Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men who lost their lives when the USS Wahoo went down in the Western Pacific in 1943. A memorial ceremony to the 80 crew members will be held at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park on October 11, the 64th anniversary of the vessel's disappearance.

The USS Wahoo was one of the Navy's most valuable units during World War II. The submarine began its first patrol in August 1942 in the Carolines. During its first 6 patrols the submarine was responsible for sinking 27 ships and damaging 2 more and was granted the Presidential Unit Citation for its 3rd patrol. The submarine came under attack on its 7th patrol in the La Perouse Strait between the Japanese island of Hokkaido and the Russian island of Sakhalin and went down on October 11, 1943. According to Japanese military reports the submarine was sunk after several hours of a combined air and sea attack involving depth charges and aerial bombings.

Commander Dudley Morton was the skipper of the USS Wahoo when it went down. His relatives and the relatives of other crew members led the search to find the USS Wahoo. Through a cooperative effort between the United States, Japan, and Russia, the USS Wahoo was located.

In addition to Commander Morton, 79 other crew members lost their lives that day. They include the uncle of my constituent Joann Fisher, Edwin Eldon Ostrander. The names of the remaining crew members are: Floyd Anders, Joseph Andrews, Robert Bailey, Arthur Bair, Jimmie Berg, Chester Browning, Donald Brown, Clifford Bruce, James Buckley, William Burgan, John Campbell, William Carr, James Carter, William Davison, Lynwood Deaton, Joseph Erdey, Eugene Fiedler, Oscar Finkelstein, Walter Galli, Cecil Garmon, George Garrett, Jr., Wesley Gerlacher, Richard Goss, Hiram Greene, William Hand, Leon Hartman, Dean Hayes, Richie Henderson, William Holmes, Van House, Howard Howe, Olin Jacobs, Robert Jasa, Juan Jayson, Kindred Johnson, Dalton Keeter, Wendell Kemp, Paul Kessock, Paul Krebs, Eugene Kirk, Arthur Lape, Clarence Lindemann, Robert Logue, Walter Lynch, Stuart MacAlman, Thomas Mac Gowen, Albert Magyar, Jesus Manalisay, Paul Mandjiak, Edward Massa, Ernest Maulding, George Maulding, Thomas McGill, Jr., Howard McGilton, Donald McSpadden, Max Mills, George Misch, Percy Neel, Forest O'Brien, Roy O'Neal, Paul Phillips, Juano Rennels, Henry Renno, Enoch Seal, Jr., Alfred Simonetti, Verne Skjonsby, Donald Smith, George Stevens, William Terrell, William Thomas, Ralph Tyler, Joe Vidick, Ludwig Wach, Wilbur Waldron, Norman Ware, William White, Kenneth Whipp, and Roy Witting.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and honor these brave men that gave their lives for our Nation. May we always remember their sacrifice and revere their memory.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Tina Fielder-Gibson. She is being honored by the Flint Schools Youth Projects for her contributions to the students of the Flint community at a dinner on September 27th in Burton, Michigan.

After graduating from Flint Northwestern High School, Tina continued her education at the University of Michigan--Flint. She graduated from that institution in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She started working for the Genesee County Sheriffs office in 1986 as a Corrections Officer. She has worked on the Jails Transaction Team, was the first woman to work in the Jail's Commissary, she worked as a Classification Officer and was the first woman elected Union President.

Sheriff Robert Pickell created the position of Administrative Assistant when he became Genesee County Sheriff and Tina was tapped to fill the position in 1999. She acts as a community representative and works with various organizations to ensure the next generation is prepared to assume the leadership of our community. In this capacity she arranges tours for the Youth Projects Program and area churches, allowing students ages 12-16 to talk to inmates and hear their stories.

Tina is active with many organizations including the Fetal Infant Mortality Committee, the Hate Crimes Task Force, the Interagency Collaborative GISD, the Elder Abuse Task Force/until Disciplinary Team, YWCA Domestic Violence Committee, East Side and North Central Weed and Seed Programs, Strong Families Safe Children, and Safe Schools Healthy Students--Flint Schools. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta-- Flint Alumnae Chapter and is a Big Sister with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

She has held the following positions: Chair Black Caucus 1985-1995, Vice-Chair Genesee County Democratic Party 1998-2000, Chair Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint 1998-Present, Chair National Council on Alcoholism and Addiction 2006-2007, Vice President Sisters United Incorporated 2001-Present, President AFSCME 2259 Genesee County Sheriff Union 1997-1999, Trustee AFL-CIO 1997-1999, Treasurer New Paths Incorporated 2000-Present, Treasurer Alternative for Children 1997- Present, President Sam Duncan Memorial Scholarship Committee 2004- Present, Youth Projects Advisory Board 2000-Present, Catholic Charities of Genesee/Shiawassee Counties 2006-Present, March of Dimes Flint/ Saginaw Division 2000-Present, United Way Cabinet 2000-Present, and the Child Advocacy Center 2005-Present.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Tina Fielder-Gibson as her hard work and contributions to the young people of Genesee County are honored by the Flint Schools Youth Project.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Woodrow ``Woody'' Skaff on his 90th birthday. Woodrow turned 90 on August 26th. A celebration hosted by the University of Michigan-Flint is being held on September 12th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Woody's father came to the United States in 1906. He settled in Flint and married Martha VanDemark. They started a carpet business and had five children. Woody began working in the family business during the 1930s, After World War II, his two brothers, Don and Jack, joined Woody and the three sons expanded their father's business to include furniture. The brothers continued to grow the business and operated 6 different stores. By the 1970s the third generation became involved when Woody's oldest son, George, became involved. The business continues today to be a vibrant family run enterprise built on the cornerstone of respect and service to the customer and community.

Even after retirement, Woody Skaff still maintains this respect for the community. He is involved in numerous organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint, Young Life--Christian Camp, Crossroads, the YWCA, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, First Presbyterian Church, the Flint Institute of Music, the Flint Institute of Art and the Cultural Center. Woody has funded a scholarship program at the University of Michigan-Flint and over 30 students have benefited from his generosity.

Madam Speaker please join me in congratulating Woodrow Skaff for 90 years of living his Christian faith by loving, caring and helping others. He has made a significant contribution to the Flint community through his generosity and his example. I wish him the best in the coming year and many, many more.

I thank the gentleman for his kind words.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2786, a bill to reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act. I am proud to be the sponsor of this very important legislation.

NAHASDA, enacted in 1996, was the first piece of comprehensive housing legislation directed solely to Native American and Alaskan Native people. It has become the basic program aiding Native Americans in tribal areas with affordable housing development, including homeownership, rehabilitation, infrastructure development, and other affordable housing assistance.

The success of NAHASDA is clear. Since its enactment, thousands of housing units have been constructed or are in development. Despite this record, however, there is still a substantial unmet need for housing units, a need that continues to grow for one of the fastest growing population groups in the country.

This bill, which is based largely upon the recommendations made by the Native American Indian Housing Council, has bipartisan support. I want to thank my colleagues, Chairman Barney Frank and Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Mr. Pearce, who has been a very, very active supporter of this legislation and other legislation affecting our Native Americans.

Its primary objective is to improve housing conditions in Indian country. Building upon the basic framework of NAHASDA, the bill will give tribes greater flexibility in meeting the housing needs of the tribal citizens. To that end, the bill creates a self-determination program which authorizes tribes to set aside 15 percent of its annual NAHASDA grant funding, up to $1 million, for the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of housing. A year before the next NAHASDA reauthorization in 2011, HUD would report to Congress the results of this program.

Among other revisions, the bill will make certain that tribes can compete for Home Investment Partnership Act funds, removes competitive procurement rules and procedures for purchases and goods under $5,000, makes Federal supply sources through the GSA more accessible to tribes, recognizes tribal preference laws in hiring and contracting for NAHASDA activities, allows tribes to carry over NAHASDA funds to a subsequent grant year, and permits tribes to establish a reserve account up to 20 percent of the tribe's annual NAHASDA grant.

Mr. Chairman, this authorization bill will build upon the success of NAHASDA over the past 11 years by providing more housing development on our Nation's Indian reservations.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

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

Madam Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to the Greater Coleman Temple Church of God in Christ as the pastor and congregation celebrate their 50th anniversary. A celebration will be held on September 9 in Saginaw, Michigan, in recognition of this momentous occasion. Bishop Roger L. Jones, pastor of Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ and prelate of the Southeast Michigan Jurisdiction will be the featured speaker and the theme is ``Celebrating a Glorious Past, Embracing a Promising Future!''

Dr. Hurley J. Coleman and Dr. Martha W. Coleman founded the Greater Coleman Temple on September 7, 1957, under the name of Johnson Street Mission Church of God in Christ. Services were held in the garage attached to Pastor Coleman's home. Inspired by God, Pastor Coleman worked to fulfill the vision of building a church. In June 1961, with less than 30 members, a groundbreaking ceremony was held and the Johnson Street Mission became the Liberty Park Church of God in Christ.

The first mortgage was burned is 1972 ahead of its maturity date. April 1975 saw the groundbreaking for Phase II. When that mortgage was paid ahead of schedule, the congregation looked to expand and held the groundbreaking for Phase III in August 1989. Blessed with a congregation that continues to grow, the church has now moved to its third location at the World Outreach Campus.

In 1997 both Pastor and Mother Coleman received their Doctorates in Ministry. Martha Coleman passed away on December 14, 1999, and Pastor Coleman was called to the Lord on July 2, 2001. Their son, Superintendent Hurley J. Coleman, Jr., and his wife, Evangelist Sandra Coleman, assumed the leadership mantle of Greater Coleman Temple Church of God in Christ and continue to invigorate the congregation.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Greater Coleman Temple on 50 years of worship, prayer and evangelism. May the clergy, staff and congregation continue to thrive doing the work of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to James Vassal in honor of his 100th birthday. A celebration was held at United Bethel Methodist Church on his birthday in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

James Vassal was born on August 18, 1907, in Amory, MS, the middle of 5 children. He worked for Frisco Railroad in Memphis for 25 years. During these years he met President Franklin D. Roosevelt twice. In 1945 he moved to Flint and went to work at the Chevrolet V-8 Engine Plant in Flint for 26\1/2\ years. He retired in 1971 and is a member of UAW Local 659.

He is a devoted member of United Bethel Methodist Church. He started attending services in 1946 in the basement of its future church on 12th Street. He worked as an usher and sang in the church gospel choir. James credits his grandfather for providing the foundation for his future devotion to United Bethel Methodist Church. He attends the 11 a.m. worship services every Sunday and is still a member of United Methodist Men and the Bible Study Group. In June, William Kornegay presented him with a certificate from the United Methodist Men's national office recognizing Vassal's ``outstanding achievement'' in the church. He was honored by the church's senior adult ministry at a luncheon on August 16. On his birthday, a dinner was held in his honor and attended by over 200 people. Many of James's relatives from Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Indiana, and Kentucky traveled to Michigan to join in the celebration. Sunday's worship centered on his contributions and featured remarks by Reverend Russell, McReynolds, Reverend Alonzo Vincent, Reverend Tara Sutton, and James's great-great grandnephews and nieces.

James married Mae Berta Carter on July 16, 1927. They had one son, Charles, and one granddaughter, Reverend Delphine Vassal, an African Methodist Episcopal minister in Dallas. Devoted to each other until the end, James was by Mae's side when she passed away in 1996.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating James Vassal and wishing him the best for the coming year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sister Joanne Chiaverini as she celebrates her 50th Jubilee as a Sister Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A celebration will be held on Sunday, September 9, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flint, Michigan.

Sister Joanne Chiaverini began her work with the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as an educator and worked in that capacity for 15 years, earning her Masters of Education in Theology from Marygrove College during this time. Her work involved preparing children for the sacraments. Often she would teach the parents as well as the children. With a desire to work with the poor and disadvantaged, Sister Joanne developed her talent for inner city ministry working during the 1960s at St. Agnes Parish in the heart of Detroit and she worked with Father Bill Cunningham when he founded Focus Hope after the 1967 riots.

Sister Joanne became a certified social worker in 1973. Working in the Flint area she has counseled parents and children caught in the nightmare of substance abuse, worked as a volunteer probation officer, worked coordinating the religious education of parents, catechists, and students. She was a pioneering member of the Flint Interfaith Alliance and brought the Project ARAB to parishes throughout the Diocese of Lansing.

After spending 30 days on an Ignatian retreat, Sister Joanne was inspired to co-found the St. Francis Prayer Center with Father Phil Schmitter. The Center is dedicated to providing a place of quiet and contemplation. The Center has moved 3 times to better serve the poor and at risk population. Her work on behalf of the disadvantaged has earned Sister Joanne numerous awards including: Woman of the Year by the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Groundwork ``Christian Discipleship'' Award from the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Center for Environmental Justice Award from the Flint Chapter of the NAACP. Along with Father Schmitter, she has also received the Citizens Participation Award for 20 years of ministry in public housing, and the Dr. Albert Wheeler ``Seeker of Justice'' Award from the Diocese of Lansing.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Sister Joanne Chiaverini as she celebrates her Golden Jubilee as a Sister Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and wish her the best in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren), an active member of the Native American Caucus, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, as Democratic chairman of the congressional Native American Caucus, I am honored to speak in support of H.R. 2358, the Native American $1 Coin Act.

As the chief sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, I am pleased that the House is passing this final version of the bill today. The House passed H.R. 2358 on June 12, 2007, and the Senate passed it by unanimous consent on August 3 with an amendment that makes minor changes to the bill. Both my friend, Financial Services chairman Barney Frank, and I support the Senate changes.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will honor the strength and wisdom of Indian country by authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue coins that commemorate the outstanding contributions of Native Americans by changing the design annually on the reverse side of the Sacagawea dollar coin. These designs will take the American people through a journey of different experiences of Native peoples by exposing them to their unique histories while preserving the memory of Sacagawea, the young Shoshone woman who assisted Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Northwest more than 200 years ago.

I can think of no better way to pay tribute to the Native American people than to honor their contributions to the development of the United States and her history. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of John L. Pugh as he retires from Delta College after 36 years of service. John will be honored at a party of Friday, August 3, in Saginaw, MI.

John Pugh was born in Shubuta, MS, where he attended public school through eighth grade. He completed his secondary education in Newton, MS. He received his B.A. degree, cum laude, in economics from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, and his master degree from the University of Toledo in 1971. He also attended Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS, and spent 4 years in the U.S. Air Force before entering Florida A and M University.

John Pugh became involved in politics, economic empowerment, and civil rights efforts as a freshman at Tougaloo College, where he worked with Medgar Evers on a successful public boycott that encouraged businesses in Jackson, MS, to hire African-American employees. He continued his community involvement during his 3 years as a student at Florida A and M University as he worked on local campaigns for Black mayoral candidates and helped develop a student magazine.

He has managed several successful local and State political campaigns. Mr. Pugh served as chair of the Saginaw County Reverend Jesse Jackson for President Committee in 1984 and 1988. Rev. Jesse Jackson won in Saginaw County in 1984. In 1988, again under Mr. Pugh's leadership, Jackson won the Saginaw district. Mr. Pugh served as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1988 and 1992.

His community involvement includes: founding board member of the Ruben Daniels Educational Foundation, member of Saginaw County Mental Health Authority, chair of the Saginaw Branch NAACP ACT-SO Program, member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church Deacon Board, chair of New You Design Men's Apparel Store, managed local campaign efforts for Rev. Jesse Jackson, President Bill Clinton and Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.

During his 36 years at Delta College, he developed a wide range of programs and initiatives to assist students and the Saginaw urban community. Delta College's faculty and staff recognized Mr. Pugh in 1980 and 1995 for his extensive service to the college and community when he was presented the American Association of University Professor, AAUP, Award, the highest honor bestowed upon college administrators.

Mr. Pugh is married to Carolyn. They have three daughters, Yvette, Pamela, and Canika, and three grandchildren, Andrea, Delyn, and Kevin John.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating John Pugh on his retirement from Delta College. He has devoted his life to nurturing the next generation of our country's leaders and has made the world a better place.

Madam Speaker, today I rise before you and ask my colleagues in the 110th Congress to join me in recognizing Mr. Raymond M. Flavin on his 95th birthday. This momentous occasion will be marked by a reception on September 2, 2007.

Mr. Flavin was born on August 25, 1912 in Litchfield, ND and moved to the Flint area in 1935. On January 18, 1937 he married his wife Dorothy and the couple had five children. Ray moved to Flint Township in 1941 where his residency remains to this day.

Ray Flavin began his public service career in 1955 as a trustee on the Flint Township Board. He was also the police commissioner during this term. Ray was elected Supervisor of Flint Township by the Township Board in 1958 to fill the unexpired term of the previous supervisor who had passed away. In April 1959 he was elected to the position of Flint Township Supervisor. He served in this capacity during the years 1958 to 1964, from 1970 to 1972, and 1974 through 1980 for a total of 15 years.

Ray's position as Township Supervisor boasts many accomplishments, including: successfully joining the efforts to make Flint Township a Charter Township and assisting in the creation of the Kate McCarthy Senior Citizens Center.

Mr. Flavin was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives 83rd District in 1965. During his term he was a member of the State Ways and Means Committee and was Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on General Government.

Madam Speaker, I am a better person because of my friendship with Ray Flavin. I shall always be grateful to him. Madam Speaker, once again, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 95th birthday of Mr. Raymond M. Flavin.

Mr. Chairman, my district has been devastated by trade agreements and other policies of past Congresses. The population of my largest city has dropped from 180,000 to 118,000. Delphi is going through a bankruptcy. My General Motors jobs have dropped from 80,000 to 18,000.

The one bright spot in my district is agriculture, led by my sugar beet farmers who own the whole process from the fields through the refinery. Don't deliver another blow to my district by in effect abolishing this no-cost program. Let my sugar farmers help the economy of my district. They are our hope. Don't dash that hope. Defeat this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, as the co-chairman and founder of the Congressional Native American Caucus, I rise in support of H.R. 3095, a bill amending the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act of 2006.

Indian tribes are faced with a deadline established in the act that requires tribal governments to affirmatively elect to comply with the mandates of the act by July 27, 2007, or cede their authority for enforcement to the States.

My bill authorizes a 1-year extension of the deadline by which tribes are required to opt into the national sex offender registration and notification system.

Mr. Speaker, tribes strongly support the Adam Walsh Act, and they share the Federal Government's commitment to protecting their communities from sexual predators. However, tribes are asking us to extend the deadline so that they can make an informed decision on how to implement the mandates of the Adam Walsh Act.

The Department of Justice is still in its comment period on the proposed guidelines, which does not close until August 1. It is simply too early to force tribal governments to make a decision based on incomplete information and without guidance from the administration.

Mr. Speaker, I have received numerous requests from tribes across the Nation urging our support for a 1-year extension. I have letters from the National Congress of American Indians and the National Criminal Justice Administration supporting the request, also.

I'm pleased that this bill has received bipartisan support. I want to thank my colleagues from across the aisle for supporting this legislation.

I want to thank my chairman, Judiciary chairman, John Conyers; and Ranking Member Lamar Smith especially for their support as well.

I urge my colleagues to support final passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 980) to provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material relevant to H.R. 980 into the Record.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be sponsor of H.R. 980, along with my good friend from Tennessee, Mr. John Duncan.

H.R. 980 extends to firefighters, police officers, corrections officers and other public safety officers the basic right to discuss workplace issues with their employers. Public safety officers, who risk their lives to protect us, deserve a say in decisions that affect their lives and their livelihood.

We have addressed concerns raised during the hearing held on the legislation in the Education and Labor Committee and strengthened this strongly bipartisan bill. This bipartisanship of this legislation is demonstrated by the 280 cosponsors of this bill and a 42-1 bipartisan vote in favor of this bill during the markup in the Education and Labor Committee.

I would like to thank Chairman Miller, Chairman Andrews and the committee staff for all their support on this important legislation. I wish to also thank Ranking Member McKeon and Ranking Member Kline and their staff for their work with us on this legislation.

I first introduced this legislation more than a decade ago back in 1995. It has been a long journey to today, and this legislation is long overdue for our Nation's public safety employees.

I would also like to thank the groups that we have worked with on this legislation, including, among others, the International Association of Firefighters, the Fraternal Order of Police, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the International Union of Police Associations and the National Association of Police Organizations.

The absence of the right to collectively bargain denies these public servants the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their work and their family. Our firefighters and police officers risk their lives to keep us safe, yet there are some States in this country that deny them the right to discuss workplace issues with their employers, a right most Americans have. At the very least, they should be allowed to negotiate for wages, hours and safe working conditions.

When I was in the State legislature in Michigan, I helped pass legislation that granted all public employees the right to collectively bargain. In Michigan, this has led to a working environment that effectively protects the public and that both employers and employees are proud of.

H.R. 980 would merely create a minimum standard that States have the flexibility to implement, regulate and enforce as they see fit. Many States, such as my own State of Michigan, have laws in place that go well beyond H.R. 980, and these States would not be affected by this legislation. Additionally, this legislation does not allow strikes or lockouts, and it preserves management rights.

Firefighters and police officers are very serious about their commitment to public safety. They deserve the basic right to sit down with their employers and discuss their work conditions.

The reasonableness of this legislation again is demonstrated by the wide bipartisan support it has from its 280 cosponsors. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation.

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

First of all, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Keller for his hard work on this bill. He has made it a joy working on the bill, and I thank him for that.

I now yield to the gentleman from New Jersey, the chairman of the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee that had jurisdiction over this bill, such time as he may consume.

(Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. Speaker, first of all I want to thank Mr. Duncan for his hard work on this bill. He is, as we all know, a study in civility, and civility certainly helps in this House. He also illustrates that we can sit down in a bipartisan way and seek solutions. I thank him for his work on this.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), my chairman and the chairman of the full Education and Labor Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no further speakers, but I will say this. First of all, this has been a great example of bipartisanship on an issue that very often has divided us. This has brought us together. I think this is a great historical moment. Democrats and Republicans. It was 42-1 in committee, and I think that is something to be said in this body. I think this illustrates that on an issue that very often divides us, labor issues, when it comes to a specific group of these first responders, we can find a way to resolve that division.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Flint, Michigan and Hamilton, Ontario for 50 years collaborating on the CANUSA Games. The 50th anniversary will be celebrated at a gala community celebration on June 21st in my hometown of Flint.

The CANUSA Games were born in 1957 when Frank Manley and Charles Stewart Mott contacted the Amateur Athletic Union about further competitions for the Flint Olympian winners. The United States Amateur Athletic Union discussed the request with the Canadian Amateur Athletic Union and it was decided to organize a competition between the athletes of Flint and Hamilton, Ontario. That first year, 200 athletes participated in the Games. It was a great success and the tradition of the CANUSA Games began.

Since that beginning the CANUSA Games has grown into an annual event. This year about 1,000 athletes will compete. It is the model for similar athletic events between cities in the United States and Canada. The hallmark of the Games is a spirit of goodwill and friendly competition. The creed for the Games is:

``We swear that we will take part in the CANUSA Games in fair

competition,

respecting the regulations which govern them

and with the desire to participate in the true spirit of

sportsmanship,

for the glory of sports and for the honor of our country.''

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating all the athletes, coaches, coordinators, and volunteers in Hamilton, Ontario and Flint, Michigan for 50 years of dedication to promoting friendship and harmony between our two nations through the spirit of athletic competition.

Madam Speaker, today I am happy to rise before you and ask my colleagues in the 110th Congress to celebrate 50 years of education in the Essexville-Hampton School District. This momentous event will be marked by a ``Celebrating Success'' event on Saturday, July 7, 2007.

It all began with visionary W.R. Bush, educational leader Quinton E. Cramer, and community leader Mark M. Jaffe. Special thanks go to those who served on the school board in 1955: Melvin Steggall, Austin Nickel, George Ryers, Clifford Mader, and Lowell Cuthbert. On July 1, 1957 their joint efforts created a school district, which joined together the City of Essexville and the Charter Township of Hampton.

The Essexville-Hampton School District began with a small number of students, and has grown to produce over 6,000 graduates. Garber High School, Cramer Junior High School, Hughes Elementary School, Verellen Elementary School, and Bush Elementary School continue to offer a wide variety of curriculum and extracurricular activities. The schools encourage educational exploration and support all facets of the learning process. Today, all five schools in the district are committed to a Pattern of Excellence and are dedicated to providing the richest educational experience possible.

Madam Speaker, once again I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Essexville-Hampton School District.