Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, in the hustle and bustle of doing the people's work here in the Nation's capital, we sometimes neglect to recognize the people who make America the great nation that she is. America's greatness can be found in everyday people who work hard, raise their children as best they can, and sacrifice for their country. In short, America's greatness can be found in people like Alice Errington of Harrison Township, MI.

Alice was born and raised on Staten Island, New York, and attended Hunter College in Manhattan. In 1951, she married Bill Errington just after he completed pilot training in the United States Air Force. The couple lived in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Bermuda, California, and New Mexico before moving, to Michigan in 1966. Their first two children, Glenn and Claire, were born in Arizona, son Daniel in Bermuda, and daughter Joan in California. After Bill retired from the Air Force, the family moved to Harrison Township, MI.

Alice started her career in public affairs in 1973 as a GS-03 clerk- typist at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. As the organization of the Guard units at Selfridge evolved, Alice remained in public affairs and became a public affairs specialist. In 1992, she became the public affairs officer.

In addition to being a busy Air Force wife and mother to four children, Alice worked as a substitute teacher in the public schools, and was active in chapel and garden club activities. Since 1972, she has been a member of Knox Church, where she is a Sunday School teacher and treasurer of the adult Sunday School class. Alice is also a board member of the Michigan Air Guard Historical Association, a volunteer at the Selfridge Air Museum, and a member of the Mount Clemens Chapter of the Air Force Association, where she serves as military liaison.

Alice will soon be retiring, and she looks forward to spending more time with her family, which now includes eight grandchildren. She will combine that with the pursuit of studies and hobbies that she has placed on the back-burner for awhile.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the greatness of America as found in Alice Errington and people like her. I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago cowardly terrorists attacked our Nation, killing innocent Americans who were simply going about their daily lives, and the aim of those terrorists was to change America. Well, the terrorists did change America, but not how they had hoped, because they renewed our patriotic pride for our Nation and what it stands for. They steeled our resolve and commitment to defeat the enemies of freedom.

The true spirit of America is not to run away from a fight or wring our hands. Our true spirit was shown by the brave firefighters and police officers who charged into those burning towers to save fellow citizens. Our true spirit has been reflected by our men and women in uniform who have toppled the Taliban and Saddam Hussein bringing freedom to Afghanistan and Iraq.

My message to the terrorists is this: You have failed. America's spirit has been strengthened, our purpose renewed, our dedication to freedom is stronger than ever. God bless America.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, I have been struggling with this issue, and unlike so many other Members of this House who have had a position either for or against the voucher issue, in Michigan we actually had a statewide voucher proposal initiative on the ballot about 2\1/2\ years ago and it was defeated. I voted against the voucher initiative.

All of the arguments that are being advanced here today were part of our debate in Michigan. They were part of the debate in the Committee on Government Reform, on which I sit: Concerns about cherry-picking students where the private schools have their very high standards and the smart ones are picked, but the slower ones may be left behind. Concerns about religious schools where by taking tax dollars, suddenly the government begins to enforce certain requirements. And it is the old saw: Once you take the shekel, the shackle will follow.

I am a product of public education. I believe in public education. My grandmother was a schoolteacher in the public education system for almost 40 years, and I believe that public education has been the backbone of America. The educational opportunities may vary, but at least everyone has a chance at an education.

However, this proposal is quite different, quite different from what happened in the great State of Michigan. In our State we were talking about a Constitutional change, and it would have affected literally every school district, even those considered blue-ribbon schools. This proposal only deals with the D.C. schools, which by any definition are almost the worst in the Nation.

Quite frankly, I cannot imagine how it can get any worse, and I cannot turn my back when so many parents are literally on their knees begging for a chance for their children. I feel the D.C. case is an exception. First of all, the schools are not forced to participate. Secondly, we are assured by this legislation that we will be closely tracking the progress of this program to benchmark progress and to ensure scrutiny and oversight.

Where our referendum in Michigan would have actually made the voucher

proposal permanent by changing our Constitution, this proposal in D.C. is temporary, and it must show marked improvement in order to be reauthorized after 5 years. The elected leadership wants it. The mayor has spoken out. I think if we are truly compassionate, we must support this proposal and give these children a chance.

Some are saying that we are voting for choice, and I say we are voting for chance. Give these children a chance.

Mr. Speaker, since September 11 our Nation has faced very trying times. For the first time in decades we have been threatened on our very own soil. We

have seen American lives and the lives of others tragically lost. Proud symbols of the American dream and our prosperity have also been lost.

But thankfully the American spirit was not. We have seen heroes rise from the dust where the World Trade Center towers once stood. American willpower and determination have united a Nation precisely when evildoers sought to divide us. We are resilient, proud, and since that fateful day, determined as ever. One nation, the United Kingdom, has stood proudly with us, shoulder to shoulder and shown solidarity and support as we vowed to end terrorism worldwide. The United States has no better friend than the United Kingdom and its leader, Prime Minister Tony Blair. Since day one, he has been a steadfast supporter of America in the war on terrorism and the ensuing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In recognition of his unconditional support of our Nation, I strongly encourage my colleagues to join me in passing legislation to award Tony Blair the Congressional Gold Medal. There are no words to express America's deep-felt appreciation towards Mr. Blair; and while this award esteems a well-deserved honor to Mr. Blair, it hardly scratches the surface at how grateful we are for his support and the support of his country. The Congressional Gold Medal has a long history of recognizing military leaders, from its first recipient, George Washington, to Mother Teresa, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and current leaders like then-General Colin Powell and now Secretary of State.

Prime Minister Blair has certainly demonstrated the bravery, the dedication and conviction to join this elite group of awardees. Moreover, he has shown himself to be a true friend; and for that I commend him, and I look forward to voting ``yes'' on H.R. 1511.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The Aqaba summit earlier this month seemed to offer hope for the road map to peace offered by President Bush. For the first time, a Palestinian leader had condemned in Arabic for the entire world to hear the use of terrorism as a solution to the problems in the Middle East. Unfortunately, terrorist groups like Hamas refuse to stop the violence. The Palestinian Authority must immediately begin to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank and in Gaza, because there is no chance for a Palestinian state if terrorism continues. It is in the interest of the Palestinians to put an end to the violence. The victims of these attacks are not only innocent Israelis but also the Palestinian people who continue to be held down by the most radical among them. These radical terrorists communicate to the world their ultimate goal, the destruction of Israel. Any other end is unacceptable to these terrorists. Therefore, peace will not be reached until the terrorists are destroyed.

The time has come to rekindle the hope of Aqaba, to end the terrorism, to get back on the road map to peace.

Mr. Speaker, Medicare was enacted in the 1960s to address a serious problem, and that problem, of course, was the lack of quality health care for our Nation's elderly.

In the past 40 years, Medicare has become actually one of the most popular Federal programs ever. But so much has changed in the days since Medicare was first enacted. In the 1960s, quality health care usually meant going to the doctor's office and receiving treatment for a particular ailment, and, in many cases, it meant hospitalization. But today, things are very much different. Advancement in the development and effectiveness of prescription drugs has made the trip to the doctor, and, more importantly, a trip to the hospital, unnecessary in many, many cases.

Prescription drugs are helping America's seniors to live longer lives, and healthier and happier lives as well. And yet, Medicare has not changed to cover those life-extending drugs, and too many seniors are being forced to make the impossible choice between their prescriptions and their other basic needs like food or rent. That, of course, is simply wrong. No senior should ever have to make the choice between bills and pills.

The high cost of prescription drugs are forcing seniors to find less expensive ways to get the drugs that they need. I represent a district that shares an international border with Canada. I was meeting actually just this morning with my counterpart in the Canadian Parliament. We spoke about a number of issues, and we spoke about health care generally. But, more specifically, we spoke about a cottage industry that is springing up, prescription drug outlets on the Canadian side of the border.

For many reasons, prescription drugs are less expensive in Canada, and many American seniors are driving across the Blue Water Bridge, in my district, between the cities of Port Huron and Sarnia, to have their prescriptions filled in Canada.

What happens is they receive a script from an American doctor. Then they have it transmitted to a Canadian doctor, and it is rewritten in Canada and filled at one of its Canadian pharmacies that literally dot the border area there now. Again, it is just simply wrong for America's seniors, that they have to go to such lengths just to get the drugs that they need.

So it is time for Congress to act. We must address the requirements of our senior population, and we need to bring Medicare in line with the medical system of the 21st Century.

When I was campaigning for this office, I met with literally thousands of senior citizens and I asked them what they thought they needed in a prescription drug benefit. Through those conversations, I came up with what I consider to be four main goals, four fundamental caveats that need to be met with any new benefit:

Number one, the benefit absolutely needs to be voluntary, so that many seniors who already have an existing drug benefit are not forced into a government plan that might not provide equal assistance that they have currently.

Number two, there needs to be immediate assistance so that seniors are no longer forced to make the decision between their prescription drugs and other needs.

Number three, it needs to be permanent so that it cannot be taken away or used as a political weapon against them in some future Congress.

Number four, it must substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs so that seniors can enjoy their retirement years and health and without draining their life savings to pay for drugs.

I am very hopeful that the plans that are now being debated by the other body, in the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means, will meet each of these tests. One of the big concerns about the prescription drug benefit being debated is, of course, the cost of such a program. In these very tight budgetary times, or at any time, for that matter, we must keep a very close eye on the bottom line.

But I truly believe that this benefit in the long run could actually save taxpayers money. How is that so? Because if we work together to keep seniors healthy through therapeutic drugs, we will actually lower the instances of hospitalization, which costs much more than giving seniors prescription drugs. Of course, that is the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I think it is very appropriate in this instance.

I also truly believe that you can judge a society by the way that society treats its seniors. Our seniors have given so much to our Nation. Their hard work, their sacrifice is what has made America into the greatest country the world has ever known. These are the people that have fought wars, to defeat fascism, to defeat communism, to spread freedom across the globe. They have worked to build industry, to build strong communities, to raise their families that continue the American dream.

Our senior citizens deserve no less than our very best efforts to finally solve the problem of a prescription drug benefit within Medicare, because that is exactly what they have given us throughout their lives. I look forward to working with my colleagues to, once and for all, get the job done.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we saw a truly historic event as President Bush pushed the Israeli-Palestinian peace process forward. The road map to peace that President Bush has laid out has been accepted by the Israeli government, Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazan and other Arab leaders.

In fact, Abu Mazan became the first Palestinian leader to denounce terrorism as a solution to the conflict with Israel; and, significantly, those words were spoken in Arabic for the entire Arab world to hear.

Prime Minister Sharon also has helped move the process forward by not only continuing the dialogue but by taking concrete steps to show the commitment of the Israeli people to peace.

This is all very promising, but now words need to be backed up with action. None of this would have been possible without the bold leadership of President George W. Bush. I praise President Bush for his efforts. This is just another example of the President's consistent message to the world that the United States is ready to lead the world in the fight against terrorism and in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to rise to support this resolution honoring our Nation's business owners for their very strong support of our employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.

The world really witnessed the capability of our troops as they brought down the repressive Taliban regime in Afghanistan and, of course, brought freedom to the Afghan people. We again saw recently the brilliant performance of our troops as they drove out the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein and freed the Iraqi people. A major component of both of those efforts was the contribution of the members of the National Guard and Reserve.

I come from Macomb County, Michigan, very proud home to Selfridge Air National Guard Base. In fact, Selfridge is somewhat unique in the inventory, I think nationally, because almost every facet, in fact every facet of the military is represented there. As I say, it is a Guard and Reserve base and it became sort of a staging area almost in the region, and we watched so many of those very brave citizen-soldiers mobilizing to defend our Nation. They left behind their jobs, they left behind their families to unselfishly serve to protect our freedom at home and abroad.

This service absolutely could not have been possible without the commitment, without the support of the business owners who do their patriotic duty and support their employees who are called upon by their Nation.

This, of course, is some hardship to many of these employers. And oftentimes we see that the Guard and Reserve, many members of them are members of their local fire fighting force, members of their local police agency or law enforcement; yet they have the full support of their employers. The Guard and Reserve are such an important component of our national defense, as many times has been said, a critical component of the total force concept. We must continue to fully support them in their vital mission.

I certainly join my distinguished colleague from Michigan. Both of us are so proud of having Selfridge. Of course it is in my district, but Mike Rogers is almost right next door there. He is very familiar, as I am, with the incredible mission of Selfridge Air National Guard Base as we see what is happening in our Great Lakes State of Michigan and throughout our Nation with our Guard and Reserve. I join him in recognizing the commitment of our Nation's employers because without their continuing support, none of the service of the outstanding Guard and Reserve members would be possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the defense of the most defenseless population in our society, unborn children. Specifically, I rise to support the ban on partial-birth abortion.

This procedure is so horrific that no justification can be given for its continuation. In this procedure, a baby is brought through the birth canal and just as the baby is about to take his or her first breath, the child is killed. If this procedure were done just seconds later, it would be considered murder. I cannot think of a set of circumstances that would justify this brutal act. To allow the continuation of this practice is to devalue the sanctity of life itself.

We cannot allow children, almost born and completely viable outside of the womb, to be disposed of in such a heartless manner. Our society is based on the idea that every individual should have the right to life. I believe that right extends to those who are just about to enter our world.

I urge my colleagues to help defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to defend not only the flag of the United States, but also what it stands for and for those who have defended it throughout our Nation's history.

The American flag is the greatest symbol of hope and freedom in the world. Countless Americans have fought and died for the freedom that our flag represents, and the desecration of our great flag is an assault on their sacrifice.

Police officers and firefighters, as well, wear the flag on their sleeves each and every day as they do their duty to protect our communities. And on September 11, every American witnessed those brave firefighters raising Old Glory out of the rubble of the World Trade Center. That was a symbol of America's resolve that our freedom will reign even in the face of unprecedented terror.

To allow the desecration of the flag is to give hope to those whose goal it is to destroy our freedom. I urge my colleagues to stand up for the freedom that the flag represents, to stand up for those who have fought and died to defend our freedom, to stand up for those who protect our communities and our Nation, to stand up for our flag.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to proudly support H.R. 517. This is a bill which would direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to convey the Coast Guard cutter, the Bramble, to the Port Huron Museum of Arts and History in Port Huron, Michigan, upon its decommissioning on May 22, 2003.

The Bramble is also known by its nickname, ``The Thorn of the Great Lakes.'' It is concluding 59 years of service to our Nation. This proud ship has a remarkable history which began in the Great Lakes, has ended in the Great Lakes, and so it is fitting that she remain there to memorialize its great maritime past.

First commissioned in 1945 in Duluth, Minnesota, she departed the Great Lakes for California to perform navigational duties. She continued these duties in Alaska in the Aleutian Island chain. She participated in ``Operation Crossroads,'' the first test of atomic bombs' effects on surface ships at Bikini Island.

In 1957, after being outfitted as an icebreaker, the Bramble traveled 4,500 miles in 64 days, making her the first surface ship to circumnavigate the North American continent.

In 1962, the Bramble returned to the Great Lakes, and today she resides in Port Huron, Michigan, also commonly known as the Blue Water Area. This is an area that is very rich with maritime heritage.

Her duties include servicing hundreds of navigational buoys, weather buoys, fog signals, shore lights, and lighthouses as well. This good ship has received many awards during its tour of duty. Just to name a few: The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Arctic Service Medal, and the Special Ops Service Medal.

One additional duty that the Bramble has performed for many years has actually affected me personally. I race every year in the longest freshwater sailboat regatta in the world. It is called the Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat Race. This is an event that attracts literally hundreds of boats and thousands of sailors, and as the fleet progresses its way up Lake Huron, the Bramble has traditionally followed the fleet, always on call in case of some tragedy. This has been a huge comfort to the sailors that participate in this race, including myself. This year will be my 27th such race. And actually after 25 of these races they induct them into something called the ``Old Goat Society,'' or in my case an old nanny goat. I think I am the only nanny goat in the United States Congress.

This year, though, the Bramble will not be following the fleet. A new cutter called the Hollyhock will do the honors, and I am certain that the Coast Guard will continue to demonstrate the skill and the bravery and the professionalism that it has always been known for.

Nevertheless, the Bramble has become an integral member of the Port Huron community, and over these many years of service, the community has come to view this ship as belonging to the town and to its people because this ship is part of our past, so much so that a charitable nonprofit organization made up of members of the community called the Port Huron Museum of Arts and History has been formed to take possession of and to administer the Bramble as a tangible example of Michigan's maritime character.

Upon receiving the Bramble, these groups intend to open it to the public, both in Port Huron and other locations around the Great Lakes, as it promotes an appreciation for maritime history and education, as it partners with our local community college, the local school district, and provides a training platform for training cadets of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.

Passage of H.R. 517 would ensure that the Bramble will continue to loyally serve the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo), chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, for his assistance in this matter.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 517.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be here today to support this very comprehensive economic stimulus package. This plan actually has three fundamental caveats: number one, jobs; number two, jobs; number three, jobs. Jobs, jobs, jobs. If someone does not have a job and they want a job, this plan is for them. If they do have a job and they want a better-paying job, this plan is for them as well.

Some are saying that this is a plan for the rich because it would reduce double taxation on dividends. Those that are saying that are stuck in an economic time warp because they are out of touch with reality. Today, a huge percentage of the American public is invested in the stock market. Double taxation is not only unfair, it is un- American.

That is why I am supporting this plan because I sincerely believe it is the right vehicle to get us on the right road to economic recovery. This plan is an economic engine that is pro-growth, pro-opportunity and pro-family; and I am talking about the American family, every single one of them.

This is not the time to wring our hands. This is a time to be bold, like the President has been and like our proud troops have been, and I am proud to support this bold plan.

I urge adoption of the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I come from the Great Lakes State of Michigan, the home to the big three auto industry companies who are, of course, all absolutely outstanding corporate citizens. Following the terrorist attacks on our Nation on September 11, the big three helped keep our economy moving by offering incentives, like zero interest financing. Without, I think, this very innovative idea, I believe we could have seen an even steeper downturn in our economy.

The economy needs stimulus and the President has offered a very strong jobs and economic growth package which I wholeheartedly support. During the President's recent visit to our State of Michigan, the leaders of the big three auto companies all endorsed the President's jobs package as the best idea to keep our economy rolling. They observed that by eliminating the double taxation of dividends that we would bring about a 6 to 15 percent increase in stock prices. Of course this would help employers to meet their responsibilities to retirees living on a pension and bolster the bottom line of every American with a 401(k).

The President's plan is the best way that we can help families and retirees by putting more money back in their pockets and allowing businesses to create more jobs. I support the President's plan, and I urge my colleagues to do so.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor my colleagues in the House who helped to pass the recent Amber Alert legislation. Last week while I was home in Michigan I saw dramatic evidence of the impact this program can actually have.

Saturday afternoon, 3-year-old Jenna Hart was abducted as she sat in the back seat of her grandmother's car. Her grandmother had taken Jenna to the local Toys R Us to buy her precious granddaughter a few new toys. A man approached her in the parking lot and noted that her tire was flat and offered to fix it, which he did. He then got in the car and drove off with Jenna still strapped into her car seat in the back seat. The report of a missing little girl was issued and the Amber Alert system went into action. I saw the report on a local television station which described the make and the color of the car as well as the license plate number and, like everyone else, was keeping my eyes open looking for the suspect vehicle. Twenty-one hours later a man telephoned police and reported a suspect vehicle in the City of Detroit with a child in the back seat. It was Jenna. The little girl was returned to her family safe and sound, a vivid reminder that the actions that we take in this House can have a very positive impact on families across our Nation.

Because of the Amber Alert system and the watchfulness of thousands of interested citizens, little Jenna has been reunited with her family. May God bless her and her family.

Mr. Speaker, the comments yesterday from the Democratic Party's leader in the House should not surprise us. In case Members missed it, she said about Operation Iraqi Freedom, ``We could probably have brought down that statue for a lot less.''

It seems that the Democrats' political philosophy has been reduced to a collection of publicity gimmicks. Why should we expect their Washington leader to understand the deeper meaning of Operation Iraqi Freedom? The American people seem to understand what the Democratic leader apparently does not. This was not about a statue. To trivialize the suffering of our troops and the joyous liberation of our friends, the Iraqi people, is a sickening offense.

Politicians in Washington can have a tendency to be cynical, I suppose, but I would have thought the joy in the faces of the men and the women and the children of Iraq as they trampled on the image of their tormentor would cut through the most pessimistic cynic.

Mr. Speaker, the minority leader's comments were shocking and truly appalling.