Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy).

Mr. Chairman, I yield two minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

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

In summary, I urge a no vote on this bill. In 1998, the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) who is a very good friend of mine, we will always remain friends, we have great respect for one another, we wrote a very good bill in 1998, WIA, and I hope we would do likewise this time; but I find myself unable to support this bill.

The bill, among other things, I do not mean to be harsh, but among other things, encapsulates President Bush's response to the woman in Omaha who told him that she was presently working three jobs to ensure that she could provide for her family. And the President responded, ``Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that.''

Mr. Chairman, we can do better than that.

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

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment as a designee of the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney).

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

Mr. Chairman, current law requires that services be provided to both in-school youth and out-of-school youth. Nothing in the Act prevents States from spending all of youth funds on out-of-school youths. In fact, as many as 17 States spend more than 30 percent on out-of-school programs. The majority of States are challenged by current out-of- school requirements.

Eliminating services for in-school youth cuts funding for programs designed to keep youths in school, to develop workforce skills, to prepare for post-secondary education, and provide after school and summer opportunities.

H.R. 27 limits the business community's ability to work with schools and prepare emerging workforces. In many communities, you have that cooperation between the business community and the schools.

H.R. 27 restricts services for rural youths. Many rural in-school programs provide workforce development and on-school support service for students who are at risk for dropping out. I think it is very, very important that we maintain the in-school youth program, and that is the purpose for me offering this amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney), the author of the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Yes, I am, Mr. Speaker, in its current form.

Mr. Speaker, my motion to recommit is simple. It provides extra assistance to workers whose jobs have been outsourced and veterans who are returning from conflicts overseas.

Mr. Speaker, half a million jobs have been outsourced over the past 3 years. An additional 830,000 jobs are expected to be outsourced in 2005 and 3.3 million by 2015. Up to 6 million jobs may be sent overseas in the next 10 years. These statistics represent lost jobs for American workers. Fewer jobs means that American workers will struggle to provide for their families and fall further into debt. The administration has turned a deaf ear to the needs of these workers. American workers who lose their jobs due to outsourcing need significant assistance and resources to obtain new employment. This motion would provide this help.

Likewise, many veterans returning from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq may need skills and training to obtain or retain their jobs. Reservists who have spent a year or more overseas have put their careers on hold to serve our country. This amendment would provide the help they need.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members who want to help our veterans and those who have lost their jobs to outsourcing to support this motion.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Ms. Herseth).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this motion which will address a very urgent problem.

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

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I join with many of my colleagues today in expressing my opposition to the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

United States trade policy must put American workers first. I voted against and have been a vigorous critic of NAFTA, and I am concerned about efforts to further expand this bad policy through CAFTA or other harmful free trade agreements. NAFTA has been terrible for American workers, because it encourages corporations to abandon the United States to exploit weak labor and environmental standards in other countries. CAFTA will only further this destructive behavior.

Of vital importance for stopping CAFTA is ensuring that the domestic sugar industry is not being severely damaged or destroyed. Stopping CAFTA could help prevent the loss of hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs and family farms in sugar producing states across the country. My home state of Michigan is the 4th largest producer of sugar beets in the nation. We have roughly 2,100 sugar beet farmers producing more than 3 million tons of sugar beets. The Michigan sugar industry supports 5,000 jobs and generates an estimated $500 million of economic activity. Michigan's Saginaw Valley and Thumb area produce more than 90 percent of the sugar beets grown east of the Mississippi River. The Michigan Sugar Company plant located in Caro in my Congressional District, has roughly 350 year-around and 1,000 seasonal employees.

CAFTA will flood U.S. markets with foreign sugar and we should not be using this industry as a bargaining chip during trade negotiations. Our sugar program provides the only effective way of dealing with the unfair predatory trade practices in the world dump market for sugar. Without it, the U.S. sugar program cannot be sustained and the domestic industry will certainly collapse. CAFTA unfortunately undermines this important program.

The United States is a world leader, and we must enter into trade agreements that encourage positive standards and quality of life for both the United States and foreign nations. Otherwise, corporations will be allowed to exploit foreign workers while abandoning American workers, who are the most productive in the world. I will not support any trade agreement life CAFTA that continues the United States down this misguided path.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly happy to rise before you today to recognize the accomplishments of a gentleman who has selflessly dedicated himself to public service for most of his adult life. On Friday, February 18, friends and family will join civic and community leaders in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, to honor Dan Harrell, as he retires as Coordinator of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners after 17 years.

After graduating from Flint Northwestern High School in 1967, Dan Harrell enrolled in what was then known as Genesee Community College, graduating in 1969. From there, he went on to the University of Michigan-Flint, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and History in 1971. Dan's love of politics, however, began much earlier--in 1960, where an 11 year-old Dan patrolled the streets of Flint, handing out campaign literature for presidential candidate John F. Kennedy.

After stints as a teacher and a salesman, Dan became Assistant Finance Director of the Michigan Democratic Party. Later, in 1982, he joined the staff of newly elected State Senator Joe Conroy and remained for six years, until he left to become Board Coordinator. As Coordinator for the nine-person Board, Dan has served as a bridge and guiding force, assisting the Commission with fulfilling their task to improve the quality of life for all Genesee County residents. In addition, Dan serves as coordinator for the county's FOIA requests, and its Emergency Management department. Dan's peers have described his work and his ability to deal with people from all walks of life as ``invaluable.''

Dan's love of politics has extended outside of the office, where he has been a key part of many campaigns over the years, including one of his own: in 1989, he successfully ran for a seat on the Flint School Board, serving as Treasurer for three of the six years of his term. He has also been a member of the Whaley Children's Center Public Policy Board and the Urban League Board of Directors. And then there are his greatest accomplishments: his marriage to Evelyn, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, once again I am honored to acknowledge the life and career of Dan Harrell. He has made Genesee County a better place to live, and I am proud to call him my colleague, my constituent, and my friend. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in congratulating him for his unwavering commitment to justice, and wishing him well in his retirement as well as all his future endeavors.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in favor of the Farr amendment. This bill gives the Secretary unprecedented authority to waive all laws to finish the construction of the security barrier. This bill denies due process to anyone challenging the Secretary's decision by prohibiting judicial review of the Secretary's waivers.

These provisions would undermine the Federal trust responsibility to Indian nations by allowing waivers of Federal requirements of providing tribal notification that are specifically designed to protect Native American burial grounds, religious shrines, and cultural and historical sites.

I urge my colleagues to support the Farr amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to an outstanding individual, Ms. Stella Wells. On February 17, 2005, family and friends will gather to honor Stella, as she celebrates her 100th birthday.

Stella was born in 1905 in the town of Beech Grove, Arkansas. There, in 1922 under the same roof where she was born, she married farmer Charles Wells. Stella and husband Charley had six sons, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 31 great-great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-great-grandchildren. She has a total of 91 living descendents. The two enjoyed a marriage of 54 years.

Stella is a longtime resident of Genesee County. She originally moved to Michigan for a short time in the early 50's and later Stella and Charley moved back to become permanent residents in 1974.

Stella is currently the oldest living member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4087 of Davison. She is also a member of Harmony Baptist Church of Burton as well as Holly Grove Baptist Church of Beech Grove, Arkansas. Along with her many roles in the community, her greatest is as a beloved mother.

Mr. Speaker, as the Member of Congress representing Genesee County, I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in not only recognizing Stella Wells for her outstanding life, but to wish her a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, Catholic schools provide a high quality education to millions of our children. Catholic schools teach critical values and provide their students with beneficial and life enriching experiences. The contributions which Catholic schools make to our nation and our children strengthen our society and our place in the world.

H. Res. 23 recognizes and celebrates our Catholic schools. Fortunately, our country values education and the institutions which provide it. Catholic schools are an instrumental part of this effort to improve the academic achievement and societal values of our children. Their place in American education and our nation as a whole is strong and necessary.

Fortunately, both public and Catholic schools provide a strong foundation for our nation's children. While our public schools educate the vast majority of our children, our Catholic schools provide an excellent and enriching alternative. Together these two sectors of our education system will work to ensure our excellence in the world.

In closing Mr. Speaker, I again want to stress my support for Catholic schools and also our public schools. Our children are better off having both Catholic and public schools provide them with a high quality education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the courageous men and women of the Michigan State Police. Day after day, these brave individuals work together to ensure safe streets for the citizens of Michigan. On Friday, January 28, the Michigan State Police will gather to celebrate the retirement of First Lieutenant Diane Garrison, after 25 years of dedicated service to the force.

Diane Garrison enlisted with the Michigan State Police June 11, 1979, and graduated on September 26. During her distinguished career, she has been stationed at several posts, including Bay City, Lansing, Detroit, Brighton, Coldwater, and ultimately Flint, where she served as Post Commander until her retirement on December 31, 2004.

As a State Trooper, Diane has made it her life's work to protect and defend human dignity and the quality of life for our citizens. Many people, myself included, have greatly benefited from her experience and leadership. This extends to the community as well, where Diane is a proud member of St. James Catholic Church in Mason, and serves as a Kindergarten Religion Education teacher.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the accomplishments and career of Diane Garrison. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in congratulating her for her unwavering commitment to justice, and wishing her well in her retirement as well as all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the long years of service which James Stedman has provided to the Congress. ``Jim'' as he is better known to his friends and colleagues retired this month after 31 years at the Congressional Research Service (CRS). His dedication, determination and spirit will be sorely missed. I know that I have relied on Jim on numerous occasions in the past and he has certainly made me a more effective legislator.

James Stedman began his career at the Congressional Research Service as an education policy analyst in 1973, after earning a bachelor's degree from Middlebury College and a master's degree from Harvard University, both in history. Upon joining CRS, he reached the status of Specialist in Social Legislation in a very short period of time. From the beginning of his career, and continuing for over 30 years, Jim has expertly supported Congressional work on education related legislation. Jim's most important contribution however has been his effective and unselfish mentoring of the next generation of CRS education analysts.

Jim has for decades been a nationally recognized expert on numerous major aspects of Federal education policy. One such area is elementary- secondary school reform. Jim has shown a boundless understanding of the complexities of standards-based reform, school choice (a topic on which he prepared pioneering policy analyses), and Federal programs to support the recruitment, development, and retention of elementary- secondary school teachers. Jim also excelled in his knowledge of Federal efforts to improve mathematics and sciences education; and all aspects of Federal policy to provide financial assistance to postsecondary students from low- to moderate-income families, including grant, loan, and tax-based programs.

Throughout his career, Jim has not only been exceptionally productive, but also innovative. He has provided ground-breaking analyses that have been especially useful to the Congress in its consideration of how best to provide financial aid for college bound students, through loans, grant, or tax-based methods. Jim has also undertaken pioneering work of broad significance on the process used to determine the amount of aid a college student receives, commonly referred to as ``needs analysis.'' Jim was also the leading CRS analyst supporting congressional legislation and other activities in response to the Reagan administration's ``A Nation at Risk'' and the Clinton administration's ``Goals 2000 initiatives.''

In more recent years, Jim's work has been primarily devoted to providing strong leadership to teams of CRS staff assisting with higher education legislation during the 105th and 108th Congresses. He has coordinated a vast number of projects in support of committee deliberations on higher education legislation, serving as the primary liaison between the CRS higher education analysts and authorizing committee members and staff. Jim has also unselfishly devoted a great deal of time and effort to helping the relatively new CRS analysts to build expertise in legislation, relevant issues, and sources for data analysis.

Jim's contributions will be sorely missed. The leadership and knowledge he provided for over 30 years has greatly benefited the Congress and the American people. Jim's retirement now provides him the time to pursue a second career as a teacher. If he brings the same determination and spirit to teaching that he had for 30 years at CRS, he will be a success. This House should congratulate Jim on his retirement and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. I also thank her for her excellent and her tireless work on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report. This legislation is a remarkable improvement over the House bill and deserves the support of us today. The bill represents a good compromise reflecting the views of schools, disability advocates and, most importantly, parents.

The bill protects the civil rights of children with disabilities in critical areas. The bill ensures compliance with IDEA's key provisions through a strong monitoring and enforcement system.

This system will lead States to fix problems before children with disabilities fail to receive a free appropriate public education.

This bill also makes IDEA work for all stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and school districts. First, the legislation provides new opportunities for parents and schools to address concerns before the need to file a lawsuit arises.

Second, the bill increases parental involvement in IEP meetings by allowing the use of teleconferencing, video conferencing, and other alternative means of participation.

Third, the legislation requires initial evaluations to occur within 60 days of referral, ensuring that children get the help they need. The conference report also provides fiscal relief for school districts. The bill allows school districts which are in compliance with IDEA to replace a portion of their local expenditures with Federal funding.

This will allow school districts to begin to realize the promise we made 30 years ago to provide the Federal share of special education costs. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, the bill also improves discipline and ensures the safety of disabled and nondisabled children alike.

The bill requires schools to determine if a child's behavior was the result of their disability or poor implementation of their IEP when considering a disciplinary action. In addition, the bill prevents schools from placing children with disabilities in alternative placements for unlimited periods of time.

Despite its positive aspects, Mr. Speaker, the main failure of this legislation is that it does not immediately meet the promise of full funding of IDEA. We made this promise nearly 30 years ago and have consistently failed to meet it.

Soon we will have an appropriations bill on this floor, hopefully today, that will not even meet the levels we have authorized in this bill. While I support this conference report, we need to do a better job of living up to our promises. This bill puts us on that path; and I therefore urge that we pass it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1811, located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. On December 9, 2004, civic and community leaders will join family, friends, and members of Local 1811 to honor Ms. Betty Mosely- Maberry, who was unanimously selected by the Local's Executive Board to be the first recipient of their Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award.

The Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award is bestowed on UAW members who have authenticated 20 years of notable service. It honors the extraordinary contributions they have made to advance the cause of working people, their families, and communities. As Walter Reuther championed human dignity and social justice for all, the men and women who have received the award in his name have committed themselves to these same ideals.

Betty Mosely-Maberry began her career at Buick Medical in December 1967. She was one of the driving forces behind Local 1811's organization in 1972 and 1973, and as a result, was elected Chairperson of their bargaining unit. Over the years, Betty has fulfilled the duties of interim President and Vice-President of Local 1811, and officially represented them as Recording Secretary for over 16 years. Betty also served on their Civil Rights, Community Service, and Education Committees as either a member or Chair. Betty retired on July 1, 1999, although the influence she had on her peers was so great that she was asked to continue as Recording Secretary. She selflessly and respectfully declined the offer, citing that active members should hold the position. However, Betty decided to run for a trustee seat, which she won and holds to this day.

Mr. Speaker, all 22 members of UAW Local 1811's Executive Board feel that Betty Mosely-Maberry truly exemplifies the spirit in which the Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award is given. Her willingness, hard work, and dedication to her brothers and sisters in labor as well as the community, are deserving of the highest respect. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to join me in commending her.

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize a gentleman who has long been at the forefront of working to protect and defend the rights of America's labor workers. On December 1, in Bay City, Michigan, friends and family will join members of Utility Workers Union of America Local 144 to honor Mr. Jim Davison, as he celebrates his retirement after 34 years.

After honorably serving his country in Vietnam as a member of the United States Marine Corps, Jim Davison began his relationship with the UWUA September 1, 1970, when he began work at Consumers Power. After four years, he was appointed as a union steward, as well as a delegate to the Bay County AFL-CIO Central Labor Council. In 1975, Jim was elected his Local's Sergeant-At-Arms, and became Second Vice-President in 1981. In 1987, Jim was elected President.

In 1981, Jim was chosen as Vice-President of the Bay County AFL-CIO Labor Council. Seven years later, he became the Council's President. Also in 1988, he was elected to serve as Vice-President of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council in Lansing. Jim served admirably in that position until 1995, when he then became Secretary/Treasurer of the State Council, a position he held until this year. Jim retired from Consumers Energy in September 2004.

In addition to his tremendous work on behalf of the UWUA and the AFL- CIO, Jim has been a tireless advocate of the community. He has spent many years on boards for the United Way on the local and state levels, and has also provided key leadership for groups such as the Saginaw Valley Blood Bank, Bay County Economic Development Council, Michigan State Labor Education Program, and the Kawkawlin Fire Department, where he served as Assistant Fire Chief from 1996-2004. Jim has also been active in politics, which includes his recent election as a Trustee in Kawkawlin Township.

Mr. Speaker, I am exceptionally grateful for Jim Davison's dedication to his brothers and sisters in labor, and to the community. He is a shining example of the best our society has to offer, and a true role model for his peers as well as all those he comes into contact with. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to join me in congratulating Jim on his retirement, and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the members of the Michigan Department of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, USA to pay tribute to Matthew M. Lewicki, World War II veteran, for his service in the United States Army's 45th Infantry 179th Infantry Division from May 1, 1943 to November 5, 1945. On Saturday, October 16, 2004 the Polish Legion along with family and friends will gather to present Mr. Lewicki with medals he earned during his military career.

On May 1, 1943 Mr. Lewicki entered into the U.S. Army during World War II. He was assigned to the 45th Infantry 179th Infantry Division as a Private Infantry Auto Rifleman. He was wounded at Anzio Beach, Italy. Dunlop Acting Adjutant General sent notification to Mr. Lewicki's family on April 11, 1944 stating that he had been captured by the Germans and was a Prisoner of War. He had been missing in action since February 18th. The Germans sent him to a warehouse in Italy for three weeks, after which he was transferred to a prison camp in Germany where he was assigned to work on a farm. His Prisoner of War number was Stalag 7-B, #11689. Mr. Lewicki spent a total of 14 months in captivity. Corporal Lewicki was honorably discharged on November 5, 1945. Mr. Lewicki, after his discharge from the service, returned to his employment at General Motors Buick Motor Division. He retired in 1980 after 44 years of employment.

Matthew M. Lewicki was born on June 13, 1915 in Troy, New York. The Lewickis relocated to Flint, Michigan in 1917 when Matthew was 2 years old. Mr. Lewicki met his lovely wife, Albina Piotrowski, in 1940 and they were married on May 3, 1941. To this blessed union were born two sons, Matthew and David. Mrs. Lewicki passed away on March 6, 1992 at the age of 70. Matthew Lewicki is a lifelong charter member of Dom Polski and the Sea League. In his spare time Mr. Lewicki enjoys bowling and fishing.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I consider it my duty and my privilege to protect and defend human dignity and the quality of life for our citizens. I am extremely grateful to have a person like Matthew M. Lewicki who shares these beliefs, and has made it his life's work to see this task achieved. I honor Mr. Lewicki for his commendable service to our Nation and its mission of spreading peace. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating Mr. Lewicki, and wishing him the best in future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize an outstanding community leader, Margaret A. Perry of Mt. Morris, Michigan. Margaret Perry will be retiring from her post as Mt. Morris Charter Township Trustee after 16 years of commendable service and dedication. The township along with family and friends will honor Ms. Perry during a ``Sweet 16 Retirement'' celebration on October 23, 2004 at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in Flint, Michigan.

Margaret Perry was born in Athens, Georgia. She has been a resident of Genesee County for 50 years and a Mt. Morris Township resident for 40 years. Margaret has been a champion for the community. She began her career in politics in 1988 when she became the 1st African American elected to a township position in Genesee County. She has held the post of Mt. Morris Township Trustee from 1988 to the present. She is a member of the Planning Commission, and Michigan Township Association. She is a member of the Heart of Senior Citizens Services Board. Margaret has been the forerunner in organizing voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives in Genesee County. She is an active member of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI). She served as the Michigan Chapter APRI Vice-

President from 1987-2003, Greater Flint Chapter APRI Director of Operations 1986-2002, and Greater Flint Chapter APRI Financial Secretary 1986-2002. As a loyal member of the Democratic Party, Margaret has held many leadership positions. She was 1st Vice Chairperson of the Genesee County Democratic Party from 1986-1992, and elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1988. She has also served as the field organizer for the Democratic Coordinated Campaign in 1990 and holds a Michigan Democratic Party Certificate on Campaign Organizing. She also held the positions of 7th Congressional District Democratic Black Caucus Fundraising Chairperson and Correspondence Secretary from 1984-1990.

Margaret has dedicated her life to making Mt. Morris Township and Genesee County a better place to live, work and visit. She is retired from her position with Hurley Medical Center as a Laboratory Technical Aide with 25 years of notable service. Aside from being an outstanding leader, Margaret is also devoted to her children and grandchildren, and she credits the love and support of her family for her success.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to an outstanding community activist, Margaret A. Perry, for her past and current service and contributions to Genesee County and Mt. Morris Township. I wish her the best in future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to Mr. J.D. Rogers, III, who on September 18, 2004 was honored during the UAW Local 599 Walter Reuther award ceremony in Flint, Michigan for his contributions as the longest-serving production committeeman in the history of the Local.

J.D. Rogers began his leadership career within UAW Local 599 in 1976 when he was elected as Alternative Committeeman. One month after assuming his post he was elected to fulfill the position of the recently resigned Committeeman. His superior leadership skills and support of the union membership granted him several unopposed elections to this post.

J.D. is committed to fulfilling Walter Reuther's mission of helping people, and ensuring human dignity and social justice for all. His hard work and dedication to the duties of his elected position is commendable. His deeds are self evident in the faith the members of 599 have bestowed upon him in allowing him to be re-elected. His service to the UAW extends many years and is highly regarded.

Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from the leadership and service of

Mr. J.D. Rogers. His commitment to the UAW membership is unwavering. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating him on obtaining his mark in history and in wishing him the very best in future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to Mr. Mo Felling for attaining the honor of being the longest serving skilled trades committeeman in the history of UAW Local 599 in Flint, Michigan. On September 18, 2004, the UAW Local 599 members will honor Mr. Felling during their annual Walter Reuther award ceremony.

Mo Felling began his leadership career within UAW Local 599 in 1977 when he was elected to the post of Alternative Committeeman. In 1980 he was elected to the post of committeeman, a position he has held successfully to this date. His impeccable service and love for his fellow members is commendable. He is committed to upholding the mission set forth by Mr. Walter Reuther; which is to help people, and ensuring human dignity and social justice for all who are employed within the manufacturing automobile industry. I salute Mr. Felling for his great attention to detail and on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from the leadership and service of Mr. Mo Felling. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating him on obtaining his mark in history and in wishing him the very best in future endeavors.