Floor Statements

Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4167.

I find it interesting that the majority party, which calls itself an advocate for States' rights, would actually put forth a bill that eviscerates State food safety laws. If passed, this bill would be a huge setback for consumer safety, public health and America's war on terror.

Yesterday, I urged the Rules Committee to accept the Capps-Eshoo- Waxman-Stupak consumer protection amendment which would permit States to maintain or enact food safety and food warning laws that require notifications regarding the risks of cancer, birth defects, reproductive health issues, and allergic reactions associated with sulfiting agents in bulk foods.

Our amendment would also permit States to maintain or enact food warning laws and notify parents about risks to children.

I offered a second amendment which would allow States to maintain or enact food warning laws that require notification labeling regarding the treatment of foods with carbon monoxide. This bill, as written, would wipe out over 80 food safety laws and put our Nation's food safety standards squarely in the hands of the FDA.

Michigan maintains and has laws that would be overturned with this bill regarding sulfiting agent warnings in bulk foods, smoked fish, the safety of food in restaurants, and laws governing the safety of milk. That is why 37 bipartisan State attorneys general oppose this bill.

The bipartisan Association of Food and Drug Officials also have strong concerns. They stated and wrote to us, and I quote, ``This legislation undermines our Nation's whole biosurveillance system by preempting and invalidating many of the State and local food safety laws and regulations that provide the authority necessary for State and local agents to operate food safety and security programs. The pre-9/11 concept embodied in this bill is very much out of line with the current threats that confront our food safety and security.''

They also said that preemption and invalidation of State and local food safety and security activities will ``severely hamper the FDA's ability to detect and respond to acts of terrorism.'' They added, and I quote, ``Our current food safety and security system will be significantly disrupted and our inability to track suspected acts of intentional alteration of food will be exploited by those who seek to do harm to our Nation.''

The danger of placing our Nation's food safety laws squarely in the hands of the FDA is demonstrated by my amendment on carbon monoxide.

Madam Chair, I would like to direct your attention to these pictures. Which meat do you think is older, the red

meat on the top or the brown meat on the bottom? It is a trick question. They are both the same age. Both have been sitting in a refrigerator side-by-side for 5 months.

You can see the date of the labels, October 2005. The meat on the top, which is bright red and looks very, very healthy, has actually been treated with carbon monoxide, which causes the meat to look red and fresh long into the future. The meat on the bottom here, the brown, is actually brown and slimy. Like I said, the meat on the top is 5 months old and looks as good as new, but what happens if you eat this? You will probably become very ill and possibly die from a foodborne pathogen like E. coli.

The FDA, in all of its wisdom, or lack thereof, has no objection to allowing carbon monoxide meat to be packaged. Color is the most important factor people look at when they determine which type of meat to buy, according to numerous studies. This new practice is clearly consumer deception, yet the FDA decided it was okay. The FDA either did not look at the evidence or it just didn't find this whole matter troubling. I do not know which is worse.

Right now, States may pass their own laws which label carbon monoxide meat so the consumers are well aware of what they are getting before they purchase it. All my amendment says is to allow the States to require carbon monoxide labeling if you are going to try to freshen up your meat. That is all we want to do, to allow a consumer to know what is going on. So when they go to the store and look at the meat, if they buy it based on a color which supposedly brings out the freshness, they will know it was done by tricking it with carbon monoxide, but that it is the same meat, kept for the same amount of time. All we are asking with our amendment is to allow us to prevent this.

Do we really want this? We want to let the consumer know that the meat has been chemically treated before they purchase it. This bill would prevent me from doing that.

Public health and food safety have primarily been the responsibility of the States. We should not now tie the hands of the States who want to protect the health of their citizens in the absence of FDA judgment, resources, expertise, or the will to do the right thing. I urge the majority party to stand up for the American people and allow our Democratic amendments and the Stupak carbon monoxide amendment on the floor next week for consideration.

America can make the choice. With this bill, we will get tainted meat with carbon monoxide and jeopardize the health and safety of the American people.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

I yield to the gentleman from California.

Reclaiming my time, the gentleman is absolutely correct. What we are saying, basically, is let the consumer be aware of what they are buying. Let the buyer beware.

I should know if the meat I am buying here, the hamburger, has been treated with carbon monoxide to make it look fresh and healthy, but it has been sitting for 5 months and really contains a deadly pathogen, with E. coli, that can kill me.

Madam Speaker, the United Arab Emirates port deal is nothing new from the Bush administration. Over the past 5 years, President Bush has mastered back-room deals and secrecy, but now his administration's actions are threatening our homeland security. The United Arab Emirates deal was approved by the Bush administration despite national security concerns raised by both the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Coast Guard.

The bipartisan 9/11 Commission has identified America's seaports as particularly vulnerable to attacks because only 6 percent of all cargo containers are screened. The world's busiest port, Hong Kong, can screen 100 percent of their containers. Why can we not do it here at home?

The Bush administration shares responsibility with Republicans here in Congress for the vulnerabilities that now exist at our ports. Democrats listened to the Coast Guard and we listened to the 9/11 Commission, and we tried to increase funding for port security.

House Republicans have opposed these efforts despite the fact the Coast Guard says they need $4.6 billion over the next 10 years to properly secure our ports.

Madam Speaker, Republican rhetoric on homeland security is not enough. It is time for action. Put Democrats in charge, and we will get 100 percent container inspection, and we will have real port security in this country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an organization in Michigan that single-handedly brought dentistry from a journeyman's trade, as it was called, to a respected profession. The Michigan Dental Association, MDA, will celebrate 150 years of being the foundation for the education of dentists and professional development of their health care specialty on March 1 of this year. The MDA is the oldest continuous State dental society in the United States.

What began as 14 dentists venturing to Detroit on horseback through the harsh Michigan winter on January 8, 1856, would far surpass their dream of creating an association of dentists to elevate the significance of their medical profession. The MDA first pursued their dream by promoting education and professional standards by requiring all members to be graduates of dental school. Finding it difficult to demand such a requirement without a dental school in the State, they worked with the Michigan Legislature to appropriate funds to start a dental school at the University of Michigan.

In the MDA's endless quest to raise the reputation of the dental profession, they began working in 1867 toward legislation that would require dentists practicing in the State of Michigan to register with a State board of dentistry, weeding out those practicing unauthorized methods. In 1883, Governor Josiah W. Begole signed the first dental practice act to enact such requirements.

Membership of the MDA grew at rapid rates during the late 1800's and early 1900's due to annual meetings, the inclusion of local dental groups in the state and the publication of a monthly Journal, still in circulation today.

In the 1930's during the Great Depression, the dental industry was hit hard along with the entire economy. However, the MDA made a strong recovery by helping recruit dentists for military service as well as finding ways to ensure local communities had dental service. Throughout the 1940's and on into the 60's the MDA took up a number of causes including the promotion of community water fluoridation and promoting employer-paid dental coverage and third party plans, which eventually led to expanded dental coverage in Michigan.

The 1980's served as an opportunity to continue the MDA's pursuit of higher professional standards for their profession. A campaign began in 1984 to advocate the importance of dental care and to urge the public to visit their dentist every 6 months, a now widely accepted practice. The MDA worked to mandate continuing dental education for licensed dental professionals, further accomplishing their goal to promote education in the profession.

Mr. Speaker, the Michigan Dental Association has represented the profession of dentistry and the professionals it serves exceptionally well with foresight and vision over the last 150 years. They have successfully taught America that the importance of good oral health is key to overall health. With over 75 percent of Michigan dentists as members, the MDA continues to focus on their message of ``Dental Care is Primary Care'' and work with the State of Michigan to ``promote professional ethics, dental coverage to the uninsured and disadvantaged, and to monitor in the disciplinary process.'' With those values in mind, I ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Michigan Dental Association and its 5,801 members--2005, on their sesquicentennial celebration of raising the standards of the profession of dentistry in Michigan and the United States. I wish them all the best in the future toward another successful 150 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding man of faith, The Most Reverend James H. Garland, the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Marquette. On December 13, 2005, Bishop Garland officially retired as the Bishop of Marquette; serving as Diocesan Administrator until January 25, 2006, when The Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample was ordained and installed as the twelfth Bishop of Marquette. On February 26, 2006, the Diocese of Marquette will host a retirement gathering for Bishop Garland to show their appreciation for his ministry and leadership. Bishop Garland has been committed to the ministry and service for the Diocese of Marquette for 13 years, and 47 years as an ordained priest. Bishop Garland's contribution to the Catholic Church and his faith has touched so many lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and beyond.

Bishop Garland was born to Ada and Leo Garland on December 13, 1931. Growing up on a farm in Wilmington, OH, young James Garland learned the value of hard work by sharing chores with his four brothers and two sisters. That Midwest work ethic would come in handy years later when he studied at Ohio State University. In 1953, Bishop Garland graduated from Ohio State receiving a bachelor's degree in Education.

Immediately upon graduating, Bishop Garland began studying at the seminaries of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and in 1960 received a Master's Degree in Philosophy from Mount Saint Mary's Seminary of the West. Several years later in 1965, he went on to obtain a Master's Degree in Social Work from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Bishop Garland served in several parishes after being ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on August 15, 1959.

Through the years, he directed offices of Catholic Charities in Springfield and Dayton, OH before directing the Archdiocesan Offices of Catholic Charities. On June 2, 1984 Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Garland to the Episcopacy and then, on July 25, 1984, ordained him Titular Bishop of Garriana and Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Cincinnati. At the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, he directed the Archdiocesan Departments of Community Services and Pastoral Services.

It was not until November 11, 1992 that Marquette, MI was blessed with the wisdom and guidance of James H. Garland when he was installed as the eleventh Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette. Since that time, Bishop Garland has served on the Administrative Committee and Board of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. From November 1992 to November 1995 he also served as Chairman of the United States Catholic Conference Committee for the Campaign for Human Development. From November 1995 to November 1997 he served as the Chairperson of the Bishops of the Region VI of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

During his time as Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, Bishop Garland also began the Legacy of Faith to raise $10 million toward the Diocese's endowment campaign. To accomplish such a feat, he recruited the Bishop's Ambassadors to help achieve the objective of allowing future generations the opportunity to experience all that the tradition of faith has to offer. Among the many wonderful causes this campaign has aided, it has benefited Catholic schools and the Upper Peninsula Catholic Social Services. My wife Laurie and I have proudly served as Ambassadors humbly assisting with this valiant effort.

Throughout his nearly 50 years of ministry, Bishop Garland has touched many lives and bestowed many lessons of faith. Although Bishop Garland is retiring, he will continue to help people and serve his faith. He plans to stay in Marquette to remain involved with the church. When called upon, he looks forward to substituting for local priests and celebrating confirmations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in thanking Bishop James H. Garland for his service to the Diocese of Marquette, to the Holy Catholic Church and his tireless dedication to the value of education and involvement in his faith community. Beyond the incredible credentials, leadership roles and accomplishments that span his lifetime, Bishop Garland has shown unwavering commitment to the people he has served. He has truly done God's work through his teachings and as a role model for parishioners.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a northern Michigan natural phenomenon that will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary of restoring the natural beauty and resources of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.). This year the Ottawa National Forest will celebrate 75 years of service but an endless impact on the vibrant habitat.

During the early 1900's, loggers flocked to Michigan's western U.P. to take advantage of what seemed to be an endless supply of pine trees. Used for fuel, paper products and the timber necessary to build cities like Detroit and Chicago, the once lush, vast forests were gutted and left as a desolate wasteland by the late 1920's.

In 1931 the fate of that land would change forever when President Herbert Hoover signed

a proclamation establishing the Ottawa National Forest as a means of reviving the barren forest. Seventy-five years later, the restoration of the Ottawa National Forest has been described as a true success story.

Now managed for multiple uses, the Ottawa National Forest provides many products and services based on its mission of caring for the land and serving people. The Ottawa National Forest also provides a great economic impact to the region. It supplies local communities both with wood products as well as jobs. Additionally, the Ottawa National Forest is an incredible draw for tourism with such recreational activities as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, boating and snowmobiling to name a few.

Mr. Speaker, the success of the Ottawa National Forest in revitalizing the cherished natural resource of Michigan's western Upper Peninsula pine forests is a shining example of how effective a mission carried out over time and the implementation of sensible management practices can make such a significant impact in the world.

I ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Ottawa National Forest employees from past and present on 75 years of living the proud tradition of the Forest Service mission and wish them all the best in the future toward another successful 75 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a journalistic legend and a valued Michigan native, columnist Mr. George Weeks. This long time newsman, acclaimed author and Michigan historian has epitomized the ability to provoke thought and challenge ideology through his interviews and written works.

Born in 1932 in Traverse City, Michigan, a city I proudly represented for 8 of my 14 years in Congress, Mr. Weeks was exposed to the beauty of northern Michigan and the values of rural America. After graduating from Traverse City High School in 1950, Mr. Weeks attended and graduated from Michigan State University (MSU). He spent 18 months as an Army officer before beginning his lengthy career in journalism and politics.

His career in news began in 1954 when he took a job as the Lansing staff correspondent for United Press International (UPI). In the 14 years he spent with UPI, he also served as the Detroit Bureau radio and news editor, Lansing Bureau chief, diplomatic correspondent, and Washington foreign editor. While in Washington DC, Mr. Weeks became a member of the White House Correspondents Association, the State Department Correspondents Association and Overseas Writers. His coverage

abroad took him to the former Soviet Union, Africa, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

The time he spent covering politics in Michigan and beyond placed him among the prestigious Who's Who in America list and served as valuable knowledge as he transitioned to Press Secretary for Michigan Governor William G. Miliken. After beginning with Governor Miliken in 1969, Mr. Weeks went on to serve as a member of the Governor's special council and then as his chief of staff.

The opportunity to work in the Miliken administration would serve as a foundation later for one of his greatest literary works. In the meantime, Mr. Weeks went on to be a Kennedy Fellow in 1981 attending Harvard University Institute of Politics. His research led him to conduct a study and subsequently write a published paper on outstanding governors of the 20th century.

Mr. Weeks then found his way back to his home state of Michigan when he took a job as the political columnist for the Detroit News in 1983. His written works on topics ranging from public affairs to political developments earned him the Outstanding Alumni Award of MSU's College of Communications Arts.

In his limited time, Mr. Weeks wrote several books on a range of topics close to his heart. These literary works included: Stewards of the State: The Governors of Michigan (1987; revised 1991), which won the Michigan Small Press ``Book of the Year Award'' and the achievement award from the Greater Michigan Foundation; Sleeping Bear: Its Lore, Legends and First People (1988; fifth printing in 2000); Sleeping Bear: Yesterday and Today (1990; expanded edition 2005) and MEM-KA-WEH: Dawning of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (1992). He also co-authored The Miliken Years; A Pictorial Reflection (1988) and A Handbook of African Affairs (1964) and also contributed to Michigan: Visions of our Past (1987) and The Royal Cookbook (1969).

As if writing a column as a foremost expert on politics in the state of Michigan or authoring a number of books as a foremost expert on the history of our fascinating state weren't enough, Mr. Weeks also invested time in organizations committed to causes he cherishes. Mr. Weeks has served on the Board of Directors for the Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Council, and on the planning committee for the annual observance of Michigan Week. Michigan Week, started by his father Don Weeks, is an event aimed at promoting pride throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, George Weeks and his wife Mollie, have also raised two wonderful children, Julie and Don, along their exciting and unique journey thus far in life. Now residing in Glen Arbor, Michigan, I understand that he plans to continue his writing by imparting his wisdom and knowledge through columns in small hometown papers in northern Michigan. It also seems fitting that he plans to do what George does best by turning his endless quest for knowledge on issues he's passionate about into written works that serve as learning tools for others.

Today, I join a long list of individuals, including the Michigan Congressional Delegation, who have had the opportunity to work with, learn from or even know Mr. George Weeks in saying ``Thank You''. Many of us have been on the other end of the phone line with George waiting to see if his modest voice would invite a robust conversation about topics in which we shared alike thoughts or if he would ask a question that required careful and considerate thought in answering. Whether you have agreed with him or not on a topic he wrote, you respected his integrity and his ability to be fair in cracking though rhetoric to the truth of the matter.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. George Weeks for his commitment to the value of a profession that has often been equated to the fourth branch of government, for his dedication to fair and balanced reporting, for the integrity he brings to this sometimes volatile political world and for his deep, genuine appreciation for the great state of Michigan. Thank you, George!

I certainly wish George Weeks and his wife Mollie the best in retirement and I look forward to our future conversations.

Mr. Speaker, on this first day of the Second Session of the 109th Congress, I sadly inform the House of Representatives of another Accutane death. I will enter into the Record an article from the Appleton Post Crescent. The article is dated today, February 1, 2006. If I may, I would like to quote from this newspaper.

``Justin Zimmer shot himself January 15 in his bedroom, a shocking suicide his family struggles to comprehend and fears may be tied to Justin's acne medication.

``The day of Justin's death, the family had returned home from a meeting to discuss a trip planned by Justin's church youth group.

``His parents, Wendy and Warren, left for the grocery store. An hour later they pulled into the driveway and learned Justin was dead.

``How could their happy, high-achieving teen, who couldn't wait to take his driver's test on his 16th birthday Thursday, end a life of so much promise?

``All the Zimmers and their other two children are left with are questions, and the only answer they can come up with to explain his death is Accutane, the prescription drug Justin started taking in December for severe acne.''

I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Zimmer family. I, too, know the struggle and heartache and pain that they are going through as I lost my son B.J. on May 14, 2000.

To go on the article says that the FDA and the drug manufacturer of Accutane, Roche, indicated that the rate of depression among Accutane users is 1.5 times higher than among nonusers, according to a December 7, 2004 report in USA Today.

As Mr. Zimmer said, `` `They can snap in as little as an hour. I'd just as soon see it off the market,' '' meaning Accutane. `` `If this can happen to a kid with all this going for him, think what could happen to a kid who's struggling?' ''

`` `They shouldn't sell it to anyone . . . ' ''

Another doctor, ``an Appleton dermatologist, said he has looked at a number of studies and has no qualms about prescribing isotretinoin,'' which is the medical term for Accutane.

He goes on and says, this dermatologist, `` `It's something we're concerned about and we ask about, but we don't see any scientific evidence to say there is an increased risk for it.' '' He said the side effects, including the potential for depression and suicide, are there, but he is not concerned about it.

Mr. Speaker, I have come to this floor before, and I have brought forth this PET scan of the frontal orbital cortex. If you take a look at it, this is the medical evidence that directly links Accutane to depression and suicide ideation and suicide in the users of Accutane.

If you take a look at it, here is the baseline of Accutane over on my far right. That is the frontal orbital cortex of the brain. When you take a look there is all the red in the picture over here, that is the baseline. Four months later they take a PET scan of the brain over here, post-Accutane, 4 months on Accutane. Notice there is very little redness in this front part of the brain, the frontal orbital cortex, the front part of the brain we know causes depression.

The reason why there is no redness is because the metabolism of the brain has been stopped or affected by the use of the Accutane. In this particular slide, this person had a 21 percent decrease in brain activity while on Accutane.

So, when this dermatologist says there is no medical evidence, there is. Here is the direct evidence. This has been published in the American Journal of Psychiatry last year. Also, there are animal tests which show the same thing, how Accutane actually destroyed a brain in these animals.

We can even take it one step further. This person who has this PET scan here, if you gave this person, a number of dermatologists said they would monitor them, if you give this person the Beck's depression test, which is standard indication of signs of depression to see if the person is suffering from depression, this person who had a 21 percent decrease in brain activity passed every one of them. The only reason why they knew something was going on besides the PET scan was the personal behavior had changed. Unless you are monitoring that person all the time you never would know that from the Beck's depression test because it did not show a change in personality.

Getting back to the young man that unfortunately took his life on January 15, his parents went on to say, `` `He had an appointment this Thursday to take his driver's test and it was one of the few times he'd take off of school. We were shopping for cars.'

``Justin was sensitive and shy, with a ready smile and a penchant for perfection, said his parents. At school, he was sophomore class president, and ranked No. 1 in his class with straight A's. He was in wrestling, football and baseball.''

Mr. Speaker, we presented these findings of this PET scan to then- Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Thompson and also to then Mr. Crawford, and we are still waiting for answers back as to these PET scans and what it shows.

Mr. Speaker, there are so many unanswered questions. My time has expired. I look forward to continuing this discussion on this serious drug, and it should be pulled from the market.

The article I previously referred to is as follows:

[From the Post-Crescent, Feb. 1, 2006]

Accutane Blamed in Suicide

(By Kathy Walsh Nufer)

Menasha.--Justin Zimmer shot himself Jan. 15 in his

bedroom, a shocking suicide his family struggles to

comprehend and fears may be tied to Justin's acne medication.

The day of Justin's death, the family had returned home

from a meeting to discuss a trip planned by Justin's church

youth group.

His parents, Wendy and Warren, left for the grocery store.

An hour later they pulled into the driveway and learned

Justin was dead.

How could their happy, high-achieving teen, who couldn't

wait to take his driver's test on his 16th birthday Thursday,

end a life of so much promise?

All the Zimmers and their other two children are left with

are questions, and the only answer they can come up with to

explain his death is Accutane, the prescription drug Justin

started taking in December for severe acne.

Accutane is a brand name of the anti-acne drug

isotretinoin, which went on the market in 1982.

It has become controversial because of its serious side

effects, including birth defects, mental disorders and even

suicide.

Those side effects, however, are so rare that many doctors

think they statistically are insignificant, and the Food and

Drug Administration only warns people to be aware of them,

not to abstain from using the drug.

The Zimmers blame their son's death on the drug, said

Warren, who was aware of the side effects but saw no warning

signs in his son's behavior.

``That's why we felt it necessary to get this out. We want

parents to know just how sudden this can come on. If we can

save someone, maybe his death isn't a total loss and someone

else doesn't have to go through this.''

U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., whose son committed suicide

in 2000 while taking Accutane, has pressed for more public

warnings about the link between depression and isotretinoin,

more restricted distribution and more tracking of side

effects.

The Zimmers say they have talked to countless people who

know someone taking isotre-tinoin. ``It's more prevalent than

you think,'' Warren said.

The couple now urges parents to take their teens off the

medication if they are on it.

``They can snap in as little as an hour,'' Warren said.

``I'd just as soon see it off the market. If this can happen

to a kid with all this going for him, think what could happen

to a kid who's struggling?''

``They shouldn't sell it to anyone under 18,'' Wendy said.

Adrianne Marsh, a spokeswoman for Stupak's office, said

Tuesday the FDA has attributed about 200 suicides to the drug

so far and last spring put out an isotretinoin alert.

Dr. Charlie Kagen, an Appleton dermatologist, said he has

looked at a number of studies and has no qualms about

prescribing isotretinoin.

``It's something we're concerned about and we ask about,

but we don't see any scientific evidence to say there is an

increased risk for it,'' he said of the side effects,

including the potential for depression and suicide.

``There's a suggestion it (Accutane) might play a role, but

statistically we can't say it does. Well over 6 million

people in the U.S. alone have used it since 1982.''

Side effects are explained in the medication guide Roche

Laboratories, the maker of Accutane, puts out for patients.

The literature notes that some patients may become

depressed or develop such symptoms as sadness, anxiety,

irritability, anger, thoughts of violence and suicide.

Patients sign a consent form, agreeing to stop using the

medication if they notice any symptoms, and are required to

meet with their doctor once a month, which Justin did.

Justin, who had taken Accutane for a month before his

death, had tried other topical acne medications with little

luck, said his parents. He had decided on Accutane, which is

prescribed when other treatments don't work, after discussing

it with his dermatologist.

He also had discussed the side effects with his parents.

``It's not that we took it lightly,'' said Warren. ``We

were watching for warning signs.''

``We saw nothing,'' said Wendy. ``I could talk to him about

things, and he promised he would come to me if anything

bothered him.''

When police asked the Zimmers what they thought happened,

Warren noticed the prescription slip for Accutane on the

kitchen counter.

Justin's last appointment with the dermatologist had been

Jan. 12 and on the slip was the orange sticker giving the

pharmacist the OK for a new 30-day supply.

Warren and Wendy Zimmer insist their son's suicide had to

be related to the drug.

``He had so much going for him,'' said Warren. ``He was

good at everything he did. He respected everybody. He didn't

have an enemy in the world.''

``He had an appointment this Thursday to take his driver's

test and it was one of the few times he'd take off of school.

We were shopping for cars.''

Justin was sensitive and shy, with a ready smile and a

penchant for perfection, said his parents. At school, he was

sophomore class president, and ranked No. 1 in his class with

straight A's. He was in wrestling, football and baseball.

``He had an undefeated season in wrestling and was so

looking forward to baseball,'' Wendy said. ``He'd been

sleeping with his baseball glove by his pillow.''

Justin planned to join the military, Warren said. ``He was

a big `CSI' fan. Who knows where he would have gone? He had a

heck of a start on life.''

The Zimmers can't say enough about the support of family,

school personnel and the community, especially Menasha

students, through their ordeal. ``When we came home from the

wake there were 100 kids in our front yard having a

candlelight vigil. They encircled us. It was so healing,''

Wendy said.

Even so, Warren said he is beset by ``streaks of anger''

when he thinks about Justin's death.

``Your life changes so quickly in a matter of an hour. You

go to the grocery store and come back and you don't have five

people at home anymore. You have four.''

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I must oppose H. Res. 612 because of my great respect and admiration for our men and women serving in Iraq. Resolution 612 endorses an open-ended commitment of U.S. troops in Iraq and embodies President Bush's latest attempt to justify the U.S. involvement in Iraq. The President and his Congressional allies claim that the Iraqi parliamentary elections were a ``crucial victory'' in establishing a democracy in Iraq. Thus, through this election, is ``victory'' in Iraq inevitable?

America has heard this type of reasoning before from President Johnson during the Vietnam War. In 1967, as the South Vietnamese freely elected their government, President Johnson then declared the Vietnamese election had established a democracy supported by the Vietnamese people. After this Vietnamese election, 38,000 more Americans died in Southeast Asia. Since May 1, 2003 when President Bush declared our ``Mission Accomplished'' in Iraq, approximately 2000 more U.S. troops have died in Iraq.

Under this resolution, the call to bring our troops home hinges on a ``victory''. What is the victory that the President and his Congressional supporters envision for the U.S. in Iraq? This is not a war like our grandparents fought. There is no country to hoist the white flag of surrender. There is no recognized political entity which the U.S. can sign a peace agreement with. Our brave military men and women are trying to build a democracy in a country that views our U.S. troops as occupiers and almost one half of the Iraqi people believe it is justifiable to kill U.S. troops! The U.S. military has been used to prop up a government being threatened by a guerrilla insurgency. With this Iraqi insurgency, I cannot envision an event, a goal or a date where the resolution's ``victory'' in Iraq can indisputably be achieved.

Every Member of the United States House of Representatives would have supported this

resolution if it did not contain paragraph six. Paragraph six of this resolution is a political attack to embarrass Congressman John Murtha who has called for a strategic redeployment of our troops from Iraq.

The Democratic House leadership offered an identical resolution without paragraph six but the Republican majority party rejected it. While the United States is attempting to establish a democracy in Iraq, but the majority party in the United States House of Representatives uses its power to stifle, embarrass, and silence voices of dissent to the War in Iraq.

The Republicans have no interest in presenting a unified show of support for our troops and in congratulating the Iraqis on their parliamentary elections. The Republicans are more interested in using our troops in Iraq and their families as a political issue than expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' sincere admiration and gratitude.

In closing, I would like to provide my statement on yesterday's parliamentary elections in Iraq:

I applaud the government of Iraq for this milestone

election today. The people of Iraq are able to participate in

a democracy by electing the leaders who will help shape their

young government and institute laws to protect them. This is

a giant step toward full accountability.

Election day in Iraq serves as much more than an

opportunity to cast a vote to elect leaders; it serves as an

opportunity for the people of Iraq to accept responsibility

for governing Iraq. This responsibility extends beyond

voting. Yesterday's vote marks the time for Iraqis to be

accountable for themselves and their developing country.

The hopes and dreams of the Iraqi people will not be

realized if the insurgency continues to disrupt Iraq's

national unity. The overwhelming majority of the Iraqis are

in tacit support of this insurgency as they view our U.S.

troops as ``occupiers'' of their country. Nearly one half of

the Iraqi citizens believe it is justifiable to kill U.S.

troops. Since May of 2004, when President Bush declared

``Mission Accomplished'' in Iraq, approximately 2,000 more

U.S. troops have died and more than $150 billion in tax

dollars have been spent to counter act this Iraqi insurgency.

I believe that in order for the principles of democracy to

take hold in Iraq, the target of the insurgency, our U.S.

troops, must be removed.

I believe the President must develop a plan to bring our

troops home. I believe America should demand from the Bush

Administration an Iraqi Accountability Plan that will set

clear and measurable goals to entrust the country of Iraq to

her people. The United States has provided the Iraqis with an

opportunity for freedom, democracy and self-governance but,

only the Iraqi people can set forth these principles in their

land. Iraq's parliamentary election, which marks the birth of

a promising democracy and the implementation of an Iraqi

Accountability Plan, will enable its people to embrace and

nurture its own government.

May God bless our troops and this great country.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Pension Protection Act on a vote of 294-130. I voted in favor of this bill in order to move the legislative process forward because failure to approve pension reform legislation endangers the retirement security of hundreds of thousands of workers. Without changes our pension system, many employers will face even greater pressure to file for bankruptcy to terminate their workers' pension plans. Though I supported H.R. 2830, it is my hope that the final conference report will be a product more closely resembling the version that passed the Senate on a near unanimous vote.

It is my understanding that when the Conference Committee convenes, Education and Workforce Chairman Boehner will support including a Senate provision that provides some industries with needed time to address their unique financial circumstances. Without immediate passage of this bill, some defined benefit plans may be forced to default on its payments to retirees.

While not perfect, H.R. 2830, the Pension Protection Act, contains many important provisions that will strengthen our defined benefit system. For example, the Act provides relief to multi-employer pension plans by allowing more affordable and appropriate contributions to maintain their employees' pensions. This will greatly benefit workers in the skilled trades, such as plumbers, carpenters, and transport workers. I was disappointed that multi-employer pensions were excluded from the temporary pension relief that was signed into law last year, and I am glad that this bill provides long overdue relief to secure these workers' pensions.

Though House passage of H.R. 2830 is better than passage of no bill at all, this legislation must be improved during the conference between the House and Senate. I would like to see a bill that does more to protect older workers whose employers convert their defined benefit pension plans to cash-balance plans. Further, this bill provides that the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation guarantee some, but not all, pensions when a factory or plant shuts down. Stronger protections for older workers and insurance for all shut down pension benefits should be included in the final Conference Report.

All workers in every type of industry require immediate changes in our current pension laws if we are to ensure that future generations are able to participate in the defined benefit retirement plans that offer superior retirement security. Failure to pass this bill and move the legislative process forward endangers thousands of workers pensions. Though the Pension Protection Act is not a perfect bill, I am compelled to support this legislation so that our pension system can be changed to assist all employees.

Mr. Speaker, thank you, Mr. Conyers, for the opportunity to stand and recognize one of the finest men to ever serve in the United States Congress.

John Dingell can be and has been described using a wide variety of adjectives--ranging anywhere from fierce and intimidating to kind and charming and just about everywhere in between. This man has been leaving vivid impressions on those of us he has worked with during his 50 years as a United States Congressman.

Whether one may have come to enjoy the deeply intellectual candor associated with his great knowledge of issues spanning from health care to the environment to labor; or whether one may have become a victim of his witty tongue lashings he has been known to dole out to his opposition or to those testifying before him--either way, these individuals have more than likely walked away from these scenarios respecting Mr. John Dingell all the more.

Mr. Dingell is the Dean of the House because he has spent 50 years working diligently to fight for those who may not be able to fight for themselves. He has fought for vulnerable people and worthy causes with an iron first. He has defended large companies even when allies have criticized him because those companies sustain the jobs his constituents depend on to feed their families. He has stood up for unpopular ideas based on righteous values. He has led wars for universal causes in order to see the eventual acceptance of a fair ideal.

The people of southeast Michigan continue to elect John Dingell to serve and represent them and many others across the country in Congress because he is a good man. He is a shining example as to why term limits are not wise in governance. Consumers would have a hard time investing in a company where a new set of untrained professionals were ushered in to run a major corporation just as their predecessors finally obtained the necessary skills and experiences to truly excel on their behalf.

Each term John Dingell has brought with him another two years of valuable experiences that help him craft better legislation, provide deeper insight, and mentor his colleagues to be more prepared to lead.

Mr. Speaker, I have the proud privilege of not only standing beside Mr. Dingell as a friend and colleague from the great state of Michigan, but I am honored to have found his mentorship in our last 6 terms in Congress as some of the most profound advice I could have received.

Congressman Dingell spent nearly 2 decades heading the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation. There he uncovered unparallel fraud and deceptions of companies and government agencies. He drilled witnesses and experts in order to obtain the answers necessary to protect the American people. John Dingell spent his years on that subcommittee with an unwavering, fiery commitment to do the right thing.

When Congressman John Dingell, Jr. was inaugurated after winning a special election to succeed his late father, who had served in the House of Representatives since 1932, he told his new colleagues ``if I can be half the man my father was, I shall feel I am a great success.''

As the new ranking Democrat on the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee where the great John Dingell accomplished some of the most memorable and most remarkable feats on behalf of the American people, I declare that if I can do half the job John Dingell has done during his tenure in Congress, I shall feel I am too am a great success.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again thank Mr. John Dingell of Michigan for being a great leader, example, servant, mentor, and friend. Mr. Dingell and the work he has done in the last 50 years in the United State Congress will be remembered, valued and respected for as long as this great country stands united.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the Menominee County Sheriff's Department, Sergeant Dennis Kozikowski. This year, Sgt. Kozikowski retired as the Road Patrol Sergeant for the Menominee County Sheriff's Department. During his retirement, he plans to continue another passion of his-- working to promote veteran rights. Sgt. Kozikowski's 30 years as a law enforcement officer and his leadership for veteran causes stands as a shining example to us all.

Born to John and Lillian Kozikowski in Menominee, Michigan, Sgt. Kozikowski graduated from Menominee High School in 1965. He immediately joined the Army and requested to serve in the Vietnam War. After completing his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Sgt. Kozikowski spent time serving at posts in Alabama and California before receiving his orders to serve in Vietnam.

Sgt. Kozikowski's 15-month tour in Vietnam impacted him in a way that changed his life. Sgt. Kozikowski earned the Army Commendation Medal, two Air Medals with ``V'' Devices for Valor Under Fire, Air Medals with 19 Oak Leaf Clusters because of 2000 aerial combat hours, Medal of Good Conduct, and medals awarded by the Republic of Vietnam including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Bronze Star, the Vietnam National Defense Ribbon and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Even as a decorated soldier, Sgt. Kozikowski recalls struggling to adjust upon his return. Although this transition served as a challenging time in his life, he credits this ability to eventually adjust back to civilian life as an experience that enabled him reach out to other veterans.

Sgt. Kozikowski found his calling in 1975 under the direction of colleague and mentor Sheriff Dean R. Burns. Sheriff Burns urged Dennis Kozikowski to consider law enforcement as a career based on his expert military training and courage under fire. Sgt. Kozikowski joined the Menominee County Sheriffs Department where he would spend the next 30 years in skilled positions such as the Marine Patrol, a Department Diver, Snow Patrol, and with Marine Safety. Sgt. Kozikowski received many letters of commendation for critical incidents he handled while a member of the Sheriffs Department.

When asked to talk about his brave deeds during his service with the Sheriffs Department, Sgt. Kozikowski humbly recalls a story of a Vietnam Veteran who had become frustrated with his inability to adjust to civilian life. The man went into a local bar and began shooting. Although the patrons inside were not injured, emergency response units concluded that force would be necessary to remove the armed man. Sgt. Kozikowski bravely entered the building, disarmed the man and took him into custody peacefully.

Sgt. Kozikowski said that he was successful in communicating with the frustrated veteran because he could relate to him. Sgt. Kozikowski not only used that common factor to help talk him out of the threatening incident, but after the fact he helped the veteran file a disability claim to receive veterans benefits. Noting the challenges veterans face upon return from Vietnam, Sgt. Kozikowski understood that he had a knack for reaching out to veterans to help them understand that resources were available to assist their needs. From that one incident, Sgt. Kozikowski began a decade of advocacy on behalf of veterans on a variety of issues. As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1887 and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 25 serving as the Legislative Chair, Sgt. Kozikowski works to promote veteran rights for better benefits.

This year, Sgt. Kozikowski was forced to retire early due to a spinal injury that has made his challenging work in law enforcement nearly impossible. A testament to his dedication to public service, he will tell you that this day came far too soon as he is sure he could serve for another 30 years easily. However, Sgt. Kozikowski looks forward to spending additional time with his two sons, John and Joe, who have followed valiantly in their father's footsteps; John as a member of the 82nd Airborne during Desert Storm; and Joe as a Carney-Nadeau Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Menominee County Rescue Squad. Sgt. Kozikowski also looks forward to spending time with his two granddaughters, Kaitlin and Hanna, as well as a new grandchild on the way!

Although Sgt. Kozikowski's career with the Menominee County Sheriffs Department has ended, he will continue to serve the public as a true advocate for veteran rights. In fact, he is currently lobbying Congress to support legislation to provide mandatory funding for veterans health care. He has also been encouraging the members of veterans' organizations to write letters to Congress urging their support.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, as a former Michigan State Police Trooper myself, I have had the pleasure of knowing Sgt. Kozikowski over the years. As a resident of Menominee County, I have always trusted his dedicated service to the people of our community. I am also comforted to know that such a powerful advocate is working to strengthen veteran's legislation for our men and women of past and present wars.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Sergeant Dennis Kozikowski for his 30 years of service to the people of the State of Michigan and in wishing him well in his retirement endeavors. His commitment to community and to justice has been a model of public service. Dennis will be missed by the members of the Menominee County Sheriff's Department and the people he so competently and bravely served.

Mr. Speaker, President Bush's latest attacks on those who have questioned whether his administration manipulated the intelligence to justify a war against Iraq is based on flawed arguments and falsehoods.

First, the President said Congress had access to the same intelligence as the White House prior to the war. This is false. The Washington Post writes, and I quote, Bush and his aides had access to much more voluminous intelligence information than did lawmakers who were dependent on the administration to provide the material.

Second, President Bush claimed the bipartisan Senate investigation found that he did not misrepresent prewar intelligence. Again, the President's statements are wrong. The Senate Intelligence Committee is not expected to complete this phase of their investigation until next year.

Third, the President said intelligence agencies around the world agreed with the Bush administration's assessment of the Iraqi threat. Once again, this statement is false. Many of our international friends concluded that Iraq's threat did not rise to the level of justifying immediate military force.

Mr. Speaker, the Bush administration refuses to live in reality. It has no plans in Iraq other than, stay the course. This administration makes decisions with no understanding of the consequences of those decisions. The reality is, we lost six more servicemen in Iraq in the last 24 hours.

Madam Speaker, this week, the House of Representatives passed the conference report to H.R. 2862, the FY 2006 Science, State, Justice, and Commerce Appropriations bill on a vote of 397-19.

I voted for this conference report because it provides funding for important law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and the Drug Enforcement Agency. However, I was reluctant to support this conference report during final passage because I was extremely disappointed and concerned that this legislation drastically cuts funds for the Community Oriented Policing Services program, or COPS program, and subsequently eliminates all federal funding for the hiring of police officers. The passage of this conference report has placed an undue burden on local law enforcement's ability to ensure the safety and security of our communities and our families.

H.R. 2862 contains only $478 million in funding for COPS, which is $120 million less than last year's funding level. When the House first considered H.R. 2862 on June 14, 2005, I supported an amendment offered by Congressman Obey to increase the COPS funding level to $666 million. Unfortunately, the House chose to put our law enforcement and the safety of our street and communities at risk by rejecting the amendment.

This conference report contains only $416 million for the Byrne Discretionary and Justice Assistance Grant Programs, also known as Byrne-JAG grants. This is $386 million less than the FY '05 amount of $792 million. Byrne-JAG grants provide vital funding for multi- jurisdictional drug task forces, anti-drug education programs, treatment programs, long-range corrections and sentencing strategy programs, anti-terrorism training programs, and for the enforcement of child abuse and neglect laws, and the improvement the criminal justice systems' response to domestic and family abuse. When the House first considered H.R. 2862, I offered a bipartisan amendment to increase Byrne-JAG grants funding, but unfortunately, my amendment failed to garner enough votes.

As a former Escanaba city police officer and Michigan State Trooper as well as co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I understand how much our local communities need and rely on COPS and Byrne-JAG grant program monies. Post-9/11, our Nation's public safety officers are faced with more challenges than ever before in performing their duties, and we must do everything in our power to support their effort. We should be providing public safety officers with the resources necessary to keep our communities safe from both terrorist threats and daily crime, and unfortunately this conference report shortchanges these men and women who protect and serve our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the Traverse City, Michigan community, Mr. William G. Janis. On September 23, Mr. Janis was appointed a Fellow to Northwestern Michigan College. Mr. Janis' service to Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) stands as a shining example to us all.

Mr. Janis' service to NMC spans a wide range of roles including that of member and officer of the Board of Trustees; as a passionate leader and supporter in helping establish the Michigan Technical Education Center and as a life-long philanthropist whose efforts have helped establish the University Center, Dennos Museum Center, M-TEC and the Great Lakes Campus.

Born to George and Mary Janis in 1943, Mr. Janis is the oldest child in the Janis family. He attended school in Grosse Isle, Michigan and graduated from Grosse Isle High School in 1961. After graduation, he went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Upon being honorably discharged from the military, he continued his education at Michigan State University where Mr. Janis graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1970.

Upon graduating from Michigan State, Mr. Janis took a job with Century, Inc. in Wyandotte, Michigan. He worked in Wyandotte until he and seven employees moved the business to Traverse City, Michigan in 1974. Today, Mr. Janis is the owner and President of Century, Inc.; a business which employs two-hundred and eighty workers.

In 1976, Bill Janis and Susie Kildee exchanged marriage vows. Together, with their children from previous marriages, Eddie and Julie, they became a family. Bill and Susie Janis still reside in Traverse City where Mrs. Janis serves on a number of community boards and charities. Mr. Janis is an active member of the Munson Hospital Board, the Knife and Fork Club, and a Board Member of Huntington National Bank. In addition, Mr. Janis is also the owner of Leorie Vineyards in Traverse City and a partner in Black Star Farm's Winery.

Aside from his many business ventures, Mr. Janis remains an active member of the Detroit Men's Club and is an honorary member of the Michigan State Varsity Athletic Club. Mr. Janis is also an avid golfer with memberships to some of the country's most prestigious golf clubs including The Bear in North Palm Beach, Florida; Hobe Sound in Hobe Sound, Florida; The Medalist in Marshall, Michigan; and the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Bill Janis for being named a Fellow to Northwestern Michigan College and for his tireless service to the college and the organizations he provides with dedicated leadership. Beyond

his incredible credentials, leadership roles and accomplishments that span his lifetime, Mr. Janis has shown unwavering commitment to the people he has known throughout that time.

Mr. Janis is an example of true American ingenuity and a person who continues to generously devote himself to the ideals he values most: his family, his work and his community. We in northern Michigan and those throughout America who have benefited greatly from his work and contributions thank him for his efforts.

Madam Speaker, tomorrow House Republicans will show

America their misguided priorities. In order to once again provide the wealthiest few in our Nation with tax breaks adding up to $70 billion, House Republicans will cut $54 billion from needed programs, including $12 billion to Medicaid.

America can do better than slashing health care for low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities to pay for additional tax breaks for millionaires.

America can do better than slashing a program that provides insurance to one of every seven Americans, at a time when the number of the uninsured has risen by 6 million under this President.

America can do better than increasing costs for essential health care services for the poorest Americans, including for the first time ever even the poorest children, which will reduce their access to needed health care.

America can do better than a budget package where $3 out every $4 in Medicaid cuts are borne directly by individuals who are poor or disabled.

When are the House Republicans going to realize a stronger America is one where we all work together?

Together, America can do better.