Extensions of Remarks Section

February 26, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E237 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

IN RECOGNITION OF THE SMALL ican people that his plan only partially funds As always, Mr. Bush pledges to press ahead BUSINESS CONSORTIUM OF ALA- the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for 2009, and with his tax-cutting agenda: another $2.4 BAMA STATE UNIVERSITY starting in 2010, he has planned zero spend- trillion over the next decade, $3.7 trillion if relief from the alternative minimum tax is ing. This is a disingenuous attempt to make included. The President argues that failing HON. MIKE ROGERS his budget plan seem plausible. to extend his previous tax cuts would result OF ALABAMA There are no winners with the Bush budget in an average tax increase of $1,800. But Mr. proposal; domestic spending programs will be Bush neglects to point out that the over- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cut or remain flat. There is no long-term plan- whelming share of the tax cuts go to the Tuesday, February 26, 2008 ning for the alternative minimum tax and both wealthiest Americans. The top 1 percent of Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, Medicare and health care spending will suffer households—those with incomes of more than $450,000—would get 31 percent of the I rise today to pay recognition to the work of devastating cuts. benefits, with tax cuts averaging $67,000 by the Alabama State University Small Business Given the uncertain economic future of the 2012. And Mr. Bush does not even propose Consortium on its 29th anniversary. country Mr. Bush’s budget proposal leaves his fully paying for these cuts: The budget he Since its establishment in 1979, the Small successor with a very difficult task ahead. This submitted yesterday envisions another $397 Business Development Consortium has helped is especially disheartening since his prede- billion in deficit spending over the next five support the establishment of small businesses cessor left him with a surplus. years because it would devote more money [From the Washington Post, Feb. 2, 2008] to tax cuts than it would cut in spending. across Alabama. From its humble beginnings, Mr. Bush inherited a potential windfall— the consortium has expanded to include 11 BUDGET MESS and squandered it. The next president will business development centers in universities Seven long years ago, a new president sub- inherit his mess. across central Alabama, and thanks to the vi- mitted his first budget—an optimistic docu- sion of the consortium’s founder, Dr. Percy ment now relevant only as a chastening arti- [From the New York Times, Feb. 5, 2008] Vaughn, resources for hundreds of fledgling fact of a bygone era. In that ‘‘Blueprint for LAME-DUCK BUDGET enterprises. New Beginnings,’’ George W. Bush grappled President Bush’s 2009 budget is a grim I would like to congratulate the consortium, with the supposed challenge of dealing with guided tour through his misplaced priorities, a projected surplus of $5.6 trillion over the Alabama State University, and the other mem- failed fiscal policies and the disastrous leg- next decade. The president proposed to pay acy that he will leave for the next president. ber institutions on reaching this important mile- down the debt by $2 trillion during that And even that requires you to accept the stone for their organization, and wish them all time, which, he said, was as much as could White House’s optimistic accounting, which the best in the future. be responsibly redeemed. He offered lavish seven years of experience tells us would be f tax cuts. And he vowed to ‘‘confront great foolish in the extreme. challenges from which Government has too With Mr. Bush on his way out the door and THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET long flinched,’’ putting Social Security and the Democrats in charge of Congress, it is Medicare on solid financial footing. not clear how many of the president’s prior- The final budget of Mr. Bush’s presidency ities, unveiled on Monday, will survive. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL arrived yesterday, and the contrast between Among its many wrong-headed ideas, the OF NEW YORK then and now could hardly be more sobering. budget includes some $2 billion to ratchet up IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Instead of being paid down, the national debt enforcement-heavy immigration policies and billions more for a defense against ballistic Tuesday, February 26, 2008 has grown by $2 trillion. The $725 billion surplus once projected for the coming fiscal missiles that show no signs of working. Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today year (2009) has evaporated. In its place is a What will definitely outlast Mr. Bush for to express my concern over President Bush’s $407 billion deficit—an unrealistically rosy years to come are big deficits, a military so handling of the budget and to enter into the number that omits billions in likely war battered by the Iraq war that it will take spending and is artificially reduced by in- hundreds of billions of dollars to repair it RECORD editorials from today’s Washington and stunted social programs that have been Post, ‘‘Budget Mess—President Bush’s last cluding the $200 billion Social Security surplus. The explosion in entitlement costs has squeezed to pay for Mr. Bush’s misguided spending plan only adds to a disastrous fiscal been left unaddressed and is therefore even military adventure and his misguided tax legacy’’ and from today’s New York Times, more daunting. Indeed, on entitlements, Mr. cuts for the wealthy. ‘‘Lame-Duck Budget.’’ Bush’s legacy will be to have added to the The president claimed on Monday that his plan would put the country on the path to President Bush was given a gift 7 years long-term tab with the addition of an expen- balancing the budget by 2012. That is non- sive Medicare prescription drug benefit. ago; the gift was a projected surplus of $5.6 sense. His own proposal projects a $410 bil- Some of this transformation, as the admin- trillion over the next decade. He has been nei- lion deficit for 2008 and a $407 billion deficit istration would be the first to point out, is ther appreciative nor responsible with this gift next year. Even more disingenuous, Mr. not Mr. Bush’s fault. Even as he submitted that America entrusted him with to make the Bush’s projection for a balanced budget in that initial budget, the economy was slow- 2012 assumes only partial funding for the lives of all Americans better. Instead his poli- ing. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, further rat- wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for 2009, and no cies have benefited select groups and special tled the economy and imposed huge unan- interest. Case in point, his tax cutting agenda such spending—zero—starting in 2010. ticipated costs for homeland security and It also assumes that there will be no long- has greatly improved the lives of households military operations overseas. Mr. Bush tried running relief from the alternative minimum with incomes totaling more than $450,000 a to launch the necessary debate on Social Se- tax—which would be ruinous for the middle year. These are some of the wealthiest Amer- curity, and, although the president can be class—and that there will be deep cuts in ican households. faulted for having poisoned the well with a Medicare and other health care spending The national debt has grown by $2 trillion relentlessly partisan legislative strategy, that have proved to be politically impossible congressional Democrats chose to respond and the projected $725 billion surplus for the to enact. with more partisanship. Mr. Bush, of course, inherited a surplus upcoming fiscal year (2009) has disappeared But the fact remains that the purported from the Clinton administration, which he and in its place has appeared a $407 billion surplus on which Mr. Bush based his tax-cut- quickly used up on his tax cuts. He then con- deficit. Based on Mr. Bush’s recent budget ting agenda was always something of a mi- tinued cutting taxes after the surpluses were submission, he proposes to pay for additional rage, and the president has never been will- gone and even after launching the war in tax cuts through $397 billion deficit spending ing to adjust his agenda to the grim new fis- Iraq—$600 billion and counting. Mr. Bush re- over the next 5 years. cal reality. Yesterday’s promise of a small mains unrepentant. Even now, with the surplus by 2012 is once again premised on Mr. Bush leaves behind a legacy of failed economy—and revenues—slowing, he is push- omitting likely costs (zero is budgeted for ing to make those tax cuts permanent. That fiscal policies and priorities. Mr. Bush stated operations in Iraq and Afghanistan) and by would be fiscally catastrophic. his budget plan would put the country on the assuming cuts to domestic spending that are The big winner, predictably, is the Pen- road to balancing the budget by 2012. How- unachievable politically and, in large part, tagon. After adjusting for inflation, the pro- ever, he mistakenly forgot to inform the Amer- unwise as a matter of policy. posed defense budget of $515.4 billion—which

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

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.001 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS E238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 26, 2008 does not include either war spending or the HONORING GENERAL would have voted ‘‘aye’’ on H. Res. 930, roll- cost of nuclear weapons—would be up by MONTGOMERY C. MEIGS, USA call vote No. 70; and I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ more than 30 percent since Mr. Bush took of- on H. Res. 944, rollcall vote No. 71. fice and would be the highest level of mili- HON. JOE SESTAK f tary spending since World War II. OF PENNSYLVANIA THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS AND Mr. Bush’s war of choice in Iraq, on top of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the war of necessity in Afghanistan, has seri- FORT LEAVENWORTH PILOT ously strained the American military—its Tuesday, February 26, 2008 PARTNERSHIP FOR WOUNDED people and its equipment. Even a new presi- Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, it gives me WARRIORS dent committed to a swift withdrawal of great pleasure to thank and congratulate Gen- American troops from Iraq will have to keep eral Montgomery C. Meigs, USA, for his dedi- HON. NANCY E. BOYDA asking for large Pentagon budgets, both to cated service to the armed forces of the OF KANSAS repair that damage and to prepare the coun- United States of America. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES try to face what will continue to be a very General Meigs is receiving the General Al- Tuesday, February 26, 2008 dangerous world. exander M. Haig, Jr. ‘‘Guardian of Liberty’’ Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Madam Speaker, What is so infuriating about this budget is award from the West Point Society of Philadel- earlier this month, the University of Kansas there is not even a hint of the need for real phia. This is awarded to individuals who ex- and Fort Leavenworth agreed to conduct a trade-offs. As far as anyone can tell, not a emplify the Motto of ‘‘Duty, Honor, Country’’ pilot program that would allow Wounded War- single weapons system would be canceled. while contributing to and guarding the freedom riors, both active duty and retired, the oppor- That means it will be up to Congress—also which we all enjoy. Past recipients have been tunity to complete a graduate degree program far too captive to military-industry lobby- General Haig, General Jowlan, Secretary of ists—to start scaling back or canceling ex- and then return to the Army to work in assign- the Army Tom White, General Clark, General ments at Fort Leavenworth related to their re- pensive programs that don’t meet today’s Shinseki, General Reimer, and General Down- threats, or tomorrow’s. cently earned degrees. In a ceremony at the ing. Lewis and Clark Center at Fort Leavenworth There is one place we’re delighted to see General Meigs’ academic credentials are re- on February 6, 2008, Secretary of the Army Mr. Bush invest more money: a proposal to markable. He is a graduate of the United Pete Geren and University of Kansas Chan- hire 1,100 new diplomats. The next president States Military Academy and he graduated cellor Robert Hemenway welcomed eight will need all of the diplomatic help he or she from the University of Wisconsin with a Mas- Army Wounded Warriors into the pilot pro- can get to contain the many international ter’s Degree and a Doctorate in History. He disasters Mr. Bush will leave behind. gram. also is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic The concept for the program was developed Predictably, the big losers in Mr. Bush’s and Advanced Courses, United States Army in September 2007 and presented to the Sec- budget are domestic-spending programs—in- Command and General Staff College, and Na- retary of Defense, who encouraged the Army cluding medical research, environmental tional War College. to proceed. Soldiers accepted for the program protection and education—which will either General Meigs has had a variety of key will be assigned to the Combined Arms Center be held flat or cut. leadership and management positions at Fort Leavenworth with duty at the University Even more predictably, most of Mr. Bush’s throughout his career including: Squadron of Kansas. There they will work to complete touted savings would come from programs Maintenance Officer, Vietnam; Chief, Strategic master degree programs in areas that can intended to protect the country’s most vul- Application Branch, Office of the Director for support programs or academia at the Com- nerable citizens: the elderly, the poor and Strategic Plans and Policy, J–5, The Joint bined Arms Center. The cost of the degree the disabled. The budget would sharply re- Staff Washington, DC; Commander, 2d Bri- awarding program will be covered by the strain the growth of spending on the huge gade, 1st Armored Division, United States Army. The University of Kansas was asked to Medicare health insurance program, in an ef- Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany be the partner in this program due to its strong fort to save some $178 billion over the next and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, relationship with the Combined Arms Center five years. The administration would achieve Saudi Arabia; Commanding General, United and its superior academic reputation and ac- that primarily by cutting the annual in- States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Ger- cessibility for disabled students. creases in payments to hospitals, nursing many and Commander, Stabilization Force, I am so pleased that these two great institu- homes and other health care providers that Bosnia-Herzegovina. tions have come together to provide a way for are designed to keep up with the rising costs His awards speak to an extraordinarily suc- wounded Soldiers who may not be able to re- of caring for Medicare beneficiaries. cessful career and include: Defense Distin- turn to battle the ability to continue to serve There is clearly room to restrain the rate guished Service Medal, Distinguished Service their country. I congratulate both the Com- of growth in some of these payments. But Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Supe- bined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth for the size and duration of the cuts are irre- rior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak their initiative and I invite my colleagues to do sponsible. Meanwhile, Mr. Bush—who insists Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with ‘‘V’’ de- the same. that every answer to the country’s health vice, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Clus- f care woes can be found in the private sec- ter, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, tor—has left largely untouched the big sub- Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal with 2 INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION sidies that prop up the private Medicare Ad- Oak Leaf Clusters, Ranger Tab, and Joint EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE vantage insurance plans. Eliminating these Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge. DESIGNATION OF APRIL 2008 AS unjustified subsidies could save Medicare General Meigs’ family, friends, the Com- PUBLIC RADIO RECOGNITION more than $5o billion over five years and $150 monwealth of Pennsylvania and our entire na- MONTH billion over 10 years. tion extend their gratitude to him for a career Just as the nation seems on the edge of a of selfless dedication to our safety and secu- HON. EARL BLUMENAUER recession, the budget would also shave fed- rity. OF OREGON eral contributions to state Medicaid pro- f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES grams by some $17 billion over five years. That is exactly the wrong direction to go in PERSONAL EXPLANATION Tuesday, February 26, 2008 tough economic times, when low-income Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today workers who lose their jobs need Medicaid HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. I am proud to introduce a resolution express- coverage and states have fewer funds to sup- OF GEORGIA ing support for the designation of April 2008 ply it. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as ‘‘Public Radio Recognition Month.’’ This legislation celebrates the contributions of pub- All of this means that Mr. Bush will leave Tuesday, February 26, 2008 his successor a daunting list of problems: the lic radio to America’s communities and endur- ever-rising cost of health care, the tens of Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I ing civic spirit. millions of uninsured, a military that is des- regret that I was unavoidably absent yesterday Today, more than 33 million Americans lis- perately in need of rebuilding. Thanks to Mr. afternoon, February 25, on very urgent busi- ten to and appreciate public radio through Bush’s profligate ways, it also means that ness. Had I been present for the three votes more than 800 locally controlled stations, the next president will have even less money which occurred yesterday, I would have voted spanning every State and congressional dis- for solving them. ‘‘aye’’ on H. Res. 978, rollcall vote No. 69; I trict. Public radio is committed to community-

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.005 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS February 26, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E239 based and fact-based journalism, as well as PERSONAL EXPLANATION dren in Alabama. In addition to her legal ac- preserving and enhancing the archetypal mu- tion against the school board, Mrs. Carr sical genres of American music history, such HON. RIC KELLER pushed to open segregated Montgomery com- as classical, Celtic, jazz, the blues, and blue- OF FLORIDA munities to African American residents. Not only did her leadership and courage grass. This source for local, national, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES international news, as well as informative, cul- help bring about the end of the segregation of Tuesday, February 26, 2008 tural, and musical programming, is a unique our schools, she helped usher in a new era of and valued service to our communities. Mr. KELLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I equality and freedom for African Americans have remained in Orlando, Florida with my across our Nation. Throughout her life she I invite my colleagues to recognize these wife as she prepares to give birth to our sec- continued her activism as a voice for Civil achievements and cosponsor this important ond child. If I had been present yesterday, I Rights in the Montgomery area and beyond, resolution. would have voted in the following manner: roll- and was a frequent face at community events call 69: ‘‘yea’’; rollcall 70: ‘‘yea’’; and rollcall throughout her entire life. f 71: ‘‘yea.’’ Mrs. Carr was an anchor for her family, who will surely remember her as a caring mother f RECOGNIZING MICHELLE LINGO AS and grandmother who held her family together ESCAMBIA COUNTY TEACHER OF HONORING RANDY JONES through trying times. Despite her tireless ef- THE YEAR forts to help advance Civil Rights for all Ameri- HON. JOHN SHIMKUS cans, she always put her family first. Mrs. OF ILLINOIS Carr’s passing is mourned by us all, Madam HON. JEFF MILLER Speaker, and we all send her family our pray- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF FLORIDA ers at this difficult time. Thank you for the Tuesday, February 26, 2008 House’s attention today to her life, and to her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today legacy. Tuesday, February 26, 2008 with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a great f American patriot. PREDATORY LENDERS CAUGHT Randy Jones served the American people Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on THEIR PREY behalf of the United States Congress, it is an as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army from honor for me to rise today in recognition of 1972 until 1980, and then as a civilian em- HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Michelle Lingo, Escambia County’s Teacher of ployee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers OF NEW YORK the Year. for over 20 years. He did his duty to our Na- tion through two deployments overseas in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES For the past 11 years, Michelle Lingo has war on terror and through his work at the Mel- Tuesday, February 26, 2008 influenced the academic success of elemen- vin Price Lock and Dam. At the time of his Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today tary school students. Ms. Lingo’s exceptional death last week, he was the Lockmaster at to enter into the RECORD a February 14th edi- teaching capabilities have enhanced the learn- Lock and Dam 27 on the Mississippi River. He torial from the New York Times by Eliot ing opportunities for the students she teaches, is remembered by his colleagues as a dedi- Spitzer, Governor of New York, ‘‘Predatory while her countless hours of service and dedicated employee and a mentor to a great many Lenders’ Partner in Crime’’. cation have enabled her students to attain co-workers. This editorial talks about the role the Office academic excellence. When asked to elabo- My thoughts and those of the House go out of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) had rate upon her profession, Ms. Lingo replies to his wife Sharon, and his three daughters in preempting state laws designed to protect that as a teacher, she ‘‘view[s] every day as and two sons-in-law, Lori and Jeremy Cole, consumers from mortgage loans with decep- a new chance to inspire a child.’’ Her passion Meredith and Kenneth Zimmer, and Shara tive ‘‘teaser’’ rates and hidden fees. Several for teaching is rivaled only by the love she has Jones, his son and daughter-in-law, Chad and states had enacted laws to protect consumers for her students, and her unwavering devotion Ann Jones, his eight grandchildren, as well as from these practices. Many low- and middle- strengthens the school system as a whole. his brothers and sisters and all his neighbors income borrowers are not able to absorb Propelled by her dedication to the education and friends in Brighton, Illinois. monthly payment increases when variable system, Ms. Lingo began her teaching career All of America is grateful for Randy’s service terms reset, such as the expiration of teasers to our Nation, and he will be dearly missed by in 1996 as a first grade teacher. Over time, rates and/or interest rate increases. Many of all who knew him. Ms. Lingo furthered her devotion and ex- these loan products are so complex, that the disclosures currently available are inadequate panded beyond the parameters of the typical f to protect consumers. The end result is that classroom, first as a reading coach and then IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE hardworking Americans are stripped of the eq- as a media specialist, a position in which she AND LEGACY OF MRS. JOHNNIE uity they have built in their properties, and continues to serve. Though some would con- R. CARR they lose their homes. sider her current position overwhelming, Ms. Who would have thought that the OCC Lingo balances the demands of her career HON. MIKE ROGERS would issue formal opinions in 2003 that pre- with a jubilant attitude and exceptional enthu- OF ALABAMA empted state laws designed to protect con- siasm. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sumers from lending practices and would put The title of Teacher of the Year is an im- Tuesday, February 26, 2008 consumers in jeopardy of losing their homes? mense honor and is evidence of the greatness This was so egregious that all 50 state attor- Ms. Lingo has attained. Beyond the title lies Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, ney generals and state banking superintend- Ms. Lingo’s dedication and devotion to not I respectfully ask for the House’s attention ents vigorously fought the new rules. The fight only her students, but to the entire community. today to honor the life and legacy of one of was to no avail—the Bush administration won Her teaching skills and affable personality our Nation’s most important Civil Rights fig- and the banks were protected. have influenced many and have pushed ures, Mrs. Johnnie Carr, who passed away on Greater regulatory oversight is necessary to countless students to a higher level of aca- February 22nd at the age of 97. ensure borrower confidence in the banking As so many of my colleagues know, Mrs. demic achievement. Ms. Lingo’s outstanding system, and the availability of quality loan Carr was a tireless advocate for the advance- accomplishments have distinguished her as products in the market place. The end result ment of Civil Rights and equality for all Ameri- one of the great teachers in northwest Florida, is where the U.S. finds itself today—with cans. During a tumultuous time for our Nation, and the Escambia County School District is record rates of foreclosures and an economy in 1964 Mrs. Carr and her husband Arlam filed honored to have her as one of their own. in a perilous condition. suit against the Montgomery County, Ala- [From the New York Times, Feb. 14, 2008] Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United bama, Board of Education in an attempt to de- PREDATORY LENDERS’ PARTNER IN CRIME States Congress, I am proud to recognize segregate the Montgomery County school sys- (By Eliot Spitzer) Michelle Lingo on this outstanding achieve- tem. Her desire was simply to help provide a Several years ago, state attorneys general ment and for her exemplary service in the more hopeful future for her son Arlam Carr Jr. and others involved in consumer protection Escambia County School District. and thousands of other African American chil- began to notice a marked increase in a range

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.008 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS E240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 26, 2008 of predatory lending practices by mortgage Instead, they would have stopped the scourge The 1929 sketch on her said, ‘‘Lois Kilgore lenders. Some were misrepresenting the of predatory lending practices that have re- is preparing to make a worthwhile contribu- terms of loans, making loans without regard sulted in countless thousands of consumers tion to the educational field. Her ambitions to consumers’ ability to repay, making loans losing their homes and put our economy in a are to become a good housewife and to teach. with deceptive ‘‘teaser’’ rates that later precarious position. She recites and is an active member of the ballooned astronomically, packing loans When history tells the story of the Church of God.’’ with undisclosed charges and fees, or even subprime lending crisis and recounts its dev- I first met Mrs. Kelly in 1947 when I be- paying illegal kickbacks. These and other astating effects on the lives of so many inno- came a seventh-grade student at Green practices, we noticed, were having a dev- cent homeowners, the Bush administration School. although she was not one of my astating effect on home buyers. In addition, will not be judged favorably. The tale is still teachers, I saw her many times. It seems the widespread nature of these practices, if unfolding, but when the dust settles, it will that she always had a smile as she does left unchecked, threatened our financial be judged as a willing accomplice to the today. I have never seen her when she is not markets. lenders who went to any lengths in their cheerful. Even though predatory lending was becom- quest for profits. So willing, in fact, that it ing a national problem, the Bush administra- used the power of the federal government in She was born in Kingsport, Tenn., Feb. 23, tion looked the other way and did nothing to an unprecedented assault on state legisla- 1908, and moved to Knoxville at an early age protect American homeowners. In fact, the tures, as well as on state attorneys general and attended the Normal Department at government chose instead to align itself with and anyone else on the side of consumers. Knoxville College. She graduated from Knox- the banks that were victimizing consumers. f ville Colored High School in 1927 and re- Predatory lending was widely understood ceived her bachelor of arts degree in elemen- to present a looming national crisis. This HONORING MRS. LOIS KELLY tary education from Tennessee State Univer- threat was so clear that as New York attor- sity in Nashville in 1931. ney general, I joined with colleagues in the other 49 states in attempting to fill the void HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. Mrs. Kelly began her teaching career in left by the federal government. Individually, OF TENNESSEE 1932 in Covington, Tenn., before returning to Knoxville in 1934 to teach at Green School. and together, state attorneys general of both IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES parties brought litigation or entered into The principal was Charles W. Cansler who settlements with many subprime lenders Tuesday, February 26, 2008 had been her principal when she was a student at Knoxville Colored High School. She that were engaged in predatory lending prac- Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I had the tices. Several state legislatures, including said it was an honor to have him select her privilege this past Saturday to attend the 100th as one of his teachers. She taught there 22 New York’s, enacted laws aimed at curbing birthday party for Mrs. Lois Kelly. such practices. years. Mrs. Kelly is a very special, even amazing, What did the Bush administration do in re- She later taught at Cansler Elementary sponse? Did it reverse course and decide to woman. She has the beauty and spirit of a School named for Cansler’s mother. She also take action to halt this burgeoning scourge? woman 20 years younger. It is simply hard to taught at Maynard and Lonsdale elementary As Americans are now painfully aware, with believe she is 100. schools before retiring in 1994 after 60 years hundreds of thousands of homeowners facing She is still very active, and I was told she of service in the school system. foreclosure and our markets reeling, the an- recently bought a new Cadillac. swer is a resounding no. Early in her teaching career, she was vis- Not only did the Bush administration do The article below by Robert Booker, de- iting a friend in Nashville and met Curtis nothing to protect consumers, it embarked scribes her much better than I ever could. Kelly, an up and coming young man who, she on an aggressive and unprecedented cam- Suffice it to say that through her work in said, ‘‘swept her off her feet.’’ They married paign to prevent states from protecting their education and her church and home, she has in 1940 when he moved here to take a job residents from the very problems to which helped make this Nation a much better place. with the Tennessee Valley Authority. After the federal government was turning a blind Lois Kelly is a great American, and I was his service in the Army he attended Meharry eye. very honored to join many others in her birth- Medical School of Dentistry and set up his practice here in 1951. Let me explain: The administration ac- day celebration. complished this feat through an obscure fed- I would like to encourage my colleagues Mrs. Kelly and her husband became very eral agency called the Office of the Comp- active in the Democratic Party and worked troller of the Currency (OCC). The OCC has and other readers of the RECORD to read the column by Mr. Booker, which ran in the Feb- tirelessly to register people to vote. They been in existence since the Civil War. Its worked at the polls and helped to sponsor mission is to ensure the fiscal soundness of ruary 26 issue of the Knoxville News Sentinel. rallies to bring out the vote. along the way, national banks. For 140 years, the OCC exam- LOIS KILGORE KELLY—A CENTURY OF SERVICE she took, time to be active in the National ined the books of national banks to make (By Robert J. Booker) Association for the Advancement of Colored sure they were balanced, an important but People and held various offices at Shiloh uncontroversial function. But a few years Two years ago while moping around the Presbyterian Church, where she has been a ago, for the first time in its history, the OCC house suffering from one of those virus member for 74 years. During the sit-in move- was used as a tool against consumers. things, I got a delightful telephone call. I In 2003, during the height of the predatory had committed to participating in a program ments of the 1960s, she helped to transport lending crisis, the OCC invoked a clause in the city but had to cancel. Unfortunately, Knoxville College students to and from the from the 1863 National Bank Act to issue for- when the word of my illness circulated, some picket lines. mal opinions preempting all state predatory people had me sicker than I really was. On Feb. 23, Nu Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi lending laws, thereby rendering them inoper- The phone call I got offering assistance Beta Sorority held a reception to honor Mrs. ative. The OCC also promulgated new rules came from a 98-year-old woman who wanted Kelly on her 100th birthday at Mount Zion that prevented states from enforcing any of to make me some soup or go to the drugstore Baptist Church. Hundreds of friends and their own consumer protection laws against for me. I had to chuckle at the thought of a well-wishers turned out for the occasion. She national banks. The federal government’s ac- woman of that advanced age running an er- has been a member of that sorority for 74 tions were so egregious and so unprecedented rand for me. But it was no surprise that Lois years and has served as financial secretary, that all 50 state attorneys general, and all 50 Kilgore Kelly would make such an offer. I treasurer and undergraduate adviser she is state banking superintendents, actively had known her almost 60 years and was very well know throughout the sorority’s South fought the new rules. familiar with her community activities. Central Reigon. But the unanimous opposition of the 50 She is one of the most outgoing, energetic, Bonita Gillespie, Nu Zeta chapter presi- states did not deter, or even slow, the Bush enthusiastic people one can meet. She can be dent and close friend of the honoree, says administration in its goal of protecting the seen attending various community func- when Mrs. Kelly is asked to describe her long banks. In fact, when my office opened an in- tions, participating in organizational meet- life, she responds, ‘‘I just lived.’’ Gillespie vestigation of possible discrimination in ings and offering sympathy at funerals. She says that, despite Mrs. Kelly’s age, ‘‘She still mortgage lending by a number of banks, the seems to be everywhere and drives her own drives her own car, shops for groceries, goes OCC filed a federal lawsuit to stop the inves- car to get there. to the mall, attends aerobics at the O’Conner tigation. Seventy-nine years ago ‘‘The Knoxville Throughout our battles with the OCC and Negro,’’ a book of 1929 published a chronicle Senior Center, watches her favorite soap op- the banks, the mantra of the banks and their of black life in Knoxville and noted Mrs. eras, plays bridge at every opportunity, and defenders was that efforts to curb predatory Kelly in its youth section. Under the heading does whatever else she decides to do. She is lending would deny access to credit to the of ‘‘Who’s Who Among the Negro Youth of glued to the TV set when Tiger Woods plays very consumers the states were trying to Knoxville 1928-1929,’’ the publication said. in a golfmatch.’’ protect. But the curbs we sought on preda- ‘‘The sons and daughters of today are the fa- Some of those other things are to pick up tory and unfair lending would have in no thers and mothers of tomorrow. This section friends to chauffeur them to activities and to way jeopardized access to the legitimate offers a view of prospective Negro leader- call those not feeling well to see if they need credit market for appropriately priced loans. ship.’’ her to run an errand.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.014 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS February 26, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E241 PERSONAL EXPLANATION take the time to appreciate their surroundings. UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES TO FORMER Inhabitants of the beautiful north Houston CARIBBEAN LEADERS: GIVE US YOUR PA- neighborhoods are fortunate enough to reside PERS, THEY WOULD HELP FUTURE GENERA- HON. SAM GRAVES TIONS OF MISSOURI in an area deemed the ‘‘livable forest.’’ As ‘‘Give us your official papers that deal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES these communities progress into the future, residents like Vicky Eynon work at the same with both national and regional public pol- Tuesday, February 26, 2008 time to preserve these unique surroundings. icy.’’ Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I would like As a result of her efforts FamilyTime has That appeal to former leaders of several to state for the RECORD my position on the fol- awarded her the 2007 Women of Achievement CARICOM nations, from P.J. Patterson of lowing votes I missed due to personal rea- Award. Jamaica, Dr. Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia sons. An advocate for the trees, Vicky Eynon’s and James ‘‘Son’’ Mitchell of St. Vincent to On Monday, February 25, 2008, I missed Owen Arthur and Sir Lloyd Sandiford of Bar- commitment to improving the lives of fellow bados has come from Dr. Nigel Harris, Vice rollcall votes 69, 70, and 71. Had I been Texans is truly admirable. Not only has she Chancellor of the University of West Indies. present, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ on all three dedicated herself to local forests, as a school He told the Carib News in New York yester- votes. nurse she is also an advocate for the day that such papers would enhance the abil- f wellbeing of children. For 23 years she worked ity of future generations of students, polit- as a school nurse for Humble ISD. ical scientists and researchers to understand HONORING DR. MICHAEL CROPP, By observing and predicting health concerns the development of the region’s public poli- 2008 RECIPIENT OF THE LEU- cies. among students Vicky became instrumental in KEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY ‘‘First of all such donations would be a ‘‘SERVICE TO MANKIND’’ AWARD the fight for providing schools with Automatic Emergency Defibrillators. Not long after their service to the region as a whole,’’ Dr. Harris implementation, she was able to help save a said. ‘‘Secondly, it gives enduring value to HON. BRIAN HIGGINS the University that this is a place that our teacher’s life as a result of the AED. Although leaders see as being vitally important; un- OF NEW YORK she is now retired, Vicky Eynon’s dedication to derstand its enduring value; and in that con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES serving others further extends into the local text have a sense of comfort, if you will that Tuesday, February 26, 2008 church community. At Atascocita Presbyterian what they leave, that part of their life that Church she teaches CPR, instructing others in they are leaving to the University, will be Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today the art of compassion. preserved. It will serve to inform future gen- to congratulate Dr. Michael Cropp on receiving erations of our peoples and our scholars.’’ the Western New York and Finger Lakes I salute Vicky Eynon not only for the charity Dr. Harris was in New York for the glitzy Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Soci- demonstrated through her work as a nurse but also for her environmental activism. Due to the annual awards gala of the American Founda- ety 2008 ‘‘Service to Mankind’’ Award. Dr. Mi- tion for the University of the West Indies. chael Cropp was honored at the 16th Annual work of Vicky and her group of volunteers, citizens in surrounding areas were made aware Almost 400 guests attended the Black Tie Diamond Ball on Saturday, February 23, 2008. dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan Dr. Cropp is a brilliant example of commitment of the construction plans and were encour- where more than a dozen people were hon- and devotion to one’s community and fellow- aged to take action. Her belief in the power of ored for their contribution to the develop- man. people through positive action is inspirational. ment of the Caribbean or the societies in Dr. Cropp serves as the president and chief As a result of Vicky’s dedication, development which they now live and work. executive officer of Independent Health. He re- projects involving the removal of large num- So far Edward Seaga, a former Prime Min- ceived his undergraduate and medical de- bers of trees unnecessarily were reconfigured ister of Jamaica has donated his papers to grees from Brown University and MBA from to allow for a more natural landscape. the UWI’s Mona campus; the papers of the the State University of New York at Buffalo in Because of her efforts to preserve the land- late Dr. Eric Williams, the father of Trinidad 2003. A board-certified family physician, he scape of Southeast Texas, Vicky Eynon was and Tobago’s independence, who helped to awarded from FamilyTime the 2007 Women of create CARICOM, are now housed at the St. has worked in medicine and led health sys- Augustine campus in Trinidad; while those tems for over 30 years. Achievement Award. This remarkable Texan’s of Sir Shridath Ramphal, a former Common- His dedicated work and leadership have commitment to improving many different as- wealth Secretary who later became the Uni- served several partners in western New York pects of the community affects the lives of versity’s Chancellor, are at the Cave Hill including Millard Fillmore Health System in countless people. campus in Barbados. Buffalo, United Way, the March of Dimes, And that’s just the way it is. ‘‘We in the Caribbean need a place that Camp Good Days, and Special Times. Dr. scholars, students and others can go to un- Cropp acts as chairman of the Pursuing Per- f derstand, read and learn about public pol- fecting, P2, collaborative of western New York, icy,’’ Dr. Harris said. ‘‘Such collections which addresses breast cancer and heart dis- ENDORSING THE IDEA THAT THE shouldn’t be stored in a willy-nilly fashion.’’ ease, and serves on the boards of the Na- PAPERS OF CARIBBEAN LEAD- The Vice Chancellor thinks the papers of tional Federation for Just Communities, the ERS BE MADE PUBLICALLY Patterson and Arthur would be vital to an understanding of their approach to region- Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, the Elizabeth AVAILABLE THROUGH THE UNI- VERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES alism and to the policies affecting people in Pierce Olmsted Center for the Visually Im- Jamaica, Barbados and the rest of the re- paired, and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. gion. His service is far-reaching and has powerfully HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL In Arthur’s case, he spent almost 14 years touched the lives of patients, families, and OF NEW YORK as the head of the government with lead re- their communities. sponsibility for the launching of the Carib- Dr. Cropp’s work should inspire us all to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bean Single Market and Economy and Dr. serve our communities and fellow man with Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Harris said his papers were an ‘‘extremely dedicated hearts and committed lives. I am valuable’’ source of information and guid- proud to congratulate Dr. Cropp for this great Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today ance for future generations. honor, and wish him and his family the very to call attention to the University of the West ‘‘Owen Arthur has been one of the thought best. Indies and its recent push to make publicly leaders, if you will, with respect to the im- f available those official papers penned by plementation of the CSME,’’ Harris said. ‘‘It some of the Caribbean’s greatest leaders. was a charge that he took on. He was en- RECOGNIZING VICKY EYNON These papers shed invaluable insight into the gaged in a number of meetings and con- area’s national and regional public policy, and ferences, some of our university people were HON. TED POE their availability would grant a host of stu- there, in terms of thinking through the dents, citizens, and political analysts knowl- CSME, the integration of the Caribbean and OF TEXAS I think we can learn a lot from that in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES edge of their governments’ inner workings. short term. We can also learn a lot in the The New York CARIB News article, ‘‘Give Us Tuesday, February 26, 2008 long-term in terms of the journey that we Your Papers, They Would Help Future Gen- took, so to speak, when it comes to Bar- Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, in our modern, erations,’’ published on Feb. 5, makes the bados’ development at this point in time and fast paced world many people often forget to case. the journey we are going through right now

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.017 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS E242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 26, 2008 to achieve the Caribbean Single Market and sity so that the institution can continue to Mrs. Leah Galante Schad, a woman who de- Economy.’’ expand and meet demands and remain rel- voted over 40 years of her life to protecting Interestingly enough, Dr. Harris said that evant to the societies it serves.’’ Florida’s Everglades and a driving force in the technological development was making it f easier to store and gain easier access to the American environmental movement. Her con- papers than ever before and that should be HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVER- tributions helped bring about a new era in our an attraction to the donors and the users of SARY OF EBONY EXPRESSIONS country in which organizers, activists, and poli- such documents. CULTURAL AWARENESS ticians worked together to implement courses ‘‘Now that we can digitize material, which PROJECT of action that would improve our environment is what Mr. Seaga is doing with his papers, and our lives. After her recent passing, I am digitizing hundreds of thousands of pages, it moved to reflect on her accomplishments and is going to make it so easily accessible and HON. TAMMY BALDWIN legacy as we strive to enact environmental acceptable to scholars in years and decades OF WISCONSIN policies for our districts, States, and Nation. to come,’’ was the way he put it. ‘‘Just plain IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES folks who are interested throughout the re- A native of Kentucky, Leah Schad became gion would be able to come in and examine Tuesday, February 26, 2008 active in Florida’s environmental movement them and learn about how decisions were Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise shortly after she moved to the State in 1961. made and positions taken. We have methods today to honor the 25th anniversary of Ebony In the following decades, Mrs. Schad would already that can readily assemble and store Expressions Cultural Awareness Project in become renowned for her fierce determination masses of information in ways that would be Madison, WI. Each year, Ebony Expressions and uncompromising will to improve Florida’s able to access easily.’’ The UWI is cele- Everglades and wildlife, earning her the title of brating its 60th anniversary and many of auditions and selects students from Madison area high schools to take part in a program ‘‘The Grand Dame of Environmentalism.’’ Re- honorees who received awards on evening alize, this title was not given to Mrs. Schad ar- were hailed for their work in the Caribbean that uses music, dance, drama, and spoken or the United States. ‘‘It was a very highly word to deliver a positive and thought-pro- bitrarily. As a board member of the National successful event,’’ Dr. Harris said. ‘‘The voking message about the African American Audubon Society and the South Florida Water American Foundation of the University for experience. Over the years, the performances Management District, chairwoman of the Flor- the West Indies plays a vital role in our Uni- have left a profound and lasting impression on ida Audubon Society, and president and treas- versity’s continuing expansion.’’ audiences throughout our great State. Found- urer of the Audubon Society of the Ever- Sir George Alleyne, UWI Chancellor, de- glades, Leah Schad had the audacity to suc- scribed the gala as a ‘‘special event’’ one ed in 1982 under the direction of Ed Holmes, Ebony Expressions has fulfilled its mission to cessfully challenge decades of environmental that was particularly true as ‘‘our university mismanagement and to lead the effort to leave celebrates’’ an important milestone in its educate all people on the richness of the Afri- can American culture and community. the earth in better shape than when we got it. history. ‘‘In a young institution like ours we Without doubt, Mrs. Schad’s passion and must mark this early milestone and use Although February represents African Amer- persistence inspired communities, organiza- them not only to review what we have done, ican History Month, Ebony Expressions re- tions, and elected officials to engage in efforts but to see what else we may do and how minds us to recognize and value the cultural to preserve and improve our environment. She much we can do better when we are doing.’’ contributions of African Americans all year received numerous awards for her decades of During the gala awards were presented to round. Since the time our Nation was just an Denis O’Brienm, founder of Digicel; Dr. John service including: the Florida Audubon Soci- idea, African Americans have been instru- Agard, senior lecturer in the UWI’s faculty ety’s Chapter President of the Year Award in mental in creating and fortifying American cul- of science and agriculture at St. Augustine; 1979, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Prof. Anthony Chen, professor of applied ture through contributions in music, dance, the Palm Beaches Award in 1997, and the physics at Mona; Dr. Leonard Nurse, a senior and performing arts. American Diabetes Society Valor Award in lecturer in the Center for Resource Manage- In addition to highlighting cultural contribu- 2002. However, those who knew and admired ment and Environmental Studies at Cave tions of African Americans, Ebony Expressions Mrs. Schad understood that she worked in Hill; Kenneth DeGhetto, a former member of also addresses important social and political the Foundation’s Board of Trustees; Reggie pursuit of a greater reward. issues affecting the African American commu- Mrs. Schad fought for environmental protec- Canal, first vice president of African Herit- nity today. The young performers initiate an age Banking at HSBC; Raymond Goulbourne, tion and restoration in Florida despite the peo- BET’s Executive Vice President; Noel important public dialogue while transcending ple and institutions that threatened her mission Hankin, Senior Vice President of Multi-Cul- damaging stereotypes. Too often, our young and the cancer that threatened her life. Al- tural Relations at Moet Hennessy USA; Roy people of color are not given the chance to though we in Congress have made enormous Hastick, founder and chief executive officer express themselves in a positive light. Ebony environmental progress, our battle is far from of the Caribbean American Chamber of Com- Expressions gives students the opportunities over. Leah Galante Schad’s struggles and merce and Industry in Brooklyn; Marc they deserve to articulate their beauty and in- successes remind us that we must confront Morial, a former Mayor of New Orleans who tellect and turn a debilitating label of ‘‘at-risk to adversity to ensure that we achieve our goal is the President of the National Urban fail’’ into a success story of ‘‘at-risk to succeed League; Colbert Narcisse, chief administra- of comprehensive environmental restoration tive officer of Global Investment Bank and and become leaders.’’ Thanks to the tremen- and protection. the chief operating officer of the Americas dous work of Mr. Holmes and others in the Madam Speaker, in 1907 President Theo- Investment Bank at Merrill Lynch; Paul Alt- Madison area, we can and will achieve some- dore Roosevelt told Congress, ‘‘The conserva- man, Managing Director of Altman Real Es- thing better. tion of our natural resources and their proper tate, the Caribbean’s leading real estate To honor Ebony Expressions’ 25-year leg- use constitute the fundamental problem which company; Winston Bayley, UWI’s chief finan- acy of dedicated service to our community, underlies almost every other problem of our cial officer; Dr. Rollin Bertrand, CEO of the past and present performers will gather this national life.’’ As we reflect on the life and leg- TCL Group; Stephen Cozier, Managing Direc- week to present a special program titled ‘‘The acy of Mrs. Leah Galante Schad, we must en- tor of ScotiaBank’s Eastern Caribbean operations; Vincent Hosang, founder of Caribbean Best of Ebony’’ to celebrate the most memo- hance our efforts to restore the Everglades Food Delights and Royal Caribbean Bakery; rable performances over the last two-and-a- and other national treasures to their natural and Minna Israel, Managing Director for half decades. state. I urge my colleagues to continue the RBTT Bank Jamaica Limited. I would like to congratulate Ebony Expres- work of Leah Galante Schad, and other pio- Harry Belafonte, world famous entertainer sions on this magnificent milestone and I wish neers who fought to ensure that our Nation’s and civil rights activist, was also honored. everyone involved 25 more years of continued unique habitats and wildlife are preserved for Susan Taylor of Essence Magazine accepted success. the enjoyment of the present generation and the award for him in his absence. Brenda for generations to come. Blackmon of WWOR-TV, My 9; and Maurice f Dubois of WCBS-TV were the gala’s hosts. IN SUPPORT OF MRS. LEAH f The Rt. Rev. E. Don Taylor, Episcopal Vicar GALANTE SCHAD PERSONAL EXPLANATION Bishop of New York City delivered the invo- cation. ‘‘We salute the immense contributions of HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS our luminaries and other awardees,’’ said OF FLORIDA OF NEW JERSEY Karl Rodney, New York Carib News pub- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lisher, chairman of the dinner committee. Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Michael Flanagan, the Foundation’s Chair- man, said that the event and the Foundation Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I was un- continue to ‘‘focus on supporting the Univer- I rise today to honor the memory and life of avoidably detained on matters affecting my

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.019 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS February 26, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E243 family from voting on the afternoon of Feb- white southern slave owners. As a matter of that complacency and inaction were the ruary 14, 2008. Had I been present I would fact they put out a huge reward of $40,000 for greatest enemies of Blacks in America. She have voted ‘‘yea’’ on the following rollcall her capture dead or alive. In the north they demonstrated that conviction; determina- votes: rollcall 66, rollcall 67, rollcall 68. called her the ‘‘Moses of her people’’ because tion and bravery were necessary tools in of her legendary exploits in getting slaves fighting for human and civil rights. Harriet f out of the racist south. Tubman has left an example on how to love PERSONAL EXPLANATION Her name was Harriet Tubman and she was people. She did what no government or insti- born a slave on a Maryland plantation. Then tution was able to do for her people. She be- in 1849 she escaped to Philadelphia and im- came in the process an institution herself. HON. EARL POMEROY mediately joined what has now come to be Her exploits and bravery will always be re- OF NORTH DAKOTA known as the ‘‘Underground Railroad’’ a membered as will be her humanity and com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES complex and secret passage used by aboli- passion. tionists to conduct slaves to the free north. Tuesday, February 26, 2008 For all her toughness Harriet Tubman, who It operated at night and followed the died at age 90, was first and foremost a de- Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, on Feb- Northern Star. Its conductors met and ac- cent, kind and loving human being who only ruary 25, 2008, due to flight delays, I missed companied the runaway slaves leading them wanted the best for her people. rollcall votes Nos. 69, 70, and 71. Had I been through an intricate web of roads, barns, paths and hideouts to confuse irate southern present, I would have voted in the following f manner: rollcall No. 69, ‘‘yea’’; rollcall No. 70, slaveowners hot in pursuit. The states involved were Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, ‘‘yea’’; rollcall No. 71, ‘‘yea.’’ Delaware and Maryland. And the Railroad’s TRIBUTE TO JUDAH FOLKMAN, MD f greatest conductor was Harriet Tubman. In a daring enterprise, and with more than 3,200 SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN- people involved, this Railway was respon- HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO AMERICAN HISTORY sible for guiding to the north more then 2,500 OF MASSACHUSETTS slaves between 1830 and 1860. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL The story of Harriet Tubman began when IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NEW YORK she freed herself and then returned, even Tuesday, February 26, 2008 with a price on her head, to the hostile south IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to free her family. She made 19 additional Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I rise to Tuesday, February 26, 2008 trips to the south and was able to elude her honor the work and to mourn the loss of Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today enemies by guile and cunning. She became Judah Folkman, doctor and teacher, a brilliant to honor Black History Month and to enter into an embarrassment to the intelligence orga- scientist, a devoted clinician, an inspiring men- the record an editorial from New York nizations of the south as she avoided trap after trap and earned the name ‘‘Scarlet tor. I am privileged to represent great univer- CaribNews for the week ending February 19, Pimpernel’’ for her exploits. Her trips to the sities, research institutes, and teaching hos- 2008, ‘‘Harriet Tubman: Moses of Her Peo- south resulted in freedom for more than 300 pitals and the men and women who make ple—She Demonstrated the Courage and Grit slaves who were conducted by ‘‘General them great. Many of my constituents inspire of a Freedom Fighter.’’ Moses’’ to the north and Canada. Known for the world’s admiration and respect. Their work Harriet Tubman was born a slave in 1820 her great physical strength, Harriet Tubman has assuaged suffering and prolonged lives on a Maryland plantation. In 1849 she es- also became widely known for her courage and earned the heartfelt thanks of all they caped to Philadelphia and immediately began and resourcefulness. Always she was able to have helped. None to my knowledge are loved her mission of freeing as many slaves as she confuse the slaveowners. For example, she once let loose several chickens she had just as Judah Folkman was loved, by his col- could on what became known as the ‘‘Under- leagues, students, and patients. The most fit- ground Railroad’’, a network of antislavery ac- bought in a southern market place to avoid being recognized by a former master. And ting tribute seems that given by his friend and tivists and safe houses. Harriet Tubman is another time she deliberately took a south- colleague, Dr. James Mandell, president and credited with rescuing over 300 slaves. The ern bound train to shake off her pursuers. CEO of Children’s Hospital Boston, which I Underground Railroad operated at night with Said to be deeply religious, it was the here enter into the RECORD: escaping slaves following the Northern Star. strength of her convictions that motivated This enterprising operation involved the fol- her to do what she did—she was convinced Judah’s wife said she was sorry for giving lowing states: Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, that she was doing the Lord’s work. me this burden, to speak on behalf of the When the Civil War broke out Harriet Tub- medical and academic community at his me- Delaware and Maryland and ultimately was re- morial service. It is actually a sorrowful joy sponsible for guiding more than 2,500 slaves man enlisted in the Union Army and became a spy and scout because of her knowledge of to remember him on behalf of so many. I to freedom. the outdoors and her uncanny intelligence. must also tell you however that despite the Harriet Tubman was so successful that a She was placed in this dangerous role also fact I have had so many speaking opportuni- $40,000 reward was issued for her capture, for her ability to operate under extreme ties in my career, I’ve never been so worried dead or alive. However, this was not a deter- pressure and to handle difficult situations. about getting it right. rent to her mission. Even with the enormous From all reports her dispatches were inform- It just isn’t possible to sum up the life and price on her head she returned south to free ative and led to many successes for the work of Judah Folkman in these words, in her family and made 19 additional trips while Union forces. such a short time. He was larger than life in Not one to remain complacent she also so many ways, to so many of us. eluding her enemies. She was said to have worked as a nurse in a hospital for freed never lost a passenger. On a personal note—Judah and I were col- slaves and helped them economically by rais- leagues for a very long time. He was a gen- During the Civil War Harriet Tubman joined ing money from the sale of eggs and chick- the Union Army and worked first as a cook erous mentor and wise guide to a young urol- ens. ogy trainee 30 years ago when I shared an of- and a nurse and later as a scout and spy. When the guns of the Civil War fell silent fice in his administrative suite. I learned by When the war ended Harriet Tubman took on Harriet Tubman made New York her home his example. He treated every parent with the role of community mother taking care of and cared for her aged parents. She became unequaled kindness and respect and every elderly and needy Blacks while supporting the something of a community mother because child with patience and tenderness. When I she took in other needy Blacks who were establishment of Southern Freed People’s returned to start the urology research pro- struggling to make a new life in New York. gram effort, he was there for me. When I school. She continued caring for the commu- Never able to read or write she neverthe- went to Albany as dean of the Medical Col- nity well into her 80’s. less knew the value of education and was lege, he was my first commencement speak- As Michael D. Roberts states at the end of shrewd enough to realize that Blacks would er. And when I returned in 2000, he and Paula his CaribNews essay, ‘‘For all her toughness have to educate themselves to make it in the welcomed Val and me as neighbors. In fact, United States. She therefore supported the Harriet Tubman, who died at age 90, was first Val mentioned to Paula that perhaps if we establishment of Southern Freed People’s and foremost a decent, kind and loving human walked to work together, my IQ might go up. being who only wanted the best for her peo- Schools. Well into the twilight of her years Harriet His contribution to science, to medicine, ple.’’ Tubman set up a home to care for old and and the world, are far too vast to enumerate HARRIET TUBMAN: MOSES OF HER PEOPLE— poor Blacks. It is correct to say that she re- here. We have all heard and seen tributes to SHE DEMONSTRATED THE COURAGE AND GRIT mained the Moses of Her People right on to him in every form of media all over the OF A FREEDOM FIGHTER the end of her long life. When she set up the world in the last week. (By Michael D. Roberts) ‘‘poor people’s home’’ she was at the ripe old As a result of his vision and persistence, This tiny but exceptionally brave Black age of 80 years. Harriet Tubman proved that people all over the world are benefiting from woman commanded the grudging respect of age was never a fetter to advancement and his discoveries.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.022 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS E244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 26, 2008 Today, more than 1,000 laboratories world- One brief has been signed by a majority of me that the Supreme Court will need to take wide are engaged in the study of our colleagues in Congress. The other was the Solicitor General’s views into account angiogenesis. A million patients worldwide filed on behalf of the Bush administration by when the Court considers the right standard are now receiving anti-angiogenesis therapy for cancer and macular degeneration, and the Solicitor General, Paul D. Clement. I want for reviewing the decision of the lower court. there are more than 50 angiogenic inhibitors to explain why I have decided not to join in in clinical trials. signing the first one. f But Judah envisioned a day when people First of all, I want to make clear I am aware would have an annual blood test to screen of the importance of this case as regards the HONORING JANEL’S INDUSTRIES, for biomarkers of malignant diseases and if interpretation of the constitutional reach of the INC. evidence of early stage, yet undetectable dis- Second Amendment. As I said when the ease was found, they would be given United States Court of Appeals for the District nontoxic, angiogenic inhibitors to prevent HON. FRED UPTON disease from occurring. He said that location of Columbia decided Parker v. District of Co- OF MICHIGAN lumbia last year, I am convinced that the Con- wouldn’t matter. It would be just like heart IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES disease, where statins are given for control stitution’s Second Amendment protects the of biologic markers of future disease like rights of individuals to keep and bear arms. I Tuesday, February 26, 2008 cholesterol. believe the Court of Appeals’ decision striking Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today What a vision, Judah. down several gun laws passed by the D.C. I thought you’d be here to see it. to recognize Janel’s Industries, Inc. of Judah was honored by societies and foun- City Council in that case was rightly decided Cassopolis, Michigan, as the recipient of the dations all over the world. The walls of his and persuasively reasoned with regard to that Defense Logistics Agency’s, DLA, Business conference room on Karp 12 are lined with fundamental point. As one who reveres the Bill Alliance Award for Outstanding Readiness them. His awards were incredible in depth of Rights and as a strong proponent of indi- Support in the Service Disabled, Veteran- and breadth, including one he was particu- vidual liberty in other contexts, like privacy and Owned Small Business Category. larly proud of—the Helen Keller award for freedom of expression, I am very comfortable Janel’s Industries, Inc. specializes in cable his work in the prevention and treatment of asserting that the Second Amendment ought blindness. assemblies and wiring harnesses, which have He was a member of nearly every medical to be recognized as protecting individual rights been used to support the mission of our brave society, yet he was particularly proud of the and not just a collective right to form militias. soldiers here in the United States as well as fact that he was inducted as an honorary The decision in Parker has been appealed those actively serving in Iraq. Janel’s Indus- member of the Academic Society of Black to the Supreme Court in District of Columbia tries, Inc., has supported the DLA mission as Surgeons. v. Heller, and I had an opportunity to read the well as our national interests by satisfying the He wrote more than 400 original publica- amicus brief in support of upholding the deci- tions and over 100 book chapters himself, but military’s increased demand for supplies in an sion of the Court of Appeals that Members of expedited manner. In addition, these products it was with such great joy that he brought Congress were urged to sign. After carefully over to my office a couple of months ago a were shipped to the military ahead of sched- reviewing the brief, I found that I agreed with book he didn’t author or edit. It was the first ule, at no additional cost to the U.S. Govern- clinical textbook teaching clinicians about the arguments in 29 of its 31 pages, which ment or the American taxpayer. support my view about the nature of the indi- how to treat cancer with angiogenic inhibi- Once again, I would like to personally rec- vidual right guaranteed by the Second Amend- tors. ognize Janel’s Industries, Inc. and its employ- As I look around this room, I see, however, ment. what will be his most lasting legacy. It is a If the brief stopped there, I would support it ees for going above and beyond to provide living testament to one of his greatest without hesitation. However, it does not stop such an invaluable service to our military. The gifts—his unique ability to recognize and there. Page 30 of the amicus brief includes United States is truly a better place because cultivate talent and brilliance in others. of their contributions. He grew the program for vascular biology declarations that ‘‘the District’s handgun ban is from the surgical research program at Chil- unreasonable on its face’’ and further, that f dren’s, starting with one-half of a floor of ‘‘The lower court’s categorical approach in the Enders Research Building. He expanded holding a prohibition on handguns to be un- A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF and nurtured it with devotion, commitment, constitutional per se was correct.’’ NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK and love. He was always in my office, lob- Those assertions directly contradict state- bying hard for more space and ended up with ments in the Solicitor General’s brief warning two entire floors in the Karp Family Re- that while the Second Amendment does pro- HON. MIKE McINTYRE search Building. OF NORTH CAROLINA But more importantly, he had this gift of tect an individual right, the lower court’s cat- mentoring his staff in a way that is un- egorical approach to reviewing the D.C. laws IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES equaled by anyone I have ever known. His in question ‘‘could cast doubt on the constitu- Tuesday, February 26, 2008 work will continue in the hands of the in- tionality of existing federal legislation’’ includ- credible talent in vascular biology in the ing restrictions on possession of firearms by Mr. MCINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I am program he built. convicted criminals, fugitives from justice, ille- pleased to join the 110th Congress in cele- It consoles me to some extent that the gal immigrants, and people suffering from brating National Peace Corps Week from Feb- work Judah started with a singular, seminal ruary 25 to March 3, 2008, as well as the up- glimmer of an idea more than 40 years ago mental disorders. will continue to thrive, grow, and succeed in Some may ask why the many Members of coming 47th anniversary of the Peace Corps. their hands. Congress who signed the first brief did not As of September 30, 2007, over 8,000 Peace Judah’s lasting legacy will continue to ex- similarly hesitate to so flatly contradict the ar- Corps volunteers are currently at 68 posts tend far beyond our walls, improving the guments of the Solicitor General. It is possible serving 74 countries, representing the largest lives of millions of people around the world. that my colleagues read the brief as only try- number of Americans serving in the Peace Farewell, our friend, and thank you. ing to make clear that the lower court rightly Corps since 1970. f ruled about the nature of the right protected by Eleven Peace Corps volunteers from my REGARDING TWO AMICUS BRIEFS the Second Amendment and rightly rejected district in southeastern North Carolina are cur- FILED WITH THE SUPREME the absurd argument advanced by the District rently serving in 11 nations. These North COURT IN DISTRICT OF COLUM- of Columbia that if any individual right at- Carolinians continue to help countless individ- BIA V. HELLER tached to the Second Amendment it should uals who want to build a better life for them- only apply to weapons (not handguns) known selves, their children, and their communities HON. MARK UDALL at the time the founders drafted the Constitu- through their work as Peace Corps volunteers. I am impressed with their passion and dedica- OF COLORADO tion. But if that was the intention, the amicus tion as promoters of humanitarianism through- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES brief is drafted in an ambiguous way that is re- grettable. out the world. These individuals truly represent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 I can speak only for myself, but as a non- the kind and compassionate spirit of my dis- Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I lawyer who thinks Mr. Clement is highly quali- trict. Each Peace Corps volunteer sent out into have reviewed two amicus briefs filed for con- fied to serve as Solicitor General, I find it dif- the field represents an opportunity not only to sideration by the U.S. Supreme Court in con- ficult to reject his concerns outright. And it is make a significant and lasting difference but to nection with the case of District of Columbia v. for this reason I cannot unequivocally endorse foster a better understanding of Americans Heller. the amicus filed by my colleagues. It seems to throughout the world.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.028 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS February 26, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E245 Madam Speaker, I stand today to honor the IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID M. His tenure in office was marked by a major tax lasting legacy of all former and current Peace NAGEL ACHIEVEMENT OF EAGLE restructuring program reducing reliance on Corps volunteers and the important work that SCOUT RANK property taxes, major improvements to state they do, especially as we celebrate National park facilities, development of a statewide Peace Corps Week. I hope that each of the HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL emergency medical services system, and Members and all Americans can join to look OF ARIZONA adoption of a medical malpractice law that back on the Peace Corps’s honorable 46-year IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES would later serve as a national model. In 1985, Dr. Bowen received the nomination legacy of service at home and abroad as we Tuesday, February 26, 2008 for Secretary of the Department of Health and also look forward to the continued success of Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise Human Services from President Ronald this invaluable and effective American organi- today to congratulate David Nagel, who has Reagan. After a quick confirmation by the zation. successfully completed the requirements for Senate, Dr. Bowen served in the cabinet until the rank of Eagle Scout. The Boy Scouts of President Reagan left office in January 1989. f America program recognizes the Eagle Scout Now retired, Dr. Bowen resides in Bremen, as the highest attainable rank; less than four Indiana. He has been awarded over twenty- HONORING THE LIFE OF percent of Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. five honorary degrees during his life, including MURLIDHAR DEVIDAS AMTE The process of becoming an Eagle Scout one from the University of Notre Dame and involves earning numerous merit badges and another from Baylor University. demonstrating spirit, service, and leadership. So, today I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Bowen HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS Scouts must plan, organize, lead, and manage for the great achievements he has gained not OF NEW JERSEY an extensive service project. David took the only for himself, but for the people of Indiana. initiative to develop a plan for landscaping im- His service to this nation is admirable and his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES provements at the Kiwanis Building in his legacy serves as a great example of a life Tuesday, February 26, 2008 hometown of Fountain Hills, Arizona. David well-lived. led the project to remove a large amount of f Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise sand from a volleyball court in order to turn CELEBRATING THE AFRICAN- today to celebrate the life of Mr. Murlidhar the area into a park. He enthusiastically in- AMERICAN CONTRIBUTION TO Devidas Amte, affectionately known as Baba stalled a sprinkler system and laid sod in order BLACK HISTORY Amte. Over 60 years ago, Mr. Amte moved his to beautify the Kiwanis Building. Through his wife and infant children to barren, desert land work, David has showed his strong commit- with the goal of creating a community for the ment to his community and to the Boy Scouts HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL OF NEW YORK most downtrodden people in India, leprosy pa- of America, and has developed strong leader- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tients. Today, Anandwan is a self-sustaining ship and management skills that will serve him community of over 2,500 leprosy patients, or- well in the future. Tuesday, February 26, 2008 phans, and other social outcasts built on the David should be proud of his accomplish- Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today ments. Again, I congratulate him on his belief that ‘‘work builds, and charity destroys.’’ to honor Black History Month and to enter into achievement of Eagle Scout and say thank This community builds their own homes, the record an editorial from New York you for a job well done. grows their own food, and practices recycling CaribNews for the week ending February 19, f techniques beyond those of most communities 2008, ‘‘Celebrating the African-American Con- in the world. Anandwan has a college to teach CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTH- tribution to Black History—the NAACP—Then self-sustaining, organic farming techniques, DAY OF GOVERNOR OTIS R. and Now.’’ The National Association for the Advance- and also schools for the deaf and blind chil- BOWEN, M.D. OF BREMEN, INDI- ANA ment of Colored People (NAACP), originally dren of the greater community. called the National Negro Committee was As a successful lawyer during the independ- founded on February 12, 1909 by Ida Wells- ence movement in India, Mr. Amte was a HON. JOE DONNELLY Barnett, W.E.B. DuBois, Henry Moscowitz, staunch believer in Gandhian philosophy and OF INDIANA Mary White Ovington, Oswald Garrison chose to change his entire life to help uplift IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Villiard, William English Walling. The 6 found- people that did not have the same luck at birth Tuesday, February 26, 2008 ers, who comprised a multi-racial group of that he was bestowed. Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, I rise Americans, renewed the struggle for civil and political liberty. We now know the organization Beyond Anandwan, Mr. Amte worked with today to express my congratulations to Gov- ernor Otis R. Bowen, M.D., former Governor as the NAACP. his two sons to build other communities for In the early years, the NAACP concentrated of Indiana, on the occasion of his 90th birth- tribal people still living in the jungle without on using the courts to overturn the Jim Crow day. Having served two consecutive terms as health care. He furthered his reach when he laws that permitted racial discrimination. The Governor of Indiana, Dr. Bowen’s life has chose to become an activist for not only peo- NAACP in 1913 organized opposition to Presi- been marked with great achievements in his ple, but the environment. With a degenerative dent Woodrow Wilson’s introduction of racial work on both a national and local level. spinal disease that eventually made him bed- segregation into the federal government pol- Governor Bowen was born on February ridden, he traveled to a site for a proposed icy. The NAACP devoted a significant amount 26th, 1918 near Rochester, Indiana to Vernie of energy after World War I and in the 1920s dam, the Narmada Dam Project, which would Bowen and Pearl Wright. After graduating and 1930s to publicize the lynching of blacks destroy the land and force thousands of peo- from Indiana University, he went on to earn throughout the United States and sought fed- ple from their homes. He camped out in a van his medical degree from Indiana University eral legislation against those states which re- on the site in protest of not only that dam but Medical School in 1942. During World War II, fused to prosecute. all dam projects in India. he served in the army medical corps and was Today, the NAACP continues its mission to with the first wave of allied troops in the inva- Mr. Amte has received numerous humani- ensure the political, educational, social, and sion of Okinawa in 1945. After discharge, tarian and environmental awards in his lifetime economic equality of rights of all persons and Bowen returned to Indiana where he served including The United Nations Human Rights to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimina- as county coroner before his election to the Prize (1988), The Templeton Prize (1990), tion. House of Representatives in 1956. He be- The Gandhi Peace Prize (1999), Dr. (From the CaribNews, Feb. 19, 2008) Ambedkar International Award for Social came minority leader in 1965 and served as Speaker of the House through 4 legislative CELEBRATING THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CON- Change (1999), and countless others. TRIBUTION TO BLACK HISTORY—NAACP— sessions. THEN AND NOW Baba Amte left this world on February 8, In 1972, Dr. Bowen was elected Governor 2008, but his spirit will always live on through The NAACP was founded as the National of Indiana. That year, a constitutional amend- Negro Committee on February 12, 1909, by a the thousands of lives he helped. I want to ment was ratified allowing governors to serve multi-racial group of political activists in- thank Baba Amte for all he has done for the consecutive, 4-year terms, and in 1976 he be- cluding W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells, Henry people of Anandwan and the world. came the first governor to succeed himself. Moscowitz, Mary White Ovington, Oswald

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.031 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS E246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 26, 2008 Garrison Villiard, and William English all about. Lois has been a tremendous exam- H. Res. 930, Rollcall No. 70: Supporting the Walling. DuBois edited the association’s ple for her community, and I commend her on- goals and ideals of ‘‘Career and Technical magazine, The Crisis, which reached more going commitment to helping others. Education Month.’’ Had I been here, I would than 30,000 people. One often overlooked as- I know that my colleagues in the United pect of the NAACP’s history is that the Jew- have voted ‘‘yes.’’ States Congress join me in commending Lois ish community contributed hugely to the H. Res. 944, Rollcall No. 71: Honoring the Aukland for her leadership and service to NAACP’s founding and continued financing. service and accomplishments of Lieutenant Humboldt, Iowa. I consider it an honor to rep- In 1914, Professor Emeritus Joel Spingarn General Russel L. Honore´, United States of Columbia University became Chairman of resent Lois in Congress and I wish her the Army, for his 37 years of service on behalf of the NAACP and recruited for its board such very best in her future endeavors. the United States. Had I been here, I would Jewish leaders as Jacob Schiff, Jacob f Billikopf, and Rabbi Stephen Wise. have voted ‘‘yes.’’ In the climactic civil rights drives of the HONORING WOMEN’S CLUB OF 1950s and 1960s, Jewish participation was all SARASOTA’S 95TH ANNIVERSARY f but overwhelming. The NAACP’s headquarters are in Balti- HON. VERN BUCHANAN HONORING MARISSA JUNIOR & more, Maryland and it has regional offices in SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL FOR RE- OF FLORIDA California, New York, Michigan, Missouri, CEIVING A BRONZE MEDAL AS Georgia, Texas, and Maryland. Each regional IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE OF U.S. NEWS & WORLD RE- office is responsible for coordinating con- Tuesday, February 26, 2008 ferences in the states included in that re- PORT’S ‘‘AMERICA’S BEST HIGH gion. Local, youth, and college chapters or- Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I rise SCHOOLS’’ ganize activities for individual members. today in honor of the Women’s Club of Sara- The NAACP is governed nationally by a 64- sota, which is celebrating it 95th anniversary member board of directors led by a chair- this year. HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO man. The board elects one person as the Since 1913, the members of the Women’s OF ILLINOIS president and chief executive officer for the Club of Sarasota have been a persuasive organization. Departments within the NAACP govern voice for political causes, provided educational IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES opportunities for area children, and facilitated areas of action. Local chapters are supported Tuesday, February 26, 2008 by the Branch and Field Services department several community improvement projects. and the Youth and College department. The Founded by 63 women, the Club’s motto of Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise Legal Department focuses on court cases of ‘‘Not Self, but Service’’ has been evident in its today to ask my colleagues to join me in con- broad application to minorities, such as sys- many accomplishments over the years. Their tematic discrimination in employment, gov- gratulating Marissa Junior & Senior High first clubhouse served as the public library for School, in Marissa, Illinois, for receiving a ernment, or education. The Washington, D.C. 30 years, providing the community with a bureau is responsible for lobbying the U.S. bronze medal as one of ‘‘America’s Best High Government. The Education Department place for social and cultural activities. Con- Schools’’ as determined by U.S. News & cerned about the well-being of area children, works to improve public education at the World Report. local, state and federal levels. The goal of they helped pass the compulsory school at- the Health Division is to advance health care tendance law, introduced medical-dental in- Our future will be determined, to a great ex- for minorities through public policy and edu- spections and inoculations in public schools, tent, by the success of our Nation’s high cation. organized a local PTA, and helped found the schools in preparing our next generation of As of 2004 the NAACP had approximately Helen Payne Nursery School. leaders, innovators and problem-solvers. Our 500,000 members. During World War I, the group supported students must be able to compete for the f the war effort by organizing a local chapter of highly skilled jobs that are driving economic HONORING LOIS AUKLAND the American Red Cross. They also increased growth. For these reasons, our schools must access to health care by helping to establish continually challenge themselves in pursuit of Sarasota Memorial Hospital—a community educational excellence. This designation from HON. TOM LATHAM owned hospital. They helped with the city cen- U.S. News & World Report clearly shows that OF IOWA sus, and were strong proponents of the 19th Marissa Junior & Senior High School is doing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving a good job in this regard. Tuesday, February 26, 2008 women the right to vote. U.S. News & World Report looked at over Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today Today, the Sarasota Women’s Club con- 18,000 high schools from across the country to recognize Lois Aukland of the Royal Neigh- tinues the same spirit of service with annual and ranked them according to specific, objec- bors of America Chapter in Humboldt, Iowa, educational scholarships, special donations to tive criteria. In order to be considered for the for receiving the National Fraternal Congress several charitable organizations. top rankings, a school must perform above On their anniversary, I congratulate them for of America’s, NFCA, Most Valuable Partici- other schools in its State. This includes eval- their achievements and have every confidence pant, MVP, Award. uation of reading and math testing with con- they will continue to play an important role in The MVP award highlights Lois’ service to sideration for percentage of disadvantaged the improvement of our community and the her community and relief organizations around students. Additional evaluations looked at the lives of others. Iowa. Lois is the local secretary and treasurer performance of the least advantaged students and has held the office of recorder for 13 f as well as those top-performing, college bound years. She has been the strongest recruiter for PERSONAL EXPLANATION students. the chapter by increasing the active members Of the over 18,000 schools evaluated from 5 to 20. HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF through this process, less than 1,600 (about 9 Lois has also been involved in many volun- OF MISSOURI percent) were awarded gold, silver or bronze teer organizations and activities which include: IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES medals. Marissa Junior & Senior High School the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center being named to this elite group is a testament planning committee, vice president of the Da- Tuesday, February 26, 2008 to the careful planning and support by the kota City Worth While Club, the Girl Scouts Mr. HULSHOF. Madam Speaker, on Feb- board and administration, the dedication, prep- representative for JOIN HANDS DAY, and a ruary 25, 2008, I was unavoidably detained aration and instructional excellence of the fac- member of a team for the local Relay for Life and missed votes. Listed below are the votes ulty and staff and the hard work and high level fundraiser. Lois has received various awards I missed and how I would have voted had I of achievement on the part of the students. including the Rookie of the Year by Humboldt been here. Ox Bow Chapter of Izaak Walton League of H. Res. 978, Rollcall No. 69: Expressing Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join America and was the inspiration behind her support for the designation of the week of me in congratulating the board members of local chapter receiving the Camp Recognition March 3–7 as ‘‘School Social Work Week’’ to Marissa School District #40 as well as the ad- Award each year since its inception. promote awareness of the vital role of social ministration, faculty, staff and students of Lois earned this award for her dedication to workers in schools, and in the community as Marissa Junior & Senior High School for their supporting women and serving communities, a whole. Had I been here, I would have voted recognition as one of the best high schools in which is what Royal Neighbors of America is ‘‘yes.’’ the United States.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.034 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS February 26, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E247 HONORING THOSE KILLED IN THE borhood business, they host annual Christmas Hospital and had the area designated as a KHOJALY MASSACRE and Halloween parties, events that all mem- Healthcare Physician Shortage Area. This ac- bers of the community look forward to. It is be- creditation and designation have allowed the HON. ZOE LOFGREN cause of their long standing tradition of service district to expand the education department to OF CALIFORNIA to the community that they have been award- include community classes and a nursing as- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ed Business of the Year by the Springville sistant program. Chamber of Commerce. More recently, under Mrs. George’s leader- Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organiza- ship, a Private Duty department was created. Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam tion whose volunteers are the unsung heroes This department provides nursing, home- Speaker, I rise today to honor those killed dur- of the Village of Springville and the Town of making and handyman services. Telemedicine ing the Khojaly Massacre on the 16th anniver- Concord. This organization specializes in is now in use for physician consultations in the sary of that terrible event. On February 26, bringing warm meals to the citizens of Spring- clinics and for in-home units for personal 1992, 613 Azerbaijanis lost their lives. I ask ville and the Town of Concord who are unable health monitoring. Finally, the Northside Clinic that this Congress remember those who were to leave their homes. The Meals on Wheels in Greeley Hill was opened for family practice killed that tragic day. volunteers also provide much needed com- care. f panionship and deserve the recognition of Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year award- and congratulate the accomplishments of HONORING THE RECIPIENTS OF ed by the Springville Chamber of Commerce. Elnora George upon her retirement from John THE OUTSTANDING AWARD FOR Thus, Madam Speaker in recognition of their C. Fremont Healthcare District, I invite my col- THE SPRINGVILLE AREA CHAM- service to the Springville Area, I ask that this leagues to join me in wishing Mrs. George BER OF COMMERCE honorable body join me in honoring Grace many years of continued success. Gentner, the Johnson Family Dealership, and f HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS Meals on Wheels. INTRODUCTION OF THE PUBLIC OF NEW YORK f HEALTH PREPAREDNESS WORK- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING ELNORA GEORGE FORCE DEVELOPMENT ACT Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I rise HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH HON. DORIS O. MATSUI OF CALIFORNIA today to honor the 2008 recipients of the out- OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES standing award for the Springville Area Cham- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ber of Commerce in New York State. Grace Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Gentner, the Johnson Family of Dealerships, Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I am proud and Meals on Wheels. Their dedication and Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the ‘‘Public Health Peparedness commitment to the community should be ap- today to congratulate Elnora George upon her Workforce Development Act of 2008.’’ This plauded. The awards are presented to individ- retirement from John C. Fremont Healthcare much-needed legislation will help provide the uals, businesses, and non- profits that exem- District. Mrs. George will be honored at a re- critical workers that our public health commu- plify outstanding service and involvement in ception to be held at the Mariposa Senior nity so desperately needs. the Springville area. Center in Mariposa, CA, on February 27, These skilled public health professionals in- As one of western New York’s outstanding 2005. clude the nurses, epidemiologists, lab techni- citizens, Grace Gentner is a role model for Mrs. George began her career with the John cians, and others who keep our communities Americans. Grace’s kind spirit and dedication C. Fremont Healthcare District in 1998 as the healthy and safe. They deliver our vaccines, to helping others has made her community a interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Fi- ensure that our drinking water is safe, test for better place. Grace has spent countless hours nancial Officer. The district was facing finan- infectious diseases, and serve as our front-line volunteering at several organizations in the cial difficulties when Mrs. George started. The defense against biological and chemical at- Springville area as well as serving as a leader district was facing substantial debt problems tacks. The responsibilities of our public health in the community. Due to her commitment to that were affecting the operations and liveli- workers reach into our daily lives. community service Grace was honored with hood of the district. That was before Mrs. Unfortunately, our country has under-in- this year’s Citizen of the Year award by the George started with the company and began vested in this critical area for decades, and Springville Chamber of Commerce. Among the to make changes. our public health workforce is near the break- many service organizations Grace spends Mrs. George began her tenure by negoti- ing point. most of her time contributing to the Historical ating payment plans on existing debt, renego- We are simply not producing or retaining Society, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, Springville tiating purchase plans with various suppliers, enough public health workers to meet the in- Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels and she and she found a way to complete a remod- creasing demand for their essential services. served as an Extraordinary Minister at St. Alo- eling project that was already in the works. Nearly a quarter of the public health workforce ysius Catholic Church. In addition, Grace has She applied for and was awarded grants to is set to retire by 2012. been an elected leader by serving many years assist in purchasing new equipment. With this As a result, the Association of Schools of as Town Clerk and tax collector for the Town additional funding the district was able to com- Public Health estimates that our country’s pub- of Concord as well as president of the Senior plete the renovation of, and expand, the emer- lic health schools would have to train three Citizens. As someone who has blessed me gency department. This was just the beginning time the current number of graduates over the with her friendship I am fortunate to have of the expansion. next 12 years just to maintain current levels of been a beneficiary of Grace’s wisdom, counsel John C. Freemont Healthcare District, with preparedness. and guidance. I am pleased that her hard the guidance of Mrs. George, has been able We cannot continue to underestimate or work helping people has been recognized by to expand their services across the board. undervalue the importance of a strong public the Springville Area Chamber of Commerce. They are currently contracted with Mariposa health system. As we focus on preventing out- Springville’s Johnson Family of Dealerships County to provide medical services to the breaks and attacks through preparedness and takes great pride in its tradition of contributing County Adult Detention Facility. A joint effort vigilance, we will rely ever more heavily on our to the community. The family dealership was between the district and the County Health public health workers. founded by Bob and Bernice Johnson in 1951, Department has made it possible for the es- However, public health positions are often and continues to be run and operated by Mike tablishment of a County Medical Services Pro- not economically competitive with those of- and Tom Johnson along with General Man- gram through a MediCal Wellness Grant to fered by the private sector. We must create agers Darin and Derek Johnson. The Johnson provide psychiatry services to the poor and the proper incentives offered for our Nation’s Family of Dealerships has been a cornerstone underserved in the county. The surgery de- brightest public health graduates to serve in of the Springville business community. This partment has been reopened for outpatient the public sector, and the Public Health Pre- family owned and operated business and its surgeries and procedures. New imaging serv- paredness Workforce Development Act is a employees have contributed countless hours ices have been added along with the most up- strong step toward doing so. of community service from helping with the to-date technologies including CT, ultrasound, It offers scholarships, loan repayment pro- Dairy Festival, to the Annual Golf Tournament and MRI equipment. Mrs. George was able to grams, and mid-career training grants to re- which benefits Chaffee Hospital. A true neigh- achieve accreditation as a Critical Access cent public health graduates and to current

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.039 E26FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS E248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 26, 2008 public health employees looking to supplement local health agencies with schools of public this legislation will significantly improve our their education. It also creates an electronic health, will serve as training grounds analo- ability to respond effectively to public health clearinghouse to make it easier for workers to gous to medical schools and teaching hos- emergencies. find available public health positions to the pitals. Federal Government. Closer coordination between academia and A strong and robust public health workforce Additionally, this bill will improve the training the people we charge with protecting the pub- is not a luxury, Madam Speaker. It is a neces- of public health workers and introduce many lic welfare is essential to keeping our constitu- sity. The Public Health Preparedness Work- more of them to the field by spurring the cre- ents safe from threats like avian flu, staph in- force Development all my colleagues to sup- ation of academic health departments. These fections, and other public health challenges, port it. departments, formed by the union of State and By melding the academic and the practical,

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