Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and women of the Mott Community College basketball teams. This season the men's team won the National Junior College Athletic Association Men's Basketball National Championship. The women's team finished third in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Championship Tournament.

The Mott Community College men's team is led by Head Coach Steve Schmidt. Coach Schmidt has guided his team to the second championship title in 5 years. The hard work by Coach Schmidt and the players has paid off. Mott Community College made history this year by becoming the only team that has played in four title games. The men's basketball program has the highest winning percentage in National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Tournament play with a record of 16-3 since 2001. Overall the Mott Community College Bears have an 84.4 percent win record in the Michigan Community College Eastern Conference during the same time period. The team members are Terrence Watson, Jeremie Simmons, Willie Mustin, Darius Brents, Rob Giles, Lorenzo McClelland, LaMarr Drake, Thomas Kennedy, Alvin Pegues, Greg Hamlin and Kevin Tiggs. This year the NJCAA bestowed the 2007 Most Valuable Player Award on Kevin. The coaching staff consists of Assistant Coaches Carl Jones, Yusuf Harris, Nate Brown and Athletic Trainer Dick Benson.

The women's basketball team, under the leadership of Head Coach Letitia Hughley, has worked diligently to bring about their 3rd place finish in the women's division. The team members are Tishara Fields, Lakeara Leslie, Alicia Bouldin, Sade Butler, Tara Smoots, Nicole Holmes, Janee Williamson, Sheria Hatcher, Michaella Weekes, Cari Pigott, and Shaquetta Mance. The coaching staff includes Assistant Coaches Lloyd Nicholson, Latisha Berry, and Athletic Trainer Dick Benson. Tom Healey is the Mott Community College Athletic Director.

The players on both teams communicate effectively with each other and assess the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. Coupled with outstanding basketball skills honed through years of practice, and inspired coaching, this teamwork has made them winners. A community- wide celebration was held in Flint, Michigan on April 4 to honor the players, coaches, and staff with the Mott Community College basketball teams.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the dedication of the Mott Community College basketball teams and congratulate them on their achievements.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th anniversary of the naming of Chavez Drive and the first annual Cesar Chavez March in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. A celebration and fundraiser for the United Farm Workers members will be held on March 31st to coincide with what would have been the late Cesar Chavez's 80th birthday.

Born on a family farm, March 31, 1927, Cesar Chavez witnessed firsthand the suffering of migrant workers. When the family lost the farm during the Great Depression, Cesar toiled in the fields following crops across the Southwest. After serving in the US Navy during World War II he returned to farm work and began his lifelong commitment to justice for migrant workers.

During the 1960s Cesar Chavez, in reaction to the conditions he witnessed in the fields, became a union activist. Adopting the techniques of industrial unions like the UAW, Cesar fought against agribusiness and unfair laws that forbade farm workers from organizing. A nationwide boycott of table grapes and a 25-day hunger strike brought the United Farm Workers international attention. His leadership and personal commitment forced agribusiness to sign the first union contract with the United Farm Workers. He labored to improve the health and safety of the workers. He fought successfully to end the use of harmful chemicals like DDT and benefited not only the worker but the consumer as well.

When Cesar Chavez died in 1993, over 40,000 people attended his funeral. In a show of respect for the man who had changed so many lives, our nation posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Madam Speaker, Flint, Michigan was the first community in our nation to honor this great humanitarian by naming a street after Cesar Chavez. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the memory of Cesar Chavez and his legacy to the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bishop Roger L. Jones, Sr. as he is appointed Jurisdictional Bishop of the Southeast Michigan Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.

After graduating from Saints College Church of God in Christ at Lexington, Mississippi in 1960, Bishop Roger Jones Sr. moved to Flint Michigan and founded Greater Holy Temple COGIC in 1963. Bishop Jones quickly established himself as an up and coming leader in the Church of God in Christ. Appointed District Superintendent in 1965 by Bishop J.S. Bailey, he also served as the Chair of the State Finance Committee the same year. Over the next several years Bishop Jones has also served in the following capacities: Chairman of State Expediting Committee, Vice- Chair and Chair of the State Elders Council, the National Platform Chair for the International Youth Congress, Vice-Chair of the International Trustee Board, and Chair of the International Trustee Board.

Bishop Jones was consecrated a Bishop of the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of South West Michigan in 1985. Along with his wife, Evangelist Sandra Smith Jones, Bishop Jones continues to affirm his faith every day and espouse the guiding principles of the Church of God in Christ. He strives to bring all to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Bishop Roger L. Jones, Sr. as he is appointed the Jurisdictional Bishop of Southeast Michigan and pray that he continues to work diligently to make a better life and future for his congregation and the people of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 545, the Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement Treatment Act of 2007. I am pleased to join my colleague, Congressman Tom Udall, in championing this bill through the House. This bill allows Indian tribes to apply for three new grant programs--the cops hot spots program, the drug endangered children program, and the pregnant and parenting women offenders program.

Methamphetamine use in Indian country has reached epidemic proportions, which has led to an increase in crime in Indian communities. This bill will give Indian tribes the opportunity to apply for Federal funds to assist them in the fight against meth use.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker: I am proud to join many of my House colleagues today to present a strong voice in opposition to renewing Fast Track trade negotiating authority in any way, shape or form.

Fast Track allows the President to negotiate trade agreements without input from Congress. In addition, Congress is prohibited from amending any trade agreements reached under Fast Track authority.

Cynically repackaged as ``trade promotion authority'' in 2002, under President Bush's watch, Fast Track has been utilized to unjustifiable ends. Wages are flat, our trade deficit has skyrocketed and good-paying manufacturing jobs have been lost by the thousands.

Increased imports from low-paid workers abroad, combined with threats made to workers by companies to move operations overseas, drive American workers' wages down. Through the 1950s and 1960s, the American middle-class grew and prospered. In 1973, the average U.S. worker made $16.06 an hour. Today, after adjusting for inflation, that same worker would make only $16.11 per hour.

In stark contrast to hourly wages, average U.S. worker productivity has nearly doubled over the same period. Clearly, the divide in America between the ``haves'' and ``have-nots'' is growing, and the richest few, along with multi-national corporations, are the big winners under our nation's flawed trade policy.

Up until 1973, the U.S. experienced relatively balanced trade, with small trade surpluses being the norm ($1.9 billion surplus in 1973). Since Fast Track was granted in 1974, the U.S. had a trade surplus in just one year (1975). Now, in 2006, our nation's trade deficit has skyrocketed to over $760 billion.

Our trade deficit has more than doubled since President Bush took office. For 2001, our trade deficit was $362 billion. Last year, our trade deficit reached yet another new record high at $764 billion.

Since WWII, good paying manufacturing jobs have been the driving force behind our nation's robust middle class allowing families to own homes, send their children to college and gain access to quality, affordable healthcare.

Since President Bush took office, the U.S. has lost 3 million manufacturing jobs. Michigan alone has lost 213,000 manufacturing jobs, or about one-quarter of the state's manufacturing jobs.

My record is clear. I voted against the Trade Act of 2002, which mistakenly granted this Administration ``trade promotion authority.'' Now, it is time for Congress to put the brakes on the Bush Administration's failed trade policies and come to our senses to realize the damage done. First, we must not make matters worse. Congress should reject the pending free trade agreements with Peru, Colombia and Panama. My colleagues should not be misled. Fast track trade negotiating authority is not required to negotiate or approve free trade agreements.

Second, we need serious, thoughtful review of our nation's trade policies and their impact on wages, jobs and our trade balance. Pitting American industries against one another, political gamesmanship, and manipulation and sloganeering must come to an end so that Congress and the Administration should get down to business.

The United States is a world leader, and we must enact trade policies that truly encourage positive standards and quality of life for both the United States and our foreign partners. Reject renewal of Fast Track trade negotiation authority, so we can get back to sensible and fair trade policy.

Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.

Labor unions are critically necessary to address the daily imbalance between employers and employees. We measure the quality of democracy in developing nations by their government's support for freedom of association to form and join unions. Unfortunately, an aggressive assault on American workers, and the institutions that represent them, has dangerously eroded these rights right here in the United States, resulting in a steady decline in the percentage of Americans in labor unions.

Workers are not joining unions because our Nation's method of labor organization is a biased playing field, full of loopholes that unfairly advantage employers. The Employee Free Choice Act would address this unfair advantage by amending the National Labor Relations Act to replicate the majority sign up system currently used in Canada.

H.R. 800 provides a simple, fair, and direct method for workers to form unions by signing cards or petitions. This legislation also sets firm time limits by which parties must begin and complete their negotiation of the tactics often used by employers during contract negotiation. first contract after union certification. This would eradicate the delaying tactics often used by employers during contract negotiation.

I have always been a strong believer in unions and the benefits they provide to working families. My father, who started working at the Flint Buick plant, was one of the first members of the United Auto Workers. He was very proud of his union, and taught me the value of unions to all working families. I have dedicated my legislative career to helping people reach their dreams by protecting their right to collectively organize in order to ensure better economic opportunities.

I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jonathan Quarles, the keynote speaker at the Flint NAACP's Freedom Fund annual dinner to be held on March 3rd in Flint Michigan.

Jonathan Quarles is currently serving the mayor of Detroit, the Honorable Kwame Kilpatrick, as the executive assistant. Jonathan began his public service career after graduating from Florida A&M University in 2004 with dual degrees in business administration and political science. He worked for People for the American Way Foundation in partnership with Tavis Smiley to increase civic awareness and engagement in the public process by young people in Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Texas and Ohio.

In addition to his current position with the city of Detroit, Jonathan has a lifelong commitment to the NAACP, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated Beta Nu Chapter. He serves as a precinct delegate for the city of Detroit, as board member of Leadership Transformation, a steering committee member for New Detroit National Leadership Summit on Race, a trainer for the Paul Wellstone Action Network, and an ambassador for Tavis Smiley's Youth 2 Leaders Foundation. Recently Jonathan founded Common Link Consulting Services to better educate the community about public policy and foster links between the public and private sectors.

Recognized for his accomplishments, Jonathan was selected by Black Enterprise as one of America's emerging leaders. He was recognized by Jet Magazine as one of Black America's most promising leaders of the 21st century. The Governor of Michigan named him a ``Michiganian of the Year'' in 2000 and Florida A&M University has granted the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award to Jonathan for two consecutive years. The February 2007 issue of Ebony Magazine listed him as one of the country's top 30 leaders under the age of 30.

Madam Speaker I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating a fellow Flint native, Jonathan Quarles, as he is honored by the Flint Chapter of the NAACP for his work to make our community a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 63, to stop the President's escalation of our involvement in what has now become the Iraqi civil war.

I voted no in 2002 when the Congress passed the resolution authorizing the President to invade Iraq. It was wrong to start this war then, and it is wrong to escalate it now.

In 2002, I had several basic questions addressed to the President, questions that are still valid today. I asked then, what is the nature and urgency of the Iraqi threat to the United States? What is the mission of our troops? How much international support will we have? Will this military operation in Iraq decrease terrorism or increase terrorism? And what is the exit strategy to withdraw our troops from Iraq?

Mr. Speaker, we now know that Saddam Hussein did not have weapons of mass destruction. President Bush has since publicly acknowledged that there was no link or connection between Saddam Hussein and the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

The mission of our troops seems to change and expand daily, but their current mission appears to be to act as threatened referees in an increasingly bloody civil war between the Sunni and Shiite Iraqis.

As for international support, the American taxpayer has borne the vast majority of the costs to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars. American fighting men and women and their families have borne the vast majority of the deaths and injuries to Coalition troops, over 3,100 Americans killed, 18 from my district, and over 23,000 wounded.

Even our staunchest ally, Great Britain, plans to reduce the number of its troops in Iraq to 4,500 by this June.

Are we safer today than we were before the invasion of Iraq? Declassified CIA National Intelligence Estimates indicate that the war in Iraq has become a primary recruitment vehicle for Islamic terrorists. Far from being the central front in the war on terror, as the President and his people say, Iraq is the incubator and training ground for new terrorists from around the world.

Finally, the President has never clearly stated what is our strategy to win in Iraq nor what is our exit strategy. ``Mission accomplished,'' ``Bring it on,'' ``Stay the course,'' or ``We will stand down as the Iraqis stand up'' are slogans, not strategies.

Our generals, our diplomats, the Iraq Study Group even the White House, all agree there is not a military solution to the war in Iraq. Only a political resolution between the warring Iraqi factions could end the current violence.

I do not believe that adding more American troops will do anything to help foster that crucial political solution. In fact, it may hinder it.

Telling the Iraqi leadership and the Iraqi people that they must solve their own internal problems without limitless American assistance has a far better chance of success than continuing our current blank- check policy.

Mr. Speaker, President Bush either did not get or did not understand the message the American people sent last November. Before the end of this year, U.S. troops should be redeployed and their efforts focused on support and training the Iraqi Security Forces. It is their country, it is their fight, and it is their future.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to salute Foss Avenue Baptist Church as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Church's founding. The congregation will hold a banquet on March 24th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan to mark the occasion.

In late 1956 several ministers in Flint meet with the purpose of organizing a Baptist church on Foss Avenue. It was agreed to organize a church and the first applications for membership were made. The first members were Preston Johnson, Emma J. Simpson, Marvell Arkansas, and Reverend and Mrs. Avery Aldridge. A motion was made to name the church Foss Avenue Baptist Church and on December 2, 1956 the new church was born.

The original church was dedicated on January 6, 1957. Under the direction of Pastor Avery Aldridge the second church building was entered on March 30, 1958 with the cornerstone being laid on March 22, 1959. The church was rebuilt in 1964, and the west addition was dedicated on February 9, 1969. The cornerstone was re-laid on December 10, 1978 when the north and south side additions were dedicated. As the congregation grew Pastor Aldridge organized many auxiliaries and services under the auspices of Foss Avenue Baptist Church and the congregation moved into the current sanctuary in 1989. In 2005 the original sanctuary was renovated and dedicated as the Mildred Light Aldridge Christian Education Center.

Through the years the members of Foss Avenue Baptist Church have contributed to the church enterprises. Foss Avenue Baptist Church has an active Usher Board, a Music Department, a Foreign Mission Board, Church School Department, Mother's Board, Deaconess Board, a Trustee Board, Mission Department, and Kitchen Entourage. In addition the congregation operated Foss Avenue Christian School and the first Black Dairy Queen in the Flint area. Through the efforts of this congregation, thousands of persons have been helped, inspired and educated.

Pastor Aldridge devoted his life to making Foss Avenue Baptist Church a reflection of God's glory and a beacon of light to the people of Flint. Under the current leadership of Pastor Roosevelt Austin, a lifelong friend of Pastor Aldridge, the congregation continues to respond overwhelmingly to God's call and to carry on His work.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding Foss Avenue Baptist Church as it celebrates 50 years of worship, fellowship, and homage to Our Lord, Jesus Christ. The clergy and members are to be commended for their service to their community and world.

Madam Speaker, today is a day of mixed emotion for all of us who work with the Page Program. It is time to say goodbye to 26 young aspiring individuals who have served the U.S. Congress for the last 5 months.

On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to thank you all for your hard work, commitment and dedication to the Page Program.

I know you have made your families, friends and communities back home proud, and I am certain that they will be glad to get you back. As difficult as it is to say good-bye, I trust that you will take with you memories, experlences and friends that will last a lifetime. Take with you also our sincere thanks for a job well done. Your hard work and dedication have proven that you are young people with strength, courage and character. We look forward to hearing about all of your many future successes. Best wishes for safe travels home, luck in the rest of your Junior year, and much happiness always. There is no question that you are all destined for bright futures.

May God bless you all.

Departing Pages for 2006

1. Nicole Alexander--TX

2. Alexandra Beletic--UT

3. Chelsea L. Bryan--FL

4. Rebecca Dawson--AL

5. Christopher Day--FL

6. Austen Edwards--GA

7. Alex Finch--MI

8. Emily Hall--IA

9. Brittany Hatley--CA

10. Virginia Heppner--VA

11. Samuel Hocking--NJ

12. Xavier Jackson--FL

13. Chelsea Kerkstra--MI

14. Erica Kuhlman--PA

15. Chelsea Loehr--KS

16. Patrick McConlogue--CA

17. Jaime Mendal--FL

18. Jamie Morrisey--PA

19. Mariah Mumford--MI

20. Zachary Owens--IL

21. Erik Rison--VA

22. Arriel Rubinstein--NJ

23. Blaise Selby--CO

24. Kayla Smith--IA

25. Alex Vincent--PA

26. Adam Zeldin--AZ

I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 475, the House Page Board Revision Act of 2007. Since 1985, I have had the honor of serving on the House page board, either as the chairman or as the Democratic representative.

Whenever we met as a board, our efforts were to arrive at decisions by consensus. H.R. 475 strengthens that spirit of cooperation by providing two basic reforms of the House page board.

First, we expand the membership of the page board. The current membership includes two Members of the majority party and one Member of the minority party, as well as the Clerk of the House and the House Sergeant at Arms. This bill would expand the page board members by adding three new members to the board.

We add a second Member of the minority party to make it an even two Democratic Members and two Republican Members. In a major change, we also add two outside members to the board, one a parent of a current or recent page and the other, a former House page. The Speaker and the minority leader will jointly appoint the page parent and the former page. These additions to the House page board provide for partisan balance and for diversity of views from people who have direct interest in the success of the page program.

The second reform in H.R. 475 is the requirement that the House page board meet on a regular basis. The Speaker and minority leader will jointly establish the frequency of such meetings.

Mr. Speaker, we look forward to operating the page program in an effective manner. We will work together to review and constantly improve the operations of the House page program. It is our goal to assure that the pages will gain every possible benefit from this program while ensuring the well-being of the young people who serve this House as pages.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 475.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the College Student Relief Act. By making college more affordable for 5.5 million students each year, this bill is a big step in the right direction of helping low- and middle-income families achieve the American Dream. Not only is it a step in the right direction, but it is a step in a new direction.

For years, the President and previous Congresses have passed billions of dollars of tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans instead of investing in the potential of average Americans. The last Congress put college out of reach for many families by passing a $12 billion raid on student aid, the largest cut in the history of the student aid program.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 5 will save the average borrower who starts at a 4-year college at Michigan next year nearly $2,200 over the life of the loan, and will save the same student who starts in 2011 more than $4,200.

Madam Speaker, when we debate the Federal budget around here, we talk about budget authority and outlays and offsets, and other complicated accounting procedures. But, in the end, what we really are talking about are not just numbers but real people in every corner of this country, making tough decisions about their lives.

One of the toughest questions these days is whether they can afford to attend or stay in college, especially because a college education is more important now than ever. These are real people with names, not numbers, who ask that question. They are people who live in your district.

Very simply, the reason I support this bill, and the reason I ask my colleagues to join me, is because this bill will help thousands of students to say yes to that question.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

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

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4, The Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007.

This legislation fixes a serious flaw in the Medicare prescription drug program that currently prohibits Medicare from negotiating drug prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and state Medicaid-programs are already able to use their buying power to negotiate lower prices on prescription drugs and this has greatly lowered their prescription drug costs.

Medicare prices for the top 20 drugs prescribed to seniors are 58 percent higher than those available through the VA. The Government Reform Committee found that Medicare negotiating drug prices just 25 percent lower would save more than $60 billion over the next decade.

Seniors need a prescription drug benefit under Medicare that is affordable, comprehensive, guaranteed and does not harm those retirees that are currently covered under private insurance plans.

This is an important first step in improving Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Robert W. Rawls who is honored by the clergy and congregation of Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday, January 14 in my hometown of Flint, MI.

Reverend Rawls began his life of Christian service at Vernon Chapel. His parents, Johnny and Corrie Rawls were two of Vernon Chapel's founding members. They instilled in their son love for Our Lord and a desire to serve him. Reverend Rawls began his life of service as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir and a member of the Steward Board. He also served as the Superintendent of the Sunday School.

In 1976 he answered God's call to the ministry. Two years later he organized a Mission located at North and Gillespie Streets. He went street by street for 40 blocks talking to people and inviting them to come and worship. The first service was held on June 19, 1978. One person joined his congregation and his wife, Estelle, provided the music.

Continuing to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, the Mission grew and the congregation was able to purchase the building. The Presiding Elder, Martin L. Sims, authorized Reverend Reuben Russell to organize the Mission into a Church in 1980 and Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was admitted into the Annual Conference. Reverend Rawls drew on his faith in God to continue working to bring people to Jesus Christ. Year after year, he held nightly street services from July through September. He worked to improve the Church and in 1996 completed the conversion of the former storefront to a Church edifice. For 22 years he served faithfully as a minister and pastor, retiring in 2002.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the life and work of Reverend Robert W. Rawls as his family and friends at Vernon Chapel embrace him. He has devoted his life to doing God's work and the Flint community is a better place because of his compassion, commitment, and actions. I wish him the best as he enjoys his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007.

The minimum wage has not been increased in nearly 10 years and its purchasing power is the lowest it has been in 50 years.

A full-time minimum wage worker earns just $10,700 per year, which is $6,000 below the Federal poverty level for a family of three.

The bill we consider today will benefit nearly 7.4 million workers directly, and another 5.6 million workers indirectly.

America's poorest working families must get the raise they need and deserve.

This bill is especially important given the fact that America's families have seen their real income drop by $1,300 over the past 6 years.

At the same time, the costs of health insurance, gasoline, home heating and attending college have increased enormously.

Increasing the minimum wage demonstrates our commitment to workers everywhere and exemplifies the value we place on a hard day's work.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2.