March 19, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E513 HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, TRIBUTE TO MRS. ANNIE MAE service organization, Mrs. Aaron was an advi- LOW-COST, TIMELY HEALTHCARE AARON ON HER 95TH BIRTHDAY sor to the Girl Scouts. She is still a vibrant (HEALTH) ACT OF 2003 presence in Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in SPEECH OF HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS Sebring, Florida. Mrs. Aaron’s life is the very OF FLORIDA model of what is possible in a free and open IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES democratic society and it is in keeping with the HON. BOB ETHERIDGE Wednesday, March 19, 2003 culture and highest traditions of what it means to be an American. Mr. Speaker I know that OF NORTH CAROLINA Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Rep- rise today with great pride to recognize Mrs. resentatives join me today in saluting Mrs. Thursday, March 13, 2003 Annie Mae Aaron who will soon observe her Aaron and wishing her continued health and 95th birthday. happiness in the years to come. Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Born on April 24, 1908, Mrs. Aaron was in opposition to H.R. 5, the Republican med- aware at an early age of the importance fam- f ical malpractice bill, and the process by which ily, faith, freedom, and education. Though she CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION it is being debated in this House. was struck with polio at the age of three, SUPPORTING THE EDUCATIONAL Today, the House will pass H.R. 5, a bill to through her faith in God, and self-reliance, she VALUE OF STUDENT TRAVEL impose caps on damages that may be award- recovered from this illness to lead a full and ed for medical malpractice, defective products, productive life of distinction. She Attended Ed- HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON and other health related wrongdoings. Like ward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA many Members of this House, I am concerned and graduated in the class of 1930. She was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES about the rising cost of medical malpractice in- a teacher in the public school system of Flor- surance and its impact on physicians and their ida, teaching in E.O. Douglas high school in Wednesday, March 19, 2003 patients, but H.R. 5 is not the right medicine Sebring. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, whereas travel for this national problem. In 1939, Mrs. Aaron made her home in is a vital component of the educational experi- I oppose H.R. 5 because it will not reduce West Palm Beach Florida where she was the ence for Americans of all ages; medical malpractice premiums. What’s more, it Sunday school secretary at Payne Chapel Whereas, the Washington, DC area is an protects manufacturers of defective pharma- A.M.E. Church. She was a marketing rep- area rich in American history and is visited by ceutical and medical equipment from product resentative for the Afro American Insurance students nationwide; liability actions, and overturns North Carolina Company. She married J.E. Aaron of Sebring Whereas many school boards across the state law. in 1941 and they enjoyed a long happy union country are reluctant to approve student trips Years of experience prove that limiting pa- until his death in 1974. to Washington, DC and other historic areas tient rights to seek legal remedies for medical Mrs. Aaron’s greatest contribution to her due to the attack on the World Trade Center, malpractice will not reduce insurance rates for community and to her country is through her Washington, DC and Pennsylvania and the doctors or hospitals. We’ve heard a lot of de- family—her children that she reared—and pre- fear of additional attacks; bate on this floor today about California’s law school age children of others whom she Whereas many U.S. students will not be that caps damage awards in medical mal- mentored. She produced seven sons and two able to experience landmarks and monuments practice cases at $250,000. Supporters of daughters. Four of her sons served honorably celebrating American democracy, political fig- H.R. 5 misses the point in this debate, Mr. in the United States Army, three of whom ures and scientific achievement; Speaker. Instead of dealing with the real issue served in combat zones during hostilities. Whereas the absence of student travel to here, which involves insurance rates, the Re- Rudy rose to the rank of Sergeant and served our nation’s historic sites will leave a vital gap publican Majority is turning this serious issue in the Army Signal Corps in the Korean War. in the education of America’s youth; into a political football at the expense of pa- Samuel achieved to the rank of Regular Army Whereas America’s youth must be cog- tients. Major and was an Army aviator during two nizant of American history to understand fully H.R. 5 also limits the ability of injured per- tours in the Vietnam War. He is a high-ranking the concepts and responsibilities of democracy sons to bring suits against pharmaceutical official with the Federal Aviation Administra- and citizenship; companies, HMOs, nursing homes, and med- tion. A third son, Eugene, advanced to the Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate ical device manufacturers, thus setting a dan- rank of Regular Army Captain and served in and the United States House of Representa- gerous precedent allowing these entities to es- Wurzburg, Germany with the Third Infantry Di- tives of the United States in Congress assem- vision as a Tank platoon commander during cape the law in even the most severe cases bled, that student travel is a vital component the height of the Cold War. He was also an of neglect and abuse. of the educational process and should be en- advisory to South Vietnamese in the Vietnam Finally, H.R. 5 undermines North Carolina’s couraged so that Americans, young and old, War. He is now a State Department Foreign patients protection statutes, which are some of can participate in travel, the perfect freedom. Service Officer, who has completed diplomatic f the strongest in the nation. assignments in four countries. Patrick served My colleagues Mr. DINGELL and Mr. in the United States Army in Alaska in the Sig- LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TONI CONYERS have drafted an alternative amend- nal Corps, Mrs. Aaron’s daughters are also JENNINGS ment to H.R. 5. This alternative will help serving their communities in significant ways. courts weed out frivolous lawsuits without re- Both have chosen to become teachers in their stricting the rights of legitimate claims, repeal HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE native Florida, following in the large footprints OF FLORIDA the federal anti-trust exemption for medical of their mother. Priscilla is a Business teacher IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES malpractice insurance companies, thereby in- at Sebring High School in Highlands County. creasing competition and lowering premiums, Ruth is a Mathematics Instructor in the Semi- Wednesday, March 19, 2003 and provide targeted assistance directly to nole County Community College. Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. physicians, hospitals, and communities in Some sons have distinguished themselves Speaker I rise today to congratulate Florida’s medical malpractice crisis areas. Finally, the in non-military areas as well. Joseph is an ex- new Lieutenant Governor, Toni Jennings, who alternative establishes an independent advi- pert chemist and enjoyed a long 20-year ca- was appointed Monday by Florida Governor sory commission to examine and recommend reer with the Department of Energy. James is Jeb Bush. long-term solutions to this important issue. Un- a passionate lawyer, using his knowledge and I served with Toni in the Florida State Sen- fortunately, the Republican Leadership has de- skill of the law to increase justice in his com- ate and I know from working with her in that nied us an opportunity to offer this alternative. munity. During his life, Robert used his hands capacity what a dedicated public servant she Mr. Speaker, the issue of a insurance is an in many trades, mainly the construction crafts. is. important one. Yet, it seems that the Repub- Lastly, one of the children that she mentored A Florida native and the first woman to hold lican Majority has forgotten one of the key te- as a pre-school student, Water, is a Medical this post in Florida’s history, Toni brings a nets of the Hippocratic oath—do no harm or Doctor. Indeed Mrs. Aaron has contributed wealth of legislative knowledge and dedication injustice. H.R. 5 will without a doubt harm much to Sebring, the state of Florida and to the State of Florida with her to the Execu- America’s patients. I urge all of my colleagues America. tive Branch. to vote against H.R. 5 and to support the mo- In addition to organizing and serving as Toni was the youngest woman ever elected tion to recommit the bill. president of the Women’s Club, a community to the State Legislature when she took office

VerDate Jan 31 2003 05:23 Mar 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19MR8.008 E19PT1 E514 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 19, 2003 in 1976 at the age of 27. In 1980, she was Lester E. Musgrove and married him when racy, it also helps them identify the contem- elected to the Florida Senate where in 1996 she was 16 years old. She followed her barn- porary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of she became the first woman ever elected as storming husband across the United States to Rights. Critical thinking exercises, problem- President of the Florida Senate. In 2000 she air shows, wing walker exhibitions, air races solving activities, and cooperative learning became the first senator ever to be elected to and crop-dusting jobs. While Lester served in techniques help develop participatory skills two consecutive terms as Senate President. the U.S. Army Air Corps at the start of WWII, necessary for students to become active, re- Senators trusted Toni. The House leadership Billie raised their son, Bob, in Grand Rapids sponsible citizens. trusted Toni and the voters trusted Toni. and worked their new property in South Dade. The class from Indiana Area High School is After the war, the couple started their Red- She was also the first woman Minority Lead- currently preparing for their participation in the er in either house of the legislature serving land avocado grove and they watched Bob national competition in Washington, DC. It is two terms, from 1983–84 and from 1986–88 grow to become a pilot. Billie purchased an air inspiring to see these young people advocate while in the Senate. boat to hunt in the Everglades and enjoyed the fundamental ideals and principles of our A former fifth-grade teacher, Toni was a preparing feasts from her catches for family government, ideas that identify us as a people strong champion of education issues in the and friends. and bind us together as a nation. It is impor- Senate and earned a reputation as such. Toni Billie had a great love of the organ and tant for future generations to understand these instilled in every senator that there were no piano which led her to entertain at Sunniland’s values and principles which we hold as stand- ‘‘Ds’’ or ‘‘Rs’’ in TEAM. Flame Restaurant and Homestead’s Capri ards in our endeavor to preserve and realize I am proud to say she’s the Lieutenant Gov- Restaurant with big band era favorites. A great ernor of my state and I know Florida is lucky joy was her immediate past presidency of the promise of our constitutional democracy. I to have her. Congratulations, Toni. South Florida’s Organ Belles club and Light wish these young ‘‘constitutional experts’’ the best of luck as they participate in the We the f Aircraft Flyer’s Association. Travels around the world added to her wonderful life. People national finals. SUPPORTING WORKERS Billie touched many lives and leaves great memories with those who were fortunate to f HON. SHERROD BROWN know her. She will be sorely missed but al- SUPPORT RANCHER DROUGHT TAX OF OHIO ways remembered with love. My heartfelt sym- RELIEF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pathies go out to her family for their tremen- dous loss. Wednesday, March 19, 2003 f Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to HON. BARBARA CUBIN THE CITIZEN AND THE recognize the courage and strength of legal OF WYOMING immigrant workers who immigrated to the CONSTITUTION PROGRAM United States to make life better. Throughout IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES their struggles, they were filled with the prom- HON. BILL SHUSTER Wednesday, March 19, 2003 ised optimism and freedom inherent in the OF PENNSYLVANIA American dream. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, our Tax Code is Today marks the two year anniversary of a Wednesday, March 19, 2003 unfairly penalizing livestock producers during unique American struggle. On March 19, the present drought that is affecting a large 2001, Chinese Daily News workers, mostly im- Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to area of this great country. Under current law, migrants from Taiwan, voted to select The inform my colleagues that on April 26, 2003, ranchers who were forced to sell their cattle Newspaper Guild of the Communications more than 1,200 students from across the because of the drought are limited to a time Workers of America to represent them for pur- United States will visit Washington, DC, to period of just 2 years before they either have poses of collective bargaining and to help compete in the national finals of the We the to pay taxes on that sale—or buy new live- them develop a more cohesive voice at work. People: The Citizen and the Constitution pro- stock—even though the drought persists. The I commend the tireless efforts of these work- gram. This educational program is developed problem is, we are now in the third year of this ers as they continue to wrestle the over- specifically to teach young people more about drought, and there’s no end in sight—experts whelming resources of a foreign employer the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and is have called this the worst drought in a century committed to silencing their voices and thwart- administered by the Center for Civic Edu- in many parts of the West, including my home, ing their right to organize under U.S. labor cation. The program is funded by the U.S. De- Wyoming. In fact, it is so bad out West that law. This is unacceptable. partment of Education by an act of Congress. we had a city in Wyoming actually run out of Foreign employers should not be given lee- I am proud to announce that the class from water last summer. If the cities are out of way to further erode the organizing rights of Indiana Area High School from Indiana will water, imagine how hard it is for ranchers to U.S. workers. Chinese Daily News employees represent the state of Pennsylvania in this na- raise their livestock on drought-ravaged land. put their faith in America and in U.S. labor tional event. These young scholars have A good first step to help drought-stricken law. At this pivotal juncture in our history, we worked conscientiously to reach the national ranchers is to extend the period of time we should recognize the faith and allegiance of finals by participating at local and statewide allow for them to weather the drought. That’s those legal immigrants who subscribe to our competitions. As a result of their experience why I support the McInnis amendment in H.R. rule of law. These workers deserve our sup- they have gained a deep knowledge and un- 1308, the Tax Relief, Simplification, and Equity port. I urge management of the Chinese Daily derstanding of the fundamental principles and Act of 2003, which would allow ranchers an News to sit down with the affected workers values of our constitutional democracy. additional 2 years to either replace their herd and immediately settle their differences. The 3-day We the People national competi- or pay a capital gains tax. The impact on the f tion is modeled after hearings in the United States Congress. The hearings consist of oral Treasury would be small, but the impact on REMEMBERING WILMA MUSGROVE presentations by high school students before a Wyoming ranchers is huge. It is the difference panel of adult judges on constitutional topics. between sinking and swimming. The 2-year HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN The students are given an opportunity to dem- limit in current law is unworkable in our onstrate their knowledge while they evaluate, present situation and serves as a disincentive OF FLORIDA to those who raise this valuable commodity IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES take, and defend positions on relevant histor- ical and contemporary issues. Their testimony that feeds millions of people. A poorly de- Wednesday, March 19, 2003 is followed by a period of questioning by the signed Tax Code should not force these small Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, pioneer judges who probe the students’ depth of un- business men and women to choose between aviation wife and South Dade avocado farmer, derstanding and ability to apply their constitu- closing their doors or paying their tax bill. Wilma ‘‘Billie’’ Musgrove, died on March 6th in tional knowledge. Mr. Speaker, these are desperate times for the arms of her son at the age of 86 after suf- The We the People program provides cur- our agricultural community, and they demand fering several strokes. Born of Dutch parents ricular materials at upper elementary, middle, our attention. This change can provide hope to in Holland, Michigan, she celebrated Tulip and high school levels. The curriculum not those who are on the verge of closing the Time and the sand dunes and beaches of only enhances students’ understanding of the barn doors for good. I yield back the balance Lake Michigan. She caught the eye of aviator institutions of American constitutional democ- of my time.

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