subsection. The Secretary may use data de- a result of a determination made under sec- beginning of the fiscal year for which the in- tion 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), the veloped in the private sector if the Secretary crease is made, exceeds determines the data is appropriate for pur- Secretary shall, effective on the date of such ‘‘(2) such Consumer Price Index for the 12- increase in benefit amounts, increase the poses of this subsection.’’. month period preceding the 12-month period (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments dollar amounts in effect for the payment of described in paragraph (1).’’. disability compensation and dependency and made by this section shall take effect on Oc- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.— tober 1, 2008. indemnity compensation by the Secretary, (1) IN GENERAL.—The amendments made by as specified in paragraph (2), as such this section shall take effect on the date of SA 4564. Mr. SANDERS submitted an amounts were in effect immediately before the enactment of this Act, and shall apply the date of such increase in benefit amounts amendment intended to be proposed by with respect to deaths occurring on or after him to the bill S. 1315, to amend title payable under title II of the Social Security that date. Act, by the same percentage as the percent- 38, United States Code, to enhance life (2) NO COLA ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR age by which such benefit amounts are in- insurance benefits for disabled vet- 2009.—The percentage increase required by creased. subsection (b) of section 2307 of title 38, erans, and for other purposes; which ‘‘(2) The dollar amounts to be increased United States Code (as added by subsection was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- pursuant to paragraph (1) are the following: (a) of this section), for fiscal year 2009 shall lows: ‘‘(A) COMPENSATION.—Each of the dollar not be made. Strike section 205 and insert the following: amounts in effect under section 1114 of this SEC. 205. INCREASE IN SPECIALLY ADAPTED SA 4566. Mr. SANDERS submitted an title. ‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR DE- HOUSING BENEFITS FOR DISABLED amendment intended to be proposed by VETERANS. PENDENTS.—Each of the dollar amounts in ef- Section 2102 is amended— him to the bill S. 1315, to amend title fect under section 1115(1) of this title. (1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking 38, United States Code, to enhance life ‘‘(C) CLOTHING ALLOWANCE.—The dollar ‘‘$10,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$12,000’’; insurance benefits for disabled vet- amount in effect under section 1162 of this (2) in subsection (d)— erans, and for other purposes; which title. (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘$50,000’’ was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- ‘‘(D) NEW DIC RATES.—Each of the dollar and inserting ‘‘$60,000’’; and lows: amounts in effect under paragraphs (1) and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘$10,000’’ (2) of section 1311(a) of this title. Strike section 702 and insert the following: and inserting ‘‘$12,000’’; and ‘‘(E) OLD DIC RATES.—Each of the dollar (3) by adding at the end the following new SEC. 702. PLOT ALLOWANCES. amounts in effect under section 1311(a)(3) of subsection: (a) INCREASE IN PLOT ALLOWANCE.—Section this title. ‘‘(e)(1) Effective on October 1 of each year 2303 is amended by striking ‘‘$300’’ each place ‘‘(F) ADDITIONAL DIC FOR SURVIVING (beginning in 2009), the Secretary shall in- it appears and inserting ‘‘$745 (as adjusted SPOUSES WITH MINOR CHILDREN.—The dollar crease the amounts described in subsection from time to time under subsection (c))’’. amount in effect under section 1311(b) of this (b)(2) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY.—Subsection title. (d) in accordance with this subsection. (b)(2) of such section is amended by striking ‘‘(G) ADDITIONAL DIC FOR DISABILITY.—Each ‘‘(2) The increase in amounts under para- ‘‘such veteran is eligible’’ and all that fol- of the dollar amounts in effect under sec- graph (1) to take effect on October 1 of a year lows through ‘‘, and’’. tions 1311(c) and 1311(d) of this title. shall be by an amount of such amounts equal (c) ANNUAL COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT.— ‘‘(H) DIC FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN.—Each to the percentage by which— Such section is further amended by adding at of the dollar amounts in effect under sec- ‘‘(A) the residential home cost-of-construc- the end the following new subsection: tions 1313(a) and 1314 of this title. ‘‘(c) With respect to any fiscal year, the tion index for the preceding calendar year, ‘‘(3) Whenever there is an increase under Secretary shall provide a percentage in- exceeds paragraph (1) in amounts in effect for the crease (rounded to the nearest dollar) in each ‘‘(B) the residential home cost-of-construc- payment of disability compensation and de- maximum amount of the plot allowance pay- tion index for the year preceding the year de- pendency and indemnity compensation, the able under this section equal to the percent- scribed in subparagraph (A). Secretary shall publish such amounts, as in- age by which— ‘‘(3) The Secretary shall establish a resi- creased pursuant to such paragraph, in the ‘‘(1) the Consumer Price Index (all items, dential home cost-of-construction index for Federal Register at the same time as the ma- United States city average) for the 12-month the purposes of this subsection. The index terial required by section 215(i)(2)(D) of the period ending on the June 30 preceding the shall reflect a uniform, national average Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(2)(D)) is beginning of the fiscal year for which the in- change in the cost of residential home con- published by reason of a determination under crease is made, exceeds struction, determined on a calendar year section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)).’’. basis. The Secretary may use an index devel- ‘‘(2) such Consumer Price Index for the 12- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (d) of sec- oped in the private sector that the Secretary month period preceding the 12-month period tion 5312 of title 38, United States Code, as determines is appropriate for purposes of described in paragraph (1).’’. added by subsection (a) of this section, shall this subsection.’’. (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The amendments made by take effect on the first day of the first cal- SA 4565. Mr. SANDERS submitted an this section shall take effect on October 1, endar year that begins after the date of the amendment intended to be proposed by 2008, and shall apply with respect to deaths enactment of this Act. him to the bill S. 1315, to amend title occurring on or after that date. 38, United States Code, to enhance life (2) NO COLA ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR SA 4568. Mr. INHOFE submitted an 2009.—The percentage increase required by insurance benefits for disabled vet- amendment intended to be proposed by subsection (c) of section 2303 of title 38, him to the bill S. 1315, to amend title erans, and for other purposes; which United States Code (as added by subsection was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- 38, United States Code, to enhance life (c) of this section), for fiscal year 2009 shall insurance benefits for disabled vet- lows: not be made. erans, and for other purposes; which Strike section 701 and insert the following: was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- SEC. 701. FUNERAL AND BURIAL EXPENSES. SA 4567. Mr. THUNE submitted an (a) DEATHS FROM SERVICE-CONNECTED DIS- amendment intended to be proposed by lows: ABILITY.—Section 2307 is amended— him to the bill S. 1315, to amend title At the end of title VIII, add the following:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.042 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 SEC. 808. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DUR- forts of the Department of Veterans Affairs room 253 of the Russell Senate Office ING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY and the Department of Defense for the miti- Building. MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES gation, treatment, and rehabilitation of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY VET- traumatic extremity injuries and amputa- ERANS. objection, it is so ordered. tions. Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs f TRANSPORTATION (A) through (C) and inserting the following NOTICES OF HEARINGS Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask new subparagraphs: unanimous consent that the Com- ‘‘(A) individuals in uniform should give the COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS military salute at the first note of the an- Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I would mittee on Commerce, Science and them and maintain that position until the like to announce that the Committee Transportation be authorized to meet last note; on Indian Affairs will meet on Thurs- during the session of the Senate on ‘‘(B) members of the Armed Forces and day, April 24, at 9 a.m. in Room 562 of Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 2:30 p.m., in veterans who are present but not in uniform room 253 of the Russell Senate Office may render the military salute in the man- the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Those wishing additional information Building. ner provided for individuals in uniform; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without may contact the Indian Affairs Com- ‘‘(C) all other persons present should face objection, it is so ordered. the flag and stand at attention with their mittee at 224–2251. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS right hand over the heart, and men not in COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL uniform, if applicable, should remove their RESOURCES Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask headdress with their right hand and hold it Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I unanimous consent that the Com- at the left shoulder, the hand being over the mittee on Foreign Relations be author- heart; and’’. would like to announce for the infor- mation of the Senate and the public ized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at Mr. INHOFE submitted an that a hearing has been scheduled be- SA 4569. 10:30 a.m. to hold a hearing on inter- amendment intended to be proposed by fore the Senate Committee on Energy national deforestation and climate him to the bill S. 1315, to amend title and Natural Resources. The hearing change. 38, United States Code, to enhance life will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2008, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without insurance benefits for disabled vet- at 9:30 a.m., in room SD–366 of the objection, it is so ordered. erans, and for other purposes; which Dirksen Senate Office Building. was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- The purpose of the hearing is to ex- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS lows: amine the adequacy of State and Fed- Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Com- At the end of title VIII, add the following: eral regulatory structures for gov- mittee on Foreign Relations be author- SEC. 808. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN THE MITI- erning electric utility holding compa- GATION, TREATMENT, AND REHA- nies in light of the repeal of the Public ized to meet during the session of the BILITATION OF TRAUMATIC EX- Utility Holding Company Act in the Senate on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at TREMITY INJURIES AND AMPUTA- 2:15 p.m. to hold a business meeting. TIONS. Energy Policy Act of 2005, with par- ticular attention to the report issued The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet- objection, it is so ordered. erans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense by the Government Accountability Of- shall jointly establish a center of excellence fice–GAO–08–289, Utility Oversight: Re- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS in the mitigation, treatment, and rehabilita- cent Changes in Law Call for Improved Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask tion of traumatic extremity injuries and am- Vigilance by FERC. unanimous consent that the Com- putations. Because of the limited time available mittee on Foreign Relations be author- (b) PARTNERSHIPS.—The Secretary of Vet- for the hearing, witnesses may testify ized to meet during the session of the erans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense Senate on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at shall jointly ensure that the center collabo- by invitation only. However, those rates with the Department of Veterans Af- wishing to submit written testimony 4:30 p.m. to hold a briefing on U.S.-Tur- fairs, the Department of Defense, institu- for the hearing record may do so by key nuclear cooperation. tions of higher education, and other appro- sending it to the Committee on Energy The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without priate public and private entities (including and Natural Resources, United States objection, it is so ordered. international entities) to carry out the re- Senate, Washington, DC 20510–6150, or SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE sponsibilities specified in subsection (c). by e-mail to Gina_Weinstock@energy Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask (c) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The center shall .senate.gov. unanimous consent that the Select have the responsibilities as follows: (1) To implement a comprehensive plan For further information, please con- Committee on Intelligence be author- and strategy for the Department of Veterans tact Leon Lowery at (202) 224–2209 or ized to meet during the session of the Affairs and the Department of Defense for Gina Weinstock at (202) 224–5684. Senate on April 22, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. to the mitigation, treatment, and rehabilita- f hold a closed hearing. tion of traumatic extremity injuries and am- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO putations. objection, it is so ordered. (2) To carry out such other activities to MEET SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC LANDS AND FORESTS improve and enhance the efforts of the De- COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask partment of Veterans Affairs and the Depart- AFFAIRS ment of Defense for the mitigation, treat- unanimous consent that the Sub- ment, and rehabilitation of traumatic ex- Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask committee on Public Lands and For- tremity injuries and amputations as the Sec- unanimous consent that the Com- ests, be authorized to meet during the retary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary mittee on Banking, Housing, and session of the Senate to conduct a of Defense consider appropriate. Urban Affairs be authorized to meet hearing on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at (d) REPORTS.— during the Session of the Senate on 2:30 p.m., in room SD–366 of the Dirk- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year April 22, 2008, at 10 a.m., to conduct a after the date of the enactment of this Act, sen Senate Office Building. Committee Hearing entitled ‘‘Turmoil The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and annually thereafter, the Secretary of in U.S. Credit Markets: The Rule of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of De- objection, it is so ordered. Credit Rating Agencies.’’ fense shall jointly submit to Congress a re- f port on the activities of the center. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (2) ELEMENTS.—Each report under this sub- objection, it is so ordered. PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR section shall include the following: COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, on behalf (A) In the case of the first report under TRANSPORTATION of Senator KENNEDY, I ask unanimous this subsection, a description of the imple- Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I ask consent that Laura Kwinn, a fellow in mentation of the requirements of this Act. unanimous consent that the Com- his office, be granted the privileges of (B) A description and assessment of the ac- tivities of the center during the one-year pe- mittee on Commerce, Science, and the floor for the remainder of the legis- riod ending on the date of such report, in- Transportation be authorized to meet lative session. cluding an assessment of the role of such ac- during the session of the Senate on The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tivities in improving and enhancing the ef- Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 10 a.m., in objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.052 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3267 Mr. INOUYE. Madam President, I ask 6,000,000 European Jews during the Holo- (6) extends the warmest congratulations unanimous consent that two members caust; and best wishes to the State of Israel and the of my staff, Nina Fallenbaum and Petti Whereas since its establishment 60 years Israeli people for a peaceful, prosperous, and Matila, be granted the privileges of the ago, the modern State of Israel has rebuilt a successful future. nation, forged a new and dynamic demo- f floor during the consideration of S. cratic society, and created a thriving eco- 1315. nomic, political, cultural, and intellectual NATIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without life despite the heavy costs of war, ter- AIDE, COMMUNITY HEALTH objection, it is so ordered. rorism, and unjustified diplomatic and eco- PRACTITIONER, AND DENTAL Mr. CHAMBLISS. First, I ask unani- nomic boycotts against the people of Israel; HEALTH AIDE WEEK mous consent that Jerry Acosta, a Whereas the people of Israel have estab- lished a vibrant, pluralistic, democratic po- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- military legislative fellow in my office, imous consent that the Senate now be granted the privilege of the floor litical system, including freedom of speech, association, and religion; a vigorously free proceed to S. Res. 526. during the remainder of today’s ses- press; free, fair and open elections; the rule The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sion. of law; a fully independent judiciary; and clerk will report the resolution by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without other democratic principles and practices; title. objection, it is so ordered. Whereas Israel has developed some of the The assistant legislative clerk read f leading universities in the world, and 8 as follows: Israeli citizens have been awarded the Nobel A resolution (S. Res. 526) designating April RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVER- Prize; 20 through 26, 2008, as ‘‘National Community SARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE Whereas Israel has developed an advanced, Health Aide, Community Health Practi- entrepreneurial economy, is among the MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL tioner, and Dental Health Aide Week.’’ world’s leaders in the high-tech industry, Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- and is at the forefront of research and devel- There being no objection, the Senate imous consent that the Foreign Rela- opment in the field of renewable energy proceeded to consider the resolution. tions Committee be discharged from sources; Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- further consideration of S. Res. 522. Whereas Israel regularly sends humani- imous consent that the resolution be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tarian aid, search-and-rescue teams, mobile agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, objection, it is so ordered. The clerk hospitals, and other emergency supplies, to and the motions to reconsider be laid will report the resolution by title. help victims of disasters around the world, upon the table. The assistant legislative clerk read including the 1994 Rwandan civil war, the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without as follows: 1998 bombing of the United States Embassy objection, it is so ordered. in Kenya, the 1999 earthquakes in Turkey, A resolution (S. Res. 522) recognizing the the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 hur- The resolution (S. Res. 526) was 60th anniversary of the founding of the mod- ricanes along the southern coast of the agreed to. ern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds United States, and the 2007 fires in Greece; The preamble was agreed to. of close friendship and cooperation between Whereas Israel has absorbed millions of The resolution, with its preamble, the United States and Israel. Jews from countries throughout the world reads as follows: There being no objection, the Senate and fully integrated them into Israeli soci- S. RES. 526 proceeded to consider the resolution. ety; Whereas Alaska experienced one of the Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Whereas Israel has bravely defended itself most extreme tuberculosis epidemics in re- imous consent that Senators have until from repeated terrorist and military attacks corded history in the 1950s; since its independence; Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- tomorrow at 5 o’clock to add their Whereas successive leaders of Israel have names as cosponsors of this resolution. gram in Alaska was created during the 1950s, sought to achieve peace with Israel’s Arab in response to the unique health care needs The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without neighbors; of remote Alaskan communities; objection, it is so ordered. Whereas Israel has established peaceful bi- Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent lateral relations with neighboring Egypt and gram, which currently consists of 550 Com- that the resolution and preamble be Jordan and has made its desire to establish munity Health Aides and Community Health agreed to en bloc, the motions to re- peaceful relations with all Arab states abun- Practitioners and 40 Dental Health Aides, consider be laid upon the table en bloc, dantly clear; serves 178 isolated Alaskan communities to Whereas for 6 decades, the United States and any statements relating to this provide emergency, primary health care, and and Israel have maintained a special rela- oral health care; matter be printed in the RECORD as if tionship based on mutually shared demo- Whereas Community Health Aides, Com- given. cratic values, common strategic interests, munity Health Practitioners, and Dental The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and moral bonds of friendship and mutual re- Health Aides have proven their dedication to objection, it is so ordered. spect; serving Alaskans and their ability to work in The resolution (S. Res. 522) was Whereas the American people feel a strong some of the most challenging and diverse agreed to. affinity for the Israeli people based on com- settings in the world; The preamble was agreed to. mon values and shared cultural heritage; and Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- Whereas the United States continues to re- gram is the only program of its kind in the The resolution, with its preamble, gard Israel as a strong and trusted ally and reads as follows: United States, and other countries have an important strategic partner: Now, there- modeled their delivery of rural health care S. RES. 522 fore, be it after this program; Whereas on November 29, 1947, the United Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- Nations General Assembly voted to partition (1) recognizes the historic significance of gram has proven to be effective, efficient, the British Mandate of Palestine and create the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment and essential in improving the health of the a Jewish state; of the sovereign and independent State of inhabitants of rural Alaska; Whereas on May 14, 1948, the people of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people; Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- Israel proclaimed the establishment of the (2) reaffirms the bonds of friendship and co- gram is a patient’s first contact within the sovereign and independent State of Israel, operation which have existed between the network of health care professionals in the and the United States Government estab- United States and Israel for the past 60 Alaska Tribal Health Care System and is one lished full diplomatic relations with Israel; years, and commits to strengthening those of the most effective means of delivering Whereas the desire of the Jewish people to bonds; health care services to Alaskan commu- establish an independent modern State of (3) commends the people of Israel for their nities; Israel is an outgrowth of the existence of the remarkable achievements in building a new Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- historic kingdom of Israel established in the state and a pluralistic, democratic society in gram was created with a focus on tuber- Land of Israel 3,000 years ago, with the city the face of terrorism, as well as hostility, os- culosis, meningitis, and other infectious dis- of Jerusalem as its capital; tracism, and belligerence from many of their eases, but now successfully cares for other Whereas for over 2,000 years, there has neighbors; common diseases such as diabetes and heart been continuous Jewish presence and resi- (4) reaffirms its support for Israel’s right disease; dence in the land comprising the modern to defend itself against threats to its secu- Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- State of Israel; rity and existence; gram also serves the oral health needs of Whereas the establishment of the modern (5) reaffirms its enduring support for Israel Alaskans, and is in the process of adding State of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish as Israel pursues peace with its neighbors; services to address the behavioral health people followed the slaughter of more than and needs of rural Alaska; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.053 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 Whereas the Community Health Aide Pro- GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY Alaska in observance of National and gram has successfully adapted over the last Global Youth Service Day: 50 years to the ever-evolving health care Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- imous consent that the Senate now 1. Anchorage’s Promise, which works landscape of Alaskan communities: Now, to mobilize all sectors of the commu- therefore, be it proceed to S. Res. 528. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nity to build the character and com- Resolved, That the Senate designates April petence of Anchorage’s children and 20 through 26, 2008, as ‘‘National Community clerk will report. Health Aide, Community Health Practi- The assistant legislative clerk read youth, is again sponsoring the annual tioner, and Dental Health Aide Week’’. as follows: Kids’ Day three-day events in Anchor- age this year. Youth will provide sig- A resolution (S. Res. 528) designating April f 25, 2008, as ‘‘Global Youth Service Day.’’ nificant service to their peers and to adults who attend Kids’ Day activities: There being no objection, the Senate Students from King Career Center will NATIONAL ADOPT A LIBRARY DAY proceeded to consider the resolution. serve as volunteer safety patrols. Stu- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I dents from the University of Alaska imous consent that the Senate proceed rise in support of a resolution desig- Anchorage will serve as greeters. Mem- to S. Res. 527. nating April 25, 2008, as ‘‘Global Youth bers of the West High School Junior Service Day.’’ This resolution recog- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ROTC will provide security. The youth nizes and commends the significant clerk will report. members of the American Co-Ed Pag- community service efforts that youth eants will serve as entertainment di- The assistant legislative clerk read are making in communities across the as follows: rectors. Students at Chugiak High country and around the world on April School will help their younger peers A resolution (S. Res. 527) designating April 25 and every day. This resolution also with bicycle and seatbelt safety dem- 23, 2008, as National Adopt a Library Day. encourages the citizens of the United onstrations. Youth volunteers at the There being no objection, the Senate States to acknowledge and support Imaginiarium will help with displays proceeded to consider the resolution. these volunteer efforts. and lead groups of visitors through the Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Over the weekend beginning this Fri- hands-on experiments. Youth docents imous consent that the resolution be day, April 25, youth from across the at the Anchorage Museum will help agreed to, that the preamble be agreed United States and around the world youth visitors explore the museum. to, that the motions to reconsider be will carry out community service Youth will also organize a Book Give- laid upon the table, with no inter- projects in areas ranging from hunger Away and provide entertainment vening action or debate; and that any to literacy to the environment. through song, dance, gymnastics, and statements relating to the resolution Through this service, many will em- karate. be printed in the RECORD. bark on a lifelong path of service and In addition to the Kids’ Day events, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without civic engagement in more than 100 young people from every region of objection, it is so ordered. countries around the world. Alaska will serve their communities in This event is not isolated to one The resolution (S. Res. 527) was the following ways: weekend a year. Global Youth Service 2. Young members of the Kiwanis agreed to. Day is an annual public awareness and The preamble was agreed to. Key Club will, through the RYLA education campaign that highlights Youth Leadership program, perform The resolution, with its preamble, the valuable contributions that young various service projects from March reads as follows: people make to their communities through May. S. RES. 527 throughout the year. 3. Alaska Youth for Environmental Whereas libraries are an essential part of Mr. President, the participation of Action will sponsor A Week Without our communities and our national system of youth in community service is not just Plastics activities in Anchorage, Palm- education; a ‘‘nice idea’’ for a way to spend a Sat- er, Fairbanks, Juneau, Homer, Whereas the citizens of the United States urday afternoon. Youth who are en- Yakutat, and Sitka. Youth organizers benefit significantly from libraries that gaged in volunteer service and service- serve as an open place for people of all ages will help educate their communities, learning activities do better in school through various outreach activities, on and backgrounds to make use of books and than their classmates who do not vol- other resources that offer pathways to learn- the effects of plastics on our environ- ing, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowl- unteer. Youth who engage in volun- ment. edge; teering and other positive activities 4. Youth in the Anchorage School Whereas the libraries of the United States are also more likely to avoid risky be- District will host a dance to raise funds depend on the generous donations and sup- haviors, such as drug and alcohol use, for economically disadvantaged stu- port of individuals and groups to ensure that crime, and promiscuity. Service within dents who do not qualify for a free or those who are unable to purchase books still the community also contributes posi- reduced price school lunch; make daily have access to a wide variety of resources; tively to young people’s character de- checks for recyclable items, and hold a Whereas certain nonprofit organizations velopment, civic participation, and facilitate donations of books to schools and fundraiser for lymphoma and leukemia libraries across the country to extend the better understanding of the needs of research. joys of reading to millions of people in the their neighbors. 5. In partnership with the Anchorage United States and prevent used books from A recent survey by Civic Enterprises Municipal Libraries, youth will help being thrown away; and found that 47 percent of high school organize the city’s summer reading Whereas several States and Common- dropouts reported that boredom in program and materials. wealths that recognize the importance of li- school was a primary reason why they 6. In partnership with Covenant braries and reading have adopted resolutions dropped out. High quality service- House and Congregation Beth Shalom, commemorating April 23 as ‘‘Adopt A Li- learning activities can, however, help brary Day’’: Now, therefore, be it young people in Anchorage will involve young people make important connec- Resolved, That the Senate— their peers in transforming old T-shirts (1) designates April 23, 2008, as ‘‘National tions between the curriculum and the into reusable grocery bags. Adopt A Library Day’’; challenges they see in their commu- 7. 4–H and other youth volunteers, in (2) honors organizations that help facili- nities. partnership with the Alaska Zoo in An- tate donations to schools and libraries; It is important, therefore, that the chorage, will provide plastics edu- (3) urges all people in the United States United States Senate encourage youth cation information and participate in who own unused books to donate those books to engage in community service and to the planting of trees for Earth Day. to local libraries; congratulate them for the service they 8. In Ketchikan, the Boys and Girls (4) strongly supports children and families provide. who take advantage of the resources pro- Club will sponsor a city-wide clean-up vided by schools and libraries; and In an effort to recognize and support involving many elementary, middle (5) encourages the people of the United youth volunteers in my State, I am schools and high school students. States to observe the day with appropriate proud to acknowledge some of the ac- 9. From January through May, young ceremonies and activities. tivities that will occur this year in people whose parents are stationed at

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Each student Whereas Global Youth Service Day is an Youth Service Day’’; and who participates will receive a reusable annual public awareness and education cam- (3) calls on the citizens of the United shopping bag from Fred Meyer. Stu- paign that highlights the valuable contribu- States to— dents will also hold a Safety Fair. tions that young people make to their com- (A) observe the day by encouraging youth 11. In Nome, Alaska, the student munities; to participate in civic and community serv- council will sponsor the annual food Whereas the goals of Global Youth Service ice projects and by joining them in such drive, open the local food bank, and go Day are to—(1) mobilize the youth of the projects; house to house to gather food for the United States to identify and address the (B) recognize the volunteer efforts of the needy in the community. needs of their communities through service young people of the United States through- and service-learning; (2) support young peo- out the year; and 12. The Nome Junior ROTC will gath- (C) support the volunteer efforts of young er seeds for the school’s greenhouse ple in embarking on a lifelong path of serv- ice and civic engagement; and (3) educate the people and engage them in meaningful learn- and prepare plantings in the old gold public, the media, and policymakers about ing and decision-making opportunities today dredges around town. contributions made by young people as com- as an investment in the future of the United 13. In Juneau, youth members of the munity leaders throughout the year; States. Ethics and Leadership program will Whereas Global Youth Service Day, a pro- f make ceramic bowls that will be do- gram of Youth Service America, is the larg- nated to the Glory Hole, Juneau’s est service event in the world and in 2008 is THE CALENDAR homeless shelter and soup kitchen. being observed for the 20th consecutive year 14. From January through May, in the United States and for the 9th year Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- members of the Mayor’s Youth Com- globally in more than 100 countries; imous consent that the Senate proceed mission in Anchorage select a volun- Whereas young people in the United States to the consideration of the following teer project that will impact the Mu- and in many other countries are volun- items en bloc: Calendar Nos. 681 teering more than in any other generation in nicipality for the One Good Deed pro- through 695, and two bills, which are at history; the desk, H.R. 5472 and H.R. 5489. gram. Whereas children and youth not only rep- 15. Youth members of the Cook Inlet resent the future of the world, but also are The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Tribal Council in Anchorage reach out leaders and assets today; objection, it is so ordered. to the community at large through the Whereas children and youth should be val- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Native Games Community Outreach ued for the idealism, energy, creativity, and imous consent that the bills be read project. unique perspectives that they use when ad- the third time and passed en bloc; that 16. The Mediak Video, Radio, and dressing critical global issues such as pov- the motions to reconsider be laid upon Magazine Clubs of Anchorage will spon- erty, hunger, illiteracy, education, gang ac- the table, with no intervening action sor a Spring Quarter Movie Night, cre- tivity, natural disasters, climate change, and or debate; and that any statements re- myriad others; ate Public Service Announcements for Whereas a fundamental and conclusive cor- lated to the measures be printed in the radio station KNBA, and complete the relation exists between youth service, life- RECORD. 8th edition of Alaska Aloud, the only long adult volunteering, and philanthropy; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without magazine written by and for Alaska Whereas service-learning is a teaching and objection, it is so ordered. Native students in the Anchorage area. learning strategy that integrates meaningful The Senate proceeded to consider the I am so proud of all of these young community service with mastery of aca- bills. people. I value their idealism, energy, demic curricula by helping young people creativity, and unique perspectives as make important connections between what f they volunteer to make their commu- they are studying and the challenges that they see in their communities; E. ARTHUR GRAY POST OFFICE nities better and assist those in need. Whereas several private foundations and BUILDING Many similarly wonderful activities corporations in the United States support The bill (H.R. 3196) to designate the will be taking place all across the Na- service-learning as a means for young people tion. I encourage all of my colleagues to build character and develop the leadership facility of the United States Postal to visit the Youth Service America and career-preparedness skills that are nec- Service located at 20 Sussex Street in Web site—www.ysa.org—to find out essary for the United States to be competi- Port Jervis, New York, as the ‘‘E. Ar- about the selfless and creative youth tive in the 21st century, including time man- thur Gray Post Office Building,’’ was who are contributing in their own agement, decision-making, teamwork, and ordered to a third reading, read the States this year. problem solving; third time, and passed. I thank my colleagues—Senators Whereas a report by Civic Enterprises found that 47 percent of high school dropouts f AKAKA, BAYH, BOXER, BROWN, BURR, reported boredom as a primary reason for CANTWELL, CARDIN, CASEY, CLINTON, dropping out; DR. CLIFFORD BELL JONES, SR. COCHRAN, COLEMAN, COLLINS, CRAIG, Whereas high quality, semester-long serv- POST OFFICE DODD, DOLE, DURBIN, FEINGOLD, FEIN- ice-learning has been found to increase stu- The bill (H.R. 3468) to designate the STEIN, GREGG, INOUYE, ISAKSON, KEN- dents’ academic engagement and achieve- facility of the United States Postal ment, motivation to learn, school attend- NEDY, KERRY, LANDRIEU, LAUTENBERG, Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road LEVIN, LIEBERMAN, LINCOLN, MARTINEZ, ance, civic participation, character develop- ment, and career aspirations; in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as MENENDEZ, MIKULSKI, MURRAY, BEN Whereas Global Youth Service Day engages the ‘‘Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post NELSON, BILL NELSON, OBAMA, SPECTER, millions of young people worldwide with the Office,’’ was ordered to a third reading, STEVENS, and TESTER—for standing support of 75 lead agencies, 45 international read the third time, and passed. with me as original co-sponsors of this organizations, and 120 national partners; worthwhile legislation, which will en- Whereas a growing number of Global f sure that youth across the country and Youth Service Day projects involve youth PRIVATE JOHNATHON MILLICAN the world know that all of their hard working collaboratively across national and LULA POST OFFICE work is greatly appreciated. geographic boundaries, increasing intercul- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- tural understanding and promoting the sense The bill (H.R. 3532) to designate the imous consent that the resolution be that they are global citizens; and facility of the United States Postal Whereas both young people and their com- Service located at 5815 McLeod Street agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, munities will benefit greatly from expanded and the motions to reconsider be laid opportunities for youth to engage in volun- in Lula, Georgia, as the ‘‘Private on the table. teer service and service-learning: Now, Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office,’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without therefore, be it was ordered to a third reading, read the objection, it is so ordered. Resolved, That the Senate— third time, and passed.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.081 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S3270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2008 ARMY PFC JUAN ALONSO FELIX SPARKS POST OFFICE Service located at 6892 Main Street in COVARRUBIAS POST OFFICE BUILDING Gloucester, Virginia, as the ‘‘Congress- The bill (H.R. 3720) to designate the The bill (H.R. 4240) to designate the woman Jo Ann S. Davis Post Office,’’ facility of the United States Postal facility of the United States Postal was ordered to a third reading, read the Service located at 424 Clay Avenue in Service located at 10799 West Alameda third time, and passed. Waco, Texas, as the ‘‘Army PFC Juan Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado, as the Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, on Oc- Alonso Covarrubias Post Office Build- ‘‘Felix Sparks Post Office Building,’’ tober 6, 2007, the people of Virginia’s ing,’’ was ordered to a third reading, was ordered to a third reading, read the First Congressional District lost one of read the third time, and passed. third time, and passed. its most respected and admired leaders, f a dedicated Member of Congress and f loyal friend, Representative Jo Ann IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN FALLEN JOHN HENRY WOOTEN, SR. POST Davis. MILITARY HEROES OF LOUIS- OFFICE Today, as a small tribute to her, the VILLE MEMORIAL POST OFFICE Senate passed H.R. 5489, which des- The bill (H.R. 3803) to designate the BUILDING ignated the United States Post Office facility of the United States Postal The bill (H.R. 4454) to designate the at 6892 Main Street in Gloucester, VA, Service located at 3100 Cashwell Drive facility of the United States Postal as the ‘‘Congresswoman Jo Ann S. in Goldsboro, North Carolina, as the Service located at 3050 Hunsinger Lane Davis Post Office.’’ Last year, Senator ‘‘John Henry Wooten, Sr. Post Office in Louisville, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Iraq WEBB and I introduced a companion Building,’’ was ordered to a third read- and Afghanistan Fallen Military He- bill, S. 2725. ing, read the third time, and passed. roes of Louisville Memorial Post Office Following a successful real estate ca- f Building’’ in honor of the servicemen reer, Mrs. Davis decided to run for pub- and women from Louisville, Kentucky, lic office in 1997. After serving as a Del- SGT. JASON HARKINS POST who died in service during Operation egate in the Virginia General Assembly OFFICE BUILDING Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi for 4 years, Jo Ann Davis became the The bill (H.R. 3936) to designate the Freedom, was ordered to a third read- first Republican woman to serve Vir- facility of the United States Postal ing, read the third time, and passed. ginia in the U.S. Congress after win- Service located at 116 Helen Highway f ning her election in 2000. in Cleveland, Georgia, as the ‘‘Sgt. From her first day in office, Con- SERGEANT JAMIE O. MAUGANS Jason Harkins Post Office Building,’’ gresswoman Davis was a relentless POST OFFICE BUILDING was ordered to a third reading, read the champion for the needs of the First third time, and passed. The bill (H.R. 5135) to designate the District. It was my privilege to work facility of the United States Postal f with her on many matters, ranging Service located at 201 West Greenway from national defense to the environ- MASTER SERGEANT KENNETH N. Street in Derby, Kansas, as the ‘‘Ser- ment. I always admired Representative MACK POST OFFICE BUILDING geant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Davis for her strong convictions and The bill (H.R. 3988) to designate the Building,’’ was ordered to a third read- the tenacity that she brought to bear facility of the United States Postal ing, read the third time, and passed. in acting on them. She fought a coura- Service located at 3701 Altamesa Bou- f geous struggle against cancer, and I levard in Fort Worth, Texas, as the MAJOR ARTHUR CHIN POST will certainly miss her insights and her ‘‘Master Sergeant Kenneth N. Mack OFFICE BUILDING friendship in our Virginia Congres- sional Delegation. Post Office Building,’’ was ordered to a The bill (H.R. 5220) to designate the Given her commendable public serv- third reading, read the third time, and facility of the United States Postal ice at the Federal and State levels, I passed. Service located at 3800 SW. 185th Ave- was pleased to offer this small token of f nue in Beaverton, Oregon, as the recognition and gratitude for someone ‘‘Major Arthur Chin Post Office Build- STEVE W. ALLEE CARRIER ANNEX who had given so much to the Com- ing’’, was ordered to a third reading, monwealth and her country. The bill (H.R. 4166) to designate the read the third time, and passed. I join with my colleagues from the facility of the United States Postal f Service located at 701 East Copeland Commonwealth and from the entire Drive in Lebanon, Missouri, as the SGT. MICHAEL M. KASHKOUSH U.S. Congress in expressing my deepest ‘‘Steve W. Allee Carrier Annex,’’ was POST OFFICE BUILDING sympathies to her husband, her two ordered to a third reading, read the The bill (H.R. 5400) to designate the sons, and her extended family. They third time, and passed. facility of the United States Postal continue to remain in our thoughts and Service located at 160 East Washington prayers. f Street in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as the f SPECIALIST JAMAAL RASHARD ‘‘Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Of- ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL ADDISON POST OFFICE BUILDING fice Building,’’ was ordered to a third 23, 2008 The bill (H.R. 4203) to designate the reading, read the third time, and passed. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- facility of the United States Postal imous consent that when the Senate Service located at 3035 Stone Mountain f completes its business today, it stand Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as the JULIA M. CARSON POST OFFICE adjourned until 5 p.m. tomorrow, ‘‘Specialist Jamaal RaShard Addison BUILDING Wednesday, April 23; that following the Post Office Building’’ was ordered to a The bill (H.R. 5472) to designate the prayer and pledge, the Journal of pro- third reading, read the third time, and facility of the United States Postal ceedings be approved to date, the passed. Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Lu- morning hour be deemed expired, the f ther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, Indi- time for the two leaders be reserved for ana, as the ‘‘Julia M. Carson Post Of- their use later in the day; that the JUDGE RICHARD B. ALLSBROOK fice Building,’’ was ordered to a third time until 6 p.m. be equally divided and POST OFFICE BUILDING reading, read the third time, and controlled between the majority and The bill (H.R. 4211) to designate the passed. Republican leaders or their designees; facility of the United States Postal f that at 6 p.m., the motion to proceed to Service located at 725 Roanoke Avenue S. 1315 be adopted, and the Senate then in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as CONGRESSWOMAN JO ANN S. proceed to a rollcall vote on the mo- the ‘‘Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post DAVIS POST OFFICE tion to invoke cloture on the motion to Office,’’ was ordered to a third reading, The bill (H.R. 5489) to designate the proceed to H.R. 2831; further, that all read the third time, and passed. facility of the United States Postal time during any adjournment, recess,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:06 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP6.020 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3271 or morning business count against clo- evening. Let the record be clear as to ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 5 P.M. ture. why that is happening. I ask Senators, TOMORROW The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without though, to be aware that there will be Mr. REID. Mr. President, if there is objection, it is so ordered. a rollcall vote at 6 o’clock tomorrow on no further business to come before the f the motion to invoke cloture on the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that motion to proceed to H.R. 2831, the it stand adjourned under the previous PROGRAM Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. order. Mr. REID. Mr. President, as I have There being no objection, the Senate, indicated, it is too bad we will not be at 7:24 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- working tomorrow until late in the day, April 23, 2008, at 5 p.m.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:44 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G22AP6.084 S22APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E667 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

RECOGNIZING KELSEY TEMPLE Hazel began her city collector position when HONORING YVONNE BRATHWAITE the city had just started doing taxes on the BURKE HON. KENNY MARCHANT computer instead of on paper. Through the 20 OF TEXAS years that Hazel has been the city collector, HON. LOIS CAPPS she has worked under four mayors. Hazel is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA also the treasurer of the Tarkio Business and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Professional Women, and is a member of the Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise Atchison County Health Board and the Tarkio today to recognize Kelsey Temple on achiev- Community Garden Club. Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today ing the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join on behalf of the Congressional Caucus for Gold Award is a testament to Miss Temple’s me in recognizing Hazel Buckley, whose serv- Women’s Issues to honor Yvonne Brathwaite leadership, citizenship, and service to her ice to the Tarkio community has been truly ex- Burke, who served as a Representative of community. ceptional. I wish Hazel the best in her retire- California’s 37th Congressional District from For her Gold Award project, Kelsey Temple ment and it is an honor to serve her in the 1973 to 1979, and is retiring at the end of this educated elementary aged children about bi- United States Congress. year, after an impressive five-decade career cycle safety. Miss Temple stressed the impor- as a public servant in the State of California. tance of wearing a helmet, learning and obey- f On the occasion of Mrs. Burke’s retirement ing traffic rules regarding cyclists, and bicycle from public office, we wish to extend to her, maintenance. TRIBUTE TO DAN LONG sincere congratulations for the decades of The Girl Scouts of America promotes a dedicated service that she has given to her positive influence for young women of today. Nation, her State, and her county, most re- I am honored to represent Kelsey Temple in HON. BILL SALI cently as chair of the county of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, the largest county in the earning the highest award bestowed in Girl OF IDAHO Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- Nation with a population of over 10 million. For cation for the betterment of her life, her com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the past 15 years, she has served with distinc- tion as the supervisor of the second district, munity, and her country. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 f representing nearly 2.5 million residents. Mr. SALI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to During her tenure, Mrs. Burke has focused KAILEY FORD recognize Dan Long of Boise, Idaho. Dan will on improving the lives of children, encouraging be representing Idaho in the 2008 National economic development, and improving trans- HON. ED PERLMUTTER Small Businessman of the Year competition. portation throughout Los Angeles, as well as promoting public social services, health care OF COLORADO The Small Business person of the Year for the uninsured, and affirmative action for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Award is given annually by the United States women and the economically disadvantaged. Small Business Administration, SBA. Any indi- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 While Mrs. Burke has innumerable accom- vidual who owns and operates or who bears plishments over the past 15 years, these are Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise principal responsibility for operating a small some significant highlights of her service in today to recognize and applaud Kailey Ford business may be nominated. A winner from the Second Supervisorial District of Los Ange- who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge each State has been selected and they will les County: Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Kailey gather in Washington, DC, this week for the Currently chairs the Los Angeles County Ford is a student at Drake Middle School and announcement of National Small Business Children’s Planning Council that is regarded received this award because her determination Person of the Year. This event coincides with as the most influential forum for advocating re- and hard work have allowed her to overcome National Small Business Week. adversities. form of children’s service systems in a major The dedication demonstrated by Kailey Ford Criteria for selecting the Small Business metropolitan area. is exemplary of the type of achievement that Persons of the Year include substantiated his- Helped to establish the Los Angeles County can be attained with hard work and persever- tory as an established business, growth in the Department of Children and Family Services ance. It is essential that students at all levels number of employees, increase in sales and ‘‘Family to Family’’ program, which advocates strive to make the most of their education and response to adversity, among other factors. the placement of foster children in homes near develop a work ethic that will guide them for Dan is an ideal candidate to represent Idaho their original communities. the rest of their lives. for this award. He started A–1 Plumbing Serv- Established the Second District Education I extend my deepest congratulations once ice, Inc., in 1984 with one truck and one em- and Policy Foundation that awards scholar- again to Kailey Ford for winning the Arvada ployee, himself. Dan had a vision of adding ships to deserving local students. Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth one truck per year for the first 10 years and Encouraged private businesses and organi- award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the using them to deliver exceptional service, zations to make computer laboratories avail- same dedication and character to all her future Dan’s vision has become reality. A–1 able in areas such as public housing, and en- accomplishments. Plumbing has grown from one truck and one couraged constituents to make use of com- f employee to offices in Boise and Nampa, 25 puter research facilities in the county library system. HAZEL BUCKLEY trucks and 36 employees. In addition, the company has enjoyed a booming rate in sales Promoted the establishment of businesses and profits of 10 to 20 percent annually since in areas of the county that have been under- HON. SAM GRAVES its inception. Particularly impressive is the re- served, providing on-going services to small OF MISSOURI peat customer percentage of 87 percent. businesses and establishing the county’s IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES website that lists available contracts for small I also commend Dan for his practice of do- businesses. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 nating a minimum of one percent of revenues Pushed for the establishment of a multi- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly to local charities. His actions are exemplary. modal public transportation system, as a pause to recognize Hazel Buckley, of Tarkio, He is much deserving of the title National member of the Metropolitan Transportation Missouri. On April 8, 2008, after 20 years of Small Businessman of the Year. Authority Board, and continues to labor for the service, Hazel retired as the Tarkio City Col- Thank you, Dan, for your quality work. It is development of the Crenshaw Corridor and for lector. my honor to recognize you today. a light and heavy rail system.

∑ 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 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E668 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 Served as Past President and currently neighbors. Also, Lenape students actively par- professionals, community and business lead- serves as a Board member of the Southern ticipate in various community service organiza- ers, it continues to engineer new initiatives California Association of Governments tions such as Ponds for Kids, the Relay for that will foster and sustain economic pros- (SCAG), where she focused on major regional Life, and Recycle 4 Relay Campaign. perity to Harlem’s residents and businesses; concerns, including the establishment of a Lenape Middle School is an exceptional ex- and multi-modal public transportation system for ample of an outstanding academic institution. Whereas, Leading the way towards the fu- the Los Angeles area. The outstanding work of both Lenape’s stu- ture of the Harlem Commonwealth Council is Implemented the La Brea Green Belt as a dents and teachers significantly improves the none other than the distinguished Harlem vet- major transportation artery in Los Angeles, as Bucks County community. Madam Speaker, I erinarian Dr. Joseph L. Tait. While pursuing well as providing fire, flood, and landslide am proud to represent Lenape Middle School Veterinary goals, he became a Director in the abatement. and grateful for the opportunity to recognize Commonwealth Holding Company, Inc. Board. Led on many environmental issues, includ- Lenape’s 50th anniversary. Through hard work and perseverance he ing joining the City of San Francisco, calling f gained the confidence of his peers who ele- on residents to turn off lights for an hour to vated him to the position of Chairman of The RECOGNIZING SYDNEY SHRUM conserve energy; urged the use of paper, rath- Council and ultimately the President and CEO. er than plastic bags; and pushed for the ob- As President, Dr. Tait has shifted the focus to servance of America Recycle Day in Los An- HON. KENNY MARCHANT include reaching out to the young people of geles County. OF TEXAS our community to offer opportunities for growth Spearheaded an effort in the County that re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES professionally and educationally; and sulted in a voluntary program for restaurants Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Whereas, As the Harlem Commonwealth to eliminate trans fat. Council celebrates forty-one years of service Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise On behalf of the Congressional Caucus for to the Harlem community, it is important to today to recognize Sydney Shrum on achiev- Women’s Issues, the State of California, and note that when the world had given up on Har- ing the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the the County of Los Angeles, I want to thank lem and urban communities like it nationwide, Gold Award is a testament to Miss Shrum’s Yvonne Brathwaite Burke for sharing her tre- HCC and other community based organiza- leadership, citizenship, and service to her mendous gifts with us for so many years. We tions, business owners and residents did not. believe Mrs. Burke is an impeccable inspira- community. For her Gold Award project, Sydney Shrum They continue to serve as a shining example tion to all young women who aspire to posts of what people can accomplish when they are of leadership and public service. We offer our designed and painted a map of the United State of America on the sidewalk of dedicated to a vision and work together to re- sincere gratitude to Mrs. Burke for her count- alize it; and less contributions throughout her phenomenal Rockenbaugh Elementary School in career. We join with her many co-workers, Southlake, Texas. Resolved, That along with all the residents family, friends, and associates in wishing her The Girl Scouts of America promotes a in the 15th Congressional District of New health, happiness, and continued good for- positive influence for young women of today. York, I congratulate The Harlem Common- tune. I am honored to represent Sydney Shrum in wealth Council on their forty-first anniversary. Through their unwavering efforts to secure the f earning the highest award bestowed in Girl Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- future of the Harlem community, The Harlem HONORING LENAPE MIDDLE cation for the betterment of her life, her com- Commonwealth Council has contributed to the SCHOOL munity, and her country. effervescent Harlem of today. f HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY f A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE OF PENNSYLVANIA HARLEM COMMONWEALTH COUN- TRIBUTE TO ANZELLA K. NELMS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CIL AS THEY CELEBRATE 41 Tuesday, April 22, 2008 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HON. DONALD M. PAYNE Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. HARLEM COMMUNITY OF NEW JERSEY Madam Speaker. I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of Lenape Middle School in HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This school has a OF NEW YORK Tuesday, April 22, 2008 long and notable history of educating Bucks IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES County’s youth as well as helping the greater Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my col- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 community. leagues here in the House of Representatives Lenape Middle School began its service to Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker: to join me as I rise to recognize and honor a Bucks County when it opened on September Whereas, Since 1967, The Harlem Com- dedicated public servant, Anzella K. Nelms 4, 1957. Originally serving all of Central Bucks monwealth Council has been dedicated to em- who is retiring from the position of State Dis- School District, Lenape Middle School now powering the Harlem community through job trict Deputy Superintendent of the Newark educates students living in Doylestown, creation and ownership of local commerce, in- Public Schools. Ms. Nelms’ journey to this Doylestown Township, and parts of New Brit- dustry and real estate. From the time of its post encompassed many levels including ain Township. Despite being the smallest of humble beginnings, they have embarked in a classroom teacher, vice principal and principal. the Central Bucks School District’s middle mission to stimulate the overall economic de- As a result of these experiences. Ms. Nelms schools, Lenape Middle School is proudly one velopment of Harlem through the creation of was definitely in a position to make a dif- of the most diverse schools in the district. enterprises, generation of jobs, and improve- ference in the lives of our most precious re- Lenape Middle School is also home to sev- ment of services; and sources, our children. eral important scholastic programs. Lenape Whereas, Today, The Harlem Common- An accomplished student herself, having at- serves as the regional school for various dis- wealth Council has continued to hold firm on tended school in her native Raleigh, North trict special education programs as well as its pledge to serve the Harlem community by Carolina, Anzella Nelms sought to ensure that serving as the host school for all English as a implementing successful ventures and pro- Newark’s school children received a quality Second Language students. In honor of its no- grams through the years that promote self-suf- education. Her dramatic influence can be seen table academic work, Lenape Middle School ficiency amongst its citizenry and create sta- at Camden Middle School where she served was named a ‘‘School to Watch’’ by the Na- bility in Harlem through economic develop- as principal from 1979 to 1989 and helped to tional Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Re- ment projects, academic empowerment, and develop a national model for school effective- form in April 2007. entrepreneurial support; and ness. It can also be seen in the 16 ‘‘Theme In addition, Lenape Middle School boasts Whereas, Harlem Commonwealth Council Schools’’ she began within her School Leader- distinguished participation in community serv- has the distinction of having made historically ship Team while serving as Assistant Super- ice and outreach. Lenape is deeply involved in significant contributions to its vibrant multicul- intendent. Fortunately, for those who had the the 40 Assets project. This program seeks to tural community in many instances without the opportunity to work with her, Ms. Nelms was recognize students for making a difference in financial support of governmental agencies or generous with sharing her knowledge and her the lives of one of their peers, teachers, or outside entities. Through a team of Harlem significant leadership skills.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E669 As Ms. Nelms retires, she will be remem- were given to Metrocrest Social Services to Idaho. Sergeant Lilly was killed on April 7, bered for her belief in the needs of the total distribute to needy families with babies. 2008 in Sadr City, Iraq in support of Operation child along with her other accomplishments. The Girl Scouts of America promotes a Iraqi Freedom when a rocket propelled gre- She started a tennis program and encouraged positive influence for young women of today. nade caused an explosion near Sergeant fine arts within the schools. She is an excel- I am honored to represent Shannon Michael in Lilly’s position. lent role model as well as the consummate earning the highest award bestowed in Girl While serving the United States, Sergeant professional. Her elegance and charm are as Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- Lilly distinguished himself amongst fellow sol- integral to her being as her love for learning. cation for the betterment of her life, her com- diers as an enthusiastic, patriotic soldier, pas- Ms. Nelms has touched the lives of countless munity, and her country. sionately dedicated to serving his country and students, parents and administrators. f defending freedom abroad. Sgt. Lilly embodied Quite appropriately, Ms. Nelms has received JARED BRYAN high caliber leadership in keeping with the many awards, accolades and honors for her highest traditions and customs of the United work in the Newark Public School System. I HON. ED PERLMUTTER States Army, and his guidance will be sorely am truly grateful that she chose Newark as OF COLORADO missed by all of those with whom he served. her system of choice because I know she had IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Sgt. Lilly was a graduate of Borah High other options. As a former teacher, I know that Tuesday, April 22, 2008 School, a ‘‘Borah Lion.’’ At the memorial serv- to be in an educational environment is to Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise ice held in his honor, one of the speakers, serve with one’s heart. Ms. Anzella Nelms has today to recognize and applaud Jared Bryan former Boise Airport police chief and Borah served with her heart since 1964 and in the who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge grad Mike Johnson said, ‘‘Lilly had the heart of process has created a memorable legacy. a Lion. Tonight, the Lion sleeps.’’ There can Madam Speaker, I am sure my colleagues Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Jared be no finer tribute to this sterling young man. agree that Ms. Anzella Nelms deserves to be Bryan is a student at North Arvada Middle School and received this award because his feted at a party in her honor on Friday, April I extend to his wonderful family my most determination and hard work have allowed him 18, 2008, for her many years of dedicated sincere condolences and express my heartfelt to overcome adversities. appreciation for the brave men and women service to the Newark community. I am proud The dedication demonstrated by Jared to have had her in my Congressional district like Sgt. Lilly who have borne the hardships of Bryan is exemplary of the type of achievement battle and perished in the line of fire. and wish her never-ending success in her fu- that can be attained with hard work and perse- ture endeavors. verance. It is essential that students at all lev- f f els strive to make the most of their education HONORING CHRISTIAN ALBERT and develop a work ethic that will guide them EQUAL PAY DAY MCGRAIN for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations once HON. LOIS CAPPS HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS again to Jared Bryan for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth OF CALIFORNIA OF NEW JERSEY award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES same dedication and character to all his future Tuesday, April 22, 2008 accomplishments. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise f Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise to call today to honor Christian Albert McGrain, the HONORING TARAN RAY WINNIE attention to Equal Pay Day. first baby born in New Jersey in 2008. Chris- This is the day when the average wages of tian was born 26 seconds after midnight on HON. SAM GRAVES a female worker catch up to the average January 1, 2008 at St. Peters University Hos- OF MISSOURI wages of a male worker during the previous pital in New Brunswick. NJ to proud parents IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES year. Jacqueline Dempsey McGrain and Michael Tuesday, April 22, 2008 That’s right, the Equal Pay Act was signed McGrain. Christian is the pride and joy of his into law by President Kennedy in 1963, yet grandparents Albert and Carol McGrain, Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Taran Ray Winnie of here we are in 2008 and women still earn only Thomas K. and Gail Dempsey, and great- 77 cents to every dollar a man earns. grandparents, Tom and Phyllis Dempsey. Kearney, Missouri. Taran is a very special Madam Speaker, the birth of Christian Al- young man who has exemplified the finest When women earn less, their entire family bert McGrain, mere seconds after midnight on qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- suffers. When we allow women to be paid un- New Year’s Day, is a cause for celebration. ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- equal wages for equal work, we as a society With Christian’s timely birth, this is a year his ica, Troop 397, and earning the most pres- are tolerating discrimination. That is why we family will always remember. I wish Christian tigious award of Eagle Scout. must take action to close the wage gap, and Taran has been very active with his troop, and his family the very best in 2008. treat all workers equally. participating in many scout activities. Over the f Further compounding the difficulties that are many years Taran has been involved with faced by women and their families due to pay RECOGNIZING SHANNON MICHAEL scouting, he has not only earned numerous inequity, is the Supreme Court decision last merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- year in Ledbetter v. Goodyear. The Court HON. KENNY MARCHANT ily, peers, and community. rules that a worker must file a charge of pay OF TEXAS Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join discrimination within 180 days of an employ- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES me in commending Taran Ray Winnie for his er’s initial decision to pay someone less for Tuesday, April 22, 2008 accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of discriminatory reasons. This clearly went America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise against the intent of the Civil Rights Act and ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I was so proud that the House acted quickly today to recognize Shannon Michael on f achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiv- to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which ing the Gold Award is a testament to Miss Mi- TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT MICHAEL provides more effective remedies to women chael’s leadership, citizenship, and service to T. LILLY who are not being paid equal wages for doing her community. equal work. For her Gold Award project, Shannon Mi- HON. BILL SALI This week, the Senate will consider this im- chael organized volunteers from her church, OF IDAHO portant legislation—how fitting that it occurs Girl Scouts, and a senior center to donate IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES during the same week as Equal Pay Day? baby supplies and materials to make baby Tuesday, April 22, 2008 I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass blankets. Miss Michael then taught younger Mr. SALI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act immediately girls how to sew and knit the blankets which recognize Sergeant Michael T. Lilly of Boise, and urge the President to sign it into law.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E670 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 HONORING THE NOTTINGHAM FIRE nually to ensure that income disparities do not different play features designed for interaction DEPARTMENT prevent capable students from attending a top between able-bodied children and disabled university. As the price of college increases children. HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY more and more every year, Columbia’s actions Growing in many other ways under Dr. OF PENNSYLVANIA display their understanding of the importance Behrens’ leadership, the university has added IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of a good education to underprivileged chil- a Behavioral Medicine Center, a school of dren in escaping poverty and opening the door pharmacy and a school of science and tech- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 to opportunities in life. nology. The university and medical school Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. It is my sincere hope that other colleges and have reached out to the community and region Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the universities across the Nation will join Colum- in many ways, creating clinics to serve low-in- 50th anniversary of the Nottingham Fire De- bia in providing those students from lower- come patients and counseling programs for partment in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. This fire and middle-income families with a feasible after-school children and at-risk teenagers. department has a long and notable history of way to pay for college. Loma Linda has also established an inter- protecting the residents of Bucks County. f national reputation for excellence under Dr. In 1956, sensing the need for another fire Behrens’ leadership. Adventist Health Inter- company in Bensalem Township, a group of A TRIBUTE TO THE LEADERSHIP national provides administrative support to concerned Bensalem residents filed an appli- OF DR. LYN BEHRENS OF LOMA hospitals and clinics in 12 developing nations, cation with the Bucks County Courthouse to LINDA UNIVERSITY AND MED- and provides medical support in 48 other establish an additional fire department. De- ICAL CENTER countries. The most prominent efforts are in spite facing strong opposition, the Nottingham Kabul, Afghanistan, where Loma Linda pro- Fire Department was formally established on HON. JERRY LEWIS vides direct support for that nation’s only April 25, 1958, following a lengthy legal battle. OF CALIFORNIA teaching hospital, and in Hangzhou. China, The original members of the Nottingham Fire IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES where the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital is the Department were instrumental in setting up Tuesday, April 22, 2008 first in China to receive endorsement of quality the company and creating the framework the care by the Joint Commission for International department still maintains today. At personal Mr. LEWIS of California. Madam Speaker, I Accreditation. cost and sacrifice, the founding members es- rise today to pay tribute to my good friend Dr. It goes without saying that Dr. Behrens has tablished the department’s first station, pur- B. Lyn Behrens, who is retiring after nearly taken a leadership role in many medical soci- chased its first tanker, and elected officers to two decades of guiding Loma Linda University eties in California and across the nation. Her run the company’s business. Medical Center into a regional, national and accomplishments have recently been recog- Since its beginning, the Nottingham Fire De- international role in modern medical tech- nized by the California Hospital Association. partment has used cutting edge technology nology, trauma care and cancer research. which awarded her the Ritz E. Heerman Me- and practices to improve its service to the An innovator and pioneer throughout her ca- morial Award for outstanding contribution in community. The fire department was the first reer, Dr. Behrens became the first pediatric the improvement of patient care in California. in the county to initiate pre-designated fire resident at Loma Linda University Medical Madam Speaker, after more than 40 years fighter bucket assignments. To accommodate Center in 1966, just 2 years after completing as a leader in medicine and health education, the growing demands on its firefighters, the her medical degree at the Sydney University Dr. Behrens is retiring next month. Please join department also took the initiative to start an School of Medicine. She became the first fe- me in thanking her for a lifetime of public serv- organized bunk-in-program, a live-in-program male dean of the medical school in 1986, and ice and congratulating her on the many ac- and duty crew nights. In addition, the fire de- in 1990 she became the university’s first fe- complishments that have helped make Loma partment was the first to establish formal male president. Linda University Medical Center one of the na- Standard Operating Procedures and have Over the next 10 years, Dr. Behrens be- tion’s finest institutions of medical research them compiled into a training manual, and the came the CEO of Adventist Health System, and education. first in the area to institute a first responders and then president of Loma Linda University f unit. Medical Center, making her the top leader of The Nottingham Fire Department is proof all of the institutions affiliated with the univer- ENERGY CONSERVATION THROUGH that a group of concerned citizens can truly sity in San Bernardino County. Loma Linda TREES ACT make a difference in the lives of those in their now has a staff of 13,000, with 4,000 students community. Madam Speaker, I am proud to from 80 countries. HON. DORIS O. MATSUI represent the Nottingham Fire Department and I first became closely acquainted with Dr. OF CALIFORNIA grateful for the opportunity to recognize their Behrens when we joined Dr. James Slater of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Loma Linda in the quest to create the Nation’s significant 50th anniversary. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 f first proton beam treatment center in the late 1980s. That facility, which has treated more Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, today I am CONGRATULATING COLUMBIA than 12,000 cancer patients, has become a proud to introduce the Energy Conservation UNIVERSITY model for Federal/local cooperation in re- through Trees Act. On this Earth Day in 2008, search and medical technology. Although Dr. my legislation builds on an innovative program HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Slater was the driving force behind this med- developed in my hometown of Sacramento OF NEW YORK ical breakthrough, Dr. Behrens marshaled the that will help Americans lower their energy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES resources and staff of the medical center to bills while increasing energy conservation and provide crucial support for the effort. reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Following her first love of pediatrics, Dr. the targeted and strategic planting of specific Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today Behrens led the creation of the Loma Linda species of shade trees around residences, to congratulate Columbia University on its University Children’s Hospital, the only dedi- homeowners and utilities can conserve signifi- newly announced initiatives to restructure their cated children’s hospital in the Inland Em- cant amounts of energy. financial aid policies, in order to provide those pire—one of the fastest growing major urban Planting shade trees in strategic locations is students from lower- and middle-income fami- areas in the United States. As with all of Loma a proven method to help homeowners manage lies with an affordable solution to skyrocketing Linda’s institutions, this is a true teaching hos- the amount of electricity they need to run their tuition costs. pital, and will soon have a state-of-the-art pe- air conditioners and heaters. For more than a Columbia University has long held the rep- diatric and maternal health sciences campus. decade, the Sacramento Municipal Utility Dis- utation of inclusion, attracting the most As an outgrowth of the children’s hospital, trict has partnered with the Sacramento Tree socioeconomically diverse undergraduate stu- Dr. Behrens led Loma Linda in creating the Foundation to offer their customers free shade dent populations among Ivy League univer- Rehabilitation, Orthopedic and Neurosciences trees to help reduce energy consumption. sities. The University has recently gone a step Institute, which provides innovative rehabilita- This program has succeeded in planting further announcing that the College will re- tion for those who have lost limps, and is an more than 400,000 trees, which will help con- place loans for students qualifying for financial international leader in research on the devel- serve enough energy to cool 9,000 homes in aid with University grants. The University is opment of longer lasting artificial joints. The in- Sacramento. In addition, these trees will con- expected to spend upwards of $1 million an- stitute includes a park and playground with 26 tribute to the fight against global warming by

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E671 absorbing an estimated 2 billion pounds of MADDIE HOLMES lowering the price $0.40 a gallon at a local carbon dioxide. They will absorb 5 billion gal- Shell gas station. They allowed as many resi- lons of rainwater as well, and will eliminate or HON. ED PERLMUTTER dents to participate in the event in 1 hour as avoid the production of about 61 million OF COLORADO possible. The turnout was so great that the pounds of air pollutants. Most important, they IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES hour was extended for those who waited in will save my constituents millions of dollars in line throughout the hour and didn’t make it energy costs, and will relieve SMUD from hav- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 through. ing to purchase expensive and dirty power Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise In addition to giving a discount on gas, Bible during periods when demand is at its peak. today to recognize and applaud Maddie Christian Church held its third annual Commu- Madam Speaker, the benefits of strategically Holmes who has received the Arvada Wheat nity Day of Service. Many free services were planted trees to the environment, to energy Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. provided in the church’s Family Life Center, conservation, and even to public health are Maddie Holmes is a senior at Jefferson High such as hair cuts for children; hearing, dental, many, and the Federal Government certainly School and received this award because her and vision screenings; cancer screenings and has a role to play in helping to encourage determination and hard work have allowed her bone marrow registry, along with free clothing. more utilities to utilize them. With this in mind, to overcome adversities. I would like to recognize members of the the Energy Conservation through Trees Act The dedication demonstrated by Maddie Bible Christian Church, community physicians, creates a grant program at the Department of Holmes is exemplary of the type of achieve- and local residents for their time and efforts in Energy to help residential power providers in- ment that can be attained with hard work and their act of services to the Garden City com- stitute targeted tree-planting initiatives dedi- perseverance. It is essential that students at munity. cated to reducing residential energy consump- all levels strive to make the most of their edu- While Washington remains divided on ways tion. cation and develop a work ethic that will guide to help the needy, it is small acts of generosity In order to qualify for financial assistance them for the rest of their lives. like this that our Nation can be proud of and under this legislation, utilities must partner with I extend my deepest congratulations once encourage. Even the smallest deeds are a local tree-planting organizations to serve as again to Maddie Holmes for winning the Ar- step in the right direction. experts in the siting, planting, and care of the vada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for f shade trees provided to homeowners. These Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit tree-planting organizations must employ the same dedication she has shown in her HONORING NORMAN MOORHEAD science-based guidelines to ensure that plant- high school career to her college career and ed trees do not interfere with pre-existing solar future accomplishments. HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY panels, wind turbines, septic systems, building f OF PENNSYLVANIA foundations, and other essential infrastructure. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING ANDREW FORTIN These guidelines are also meant to ensure Tuesday, April 22, 2008 that ecologically appropriate trees are distrib- uted to homeowners. HON. SAM GRAVES Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the ex- Madam Speaker, the American people are OF MISSOURI traordinary achievements of Mr. Norman concerned about our Nation’s energy policy. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Moorhead. Mr. Moorhead is being recognized They want us to take action to combat global Tuesday, April 22, 2008 warming. They are demanding relief from en- by the Newtown Township Police Department, ergy bills that continually rise year after year. Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly honoring his retirement from the force after 40 Utilizing strategic planting of trees to increase pause to recognize Andrew Fortin of Kansas years of hard work and dedication to his com- energy conservation is a proven and reliable City, Missouri. Andrew is a very special young munity. way for Congress to take action to address man who has exemplified the finest qualities A longtime resident of Bucks County, Mr. these concerns. I urge my colleagues to join of citizenship and leadership by taking an ac- Moorhead began his exceptional service to me in supporting the Energy Conservation tive part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop others in 1963. After graduating from Council through Trees Act. Doing so will send a strong 260, and earning the most prestigious award Rock High School, Mr. Moorhead enlisted in signal to our constituents that we are taking of Eagle Scout. the Air Force and began basic training that fol- steps today to create a more affordable and Andrew has been very active with his troop, lowing September. During his time in the energy-conscious future for them. participating in many scout activities. Over the United States Air Force. Mr. Moorhead was many years Andrew has been involved with trained as a Power Production Specialist. He f scouting, he has not only earned numerous used his specialized skills and knowledge and merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- served for 18 months as part of a Vietnam RECOGNIZING SARAI INGRAM ily, peers, and community. support base in Okinawa, Japan. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Mr. Moorhead was honorably discharged HON. KENNY MARCHANT me in commending Andrew Fortin for his ac- from the Air Force in 1967. After, he returned OF TEXAS complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- to Bucks County he continued his work on be- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the half of our community. Mr. Moorhead joined the Newtown Township Police Department in Tuesday, April 22, 2008 highest distinction of Eagle Scout. f 1968, beginning his decades-long commitment Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise to improving the safety of Bucks County. Over today to recognize Sarai Ingram on achieving RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF the years, Mr. Moorhead established himself the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold THE BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH as an outstanding public servant, undertaking Award is a testament to Miss Ingram’s leader- OF GARDEN CITY various special tasks necessary to keep the ship, citizenship, and service to her commu- police department running. nity. HON. JERRY MORAN Years later, as a sergeant for the Newtown For her Gold Award project, Sarai Ingram OF KANSAS Township Police, lie worked to establish the designed and provided a library of books for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Newtown Youth Aid Panel. The Youth Aid the Children’s Room at the Battered Women’s Panel is a volunteer organization established Foundation in Hurst, Texas. In addition, Miss Tuesday, April 22, 2008 to help police officers with juvenile offenders Ingram helped care for the children while their Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I and other related problems. In 1989, Mr. mothers were receiving support at the center rise today to share an inspirational story about Moorhead was promoted to Captain and, in for themselves and their families. a community coming together in a time of addition to his other responsibilities, he under- The Girl Scouts of America promotes a need. Like Americans across the country, took the duties of planning various special positive influence for young women of today. Kansas families are burdened with the rising events in Newtown, such as First Night. First I am honored to represent Sarai Ingram in cost of fuel, healthcare, and other basic Fourth, and local parades. earning the highest award bestowed in Girl needs. As his outstanding work and achievements Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- The Bible Christian Church of Garden City show. Norman Moorhead dedicated his life to cation for the betterment of her life, her com- raised funds to help reduce the pain many helping those in his community and beyond. munity, and her country. Kansas families are facing at the pump by Through his extensive efforts. Mr. Moorhead

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E672 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 has worked hard to make Bucks County a The debate over the millions of undocu- HONORING MR. DALE JIEH safer place. Madam Speaker, I am proud to mented immigrants who reside here should recognize Mr. Moorhead for his extraordinary not confuse our support of those that we have accomplishments and outstanding service to agreed to welcome with open arms. If we can’t HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO his community. do right by those who follow the current bro- OF COLORADO f ken system, what expectation should we have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that anyone would or should follow a reformed Tuesday, April 22, 2008 HONORING OUR NATION’S IMMI- one, no matter how liberal or conservative a GRANTS WITH MORE THAN JUST plan that is devised? Mr. TANCREDO. Madam Speaker, I rise WORDS Soaring food prices, unattainable affordable today to pay tribute to Mr. Dale Jieh the Con- housing, stagnant job opportunities, sub- gressional affairs chief at Taiwan’s Embassy HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL standard and unaffordable education—these here in Washington. OF NEW YORK are issues that every family living in this Na- Dale, like so many others at Taiwan’s mis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion is facing. Whether they have been here sions around the world, is among the hardest Tuesday, April 22, 2008 for five generations or one, whether they working diplomats in the world. Given Tai- speak one language or two, or whether it was wan’s unique position in the international com- Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, this week man’s cruelty or economic misfortune that munity and the relentless efforts of China to New York City does what many in our country forced them here in the first place. shrink Taipei’s diplomatic space, Taiwan’s should be doing everyday. Across 7 days and There are no easy answers or perfect solu- public officials face challenges that their coun- more than 100 events, the Big Apple cele- tions. Yet, if we can remember our past and terparts from other countries do not, making brates the culture and achievements of the remember the values that bind us all together, their jobs more difficult. countless numbers of immigrants—past and we can overcome these challenges and posi- present—who have come to our great country. Dale has been serving his country for nearly tion this Nation for renewed success. The 20 years. His service has taken him to Bel- They come from numerous continents, and strength of any nation lies not just in the might countries, in a variety of hues, each with their gium, Thailand, Chicago, and here to Wash- of its military, but in the spirit and ingenuity of ington, DC. And he will be leaving Washington own distinct histories, descendants of cultures its people. All of its people. that pre-date our society sometimes four or soon for Taiwan’s consulate in Kansas City. f five times over. Despite the obstacles, they Madam Speaker, I wish Dale and his family manage to quickly prove themselves and con- RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVER- the best of luck in Kansas City. tribute to their communities in a number of SARY OF THE SMITHTOWN FIRE ways. They and their children, their lives now DEPARTMENT f woven into the fabric of this Nation, find suc- IN RECOGNITION OF THE BLUE cess and across a number of fields including HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP SHOE PROJECT UPON ITS academia, business, law, music, sports and OF NEW YORK GRAMMY AWARD politics. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Contrary to the hateful and divisive anti-im- migration rhetoric that so open poisons our Tuesday, April 22, 2008 HON. KENNY MARCHANT public discussion of the issue, the vast major- Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, OF TEXAS ity of immigrants are not a drain on our gov- I am delighted to rise in honor of a proud and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ernment or on our economy. They are in our long-serving institution of my district—on the military, in the reserves and on the battlefront, occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Tuesday, April 22, 2008 some even paying the ultimate price for their Smithtown Fire Department. Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise sacrifice of service. They more than hold their I am privileged to represent the Town of today to honor the Blue Shoe Project, which own weight economically by paying, according Smithtown, along the western part of New recently won the best traditional blues album to the non-partisan Immigration Policy Center York’s first congressional district. Since 1908, at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Cere- (IPC), more than 300 billion in federal, state this historic town was home to a small but mony held on February 10, 2008. The Blue and local taxes. They fuel our economy as very effective fire department, ‘‘The Smithtown Shoe Project, dedicated to the preservation both laborers and employers, locally gener- Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company’’. To- and advocacy of jazz music in the schools, ating more than 229 billion in New York State ward the end of its first year in service, it ac- deserves our congratulations for the Grammy alone. That is a figure that represents more quired two fire trucks, a chemical engine, and Award and also for passing on the rich history than 22 percent of the State’s overall GDP, a hook and ladder truck. This began a century of blues music to future generations. even though they represent a small percent- of protecting the people of Smithtown during age of the overall population. which their outstanding service record has A Colleyville, Texas based non-profit; the I see it every time I walk in my district, been defined time and again by bravery and Blue Shoe Project was founded in 2005 by every day I am visiting another town or city in efficiency. Jeff Dyson and his son, Michael Dyson. The our vast land. That their contributions have From those humble beginnings grew a Dyson’s shared credit for recording the win- and continue to positively shape our lives proud volunteer fire department that has ex- ning Grammy record, Last of the Great Mis- should not come as a surprise. What should panded to its current 168 committed members. sissippi Delta Bluesman: Live in Dallas, per- are the ways that we continue to treat them, The single old firehouse on Bellemeade Ave- formed by four legendary blues musicians: many of them like second-class citizens. nue has expanded to a much larger main fire Henry James Townsend, Joe Willie ‘‘Pinetop’’ Congress must lead the way in honoring station headquarters on Elm Avenue and two Perkins, Robert Lockwood, Jr. and David this country’s immigrant history by rewarding satellite stations located on Plymouth Boule- ‘‘Honeyboy’’ Edwards. The album was distrib- their hard efforts and their faith in the Amer- vard and Plaisted Avenue that respond to uted by the Blue Shoe Project and Jeff and ican Dream. The fact that it can take up to 20 emergencies and keep the township safe. Michael served as executive producers. years for a mother to see her brother or her During the fire department’s century of serv- The Blue Shoe Project helps spread the his- child of more than 21 years is shameful. It’s ice, Long Island’s booming population has in- tory, message and enjoyment of jazz to the disrespectful to the generations who laid the tensified the demands on the Smithtown Fire schools and community at large. Jeff and Mi- foundation for American democracy at home Department members. Still, they remain an all- chael have dedicated themselves to the dis- and abroad that you could have more than a volunteer and highly skilled force which fre- tribution of this uniquely American art form. To quarter million people shut out from voting this quently proves itself capable of heroism and date, more than 20,000 students have experi- November, despite increased fees and prom- selfless dedication to our community. enced Blue Shoe Project presentations thus ises of improved service. And it’s an outrage Madam Speaker, I encourage my col- gaining countless followers of jazz music. that those who work hard to provide a step- leagues to join me once again in thanking Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please ping stone for their children to succeed can be those firefighters who continue to protect our join me in honor and recognition of the Blue easily deported because notices to appear in families and communities and to extend our Shoe Project. It is with great pride I offer my court get lost in the mail or because of a long deepest gratitude to volunteers, like those in- congratulations to the Blue Shoe Project for its ago misdemeanor that wouldn’t even land a trepid men and women of the Smithtown Fire deserved award and preservation of our na- citizen behind bars. Department, on its 100th anniversary. tion’s heritage and culture.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E673 AMBER JOHNSON Corps (JROTC) and Corporal David Bates on Regiment Band. It is a celebration which is their winning the title of National Champions certain to bring the strong community of Liver- HON. ED PERLMUTTER for the second consecutive year. pool together. Led by dedicated elected offi- Led by teacher David Bates, the students cials, including President Walter S. Teats III, OF COLORADO competed against units from all over the coun- Vice President Stephen Drew, and Mayor IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES try on March 29, 2008 at Forrester Field in John Mark, and the Liverpool Historians, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Dallas, Texas. These students’ hard work and adults and children who have made their dedication was evident in the skill and preci- homes in Liverpool are eager to celebrate the Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise sion they demonstrated in order to capture the birth of the community which has supported today to recognize and applaud Amber John- national championship. Under Bates leader- and uplifted them throughout their lives. It is a son who has received the Arvada Wheat ship and guidance, the members of the town which is always willing to offer as much Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. JROTC have developed a strong sense of as they can to their community and whose Amber Johnson is a senior at Arvada High teamwork and their coordination shows in their community in turn gives back. School and received this award because her drills. determination and hard work have allowed her The town of Liverpool, Pennsylvania has to overcome adversities. Members of the JROTC include Hayden provided a trustworthy atmosphere which has Adair, Abigail Aguilar, Rocio Aguilera, The dedication demonstrated by Amber worked to help generations of men, women, Maridenia Ambrocio, Yomira Cardenas, Adrian Johnson is exemplary of the type of achieve- and children throughout its history. I look for- Casados, Madeline Cedilla, Victor Celestino, ment that can be attained with hard work and ward to celebrating the 200th anniversary of Manuel Cervantez, Austin Christensen, Truy perseverance. It is essential that students at such a wonderful town, as it has brought a Duelm, Karen Fonseca, Juliana Garcia, Luis all levels strive to make the most of their edu- greater appreciation to our area and has sure- Garcia, Yessica Garcia, Domini Gomez, Juan cation and develop a work ethic that will guide ly been an asset to the state of Pennsylvania. Guevara, Christopher Hernandez, Jennifer them for the rest of their lives. I would like to wish all residents of Liverpool Hernandez, James Herrada, Haley Hubler, I extend my deepest congratulations once all the best in their future endeavors. Karen Irigoyen, Yoni Luviano, Miles Mcnutt, again to Amber Johnson for winning the Ar- Marvin Melendez, Lilian Moz, Mayra Moz, vada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for f Arely Oaxaca, Jesus Otero, Artura Perez, Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit David Perez, Randy Portillo, Antonio Ramirez, the same dedication she has shown in her IN HONOR OF DR. AND MRS. Andres Reyes, Jose Reyes, Ruben Rios, Ulys- high school career to her college career and THOMAS AND KAREN LOOME’S ses Rodriguez, Andrew Royalty, Evelyn WORK WITH THE CATHOLIC future accomplishments. Sanchez, Brenda Segovia, Ashley Valle, Jose WORKER MOVEMENT OF STILL- f Vallejo, Colin Wagner, and Austin Wortham. WATER Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed col- HONORING ZACHARY WEBSTER leagues to join me in recognizing the well de- GLAZER served victory of the members of the JROTC HON. MICHELE BACHMANN and David Bates. HON. SAM GRAVES OF MINNESOTA f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF Tuesday, April 22, 2008 LIVERPOOL, PENNSYLVANIA Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly HON. BILL SHUSTER today to recognize Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and pause to recognize Zachary Webster Glazer of Karen Loome of Stillwater, Minnesota for their Kansas City, Missouri. Zachary is a very spe- OF PENNSYLVANIA steadfast and selfless sacrifices in honoring cial young man who has exemplified the finest IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the God-given dignity of every human person. qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Through their work with the Catholic Worker ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- Movement, Dr. and Mrs. Loome are symbols Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise ica, Troop 260, and earning the most pres- of Christ’s love and devotion for all of God’s today to recognize the bicentennial celebration tigious award of Eagle Scout. children. of the town of Liverpool, Pennsylvania. Found- Zachary has been very active with his troop, ed in 1808, Liverpool is a beautiful town which Founded in 1933 by Dorothy Day and Peter participating in many scout activities. Over the resides along the Susquehanna River and Maurin, the Catholic Worker Movement is root- many years Zachary has been involved with possesses a rich and colorful history. ed in a firm commitment to nonviolence, vol- scouting, he has not only earned numerous untary poverty, prayer, and hospitality for the In 1808, Mr. John Staily warranted the plot merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- downtrodden. In seeing Christ’s face in all of land upon which the foundation of Liverpool ily, peers, and community. human beings, Catholic Worker communities was originally set. The land was later deeded Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join value lives above all else by serving Christ to John Huggins, who surveyed, plotted and me in commending Zachary Webster Glazer through works of mercy. extended Liverpool over time. On May 4, 1832 for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts through acts of legislature, Liverpool became Working as a Catholic theologian and anti- of America and for his efforts put forth in incorporated, and soon flourished into a bus- quarian bookseller, Dr. Loome is co-founder of achieving the highest distinction of Eagle tling, vibrant town. An 1894 Liverpool Busi- the Stillwater Catholic Worker Community, Scout. ness Directory, supplied by the Liverpool His- with three ‘‘houses of hospitality’’ for women f torians, holds a description of a town of thirty- and children. Along with his wife, Karen, who seven businesses which supplied the bustling works as a nurse manager of Stillwater’s crisis IN RECOGNITION OF T.C. MARSH towns along the canal route. Liverpool contin- pregnancy center, the Loomes’ faith in Christ MIDDLE SCHOOL’S JUNIOR RE- ued to thrive over the past hundred years and is exemplified best through their righteous SERVE OFFICER TRAINING continues to be an important place of com- service and countless good deeds. CORPS AND DAVID BATES merce and community for the people of west- Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize ern and central Pennsylvania. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and Karen Loome’s un- HON. PETE SESSIONS A celebration in honor of the town’s history wavering faith in service of Christ and con- OF TEXAS will be held between May 16, 2008 through stant commitment to their fellow man. To IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 18, 2008. The events will begin with a quote Charles Dickens, ‘‘Ours is the old firm, banquet at the Liverpool Legion Banquet Hall. going about business with the old way.’’ The Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Saturday morning the lively history of Liver- Catholic Worker Movement is a steady hand Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise pool will be retold by historic reenactors. in a society swept up in selfishness, and Dr. today to congratulate T.C. Marsh Middle There will be a multitude of arts and crafts, and Mrs. Loome provide great inspiration to us School’s Army Junior Reserve Officer Training along with a presentation given by the 47th all by asking for nothing in return.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E674 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 CONGRATULATING THE DILLARD pionship victory to remind us of the value of Kearney, Missouri. Derick is a very special HIGH SCHOOL BOY’S BASKET- investing in our Nation’s educational system young man who has exemplified the finest BALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE and youth programs. The Panther’s commit- qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- CLASS 5A FLORIDA STATE ment should be honored within the halls of ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- CHAMPIONSHIP Congress, and these young men should know ica, Troop 397, and earning the most pres- how much pride their victory has given to their tigious award of Eagle Scout. HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS school, Florida’s 23rd Congressional District, Derick has been very active with his troop, OF FLORIDA and this institution. participating in many scout activities. Over the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f many years Derick has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous Tuesday, April 22, 2008 RECOGNIZING MOLLY JARREL merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, ily, peers, and community. it is with great pride that I rise today to con- HON. KENNY MARCHANT Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join gratulate the Dillard High School Boy’s Bas- OF TEXAS me in commending Derick Ray Bonner for his ketball Team for winning the Class 5A Florida IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of State Championship. The Panthers won a America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 hard fought victory against St. Petersburg’s ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Lakewood High School. I would like to call the Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise f attention of my distinguished colleagues to this today to recognize Molly Jarrell on achieving historic win for Fort Lauderdale’s Dillard High the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold TRIBUTE TO LES CLARK School, located in my Congressional District. Award is a testament to Miss Jarrell’s leader- Few would have expected the championship ship, citizenship, and service to her commu- HON. KEVIN McCARTHY game to be won easily. But with determination nity. OF CALIFORNIA and grit, Dillard prevailed. With the score tied For her Gold Award project, Molly Jarrell IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 26–26 at the half, it really was anyone’s game. made 30 fleece blankets for the Project Linus Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Dillard fell behind in the third quarter. In the Foundation to distribute to sick and trauma- fourth quarter, through the leadership of their tized children. These blankets give children Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam coach, Darryl Burrows, they were able to comfort and help them cope with difficult situa- Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Les Clark, stage a comeback to win the game 61–55. tions. a resident and community leader from Kern No one can deny the accomplishments of The Girl Scouts of America promotes a County, California, for his exemplary leader- these young men, and they should not go un- positive influence for young women of today. ship and commitment to the oil patch in Kern noticed. It is a testament to their character that I am honored to represent Molly Jarrell in County and on receiving the 2008 Ray Brad- they were able to overcome such stiff competi- earning the highest award bestowed in Girl ley/Tom Woodward Lifetime Achievement tion. Only through countless hours of practice, Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- Award from the Independent Oil Producers’ both on and off the court, could they have cation for the betterment of her life, her com- Agency, IOPA. gained such a victory. Prior to Dillard’s State munity, and her country. Les has been a resident of Taft, California, Championship win, no Broward County high f which I represent, for most of his life. He at- school had won a class 5A state title since tended local schools and then graduated from 2001. MISHA TRUJILLO Fresno State University. While at Fresno Certainly, the Panthers can be proud of the State, he worked for the Atlantic Richfield Oil prestige they brought to their high school. HON. ED PERLMUTTER Company and Petrotherm, Inc., which pro- Similarly, Dillard High School can be proud OF COLORADO vided Les his first experience working in the that it produced such outstanding young men. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES oil industry. After graduating from college, he The school’s faculty helped cultivate and instill worked at Belridge Oil Company and Shell Oil within the players the values of determination Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Company, thereby continuing his lifelong com- and sportsmanship that sharpened their skills. Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise mitment to the oil patch. Today, Les is the Ex- The names of the players, coaches, assist- today to recognize and applaud Misha Trujillo ecutive Vice President at IOPA, which is an ants, and administrators are: Kore White, who has received the Arvada Wheat Ridge association comprised of independent oil com- Nigel Spikes, Xiandger Reliford, Ben Dinkins, Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Misha panies that operate mainly in the San Joaquin Fred Landers, Javier Frazier, Sherman Trujillo is a senior at Arvada High School and Valley. At IOPA, with his industry knowledge Gammage, Alen Hardy, Robert Burger, received this award because her determination and depth of experience, Les is responsible Rubyne Burrows, Courtney Ojeda, Jabari and hard work have allowed her to overcome for analyzing all regulatory issues impacting Caldwell, Jarrett Dieudonne, Eric Francis, adversities. San Joaquin independent oil producers, as Derek Foster, John Jackson, Clarence Doe, The dedication demonstrated by Misha Tru- well as being their principal contact with var- Darryl Burrows, Kanshea Jackson, Jamal jillo is exemplary of the type of achievement ious government officials and regulators in the DuBose, Junior Wade, DeAna’e DeSadier, that can be attained with hard work and perse- Valley. Les served as vice president of IOPA Dwayne Nelson, Louis Wright, William verance. It is essential that students at all lev- from 1980 to 1999 prior to serving there in his Heastie, Marty Seidlin, Fred Battle, Juan els strive to make the most of their education current capacity. Urbina, Zeb Wright, Quinton Williams, Tracie and develop a work ethic that will guide them Active on the state and national level, Les is Latimer, Mr. Harrison, and Willie Kelly. for the rest of their lives. a board member on the American Petroleum At this time of the year when America’s bas- I extend my deepest congratulations once Institute API, and has been honored with API’s ketball frenzy is at a fever pitch, it is easy to again to Misha Trujillo for winning the Arvada 2004 Oil Baron Award, the Desk & Derrick focus only on the accomplishments of college Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth 1994 Oil Man of the Year Award, and the U.S. and professional players. However, we must award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the Bureau of Land Management’s Annual 1991 remember the contributions of young people to same dedication she has shown in her high State Director’s Award—Oil & Gas Program. our society. Certainly, as the Panthers’ victory school career to her college career and future Les has also been inducted into the Hall of proves, young people can, and often do, ac- accomplishments. Fame for the Kern County Officials Associa- complish great things. This victory belongs not f tion in 1993. only to the players, but also to their coaches, Les also is a leading proponent and catalyst family, and friends. We need to continue to in- HONORING DERICK BONNER for oil industry innovation, spurring techno- vest in our local communities to support the logical advances. In addition, recognizing the institutions that improve the lives of our Na- HON. SAM GRAVES importance of keeping our environment clean tion’s youth. In doing this, we will see winning OF MISSOURI for future generations to enjoy, he has de- results that will lead our young people to ac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES voted much time and taken leadership roles complish great things. on many important environmental issues, par- Madam Speaker, we in Congress can learn Tuesday, April 22, 2008 ticularly air quality; Les always takes a com- a lot from the young men of Dillard High Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pelling and all-inclusive approach to address- School. We need only recall their state cham- pause to recognize Derick Ray Bonner of ing environmental issues. To that end, he has

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E675 been active in various Cal-EPA and San Joa- familiar with Porubsky’s knew that Lydia was In my State of Wisconsin, women with a col- quin Valley air pollution control initiatives. also a star attraction. lege degree still make considerably less than In addition to his service in the Kern oil My personal experience with the Porubskys men with the same amount of education. With patch, Les is an active member of the commu- dates back to my time in the Kansas legisla- rising gas prices, higher health insurance, and nities in Bakersfield, Taft, and Kern County. ture. Several of my fellow legislators and I a disproportionate amount of single-family To mention just a few of his endeavors, Les would make the trip to Porubsky’s during our homes headed by women, it is of the utmost is a past president of the Taft Chamber of breaks. Meeting from January through June importance that workers receive fair and equal Commerce, past trustee of the Taft Union meant that we had at least 3 full months to pay for equal work. This is not just a civil High School District, and a past chairman of truly enjoy Porubsky’s hot chili and spicy pick- rights issue: it’s a survival issue for women the Water Association of Kern County and the les. With meat and cheese trays displayed, workers providing for their family’s food, rent, West Side District Hospital Foundation. He is the restaurant was a warm respite from the and heat. currently a member of the Board of Directors cold and a welcome break from our political But a right to equal pay is no right at all un- of the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce and and governmental dealings. less it can be enforced. the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield, a trustee of But in a city with many dining options, it was Madam Speaker, I am a proud cosponsor of the Kern County Museum Foundation, and a Lydia’s genuine interest in us that kept us H.R. 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act, which member of the Greater Valley Center/Regional coming back. Even today, as I travel Kansas, would strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963 by providing more effective remedies to Economic Alliance for Leadership, the San I will alter my plans so that I can have a ham women who are not being paid equal wages Joaquin Valley Air Study Policy Committee, salad sandwich at Porubsky’s and enjoy this for doing equal work. For example women and of Governor Schwarzenegger’s California family’s warm welcome and hospitality. would be able to seek full compensatory and Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley. While Porubsky’s and many family-owned punitive damages because the bill would put Les and his wife, June, have been married establishments like it lack the bells and whis- tles of nationwide chains, the underlying qual- gender-based discrimination on an equal foot- for 41 years and have raised two daughters, ing with wage discrimination based on race or Tessa and Kerrie, and one son, Les III. They ity that truly matters is the collection of people it takes to make it work. Charles Sr. and Lydia ethnicity for which full compensation is already have nine grandchildren: Tanisha, Ayana, available. The bill would also prohibit employ- Darius, Arizona, Keelan, Sierra, Logun, Willow provided us with a model of small business ownership. My home State of Kansas is no ers from retaliating against employees who and Cash. stranger to family-owned and -operated under- share salary information with their coworkers, Receiving the lOPA 2008 Ray Bradley/Tom require the Department of Labor to enhance Woodward Lifetime Achievement Award is a takings. Our economy was built by people like the Porubskys, who knew that if they did not outreach and training efforts to work with em- fitting recognition of Les’ lifelong commitment ployers to eliminate pay disparities, and create to advancing innovation and environmental work for it, it was not going to be given to them. Their love of family and the city of To- a new grant program to help strengthen the issues among oil producers. With his dedica- negotiation skills of girls and women. tion and larger-than-life personality, I know peka will never be forgotten. This staple of Topeka enterprise will con- This week, in honor of Equal Pay Day, the that Les will continue to be an effective leader tinue through the efforts of the Porubskys’ Senate plans to consider another bill, H.R. in the Kern oil patch and a prominent commu- sons, Matthew, Charlie, Jr., Mark, alongside 2831, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which nity leader in my district. I commend his lead- the Porubsky’s daughters Cecelia Pierson and is necessary to ensure that victims of work- ership and hope that Kern County continues to Teresa Thomas who have all made their force discrimination can seek effective rem- benefit from his experience and wisdom. homes in Topeka. This restaurant, this way of edies. A recent Supreme Court decision last spring made it extremely difficult for workers f life must be remembered and admired, who suffer from workplace wage discrimination Madam Speaker. We all know a ‘‘Lydia HONORING LYDIA PORUBSKY AND to seek justice in court. Instead of allowing Porubsky’’ in our lives. Every one of us has PORUBSKY GROCERY AND MEATS workers who suffer wage discrimination to someone who reminds us of what is really im- bring a case within 180 days of the last time HON. JERRY MORAN portant as our lives and our jobs continue to they were illegally underpaid, the Supreme speed up. I am sorry that my Lydia Porubsky OF KANSAS Court decision would require that the case be has passed on. I am thankful for having had IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES brought within 180 days of the first time that the chance to know her and her family. This an employer first started to discriminate by Tuesday, April 22, 2008 woman, this business, will remain a part of our paying lower wages. Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I greater Kansas community and will enjoy a This decision overturned precedent and rise before you today in remembrance of the special place in my heart. made it much more difficult for workers to pur- late Lydia Porubsky who passed away Feb- Madam Speaker, please join me in cele- sue pay discrimination claims. H.R. 2831 ruary 11th at the age of 83. Mrs. Porubsky brating the life of Lydia Porubsky, offering our would simply restore the longstanding interpre- was known across Topeka, Kansas, for a chili sympathy to her family, and praying for the tation of title VII and other discrimination stat- recipe and her 6-day-a-week presence at continued success of Porubsky’s Grocery and utes, thereby protecting women and other Porubsky’s Grocery and Meats. Meats. workers. Lydia, alongside her husband of 49 years, f Madam Speaker, equal work deserves Charles, Sr., operated Porubsky’s until IN SUPPORT OF EQUAL PAY FOR equal pay, no matter your gender, skin color, national origin, age or disability. That’s the law Charles’ death in 1998. Lydia, however, con- EQUAL WORK tinued to be a fixture in the deli. She was the of the land. But we need to make sure that we person every customer remembered thanks to HON. GWEN MOORE have the measures in place to ensure that her positions behind the counter and at the these rights can be strongly enforced. OF WISCONSIN cash register. An amazing thing about Lydia is f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that she remembered you as well. The con- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 THE IMPORTANCE OF CREDIT versations and the small-talk she would en- UNIONS gage in only enhanced the experience of eat- Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speak- ing at Porubsky’s. er, in 1963, when the Equal Pay Act was Porubsky’s is also known for their great signed into law to grant the right to equal pay HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE food. Not the least of which is the chili. to women who worked full-time, year-round, OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Porubsky’s developed a reputation over the women made 59 cents on average for every years as having some of the most delicious dollar earned by men doing the same level of Tuesday, April 22, 2008 chili in the area. According The Topeka Cap- work. In 2006, women earned 77 cents for Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today ital-Journal, Porubsky’s was featured in Gour- every dollar earned by men. While that is to recognize the importance of credit unions. met Magazine. This publication’s editors dis- progress, it is slow progress and it means that As a member of a credit union, I am a true be- covered what the people of Kansas had been the wage gap between men and women has liever that people should help people; which enjoying for over 60 years. Gourmet Magazine narrowed by less than half a cent per year are the credit unions’ mission. Members know summed it up as well as anyone when it stat- since passage of that law. At the same time, that during the economic downturn that we are ed, ‘‘Porubsky’s is not just a place to eat. It is African-American women today earn only 63 currently facing right now, credit unions will al- a destination in itself.’’ While the magazine cents and Hispanic women bring home just 52 ways be there to serve their members to the was referring specifically to the food, people cents for each dollar earned by men. best of their ability.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E676 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 Members who have accounts in a credit The Girl Scouts of America promotes a In the blink of an eye, a moment of levity union are owners of the financial institution positive influence for young women of today. and fun became a moment of terror, as fifth and they elect the board of directors in a one I am honored to represent Alexa Polaski in grader Kelci Ottwell, who had been at the person-one vote system regardless of the earning the highest award bestowed in Girl lunch table, laughing at a friend’s joke, sud- amount of money invested in the institution. Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- denly found herself choking and unable to That means that credit unions are in fact an cation for the betterment of her life, her com- breathe. Gasping for air, Kelci moved toward economic democracy; every customer is both munity, and her country. her principal, Brenda Vernatti for help. Unable a member and a shareholder. f to speak, Kelci reached out for Ms. Vernatti’s While this Nation is painfully suffering the arm to get her attention. current mortgage crisis, credit unions have SASHA VANHEESCH Immediately sensing Kelci’s distress, Ms. displayed an outstanding record of service to Vernatti swung into action and began to per- both minority and low- to moderate-income HON. ED PERLMUTTER form the Heimlich maneuver, trying in vain mortgage applicants and have a long history OF COLORADO four times to dislodge the small piece of pizza of responsible mortgage lending. What is im- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that was by now causing Kelci’s face to turn pressive to me, Madam Speaker, is that in purple. Finally, on her fifth attempt, Kelci Tuesday, April 22, 2008 2006, credit unions approved an overwhelming coughed up the pizza and began to breathe 71 percent of applications from low- to mod- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise again. erate-income mortgage applicants. today to recognize and applaud Sasha Kelci’s mother, Melissa, told the local news- Furthermore, as a member of the House VanHeesch, who has received the Arvada paper, ‘‘She’s my hero. I want the world to Committee on Small Business, these non- Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth know she saved my baby’s life.’’ profit, member-owned banking alternatives are Award. Sasha VanHeesch is a senior at Ar- Brenda Vernatti has served the Alton School attractive to many entrepreneurs because of vada West High School and received this District for 22 years, touching hundreds if not the great lending rates and services they pro- award because her determination and hard thousands of young lives. But just a few vide to them. For individual members, credit work have allowed her to overcome adversi- weeks ago, she went above and beyond the unions generally pay higher interest rates on ties. already lofty call of duty of an educator to be- come a life-saving hero. deposits and charge lower interest rates on The dedication demonstrated by Sasha Every day, our Nation is blessed to have loans than banks while offering the same serv- VanHeesch is exemplary of the type of heroic citizens ready to spring into action to ices such as savings accounts, checking ac- achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential that stu- help another in distress. Today, I have the counts, credit cards, certificates of deposits, honor of recognizing Brenda Vernatti, who has dents at all levels strive to make the most of and online banking. So the fact that they pro- dedicated her life to helping others attain their their education and develop a work ethic that vide competitive interest rates, fewer or no goals through education, and who, in that blink will guide them for the rest of their lives. fees, and convenience makes so many mem- of an eye, reminded us all of the heroes in our Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors bers hold credit unions in such a high regard. midst. Madam Speaker, credit unions are ex- for Youth Award. I have no doubt she will ex- tremely vital to my hometown, New York City. hibit the same dedication she has shown in f Credit unions serve more New Yorkers living her high school career to her college career CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE in low-income and underserved areas that are and future accomplishments. COST ESTIMATE FOR H.R. 5819 continually being abandoned by big corporate f banks. I must point out that there are about ´ HONORING IAN MICAH WRIGHT HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ 43,697 credit union members living in my dis- OF NEW YORK trict. In fact, there are 6 credit unions in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES New York 11th Congressional District, which HON. SAM GRAVES Tuesday, April 22, 2008 has 3,662 members and an asset value total- OF MISSOURI Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I sub- ing more then $13 million dollars. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madan Speaker, I must note that what many mit the following CBO cost estimate for the bill Tuesday, April 22, 2008 H.R. 5819. people do not know is that more than 1⁄3 of all credit union CEOs nationwide are women. Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly H.R. 5819—SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act Therefore Madam Speaker, I urge my col- pause to recognize Ian Micah Wright of Summary: H.R. 5819 would extend pro- leagues to join me in recognizing the tremen- Kearney, Missouri. Ian is a very special young grams that require certain agencies to set aside portions of their research and develop- dous contributions credit unions provide to so man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an ac- ment budgets for small businesses. The bill many communities throughout the country and also would authorize appropriations to im- provide any continued support to these finan- tive part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop prove efforts to develop products funded cial institutions. 397, and earning the most prestigious award through those programs that can be sold f of Eagle Scout. commercially. Finally, the bill would require Ian has been very active with his troop, par- participating agencies to develop new data- RECOGNIZING ALEXA POLASKI ticipating in many scout activities. Over the bases for program evaluation and business many years Ian has been involved with scout- development. ing, he has not only earned numerous merit Based on information from the Small Busi- HON. KENNY MARCHANT ness Administration (SBA) and other agen- OF TEXAS badges, but also the respect of his family, cies, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES peers, and community. 5819 would cost $263 million over the 2009–2013 Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Tuesday, April 22, 2008 period, subject to appropriation of the speci- me in commending Ian Micah Wright for his fied and necessary amounts. Enacting the Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of bill would not affect direct spending or reve- today to recognize Alexa Polaski on achieving America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- nues. the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. H.R. 5819 contains no intergovernmental or Award is a testament to Miss Polaski’s leader- private-sector mandates as defined in the f Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and ship, citizenship, and service to her commu- HONORING BRENDA VERNATTI would impose no costs on state, local, or nity. tribal governments. For her Gold Award project, Alexa Polaski Estimated cost to the Federal Govern- cleared and redesigned a garden courtyard at HON. JOHN SHIMKUS ment: The estimated budgetary impact is shown in the following table. The costs of the Mimosa Manor Nursing Home in Keller, OF ILLINOIS this legislation fall within budget functions Texas. Miss Polaski secured donations from IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES various companies, individuals and garden 050 (national defense), 250 (general science, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 space, and technology). 270 (energy), 300 (nat- clubs so she could plant new perennials, an- ural resources and environment), 350 (agri- nuals and trees. She also provided benches, Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today culture), 370 (commerce and housing credit), bird feeders, and garden art. This trans- to pay tribute to a heroic educator who saved 400 (transportation), 500 (education, training, formation now allows the nursing home resi- the life of one of her students a few weeks employment, and social services), 550 dents an outdoor area to enjoy. ago. (health), and 750 (administration of justice).

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By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION SBIR/STTR Spending Under Current Law: Estimated Budget Authority a ...... 30 0 0 0 0 0 Estimated Outlays ...... 23 5 2 0 0 0 Proposed Changes: Reauthorize SBIR/STTR Programs: Estimated Authorization Level ...... 0 27 33 25 13 13 Estimated Outlays ...... 0 21 30 27 16 14 Increase R&D Budget Set-asides: Estimated Authorization Level ...... 0 8 9 7 3 3 Estimated Outlays ...... 0 7 8 7 4 3 Commercialization Program: Budget Authority ...... 0 28 28 28 28 28 Estimated Outlays ...... 0 4 16 24 28 28 FAST Program Reauthorization: Budget Authority ...... 0 10 10 0 0 0 Estimated Outlays ...... 0 2 5 7 5 1 Additional Agency Activities: Estimated Authorization Level ...... 0 6 0 0 0 0 Estimated Outlays ...... 0 3 3 0 0 0 Total Proposed Changes: Estimated Authorization Level ...... 0 79 80 60 44 44 Estimated Outlays ...... 0 37 62 65 53 46 Total SBIR/STTR Spending Under H.R. 5819: Estimated Authorization Level a ...... 30 79 80 60 44 44 Estimated Outlays ...... 23 42 64 65 53 46

a The 2008 level is the total amount CBO estimates was appropriated for that year for the SBIR and STIR programs. Notes: SBIR = Small Business Innovation Research. STTR = Small Business Technology Transfer; FAST = Federal and State Technology Partnership.

Basis of estimate: Under current law, the federal agencies would continue to make ex- veterans, and minorities. The bill would au- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) tramural research expenditures under cur- thorize the appropriation of $10 million for program requires federal agencies with ex- rent law regardless of the SBIR and STTR each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010 to imple- tramural budgets for research and develop- programs and that participating agencies ment the program. Based on historical ment (R&D) that exceed $100 million to set would continue to incur costs to administer spending patterns of SBA’s other business aside 2.5 percent of that budget for contracts existing contracts with small businesses for assistance programs, CBO estimates that im- with small businesses. (Extramural expendi- several years after the programs expire. CBO plementing this provision would cost $20 mil- tures are expenditures for activities not per- estimates that extending the current SBIR lion over the 2009–2013 period, assuming ap- formed by agency employees.) Likewise, the and STTR programs through 2010 would cost propriation of the specified amounts. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) $108 million over the 2009–2013 period. assum- program requires federal agencies with ex- ing appropriation of the necessary amounts. Additional agency activities tramural budgets for research and develop- Increase in R&D budget set-asides for small H.R. 5819 would require each agency par- ment that exceed $1 billion to set aside 0.3 businesses ticipating in the SBIR or STTR program to percent of that budget for cooperative re- The bill also would increase the amount of develop two databases, one to be used by the search between small businesses and a fed- each agency’s R&D budget to be set aside for agency for program evaluation, the other, eral laboratory or nonprofit research institu- the programs starting in fiscal year 2009: for which would be available to the public, to be tion. SBA is authorized to coordinate and SBIR, the set-aside would be increased to 3 used to help businesses participating in the monitor activities under both programs. percent; for STTR, the amount reserved for SBIR or STTR program to attract customers Eleven agencies currently participate in one small businesses would be increased to 0.6 for the products or services created under or both programs, including the Department percent. Based on information from SBA and the program. Based on information from the of Defense, the Department of Health and participating agencies, CBO expects that the participating agencies, CBO estimates that Human Services, the Department of Energy, expansion would lead to an increase in the developing new databases for each partici- the Department of Agriculture, the National number of applications received under both pating agency would cost about $6 million Aeronautics and Space Administration, the programs by more than a third. Assuming over the 2009–2013 period. National Science Foundation, and the Envi- appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO ronmental Protection Agency. Intergovernmental and private-sector im- estimates that processing the additional ap- The cost of these programs to the partici- pact: H.R. 5819 contains no intergovern- plications would cost $29 million over the pating agencies consists primarily of per- mental or private-sector mandates as defined 2009–2013 period. sonnel and associated overhead costs to so- in UMRA. The bill would reauthorize the licit applications, prepare reports, and track Commercialization program FAST program, a matching-grant program outcomes. The organizational structures of H.R. 5819 would authorize appropriations of to encourage states to assist in the develop- such program offices vary. Some agencies $28 million a year for a program to support ment of high-technology small businesses. have a full-time staff member devoted to the agency efforts to assist small businesses par- Any costs to state governments of providing SBIR and STIR programs, with other staff ticipating in the SBIR program in devel- matching funds to participate in the FAST assisting as part of their other duties; some oping products or services that could be sold program would be incurred voluntarily. have employees working part-time on the to the government or in commercial mar- Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: program. kets. SBA would oversee this commercializa- Susan Willie; Impact on State, Local, and Under current law, the SBIR program is tion program—each agency participating in Tribal Governments: Elizabeth Cove; and Im- scheduled to terminate at the end of fiscal the SBIR program would be required to re- pact on the Private Sector: Jacob Kuipers. year 2008. and the STIR program is scheduled quest funds from SBA to support its com- Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, to terminate at the end of fiscal year 2009. mercialization activities. Based on informa- Assistant Director for Budget Analysis. Based on information from SBA and par- tion from SBA and participating agencies, APRIL 22, 2008. ticipating agencies. CBO estimates that im- CBO estimates that implementing this provi- Hon. NYDIA M. VELA´ ZQUEZ, sion would cost $100 million over the 2009– plementing H.R. 5819 would cost $41 million Chairwoman, Committee on Small Business, in 2009 and $263 million over the 2009–2013 pe- 2013 period, subject to appropriation of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC. riod, assuming appropriation of the specified specified amounts. DEAR MADAM CHAIRWOMAN: The Congres- and necessary amounts. FAST program reauthorization sional Budget Office has prepared the en- Reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR pro- H.R. 5819 would reauthorize the Federal closed cost estimate for H.R. 5819, the SBIR/ grams and State Technology (FAST) Partnership STTR Reauthorization Act. The bill would extend both the SBIR and program to conduct outreach and provide the STTR programs through fiscal year 2010. technical assistance so as to increase the If you wish further details on this esti- Based on information from SBA and partici- number small businesses participating in the mate, we will be pleased to provide them. pating agencies, CBO estimates that admin- SBIR program. The outreach activities The CBO staff contact is Susan Willie. istering the two programs will cost about $30 would be directed to geographic areas that Sincerely, million this year (about $2 million of that are under-represented in the SBIR program PETER R. ORSZAG. amount will be for SBA). CBO expects that and to small businesses owned by women, Enclosure.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 INTRODUCING THE ‘‘FAMILY Progressively tier the benefits so that a low- reports requested of HHS are responsive, LEAVE INSURANCE ACT OF 2008’’ wage worker (earning less than $30,000) will complete, and received on Capitol Hill in a receive full or near full salary replacement, timely manner. Through the years, Gloria’s in- HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK middle-income workers ($30,000–$60,000) re- dustrious service has been commended by 20 OF CALIFORNIA ceive 55 percent wage replacement, and high- Excellent Performance, 9 Outstanding Per- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES er earners (over $60,000) receive 40–45 per- formance, 4 Special Act of Service, and 2 Em- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 cent, with the benefit capped at approximately ployee of the Month Awards. $800 per week; I ask that you join me in applauding Gloria Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today Administer the program through the Depart- Bell as she closes a chapter on many years with Representatives GEORGE MILLER, LYNN ment of Labor which will contract with states of excellent service to her agency and the WOOLSEY, and CAROLYN MALONEY to introduce to administer the program (similar to how the Federal Government. a bill that will bring our Nation up to date with Unemployment Insurance program is run); the rest of the world. One hundred and sixty- Allow states and businesses with materially f nine countries guarantee some form of paid equivalent or better benefits to opt-out of the family leave. The U.S. is part of an illustrious program. RECOGNIZING NICOLE GAITHER four-member club of nations—including Libe- The ‘‘Family Leave Insurance Act’’ is en- ria, Papua New Guinea, and Swaziland—that dorsed by the National Partnership for Women fail to provide security for new parents or and Families, the AFL–CIO, the California HON. KENNY MARCHANT those caring for a loved one. The ‘‘Family Labor Federation, Voices for America’s Chil- OF TEXAS Leave Insurance Act’’ will guarantee that work- dren, First Focus, and the National Employ- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ers will no longer have to choose between ment Law Project. their jobs and their families. Members of Congress are constantly talking Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Since becoming law 15 years ago, the land- about family values. Let’s go beyond talk and mark Family and Medical Leave Act, FMLA, Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise take action that families will actually value. I has provided job protection and guaranteed today to recognize Nicole Gaither on achieving leave for millions of workers. Unfortunately, urge my colleagues to cosponsor the ‘‘Family the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold the FMLA is limited to workers employed by Leave Insurance Act.’’ We can strengthen Award is a testament to Miss Gaither’s leader- large employers—only 45 percent of the pri- families, make business more competitive, and ship, citizenship, and service to her commu- vate sector workforce—and, because the create a better future for our country. The time nity. leave is unpaid, lower income workers can to act is now. For her Gold Award project, Nicole Gaither seldom afford to take it. Recent studies have f developed an outdoor volunteer program for found that 78 percent of FMLA eligible work- IN RECOGNITION OF GLORIA K. children ages 11–14 called Outdoor Action ers who wanted to take leave did not do so BELL ON HER RETIREMENT Kids. O.A.K.S. provides children the oppor- because they could not afford it. At a time of tunity to perform basic outdoor conservation recession and tightening family budgets, this tasks while helping the staff and adult volun- predicament is only getting worse. HON. JAMES T. WALSH teers maintain Bob Jones Nature Center, a A few years ago, my home State of Cali- OF NEW YORK 76-acre park. Miss Gaither developed a coor- fornia enacted the first paid family leave law in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dinator’s manual, application, training manual, the country. The law has proven to be wildly Tuesday, April 22, 2008 and training video to ensure her program will popular. Despite the protests of business Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, continue well into the future. groups at the time the law was passed, most I rise today to recognize Ms. Gloria K. Bell. The Girl Scouts of America promotes a employers have come to embrace the law and Saturday, March 29, marked the retirement positive influence for young women of today. realize that it facilitates continuity, productivity, of Gloria K. Bell, a dedicated employee of the I am honored to represent Nicole Gaither in and job satisfaction. Paid leave helps workers Department of Health and Human Services, earning the highest award bestowed in Girl to strike a balance between work and family. HHS. Ms. Bell’s Federal service spans 40 plus Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- Such a balance has real benefits for children. years, and her retirement provides a golden cation for the betterment of her life, her com- A Harvard School of Public Health study found munity, and her country. that the education and health of children im- opportunity to reflect upon her service to her agency and to Capitol Hill as a liaison be- proves substantially when parents have work f flexibility and paid leave. When parents are tween HHS and congressional staffs. Gloria Bell entered public service while able to act as caregivers for a sick child, hos- HONORING THOMAS EDWARD working on her bachelors of science degree at pital stays are reduced by 31 percent. Paren- PRICE tal involvement is also associated with higher American University in Washington, DC. Upon achievement in language and math, improved graduation, she joined HHS as a program an- behavior, and lower dropout rates. alyst in the Office of the Assistant Secretary HON. SAM GRAVES for Planning and Evaluation where her port- The ‘‘Family Leave Insurance Act’’ takes the OF MISSOURI folio included the Head Start and Develop- next logical and necessary step by imple- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES menting a comprehensive paid leave program mental Disabilities programs. that will cover all workers. The middle class is In January 1987, Gloria continued her illus- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 getting squeezed: hours are longer, job secu- trious career at HHS in the Office of the As- sistant Secretary for Resources and Tech- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly rity is lower, and families have less time to- pause to recognize Thomas Edward Price of gether. A report by the President’s Council of nology, Office of Budget, as a budget analyst. Kearney, Missouri. Thomas is a very special Economic Advisers found that between 1969 For over 20 years since, she has worked tire- young man who has exemplified the finest and 1999 children lost 22 hours per week with lessly through all phases of the process to de- qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- their parents. Workers and their families need velop and present the Department’s budget ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- greater flexibility and support. Yet, according and has progressed to an effective team lead- ica, Troop 397, and earning the most pres- to the Department of Labor, only 8 percent of er in the office. She managed one of the larg- tigious award of Eagle Scout. private employers provide paid leave. Clearly, est budget databases in the Department, con- there is room for improvement. This bill will: sisting of over 1,300 programs, project activi- Thomas has been very active with his troop, Provide all workers with 12 weeks of paid ties, and historical budget numbers from FY participating in many scout activities. Over the leave over a 12-month period to care for a 1981 through FY 2005. Gloria also created a many years Thomas has been involved with new child, provide for an ill family member, database that is used to produce the current scouting, he has not only earned numerous treat their own illness, or deal with an exi- All Purpose Tables, APTs. She wrote the op- merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- gency caused by the deployment of a member erations manual and trained other staff in the ily, peers, and community. of the military; APT system’s operation. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Provide these benefits through a new trust Along with the budget and APT databases, me in commending Thomas Edward Price for fund that is financed equally by employers and Gloria’s legacy encompasses years of service his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of employees, who will each contribute 0.2 per- as the Budget Office’s Congressional Liaison, America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- cent of the employee’s pay; ensuring that the myriad Senate and House ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E679 PERSONAL EXPLANATION Bernardino, California, will present to been directly involved with all aspects of Caroldyne and Hershel Swedlove the pres- chemical warfare agents for over twenty years, HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY tigious Rabbi Norman F. Feldheym Award. including CWM storage, laboratory procedures OF CALIFORNIA The Rabbi Norman Feldheym award was es- for environmental S&A, the operation of equip- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tablished in 1983 to pay tribute to those mem- ment for air monitoring, quality assurance/con- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 bers of the Congregation Emanu El that reflect trol, and major project management. the Rabbi’s qualities of love and loyalty to the Mr. Hudson is a veteran of Operations Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, on April synagogue, service to their community, and Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While in the 8, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was the personal traits of humility and kindness. Middle East during Operation Desert Storm, not able to record my vote for rollcall No. 193. The Swedloves have been members of the Mr. Hudson evaluated and briefed the Army Had I been present I would have voted: Congregation Emanu El since 1966. They Headquarters Staff on the potential chemical Rollcall No. 193—‘‘yes’’—Providing for con- have long been active in supporting the con- downwind hazards from destroyed Iraqi chem- sideration of H.R. 2634, Jubilee Act for Re- sponsible Lending and Expanded Debt Collec- gregation’s endeavors, most notably their an- ical storage igloos. He managed the collection, tion Act. nual sponsorship of the Rosh Hashanah con- reporting and deployment of the only remote gregational luncheon. Caroldyne has been es- chemical monitoring and biological detection f pecially active in the community, as a member teams in the theater of operation and coordi- GONZAGA UNIVERSITY SENDS of the Sisterhood of Congregation Emanu El. nated the transportation of all suspect chem- TEAM TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN She has taught in the Religious School there, ical and biological samples to U.S. labora- EXPO while also volunteering in the Sisterhood Gift tories. Shop. Hershel was a regular volunteer in the President of the Maryland Chapter of Elite HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS congregation’s major fund raising activities, an Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business OF WASHINGTON effort that enabled the synagogue to pay off its (SDVOB) Network, Rodney is also a member IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mortgage. of the American Chemical Society, the Asso- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 I am sure that the Swedloves are most ciation of the United States Army, the National proud of their family’s involvement in the syna- Defense Industrial Association, and the Soci- Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Madam gogue as well. Their four sons Jerome, Shel- ety of American Military Engineers. Rodney Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts don, Randall, and David all attended the reli- has been a strong advocate for service-dis- of a team of college students making a dif- gious school, were Bar Mitzvahed and con- abled veterans, lobbying the Maryland State ference in Africa. A student team from Gon- firmed in the synagogue and are now all ac- Legislature to award three percent of all Mary- zaga University has been selected to present tive members of the Congregation as well. land state contracts to service-disabled vet- their project, ‘‘West African Technology, Edu- The Swedloves have been an important part erans. He has counseled several business cation, and Reciprocity, WATER, for Benin,’’ at of the Jewish community in the Inland Empire owners on techniques and opportunities cur- the 4th Annual National Sustainable Design for years, as members of Paradise B’Nai B’rith rently available to SDVOB owners and on Expo on April 20–22, 2008. and the Redlands Jewish Club, and as sup- ways to improve their business volume. The goal of the WATER for Benin project is porters of Jewish homes for the Aging and the Mr. Hudson has worked tirelessly taking to address the clean water shortage that many Western States Jewish Historical Society. As from his personal time to offer counsel to vet- developing nations are currently facing. owner-operators of Morris Automotive Supply erans who are considering starting a business. Through their participation, students learn in Fontana since 1962, they have been promi- He has garnered the support of the MD Sec- about contemporary health problems in Africa nent members of the business community as retary of Veterans Affairs for his efforts and and their contributing factors; the relationship well. Well known for their family traditions and has provided a conduit for information flow to between water, sanitation, and causes of mor- unquestioned integrity, the Swedloves have state legislators and the governor on issues bidity and mortality in Africa; and communica- been honored by the Fontana Chamber of important to Maryland SDVOB owners. Mr. tion skills for providing culturally appropriate Commerce for their excellence. Hudson has reached out to county govern- health education. I am honored to recognize Caroldyne and ment procurement personnel and introduced In August of 2007, 17 students from eight Hershel Swedlove for their commitment to our the Maryland Chapter of the Elite SDVOB net- academic programs, and three faculty mem- community. I congratulate them on an honor work at last year’s Maryland Association of bers, traveled to Benin. At the Songhai Center well deserved on the 117th anniversary of the Counties Conference. in Porto-Novo, this group trained staff to make chartering of the congregation in San Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me inexpensive, effective drinking water filters. Bernardino. May both the Congregation today to honor Rodney Hudson. His legacy as Through leadership, community building, and Emanu El and the Swedloves continue to a successful business owner in the defense personal sacrifice, these students created in- serve San Bernardino for years to come. industry is surpassed only by his tireless advo- novative ways to solve the water crisis. Their cacy for service disabled veterans. It is with exhibit, on display at the National Sustainable f great pride that I congratulate Rodney Hudson Design Expo, chronicles the research and de- A TRIBUTE TO RODNEY D. HUDSON on his being awarded the SBA’s Veteran velopment the students implemented in order Small Business Champion of the Year. to find the best technology to provide clean HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER water to the people of Benin. f OF MARYLAND Madam Speaker, many of us take some- RECOGNIZING REBECCA SIMPSON thing as simple as having clean water every IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES day for granted. I commend these students for Tuesday, April 22, 2008 responding to the needs of the developing HON. KENNY MARCHANT Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I OF TEXAS world and helping them to move toward sus- rise before you today to honor Rodney D. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tainability. I invite my colleagues to join me in Hudson, founder and president of QuickSilver congratulating Gonzaga University team on Analytics. Graduating with a bachelors degree Tuesday, April 22, 2008 this great accomplishment, and for being cho- in chemistry from Cameron University in 1974, Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise sen to compete for the EPA’s prestigious P3— Rodney went on to earn a master’s degree in today to recognize Rebecca Simpson on People, Prosperity, and Planet—Award. chemistry from the University of Delaware in achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiv- f 1982. QuickSilver Analytics is a registered ing the Gold Award is a testament to Miss HONORING CAROLDYNE AND service-disabled veteran-owned small busi- Simpson’s leadership, citizenship, and service HERSHEL SWEDLOVE ness, specializing in chemical and biological to her community. warfare-related services and products. Rodney For her Gold Award project, Rebecca Simp- HON. JOE BACA Hudson has been named the SBA’s Veteran son assisted 400 families from Gainesville, Small Business Champion of the Year for Texas who were displaced by the floods in the OF CALIFORNIA 2008. summer of 2007. Miss Simpson collected nec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Hudson was an Army Chemical Officer essary household items and personal toiletries Tuesday, April 22, 2008 for over 21 years. He managed numerous and delivered them to the Gainesville Relief Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on June 14th, chemical warfare materials (CWM) sampling Center for distribution. The local Girl Scout 2008, the Congregation Emanu El of San and analysis (S&A) projects. Mr. Hudson has Council had specifically called for Girl Scouts

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E680 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 to help in this crisis, and Miss Simpson re- fairly, educate women on negotiating appro- PERSONAL EXPLANATION sponded wholeheartedly. Additionally, Miss priate salaries, and enforce current equal pay Simpson painted cabinets for Angel’s Attic, a legislation. HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY resale and outreach ministy of the Whites It is imperative that we protect every Ameri- OF MASSACHUSETTS Chapel United Methodist Church. can’s right to earn a fair wage based solely on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Girl Scouts of America promotes a qualifications and performance. There is no Monday, April 22, 2008 positive influence for young women of today. room in the American workforce for perpet- I am honored to represent Rebecca Simpson uating gender and race stereotypes. By elimi- Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, on April in earning the highest award bestowed in Girl nating pay discrimination we will be ensuring 16th and 17th, 2008, I was unavoidably ab- Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- that we will have the best and most productive sent from the House due to an injury, and cation for the betterment of her life, her com- workforce. missed rollcall votes 192, 193, 194, 200, 203, munity, and her country. I applaud all Americans who participate in and 204. Had I been present, I would have f and support Equal Pay Day. The first step in voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcalls 192, 193, 194, 200, correcting this inequity is by alerting others it 203, and 204. HONORING JASON BAUR exists. It is my hope that together we can do f this and ultimately be the catalyst for change. HON. SAM GRAVES RECOGNIZING CAROLYN KULIG OF MISSOURI f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. KENNY MARCHANT EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO VIC- OF TEXAS Tuesday, April 22, 2008 TIMS AND FAMILIES OF COLO- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly RADO SHOOTINGS Tuesday, April 22, 2008 pause to recognize Jason Michael Baur of Kearney, Missouri. Jason is a very special SPEECH OF Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise young man who has exemplified the finest today to recognize Carolyn Kulig on achieving qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- HON. BETTY McCOLLUM the Girl Scout Gold Award. Receiving the Gold ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- OF MINNESOTA Award is a testament to Miss Kulig’s leader- ica, Troop 397, and earning the most pres- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ship, citizenship, and service to her commu- nity. tigious award of Eagle Scout. Monday, April 14, 2008 Jason has been very active with his troop, For her Gold Award project, Carolyn Kulig participating in many scout activities. Over the Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- decorated the library at the Easter Seals facil- many years Jason has been involved with er, I rise in strong support of House Resolu- ity in Carrollton, Texas. Miss Temple painted scouting, he has not only earned numerous tion 886 which expresses sympathy to the vic- book shelves in lively colors and added color merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- tims and families of the tragic acts of violence to the walls. She also collected books and vid- ily, peers, and community. in Colorado Springs, CO and Arvada, CO. eos through donations that will be given to Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join The events last year in Colorado Springs, low-income families that have children being me in commending Jason Michael Baur for his CO and Arvada, CO were another sad exam- treated at the facility. Her efforts will liven the accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of ple of gun violence in this country. The nation spirit of all that use the library at Easter Seals. America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- is still mouming the loss of life at Northem Illi- The Girl Scouts of America promotes a ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. nois University, Virginia Tech, the mall in St. positive influence for young women of today. Lake City, the Red Lake Indian Reservation, I am honored to represent Carolyn Kulig in f and in countless other communities. On De- earning the highest award bestowed in Girl EQUAL PAY DAY cember 9, 2007, Tiffany Johnson, Philip Scouts. I commend her commitment and dedi- Crouse, Stephanie Works, and Rachel Works cation for the betterment of her life, her com- HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ were tragically killed and David Works, Judy munity, and her country. OF TEXAS Purcell, Larry Bourbannais, Dan Griebenow, f and Charlie Blanch injured by bullets fired IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ENSURING CONTINUED ACCESS TO from an assault rifle and one of two handguns FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS ACT Tuesday, April 22, 2008 wielded by the assailant. OF 2008 Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am Expressing sympathy to the victims and honored to rise here today to recognize Tues- families of this tragedy is not enough. Far too SPEECH OF day, April 22, 2008, as Equal Pay Day. Na- many people are the victims of gun violence in tional and community organizations alike make our nation, including the hundreds who are HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. this a national day of action to promote equal killed and thousands injured in unintentional OF MICHIGAN pay for women and minorities. It is a day to shootings. The Federal Govemment has an IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES recognize the wage gap that exists between obligation and moral responsibility to prevent Thursday, April 17, 2008 this type of violence, including mandatory men and women and offer solutions that will The House in Committee of the Whole address and remedy this economic injustice. background checks at gun stores and gun House on the State of the Union had under It is no accident that a Tuesday in April is shows and requiring safety devices that pre- consideration of the bill (H.R. 5715) to ensure chosen as the day in which we recognize in- vent guns from being used by someone other continued availability of access to the Fed- come inequality. April symbolizes the month than the owner. eral student loan program for students and when women’s wages catch up to men’s Congress must reinstate the ban on assault families: wages from the previous year and Tuesday style weapons and broaden it to include en- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Chairman, today I represents the day on which women’s wages hanced restrictions on many different assault- rise to support H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Con- equal men’s wages from the previous week. style guns that were not previously covered. A tinued Access to Federal Student Loans Act of According to 2007 statistics by the United new ban should also direct the Attomey Gen- 2008. As current turmoil in the U.S. financial States Census Bureau, on average women eral to maintain a weapon database system of markets make obtaining and affording student are paid 77 cents for every dollar that their guns that have been used in violent crimes loans more and more difficult, today we take male counterparts earn. For a country where and submit the record to Congress each year. an affirmative step to relieve that pressure on 46 percent of its workforce is female, this is This is a necessary public safety measure that students and families by providing greater ac- unacceptable. will allow law enforcement to do their job and cess to Federal loans. This legislation: re- It is clear that we are not moving fast combat crime. duces borrowers’ reliance on costlier private enough in promoting pay equality. Some re- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me college loans and encourage responsible bor- ports estimate that if we continue at the cur- in honoring the victims of gun violence in Col- rowing; gives parent borrowers more time to rent pace, the wage gap will not be closed orado Springs, CO and Arvada, CO and work- begin paying off their Federal PLUS college until 2057. That is far too long for this discrimi- ing together on common-sense gun laws that loans; helps struggling homeowners pay for nation to continue. We must promote all ef- help to prevent tragedies like these from reoc- college; provides the U.S. Secretary of Edu- forts to encourage employers to pay women curring. cation additional tools to safeguard access to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E681 student loans; and encourages Federal finan- BOOKS, POEMS, AND SHORT STORIES The sun of my smile, cial institutions to exercise their existing au- Maya Angelou is known for her stirring The ride of my breasts, thorities to ensure borrowers have access to poems and storytelling abilities. ‘‘On the Pulse The grace of my style. I’m a woman Federal loan funds in the upcoming academic of the Morning’’ and ‘‘Phenomenal Women’’ Phenomenally. year. were two of the poems that helped her be- Phenomenal woman, Here in Congress, we must ensure that ac- come only the second poet in U.S. history to That’s me. cess to higher education is as unfettered as have the honor of writing and reciting original Now you understand possible. As our economy goes more and work at the Presidential inauguration. Just why my head’s not bowed. more global we have to assure that our future Dr. Angelou has authored 12 bestselling I don’t shout or jump about generation will be able to effectively compete books including ‘‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Or have to talk real loud. on the world stage. Sings,’’ ‘‘A Song Flung Up to Heaven,’’ and When you see me passing I strongly support this bi-partisan legislation ‘‘Even the Stars Look Lonesome.’’ She has It ought to make you proud. that makes access to college more affordable the unique ability to shatter the opaque prisms I say, thereby giving greater opportunities to many It’s in the click of my heels, of race, class, and gender between the reader The bend of my hair, more to pursue the American dream. The En- and the subject. She captivates her audience, The palm of my hand, suring Continued Access to Federal Students be they children in Tel Aviv, Civil Rights Lead- The need of my care, Loans Act will achieve its goal at no additional ers, or even Presidents. ’Cause I’m a woman cost to the government and with so much CONCLUSION Phenomenally. money being spent on building infrastructure Phenomenal woman, I would have had us sing to Maya Angelou in Iraq by the Executive branch it is encour- That’s me. on her 80th birthday, but I would rather say aging to see the Congress show fiscal re- thank you. Thank you, Dr. Angelou, for your straint and responsibility. f dedication to civil and human rights, thank you I would like to commend Chairman MILLER for your activism, your perceptive stories and IN CELEBRATION OF THE and Ranking Member MCKEON for their work poems, thank you for your wisdom, and thank RETIREMENT OF LEROY R. CLINK and leadership in bringing this bill to the floor you for reminding us how powerful language so families can receive relief before this com- can be. For Maya Angelou has moved hearts ing August. HON. RICHARD E. NEAL and minds with her lyric and prose. OF MASSACHUSETTS f I thank Maya Angelou for being a Phe- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOGNIZING MAYA ANGELOU ON nomenal Woman, for now we understand Tuesday, April 22, 2008 HER 80TH BIRTHDAY ‘‘Just why [your] head is not bowed. Why you don’t shout or jump about, or have to talk real Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam Speak- HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE loud. Why when we see you pass by, we are er, I wish to celebrate the accomplishments of so proud, Some say, It’s in the click of your Mr. Leroy R. Clink, Sr. for his 30 years of OF TEXAS heels, the bend of your hair, the palm of your service. Below is a brief description of his ac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES hand, the need of your care, But its because complishments. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 you are a woman, Phenomenally. Phenomenal Leroy Clink comes from humble origins, at- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam woman . . . that, Dr. Angelou, is you. tending a two room schoolhouse in West Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th Happy 80th Birthday, Maya Angelou. Granville, MA. After graduating from Westfield birthday of Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the great PHENOMENAL WOMAN High School, he went on to New England Col- voices of contemporary literature and a re- (By Maya Angelou) lege to receive his Bachelors of Science in markable Renaissance woman. Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. Civil Engineering. He also obtained a Master I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Angelou I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion mod- of Science in Engineering Management from when I attended Yale University. She was a el’s size Western New England College. mentor to me then, not for her literary works, But when I start to tell them, Mr. Clink was an impressively well-rounded which were inspiring, but for her love for the They think I’m telling lies. college student. During his time at New Eng- least of us. She maintains a passion for all I say, land College, Mr. Clink ascended to the presi- It’s in the reach of my arms people regardless of race, gender, or class. The span of my hips, dency of the Sigma Alpha Beta Fraternity, in Dr. Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri, The stride of my step, addition to becoming Chairman of the Inter- on April 4, 1928, and attended public schools The curl of my lips. Fraternity Council, Mr. Clink displayed his in Arkansas and California. Dr. Angelou is I’m a woman leadership skills in the Student Senate. He truly a woman of great vision, grace, and intel- Phenomenally. was also the First New England college stu- lect. She speaks French, Spanish, Italian, Ara- Phenomenal woman, dent to be a voting member of the College Ad- bic, West African Fanti, and English. That’s me. missions Committee. Mr. Clink was able to In addition to written and spoken word, for I walk into a room find time in his busy schedule to become a which she is most known, she has other ac- Just as cool as you please, student guide, dormitory proctor, and a stu- complishments that have not received as And to a man, The fellows stand or dent member of ASCE. much attention. She taught modern dance at Fall down on their knees. Mr. Clink began his professional career in the Rome Opera House and the Hambina Then they swarm around me, 1978 at Westover Air Reserve Base as a Theatre in Tel Aviv. She was has been a civil A hive of honey bees. Pavements Engineer. From there he became and human rights activist for many years, and I say, the Project Engineer in the U.S. Army Corps in fact was the northern coordinator for the It’s the fire in my eyes, of Engineers. He served as a Base Civil Engi- Southern Christian Leadership Conference, And the flash of my teeth, neer at the Westover ARB, where he coordi- SCLC, in 1959, appointed at the request of Dr. The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. nated construction projects. Mr. Clink has Martin Luther King, Jr. I’m a woman played an imperative role in runway overlays, HONORARY DEGREES AND AWARDS Phenomenally. east ramp improvements, water distribution, Maya Angelou has been honored by several Phenomenal woman, and base operations. He also played an active universities, Howard University to Spellman That’s me. role as a security police officer. In addition, he College, from Columbia University to the Uni- Men themselves have wondered was involved in control tower, base civil engi- versity of Southern California giving her over What they see in me. neering, and Marines site support element. 30 honorary degrees. They try so much Before his retirement, he was working on She has received Tony Awards, Grammy But they can’t touch the New BRAC projects Armed Forces Re- My inner mystery. Awards, Woman of the Year Awards, a Con- When I try to show them serve Center and the Navy Sea Bee Battalion gressional Tribute by Former Congressman They say they still can’t see. Facility. On this occasion, I am proud to mark Kweisi Mfume, and even a Presidential Medal I say, 30 years of Mr. Clink’s service and to con- of Arts from President Bill Clinton. It’s in the arch of my back, gratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E682 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 JUBILEE ACT FOR RESPONSIBLE is best known as a tireless advocate for the Texas and greatly appreciative for their ongo- LENDING AND EXPANDED DEBT children of the Tennessee Valley. During his ing service to their local community and the CANCELLATION OF 2008 judicial career, Judge Breland established over Nation. Their passion and devotion to such a 35 programs throughout the State of Alabama worthy cause is admirable. SPEECH OF designed to assist at-risk youth. f HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Additionally, Judge Breland was the Chair- man of Northwest Alabama Corrections for CONGRATULATING DENNIS OF NEW YORK Youth, the Co-Chairman of the Morgan County KAVANAUGH, RECIPIENT OF 2008 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Children’s Policy Council, and a member of SHELLEY ARTS ADVOCACY Wednesday, April 16, 2008 the President’s Summit on Youth. His efforts AWARD The House in Committee of the Whole have helped countless young people through- House on the State of the Union had under out Alabama become successful and respon- HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL consideration the bill (H.R. 2634) to provide sible adults. OF ARIZONA for greater responsibility in lending and ex- Judge Breland’s civic involvement has in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES panded cancellation of debts owed to the spired many in North Alabama. He has re- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 United States and the international finan- ceived commendations from organizations cial institutions by low-income countries, such as the Boys and Girls Club, the NAACP, Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise and for other purposes: and the Rotary Club. In 2008, Judge Breland today to congratulate Dennis Kavanaugh, re- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to was named as the Citizen of the Year by the cipient of 2008 Shelley Arts Advocacy Award express my full support for H.R. 2634, the Ju- Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Com- from the Arizona Citizens Action of the Arts. bilee Act for Responsible Lending and Ex- merce. As a member of the Mesa City Council and a panded Debt Cancellation of 2008. This is ex- I commend Judge David Breland’s work on leader within numerous boards and organiza- tremely important legislation that will have no behalf of North Alabama and, on behalf of the tions, Dennis has been a tireless advocate for budgetary impact on the United States Federal United States House of Representatives, I the arts in Arizona. Dennis recognizes the im- budget but stands to have a lasting and life congratulate him on a distinguished career. portance that the arts have on strengthening changing impact for up to 24 additional poor f communities and enhancing our quality of life. countries. The Jubilee Act is one of the most Dennis currently serves as Chair of both the humanitarian efforts this Congress could un- CONGRATULATING ROBERT AND Mesa Arts Center Foundation board and the dertake. CAROLYN CRAWFORD FOR RE- Development Committee of the National Asso- Poverty is one of the greatest ills to plague CEIVING THE MOTHERS AGAINST ciation of State Arts Assemblies. Through his mankind. We have recent evidence of the im- DRUNK DRIVING (MADD) HERO work on the National Association of the State pact of poverty in the demonstration of des- AWARD Arts Assemblies, Dennis has been a champion perately hungry people for food no longer af- for efforts to increase federal funding for the fordable because of economic forces beyond HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS National Endowment of the Arts. their control. Those who survive in poverty are OF TEXAS Dennis was also instrumental in building the under constant threat of death. The debt for- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES new Mesa Arts Center which has become a giveness offered by the Jubilee Act will enable point of pride for the entire community. Dennis Tuesday, April 22, 2008 poor countries to address the issues of pov- served for more than 6 years on the Center’s erty, create opportunities for economic growth Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise Architect Selection and Design Committee. and establish sound governing practices. The today to congratulate Robert and Carolyn The center now serves as a place to show- Jubilee Act also promotes responsible devel- Crawford for receiving the Mothers Against case world-class performances and exhibits opment assistance by prioritizing grants over Drunk Driving (MADD) Hero Award. The but also houses studio space for art edu- loans, which is an important measure to pre- Lewisville couple received the award on Satur- cation. vent these countries from falling back into day April 19th, 2008, for their commitment to I commend the Arizona Action of the Art’s debt. educating others about the dangers of drunk- for selecting such a deserving arts advocate. It is inconceivable for the United States not en driving while volunteering for MADD. Dennis truly understands the tremendous im- to act immediately in passing this legislation; The Crawfords’ mission began back in 1993 pact that the arts have in achieving edu- there are many poor countries desperately when their daughter, son-in-law, grand- cational excellence and a greater sense of awaiting our assistance. By granting authoriza- daughter and another unborn grandchild were community. Dennis was recently elected to the tion for the U.S. Treasury Department to begin killed in a car wreck by a drunken driver. From Mesa City Council where he has displayed his negotiations within the World Bank, the Inter- that moment the couple has made it a priority leadership skills previously and where I am national Monetary Fund and other multilateral to inform others of the dangers involved with sure he will continue to support public policy creditors is the first step towards improving the drunk driving. that will advance the arts in Arizona. lives of so many impoverished people. Above Since 2007, Robert Crawford has traveled Madam Speaker, please join me in recog- all other reasons, we are morally obligated to all across the country participating in the nizing Dennis Kavanaugh’s continued work help those less fortunate, therefore I urge my MADD speaker’s tour. He has spoken to over and advocacy for the arts in Arizona. colleagues to support the Jubilee Act for Re- 10,000 people, and in these first few months f sponsible Lending and Expanded Debt Can- of 2008, Robert has talked to almost 400 con- cellation Act. victed drunk drivers at Victim Impact Panel JUAN SEGUIN—TEXAS FREEDOM FIGHTER f meetings at the Denton County courthouse. Robert has also attended court trials to pro- TRIBUTE TO JUDGE DAVID vide moral support to victims’ families affected HON. TED POE BRELAND by drunk driving. OF TEXAS MADD was founded in 1980 and has more IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES than 2 million members and supporters nation- HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 OF ALABAMA wide. Like Robert and Carolyn, the organiza- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion’s goal is to stop drunken driving. The Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, as Texans we Crawfords’ avid participation in MADD can be are proud of our fight for independence. We Tuesday, April 22, 2008 attributed to their passionate aspiration of try- often celebrate the courage and sacrifice Mr. CRAMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today ing to ensure that no other families endure the made by the Alamo defenders. We boast of to honor the outstanding career of Judge pain and devastation they suffered as a result the cunning and valor displayed by the vic- David Breland. of a drunken driver’s poor decision. torious troops at the Battle of San Jacinto. On April 12, Judge Breland was honored Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to When celebrating these two historic events, I with the Newton B. Powell Loyalty Award by honor two worthy citizens who strive every day would be remiss not to mention the vital role the Democratic Party of Morgan County, AL. to make this world a better place. Robert and that Juan Seguin played in both of those bat- Judge Breland has served the people of the Carolyn Crawford are truly deserving of the tles. State of Alabama for over 25 years as a Dis- honor MADD has bestowed upon them. I am Juan Seguin was born in 1806 at San Anto- trict Judge in Morgan County. Judge Breland proud to represent them in the 26th District of nio, in what was then Mexico. He soon grew

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E683 tired of President Santa Anna’s policies and in HONOR THE TRUTH OF THE PAST: It’s ironic that the current Turkish gov- 1835, he responded to a call for support by COMMEMORATION OF THE ARME- ernment doesn’t seem to realize that the raising a company of Tejanos, Texans of His- NIAN GENOCIDE more it denies the Armenian Genocide, the more people begin to think that there really panic descent, to aid in the revolution. In Oc- is a connection between the Turks who car- tober of 1835, following a battle in Bexar, Ste- HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN ried out the Armenian Genocide at the be- phen F. Austin granted a captain’s commis- OF MASSACHUSETTS ginning of the 20th Century and today’s 21st sion to Seguin. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Century democratic government. Seguin’s company would soon arrive at the Tuesday, April 22, 2008 By denying the truth, Turkey undermines Alamo with other Revolutionary heroes such its own standing throughout the world, Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise as, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, and William blocks its own acceptance into the European today to honor the survivors and their de- family, and increases regional tensions, espe- Barrett Travis, who were taking shelter as scendants of the Armenian Genocide. On General Santa Anna’s army was advancing on cially with neighboring Armenia. Turkey’s Sunday, April 20th, a service in remembrance recognition of the Genocide, its reconcili- San Antonio. of the 93rd Commemoration of the Armenian ation with the past, would widely be viewed As the Alamo came under constant bom- Genocide took place at the Armenian Church as the act of a mature democracy, which the bardment, Colonel Travis sent out messengers of Our Savior in Worcester, Massachusetts. world would rush to embrace and reward. to get help. The last messenger sent out was The message of the generations gathered This is why America must also officially Juan Seguin on a mission to seek reinforce- there is simple: ‘‘Honor the truth of the past recognize the Armenian Genocide. ments from Colonel James Fannin to send because denial makes it more likely that geno- Some will always argue that the timing is troops from nearby Goliad to help the defend- cide will happen again.’’ not right to act on this bill. But when will ers at the Alamo. After his failed attempts to Each year we mark the anniversary of the the timing be right? After the last surviving persuade Fannin, he journeyed to the ranches cataclysmic events that occurred in the Otto- witnesses of the Armenian Genocide are along the Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers man Empire from 1915–1923, when 1.5 million gone? to recruit more Tejanos. Armenians were killed and over half a million In April of last year, I was in eastern Chad. survivors were exiled. And the reality of genocide was right before His company then met up with General Sam my eyes. There are over 250,000 refugees from Houston at the town of Gonzales. There, the I would like to enter into the RECORD the let- Darfur, Sudan living in camps just inside tragic news that the Alamo had fallen was de- ter I sent to the parishioners of the Armenian Chad. I met with individuals and families livered. A decision was made to burn the town Church of Our Savior on this solemn and spe- who had been forced to flee their villages in of Gonzales in order to deny shelter to Santa cial occasion, as well as the April 21st article Darfur. Each had a story about loved ones Anna’s troops. that appeared in the Worcester Telegram & murdered, homes destroyed, people and fam- Gazette describing the commemorative event. ily left behind. Many didn’t know if some of As General Houston’s armies retreated, he Memory is a precious commodity. I urge all their family or children were even alive. gave Seguin’s company the task of riding into my colleagues to support passage of the Ar- So 93 years after the Armenian Genocide, I the frontier and warning the settlers of the menian Genocide Resolution before we lose struggle to find meaning in the words, coming danger. Because of this great service the last survivors of this terrible period of ‘‘Never Again.’’ to the Texas Revolution, he has been dubbed genocide against the Armenian people. I am thankful I can turn to Worcester’s Ar- ‘‘The Paul Revere of Texas.’’ OPEN LETTER FROM REP. JAMES P. MCGOV- menian-American community for inspira- Later, Seguin commanded the only Tejano ERN TO THE PARISHIONERS OF THE ARMENIAN tion, one of the oldest in the United States unit to fight in the Battle of San Jacinto. None CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR and the first to establish a church in Amer- ica. They have worked tirelessly for nearly a of the Texians at San Jacinto wore uniforms APRIL 20, 2008. century to keep alive the historic memory of on the battlefield. In order to distinguish them- DEAR FRIENDS: As you know, this year the Armenian Genocide and to speak out, marks the 93rd anniversary of the first geno- selves from the Mexican soldiers, only Mexi- condemn and organize against the geno- cide of the 20th Century, the Armenian can officers wore uniforms, Seguin’s Tejanos cides—too many—that mark the past nine Genocide. Carried out between 1915 and 1923, wore playing cards in their hats to avoid decades of human history. They were among the Armenian Genocide was a systematic the very first to bring to my attention the friendly fire. After the battle, Seguin personally and deliberate campaign by the Turkish events unfolding in Darfur. accepted the surrender of a number of Mexi- Ottoman Empire to destroy its Armenian can officers. After his company’s valiant effort minority, which resulted in 1.5 million Ar- The least we can do is honor and recognize in the battle, Seguin was promoted to Lt. Colo- menian deaths and the exile of nearly all Ar- this selfless community by passing the Ar- nel. Texas liberty would not be secure without menians from their ancestral homeland. menian Genocide Resolution, so that their the help of the native Tejanos in this and other The Armenian Genocide is officially recog- history and heritage will be remembered for battles during the fight for Texas independ- nized and commemorated in 40 States, in- all time, even after the last survivor passes cluding the Commonwealth of Massachu- away. ence. setts, and by nearly two dozen nations, in- With warmest respect and friendship, Each year, approximately 220,000 people cluding 11 of our NATO allies. The federal CONGRESSMAN JIM MCGOVERN. visit the World’s tallest war memorial, The San government must follow suit. I believe adopting the Armenian Genocide Jacinto Monument. The monument, which [From the Telegram & Gazette, Worcester, stands 15 feet taller then the Washington Resolution is the right thing to do: As a matter of morality—and in the name MA, Apr. 21, 2008]. Monument, has two roads leading to the park. of humanity—the United States should rec- ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBERED In honor of the contributions made by Seguin ognize and condemn all genocides. and his Tejanos one of those roads is named In the name of historic truth—and in honor (By Lisa D. Welsh) Juan Seguin Boulevard. of the historic role so many American diplo- WORCESTER.—Three generations of Arme- One of the oldest towns in Texas, Seguin matic personnel and humanitarian and relief nians—a 99-year-old woman, a three time— was originally founded in 1838 near the Gua- workers played in saving lives and con- Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and a high demning the genocide as it was taking dalupe River. In 1853, it was incorporated and school essayist—spoke from differing per- place—the U.S. especially should recognize spectives but shared one message during the named Walnut Springs. Six months later the the Armenian Genocide. 93rd anniversary of the Armenian genocide name was permanently changed to Seguin. And in the hope of preventing future geno- recognition yesterday at the Armenian Today, the city nicknamed the ‘‘Pecan Capital cides—we have to recognize and honor the Church of Our Saviour: ‘‘Honor the truth of of Texas’’ is home to the Texas Lutheran Uni- truth of the past. Denial of the Armenian the past because denial makes it more likely versity. In October of 2000, the city of Seguin Genocide—just like denial of the Holocaust— that genocide will happen again.’’ makes future genocides more likely, not unveiled a 17-foot statue of its namesake in Heghine Minassian was 6 years old the day less. the town square. The statue depicts this No nation, not Turkey, or any other coun- Turkish soldiers went house to house and Texas hero valiantly leading the charge atop a try, should be allowed to block the official emptied all the buildings in her village. She horse with his saber in hand. As I stand here recognition or commemoration or the teach- said most Armenians were marched into the one day after we celebrated the historic battle ing of historic truth about the Armenian desert, where they were left to starve to Genocide. death; but some of the women, like her aunt, of San Jacinto that gave Texas its independ- were kept as slaves. ence, I want to acknowledge this Texas leg- I am disappointed that the Federal govern- ment has not yet taken the necessary and ‘‘My grandparents were in the attic hid- end that played such an instrumental role in courageous steps to recognize the Armenian ing,’’ Mrs. Minassian said in Armenian the victory. Genocide. I will continue to work to change through an English interpreter, Van Aroian. And that’s just the way it is. that reality. ‘‘My grandmother’s sister yelled, ‘Don’t open

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E684 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 the door. Don’t go out.’ But the (soldiers) Forest Service essential authority to manage grams and promises once again to be a sig- gave the order to come down and they came the national forests in Florida effectively. nificant aspect of the world celebration of down.’’ The first provision simply adds an unman- Earth Day. Within three years Mrs. Minassian would ageable tract of land located in Tallahassee, be an orphan, the same age of many of the Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join children in church who participated in a can- FL to the list of lands the Secretary of Agri- me in honor and recognitions of the staff, vol- dle-lighting ceremony in honor of their fam- culture is currently authorized to sell. This spe- unteer and members of the Earth Day Coali- ily members who had died in the genocide. cific property, tract W–1979, is approximately tion as we celebrate EarthFest 2008 on April Looking out at the young faces in the front 114 acres of land that has evolved into an un- 20, 2008. EarthFest 2008 promises to edu- pews, Mrs. Minassian said, ‘‘Don’t forget our manageable, problem area for the Apalachi- cate, inspire and motivate all of us to join to- struggle.’’ cola National Forest. Due to the configuration Stephen A. Kurkjian, a reporter for the gether as a community and work toward main- and surrounding development, the vegetation taining a more healthy earth for future genera- Boston Globe for 38 years, has written about cannot be managed through prescribed fire. many high-profile events. However, sharing tions. the story of his father’s family was not one Although a very valuable tract from a real es- of them. tate/commercial aspect, this tract has lost its f ‘‘I was not an appreciating Armenian until national forest character. The sale of this land 1992, when I accompanied my 83-year-old fa- will allow the Forest Service to purchase other EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR ther to the village where he was born,’’ Mr. lands located within the Forest that are more SECURE ELECTIONS ACT OF 2008 Kurkjian said at the Martyrs’ Day com- manageable and will enhance national forests memoration. ‘‘The sadness hit me like a in Florida. SPEECH OF sledgehammer. I started asking, ‘How could Secondly, this legislation would allow the this happen?’’’ ‘‘I came back and wrote an article called Forest Service to use proceeds from the sale HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO ‘Roots of Sorrow.’ But now I’d add to that of other ‘‘non-green land’’ to be used for con- OF MASSACHUSETTS title, ‘Seeds of Hope.’’’ struction and improvements to administrative Mr. Kurkjian’s father lost his father, facilities essential to the proper management IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES brother and sister in the genocide of 1915; he of the Forest. These ‘‘non-green land’’ tracts Tuesday, April 15, 2008 survived after making the 300-mile trek to of land are owned by the Forest Service, but Syria with his mother, and later to America. have urban improvements like fairgrounds or Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share ‘‘My father would say out of tragedy there sporting complexes and are not conducive to my views on H.R. 5036, the Emergency As- was opportunity for liberty and religious sistance for Secure Elections Act. freedom. There was education and economic the overall purpose of protecting our national opportunity in America. I would have never forests. As both a Member of the Committee on had the successes I’ve had. Instead I would This legislation would allow the Service to House Administration which has considered have worked at a small weekly in a moun- use the proceeds from the sale of improved this issue for many months and a former tain village.’’ lands to build critical infrastructure they need mayor who was responsible for overseeing ‘‘I asked my Der Hayr (priest), ‘How this to manage the forests in Florida, while allow- elections for many years, I know how impor- could happen?’’’ Mr. Kurkjian said. ‘‘He said, ing the forest service to continue its practice of tant it is that people have confidence in their ‘God would not have allowed the first Chris- using receipts from all non-developed ‘‘green votes. This bill is part of an effort to ensure tian church to not have survived.’ That’s as that we improve that confidence, which has good an answer as you are going to get.’’ land’’ tracts for the acquisition of other ‘‘green With the internal awakening about his her- land’’ tracts to enhance the national forests in waned in recent years. itage Mr. Kurkjian has traveled to Turkey Florida. I am pleased that this legislation is There are good provisions in this bill. I be- and watched pressure build on the Turkish moving forward and the Forest Service will lieve firmly that the best way to ensure that government to reassess its position that have the ability to efficiently and effectively votes are cast as intended and counted accu- downplays references to the genocide. manage our Nation’s precious resources. rately, is to provide paper ballots that the vot- Robin Garabedian, a junior at Doherty Me- ers themselves mark. This bill helps move the morial High School whose family has been f Nation in that direction by providing optional with the Armenian Church of Our Saviour IN RECOGNITION OF THE EARTH funding for many localities that wish to switch since her grandmother’s family immigrated DAY COALITION to Worcester, said she was 7 years old when to paper ballots. For this reason, I support it. her father told her about the genocide. In However, there are some shortcomings in reading her award-winning essay, ‘‘Why Re- HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH this legislation that I feel must be stated for membrance of the Genocide is Important,’’ OF OHIO the record. I do not personally believe that it she quoted Adolf Hitler as saying. ‘‘Who IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today remembers the extermination of the is the most effective use of Federal resources Armenians?’’ as rationalization for the Holo- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 to give states funding in order for them to add caust. Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise on printers to Direct Recording Electronic de- ‘‘How does someone hate someone else so today in honor and recognition of the Earth vices (DREs). I don’t believe that ‘‘paper trails’’ much?’’ Robin asked in anger. ‘‘If the world Day Coalition of Cleveland, as they celebrate are an adequate substitute for real paper bal- had stood up (against) the Armenian geno- lots and for this reason, I have concerns about cide, there wouldn’t have been genocide of EarthFest 2008 on April 20, 2008—a date that also commemorates the 19th annual celebra- giving states the funding to retrofit their DREs the Jews, or in Cambodia in the ’70s, or in rather than simply incentivizing the switch to Darfur today.’’ tion of EarthFest in Cleveland, Ohio. real paper ballots. f Cleveland’s Earth Day Coalition was formed in 1990 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Similarly, I am discouraged that the bill does H.R. 1374—FLORIDA NATIONAL Earth Day in Ohio. EarthFest is now Ohio’s not allow jurisdictions with DREs that produce FOREST LAND largest environmental educational event and a paper trail access to Federal funds to switch one of the most successful Earth Day events to real paper ballots. Many jurisdictions across HON. ANDER CRENSHAW in the country. I stand in recognition of the the country have come to the conclusion that paper ballots, not electronic voting machines OF FLORIDA staff and volunteers of the Earth Day Coalition with paper trails, are the most reliable type of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for all their effort and dedication in creating such an innovative, exciting and educational voting system. By denying some jurisdictions Tuesday, April 22, 2008 event for the Great Cleveland community to the Federal resources to make that positive Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, today enjoy. This year, EarthFest 2008 will be en- switch, the bill fails to reward those who are the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Re- tirely wind powered, signifying the ability of the making the commitment to switch to what sources Committee considered S. 934, a com- Earth Day Coalition in effectively dem- many believe is the best system. panion bill to H.R. 1374, which passed the onstrating the need and possibilities of alter- However, I am supporting this bill. Because House of Representatives on December 17, native forms of energy. The event features is not overly prescriptive, I hope that many ju- 2007. This legislation provides the Forestry over 160 environmental exhibits and displays, risdictions consider utilizing its positive provi- Service the flexibility they need to properly all focused on educating the community about sions, should it become law. I look forward to manage their assets. This legislation modifies sustainability efforts and solutions to climate continuing to work with my colleagues on the the Florida National Forest Land Management change. EarthFest is just one of Earth Day committee and in the full House toward a bet- Act in two simple ways which will provide the Coalition’s many nationally-recognized pro- ter and more trustworthy vote.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E685 TRIBUTE TO MORLEY NELSON 3651, which renames the Snake River Birds of council which carved out 30 square miles from Prey National Conservation Area the ‘‘Morley the western part of Bloomfield Township. Then HON. BILL SALI Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National on April I, 1982, the council passed a resolu- OF IDAHO Conservation Area.’’ It’s a fitting tribute to a tion establishing West Bloomfield as a Charter IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES great Idahoan and a great American. Township. f Today, West Bloomfield, known as the ‘‘lake Tuesday, April 22, 2008 township of Oakland County,’’ is one of the Mr. SALI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to TRIBUTE TO KATIE EDWARDS most ethnically and religiously diverse town- pay tribute to a remarkable Idahoan and a ships in the country. Home to a large and ac- place in my beautiful home State. HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART tive Jewish community, West Bloom1ield Today, the House is voting on renaming the OF FLORIDA opened the first Holocaust Memorial Center of Snake River Birds of Prey National Conserva- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES its kind in 1981. It has since expanded and tion Area—right outside my hometown of been moved to Farmington Hills, something I Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Kuna, ID—after a man named Morley Nelson. was proud to assist and support, but its roots Morlan W. Nelson—everyone called him ‘‘Mor- Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. are firmly planted with the residents of West ley’’—was born in North Dakota. Morley was Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bloomfield. In addition, there is a growing fascinated by raptors from a young age as he Katie Edwards who will be inducted into the Chaldean community that has worked to inte- grew up on a ranch in his native State. He Dade County Farm Bureau’s distinguished grate fellow Arab immigrants into life in the earned a degree in soil science, engineering Hall of Fame on Saturday April 26, 2008. United States. and nuclear chemistry from North Dakota For more than four years, Katie has served Madam Speaker, today West Bloomfield is a State in 1938 and went on to serve with great as the Executive Director of the Dade County vibrant, diverse community in Oakland County valor as a captain in the 10th Mountain Divi- Farm Bureau. In that capacity, she has been that is home to over 64,000 residents and 25 sion during the Second World War, the same a solid and steady voice advocating for the beautiful lakes. I congratulate them on their outfit where our esteemed former colleague more than 4,000 members she represents. 175th anniversary and wish the residents Bob Dole served with such distinction. Morley Under Katie’s exceptional leadership, the many more years of prosperity. won a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a Sil- Dade County Farm Bureau received the Presi- f ver Star for his courage and indomitable spirit. dent’s Award from the Florida Farm Bureau Morley moved to Idaho after the War. In Federation in 2004 and 2007. IN RECOGNITION OF EUGENE 1948, he made his home in Boise and began Katie has focused her efforts on a variety of STARKS ROBERTS, SR. AND HIS serving as the Columbia Basin’s Snow Survey issues facing South Florida’s diverse agricul- RUN ACROSS AMERICA FOR Supervisor and pursued his groundbreaking tural industry. She has consistently promoted JESUS work with such raptors as the golden eagle. and supported the economic viability of agri- To give a fuller account of Morley’s remark- culture, the competitiveness for specialty HON. MIKE McINTYRE able life, allow me to quote from a biography crops, the need for agricultural disaster fol- OF NORTH CAROLINA of Morley drafted for the Morley Nelson Ele- lowing numerous hurricanes, and increased IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES funding for mitigating the risks associated with mentary School in Boise: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Morley continued his work with raptors invasive pests and diseases. and, after relocating to Idaho, became inter- This fall, Katie will start law school at Florida Mr. MCINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise ested in the golden eagle. In 1958 he influ- International University, where she plans to today to honor and welcome to our nation’s enced the State Legislature to enact a law stay true to her passion and concentrate on capital a special guest and great American protecting raptors in Idaho. In the early agricultural law. Though her shoes will be dif- hero named Eugene Starks Roberts, Sr. A 1960s Morley began working for Walt Disney ficult to fill, I know she has a made a lasting former Marine, Vietnam veteran, and double Production’s True Life Adventure Series amputee, Mr. Roberts joins us near the con- training falcons, eagles, and hawks. He impact on the Dade County Farm Bureau. worked on numerous films with Walt Disney I urge all my colleagues to join me in con- clusion of his long and inspiring mission to run and Paramount Pictures as well as working gratulating Katie Edwards on her induction into across America for Jesus. Mr. Roberts has run with Marlin Perkins on the Wild Kingdom the Hall of Fame. over 3,500 miles during the last nine months— television series, and television programs for f miles that represent his commitment to Jesus PBS and other networks. In the 1980s and Christ and the ideals central to his strong 1990s Morley participated in many documen- RECOGNIZING THE 175TH ANNIVER- Christian faith. taries and videos featuring his birds. In the SARY OF THE TOWNSHIP OF Throughout his journey, Mr. Roberts has 1970s and 1980s Morley was instrumental in WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICHIGAN sought to raise awareness and money for the recognizing the importance of the Snake River Canyon as a haven for birds of prey less fortunate and for medical research for dis- and with the help of Governor Cecil Andrus, HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG eases such as cancer and diabetes. Making who was then Secretary of the Interior, and OF MICHIGAN the cross-country trek on prosthetic legs, Mr. others, they establishing the Snake River IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Roberts has also made it his goal to inspire Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. wounded warriors in their recoveries. Indeed, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 He also influenced the establishment of the his endurance of both body and spirit should World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Mor- Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I be an inspiration to us all. ley had a long and productive association want to recognize the Township of West Mr. Roberts has run through more than 80 with the Idaho Power Company and the Edi- Bloomfield, in Oakland County, MI, which is different U.S. cities, including two in my dis- son Electric Institute to help solve the elec- trocution of eagles problem. He designed celebrating its 175th Anniversary on April 22, trict—Shallotte and Wilmington, North Caro- nesting platforms that attach to large trans- 2008. The township’s many beautiful lakes lina. Southeastern North Carolina is honored mission lines which have helped to expand show why it continues to rank among Michi- to have been included along the way. Mr. the nesting areas of Raptors. His power line gan’s loveliest communities. Roberts has reminded my constituents and corrections and nesting platform designs are In the early 19th century, a group of mainly countless other Americans, both those with now used worldwide. Scottish Presbyterian settlers migrated to and without disabilities, of the importance of Idaho’s rich natural heritage is exemplified Bloomfield Township from New York, New perseverance. He serves as a testament to by the raptors that make their homes in the England, and the United Kingdom. These set- the phenomenal strengths and great char- Gem State. Thanks largely to Morley’s efforts, tlers were attracted to the picturesque lakes acters of our men and women in uniform. Fi- ‘‘Idaho hosts the densest population of nesting that covered nearly 20 percent of the area, nally, he has reminded us of what it means to raptors in North America, and possibly on and many settled in and built sheep farms. By give of oneself in order to help others in need. planet Earth,’’ according to writer Lee Foster. 1850, sheep by far outnumbered residents, His wife of 40 years, Marian Alicia, his three Madam Speaker, on behalf of my great with over 16,000 sheep contributing to the daughters, one son, and 11 grandchildren home State, let me say that we will remember booming farm industry compared to only 940 should be extremely proud of the man they this wonderful man, exemplary patriot and out- people. call husband, father, and ‘‘Poppop’’. standing naturalist. On April 22, 1833, West Bloomfield Town- Madam Speaker, I stand today to honor Mr. I also commend and thank my friend and ship was formally established as a General Roberts’ achievements not only over the last colleague, MIKE SIMPSON, for introducing H.R. Law Township by an act of the legislative nine months, but also over his entire life, as

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E686 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 22, 2008 he approaches the end of his run across our tion of Supervisor of Women. May Christ con- pay for equal work continues. On this day, we great Nation. tinue to bless her in her work and leadership remind ourselves that much more work needs f for many, many years to come. to be done. f Women have seen recent success shat- PERSONAL EXPLANATION tering a number of glass ceilings within the IN HONOR OF THE AAA STATE ranks of corporate and government leadership. HON. KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND CHAMPION KENDRICK LADY Yet the fact is that American women are still CHEROKEES BASKETBALL TEAM only being paid 77 cents for every dollar that OF NEW YORK their male counterparts earn with the same IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. education, training, and experience. Any wage Tuesday, April 22, 2008 gap based on sex is unacceptable. The cur- OF GEORGIA rent one is staggering. As pay equity advocate Mrs. GILLlBRAND. Madam Speaker, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Evelyn Murphy has calculated, the current missed one vote on April 15, 2008. Had I Tuesday, April 22, 2008 wage gap means a woman with a high school been present, I would have voted the following education will lose $700,000 over her lifetime. way: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I A woman with a college education will lose (1) Frank Amendment to H.R. 2634, rollcall rise today to honor the first girls’ State cham- $1.2 million over her lifetime. And a woman No. 196—I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ pionship basketball team from the city of Co- with a professional degree will lose $2 million f lumbus, Georgia, the Kendrick High School over her lifetime. Lady Cherokees. But unequal pay not only surfaces in work- HONORING E. YVONNE LEWIS On Saturday, March 8, 2008, the Lady ers’ weekly paychecks, it also harms workers’ Cherokees finished a perfect season with a retirement and health care security. Its sheer HON. DALE E. KILDEE 79–67 win over Carrolton High School. The irrationality hinders the American economy as victory followed three years of close calls for OF MICHIGAN a whole. In the new global economy, those the Lady Cherokees—in 2005, 2006, and who stand in the way of equal pay are tying IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES again last year in 2007—during which they one hand behind America’s back. Holding Tuesday, April 22, 2008 found themselves in the finals or semifinals of women back not only hurts workers, it’s bad the state basketball tournament, only to lose for business. Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today by slight margins. to pay tribute to E. Yvonne Lewis as she is And even where progress is made on the However, 2008 proved to be the year of the most insidious forms of intentional discrimina- elevated to Supervisor of Women for the Lady Cherokees. Their victory in this year’s tion, reactionaries are still trying to roll back Michigan Southeast Jurisdiction of the Church- AAA State championship embodied 3 years of these protections. Just last year, the Supreme es of God in Christ. A banquet will be held in frustration, hard work, and determination Court did precisely that in the case of her honor on April 28th in Flint Michigan. bursting forth into a singular moment of ath- Ledbetter v. Goodyear. Lilly Ledbetter worked E. Yvonne Lewis grew up in Saginaw Michi- letic perfection and teamwork. for nearly two decades at the Goodyear Tire gan. Her parents, the late Drs. Hurley J. and With a 32–0 record, the Lady Cherokees and Rubber Company plant in Alabama. She Martha Coleman founded the Coleman Tem- became only the third girls’ basketball team in sued the company soon after learning that she ple Church of God in Christ in Saginaw. As the last decade to complete a perfect season. was paid less than her male counterparts. A the 5th of 11 children, she earned a Bachelor Additionally, the team’s seniors completed jury found that her employer had unlawfully of Science in Business Administration degree their high school career with an astonishing discriminated against her on the basis of sex. from Ferris State University, and from the Uni- 121–5 record. But, five members of the United States Su- versity of Michigan-Flint a Bachelor of Science preme Court rejected longstanding law and in Clinical Community Psychology degree and I cannot put into words the amount of pride that everyone in Columbus, and indeed in the said that Lilly Ledbetter did not file a complaint a Masters of Health Education degree. She is quickly enough, nullifying the jury’s verdict. In the mother of 3: Tiffanie, Tanya and Maurice. Second Congressional District, has in being able to call this outstanding group of young fact, Ms. Ledbetter filed her complaint as soon She is now a member of the Greater Holy women its own. They have accomplished a as she learned of the pay discrepancy through Temple Church of God in Christ. After receiv- special goal, one that could not have been an anonymous note in her mailbox. ing her license as an Evangelist of the Church possible without the unrelenting support and However, the Supreme Court ruled that the of God in Christ in 1978, E. Yvonne became encouragement from their coach, Sterling clock on filing started to run when the em- the Coordinator of the National Church of God Hicks, as well as their families, schoolmates, ployer made its discriminatory pay decisions, in Christ Young Ladies for Scholastic Motiva- and everyone in the community who believed decisions which the employer effectively hid tions, of the Auxiliaries in Ministry Convention. in their ability to bring home a State cham- by explicitly forbidding anyone to discuss their She also served as an active member of the pionship trophy. pay. So despite finding that Ms. Ledbetter was Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of South- Madam Speaker, these special young unlawfully paid less than her male counter- west Michigan under the leadership of Bishop parts, she could not recover anything. The Earl J. Wright Sr. and Mother Francis Curtis. women have worked hard, persevered, made sacrifices, and developed the character that company that paid her less just because she Bishop Roger L. Jones selected her in 2007 will help them to succeed in other aspects of was a woman owed her nothing. A slim major- to become the Supervisor-Elect for Women in life. ity of the Supreme Court shunned reason in the Michigan Southeast Jurisdiction. In this I am proud to represent them and once order to satisfy its own narrow ideological role she will serve as the leader of women agenda. and work closely with Bishop Jones guiding again congratulate them on their history-mak- ing achievement. I am proud to say that just months after the the Church through the coming year. ruling the House of Representatives repudi- E. Yvonne Lewis is the Executive Director of f ated the Supreme Court’s decision by passing Faith Access to Community Economic Devel- EQUAL PAY DAY the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which would opment. She serves on the boards of the restore workers’ right to challenge discrimina- Greater Flint Health Coalition, the Michigan tory paychecks. Cancer Consortium, Co-Founder and Past HON. GEORGE MILLER Today should serve as a call to action to Chair of the National Community Committee OF CALIFORNIA end the pay inequity that half of our country’s for the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES workforce continues to endure. The Senate vention, Prevention Research Centers, found- should pass and the President should sign the Tuesday, April 22, 2008 ing member and Past Chair of the Caucus of Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. And the Congress Public Health and the Faith Community of the Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam should take up additional legislation to American Public Health Association, and the Speaker, today, on Equal Pay Day, Americans strengthen the Equal Pay Act. Advisory Board for the Sickle Cell Disease As- are reminded of how far we have to go in I urge my colleagues to recommit them- sociation of America. order to eliminate pay inequity between men selves to the fight for equal pay. The wage Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Rep- and women in the United States. While our gap between men and women must dis- resentatives to join me in congratulating E. Nation has made many strides in the fight appear. And the Congress has a very clear Yvonne Lewis as she is elevated to the posi- against discrimination, the struggle for equal role to play in that effort.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E687 TRIBUTE TO CHIEF JUSTICE SUE versity Pioneers gymnastics team on winning OBSERVANCE OF EQUAL PAY DAY BELL COBB first place at the 2008 USA Gymnastics Wom- en’s Collegiate National Championship in HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. Shreveport, Louisiana. Through a show of HON. JACKIE SPEIER OF ALABAMA dedication, passion and solidarity, the Pio- OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES neers secured the USAG National Title on Fri- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, April 22, 2008 day, April 18, 2008. Mr. CRAMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today The Texas Woman’s University Pioneers Tuesday, April 22, 2008 to honor the distinguished career of Chief Jus- rallied dramatically to come from behind and tice Sue Bell Cobb. win the National Title. Their score of 194.700 Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, today, as we On April 12th, Justice Cobb was honored was not only sufficient to clinch first place, but observe Equal Pay Day, I rise with my col- with the Albert P. Brewer Award for out- was also the team’s highest score of the sea- leagues and professional women everywhere standing public service to the State of Ala- son. Additionally, many members of the team to say: Women are the face of pay equity. bama. met or exceeded their personal best scores in The Census Bureau reports that, on aver- Chief Justice Cobb has dedicated over 27 the individual events. years of her life to serving the people of the age, a woman earns 77 cents for every dollar State of Alabama. She began her service as The Pioneers seized their first USAG Na- earned by a man. More simply, I would have Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court tional Title in 1993, with additional wins in been working since the beginning of the year in 2007. 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, and to earn the same annual salary as a man who Throughout her career, Justice Cobb has 2006. Their success at the 2008 USA Gym- started today, April 22. made protecting our Nation’s children one of nastics Women’s Collegiate National Cham- her highest priorities. She has served as the pionship gives them a total of nine National Ti- Equal pay is not solely a women’s issue, it’s President of the Alabama Council of Juvenile tles in the last 16 years. a family issue; when women aren’t paid equal- ly, their families pay the price. There are long- and Family Court Judges and the Chairwoman Many titles and awards have been awarded of the Children First Foundation. For her ef- term consequences too: lower pay means less to the team as a result of their hard work and forts, Justice Cobb has been recognized by Social Security and less saved for retirement. dedication, as well as the support and guid- the Child Welfare League of America and the We have talked for years about closing the National Juvenile Detention Association. ance of head coach Frank Kudlac, Assistant Additionally, Justice Cobb has been an ad- Coaches Lisa Klein and Tim Rivera, Graduate wage gap, now we must act. Today I was vocate for the American Cancer Society. She Assistant Gretchen Goerlitz, and Trainer Kris added as the 227th cosponsor of the Pay- has served as the Chairwoman of the Ala- Ring. check Fairness Act, joining more than half of bama Division of the American Cancer Society TWU team members Courtney Arno-Tem- this body who believes it is time to eliminate and has been named as the Volunteer of the plet, Jennifer Kingsbury, Nicole Poling, gender-based wage discrimination once and Year by that organization. Additionally, she Michelle Graves, Alexa Brennan, Keri Miller, for all. has been awarded the St. George Medal, the Leslie Pladson, Amie Boles, Amy Hulbert, highest national award given by the American Congresswoman DELAURO’s bill, which she Brista Michael, Kelsey Nixon, Brittany Parker, has introduced for the last eight years, Cancer Society. Tonya Pipkorn, Abbi Thomas, Mollie Blessing, I applaud Justice Sue Bell Cobb on her out- strengthens enforcement of the Equal Pay Act Kristie Costa, Caroline Hilpisch, Jennifer standing judicial career and I thank her for her while providing businesses with training and Liberato, Lauren Sizemore, and Amanda tireless efforts on behalf of the men and resources to ensure they’re in compliance. women of the State of Alabama. Walker have carried on the Pioneer’s legacy of excellence, and are outstanding representa- Madam Speaker, since the Equal Pay Act f tives of their school and the community. was passed in 1963, we have made great RECOGNIZING THE TEXAS WOM- Madam Speaker, I rise today to heartily ap- strides. Wages for women are up, and the pay AN’S UNIVERSITY GYMNASTICS plaud the efforts and success of the Texas gap has narrowed, but the gap is still far too TEAM Woman’s University gymnastics team. Their wide, and women and their families are paying a terrible price. HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS legacy of hard work and excellence shall con- tinue to inspire others to go after their dreams. This is my first year, and my first Equal Pay OF TEXAS I am extremely honored to represent these IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Day, as a member of this House. I genuinely fine young individuals in the 26th District of look forward to a time when I don’t need to re- Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Texas, and I am confident that they will con- mind Americans that Women are the face of Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise tinue to achieve greatness in future endeav- pay equity. today to congratulate the Texas Woman’s Uni- ors.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\E22AP8.REC E22AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Daily Digest Senate nity Health Aide, Community Health Practitioner, Chamber Action and Dental Health Aide Week’’. Pages S3267–68 Routine Proceedings, pages S3213–S3271 National Adopt A Library Day: Senate agreed to Measures Introduced: Three bills and five resolu- S. Res. 527, designating April 23, 2008, as ‘‘Na- tions were introduced, as follows: S. 2898–2900, and tional Adopt a Library Day’’. Page S3268 S. Res. 524–528. Page S3257 Global Youth Service Day: Senate agreed to S. Measures Reported: Res. 528, designating April 25, 2008, as ‘‘Global S. 1046, to modify pay provisions relating to cer- Youth Service Day’’. Pages S3268–69 tain senior-level positions in the Federal Govern- E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building: Senate ment. (S. Rept. No. 110–328) passed H.R. 3196, to designate the facility of the Report to accompany S. 1551, to amend the Pub- United States Postal Service located at 20 Sussex lic Health Service Act with respect to making Street in Port Jervis, New York, as the ‘‘E. Arthur progress toward the goal of eliminating tuberculosis. Gray Post Office Building’’, clearing the measure for (S. Rept. No. 110–329) the President. Page S3269 S. 1853, to promote competition, to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office: Senate capability and services, with amendments. (S. Rept. passed H.R. 3468, to designate the facility of the No. 110–330) United States Postal Service located at 1704 H. Con. Res. 307, expressing the sense of Con- Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, gress that Members’ Congressional papers should be as the ‘‘Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office’’, properly maintained and encouraging Members to clearing the measure for the President. Page S3269 take all necessary measures to manage and preserve Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office: these papers. Senate passed H.R. 3532, to designate the facility of S. Res. 497, expressing the sense of the Senate the United States Postal Service located at 5815 that public servants should be commended for their McLeod Street in Lula, Georgia, as the ‘‘Private dedication and continued service to the Nation dur- Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office’’, clearing the ing Public Service Recognition Week, May 5 measure for the President. Page S3269 through 11, 2008. Army PFC Juan Alonso Covarrubias Post Office S. 431, to require convicted sex offenders to reg- Building: Senate passed H.R. 3720, to designate the ister online identifiers, with amendments. Page S3254 facility of the United States Postal Service located at Measures Passed: 424 Clay Avenue in Waco, Texas, as the ‘‘Army Recognizing 60th Anniversary of the Founding PFC Juan Alonso Covarrubias Post Office Building’’, of the Modern State of Israel: Committee on For- clearing the measure for the President. Page S3270 eign Relations was discharged from further consider- John Henry Wooten, Sr. Post Office Building: ation of S. Res. 522, recognizing the 60th anniver- Senate passed H.R. 3803, to designate the facility of sary of the founding of the modern State of Israel the United States Postal Service located at 3100 and reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and co- Cashwell Drive in Goldsboro, North Carolina, as the operation between the United States and Israel, and ‘‘John Henry Wooten, Sr. Post Office Building’’, the resolution was then agreed to. Page S3267 clearing the measure for the President. Page S3270 National Community Health Aide, Community Sgt. Jason Harkins Post Office Building: Senate Health Practitioner, and Dental Health Aide passed H.R. 3936, to designate the facility of the Week: Senate agreed to S. Res. 526, designating United States Postal Service located at 116 Helen April 20 through 26, 2008, as ‘‘National Commu- Highway in Cleveland, Georgia, as the ‘‘Sgt. Jason D469

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:38 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D22AP8.REC D22APPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with DIGEST D470 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 22, 2008 Harkins Post Office Building’’, clearing the measure United States Postal Service located at 3800 SW. for the President. Page S3270 185th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon, as the ‘‘Major Master Sergeant Kenneth N. Mack Post Office Arthur Chin Post Office Building’’, clearing the Building: Senate passed H.R. 3988, to designate the measure for the President. Page S3270 facility of the United States Postal Service located at Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building: 3701 Altamesa Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas, as Senate passed H.R. 5400, to designate the facility of the ‘‘Master Sergeant Kenneth N. Mack Post Office the United States Postal Service located at 160 East Building’’, clearing the measure for the President. Washington Street in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as the Page S3270 ‘‘Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building’’, Steve W. Allee Carrier Annex: Senate passed clearing the measure for the President. Page S3270 H.R. 4166, to designate the facility of the United Julia M. Carson Post Office Building: Senate States Postal Service located at 701 East Copeland passed H.R. 5472, to designate the facility of the Drive in Lebanon, Missouri, as the ‘‘Steve W. Allee United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Carrier Annex’’, clearing the measure for the Presi- Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, dent. Page S3270 as the ‘‘Julia M. Carson Post Office Building’’, clear- Specialist Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office ing the measure for the President. Page S3270 Building: Senate passed H.R. 4203, to designate the Congresswoman Jo Ann S. Davis Post Office: facility of the United States Postal Service located at Senate passed H.R. 5489, to designate the facility of 3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as the United States Postal Service located at 6892 the ‘‘Specialist Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia, as the ‘‘Con- Building’’, clearing the measure for the President. gresswoman Jo Ann S. Davis Post Office’’, clearing Page S3270 the measure for the President. Page S3270 Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office: Senate passed H.R. 4211, to designate the facility of the Measures Considered: United States Postal Service located at 725 Roanoke Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act: Senate re- Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as the sumed consideration of the motion to proceed to ‘‘Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office’’, clearing consideration of S. 1315, to amend title 38, United the measure for the President. Page S3270 States Code, to enhance life insurance benefits for Felix Sparks Post Office Building: Senate passed disabled veterans. Pages S3221–27, S3227–33, S3233–48 H.R. 4240, to designate the facility of the United During consideration of this measure today, Senate States Postal Service located at 10799 West Alameda also took the following action: Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado, as the ‘‘Felix Sparks By a unanimous vote of 94 yeas (Vote No. 109), Post Office Building’’, clearing the measure for the three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, President. Page S3270 having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Military Heroes of motion to close further debate on the motion to pro- Louisville Memorial Post Office Building: Senate ceed to consideration of the bill. Page S3225 passed H.R. 4454, to designate the facility of the A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- United States Postal Service located at 3050 viding that at approximately 6:00 p.m., on Wednes- Hunsinger Lane in Louisville, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Iraq day, April 23, 2008, the motion to proceed to con- and Afghanistan Fallen Military Heroes of Louisville sideration of the bill be agreed to. Pages S3270–71 Memorial Post Office Building’’, in honor of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act—Agreement: A servicemen and women from Louisville, Kentucky, unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing who died in service during Operation Enduring that at approximately 5:00 p.m., on Wednesday, Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, clearing the April 23, 2008, Senate resume consideration of the measure for the President. Page S3270 motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 2831, to Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Build- amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the ing: Senate passed H.R. 5135, to designate the facil- Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, ity of the United States Postal Service located at 201 the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and West Greenway Street in Derby, Kansas, as the ‘‘Ser- the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to clarify that a dis- geant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building’’, criminatory compensation decision or other practice clearing the measure for the President. Page S3270 that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time Major Arthur Chin Post Office Building: Senate compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory passed H.R. 5220, to designate the facility of the compensation decision or other practice, and that the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:38 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D22AP8.REC D22APPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with DIGEST April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D471 time until 6:00 p.m. be equally divided and con- America, Robert W. Hahn, American Enterprise In- trolled between the Majority and Republican Lead- stitute Center for Regulatory and Market Studies, ers, or their designees; provided further, that at 6:00 and Kyle McSlarrow, National Cable and Tele- p.m., Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on communications Association, all of Washington, the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill, D.C.; Patric M. Verrone, Writers Guild of America, and that all time during any adjournment, recess or West, Los Angeles, California; Justine Bateman, morning business count against cloture. FM78.tv, Studio City, California; and Lawrence Pages S3270–71 Lessig, Stanford Law School, Stanford, California. Messages from the House: Pages S3251–52 FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION Executive Communications: Page S3252 Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Petitions and Memorials: Pages S3252–54 Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Na- Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S3254–57 tional Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3257–59 Study Commission, focusing its report on the future Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: of the surface transportation system in the United Pages S3259–63 States, after receiving testimony from Frank J. Busalacchi, Wisconsin Department of Transpor- Additional Statements: Page S3251 tation, Madison; Jack Schenendorf, Covington and Amendments Submitted: Pages S3263–66 Burling, Washington, D.C.; and Steve Heminger, Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S3266 Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Oakland, California, Matthew K. Rose, BNSF Railway Com- Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S3266 pany, Fort Worth, Texas, and Patrick E. Quinn, U.S. Privileges of the Floor: Pages S3266–67 Xpress Enterprises, Inc., Chattanooga, Tennessee, all Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. on behalf of the National Surface Transportation Pol- (Total—109) Page S3225 icy and Revenue Study Commission. Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and ad- journed at 7:24 p.m., until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, LAND BILLS April 23, 2008. (For Senate’s program, see the re- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Sub- marks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on committee on Public Lands and Forests concluded a page S3271.) hearing to examine S. 934 and H.R. 1374, bills to amend the Florida National Forest Land Manage- Committee Meetings ment Act of 2003 to authorize the conveyance of an additional tract of National Forest System land (Committees not listed did not meet) under that Act, S. 2833, to provide for the manage- ment of certain public land in Owyhee County, CREDIT RATING AGENCIES Idaho, and S. 2834, to establish wilderness areas, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: promote conservation, and improve public land in Committee concluded a hearing to examine United Washington County, Utah, after receiving testimony States credit markets, focusing on the role of the from Senators Bennett and Crapo; Julie Jacobson, credit rating agencies, after receiving testimony from Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land former Representative Christopher Cox, Chairman, and Minerals Management; Joel Holtrop, Deputy United States Securities and Exchange Commission; Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, De- and John C. Coffee, Jr., Columbia University Law partment of Agriculture; James J. Eardley, Wash- School, Arturo Cifuentes, R.W. Pressprich and Com- ington County, Saint George, Utah; William H. pany, Stephen W. Joynt, Fitch Ratings, Inc., Claire Meadows, Washington, D.C., and Craig Gehrke, Robinson, Moody’s Investors Service, and Vickie A. Boise, Idaho, both of the Wilderness Society; and Tillman, Standard and Poor’s, all of New York, New Chad C. Gibson, Owyhee Cattlemen’s Association, York. Wilder, Idaho. FUTURE OF THE INTERNET Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: INTERNATIONAL DEFORESTATION AND Committee concluded a hearing to examine the fu- CLIMATE CHANGE ture of the internet, after receiving testimony from Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on Kevin J. Martin, Chairman, Federal Communications International Development and Foreign Assistance, Commission; Michele Combs, Christian Coalition of Economic Affairs and International Environmental

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Protection concluded a hearing to examine inter- Treaty Organization, with the rank and status of national deforestation and climate change, after re- Ambassador, Nancy E. McEldowney, of Florida, to ceiving testimony from Stuart E. Eizenstat, Cov- be Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria, Scot A. ington and Burling, LLP, David Hayes, former Dep- Marciel, of California, for the rank of Ambassador uty Secretary, Department of the Interior, and Dirk during his tenure of service as Deputy Assistant Sec- Forrister, Natsource LLC, all of Washington, D.C.; retary of State for East Asian and Association of and Kevin Gurney, Purdue University Climate Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Affairs, Patricia Change Research Center (PCCRC), West Lafayette, M. Haslach, of Oregon, for the rank of Ambassador Indiana. during her tenure of service as United States Senior BUSINESS MEETING Coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Economic Coopera- tion (APEC) Forum, William Edward Todd, of Vir- Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee ordered fa- ginia, to be Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, D. vorably reported the following: Kathleen Stephens, of Montana, to be Ambassador to H.R. 3320, to provide assistance for the Museum the Republic of Korea, Joxel Garcia, of Connecticut, of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland, to be Medical Director in the Regular Corps of the with an amendment; Public Health Service, subject to the qualifications S. Con. Res. 74, honoring the Prime Minister of therefor as provided by law and regulations, and to Ireland, Bertie Ahern, for his service to the people be an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human of Ireland and to the world and welcoming the Services, Robert J. Callahan, of Virginia, to be Am- Prime Minister to the United States; bassador to the Republic of Nicaragua, Peter E. S. Res. 494, expressing the sense of the Senate on Cianchette, of Maine, to be Ambassador to the Re- the need for Iraq’s neighbors and other international public of Costa Rica, Heather M. Hodges, of Ohio, partners to fulfill their pledges to provide recon- struction assistance to Iraq, with an amendment; to be Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador, Hugo S. Res. 523, expressing the strong support of the Llorens, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Repub- Senate for the declaration of the North Atlantic lic of Honduras, Stephen George McFarland, of Treaty Organization at the Bucharest Summit that Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Guate- Ukraine and Georgia will become members of the mala, Samuel W. Speck, of Ohio, to be a Commis- alliance; sioner on the part of the United States on the Inter- The Protocol of Amendments to the Convention national Joint Commission, United States and Can- on International Hydrographic Organization done at ada, Barbara J. Stephenson, of Florida, to be Ambas- Monaco on April 14, 2005 (Treaty Doc. 110–09); sador to the Republic of Panama, and Yousif and Boutrous Ghafari, of Michigan, to be Ambassador to The nominations of Mark Kimmitt, of Virginia, the Republic of Slovenia, and a promotion list in the to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Mili- Foreign Service. tary Affairs), Barbara McConnell Barrett, of Arizona, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, Frank INTELLIGENCE Charles Urbancic, Jr., of Indiana, to be Ambassador Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed to the Republic of Cyprus, Kurt Douglas Volker, of hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony Pennsylvania, to be United States Permanent Rep- from officials of the intelligence community. resentative on the Council of the North Atlantic Committee recessed subject to the call. h House of Representatives H.R. 900, to provide for a federally sanctioned Chamber Action self-determination process for the people of Puerto Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 19 pub- Rico, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110–597); lic bills, H.R. 5856–5874; and 8 resolutions, H. H.R. 5151, to designate as wilderness additional Res. 1124, 1127–1133 were introduced. National Forest System lands in the Monongahela Pages H2551–53 National Forest in the State of West Virginia, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110–598, Pt. 1); Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2553–54 H.R. 5712, to require disclosure by Federal con- Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: tractors of certain violations relating to the award or

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:38 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D22AP8.REC D22APPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with DIGEST April 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D473 performance of Federal contracts, with an amend- Forest System lands in the Monongahela National ment (H. Rept. 110–599); Forest in the State of West Virginia, by a 2⁄3 yea- H.R. 5613, to extend certain moratoria and im- and-nay vote of 368 yeas to 17 nays, Roll No. 206; pose additional moratoria on certain Medicaid regu- Pages H2497–99, H2531 lations through April 1, 2009, with amendments (H. Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Rept. 110–600); Act of 2008: H.R. 831, amended, to provide for the H.R. 5522, to require the Secretary of Labor to conveyance of certain Forest Service land to the city issue interim and final occupational safety and health of Coffman Cove, Alaska, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote standards regarding worker exposure to combustible of 382 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 207; dust, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110–601); H.R. 3032, to amend the Federal Election Cam- Pages H2499–H2500, H2531–32 paign Act of 1971 to permit candidates for election Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Na- for Federal office to designate an individual who will tional Conservation Area Act: H.R. 3734, to re- be authorized to disburse funds of the authorized name the Snake River Birds of Prey National Con- campaign committees of the candidate in the event servation Area in the State of Idaho as the Morley of the death of the candidate, with an amendment Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Con- (H. Rept. 110–602); servation Area in honor of the late Morley Nelson, H. Res. 1125, providing for consideration of the an international authority on birds of prey, who was bill (H.R. 5819) to amend the Small Business Act instrumental in the establishment of this National to improve the Small Business Innovation Research Conservation Area; Pages H2500–01 (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Expressing Congressional support for the goals transfer (STTR) program (H. Rept. 110–603); and and ideals of National Health Care Decisions H. Res. 1126, providing for consideration of the Day: H. Con. Res. 323, to express Congressional bill (H.R. 2830) to authorize appropriations for the support for the goals and ideals of National Health Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008 (H. Rept. Care Decisions Day; Pages H2501–02 110–604). Page H2551 Recognizing March 6, 2008, as the first-ever Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she World Glaucoma Day: H. Res. 981, amended, to appointed Representative Cohen to act as Speaker recognize March 6, 2008, as the first-ever World Pro Tempore for today. Page H2491 Glaucoma Day, established to increase awareness of Recess: The House recessed at 12:42 p.m. and re- glaucoma, which is the second leading cause of pre- convened at 2:00 p.m. Page H2494 ventable blindness in the United States and world- Member Resignation: Read a letter from Rep- wide, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 387 yeas with resentative Wynn, wherein he resigned as Represent- none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 205; ative for the 4th Congressional District of Maryland, Pages H2508–10, H2530–31 effective 11:59 p.m. EST, May 31, 2008. Page H2495 Recognizing 2008 as the International Year of Commission on Children and Disasters—Ap- the Reef: H. Res. 1112, to recognize 2008 as the pointment: Read a letter from Representative International Year of the Reef; Pages H2510–12 Boehner, Minority Leader, in which he appointed the Celebrating 35 years of space-based observations following individuals to the Commission on Chil- of the Earth by the Landsat spacecraft: H. Res. dren and Disasters: Dr. David Schonfeld of Glendale, 891, amended, to celebrate 35 years of space-based Ohio and Mr. Lawrence E. Tan of Newark, Dela- observations of the Earth by the Landsat spacecraft ware. Page H2495 and to look forward to sustaining the longest unbro- Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules ken record of civil Earth observations of the land; and pass the following measures: Pages H2512–13 Copper Salmon Wilderness Act: H.R. 3513, Honoring the life and achievements of John Ar- amended, to amend the Oregon Wilderness Act of chibald Wheeler and expressing condolences on his 1984 to designate the Copper Salmon Wilderness passing: H. Res. 1118, to honor the life and and to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to achievements of John Archibald Wheeler and to ex- designate segments of the North and South Forks of press condolences on his passing; and Pages H2513–15 the Elk River in the State of Oregon as wild or sce- Declaring the support of the House of Represent- nic rivers; Pages H2496–97 atives for the goals and ideals of Earth Day for de- Wild Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for veloping the scientific and technological capabili- West Virginia’s Special Places: H.R. 5151, amend- ties to achieve those goals: H. Res. 1117, to declare ed, to designate as wilderness additional National the support of the House of Representatives for the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:38 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D22AP8.REC D22APPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with DIGEST D474 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 22, 2008 goals and ideals of Earth Day and for developing the District Attorney, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Jeanne scientific and technological capabilities to achieve S. Woodford, Chief Adult Probation Officer, City those goals. Pages H2528–30 and County, San Francisco, California and former Recess: The House recessed at 4:54 p.m. and recon- Warden, San Quentin State Prison; and public wit- vened at 5:22 p.m. Page H2528 nesses. Recess: The House recessed at 5:35 p.m. and recon- COMMITTEE MEETING COAST GUARD vened at 6:30 p.m. Page H2530 AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Suspensions—Proceedings Postponed: The House debated the following measures under suspension of Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a struc- the rules. Further proceedings were postponed until tured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2830, Wednesday, April 23rd: the ‘‘Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007.’’ The rule provides one hour of general debate, with 40 Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008: minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair- H.R. 5613, amended, to extend certain moratoria man and ranking minority member of the Com- and impose additional moratoria on certain Medicaid mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 20 regulations through April 1, 2009 and minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair- Pages H2502–08 man and ranking minority member of the Com- Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the found- mittee on Homeland Security. ing of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming The rule waives all points of order against consid- the bonds of close friendship and cooperation be- eration of the bill except those arising under clause tween the United States and Israel: H. Con. Res. 9 or 10 of rule XXI. In lieu of the amendments in 322, to recognize the 60th anniversary of the found- the nature of a substitute recommended by the Com- ing of the modern State of Israel and to reaffirm the mittees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Home- bonds of close friendship and cooperation between land Security, and the Judiciary now printed in the the United States and Israel. Pages H2515–27 bill, the rule provides that the amendment in the Senate Message: Message received from the Senate nature of a substitute printed in part A of the Rules by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the Committee report shall be an original bill for the House today appears on page H2495. purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the Quorum Calls—Votes: Three yea-and-nay votes de- amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in veloped during the proceedings of today and appear part A of the Committee report shall be considered on pages H2530–31, H2531, and H2531–32. There as read. The rule waives all points of order against were no quorum calls. the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the Committee report except those aris- Adjournment: The House met at 12:30 p.m. and ing under clause 10 of rule XXI. This does not af- adjourned at 9:58 p.m. fect the point of order available under clause 9 of rule XXI (regarding earmark disclosure). Committee Meetings The rule makes in order only those further FDA FOREIGN DRUG INSPECTION amendments printed in part B of the Rules Com- Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on mittee report. The amendments made in order may Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled be offered only in the order printed in the Rules ‘‘ FDA’s Foreign Drug Inspection Program: Weak- Committee report, may be offered only by a Member nesses Place Americans at Risk.’’ Testimony was designated in this report, shall be considered as read, heard from Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Com- shall be debatable for the time specified in this re- missioner FDA; Department of Health and Human port equally divided and controlled by the proponent Services; Marcia G. Crosse, Director, Health Care, and an opponent, shall not be subject to amend- GAO; Carl R. Nielsen, former Director, Office of ment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a di- Regulatory Affairs, Division of Import Operations, vision of the question in the House or in the Com- FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; mittee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of and public witnesses. order against the amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. PRISON ABUSE REMEDIES ACT OF 2007 The rule provides one motion to recommit with Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, or without instructions. In addition, in the engross- Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on ment of H.R. 2830, the Clerk IS directed to add at H.R. 4109, Prison Abuse Remedies Act of 2007. the end the text of H.R. 2399, the ‘‘Alien Smug- Testimony was heard from Sarah V. Hart, Assistant gling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007,’’ as it

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Testimony was Senate and House passed versions of H.R. 2419, to heard from Chairwoman Vela´zquez and Representa- provide for the continuation of agricultural programs tives Wu, Welch of Vermont, Sutton, Foster, through fiscal year 2012, but did not complete ac- Chabot, aud Ehlers. tion thereon, and recessed subject to the call. f REAUTHORIZING—SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMS APRIL 23, 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a struc- (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) tured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5819, Senate the ‘‘SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act.’’ The rule provides one hour of general debate, with 40 min- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates utes equally divided and controlled by the chairman for fiscal year 2009 for the Missile Defense Agency, 10:30 and ranking minority member of the Committee on a.m., SD–192. Small Business and 20 minutes equally divided and Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to controlled by the chairman and ranking minority hold hearings to examine phantom traffic, 2:30 p.m., member of the Committee on Science and Tech- SR–253. nology. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee The rule waives all points of order against consid- on National Parks, to hold hearings to examine S. 662, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a eration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule special resource study to evaluate resources at the Harriet XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the Beecher Stowe House in Brunswick, Maine, to determine nature of a substitute recommended by the Com- the suitability and feasibility of establishing the site as a mittee on Small Business now printed in the bill unit of the National Park System, S. 827, to establish the shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area in the States of of amendment and shall be considered as read. The Massachusetts and New Hampshire, S. 923 and H.R. rule waives all points of order against the amend- 1528, bills to amend the National Trails System Act to ment in the nature of a substitute except for clause designate the New England National Scenic Trail, S. 956, 10 of rule XXI. to establish the Land Between the Rivers National Herit- age Area in the State of Illinois, S. 2073, to amend the The rule makes in order only those amendments National Trails System Act relating to the statute of lim- printed in the Rules Committee report. The amend- itations that applies to certain claims, S. 2513, to modify ments made in order may be offered only in the the boundary of the Minute Man National Historical order printed in the report, may be offered only by Park, S. 2604, to establish the Baltimore National Herit- a Member designated in the report, shall be consid- age Area in the State of Maryland, S. 2804, to adjust the ered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified boundary of the Everglades National Park, H.R. 53, to in the report equally divided and controlled by the authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to long-term lease with the Government of the United States Virgin Islands to provide land on the island of amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand Saint John, Virgin Islands, for the establishment of a for a division of the question in the House or in the school, and H.R. 1483, to amend the Omnibus Parks and Committee of the Whole. All points of order against Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the au- the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule thorization for certain national heritage areas, 3 p.m., XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to re- SD–366. commit with or without instructions. The rule pro- Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- vides that, notwithstanding the operation of the pre- ine the crisis in Darfur, 9:30 a.m., SD–419. vious question, the Chair may postpone further con- Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to hold hearings to examine the crisis in Tibet, focusing on sideration of the bill to a time designated by the a path to peace, 2:30 p.m., SD–419. Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Ober- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: star and Chairman Thompson and Representatives to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Nanci E. Cummings, Cuellar, Clay, Bordallo, LaTourette, Poe, Langley, of Virginia, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Boustany, Bilirakis, Chabot, and Kirk. Regulatory Commission, 2:30 p.m., SD–342.

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Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine Subcommittee on Water and Power, to markup the National Security Letters, focusing on the need for greater following bills: H.R. 2649, To make amendments to the accountability and oversight, 10 a.m., SD–226. Reclamation Project Authorization and Adjustment Act Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: to continue oversight of 1992; H.R. 3323, Goleta Water Distribution System hearings to examine Department of Veterans Affairs and Conveyance Act of 2007; and H.R. 4841, Soboba Band Department of Defense cooperation and collaboration, of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act, 2 p.m., 1334 Long- 9:30 a.m., SR–418. worth. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, hearing on Domestic Abstinence-Only Programs: Assessing the Evi- Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense/ dence, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, executive, on the Na- Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and Na- tional Security Agency, 5 p.m., H–140 Capitol. tional Archives, hearing on H.R. 5811, Electronic Com- Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban munications Preservation Act, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Development, and Related Agencies, on Department of Committee on Science and Technology, hearing on Opportu- Housing and Urban Development—Status of Project- nities and Challenges for Nuclear Power, 10 a.m., 2318 Based Section 8 Program, 10 a.m., and 1 p.m., 2358–A Rayburn. Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Regula- Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Oversight tions, Health Care and Trade, hearing entitled ‘‘Minority and Investigations, hearing on challenges associated with and Hispanic Participation in the Federal Workforce and achieving full dental readiness in the reserve component, the Impact on the Small Business Community,’’ 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. 1539 Rayburn. Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sub- Workforce Protections, hearing on Improving Workplace committee on Aviation, hearing on the Reauthorization of Safety: Strengthening OSHA Enforcement of Multi-Site the National Transportation Safety Board, 2 p.m., 2167 Employers, 11:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Railroad, Pipelines, and Hazardous Health, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 1343, Materials, hearing on Rail Capacity, 10 a.m., 2167 Ray- Health Centers Renewal Act of 2007; H.R. 5669, Poison burn. Center Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act of Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Eco- 2008; H.R. 1553, Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of nomic Opportunity, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 2007; and H.R. 3112, Prenatally Diagnosed Condition 5684, Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008; Awareness Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. H.R. 4884, Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Committee on Financial Services, to consider the following H.R. 5818, Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008; and Act of 2008; H.R. 4883, To amend the Servicemembers pending Committee business, 12 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. Civil Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, Committee on Foreign Affairs, hearing on Foreign Assist- foreclosure, or seizure of property owned by a ance Reform in the Next Administration: Challenges and servicemember during the one-year period following the Solutions, 9:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. servicemember’s period of military service; H.R. 4889, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global En- The Guard and Reserved Are Fighting Too Act of 2008; vironment, hearing on A New Beginning for the U.S.- H.R. 3681, Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007; South Korea Strategic Alliance, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. H.R. 3889, To amend title 38, United States Code, to Subcommittee on Europe, hearing on the Bucharest require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a lon- Summit and the Way Forward for NATO, 1 p.m., 2200 gitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs Rayburn. administered by the Secretary; H.R. 5664, To amend title Committee on Homeland Security, hearing entitled ‘‘Mov- 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Vet- ing Beyond the First Five Years: Improving the erans Affairs to update at least once every six years the Functionality, Governance, and Accountability of the De- plans and specifications for specially adapted housing fur- partment of Homeland Security,’’ 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. nished to veterans by the Secretary; and H.R. 3467, Sec- Committee on the Judiciary,, oversight hearing on the ond Chance for America’s Veterans Act, 1 p.m., 340 Can- FBI, 10:15 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. non. Committee on Natural Resources, to consider H.R. 2801, Subcommittee on Health, to mark up the following Izembek and Alaska Peninsula Refuge and Wilderness bills: H.R. 2790, To amend title 38, United States Code, Enhancement and King Cove Safe Access Act, 11 a.m., to establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant 1324 Longworth. Services within the office of the under Secretary of Vet- Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, to erans Affairs for Health; H.R. 3819, Veterans Emergency markup the following bills: H.R. 21, Oceans Conserva- Care Fairness Act of 2007; H.R. 5729, Spina Bifida tion, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Cen- Health Care Program Expansion Act; H.R. 5554, Vet- tury Act; H.R. 2964, Captive Primate Safety Act; H.R. erans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment 5534, Bear Protection Act of 2008; and H.R. 5618, Na- Act of 2008; and H.R. 5856, Department of Veterans Af- tional Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of fairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act of 2008, 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth. 2008, 2:30 p.m., 334 Cannon.

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Committee on Ways and Means, hearing on Clearing the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, hear- Disability Backlog, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. ing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget-Human Capital, 1 p.m., H–405 Capitol.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:38 Apr 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D22AP8.REC D22APPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with DIGEST D478 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 22, 2008

Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 23 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 23

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Senate will resume consider- Program or Wednesday Consideration of the following ation of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. suspensions: (1) H.R. 5479—The ‘‘Alonzo Woodruff Post 2831, Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and after 60 minutes Office Building’’ Designation Act; (2) H.R. 5528—The of debate vote on motion to invoke cloture thereon. ‘‘Rocky Marciano Post Office Building’’ Designation Act; (3) H.R. 5483—The ‘‘Private First Class David H. Sharrett II Post Office Building’’ Designation Act; (4) H.R. 3721—The ‘‘Marine Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry Post Office Building’’ Designation Act; (5) H.R. 4185—The ‘‘Marisol Heredia Post Office Building’’ Designation Act; (6) H. Res. 1016—Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of William F. Buckley, Jr.; (7) H.R. 3033—Contractors’and Federal Spending Accountability Act; (8) H.R. 5712—Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act. Consideration of H.R. 5819—SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act (Subject to a Rule).

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Jackson-Lee, Sheila, Tex., E681 Neal, Richard E., Mass., E681 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E686 Payne, Donald M., N.J., E668 Andrews, Robert E., N.J., E669 Knollenberg, Joe, Mich., E685 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E667, E669, E671, E673, E674, Baca, Joe, Calif., E679 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E684 E676 Bachmann, Michele, Minn., E673 Lewis, Jerry, Calif., E670 Poe, Ted, Tex., E682 Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E686 McCarthy, Kevin, Calif., E674 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E668, E670, E672, E682 Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E672 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E680 Rodriguez, Ciro D., Tex., E680 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E682, E687 McGovern, James P., Mass., E683 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E679 Capps, Lois, Calif., E667, E669 McIntyre, Mike, N.C., E685 Sali, Bill, Idaho, E667, E669, E685 Capuano, Michael E., Mass., E684 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E679 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E673 Clarke, Yvette D., N.Y., E675 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E667, E668, E669, E671, E672, Shimkus, John, Ill., E676 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E680 E674, E676, E678, E679, E680 Cramer, Robert E. (Bud), Jr., Ala., E682, E687 Markey, Edward J., Mass., E680 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E673 Crenshaw, Ander, Fla., E684 Matsui, Doris O., Calif., E670 Speier, Jackie, Calif.,E687 Diaz-Balart, Mario, Fla., E685 Miller, George, Calif., E686 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E678 Gillibrand, Kirsten E., N.Y., E686 Mitchell, Harry E., Ariz., E682 Tancredo, Thomas G., Colo., E672 Graves, Sam, Mo., E667, E669, E671, E673, E674, E676, Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E675 Vela´ zquez, Nydia M., N.Y., E676 E678, E680 Moran, Jerry, Kans., E671, E675 Walsh, James T., N.Y., E678 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E674 Murphy, Patrick J., Pa., E668, E670, E671 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E679

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