Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a most distinguished public servant, Mr. David E. Schaffer, Senior Counsel on the Transportation Committee's Aviation Subcommittee. Mr. Schaffer is retiring after twenty-six years of Federal service, including the past 20 years with the Committee. His unmatched knowledge in the field of aviation, as well as his engaging personality, will be sorely missed in the halls of Congress. David's work stands as a prime example of the good that can be accomplished through public service. The American people have been quite fortunate to have Mr. Schaffer's expertise and guidance throughout his career. Every single aviation law passed in the last two decades is marked with David's creative ideas and approaches. As an attachment to my remarks, a list of all aviation laws passed during David's tenure is included.

David's ability to work with people on both sides of the aisle serves as a major reason for the overwhelming bipartisan support aviation legislation has gathered over the last twenty years. His evenhanded and steady demeanor, as well as his thoughtful approach to a matter ensures that all ideas are heard, and that every opinion is considered. The relationships that David has cultivated among both government and industry officials has allowed for a free exchange of ideas on a wide variety of issues. Such exchanges have helped foster the growth of our nation's aviation industry. He has earned an immeasurable amount of respect from everyone with whom he has worked, including Members of Congress, staff, and those in the transportation community.

David began his career in public service in 1978, when he joined the Office of General Counsel of the Civil Aeronautics Board as an attorney, specializing in rules, legislation, and litigation involving small community air service, international air service, consumer protection, and charters. In 1984, he began work with the Aviation Subcommittee as an Assistant Minority Counsel, becoming the Chief Minority Counsel in 1992, and Majority Counsel in 1995. Throughout his tenure with the Aviation Subcommittee, he has been involved in all aspects of aviation legislation, including safety, security, airline competition, international air service, the Airport Improvement Program, air traffic control modernization, Federal Aviation Administration reform, and oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board.

David's leadership proved critical in the weeks following the events of September 11, 2001. His experience played an essential role in creating the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which helped restore confidence to the flying public. In a most precarious time for our nation, we were extremely fortunate to have someone like David Schaffer assisting us. Most recently, his assistance led to the successful passage of Vision 100, the FAA Reauthorization Act, which will have a lasting effect on the aviation industry for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in celebrating the retirement of David Schaffer, and wish him well in whatever venture he seeks next. I would also like to offer an extended note of gratitude on behalf of the previous Chairmen of the Transportation Committee and Aviation Subcommittee whom David has served with great distinction. We wish you good luck and again say thank you for all you have done for both the Congress as well as the American people.

Aviation Laws Passed During David Schaffer's Tenure

108th Congress

H.R. 2115, Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization

Act

S. 579, National Transportation Safety Board

Reauthorization Act of 2003

107th Congress

H.R. 2926, Air Transportation Safety and System

Stabilization Act

S. 1447, Aviation and Transportation Security Act

106th Congress

H.R. 1000, Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform

Act for the 21st Century

S. 2440, Airport Security Improvement Act of 2000

105th Congress

H.R. 2476, To amend title 49, United States Code, to

require the National Transportation Safety Board and

individual foreign air carriers to address the needs of

families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents

involving foreign air carriers.

H.R. 2626, To make clarifications to the Pilot Records

Improvement Act of 1996, and for other purposes.

H.R. 2843, Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998

104th Congress

H.R. 3159, National Transportation Safety Board Amendments

of 1996

H.R. 3539, Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996

103rd Congress

H.R. 904, To amend the Airport and Airway Safety, Capacity,

Noise Improvement, and Inter-nodal Transportation Act of 1992

with respect to the establishment of the National Commission

to Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry.

H.R. 2440, Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1994

H.R. 2739, Federal Aviation Administration Authorization

Act of 1994

S. 1458, General Aviation Revitalization Authorization Act

of 1994

102nd Congress

H.R. 5481, FAA Civil Penalty Administrative Assessment Act

of 1992

H.R. 6168, Airport and Airway Safety, Capacity, Noise

Improvement, and Intermodal Transportation Act of 1992

101st Congress

H.R. 968, Noise Reduction Reimbursement Act of 1989

H.R. 5732, Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990

H.R. 3671, To amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to

extend the civil penalty assessment demonstration program.

H.R. 5131, To amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to

extend the civil penalty assessment demonstration program,

and for other purposes.

100th Congress

H.R. 2310, Airport and Airway Improvement Amendments of

1987

S. 623, Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1987

S. 1628, An original bill to extend the Aviation Insurance

Program for 5 years

99th Congress

S. 2703, Air Carrier Access Act of 1986

98th Congress

H.R. 5297, Civil Aeronautics Board Sunset Act of 1984

S. 197, A bill to direct the Secretary of the Department of

Transportation to conduct an independent study to determine

the adequacy of certain industry practices and Federal

Aviation Administration rules and regulations, and for other

purposes.

S. 1146, Aviation Drug-Trafficking Control Act

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

First, Mr. Speaker, let me say how pleased I am to have had the opportunity to work with the majority whip on this legislation. I want to say that the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt) is my friend, and he and I have had the opportunity to work on a number of issues together. He was extraordinarily helpful with the Help America Vote Act, and he and I, as some may know, meet on a regular basis and have lunch either in his office or in my office.

The majority whip referenced our working together in a bipartisan way. I think he is absolutely correct, this is an example of how we can work together and how when we do work together we can do very productive and positive things.

At the outset, I want to thank April Ponnuru for the work that she has done, a member of the staff of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), as well as my own staff member, Jane Sung. Both of them have worked very hard to get this legislation to where it is today.

I am pleased, of course, to support the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act 2004, which the gentleman from Missouri and I, and others, have cosponsored. In 1968, Mr. Speaker, at the launch of the first Special Olympics games, Eunice Kennedy Shriver repeated the words of the ancient Roman gladiators and said, ``Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be

brave in the attempt.'' This has since become the Special Olympics athletes' pledge.

Special Olympics has a remarkable history. It began with Eunice Shriver, who believed that people with intellectual disabilities were underestimated and deserved the same opportunities and experiences as the rest of society. In 1962, she began a day camp in her back yard in Maryland, where individuals with intellectual disabilities could participate in physical activities.

It is ironic that I met Eunice and Sarge Shriver in 1962 at the Washingtonian Motel at the Young Democrats convention that year. Sarge Shriver was our speaker. Since that time, I have become and been a very good friend of Sarge Shriver and Eunice Shriver. Her work in the ensuing years led quickly to expanded multiple camps and eventually to the first international Special Olympics in 1968. Today, under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver, the Special Olympics is a worldwide movement with nearly 1.5 million participating athletes in 150 countries around the world; one person with an idea and a vision starting something in her backyard, one person who had been given substantial benefits in life but who knew that she wanted to use those benefits, as so many in her family have done, for the benefit of all.

The bill that we are considering today is about the future of Special Olympics.

This bill will help Special Olympics take the next steps to reach more athletes in more aspects of their lives. For example, Mr. Speaker, this bill will formally authorize the critical ``healthy athletes'' program, where tens of thousands of athletes receive health care screenings at competition venues.

This bill will also allow Special Olympics to develop educational programs for athletes, including character education and volunteer opportunities. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, this bill will allow Special Olympics to further expand their reach internationally through cultural exchanges and other programs in cooperation with the State Department. How very important this is at a time when tensions are so high in so many areas of the world, and this program can seek to ease those tensions while at the same time giving opportunities to the intellectually disadvantaged.

But what distinguishes this from so many bills that we consider in this body is that, at its core, the biggest success of Special Olympics is not simply how it empowers and improves the lives of the athletes involved. The biggest success is how it affects the attitudes of millions of others. I do not know how many in this body have ever been huggers. That term is not used today, an analogous term is used, but being a hugger was being involved at the Special Olympics and, as those athletes competed, knowing full well that it was in the competition that they succeeded, to congratulate them, to, yes, indeed, physically hug them and say, well done, good job, you're special, what an incredible difference that has made in the lives of so many.

Special Olympics has helped to reverse prejudices and stigmas that are often too unfairly put upon people with intellectual disabilities. With Special Olympics, the world sees for itself that people with intellectual disabilities can be, and are, exceptional athletes and can compete, achieve and, yes, win.

I am pleased that the House of Representatives can play a role in this mission. Mr. Speaker, I had the great honor of being one of the cosponsors of the Americans with Disabilities bill. That was passed in 1990 and signed by President Bush into law. He said at the time of signing, and we have said since, that this bill opened opportunities and focused on what people could do, what their ability was, not what their disability was. This bill takes another step forward in ensuring that one of the finest programs that we have in America and around the world, the Special Olympics, will thrive, expand and serve even millions more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy), the nephew of Eunice Shriver, a member of the family that has contributed so much to the welfare of this country and to the welfare of our people.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

In closing, let me again thank the majority whip for his diligence and leadership in working on this legislation and for ensuring its passage before we leave here for the election period. He has been a privilege to work with. His commitment to this objective is very clear and very powerful. I thank him. I join with him in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly am grateful to my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), and his committee for sending this bill directly to the floor. I am pleased to be a sponsor of this historic legislation to provide support to the Special Olympics organization founded by Eunice Shriver over three decades ago and to the thousands of athletes who participate in these games.

This authorization proves the commitment of the United States Congress to this positive organization and all of its participants. Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities who become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Special Olympics has become an important vehicle and platform for breaking down artificial barriers, improving public health, changing negative attitudes in education, and helping athletes overcome the prejudice that people with their disabilities often face.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competitive opportunities for nearly 1.5 million athletes in 26 different sports. In my home State of Missouri, Special Olympics serves nearly 14,000 athletes ranging from 8 to 80 years old.

With the resources we hope to authorize today, Special Olympics plans to expand participation to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide over the next 5 years. These new resources will also help Special Olympics continue the vision, dental, hearing, and nutritional health screenings they currently provide for their athletes. These services are handled entirely by volunteer health professionals and are critical to enhancing the lives of people who might otherwise go completely without care.

Finally, these resources will allow students of all abilities the chance to learn about differences and engage in creating local Special Olympics teams and events as part of a school-based curriculum. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, and a more positive self-image.

I would like to thank my colleague across the aisle, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the Democratic whip, for his leadership on this issue. It is probably not as often as it should be that Democrats and Republicans, Senators and House Members stand together in total agreement on an issue of this importance. We have worked hard with our friends in the other body to see that that happens.

The government of the United States of America enthusiastically supports Special Olympics and recognizes its importance in improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, and I urge my colleagues to move forward and pass this legislation at the end of our debate.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), the chief deputy whip.

Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank my friend from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) and both of our staffs for their work together and their work with the other body to see that we do get this legislation passed not just here but headed to the President's desk before we are done here in the next few days. It is always a pleasure to work with the gentleman from Maryland. I was pleased we were able to do this effectively with our friends on the other side of the building as well. Certainly, the gentleman from Rhode Island's aunt, Eunice Shriver, is a person who has made a difference in the lives of millions because she reached out to make a difference. Today, we have an opportunity to reach out and join her in that effort. I am pleased to be part of this bipartisan effort to make Special Olympics officially something recognized and encouraged by the United States Government.

Special Olympics,

Washington, DC, October 5, 2004.

Hon. Roy Blunt,

House Majority Whip,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Blunt: On behalf of our athletes, families,

volunteers, and staff around the world, I would like to thank

you for your leadership in introducing the historic ``Special

Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004,'' H.R. 5131 that

will authorize $15 million per year for the next 5 years to

support the expansion of Special Olympics programs. We are

equally elated that Senator Santorum is leading the effort to

pass the companion bill in the Senate.

We consider it an honor that you recognize Special Olympics

as a responsible and accomplished steward of federal funding.

Indeed, millions of individuals with intellectual

disabilities, as well as their families and countless

communities, have benefited from our programs. Passage of the

``Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004'' will

allow us to substantially expand these successful programs,

including Healthy Athletes. As you know, Healthy Athletes

provides much needed health care screenings and services to

address preventable secondary health conditions such as

obesity, poor fitness, nutritional deficiencies, untreated or

poorly treated vision, and dental, hearing, and podiatric

problems. Expansion of the program is particularly important

since people with intellectual disabilities have a 40% higher

risk of the health conditions referenced above.

I understand that some concern has been raised that the

funding contained in H.R. 5131 may be used for abortion,

abortion referral, or sex education. Please be assured that

Special Olympics has not provided nor referred such services

in the past; we would never use federal funds for such a

purpose. I would be happy to discuss such concerns with you

or your colleagues if necessary.

Thank you again for your leadership.

Sincerely,

Timothy P. Shriver, Ph.D.,

Chairman & CEO.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend and colleague, the minority whip, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for his leadership and thank him for his friendship to my Aunt Eunice and my Uncle Sarge Shriver. Growing up, I recall many times when I saw him in the house, and now I enjoy serving with him in this House.

To Majority Whip Blunt, I want to thank him as well for his spearheading this effort. It means a lot to so many millions of Americans, but it means a lot to me and my family that he would do such a thing and take his leadership position to help those who are often the most vulnerable in our society. It says a lot about him. I respect him for it.

As the gentleman from Maryland said, the motto of Special Olympics is, ``Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'' These inspiring words have really been the hallmark of Special Olympics, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues in support of H.R. 5131, the Special Olympics Empowerment Act.

When my Aunt Eunice created the Special Olympics over 36 years ago from a grant by my family's foundation, the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., Foundation which was named after my uncle who died in World War II, she had hoped to create an opportunity for those with intellectual disabilities like my Aunt Rosemary. She hoped to create a forum in which not only her sister Rosemary but others could dispel the myths associated with their disabilities.

The creation of Special Olympics has allowed over 1.5 million persons around the globe the opportunity to compete athletically in over 25 sports. The Special Olympics has become a vehicle and a platform to break down artificial barriers, improve public health, change negative attitudes in education and help athletes overcome the intolerance held against them due merely to their intellectual disability.

This act will provide funds to the Special Olympics in order to carry out an expansion of the organization and increase the participation of potential athletes. The funding would also permit Special Olympics to increase the

activity of the organization well beyond our borders and further awareness outside the United States of the contributions that individuals with intellectual disabilities can make in their society.

I had the opportunity with many of my colleagues to travel over to Iraq several months ago. I was asked by the liaison for the military what were some of the things that I would be interested in learning when I went over there. My Aunt Eunice always was after us to make sure we asked, wherever we were, how people with intellectual disabilities were being treated. Especially traveling around the world, I thought this was something that was important for me to follow through, so I asked the liaison to find out for me whether I could not meet the Special Olympics team of Iraq which had just competed in the international games in Ireland. I was in Saddam Hussein's palace, surrounded by thousands and thousands of both military and civilian workers helping to reconstruct that country. I was with my colleagues and someone came and touched me on the shoulder and said, ``Congressman Kennedy, your group is here to meet with you.'' Of course, I was excited about going down the hall and seeing the Special Olympics team of Iraq. I went down the hall, and there was the Special Olympics team of Iraq and surrounding them were practically every worker in Saddam Hussein's palace, all there with smiles on their faces. It had melted the place. These are people who were consumed with war, and on the sight of the inspirational Special Olympics, they just smiled. I think that says so much about the power of Special Olympics; it shows our common humanity. No matter where we are in the world, we are all members of the same human family. Nothing drives that message home more than the Special Olympics. I think that is what is really the power behind it. I am convinced that the power of this legislation is that we can have our international diplomacy moved forward tremendously just by expanding the Special Olympics program, because who is going to want to do war if they see the power of peace and love that the Special Olympics embodies.

I want to thank the gentleman from Missouri and the gentleman from Maryland for their leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority whip for yielding me this time and congratulate him for bringing this bill forward. I also thank the minority whip, the gentleman from Maryland, for his work on this piece of legislation. I, too, rise in support of this bill. I think I, too, have been a hugger. I know many of our colleagues in this House have attended several Special Olympics events and have seen firsthand the limitless capabilities of these athletes. I am encouraged just about the prospects of how many more athletes will be drawn to these events because of the passage of this legislation.

A few years ago, Special Olympics Virginia received a grant that allowed the organization to implement a program specifically aimed at Richmond's inner city and giving individuals there otherwise bound to a life without physical athletic competition just a whole new outlook. Over a period of 4 years, the program grew to serve over 1,000 athletes. I am hopeful that this legislation will serve as a catalyst for the same type of growth all across the Commonwealth of Virginia and throughout our country.

I would like to recognize Paul Marretti from my district who is a Special Olympics global messenger. Paul educates individuals around the world about the mission, philosophy and benefits of Special Olympics. He is a true leader who is committed to educating people, including Members of Congress, about this incredible program as well as introducing it and attracting more athletes to it.

I would also like to recognize Mr. Roy Zeidman, Mr. Rick Jeffreys and everyone at Special Olympics Virginia who make such a difference in so many lives. I am hopeful that this legislation will further help all of them in their efforts.