Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise before you today, and to ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in celebrating the 75th anniversary of a wonderful city in my district, Grand Blanc, Michigan. This momentous occasion will be marked by a series of events, including the dedication of a new Town Square and the opening of a connector street, both on July 26.

Originally a settlement of the Chippewa Indians, French traders arrived at the turn of the 19th century, naming their new home Grand Blanc, or ``Great White.'' By 1823, pioneer families had set up trading posts, and built homes and farms on the abundant land, which sold for $1.25 an acre. The railroad added more work and growth to the small community in 1862. In 1904, the village became the first in the State to consolidate its schools, and on March 4, 1930, the residents adopted a City Charter.

Over the past 75 years, Grand Blanc has grown to become one of Genesee County's and Michigan's fastest growing cities, while still maintaining its small town atmosphere. It is the proud home of one of the State's top school systems, thriving commercial districts and downtown area, and many public and private golf courses, including Warwick Hills, site of Michigan's only PGA Tour event, the Buick Open.

Grand Blanc's greatest treasure, however, is its residents. From those who have lived there for a generation, to those who call it home for the first time, the people who make Grand Blanc such a warm and welcoming community shall always serve as its true nucleus.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Grand Blanc Mayor Michael Matheny, City Manager Randall Byrne, and the dedicated City Council for their vision in recognizing the need to acknowledge this milestone. I am proud to call them my colleagues, my constituents, and my friends. Once again, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Grand Blanc, Michigan on its 75th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a man who has selflessly devoted many years to his community and his culture. On July 13, civic leaders, family, and friends will join the Jewish Community Council to honor its executive director, Mr. David Gad-Harf, as he celebrates his retirement after 17 years.

A native of Erie, PA, David Gad-Harf graduated with honors from Harvard University,

and later received his Master's Degree from the University of North Carolina. Over the years, he worked as executive director of the Jewish community relations agency in St. Louis, as well as executive director for a national health care advocacy group. David also spent time on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant in the Senate. He joined the Jewish Community Council in 1988, embodying its mission of being the public affairs voice of the Metro Detroit Jewish Community.

In addition to his work on behalf of the council, David was elected to the West Bloomfield, MI, School Board in 1999. He was re-elected in 2003, and served as its president from 2003 to 2004. He also sits on the board of New Detroit, Inc. David's peers have acknowledged his efforts on several occasions, most notably in 1999, when he received the Berman Award, presented to Detroit's most outstanding Jewish community professional.

Among David's great blessings is his wonderful family: his wife, Dr. Nancy Gad-Harf, and their son Joshua.

Mr. Speaker, I have had the pleasure of traveling with David Gad-Harf to Israel, and I can personally attest to his commitment and dedication to making our country a better place in which to live. I applaud his many successes, and I ask the House of Representatives to please join me in congratulating him on his retirement, and wishing him the very best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Chairman, for the last 2 years, the President's budget requests have failed to meet the housing needs of lndian Country. Native Americans continue to suffer from severe overcrowding in their homes and they have higher rates of homes with serious physical deficiencies than their counterparts. Some estimates indicate that Indian housing needs exceed $1 billion.

The President's FY 2006 funding request for the Native American Housing Block Grant (NAHBG) is $582.6 million, a decrease of $40 million from the FY 2005 enacted level of $622 million. But the real reduction to the NAHBG is even more drastic because the budget request calls for the $57.8 million in Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) funding to come out of the NAHBG account, resulting in funding for the NAHBG to be a mere $524.8 million. This is a reduction over a 3-fiscal year period of more than $125 million. This erosion of Federal funding for Indian housing and community development is simply unacceptable.

I appreciate the work of the gentleman from Michigan who was working within very tight allocations. The Committee increased the funding for NAHBG to $600 million, a $17.4 million increase above the President's request. However, its support of the President's proposal calling for $45 million in ICDBG funds to come out of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) account, would leave a total proposed allocation for NAHBG at a mere $555 million. Appropriated funding for the NAHBG reached a high point in FY 2004 when it was funded at $650 million.

I do not support the President's proposal to remove the ICDBG line item from the CDBG account. The ICDBG program has traditionally been furlded by the CDBG account through a 1 percent set-aside. As I just indicated, a change to this current funding scheme would further reduce NAHBG funding.

We have a moral responsibility to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for our country's First Americans. Housing is the backbone of economic and community development. It creates jobs and drives tribal economies. It is a basic need that can strengthen progress in other areas like education and health care.

I look forward to working with both sides of the aisle on restoring the funding of the NAHBG account to the FY 2005 enacted level and addressing my concerns regarding the ICDBG program as the FY 2006 Transportation, Treasury, HUD, Judiciary and District of Columbia appropriations bill proceeds through the legislative process.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly happy to rise before you today to recognize the accomplishments of a woman who has selflessly devoted her life to education and public service. On June 24, civic and community leaders will join the ``Lifetime Friends of Lenore Croudy,'' and honor Ms. Croudy as she celebrates her retirement from Flint Community Schools after 39 years.

It is difficult to imagine what the Flint area would be like had it not been for the influence of Lenore Croudy, an influence which began in August 1960, when she moved here from Atlantic City, NJ. A graduate of West Virginia State College and later Eastern Michigan University, Lenore started her relationship with Flint Community Schools as a teacher, and continued that relationship with roles such as Instructional Specialist, Assistant Principal, Assistant Dean, and Coordinator for Learning Improvement Services, among others.

Lenore's long and distinguished educational career includes the coordination of several local and county-wide multicultural education conferences for middle school and high school students, as well as the first state-wide conference for educators. She has been at the forefront of numerous presentations and conferences on behalf of Flint Schools, the Urban League, the YWCA, the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and many others. On July 1, Lenore will begin her fourth term as a member of the C.S. Mott Community College Board of Trustees, where she has served as Chair since 1995.

Lenore's dedicated work on behalf of others has been acknowledged on countless occasions. Examples of this include 2005 Administrator of the Year from the United Teachers of Flint, Exemplary Role Model for Youth by the Flint Professional Black Nursing Association, Mother of the Village Award by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and an Outstanding Citizenship Award given by the Michigan House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I, along with many others in Genesee County and the State of Michigan, have benefited from Lenore Croudy's intelligence, insight, and vision. She has always been more than an advocate for education; she has been a fighter, for she believes that a strong educational background is the basis toward improving the quality of life. As a former teacher, I applaud her efforts, and I am proud to call her my colleague, my constituent, and my friend. I ask the House of Representatives to please join me in congratulating Lenore on her retirement, and wishing her the very best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. Last year, Members from both sides of the aisle voted down a similar amendment. I had hoped that in a year's time the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) would work together to address this issue in the committee of jurisdiction. But that did not occur.

The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and I have had discussions on scheduling hearings in the committee of jurisdiction, the Committee on Education and the Workforce. During my 40 years of public service, I have established a strong record for defending the sovereign rights of Indian tribes. I have often led the fight to defeat legislative riders on appropriation bills because of my confidence in the regular procedures guiding us through the legislative process.

I am committed to finding a permanent solution to this issue, but the appropriations process is not the way to solve this issue. I urge my colleagues to vote no on the Hayworth amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) the ranking member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

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

Mr. Chairman, I have been involved in defending Indian sovereignty for 40 years when I began my tenure in the Michigan legislature. And I will never abdicate my responsibility on that.

I think it is extremely important that this Congress on an issue so delicate and so important to two groups for whom we have great affection, be done in the appropriate committee, the committee of jurisdiction. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and I have discussed having hearings in that committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the accomplishments of Dr. Robert H. Bartlett of the University of Michigan Medical Center. On Thursday, June 23, family and friends, including many of Dr. Bartlett's former patients, will gather to recognize his life and legacy.

Renowned and respected for his roles as Professor of General and Thoracic Surgery at U-M Medical Center, Dr. Robert Bartlett is celebrated around the world for his pioneering work in the development of extra corporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO. ECMO, a technique that has paved new roads in the treatment of infant pulmonary distress, has saved the lives of more than 5,000 infants in the past two decades, and has been successfully applied to children and adults with reversible heart or lung failure.

After completing his residency in Boston and serving as an instructor at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Bartlett became Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of California-Irvine. His first groundbreaking use of ECMO on an infant came in 1975, with dozens more successful cases spanning the next 5 years. From there, Dr. Bartlett moved the ECMO program to Ann Arbor, MI, the city of his birth. Within the first 5 years at U-M Medical Center, ECMO evolved from an experimental procedure to the standard practice of 18 medical facilities nationwide.

In addition to his work with ECMO, Dr. Bartlett has conducted research designed to advance lung transplantation, and is one of the State's leading authorities on the Koch Pouch procedure for ostomy patients. His peers have recognized him on many occasions, including the 1989 Galens Medical Society Silver Shovel Award for Outstanding Clinical Teacher. When not teaching, researching, or lecturing, Dr. Bartlett can be found as a member of the Life Science Orchestra and the Ann Arbor Civic Orchestra.

Mr. Speaker, for decades, Dr. Robert Bartlett has selflessly worked to enhance and improve the quality of life for not only his patients, but for all those he has come across. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating him on his career, and wishing him the very best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, as my hometown of Flint, Michigan celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, I rise before you today to honor an organization that is also celebrating its sesquicentennial. On June 18, Flint residents are invited to join Flint Masonic Lodge No. 23, Free & Accepted Masons will invite the public to join in their commemoration festivities, which include a parade, reception, and banquet.

Based in the Flint Masonic Temple on South Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, Flint Masonic Lodge 23 was chartered on January 11, 1855, becoming another branch of America's oldest and largest fraternal organization. The new members, coming from all walks of life, now counted emperors, kings, and even many of our Founding Fathers as brethren.

Some of Flint's most prominent citizens have been or currently are members of the Masonic fraternity. Several of the city's Mayors, including Charles Stewart Mott, Colonel James Fenton, Harry Cull, George Poulous, James Rutherford, and current Mayor Don Williamson, can be counted among their ranks. Many city streets were named in honor of business and civic leaders who also served as Masons. Their legacy has become an integral part of Flint's history, and its heritage.

Flint Masons have been selflessly committed to improving the community and enhancing human dignity. They are often found at the forefront of charitable drives to benefit the less fortunate, the disabled, and both our younger and older citizens. Their efforts have benefited thousands, and have indeed made the Greater Flint area a better place in which to live.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating the members, past and present, of Flint Masonic Lodge No. 23, F&AM, on their celebration of a true milestone, and wish the Lodge continued success and growth for the next 150 years and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the accomplishments of a man who has brought a new sense of awareness to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes in America. On June 16, Andrew Mandell, Executive Director of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, and known throughout the world as ``Mr. Diabetes,'' will be in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, as part of his ``Wake Up and Walk Tour''--a 10,000+ mile journey along the perimeter of the United States.

A disease afflicting 22 million Americans, diabetes ranks among our nation's leading causes of death, and is the leading cause of adult blindness, kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, and non-traumatic amputations. Knowing no boundaries, it impacts the lives of people of all ages and from all walks of life.

One such person is Andy Mandell. An avid runner, triathlete, and martial artist, Andy witnessed his life change in 1985, when he was first diagnosed as a diabetic. Although he continued to live his life as he had, the disease grew stronger, causing him to grow weaker, to the point where he was bedridden for 20 hours a day for two years. It was then that Andy made a conscious choice and developed his own recovery program of proper diet, exercise, and monitoring. Andy also decided to share his experiences with the world, and in 1990, he founded with his brother Jerry, the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, an organization whose purpose is to educate and inform the public about diabetes and the dangers it poses through articles, lectures, and personal appearances.

On December 1, 2000, Andy began the ``Wake Up and Walk Tour'' in Madeira Beach, Florida. Having already traveled through the South and the Pacific Northwest, he will have logged over 6500 miles by the time he reaches Flint. Upon returning to Florida, his plans are simple: to start the walk over.

Mr. Speaker, Andrew Mandell is a shining example of triumph in the face of adversity. He is a survivor rather than a victim of his disease, living with it rather than suffering from it. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding his strength as well as his commitment to improving the quality of life for us all.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to all of the pages who have served so diligently in the House of Representatives during the 109th Congress. I have attached a list of the fine young people who have served this House as Pages.

We all recognize the important role that congressional pages play in helping the U.S. House of Representatives operate. This group of young people, who come from all across our Nation, represent what is good about our country.

To become a page, these young people have proven themselves to be academically qualified. They have ventured away from the security of their homes and families to spend time in an unfamiliar city. Through this experience, they have witnessed a new culture, made new friends, and learned the details of how our Government operates.

As we all know, the job of a congressional page is not an easy one. Along with being away from home, the pages must possess the maturity to balance competing demands for their time and energy.

In addition, they must have the dedication to work long hours and the ability to interact with people at a personal level. At the same time, they face a challenging academic schedule of classes in the House Page School.

I am sure they will consider their time spent in Washington, DC to be one of the most valuable and exciting experiences of their lives, and that with this experience they will all move ahead to lead successful and productive lives.

Mr. Speaker, as the Democratic Member on the House Page Board, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this group of distinguished young Americans. They certainly will be missed.

Spring 2005 Pages

Katy Ake--CA

Paul Bennett--FL

Rachel Bentley--OH

Emily Berger--CA

Katharine Billingslea--NC

Lauren Boswell--MD

Suzanne Brangan--TX

Stephen Burke--NJ

Kerianna Butler--CA

Jon Calvo--GU

Elsbeth Centola--OR

Joy Chung--IA

Daniel Ciucci--CO

Stella Clingmon--CA

Stephanie Collard--RI

Juleah Cordi--CA

Matthew Cujak--WI

Awapuhi Dancil--HI

Ruben Davis--PA

Lauren DeNunez--CA

Caroline Dickerson--TX

Edward Dumoulin--IL

Timothy Ford--MI

Adam Hammond--ID

Lane Hartley--VA

Alexandra Heard--MD

Lauren Henley--IL

Allison Holmer--CA

Amanda Huth--TX

Sarah Jaeschke--AR

Derek Jannarone--NJ

Holly Johnson--VA

Krystal Johnson--AL

Jaclyn Kahn--NJ

Rosemary Kelley--VA

Zachary Kirihara--CA

Dean Ladin--IL

Thomas Leonard--PA

Peter Linscheid--MI

Seth Lloyd--VI

Anthony Lupo--CA

Tyson McBride--UT

Caitlin McGowan--MN

Conor McManus--FL

Shannon Magnuson--FL

Jeremy Moore--MI

Chelsie Morales--AZ

Richard Moses--KY

Lucy Nicholas--CT

Darren Nowels--MD

Travis Proctor--KS

Danielle Raines--AZ

Rachel Romer--CO

Taylor Salisbury--MO

Matthew Sheldon--NM

Sara Skiles--MS

Kellie Staab--PA

Elizabeth Stone--TN

Joshua Strazanac--MI

Michael Trummel--WY

Dustin Tryggestad--WI

Allison Vanderboll--WA

Sarah Walker--AR

Whitley Wallace--UT

Ginger Wells--KS

Wesley Williams--MA

David Wilson--PA

Kevin Wood--TX

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to a loyal friend and a tireless advocate for America's workers, Mr. John Lukes, Sr. This Friday, members and friends of UAW Local 599 in Flint, Michigan, will honor the life and legacy of this great man, who died May 23 at the age of 82.

It has been said that ``death ends a life, not a relationship,'' and this is certainly the case with those who have ever come into contact with John Lukes and have benefited from his influence. A longtime Flint resident, World War II veteran, and committed labor activist, John's association with the UAW began October 6, 1949. As a member of Local 599, John served as Alternate Committeeman from 1949 to 1967, and worked as Editor of the Headlight newspaper from 1957-1964. John was elected Recording Secretary for the Local in 1967, a position he held until his retirement, and provided leadership and insight on the executive boards of the Veterans Committee, CAP Committee, and the Health & Safety Committee. On a national level, John operated as National Publicity Chair for the UAW's 30 & Out Committee. In 1977, John was honored with the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award.

Upon his retirement from General Motors in 1992, after 43 years, John continued to work on behalf of his peers through the Local's Retiree chapter, where he served as chairman until 2003. He was also found at the forefront of many community projects.

Mr. Speaker, John Lukes, Sr. was not just a constituent, but also a very good friend. It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today, however it is also with great pride that I do so. It is people like John, who make it their life's work to improve the quality and dignity of life for us all, that continue to inspire us

to greater efforts. I, along with John's family, and his UAW extended family will truly miss him. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of a remarkable man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Chapin W. Cook, who will retire after 33 years of dedicated service to the Genesee County Planning Commission. Friends and family will join civic and community leaders on May 25 to honor his dedication and his many accomplishments.

Chapin Cook joined the Planning Commission in November 1972, operating as Associate Planner. In August 1973, he was promoted to Senior Planner, and in November 1975, he became Principal Planner. Chapin held this position until October 1986, when he was appointed Assistant Director of the Commission, and in July 1990, he became Director, the position he holds to this day.

As Director, Chapin faithfully upheld the Planning Commission's mission statement: ``To provide a framework and encourage development that enhances the quality of life in Genesee County through government and community partnerships.'' He also served as a bridge and guiding force for the Commission's eleven-member board, helping them fulfill their duties efficiently and effectively.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me today in recognizing Chapin W. Cook for his exceptional leadership, and wishing him all the best in retirement and all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding gentleman, Mr. Richard F. Cordell of Flushing, MI. This Friday, members of the Rotary Club of Flint will pay tribute to Mr. Cordell, as he celebrates 42 years of service as a Rotarian, and 25 years as Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Club.

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Dick Cordell began his long history of service to others by serving his country in World War II following his graduation from the University of Toledo. Dick piloted a B-26 as a member of the U.S. Air Force, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the war, Dick worked as a salesman for IBM. During this time, he met and married Ruth, his wife of 58 years. When Symplex purchased Dick's division at IBM, he was transferred to Flint where he was appointed District Manager.

Dick began his distinguished career with Rotary International on September 1, 1963. After memberships on various committees and participation in many projects, Dick was elected President of the Flint Rotary Club from 1974-1976. He also served as District Governor from 1984-1985. Since 1980, he has operated as the Flint Club's Executive Secretary/Treasurer, a position he enjoys due to the constant positive interaction he experiences from his fellow Rotarians. In addition, Dick and Ruth plan to attend this year's Rotary International Convention, which will be their fifteenth.

I am appreciative of Dick Cordell's many years of leadership and for the untold number of individuals he has assisted, both personally and indirectly. He truly personifies the Rotary motto: ``Service Above Self,'' as well as the Rotarian philosophy of truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit in all professional actions.

Mr. Speaker, as a Rotary Club fellowship beneficiary, I can attest to the unwavering support toward the community exhibited by its members, and I am grateful for people such as Richard Cordell. I ask my colleagues in the 109th to please join me in recognizing his accomplishments, and wishing him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to stand before you today to recognize the Flint/Genesee County Neighborhood Roundtable, a group of men and women committed to improving the quality of life for residents of my hometown, Flint, Michigan, and Genesee County. On Saturday, May 14, civic and community leaders will join the Roundtable to honor fallen neighborhood leaders James Dover II, Melvin McFadden, Adele Smith, C.J. Beasley, Virginia Brown, Genevieve Donnelly, and Guy Rogers.

The Flint/Genesee County Neighborhood Roundtable was formed in 1995, the result of a state initiative known as Communities First. The goal of Communities First was to bring together neighborhood groups and organizations working to improve their areas, providing networking opportunities and the chance to share thoughts, ideas, and strategies toward making their towns a safer and better place in which to live.

In its 10 years, the Roundtable, in conjunction with the University of Michigan-Flint Outreach, the Neighborhood Violence Prevention Collaborative, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, and the Community Coalition, facilitated the Technical Assistance Training Institute, where future community leaders were trained in coalition building, grant writing, and other subjects designed to strengthen their skills. Many of the Institute's graduates can now be found working with the Roundtable and the Neighborhood Violence Prevention Collaborative, helping others identify potential grants and assisting with many neighborhood projects.

Other partnerships the Roundtable has established have addressed issues including health, youth violence, race relations, and the environment, among many others, and its members can frequently be found on the boards of local and state organizations. In addition, the Roundtable serves as a member of the Prevention Research Center of Michigan's Community Advisory Committee.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I consider it my duty and my privilege to work to promote, protect, defend, and enhance human dignity. I am pleased that the efforts of the Flint/Genesee County Neighborhood Roundtable make this task easier. Their mission to provide training and share information to enable residents to empower themselves, and to develop strong neighborhoods and form partnerships to be a collective voice and positive force in our community will improve Flint and Genesee County for years to come. I ask my colleagues to please join me acknowledging their success.

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today on behalf of one of our country's most honored and respected organizations, the American Red Cross. Each year, the Genesee-Lapeer Chapter of the Red Cross acknowledges individuals who have shown tremendous courage, kindness, and selflessness through acts of goodwill and heroism. Twenty-five such people will be honored May 13, at the 2005 Salute to Everyday Heroes.

Everyday Heroes are chosen by the Red Cross from several categories: Fire, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Response, Community Good Samaritan, Youth Good Samaritan, Adult Good Samaritan, and Workplace Good Samaritan. Nominees are selected for acts of bravery related to fire, rescue, and lifesaving, and are awarded to those who live in Genesee or Lapeer Counties, or if the rescue occurred in one of the two counties.

Deputy Lawrence Fields is this year's Law Enforcement Everyday Hero, and Lieutenant John Speck is the Emergency Medical Response Hero.

Good Samaritan Awards will be given to: The Honorable Judge Duncan Beagle (Community), Robert Duffy (Workplace), Deputy Dave McDonald, Christopher Tanner, Jerry Scheddel, and Raymond Hile (Adult), and Matthew Harris (Youth).

Those receiving the Fire Everyday Hero Award include: Tony Windham, Chad McBride, Jim Bennett, Jasen Stevens, Firefighters Edward Reynolds, Jeffery George, Jeremy Gilbert, Michael Gist, Robert Parrish, Michael Rose, Tony Terry, and Robert Winford, Lieutenants Yaskuo Hall and Martin Juarez, and Captain Raymond Barton.

A special Spirit of Heroism award will be given posthumously to Ms. Cherica McLemore of Flint. Ms. McLemore's life was tragically cut short last January, as a car struck her after she stopped to help victims of another crash.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud these courageous men, and the life of this caring young woman, for all they have done for others. Through their actions, they gave a priceless gift--a second chance at life. Their contributions are deserving of the highest respect, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in recognizing them for who they truly are--heroes.

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

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 218 discusses the impact which charter schools are having on our educational system. Charter schools, while relatively new, like all public schools, have continued to garner both accolades and criticism for role they play.

Recent studies by the American Federation of Teachers and the Economic Policy Institute have raised questions about whether charter schools are outperforming traditional public schools. These studies have generated a great deal of debate from both detractors and supporters of charter schools.

The one thing that does seem clear is that charter schools on the aggregate are not performing on the level most hoped they would. Regardless of whether you are a supporter of charter schools, we can all agree on the importance of a strong public school system. This system, including charter schools, continues to educate ninety percent of American students. Our public schools must have the resources and the focus on quality to ensure that our children get the best education possible regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, status or whether they can speak English.

It is our public school system that I rise to support today.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.