Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, due to official business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to attend several votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 537, Expressing support for the designation and goals of ``National 9-1-1 Education Month,'' ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 3196, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Sussex Street in Port Jervis, New York, as the ``E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building,'' and ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 4166, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 701 East Copeland Drive in Lebanon, Missouri, as the ``Steve W. Allee Carrier Annex.''

First, let me congratulate you for a fine piece of legislation for the safety of our coal miners and others who need to make sure that our people working in the mines across this country are safe and that they have a working atmosphere that is safe for them and for their families. I congratulate you on that act.

In Michigan, in my district specifically, we have salt mines; no explosions, they aren't dangerous, and this act also covers our salt mines. I live under some of the salt mines. I live over the salt mines, I might add. They are a hundred years old. We've never had a collapse. They don't have the same requirements. They provide critical infrastructure needs that we have in our community, and have been very, very good business partners in our community for over 100 years. I worry that, with this legislation, they may be penalized and have to come under some of the limits, air limits, the larger fines, and the impact of those. So, I am asking, can you assure us that our salt mines in Michigan and my constituents, that this S-MINER will not be unfairly applied to them?

I will yield.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Madam Speaker, Members of the House of Representatives, and people across this great Nation of ours, we have lost a jewel in Julia Carson.

I met the Congresswoman some 30 years ago, and she from the legislature in Indiana and I from the legislature in Michigan served 18 years together in those legislative bodies, and then came here together in 1997 to begin our tenure in the United States House of Representatives, she from Indiana, me from Michigan.

We both got assigned to the Financial Services Committee our first term,

she from Indiana and I from Michigan. And together, during this 10 years of journey, we have worked together in this House of Representatives. Courageous, bold, smart, intelligent, compassionate. All those things that you want in a public servant, Julia Carson was that.

To the people of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana, you have lost a jewel. And all that we ask in this body of 435 of the most powerful people in the world, as well as the 100 most powerful people in the Senate, is that you send us another Julia Carson: intelligent, bold, compassionate, a coordinator, one who speaks for the people that she represents.

Ms. Carson and I have had many battles and many struggles together. As was mentioned earlier by our chairperson of our Ethics Committee who is handling this Special Order tonight, she and I were in Indiana in her room with her 2 weeks ago. She looked beautiful. Her skin was radiant. Her heart was strong. And she said to us, thank you. Thank you to us as her sisters, and thank you to the people of Indiana who have been with her for over 30 years.

It is important that we come together tonight as members of the Congressional Black Caucus as well as members of the Indiana caucus, because we know she lives. We know she is in these walls and looking upon us now. What are you doing, girl? What are you all talking about? Thank you, Julia. We love you, my sister.

And as we continue in our journey today, let's take a little bit of Congresswoman Julia Carson with us, dedicated, compassionate, take no prisoners, speak for the least of these. Thank you, my sister. And may you rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, it is a great pleasure and privilege that I offer the following resolution and an accolade of tribute to Head Coach James Reynolds, Jr., the assistant coaches, and the players of Martin Luther King, Jr. High School's boys football team on their stellar season. I am proud to salute this wonderful organization. This organization was honored during a special ceremony on Friday, November 30, 2007 at Cobo Hall where thousands of Detroiters paid tribute to the King Crusade.

Whereas, under the skilled guidance of Head Coach James Reynolds, Jr. and Defensive Coordinator Dale Harvel, Martin Luther King, Jr. High School's boys football team won the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division II title, defeating Midland Dow High School by the score of 47 to 21 on Friday, November 23, 2007. Detroit King is the first Detroit Public School League (PSL) team to win a State title since the MHSAA started the playoff system in 1975.

Whereas, Coach Reynolds found his calling as the head coach of the King Crusaders football team--a post he has held for 34 years; made many personal sacrifices for the sake of training his teams; gave freely of his time and focused on developing athletes, mentoring young men, and instilling the principles of good sportsmanship; and retired in June of 2007 but returned to King High School to coach football. Under Coach Reynolds's leadership, his teams have posted an impressive record of 250 wins and 106 losses; nine city championships; four regional championships; and three appearances in the State finals. Coach Reynolds is the only Detroit Public School coach who has led football teams to the Michigan State finals.

Whereas, Defensive Coordinator Harvel, a valuable member of the staff, made personal sacrifices in order to help the players develop their athletic skill, good character and to abide by the principles of good sportsmanship. Mr. Harvel exhibited true team spirit by working in unison with the other coaches for the benefit of the athletes and the best results on the football field.

Whereas, with a balance of excellent scoring and tough defense, Detroit King displayed great poise in setting goals for themselves at the beginning of the season by going out and making their dreams become reality through hard work and commitment. Many of the talents and characteristics they exhibited in reaching this goal will help them in all aspects of their lives.

In special tribute, therefore, this resolution is dedicated to extend the highest commendation to the Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, the coaching staff, and the members of the boys football team for their victorious and first MHSAA Division II Football State Championship. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, and the Congressional Black Caucus, we salute you. May the Congress of the United States, and the Nation, know of our collective pride in your accomplishments and achievements.

Madam Speaker, due to official business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to make several votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 3224, the Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act of 2007; ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 573--Recognizing and commending the efforts of the United States public and advocacy groups to raise awareness about and help end the worsening humanitarian crisis and genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and for other purposes; and ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 747--Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.

Madam Speaker, I am opposed to genocide whenever and wherever it has occurred in history and I believe that we should never forget any atrocity that occurs anywhere, at any time. While I believe that the incidents that took place in Armenia were wrong and merit acknowledgement, I have decided to withdraw my sponsorship of H.R. 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution.

Turkey is a strategic partner and one of our few friends in the Middle East. It allows us to use its air force base at Incirlik for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Turkey's leaders have said if this resolution passes, they will withdraw our military access to this base. Because the President has distanced or destroyed our relationships with many countries as a result of the war in Iraq, we should maintain and strengthen our rapport with the few allies we have, particularly in the Middle East.

However, there is a more important and fundamental reason that I have withdrawn my support. I can no longer support any resolution that condemns another country for its actions, while we here in the United States will not address and have not come to terms with the miscarriages of justice, the lack of equality, and the human rights violations that take place against our own citizens.

Our poor, our women, our less educated, our people of color, and others who are disadvantaged and disenfranchised across our great country--lauded as the ``land of opportunity''--suffer daily from injustice and inequality. They lack access to affordable health care, quality education, well-paying jobs, capital, and other items necessary to give them and their families a chance at achieving the American Dream. Most recently, the President chose to veto a bill that would provide access to health care to 10 million children of working class parents. This is simply inexcusable.

In the Bible, John 8:7 reads ``let him who is without sin cast the first stone.'' Here, in the United States, we are often quick to point out the faults and flaws of other countries, their leaders, and their citizens. However, before we criticize, chastise, and condemn them, we must first challenge our own imperfections, consider our own inadequacies, confront our own issues, and change our own behavior.

There are human rights violations taking place all across the world, from Sudan and Syria, to Bangladesh and Burma, to Nicaragua and Colombia. Simultaneously, there are unresolved human rights challenges here in America that we have not begun to tackle.

I was always taught to take care of home first. I believe that America can and should be a force for change. As a world leader, we not only have the power, but we also have the responsibility, to make a positive difference in the lives of others--here at home and in countries around the world. However, before we point the finger at anyone else, we must take a deeper, closer look at the problems that plague our cities, our communities, and our country and work to change the lives of our citizens for the better.

This resolution, at this time, could undermine the efforts of the United States to prevent the Turkish military from launching an attack inside Iraq; it could create a logistical nightmare for our military women and men in Iraq and Afghanistan. If we have strained relations with Turkey, the largest Muslim ally we have in the Middle East, further damage to the standing of the United States in the Islamic world would be the immediate result.

This is the right bill, but this is the wrong time. America must be what we want to see for the world.

Madam Speaker, today, Congress, once again, wrote a prescription to the President for American children and their families that needs to be filled immediately. I am proud of the fact that Congress has sent to the Senate, and will soon send to the President, an insurance remedy for so many working families. I strongly support H.R. 3963, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, the modified bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program or SCHIP. Working with the Minority, we were able to quickly craft a bill that addresses the concerns of most, if not all, Members of Congress.

In the wealthiest country in the world, far too many children are without health insurance. We can afford to spend $10 billion per month in a war in Iraq, but we cannot spend $35 billion over 5 years to protect our children? We cannot support those working families who cannot afford or do not have access to affordable health insurance? Over 81 percent of Americans, when asked this very question, agree with the Democratic Party that we need to take care of our children, and we need to take care of them now. Since the inception of SCHIP, the number of uninsured children has been reduced by one third. However, millions of children still remain uninsured or underinsured.

The revised bill before Congress today still would expand SCHIP to cover 10 million children and increase spending on the program to $35 billion over 5 years, funded with a 61 cent per pack increase in the federal cigarette tax. The bill would limit coverage to children in families with annual incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, and performance bonuses would be offered to states that enroll greater numbers of children in Medicaid. The bill also would offer performance bonuses to states that provide subsidies to employed parents to offset the cost of enrolling their children in a private health insurance plan.

Passing this legislation should be a bipartisan issue. SCHIP was created to address the growing problem of children in the United States without health insurance. SCHIP assists children whose family's income falls above the threshold for Medicaid, but who still cannot afford to purchase medical insurance coverage. More than two thirds of the children who will be covered under this bill are ethnic minorities.

A lack of medical insurance not only harms children, but their families and the community as a whole. Reauthorizing this bill is so important because children without health insurance do not receive regular checkups and doctor visits that every child needs. May I remind my colleagues that less than 10 miles from where we vote, a little boy died from the lack of getting a simple dental examination. Furthermore, millions of children won't get the preventive care they need and will likely receive care in emergency rooms if this bill is not reauthorized. This only drives up the cost of medical care for everyone.

SCHIP gives working families the peace of mind that their children will have accessible and affordable health care. Healthy children do not get unnecessary diseases and go to school ready to learn. Healthy children become healthy teenagers, who ultimately will become healthy adults. Although children are about 30 percent of our population, they are 100 percent of our future. This $35 billion is a wise investment in the future of America.

In the Bible, in the chapter of Isaiah, it says that ``the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatted domestic animal together; and a little child shall lead them.'' Today, Congress worked together to stand up for the children of our Nation. The President, and Congress, ignored the wisdom in protecting our children one time too many; it is now time to erase that mistake. We have that opportunity now.

SCHIP is a smart investment in our Nation's children and working families. Congress has changed the course of the discussion of health care for our children and working families; we have confronted the crises of the lack of health insurance; we will continue the legacy of caring for some of the least of our brothers and sisters. I look forward to quick passage of this bill in the Senate, and the President's enacting this bill into law. Our children deserve no less.

Madam Speaker, due to official business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I unavoidably missed two votes. If I had been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 1008, the motion to

recommit H.R. 3963, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 1009, final passage of H.R. 3963, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member of Congress, but as Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, to pay tribute to an outstanding Texan and human being, Mrs. Lillie Mae White Johnson, who passed away on Monday, October 15, 2007. Mrs. Johnson was a woman of

character, compassion, and courage, and she will be mourned by a large circle of family, friends and admirers.

She was born January 9, 1911 in Waco, Texas. The youngest of six children born to Thomas and Sarah Burks White, she was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edward Johnson, and siblings Beulah White Bridgewater, Eliza White Ashford, Ella White Glasker, George White and Arthur White.

Mrs. Johnson was an honor graduate of AJ Moore High School, which is located in Waco, Texas in 1929 and attended Central State Business College. She married Edward Johnson in 1931 and was a faithful and devoted wife for almost 50 years. To this marriage, four children were born; three daughters and one son. After he husband's death in 1981, she moved to Grand Prairie, Texas and made her home with her oldest daughter, Sallye Moore.

At an early age, Mrs. Johnson joined the Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Waco, Texas and later joined the Toliver Chapel Baptist Church. They were loyal and faithful members for almost 50 years. As a member of Toliver Chapel Baptist, she was active in the Women's Mission, sang in the choir, and assisted with many children's activities.

Mrs. Johnson loved traveling. In addition to residing in Texas, she lived in Florida and California while her husband served in the United States Navy and pursued his career in civil service for the United Sates Department of Veteran Affairs.

Mrs. Johnson was raised in a spiritually influenced home with strong family values shared with her children. Her children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews are blessed to have been influenced by her deep Christian faith and joyous disposition. She was a compassionate person who loved to spend time with her children and their families. Her family will deeply miss her smile, her personal warmth, and thoughtful ways. For many years, Mrs. Johnson hosted large family dinners and catered to her family member's individual preferences.

She was a founding and active member in the Mamie Robinson Social and Family Charity Club until she relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas. The Waco News Tribune in 1979 and the Delta Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1980 named Mrs. Johnson ``Mother of the Year.''

After moving to Grand Prairie in 1981, she joined St. John Baptist Church. As a member of St. John, Mrs. Johnson was active in the Senior Women's Ministry, Ruth and Doris Ministry, Mission Choir, Generations Ministry and Adult Sunday School. In the community, she served as a member of the Willing Workers, Carter-Olive Senior Citizens Group and was a strong supporter of the Johnie Stanton, ``Just Say No'' Club. She especially enjoyed the fellowship of the Senior Citizen's Nutrition Group.

Mrs. Johnson was a dedicated homemaker. Mrs. Johnson's love and dedication to her husband, her children, and grandchildren is what provided them with the inspiration in which to achieve their many accomplishments.

She loved her home and was happiest when she was with her family. Mrs. Johnson was also an avid reader. Her children and grandchildren cherish the memories of the time she spent with them in the small library she established in the family home.

She is survived by her daughters, Sallye Ruth Johnson Moore and husband, Vandine of Grand Prairie, TX, U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas, TX and Washington, DC and former husband Lacy Kirk Johnson, Lee Helen Johnson Willis of Houston, TX and husband Favor DePriest Willis, Esq. (deceased), son Carl Edward Johnson and wife Beverly; grandchildren: Gregory Dean Moore and wife Juana of PIano, TX, Dawrence Kirk Johnson and wife Sondra of Austin, TX, Karlton Jamar Johnson and Kanish JaKayel of Waco, TX; great grandchildren: Gregory Dean Moore II and Preston Andrew Moore of PIano, TX, Dawrence Kirk Johnson II, David Edward Johnson and James Lacy Johnson of Austin, TX, Jay Lynne Kourtney Johnson and Karlton Jamar Johnson II of Waco, TX; Special Niece: Luberta White Mayse of Waco, TX, Special Nephew: Robert Lee (RL) Ashford of Los Angeles, CA, sister in law: Mrs. Fannie Mae Johnson Wells of Brenham and Giddings, TX and many other special nieces and nephews and a host of family members and friends.

On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus and our colleagues in Congress, may God carry her soul gently in her passage to peace. We know God joins with us today as we pray, ``Sleep well my good and faithful servant.'' May we all know the service to others as epitomized by Mrs. Lillie Mae White Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I be removed as a cosponsor from H. Res. 106 and H. Res. 610.

Mr. Speaker, due to offical business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to attend to two votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on the motion to recommit H.R. 3056, the Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007, and ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 3056, the Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007.

Mr. Speaker, due to official business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to attend to several votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 3087, to require the President, in coordination with the

Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces in Iraq; ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 635, recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith; ``yea'' on final passage of H. Con. Res. 203, condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran; ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 2828, to provide compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998; and ``yea'' on final passage of H. Con. Res. 200, condemning the violent suppression of Buddhist Monks and other peaceful demonstrators in Burma and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Madam Speaker, Members of Congress, people of the United States of America, I stand this morning as chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus to say thank you to the thousands of people who are in Jena, Louisiana as we speak, and the tens of thousands around this country standing for liberty and justice for all.

Unfortunately, a tragic accident happened in Jena, Louisiana. A gentleman has been incarcerated since December; the appeals court has thrown out the conviction; he is still incarcerated. Six young men attacked, two days before the incident that they are in jail for, and now we ask for justice.

This is an important day in the history of our country. We rise, as we just said the Pledge of Allegiance, justice and liberty for all. Congratulations to the attorneys, to the coalition, to the families. Let's retry this in juvenile court where it ought to be and bring justice to the Jena 6. Congratulations, young men. Stand strong. We are with you. God bless.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully submit the following resolution, this 19th Day of September, in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven.

Resolution in Honor of the NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and

Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) September 19, 2007

Whereas, the NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and

Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) is transforming the lives of

historically underserved and underrepresented K-12 students,

families and communities across America every day; and in

many cases is saving the lives of America's youth by getting

them off of the streets and supporting them inside the

classroom. As an innovative national program designed to

increase the participation and retention of historically

underserved and underrepresented K-12 youth in the areas

of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

(STEM), NASA SEMAA has inspired, engaged and educated over

450,000 students, families, and teachers in as many as 18

states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the

Virgin Islands;

Whereas, established in 1993 as a joint venture between

NASA Glenn Research Center and Cuyahoga Community College,

NASA SEMAA has grown from a single site started in Cleveland,

Ohio by former Congressman, the Honorable Louis Stokes, to a

national organization that is supported by a network of 200+

partners and stakeholders dedicated to improving the academic

success of children nationwide. Today, NASA SEMAA can be

found at 14 sites located in 11 states and the District of

Columbia serving the educational needs in my district and

other urban and rural districts. NASA SEMAA site locations

include community colleges, four-year colleges and

universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities

(HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal

Colleges and Universities (TCUs), elementary and secondary

schools, science centers and museums;

Whereas, NASA SEMAA harnesses the collective resources of

NASA, institutions of higher education, science centers,

museums, and primary and secondary schools to bridge the

education gap for historically underserved and

underrepresented K-12 youth in STEM. America is facing a

serious shortage of young people entering STEM fields today.

This fact, coupled with the high-tech workforce needs of the

21st Century and the lagging test scores indicating a lack of

STEM proficiency amongst the next generation of leaders and

explorers, poses a bleak picture of an America left behind.

SEMAA is addressing this critical need by increasing K-12

student exposure and interest in STEM by delivering three

core components, a K-12 hands-on/minds-on curriculum, a

state-of-the-art Aerospace Education Laboratory (AEL) and an

innovative Family Cafe;

Whereas, the inquiry based classroom curriculum is aligned

with national standards, and encompasses the research and

technology of each of NASA's four Mission Directorates. NASA

SEMAA graduates who have participated in the entire K-12

curriculum will have completed 441 hours of advanced studies

in STEM prior to their enrollment in a post-secondary

institution. The AEL is a state-of-the-art, electronically

enhanced, computerized classroom that puts cutting-edge

technology at the fingertips of NASA SEMAA middle and high

school students. The AEL consists of ten computerized

research stations that provide NASA SEMAA students with real-

life aerospace challenges involving science, engineering,

mathematics, and NASA technology. The Family Cafe is an

interactive forum that provides STEM education and parenting

information to parents, guardians, relatives and any

supportive, adult role models that the student might have;

Whereas, the NASA SEMAA program has been ranked as a 2007

Innovations in American Government Award Finalist. NASA SEMAA

shares this honor with 17 distinguished projects, which

collectively represent the top 2% of applicants for this

prestigious national award. The award is sponsored by the

Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government's Ash

Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, and is

funded by the Ford Foundation. The purpose of the

Innovations in American Government Award Program is to

strengthen American democracy by increasing public trust.

The annual awards competition recognizes programs that

provide concrete evidence that government can work to

improve the quality of life for citizens. Of special

significance is the fact that NASA SEMAA was the only

educational initiative to be recognized as a 2007

finalist. NASA SEMAA's success in elevating the education

of America's youth to this platform is profound; a

platform that addresses such critical issues as fostering

renewable energy, improving health care access, promoting

affordable housing, and fourteen other extraordinary and

deserving innovations; and

Whereas, we the members of the Congressional Black Caucus

extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to the

NASA SEMAA program as well as to their participants and

partners: therefore, be it

Resolved, That we celebrate and honor NASA SEMAA as one of

the Nation's premier K-12 STEM educational programs; be it

finally

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be presented to

the Education Office at NASA Headquarters, Educational

Programs Office at NASA Glenn Research Center and the

National SEMAA Office.

Mr. Speaker, Members of the Congress and Americans across the world, thank you. Thank you very much, Congresswoman Madam Chair Stephanie Tubbs Jones, for accepting the responsibility for leading the Special Order. Thank you very much.

We need a new direction in America. We need a plan, one we never had 4 years, 5 months ago as this country struck a sovereign nation, Iraq. We need a plan. I would say a new plan, but we never had an old plan. So a plan is what this country must have. President Bush wants the same ``no plan'' to go forward. It is time for change: over 3,800 Americans dead, over 28,000 Americans wounded in battle. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, 43 members from 21 States, we represent over 40 million Americans. And to a person, all over our districts, they want a change. They want a new direction with this war in Iraq. Eighteen of our members represent less than 50 percent African Americans. Several of our members represent less than 15 percent African American. We represent the American people, almost 300 million in our country, 40 million represented by the members of our caucus. We represent Latino Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Indian Americans, and African Americans. The entire multi- ethnic society are represented by members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

So when we start our Special Order tonight to talk about the war in Iraq, a war we never should have fought, a war that has lasted longer than World War I, World War II, the Civil War, and the war continues, you might remember, America, last spring they were all saying wait until September. We sent a bill with benchmarks to the Senate, to the House, passed the House, went to the Senate. The President vetoed it. We sent him another one. They say, okay, we won't do another one; we will wait until September. Well, now General Petraeus is saying not September 2007; let's now give them until March 2008. No new plan.

They are going to ask for $200 billion in the next several weeks. Already have spent $565.4 trillion of your tax dollars on a war we never should have fought.

America wants a change; we want a new direction, Mr. President. We want to bring our troops home in the most orderly possible plan that we can put together. And I hope and the American people hope this administration as well as our military leaders will come up with a plan. It is your responsibility to do that.

We support our troops. We support the veterans all over this country as well as those veterans who are fighting this war. The mental health needs that our country will have as a result of this war, we yet do not know. There will be significant needs for mental health services. This supplemental has very little money that is coming through. And this is a supplemental that we spent this year, 2007 and 2008. Understanding, again, we have already spent $565.4 trillion. Repeat that: $565 trillion in this war.

We must bring our troops home. We must have a new direction. And as members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we will say it over and over again: set a plan in motion. Change direction for our country.

Benchmarks. You heard also, benchmarks. What about these benchmarks that Congress, the President, and President Maliki put together earlier this year? It is really between President Bush's administration and the administration in Iraq, 18 benchmarks that they said they would meet by September. The General Accounting Office reported to this Congress last week they have met three of them. They are not sustaining their own government. They go on vacation, and they want us to fight their war.

Our people tell us to bring our soldiers home. We hear it across the country, Republicans and Democrats as well as independents: bring our troops home. It is unconscionable that this Congress would consider as an appropriator and as a Member of this body as well as a citizen of this country 200 billion new dollars for this ill-advised war in the next several months.

Rise up, America. Thank you for protesting over this last week. Keep the protests up. If you can't come to Washington, have them in your own State, in your own city. Let us hear your voices. It is too silent out there. This is a better country than that.

So as we come to you tonight as Members of this United States House of Representatives, 110th Congress, where there have been 110 African Americans elected and voting in this Chamber over these many years, we are proud to have that responsibility and we will remain the conscience of the Congress. Bring our troops home. End this ill-advised war. Rebuild America from the ground up. Our children deserve more. Our seniors who built this country need more.

There is no reason why we can't have top-quality education, good health centers, good environment, good infrastructure, bridges that don't collapse. But, you see, you can't spend $565 trillion of your money in a war that we should not be fighting and at the same time invest in America's future.

So as one of 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we say to you, America, become engaged. Speak out. Ask that we bring our troops home. Ask for a new plan. Ask for a change of direction. Our theme for 2007 and 2008 is change course, do something different. Join. Volunteer. Work for a better America. Confront the crisis of the war, of education, of health care, of infrastructure needs. And then for us to continue the legacy, not just members of the caucus but all Americans, continue the legacy of people who have built this country, who have laid down their lives. And, for us, so many of our ancestors and forebears who fought the

civil rights movement who speak out today for a just America.

So my brothers and sisters, American citizens, rise up, change course. Fight to end this war today so that your grandchildren will have a better America tomorrow

Mr. Speaker: One of the costs of the war in Iraq that is often overlooked is the waste of tax dollars that could be used to fund programs and facilities that would improve our quality of life. America's families want access to well-paying jobs, affordable health care, and quality education. The War in Iraq presents a threat to our military readiness and the development of communities across our country. We must reinvest in programs that address the priorities of America's families to preserve the safety, security and stability of Americans everywhere.

I was against the War in Iraq from the beginning I will continue to stand strong for the citizens of the 13th Congressional District of Michigan and America. We must take America in a new direction. Let us work together to ``Change Course, Confront Crises, and Continue the Legacy.''

It'S TIME TO CHANGE COURSE

The citizens of the 13th Congressional District of Michigan have collectively spent $555.4 million in Iraq. For this much money, we could have provided, right here to citizens in the 13th Congressional District: 190,892 people with health care; 7,747 more elementary school teachers; 83,268 more places with Head Start; 379,635 children with health care; 4,477 more affordable housing units for working class people and senior citizens; 50 new elementary schools; 60,288 scholarships for college students; 7,670 music and arts teachers; 12,009 police officers, fire fighters and emergency medical technicians; 780,628 homes with renewable energy options; or 8,403 port container inspectors. [Progressive Congressional Caucus, 9/10/07]