Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a man who stood in the forefront of helping to propel his countrymen to a sense of moral and ethical courage through the giving and sharing of one's talents for the good of the society in which he lived On behalf of the people of the great State of Florida, I stand today to recognize the personal and professional accomplishments of a man who loved his country and his family, and gave unselfishly of his time and talents to make a better place for all.

Mr. James Babatunde Adegboye, a great family man and a financial expert passed on November 26, 2008, at the University of Florida & Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

Mr. Adegboye studied accountancy in England in 1979, and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1981. For the love of his native land he turned down offers to work in England and went back to his native Nigeria to contribute to the development of the accounting profession in his country, at a time when the Government of Nigeria was clamoring for indigenous participation in the Nigerian economy. He worked in various firms to include Colgate Palmolive, Smurfit Cases, Associated Breweries, and West African Breweries as accountant and later as financial controller. These are companies that are either American firms or are affiliated with American firms. In 1988 he joined Hull Blyth Nigerian Limited, the parent company for Elder Dempster Shipping Agencies, African Steamship Company, and Blue Funnel Nigerian Limited. During his sojourn at the company, he developed the company's IT capabilities and facilities through the computerization of the invoicing processes, introduction of secured and efficient e-mail and container tracking applications. He also raised the company's staff pension funds. James Adegboye also served on the boards of various philanthropic organizations, and he provided scholarships for children of poor families.

Mr. Adegboye was an extremely successful businessman and with his family, operated a family business named Jimland Investments Limited, with corporate headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Jimland Investments is a general trading company and business house offering substantial trading opportunities to local, regional, national, and international organizations on partnerships, consultancy, and joint ventures.

James Adegboye will be missed not only by members of his family, but by many in the Nigerian community. He was a great humanitarian, and a role model for business and political leaders throughout the African continent. Mr. Adegboye is survived by his brother in the United States, Adekunle Sogbesan; two wives, Simisola Adegboye and Oluwatoyin Adegboye, as well as six children; Olajide, Mayaowa, Adekunle, Olawole, Yetunde, and Enitan Adegboye.

Madam Speaker, this communication is forwarded on behalf of the constituents of Congressional District Three and myself as we pay tribute to the life of Dr. Moustapha Diaby. We are all saddened by the loss of his presence in this life yet joyful that he has gone to be with his Heavenly Father.

Dr. Moustapha Diaby, a great humanitarian and family man, passed away on November 29th. Dr. Diaby served as the religious guide and President of the African Islamic Institution Presidium, and was a leading candidate for President of the Ivory Coast in elections which were to be scheduled later next year.

Dr. Diaby was a Member of the Health Ministry of the Ivory Coast from 1981-1983 under then President Houphouet-Boigny, and was also a former counsel to both President Houphouet-Boigny and President Bedie. He was extremely well versed in Ivorian politics, and maintained close relations with members of a wide range of Ivorian political parties. A strong subscriber to the philosophy of former President Boigny, the founder of Ivorian independence from France, Dr. Diaby, like President Houphouet-Boigny, was an ardent proponent of tolerance and inclusion of all ethnic groups in the Ivory Coast, as well as the ideas of shared governance and the equitable distribution of resources throughout the country, irrespective of region or religious affiliation.

During the political crisis in the Ivory Coast, wherein a Dutch multinational company, Trafigura, unloaded nearly 600 tons of petrochemical waste in the commercial capital, Abidjan (leading nearly 100,000 Ivorians to seek medical attention), Dr. Diaby utilized his international contacts and did everything within his power to assist those suffering the fallout of the illegal toxic dumping. His activities included working closely with the Congressional Black Caucus of the United States Congress, the U.S. Center for Disease Control, and numerous other international organizations, in an attempt to bring immediate relief to the victims. This included the donations of medical supplies and food to the people of the Ivory Coast suffering from the tragic incident. Dr. Diaby was also the recipient of the ``Peter the Great International Award'' for merits and peace in 2005 in Dubai, U.A.E., for his efforts in attempting to bring peace to the Ivory Coast.

Dr. Diaby was also an extremely successful businessman, and, with his family, ran a family business by the name of Al-Salasa, with corporate headquarters in Dubai, UAE. Al Salasa is a general trading company and business house offering substantial trading opportunities to local, regional, national and international organizations on partnership, consultancy and joint venture basis.

During the time Dr. Diaby spent overseas, he discussed governance in emerging African democracies, particularly in the Ivory Coast, economic development and international trade, and was an ardent advocate for a cessation of fighting in the Sudan. And as founder of the Moustapha Diaby Foundation, he worked tirelessly to raise funds for education and healthcare for children in the Ivory Coast and on the African continent.

Dr. Diaby will be missed not only by members of his family, but by many in the Ivorian community. Dr. Diaby was a great humanitarian, and a role model for business and political leaders throughout the African continent. The Diaby family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our Nation's workers. The workers who built this country following depression and war. I rise in support of this loan program for our Nation's automobile manufacturers.

Just last Friday the Department of Labor reported that employers slashed 533,000 jobs in November: the most jobs lost in 34 years. As a percentage, this figure now jettisoned our Nation's unemployment rate to 6.7 percent; the largest one-month decline since December 1974. Overall, since the start of the current recession, the United States has shed 1.9 million jobs, 1.3 million of which has disappeared in the last 4 months. In the manufacturing sector, manufacturing jobs lost in November alone come to a total of 85,000. In fact, in the last 4 months we have witnessed the disappearance of 258,000 manufacturing jobs, and since the outset of the recession last December, over half a million (604,000) manufacturing jobs have been lost.

So with regard to the question of whether or not to assist our Nation's domestic auto manufactures, given that the Big Three automakers generate one out of every 10 jobs in our Nation, merely letting these businesses go bankrupt is simply not an acceptable option. Indeed, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler account for roughly 70 percent of U.S. auto production and are estimated to support around 5 million jobs across all 50 states. And according to a report released last week by the Center for Automotive Research, the failure of even one U.S. automaker would mean the loss of millions of jobs and cost our economy hundreds of billions of dollars.

Employment for millions of hard working Americans depends on a strong domestic auto industry. And nations throughout the world, such as Japan, South Korea, and France support their domestic auto industries, so we certainly would not be creating a precedent or an unfair playing field with respect to international trade. Indeed, President-elect Obama stated just last week that ``the auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing and a critical part of our attempt to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. . . .'' Given that our government recently provided a tremendous amount of financial assistance ($700 billion) to sustain our country's financial sector, I believe that to provide assistance with strong federal oversight to our Nation's automakers is critical to our workforce.

Madam Speaker, on November 13th at the Capitol in Washington DC, several Members of Congress and the Congressional Arts Caucus held an exhibition of the artwork of Professor Yuhua Wang and an official reception honoring her. The exhibition hall was crowded with people, including numerous officials and dignitaries. Many Members of Congress, council members of the District of Columbia, ambassadors, and diplomats came to appreciate the exhibits on display. They praised the beauty of the artwork as being beyond imagination and praised Dr. Wang for bringing the light of beautiful art into the Capitol. Even after the exhibition ended, there were still Members of Congress who came to the exhibition hoping to view Dr. Wang's works of art.

Professor Wang personally attended the official reception in her honor. The hall was filled to capacity, making it a very grand occasion. Members of Congress and members of the Congressional Arts Caucus added their support by signing and presenting certificates of commendation. During the official reception, Members of Congress gave speeches expressing their respect for Professor Yuhua Wang. They praised Professor Wang for her outstanding contributions to world color painting, sculpture, oriental arts, and the development of cultural exchange. A Congressional Commendation stated that Professor Wang is a selfless person whose moral character is noble. It also stated that through her practice of Buddhism, she benefits humanity and all living beings. Members of Congress who initiated the exhibition proudly presented that Congressional Commendation to Professor Wang as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for her service to America and humanity. The Mayor of Washington DC, Adrian M. Fenty, presented to Professor Wang a certificate welcoming the exhibition of her artwork in the Nation's Capital and welcoming her to visit the entire area of Washington DC. Members of Congress who initiated and held this art exhibition included Corrine Brown, Danny Davis, Eliot L. Engel, Adam Schiff, Neil Abercrombie, Chaka Fattah, David Wu, and others.

The exhibition displayed four of Professor Wang's hand-sculpted faux coral painted in oil colors. Those works are entitled ``Glamour in Pink,'' ``Arching Branches,'' ``Parched Antiquity,'' and ``Cinnabar Nectar.'' Another exhibit is called ``Seventy-Seven Stones,'' which are exquisitely hand-sculpted and painted faux cobblestones. Additionally displayed were 10 ink-wash paintings called ``Spiritual Air,'' ``The Appeal of Lotuses,'' ``Two Chicks Under the Wool Tree,'' ``Ink Alone Excels Nature,'' ``Auspicious Atmosphere at the Lotus Pond,'' ``Light, Elegant Ink; Three Lovely Flowers,'' ``Yuhua,'' ``Lotus Fragrance Blown by the Wind,'' ``Golden Lotuses,'' and ``A Bit of Charming Autumn Scenery.'' The three oil paintings on exhibition were ``Flying Object in the Night,'' ``Heavenly World,'' and ``Exuberant Life.'' All of these exhibits were authentic, and most of them were chosen by International Arts Publishing to be included in the book World's Highest-Level Color Paintings and Ink-Wash Paintings--the Art of Professor Yuhua Wang. At the exhibition, news reporters asked Professor Yuhua Wang which one of the works of art that she created is her favorite. Her answer, which she gave without hesitation, has profound meaning. She said, ``Whichever work of art is everyone's favorite is my favorite work of art!''

Dr. Yuhua Wang was born in China and permanently resides in the U.S. She is currently a research professor at the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University in Georgia. She has been highly commended by the president and vice-president of Auburn University and by the dean of the college where she is a visiting professor for her achievements in the study of colors.

Professor Wang's hand-sculpted faux coral on which she painted oil colors are even more genuine-looking and more beautiful in form and color than real coral found at the bottom of the sea or on islands. Such works of art are many times more beautiful than natural coral and have become rare artistic treasures. It is no wonder that her art is regarded as ``treasures of the world.''

The cobblestones that Professor Yuhua Wang hand-sculpted from light- weight material and painted are exquisite and were made with meticulous attention to detail. These intriguingly and unpredictably varied faux cobblestones are not only genuine-looking, they are even more beautiful than real cobblestones. Their spots, streaks, watermarks, weathered appearance, reflecting light, and hues are all lifelike and exquisite. In all of their myriad variations, these cobblestones capture the spirit and form of real cobblestones yet surpass the beauty of natural ones. None of her cobblestones duplicates any other cobblestone in form, lines, color, or extent of weathered or aged appearance. Each cobblestone is in and of itself a meticulously and realistically painted work of art. Just like Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Vincent van Gogh's Sunflower Paintings, Dr. Wang's oil painting on these cobblestones has been called wondrous color application and the most superb art in the world.

The ink and wash paintings of Professor Wang are boldly arranged yet lack the slightest trace of affectation. They have an air of ease and smoothness and convey a sense of complete naturalness. They express loftiness and broadmindedness and are imbued with deep charm and liveliness. Those works of art by Professor Wang can indeed be called ink and wash paintings of the highest order.

The modern paintings of Dr. Wang have a unique style to them. Their lines flow smoothly and freely. Their diverse and unpredictable color combinations can express bold intensity, overflowing enthusiasm, traditional elegance, inspiring vitality, rustic charm, or majestic splendor. Those paintings are truly a feast for the eyes. Deeply embedded within them are feelings and wondrous skills. Her modern paintings are very sophisticated and should be carefully viewed. Actually, a magnifying glass would reveal that each of the many different parts that make up one of her modern paintings is a work of art in and of itself with its own unending appeal.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Master Wan Ko Yee, a permanent resident of the United States, on the occasion of the publication of HH Dorje Chang Buddha III, A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma, wherein Master Yee has been recognized within the traditions of his religion as the revered master and holy leader of Buddhism.

Buddhism is the world's fourth largest religion after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism, with over 6 million Buddhists in the United States and 360 million adherents of Buddhism world-wide. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha IlI, A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma, is a book that contains testimonies and affirmations through written proclamations in accordance with Buddhist traditions in recognizing the primordial Dorje Chang Buddha.

Copies of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, A Treasury of True Buddha- Dharma were presented to the Library of Congress at a special ceremony I attended with many other Members of Congress and Buddhist Dharma Kings and Rinpoches from around the world. The book was provided to every Member of Congress as a reference source and is being placed in all Buddhist Temples and public libraries by The International Buddhism Sangha Association, a nonprofit organization headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

Master Wan Ko Ye, who was born in Sichuan, China, is now a permanent resident of the United States and resides in California. Like many in the history of our country, he came with his wife and two children, to this land where there is greater opportunity and freedom to teach and practice religion. Master Yee, who is preparing to become a citizen of the United States, stated, ``The American people are kind and noble. People can freely believe in religion in the United States, a country that is spiritually wealthy, powerful and blessed.''

It is not my intention by this statement to endorse one religion or religious leader over another. Rather I rise to congratulate Master Yee for his many years of selflessly contributing to relieving the suffering of human beings, furthering world peace and promoting spiritual enlightenment through his teachings of Buddhism. I join his peers in recognizing Master Wan Ko Yee as the true incarnation of the primordial Buddha and commend him for his outstanding contributions to his community, his new country, his religion and all human beings throughout the world.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 642, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 643, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker and Members of the House, first of all I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for his leadership on this issue of transportation. He is truly the guru of transportation, and the country appreciates his leadership. And thanks to Ranking Members Mica and Shuster. I guess the pledge of serving in Congress is serving on transportation, because transportation is truly bipartisan.

This is truly a monumental day for America, and I am so pleased to be a part of it. If you are worrying about energy prices and the economy, this bill is a one-two punch. Passenger and freight rail are energy efficient, providing good jobs that can't be shipped overseas and transporting thousands of people and tons of cargo each day in a safe and efficient manner, and all of this without drilling off the coast.

Let me repeat. If you are worried about $4 and $5 gas prices, passenger and freight rail are energy efficient, provide good jobs that can't be shipped overseas and transport thousands of people and tons of cargo each day in a safe and efficient manner.

Rising gas prices alone, with increased highway and airport congestion, have made intercity passenger rail more popular and necessary than ever. In fiscal year 2007, Amtrak carried more than 25.8 million passengers, the fifth straight fiscal year of record ridership. Like its ridership gains, Amtrak's fiscal performance has improved as well, posting approximately $1.5 billion in ticket sales.

More than just a convenient way to travel, Amtrak is a greener mode of transportation. One full passenger train can take between 250 to 350 cars off the road. Rail travel is more energy efficient and uses less fuel than cars or airplanes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy data, Amtrak is 17 percent more efficient than domestic air travel and 21 percent more efficient than auto travel.

Unfortunately, for many years Amtrak has been given just enough money each year to limp along, never getting the necessary funds to make serious improvements in the system. The high voltage electric system is over 70 years old, 65 percent of the bridges were built in the 1920s, and several tunnels that the trains go through every year were built in the 1800s.

In 2005, Amtrak conducted a comprehensive review of its capital needs. The review determined that Amtrak should invest $4.2 billion to bring their infrastructure to a state of good repair. Today, with the backlog of major bridges and tunnel work, the necessary investment capital has approached an estimated $6 billion.

As other countries continue to invest tens of billions of dollars each year in improving their passenger rail systems, we are falling further and further behind by deferring these much-needed improvements to our system. We must find a way to speed up Amtrak's backlog of repair work and bring its assets to a state of good repair. Then Amtrak can concentrate on increasing capacity, increasing speed, developing new facilities and planning for the future. These major infrastructure improvements are also necessary to improve the safety and security of the system and its passengers and workers.

Amtrak has and will continue to play a critical role in evacuating and transporting citizens during national emergencies. Amtrak was the only mode of transportation out of New York following 9/11, and transported citizens and delivered vital supplies following Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, it is also a prime target for those who wish to harm us, and we must provide resources to make the system less vulnerable.

This legislation also includes vital railroad safety legislation that will improve the effectiveness of freight rail systems, and, most important, will help save the lives of rail employees and the people living in the communities they serve.

Freight railroads are also energy efficient and have made major gains in fuel efficiency through training and improved locomotive technology. A single intermodal train can take up to 280 trucks off of our highways. Today, one gallon of diesel fuel can move a ton of freight an average of 414 miles, a 76 percent improvement since 1980.

Since the beginning of the 110th Congress, the Railroad Subcommittee has held five hearings on rail safety, examined fatigue, human factors and rail accidents, and current Federal safety programs. In addition to the subcommittee's hearing, we met with all of our stakeholders, including labor, the railroads, government agencies and other interested parties to craft this legislation.

The bill seeks to help prevent accidents caused by human factors, which account for 40 percent of all rail accidents, by strengthening the hours-of-service laws, decreasing limbo time, increasing worker training and qualifications, and implementing advanced safety technology.

It requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop a long-term strategy for improving railroad safety at railroad crossings by improving visibility and making it easier to report problems.

I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important legislation. You don't want to go back to your district and tell your constituents that you voted against energy efficient transportation and valid railroad safety.

Vote ``yes,'' and we will move our Nation's rail system into the 21st century.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me thank Mr. Filner for his leadership on this committee. I am so proud that I am a part of this committee. Under his leadership, we passed the largest VA budget in the history of the United States. Our committee doesn't just ``talk the talk.'' We are ``walking the walk'' for the veterans. Thank you, and thanks to all of the members of the committee.

I rise in support of S. 2162, the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008. This bill includes many important issues of concern for veterans: mental health care, assistance for families, health care, pain care, provisions helping homeless vets, and construction of badly needed medical facilities.

This last item is very important to Florida. My State has the largest and fastest growing elderly veterans population in the country. Everyone enjoys the warm weather, and veterans are no different. It is high time we build the facilities that will take care of those heroes and sheroes.

The bill increases the authorization for the construction of a new VA medical facility in Orlando for close to $700 million. We have waited over 25 years for this facility. Let me repeat that. We have waited over 25 years for this facility, and to have construction delayed because of lack of money due to increased energy costs or inflation would be criminal.

Also this bill increases the authorization by $51.5 million to fund patient privacy at the Gainesville Medical Center. We need to make sure our veterans are treated with respect.

Earlier this year, this Congress passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill under the leadership of Chairman Chet Edwards. I appreciate his including funds for the projects in this bill, allowing for the continued development of these medical centers.

I urge the passage of this bill and continued support for our Nation's veterans.

May God bless America, and I thank all the veterans for their service.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 408) recognizing North Platte, Nebraska, as ``Rail Town USA''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include additional materials on House Concurrent Resolution 408.

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

Mr. Speaker, we are seeing a rebirth of the passenger and freight rail industry in this country, and it couldn't come soon enough. This week, Congress

is working on legislation that will help provide solutions to the energy crisis this Nation is facing. One sure way to do this is to increase the use of passenger and freight rail.

The only current mode of transportation that is greener than rail is your sneakers. Freight rail has made major gains in fuel efficiency through training and improved locomotive technology. A single intermodal train can take up to 280 trucks off of the highways. Today, one gallon of diesel fuel can move a ton of freight an average of 414 miles, a 76 percent improvement since 1980.

Passenger rail ability to reduce congestion is well known, with ridership numbers increasing steadily each year. One full passenger train can take up to 250-350 cars off of the road.

Passenger rail also consumes less energy than both automobiles and commercial airlines. Every industrialized country in the world is already using high-speed rail to effectively move citizens in an environmentally friendly way. Sadly, the United States used to be the leader in rail; now we're the caboose, and they don't even use cabooses anymore. Fortunately, we will be changing that with the upcoming passage of the Amtrak Reauthorization bill.

Today, we celebrate the contributions of our Nation's rail once again by recognizing North Platte, Nebraska, as ``Rail Town, USA.''

North Platte has a long and storied history as a railroad town. During World War II, North Platte hosted up to 20 trains full of soldiers each day, and today is home to the Bailey Yard, which is considered the largest rail classification yard in the world, handling 10,000 railroad cars each day.

From 1941-1946, more than six million service men and women were greeted by North Platte volunteers who provided food, needed supplies and hospitality to the World War II veterans and provided care baskets to wounded soldiers returning home.

I want to commend Congressman Smith for this legislation and thank the town of North Platte, Nebraska, for the contributions to our brave soldiers during World War II.

I urge Members to support this resolution.

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

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Once again I want to add that for better than 4 years, day in and day out, over 50,000 people contributed food, money and efforts to one of the proudest moments in our history during World War II. Day in and day out, from early in the morning until the last train would leave at night, between 2,000 and 5,000 soldiers and sailors

would be fed nearly 200 loaves of bread, 100 pounds of meat, 50 pounds of coffee and over 100 quarts of milk. More than 300 organizations made sandwiches, boiled eggs, fried chicken and baked cakes and pies. The war wounded were provided with razors, canes, toothbrushes and care baskets to make their return home a welcome one. One of the most famous residents of North Platte was Colonel William F. Cody, best known as Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill made North Platte his home for more than 30 years.

Today North Platte is the home of Bailey Yard and operated by Union Pacific Railroad. It is considered the largest rail classification yard in the world. Every 24 hours, Bailey Yard handles over 10,000 railroad cars. Bailey Yard handles daily an average of 135 trains bound for cities as far distant as the east, west and gulf coasts of America, as well as the Canadian and Mexican borders.

I really want to be one of the ones to offer congratulations and our thanks as a grateful people to North Platte.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, how much time remains on both sides, please?

Madam Speaker, I don't want the people at home to get confused. Today we are honoring the people of North Platte, USA, for their major contribution as far as rail is concerned. But I think that there is no stronger bill more that we can do in this Congress than to pass the Amtrak bill. I want to be clear. I mention that Congress is working on legislation that would provide solutions to the energy crisis. And the solution, in my opinion, is not just drilling. That is one of the comprehensive proposals.

But the major solution to our problem in this country as far as energy is concerned is not just to provide drilling off the Florida coast. It is also to provide rail service. We, in this country, as I say over and over and over again, are the caboose. The caboose. And we don't use cabooses in trains anymore. I went from downtown Paris to downtown Brussels, over 200 miles, 1 hour and 15 minutes, downtown Barcelona to downtown Madrid, 300 miles, in 2\1/2\ hours. That is the future of our country. We have to move people, goods and services, if we are going to be competitive with the rest of the world. Our competition is moving. We need to move America and to understand the solution to the problem is not by drilling and drilling alone.

I reserve the balance of my time.

In closing, once again let's thank the people of North Platte for what they have done during World War II. Also, as we move forward in discussing energy, we need comprehensive energy. One thing that was missing was coal. We have enough coal in this country for 600 years. I know that burning coal sometimes pollutes the air, but any country that can go to the moon, we can come up with a way to burn coal and not be dependent.

So we need a comprehensive approach to energy. The answer is not just drilling. We need comprehensive approaches to dealing with our moving people, goods and services so we can be competitive with our competition.

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

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week it was difficult to tell President Bush and Senator McCain apart. On the day when the stock markets fell 500 points, President Bush described it as nothing more than an ``adjustment,'' while Senator McCain declared the ``fundamentals of our economy are strong.''

Are President Bush and Senator McCain serious, or are they out of touch? What about the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs and are having trouble finding a new one simply because the Bush-McCain economy has shed 600,000 more jobs this year than they have created? What about middle class families who are worse off today than they were 8 years ago? They have seen their real wages fall over 8 years by $300.

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to economic issues, there is no difference between President Bush, Senator McCain, and former President Herbert Hoover.

Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank the chairman for his leadership on this issue and for his tireless work on the committee and on behalf of the Nation's veterans.

I rise in support of H.R. 6832, the Veterans' Programs Extension and Construction Authorization Act of 2008. I am pleased at the construction that has occurred in the State of Florida. My State has the largest elderly veterans population in the country. Everyone enjoys the warm weather, and veterans are no different. It is high time that we build the facilities that will take care of the heroes and sheroes.

In addition, this bill increases the authorization for the construction of a new VA medical center in Orlando. We have waited over 25 years for this facility, and we have construction delays. We cannot allow construction delays because of the lack of money due to increased energy costs or inflation. It would be criminal to do this.

In addition, this bill increases the authorization by $51 million to fund patient privacy at the Gainesville Medical Center. We need to make sure our veterans are treated with respect.

Earlier this year, this Congress passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriation under the leadership of Chairman Chet Edwards. I appreciate him including funds for these projects in the bill, along with the continuing development of the medical centers in Florida.

I urge the passing of the bill and continued support for our Nation's veterans. May God continue to bless America.

Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Dr. Yuhua Wang, who has been recognized as a great artist and sculptor.

Dr. Wang was born in China, and permanently resides in the United States. Since 2000, she has worked as a visiting professor of oriental arts in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University, where she has received several commendation certificates for excellent work performance.

In August 2008, Dr. Wang's book entitled World's Highest-Level Color Paintings and Ink-Wash Paintings will be published and distributed worldwide by International Arts Publishing. Dr. Wang has meticulously and delicately applied fine-brushwork and oil colors on hand-sculpted coral and cobblestones which have become treasures of the world.

In the history of Chinese art, her lotus flower paintings are unsurpassed and are extremely valuable. In addition to being proficient in Chinese paintings, she is a highly talented sculptor whose themes are nature's mountains, rocks and plants. Dr. Wang's skills in the creation of colors, paintings and sculptures have reached the acme of perfection in their exquisiteness, elegance and beauty.

Dr. Wang, who takes great pleasure in helping others, is a selfless person whose moral character is noble, which is evidenced by the numerous awards and honors she has received. She has made great contributions to the development of cultural exchange between the East and West. Through her practice of Buddhism; Professor Wang benefits humanity and all living beings.

Madam Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Dr. Yuhua Wang, an outstanding artist and scholar, who has chosen to make her home here in the United States because she has heartfelt love for its people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay honor and tribute to the memory of Samuel Snow, of Leesburg, Florida.

In 1944, Samuel Snow was among a group of black American soldiers involved in the largest and longest U.S. Army court martial of World War II.

Mr. Snow, then a 19-year-old Army private, and 42 other black troops were tried at Fort Lawton in Seattle for the death of an Italian Army prisoner of war. All 43 were accused of rioting, while three of the GIs were charged with first degree murder. Mr. Snow was one of two men still alive to tell the story.

Mr. Snow enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944, in New Orleans. His enlistment helped fill a need for black soldiers to fill segregated units to be shipped to Japan. As Snow packed to get ready to be shipped out, a fight broke out between a large number of black soldiers and Italian POWs.

Only two attorneys were appointed. They had just two weeks to prepare a defense and no access to key evidence. After the Army's longest court martial of World War II, 28 soldiers were convicted--and it was all wrong. 13 acquitted and charges against two others were dropped.

He spent a year in confinement. This was the largest court martial during the war, and the only time blacks were tried for alleged lynching. Mr. Snow was issued an ultimatum: Go to prison or receive a dishonorable discharge.

Last October, the Army overturned those convictions after Seattle author Jack Hamann's investigation proved the soldiers were unjustly tried in his book ``On American Soil.'' Their convictions were all set aside. On Saturday, July 26, the Army officially apologized in a ceremony at Fort Lawton in Seattle in front of family and friends of 28 of the soldiers. Only 2 of them are still alive and Sam Snow was determined to attend the ceremony.

Mr. Snow travelled to Seattle from Florida and was admitted to a Seattle hospital Friday night. He smiled when his son Ray read the honorable discharge petition to him following the Saturday ceremony. At 12:45 a.m. Sunday, Samuel Snow died of congestive heart failure.

His son, Ray Snow, who traveled with him to Seattle, said ``Getting that honorable discharge was more important than his health.''

Sam Snow, on a previous visit to Fort Lawton, said that ``we hope this never happens again and I am proud to be an American.''

Samuel Snow was a speaker at my Veterans Braintrust at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference this past September. His is very moving story and if there is one thing to learn, it is that we must always be vigilant against injustice.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Snow; son, Ray; grandchildren, Maurice Snow, Denise S. Norwood, Marvin J. and Ray L. Snow; and three great-grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Dr. Yuhua Wang, who has been recognized as a great artist and sculptor.

Dr. Wang was born in Sichuan, China, and permanently resides in the United States. Since 2000, she has worked as a visiting professor of oriental arts in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University, where she has received several commendation certificates for excellent work performance.

In August 2008, Dr. Wang's book entitled World's Highest-Level Color Paintings and Ink-Wash Paintings will be published and distributed worldwide by International Arts Publishing. Dr. Wang has meticulously and delicately applied fine-brushwork and oil colors on hand-sculpted coral and cobblestones which have become treasures of the world.

In the history of Chinese art, her lotus flower paintings are unsurpassed and are extremely valuable. In addition to being proficient in Chinese paintings, she is a highly talented sculptor whose themes are nature's mountains, rocks and plants. Dr. Wang's skills in the creation of colors, paintings and sculptures have reached the acme of perfection in their exquisiteness, elegance and beauty.

Dr. Wang, who takes great pleasure in helping others, is a selfless person whose moral character is noble, which is evidenced by the numerous awards and honors she has received. She has made great contributions to the development of cultural exchange between the East and West. Through her practice of Buddhism, Professor Wang benefits humanity and all living beings.

Madam Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Dr. Yuhua Wang, an outstanding artist and scholar, who has chosen to make her home here in the United States because she has heartfelt love for its people.

I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for his leadership on this bill and on all transportation issues.

Mr. Oberstar is really a transportation guru. And to listen to Mr. Mica here today arguing for high speed rail--no, not arguing--debating, supporting, oh, we've come a long way in this country as far as the reauthorization of Amtrak. And this is an exciting day for the American people.

With gas prices rapidly rising to $5 a gallon, we could not be moving in conference on a more important bill than Amtrak reauthorization. I'm excited for the American people and the prospect of having more transportation options than getting in your cars and driving.

This weekend, I sent my mom to our family reunion, to Lakeland, Florida on Amtrak. Her trip was a perfect example of why we need to expand services, add, boost, and provide additional passenger and vehicle cars. The train she was riding on was so busy that people were actually sleeping on the floors of the train.

Amtrak's improvements on its physical state and recent focus on customer service, along with increasing highway and airport congestion and rising gas prices, have made interest in passenger rail more popular and necessary than ever. More than just a convenient way to travel, Amtrak is also energy efficient. Rail travel is more energy efficient and uses less fuel than cars or airplanes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy data, Amtrak is 17 percent more efficient than domestic airline travel and 21 percent more efficient than automobile travel.

Passenger rail also reduces global warming. The average passenger rail train produces 60 percent lower carbon emissions than cars and 50 percent less than airplanes.

In the fiscal year 2007, Amtrak carried more than 25.8 million passengers, the fifth straight year of record ridership. Like its ridership gains, Amtrak's fiscal performance has improved as well, posting $1.5 billion in ticket revenue. A gain of 10 percent.

On May 10, Amtrak celebrated National Train Day by holding events throughout the country showcasing interests in the passenger rail and its importance to the Nation. I celebrated National Train Day by holding events throughout my district, including press conferences and events in Jacksonville, Winter Park, and at the Sanford Auto Train station. Every event had a great turnout showing strong support for Amtrak, and I got to hear firsthand accounts of people who use Amtrak every day to go to work, visit friends and families all over the country.

Congress also showed strong support for Amtrak and passenger rail by passing legislation supporting Amtrak Train Day by a vote of 415-0.

Fifty years ago, President Eisenhower created the National Highway System which changed the way we travel in this country. Today, we need to do the same thing with passenger rail and make the level of investment necessary for it to become even more successful in the future.

I was in New Orleans this weekend with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and at a press conference the Speaker stated the importance of investing in rail infrastructure. She stated that it is not only important to offer alternatives to highway travel, but is critical for transporting citizens out of harm's way during national disasters.

The United States used to be the best passenger rail service in the world. Now we are the caboose, and they don't even use cabooses any more. The American people deserve better. I believe this Amtrak Reauthorization will go a long way to restore the U.S. to its rightful place as a world leader in passenger rail. Going to conference with the Senate is the next major step in bringing our Nation's intercity passenger rail into the 21st century.

I encourage all of my colleagues to support this suspension bill which will allow the House and Senate to go to conference on Amtrak.