Floor Statements

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

Madam Speaker, H. Res. 216 celebrates the life of one of the greatest playwrights of all time. In addition, this resolution rightly recognizes the University of Michigan for naming a theater after this great American.

Arthur Miller was a Pulitzer Prize winner; a recipient of the New York Drama Critics Circle Award; the Nation's most distinguished recognition for the arts, the Kennedy Center Honors. He enriched our country through his great works, including ``Death of a Salesman,'' ``The Crucible'' and ``A View From the Bridge.''

This remarkable man and his remarkable work really took root at the University of Michigan. At age 19 when he came to Michigan, he began to realize his dream was to become a writer. Miller won two of the University of Michigan's prestigious Avery Hopwood Awards while attending the University. Michigan and the entire university were happy to call Arthur Miller one of our most distinguished citizens and alumni.

Madam Speaker, I wanted to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Schwarz) for introducing this resolution. The University of Michigan deserves recognition for naming a theater after this great American. We would be remiss, however, if we did not also recognize the contributions Arthur Miller made to our country and to the world. I urge Members to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Camp, Mr. Stupak and I rise together to pay tribute to Dr. Peter D. Boyse, a visionary educator who will retire July 31, 2005, after 17 years of dedicated service to Delta College and the community it serves. Friends and colleagues will gather June 10 to honor his dedication and his many accomplishments.

Dr. Boyse came to Delta College in July 1988 as executive vice president and became president in January 1993. During his tenure, Delta College has completed a $26 million renovation of its computer and science laboratories, and its library, and a $42 million renovation and addition to its Technical Trade and Manufacturing Complex. These renovations place Delta College on the cutting edge of training for tomorrow's jobs in the sciences and in manufacturing.

Delta College, which serves the people of Bay County, Midland County and Saginaw County, as well as many others from surrounding counties in Mid-Michigan, has grown to be one of our Nation's leading community colleges under the guidance of Dr. Boyse. Support for Delta College within that community is demonstrated by the passage of a renewal of an operating millage with an unprecedented 70 percent approval.

Dr. Boyse's visionary leadership has brought about growth in both the size and stature of Delta College. Through its Corporate Services arm, the college has helped people all across the United States to grow and succeed in their careers. His influence as an administrator and a leader in the field of higher education will be felt for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, we ask that all of our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join us today in recognizing Dr. Peter D. Boyse for his exceptional leadership. His guiding hand has helped shape Delta College into a truly world class institution of higher education. We wish Dr. Boyse all the best in retirement and hope for his continued involvement in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has become a source of inspiration for the citizens of Tuscola County, in my district. On May 13, the County's Human Development Commission will gather in Caro for their Annual Meeting, where they will also honor the accomplishments of one of their early pioneers, Mr. Robert Russell, for 35 years of dedicated service to the organization.

The Human Development Commission, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, represents the legacy of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Soon after its passage, Economic Opportunity Action Committees were established in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties to explore the several possibilities made available by the Act. These committees formed the Human Development Commission on February 8, 1965, with a mission to ``empower individuals and communities to identify their needs and secure resources necessary to achieve their goals of self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.

Shortly after its inception, Bob Russell began his long and distinguished career with the HDC, highlighted by his leadership in various positions as a member of their Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and as a volunteer within various HDC programs. In addition, he represented his community as a member of the Vassar City Council for 10 years and the Tuscola County Commission for 18 years. Prior to this, he served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. All of the accomplishments aside, Bob is also, perhaps first and foremost, a loving husband, father and grandfather.

I am appreciative of Bob Russell's many years of leadership and for the untold number of individuals he has assisted, both personally and indirectly. He helped the agency and its customers overcome many obstacles and celebrate numerous successes. We will always be grateful for his willingness to be an original incorporator of the HDC and for his years of loyalty and dedication to its mission and vision.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring a true public servant, Robert Russell. His service to his community and fellow citizens is a testament to everyone aspiring to make this a better world. His selfless commitment to service has been a benefit to the people of Michigan and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise before you today to honor Edward A. Mitchell, of Flint, Michigan, my hometown. On Wednesday, April 20, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will honor Mr. Mitchell's selfless contributions and dedication to improving the quality of life for thousands of residents of Genesee County.

A native of Flint, Edward Mitchell graduated from Central High School in 1947, and later studied at Flint Junior College. At the age of 18, Ed began what became a 50-year career with the Flint Journal, starting out as an Ad Services employee. A year later, he became

an Outside Sales Representative, and in 1958, he was promoted to Assistant Classified Advertising Manager. On April 9, 1984, Ed became Advertising Director for the Journal, and ultimately became Assistant to the Publisher, a position he held until his retirement.

In addition to his tenure at the Flint Journal, Ed became a tireless advocate for civic pride and responsibility. He has been a vital part of more than 26 community organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the United Way of Genesee County, among many others. He served on the Boards of such groups as Goodwill Industries and the Lions Club, and as Chair of four organizations including the Center City Club and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

A member of the Food Bank's Board of Directors since 1991 and its Executive Committee since 1995, Ed has also acted as Nominating Chair from 1995-1997, and served on the Food Bank's Presidential Search Committee in 1994. Ed was elected Board Chairman in 1998, the position he holds to this day. During his time on the Board, the Food Bank has grown from distributing 2.6 million pounds of food in 1991 to 15.2 million pounds in 2004, providing emergency food services to more than 110,000 Genesee County residents, half of who are under the age of 17 or over the age of 65. Under Ed's leadership, the Food Bank has received several awards, and has been a national model for similar programs. In 2002, America's Second Harvest recognized the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan as the nation's best.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous amount of gratitude that I appear before you today to recognize my colleague, my constituent, and my friend, Edward Mitchell. For over 45 years, he has diligently worked to promote, protect, defend, and enhance human dignity, and he exemplifies the very best of what our society has to offer. I would also like to recognize Ed's wife Valia, their three daughters, and their seven grandchildren, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in wishing them all the best of luck in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the accomplishments of a man who has made a strong commitment to protect and defend human dignity. On Saturday, May 7, the members of Oman Temple No. 72, of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, will gather at their 50th Annual Potentate's Ball, where they will honor their Illustrious Potentate, Andre Smith.

Andre Smith was born in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, on August 8, 1965, the youngest and only son of Elworth and Vivian Smith. He attended Flint Public Schools, and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1983. He later enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served for 8\1/2\ years, attaining the rank of Sergeant E-5. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1992.

In addition to his tenure as Illustrious Potentate of Oman Temple 72, Mr. Smith is also a member and Senior Warden of John W. Stevenson Lodge No. 56, Saginaw Valley Consistory No. 71, and the Flint Roller Skating Association. As a member of these organizations, he has consistently been at the forefront of campaigns and projects designed to improve and beautify the city. In addition, Mr. Smith successfully balances his time as a community leader with his employment as an Administrative Security Tech at the Great Lakes Tech Center, and as a member of Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I am appreciative of Andre Smith's contributions to the Flint community. His civic awareness has made our city a better place in which to live. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating him for his dedication and perseverance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 126. Today, I join my colleagues in expressing my deepest sympathies to the people of the Red Lake Reservation.

This tragedy reveals the sad truth that school-related violence can occur anywhere in this country regardless the socio-economic conditions of a community.

In Indian country, however, the statistics show that Indian children face greater barriers than non-Indian youth. Indian youth suffer from the highest rates of suicide. They have the highest rates of school victimization and use alcohol, drugs and tobacco more than their counterparts. Indian youth also drop out of school at higher rates than other students.

What can we do? For starters, we can reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act which will provide significant improvements to the delivery of health care services for Indian people and authorize funding for health programs, projects, and facilities.

We can increase funding for Indian country law enforcement, public safety and victim assistance programs to help combat the problems of juvenile crime and violence on our Indian lands.

We can also increase funding for schools and colleges located on Indian reservations that were the subject of significant decreases in the president's 2006 budget.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify how we can help the Red Lake Community specifically.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the Boehlert-Markey amendment to the energy bill. This unnecessary amendment would hurt our already struggling economy. It threatens the jobs of workers in Flint, Bay City, Saginaw, and other communities in my congressional district and in my home State of Michigan.

It undermines the hard work of our auto companies and auto workers that is being made through the investment of billions of dollars in alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles. The drastic increases called for in this amendment would have negative consequences for passenger safety and consumer choice.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has increased CAFE standards, which is their obligation. Clearly, the current process, Mr. Chairman, is working. Opposing this amendment protects jobs, passenger safety, consumer choice, and advancing auto technology.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I come before this body today to pay tribute to an outstanding woman, Dr. Marian J. Hockenhull. Dr. Hockenhull has been appointed the National Youth Director of the Young People's Department of the Women's Auxiliary to the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. The First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church will hold a reception to celebrate this prestigious appointment on Saturday, April 16 in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

The list of Dr. Hockenhull's accomplishments is a testament to the energy and hard work she has expended over the years. She has received honor after honor from her sororities, her community and her church. She has received numerous awards at the local, district, state and national level. The leadership of the National Baptist Convention and Baptist World Alliance chose her to represent their organizations on the international level where she was able to bring her inspiration to persons in many nations.

Dr. Hockenhull has spent her life ministering to children. She is committed to improving the lives of the next generation both in the United States and around the world. As a retired educator of the Beecher School District, and in her work at the University of Michigan- Flint, she is a firsthand witness to the power of education to motivate and promote a better life. As an activist for youth, Marian Hockenhull has sought better living conditions, educational opportunities and the improved well being of the young.

This longstanding commitment to children is only underscored by her current appointment as the National Youth Director. The position will allow Dr. Hockenhull to continue her advocacy for children. I ask the Congress of the United States to join with me in congratulating Marian Hockenhull as she assumes her new post with the Women's Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Salem Housing Community Development Corporation, located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. On April 14, civic and community leaders will gather to honor Salem Housing at a Celebration and Awards Banquet entitled, ``20 Years of Building Community.''

Salem Housing was created in 1984 by 5 neighborhood organizations and a church on Flint's north side. These 6 groups were brought together by common concerns about the deteriorating housing stock in their shared neighborhood: vacant and deteriorating houses, a declining homeownership base, and low-quality rental housing with high rents. They also shared concerns for those families who had to live in these deteriorated housing structures due to lack of financial resources, or unavailability of other housing options. As a result, they formed the Salem Housing Task Force, with a mission to ``improve family living conditions by providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for families of limited income, and to act as a catalyst to restore the neighborhoods within its service area.'' This area encompassed a 132- block region, bounded by Pasadena Avenue on the north, Saginaw Street on the east, Wood/Begole on the south, and Dupont on the west.

In 2001, the Salem Housing Task Force officially became the Salem Housing Community Development Corporation. They retained their goals of affordable homeownership, and the results have included the restoration of long vacant and blighted homes, helping homeowners renovate their existing homes, and they continue to work with local neighborhood organizations to improve and beautify their streets. In addition, they have provided training and information for skills including home repair and money management.

Mr. Speaker, for 20 years, the Salem Housing Community Development Corporation has helped many Flint residents gain the satisfaction that comes with owning their own home, and they have helped cultivate civic pride as well. I am appreciative for all they have done to make our community a better place in which to live. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in commending them for their efforts over the past 20 years, and wish them much success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise before you today, and to ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the unification of Bay City, Michigan. This momentous occasion will be marked by a series of events to take place on Sunday, April 10, 2005.

In 1857, a village, made up of land once used as a campground for the Chippewa Indians, was formed east of the Saginaw River. In 1865, this village, known as Bay City, was formally incorporated as a city. The years that followed saw other villages established in the area, including several to the west of the river. In 1877, three of these communities-Banks, Salzburg, and Wenona, consolidated and formed West Bay City. The two communities coexisted and thrived with separate mayors, city councils, police and fire departments, schools, public utilities, and city services, until a campaign to unite the two began, with the hopes that a larger city would increase revenue and promote expansion.

After several consolidation referenda, as well as actions on the part of the Michigan

Legislature, the concept of a united Bay City became reality on April 10, 1905, when a common council, consisting of 34 aldermen from 17 wards in the combined city convened and made history.

Mr. Speaker, in the 100 years since the unification of Bay City and West Bay City, we have seen a town rise from a collection of small lumber villages to one of Michigan's largest and most vibrant cities. The shipyards and sawmills of the past have given way to worldwide corporations that create opportunities each day. Bay City's rich heritage is seen in its renowned architecture and diverse history. For generations, the kind hearts and friendly manner of the residents have made Bay City a warm welcoming community. They are the true nucleus of the city.

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Robert Belleman, City Manager, for his vision in recognizing the need to acknowledge this milestone in Bay City's history. I am proud to call him my colleague, my constituent, and my friend.

Mr. Speaker, once again I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bay City, Michigan on the 100th anniversary of its unification.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Flint Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., who on Saturday, April 9, will hold their 44th annual Sojourner Truth Founder's Day Awards Luncheon. During this ceremony, awards will be presented to nine deserving recipients.

The Sojourner Truth Awards are given each year by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., as a reminder of the endless effort which freedom demands of those who would be free and to recall the fact that slavery comes in many forms: enveloping the spirit as well as the body. In this regard, the Club annually acknowledges those members of the community who have shown to represent these ideals with dignity and distinction.

One such award is the Club's Frederick Douglass Award, which this year will be given to the Honorable Archie L. Hayman, Chief Judge of the 7th District Circuit Court in Genesee County. A lifelong resident of Flint, Judge Hayman received degrees from C.S. Mott Community College and the University of Michigan-Flint, before receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1985 from Detroit College of Law. After stints at General Motors and his own private practice, Judge Hayman was elected to the bench of the 68th District Court in 1995, and was appointed to the Circuit Court one year later by former Governor John Engler. Judge Hayman has consistently shown a willingness to improve the community, as evidenced by his involvement with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, NAACP, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Flint, and many others.

The next award is the Positive Image Award, and its recipient is Mrs. Mancine Broome. Mrs. Broome is known throughout the City of Flint as one of its most ardent community activists. In the political arena, she was an integral part in successful campaigns to elect her late husband, Sylvester, to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. Other campaigns followed, as did several citywide activities designed to enhance community spirit. Mrs. Broome has often been found as an active member or leader of groups including the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame, Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Bishop Airport Authority, and the National Association of Media Women. In addition to her long history of activism, Mrs. Broome has worked with Flint Community Schools as Supervisor of Graphic Arts and Printing Services for 38 years.

The Club Appreciation Award goes to Ms. Gloria J. Coles. In 1984, Ms. Coles moved to Flint to become Director of the Flint Public Library, a position she held for 20 years, until her recent retirement. As Director, Ms. Coles led her staff in establishing the Library as a community focal point, a central location for enriching lectures and programs, and a hub for technological advances. During her tenure, Ms. Coles was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the State Library of Michigan, and in 1991, served as Board President. She also chaired Michigan's White House Conference Committees in hopes of setting a federal agenda for our nation's libraries. Ms. Coles has also been active with the Fairwinds Girl Scout Council, the United Way, and the Michigan Humanities Council.

Alexzandria Poole, a senior at Grand Blanc High School, and Otis Wiley, a senior at Carman-Ainsworth High School, have been selected to receive this year's Youth Achievement and Academic Award. Miss Poole is a multi-talented young woman who balances a 3.902 grade point average with activities such as singing, playing and tutoring piano and viola, and studying Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. Mr. Wiley has excelled in the classroom, where he earned a 3.423 grade point average, and also on the athletic front. During his high school career, Mr. Wiley made it to the State Finals in three sports: football, basketball, and track and field, and has been honored for his efforts on local, state, and national levels. Despite his hectic schedule, Mr. Wiley still finds time to volunteer for various church and community projects.

Also being honored during the ceremony are the winners of the Flint Club's Essay Contest: Miss Diamond Nelson (1st Place), Miss Breeanna Walker (2nd Place), and Miss Michelle A. Cochran (3rd Place).

Last, but certainly not least, the Sojourner Truth Award itself this year will go to Ms. Pamela Loving, President and CEO of Career Alliance, Inc. Serving in this position since 1997, Ms. Loving oversees a multi-service organization that provides workforce development strategies and assistance for residents of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties from all walks of life. Each day, 800-1,000 people utilize Career Alliance's services in hopes of learning and/or developing skills that will enable them to increase their effectiveness in the workforce. Ms. Loving draws on extensive experience in the private, public, and corporate sectors to achieve her goals. She is a tireless advocate for promoting civic and community awareness, and improving the quality of life for all those she comes into contact with. Currently Ms. Loving serves as Co-Chair for Governor Jennifer Granholm's Community Challenge, as well as the Board of Directors for the Focus Council, Mission of Peace Housing Development Agency, Flint District Public Library, and Hamilton Community Health Network. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the YWCA Nina Mills Award, and the Jewish Federation Senator Donald Riegle Award, among many others. Ms. Loving is a true role model and is deserving of the highest respect.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club's longstanding commitment to community service, and their mission to seek answers toward critical issues in the areas of health, education, employment, and economic development. These awardees have exemplified the highest of qualities, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating them all.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church on celebrating 125 years of worship, fellowship, and outreach in Bay City, Michigan. On Sunday, October 16, the congregation of Messiah will recognize this milestone during a special service and dinner to be held at the church.

Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church found its roots in Bay City in 1880, when 50 individuals, immigrants from Sweden, came together and formed one of the most spirit-filled ministries in Bay County. During the past 125 years, Messiah has made a significant impact on the community. The members of Messiah have consistently heeded the call of Christ to assist all those who are in need of spiritual healing. The inspiration for living by Christian ideals is repeated again and again in the lives of the staff and laity of the church. In the intervening years, with God's blessing, and through the dedicated efforts of many, pastors and lay people alike, the membership has grown to 600 people, embracing a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Spiritual growth spurred physical growth, as the building itself had no choice but to expand to accommodate the new congregants. The original small frame building has given way to the present substantial brick building on the same location, now designated as a historic site by the State of Michigan. Although the building has changed, the high purpose of worship and community service remains the same.

I pray that during this glorious milestone the members and community of this magnificent church will come together and do as the Bible tells us in Psalms 33:1-4: ``Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy. For the word of the Lord is right and all His work is done in truth.''

For 125 years, Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church has been a dynamic force for the public good. At every time of social need or upheaval, the congregation has resoundingly responded by living the Gospel spoken every Sunday in the sanctuary. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the continuity of Christian life that has resonated for more than 12 decades and resonates today through Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of Foss Avenue Baptist Church, in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, to honor James O. Peoples, Jr., for 48 years of dedicated service as the Church's Director of Music. On Sunday, March 13, 2005, the congregation of Foss Avenue will recognize Mr. Peoples' accomplishments during a celebration, which will include a musical program and reception, to be held at the church.

James Peoples, Jr. has been blessed with a natural talent and passion for music. His obvious abilities were refined as he studied Management and Music at C.S. Mott Community College, and later Music Theory at Cook Conservatory of Music. James's education did not end there, as he spent 11 years under the direction of various professionals in a wide array of styles including opera, classical, and lyrical melodies and harmony.

Since 1956, Mr. Peoples has performed the Lord's work as Director of Music for Foss Avenue Baptist Church. As Director, he has managed over 200 voices and staff, and recorded three albums. In addition, from 1987 to 1992, he served simultaneously as Director of Music for the Wolverine State Baptist Convention and Musical Director of the National Baptist Convention. Mr. Peoples has also acted as Director of the Flint Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Peoples is best noted for his work with anthems, hymns and spiritual arrangements. He has conducted music workshops throughout the state, and in March 2003, he was recognized as Music Director of the Year by the Wolverine Baptist Convention Women's Auxiliary. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, Mr. Peoples is also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Mr. Speaker, Psalms 66:1-2 says: ``Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.'' For 48 years, the members of Foss Avenue Baptist Church have indeed made a joyful noise, and it is because of people like James Peoples, Jr. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in honoring Mr. Peoples' contributions to spreading the Lord's word.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Rotary International on celebrating its 100th anniversary. On Saturday, February 26, the Rotary Clubs of Genesee, Shiawasee and Lapeer Counties will celebrate this milestone with a Centennial Gala to be held at Genesys Banquet Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Rotary International, founded on February 23, 1905, is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary Clubs located in 166 countries. In Rotary Area Seven, which includes my district, there are almost 600 members making the commitment to address community and international issues.

Rotarians are committed to the motto ``Service Above Self' and to ``The Four-Way Test'' of business ethics, a philosophy that encourages truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit in all professional actions.

The Four-Way Test:

1. Is it the Truth?

2. Is it Fair to all Concerned?

3. Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?

4. Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?

They support efforts to provide educational opportunities and to meet basic human needs because these efforts are essential steps to greater world understanding, goodwill, and peace. The founding of Rotary International encouraged the creation and expansion of service clubs in the 20th century, and these service clubs generated a formalized spirit of community volunteerism throughout the United States and the world.

The PolioPlus program, created by Rotary International to fight the dreaded disease, has helped to vaccinate more than two billion children. They are the only nongovernmental organization to join in partnership with the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to achieve the goal of the total eradication of polio in 2005. Their work is an outstanding and noteworthy humanitarian effort by a nonprofit organization.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Rotary International on celebrating its 100th anniversary. As a Rotary Club fellowship beneficiary, I can attest to the unwavering support they give to the community and applaud their involvement in the State of Michigan and beyond.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. This bill is nearly identical to the WIA bill that passed this House last Congress on a near party-line vote. It was a bad bill then, and it remains a bad bill now.

H.R. 27 represents a missed opportunity to ensure that more, not less, job training happens for the millions who are unemployed or looking to upgrade their skills. This legislation fails to increase the amount of actual training services that will be provided to unemployed, dislocated, and underemployed workers. Instead, this legislation focuses on moving around and changing the bureaucratic elements of WIA without focusing on getting more resources to the consumers of these programs.

H.R. 27 is largely the same proposal backed by the administration for the past 2 years. Just a few weeks ago, President Bush spoke to individuals in Omaha, Nebraska. There he met a woman in her late 50s who is a mother of three children. She told him that presently she was working three jobs to ensure she could provide for her family. The President's response was the following, and I quote exactly: ``Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that.''

What insensitivity. Is this the attitude of this administration when it comes to the challenges of working adults and families? I think this quote from the President speaks for itself. It will go down in history with Marie Antoinette's famous quote: ``Let them eat cake.''

Mr. Chairman, this bill is not going to help this mother of three or the millions of Americans seeking job training. This bill is objectionable for four primary reasons.

First, the bill block-grants the adult worker, dislocated worker, and employment service program. This effectively repeals the Wagner-Peyser Act and the employment service, the national program used to match job seekers with employment opportunities. Termination of the employment service will translate into higher unemployment and less jobs.

The elimination of the employment service and Wagner-Peyser marks another example of the Republican majority terminating a New Deal program. Wagner-Peyser was first enacted in June of 1933 in the first term of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It is shameful that we are eliminating a 70-year-old program that has helped so many achieve and maintain work. In my hometown of Flint, Michigan, we had two parts of the unemployment office, one where you applied for the unemployment benefits and the other where you went in and were seeking a job and they would put the unemployed and an employer together. That would be decimated by this bill.

Second, H.R. 27 allows Governors to siphon off resources currently providing veterans, adult learners, and individuals with disabilities with critical services. Instead of helping vulnerable and needy individuals, these resources would fund infrastructure costs of the one-stop centers. Many of these individuals have nowhere else to turn to receive help, and this bill would exacerbate this problem.

H.R. 27 requires programs which provide these critical services to give up resources, but it also takes away any say over how they are allocated or used. They no longer will have a voice on the local boards. We should not be taking funds from these programs. These lost resources will translate into disruptions and lost opportunities to people who presently rely on these services. We should provide a separate source of funding for these one-stop centers.

Third, the bill allows discrimination in hiring based on religion with WIA funds. The bill turns back the clock on decades of civil rights protections in our job training programs. This is simply wrong. Focus Hope in Detroit, Michigan, is one of the best, if not the best, job training program in the State of Michigan. Focus Hope was run until his death by Father William Cunningham, a classmate of mine in the seminary. He trained thousands of people in inner-city Detroit as a Catholic priest assigned by his bishop there, and he did not care whether those who were training people to run a lathe, to do engineering or whatever it was, he did not care whether they were Catholic, whether they were Protestant, whether they were Morman, Muslim or had no faith at all. All he cared was they knew how to teach what they were teaching. That was a very important and effective program. He did not need to discriminate to carry out his duties. I strongly urge Members to support the Scott amendment today that will be offered later during debate to remedy this major shortcoming in this legislation.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, H.R. 27 creates personal reemployment accounts which voucherize the job training system and cuts individuals off from other training services. The money they do not spend to get a job, they can keep and use for any purpose. Workers do not need a bribe to get back to work. Research on similar schemes have proven that PRAs are not an effective means of providing job training.

Mr. Chairman, this bill does not respond to the needs of underemployed and unemployed individuals. It misses an opportunity to improve our job training system. I urge Members to join me in opposing passage of this legislation.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington, D.C. (Ms. Norton).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

(Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)