Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disappointment in the Secretary of Veteran Affairs decision to eliminate the inpatient care services at the Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. This decision will have a devastating impact on the quality and accessibility of medical care for over 60,000 veterans in Mid- Michigan.

In Michigan, 130,000 veterans rely on the services and benefits of the Veteran Affairs' health care system. Every one of those veterans, regardless of location, deserves immediate and convenient access to the best medical care services available. Removing the inpatient beds at the Lutz Medical Center will hinder the delivery and accessibility of medical care to veterans in our area.

We can not allow the Bush Administration to turn its back on our veterans and disrupt access to health services that they are entitled to receive. None of our nation's 26 million veterans should ever be denied or stripped of essential medical services. It is unconscionable and unacceptable that our local veterans will be forced to travel more than two hours to the nearest Veteran Medical Center for inpatient care.

I urge my colleagues to fight against the Secretary of Veteran Affairs' decision to realign or eliminate medical care services from VA hospitals across this country. We owe it to our veterans to fight this decision to show our gratitude for their service and sacrifice to our country. We must continue to work together to make sure that America's heroes receive the best medical care available.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2728 and also refer to the other three bills, H.R. 2729, 2730, and 2731.

Mr. Speaker, OSHA came into being to protect the worker and give that protection with the force of the Federal Government because in so many instances the employer was not protecting these workers. These bills individually and collectively will weaken that protection.

I can recall the days before OSHA, the lack of protection, the lack of sometimes even a concern among many employers about the safety of their workers. My father was almost killed in plant because he was being pulled into the machine and was unable to control his own machine. He could not control the power for their own machine. And he had to keep shouting down the line to turn off the power. And that is how things were before OSHA.

In my State about 8 or 9 years ago, a young lady trying to pull herself out of poverty took a job in a small plant. She was working on a press. She put her hands in to remove the product and the press came down. It did not amputate her hands. It obliterated, disintegrated her hands. Failure to abate can lead to such tragedies. And there was certainly failure to abate in that plant. Most of the workers knew that that machine had difficulties; but she was allowed to work on that machine which destroyed, obliterated, disintegrated her hands.

We have so many values in our life but she, in talking to us, held out her arms and was telling the great loss she had suffered. This is what we have to be concerned about.

``Among my losses,'' she said, ``I will never be able to pet my kitten again.'' These are real people. This was a woman who sought a job at very low wages and had her hands destroyed. Let us think of those people. Give them some relief.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to congratulate Genesee County's oldest business, the Flint Journal, on the grand opening of the newspaper's new Press and Distribution Center. To commemorate this event, the Flint Journal will host a special business reception on May 11, 2004 and a community open house on May 23, 2004.

The Flint Journal was founded in 1876 by Mr. Charles Fellows. The Flint Journal began as a weekly newspaper until it began daily publishing in 1883. The Journal provided national and world news to its readers via the Associated Press beginning in 1908.

In 1911, Mr. Fellows sold the newspaper to Booth Publishing. In 1922, the first Sunday edition was produced. The daily circulation of the Flint Journal passed 100,000 in 1961.

For the past 80 years, The Flint Journal has been located in their main building, which was designed by the noted architect, Albert Kahn. In 1954, an addition was completed where the printing of the paper has taken place for half a century. In October of 2002, the Flint Journal, as part of its commitment to continuing to provide superior newspaper coverage of world and local events, broke ground on a new multi-million dollar state-of-the-art Press and Distribution center. The center was completed in the early part of 2004 and is located in downtown Flint, Michigan. The Press and Distribution Center is a 75,000 square-foot, six-story facility designed by Dario Design of Framington, Massachusetts.

Symbols of past and present are represented in the new building's design. On the glass of the press hall, the main part of the Press and Distribution center, are 12 etched design elements from the old building. The designs are of printers' marks from the early days of mechanical printing; an eagle, symbolizing vigilance; a lantern, for knowledge; and a beehive, for industry. The design also includes figures that represent typesetting--a medieval craftsman with tweezers, setting type for a book, and for engraving, an old man etching symbols with a stylus. Charles Wollitz, an artist for the Journal, designed 26 artistic tiles for the building exterior to symbolize some of the communities served by the Journal.

The Flint Journal along with its experienced and dedicated staff is committed to bringing quality news stories to the people of Genesee County. I am confident that with the modernization of their printing and distribution center, they will be even more effective in delivering stories and editorials that will not only inform, but will also inspire the communities which they serve.

Mr. Speaker, as the Member of Congress representing Flint, MI, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating the Flint Journal on the opening of their new Press and Distribution center and in wishing them the best in future success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to acknowledge the Bay Regional EMS units of Bay City, Michigan for their tireless efforts and dedication in providing life sustaining treatment, and transportation of the sick for 31 years. On May 16, 2004, during National EMS week, the community will join together to honor these men and women during a special presentation ceremony to be held at the main EMS station in Bay City, Michigan.

The Bay Regional EMS, formerly known as the Bay Medical Center EMS, started in 1973. In 1978 it added the Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) service units. There are currently eleven Advanced Life Support units within the fleet. The EMS Units are based out of four stations, which are located in downtown Bay City, Bangor Township (2 units) and Hampton Township. Bay Regional Medical Center employs thirty-eight paramedics, and twelve EMT/Dispatchers who respond to approximately 11,000 emergency and non-emergency transports annually. The Bay Regional EMS Paramedic units are the best in its class. They were among the first responding units to the Wenona Hotel fire, the Bay City fireworks festival explosion, and the motor vessel Jupitor explosion and fire. Aside from their duties as paramedics and EMT/Dispatchers, they also provide Medical First Responder level, EMT-Basic level, EMT-Specialist level, and Paramedic level licensure programs, as well as community CPR/AED classes and informational events within the Bay County Schools. The service also provides coverage for special events throughout the Bay County area, including all levels of EMS coverage at no cost for Bay City Central and Essexville Garber football games.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in recognizing the Bay Regional EMS units for their outstanding professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to assisting all those in need of medical care.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to an outstanding man, Mr. Val Rose, who on December 4, 2003 retired from the Genesee County Sheriff Department in Flint, Michigan after 20 years of dedicated service to the residents of Genesee County. On May 4, 2004, family and friends will gather to honor the career of Mr. Rose during a dinner to be held at the Ramada Inn located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Val was born in Flint, Michigan on October 20, 1951 to Dr. and Mrs. Frank (Florence) Rose. He graduated from Central High School in 1970. He attended Flint Junior College (Mott College) and majored in criminal justice. During his course of study he received an internship within the Flint Police Department. His first official assignment was with a police force in the State of Wyoming. Upon returning to the Great State of Michigan, Val sought positions that would allow him to continue in his commitment to defending human dignity. He served as one of the officers on the first internal Hurley Medical Center security team. Val began his tenure with the Genesee County Sheriff Department as a Deputy Sheriff in September of 1993. During his career Val was elected Steward and later Chief Steward of AFSCME Local 2259, a position he held until his retirement. He was also the coordinator of the special events within the Sheriff Department. Val chaired the Michigan Special Olympics ``Law Enforcement Torch Run'' for 3 years. He assisted with communications for the Special Olympics ``Crim Races'' for 14 years, and he rode his bicycle twice across Michigan in memory of fallen deputies and other law enforcement agents. He was an adviser/instructor for 10 years with the Forgotten Man Mission Training Program, which was established to assist individuals with becoming an assistant chaplain. Val's invaluable service to the community has not gone unnoticed. During his career he received numerous accolades, including the Sheriff's ``Community Service'' award for his commitment to volunteering and promoting safety. Aside from his law enforcement career, Val is the Commander of the Flint-Flotilla U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and most recently he became a member of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Lt. Col. Keehn Composite Flint Squadron.

Val is not only dedicated to serving and protecting the community, he is also and foremost a devoted husband to his lovely and supportive wife of 26 years, Louise.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring my good friend and constituent Val Rose, and wishing him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. George Booms. He is a hardworking advocate for America's senior citizens. On Thursday, May 6, 2004, the Region VII Area Agency on Aging will show their appreciation to George during their annual meeting to be held at Buck's Run located in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

George was born October 9, 1938, in Bad Axe, Michigan. He is a longtime resident and dairy farmer of Sanilac County, Michigan. George has made it his life's work to defend and promote human dignity for all senior and disabled Americans. He joined the Region VII Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors in 1993. The Area Agency on Aging, which was created by the Older Americans Act, partners with county organizations to service the needs of the elderly. During his tenure, George served as board vice chairman in 1998 and 2000. He served as board chairman from 2001 to 2004. Under his steadfast leadership, George was able to successfully, along with the help of various committees, secure a new and more spacious facility for Region VII Area Agency on Aging. George was also instrumental in leading the search for a new executive director. He has also dedicated numerous hours to advocating the MiChoice Waiver program for the elderly and disabled. George was the lead in guiding the agency to conduct a study on wages and approve equitable wage steps for all employees of Region VII Area Agency on Aging. Prior to George's service on the board, he was the township clerk for Sanilac County for 12 years and a Sanilac County commissioner for 12 years. He was also a member of the Sanilac planning committee and public and safety committee. Aside from his work with the agency, George enjoys participating in various related church functions and woodworking.

I know that George would want me to point out that the love and support of his family have immensely contributed to his overall success. He is a devoted husband to his lovely wife, Arlene. They have three sons, two daughters, and six wonderful grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from George Booms's experience and dedication. He is a man of moral character committed to improving the welfare and dignity of those in need. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating George Booms on a successful term and in wishing the very best in future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the Rotary Club of Burton, Michigan to honor my good friend and constituent Dr. Bradley E. Habermehl. Dr. Habermehl has unselfishly donated his time and medical expertise to educating the underserved on maintaining good eye health. On Thursday, April 22, 2004, the Burton Rotary Club during their monthly meeting will present Dr. Habermehl with the prestigious Jack Hamady Good Scout award for outstanding community service.

Dr. Habermehl was born and raised in Burton, Michigan. He graduated in 1981 from Bentley High School. He attended Ferris State University, after which he enrolled in the Illinois College of Optometry. Upon graduation in 1988 he joined the private group of Dr. Thomas Pardee and Dr. David Visser, where he began his primary eye care practice. His practice has flourished into one of the most well known, and accomplished eye care practices in Genesee County. On June 27, 1988, he became a member of the Burton Rotary Club, and in 1990 he served as President of the Club. Dr. Habermehl made history in 1996, when he became the youngest Optometrist to be appointed to the State Board of Examiners of Optometry. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board until his term expires in June of 2004. Dr. Habermehl shares his knowledge of maintaining excellent eye health to not only the residents of Genesee County, but to the underserved populace around the world. In 2001, he was appointed Chairman of the Burton Rotary Club's Avoidable Blindness Committee, and as a result has led a team of doctors, VOSH volunteers, and Rotarians to Mexico for the past four years to dispense used eyeglasses. This effort has led to the giving of corrected vision to over 10,000 Mexican citizens. Dr. Habermehl is also actively involved with the Michigan Optometric and the American Optometric Association. He is the Director of the Flint Sensory Learning Center, which is devoted to aiding children and adults with developmental delays. Dr. Habermehl has received numerous accolades for work, but one that is most worthy of mentioning for this occasion is the ``Rotarian of Year'' award, which he has been awarded three times by the Burton Rotary Club. Dr. Habermehl credits the love and support of his devoted wife Cindy and his two children, Chad and Kylee to his success.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating a humanitarian, and my good friend Dr. Bradley E. Habermehl.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the Mt. Morris community to pay tribute to the 2004 Mt. Morris Morris Hall of Honor inductees. The inductees, Linda Fishell, Jim Corbin, Fredrick Shannon, and Judy Neaves will be inducted into the hall on April 29, 2004, during a lavish dinner and ceremony to be held at the Masonic Temple in Mt. Morris, MI.

The Mt. Morris Hall of Honor was established in 1991. The honor is bestowed upon individuals, both residents and nonresidents who have made significant, long-term contributions to enhancing the quality of life in the Mt. Morris area. Since its creation, the community has inducted 31 individuals into the hall.

Hall of Honor inductee Linda Fishell is committed to the children of Mt. Morris. She has been a volunteer with the Girl Scouts of America for 20 years, and is currently serving as neighborhood treasurer and registrar. Linda is also a volunteer for the Tiger Cubs and Boy Scouts. She has been volunteering at the Mt. Morris High School for approximately 12 years.

Hall of Honor inductee Jim Corbin although no longer a resident of Mt. Morris still finds time to Give back to the community. He does so by donating his D.J. services to Mt. Morris local events, including the 125th August festival. Jim has been a Mt. Morris volunteer for 15 years. Hall of Honor inductee Fredrick J. Shannon has been a Mt. Morris area volunteer for 30 years. He donates his time and resources at the scene of accidents, fires and natural disasters by video taping, and photographing the efforts of rescue workers for documentation and training purposes. Hall of Honor inductee Judy Neaves is a dedicated member of the Mt. Morris Lioness club. She is active on both the local and district level. Aside from placing numerous volunteer hours within her own chapter, she also volunteers with the men's Lions Club by participating in their eye saving events. Judy has also volunteered with the Senior Winter Olympic for 12 years, Genesee County Fair for 10 years, and Crossroad Village.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today and ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to join me in recognizing these outstanding citizens for their compassion and commitment to the community of Mt. Morris, MI.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor an American hero, my constituent Commander John J. ``Jack'' Roesner for 22 years of faithful steadfast service to the United States Navy. His hard work, dedication and leadership to this Nation is without doubt commendable. On May 7, 2004, the U.S. Navy will join along with his family to honor him during a retirement ceremony to be held at his command, OPNAV-- Naval Education and Training.

Commander (CDR) Roesner was born and raised in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. He attended Northern Michigan University, where he earned both his Bachelor and Masters Degrees. In February of 1982, CDR Roesner completed Navy Officer Candidate School and earned his commission. His first assignment as a Surface Warfare Officer was aboard the USS Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG-27), where he served as the Commanding Ordance Officer and subsequently as Damage Control Assistant and Combat Information Center Officer. During this tour CDR Roesner qualified as Surface Warfare Officer and Gas Turbine Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW). In November of 1985 he transferred to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) located at the University of Mississippi as an Associate Professor and Instructor of Naval Science. In February of 1989, he graduated from the Surface Warfare Officer Department Head Curriculum, after which he was assigned as the Combat Systems Officer of the USS John Rodgers (DD-983), and subsequently afloat as Combat Systems and Material Officer on the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Six. CDR Roesner in November of 1992 reported for duty in Washington, D.C. as Aide and Administrative Assistant to the Naval Inspector General, where he served until 1985. After his tour in Washington he returned to sea duty and was stationed aboard the USS Scott (DDG-995) as the Executive Officer, followed by subsequent afloat tour as Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron Thirty- Two. In 1998, he became the Executive Officer of the Navy Recruiting District Minneapolis, and on April 14, 2000 he assumed Command of the district. In November of 2001, CDR Roesner reported to OPNAV (N-79). During CDR Roesner's career he has deployed five times to the Mediterranean and/or Western Pacific, completed three North Red Sea surges in support of U.N. sanctioned Maritime Interception Operations, and two Counter-Narcotics Operation deployments. He completed JPME phase-1 training through the Air Force Command and Staff College. CDR Roesner was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal w/gold star, Navy/ Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/two gold stars, along with various unit and campaign awards. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, he is a devoted husband to his wife Stephanie.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating my constituent and one of the U.S. Navy's finest sailors Commander Roesner upon his retirement

from the U.S. Navy. He has served his country with honor, enthusiasm and great concern. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, one of Michigan's finest citizens recently passed away. I have been searching for the right words to express my high esteem for Bishop Kenneth E. Untener. Having just read the editorial in the Saginaw News of Saginaw, Michigan, I feel that they have expressed well the love in which the Bishop was held by those whose lives he had touched.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the Saginaw News editorial be reprinted in the Congressional Record.

[From the Saginaw News, Mar. 31, 2004]

Spiritual Leader, Blessed Presence

For the better part of a quarter century, Bishop Kenneth E.

Untener served the Saginaw Diocese with humility, humor and

unflinching devotion. His faith and commitment to God are

unquestioned. Yet Untener's fidelity to the welfare of the

region's people--people of all faiths, creeds and colors--was

an equally profound reflection of his humanity and ability to

lead.

His death this weekend of leukemia leaves a deep void in

the Saginaw Valley, and not just among Catholics. The

bishop's work to improve the community, to unite its

interconnected and diverse components, was tireless. He was

an inspiring presence within the region's religious and civic

communities.

As former Saginaw Mayor Henry Marsh, his friend and

compatriot in community affairs put it, Saginaw cannot

replace him. His outreach brought hundreds of the region's

leaders together via his monthly ``bishop's breakfast''

meetings. He was active in Saginaw County Vision 2020,

Habitat for Humanity and myriad youth initiatives. He

abolished perceived barriers among individuals and between

groups.

There is no doubt Bishop Untener was taken, in the

transitory, earthly way, too soon. It was only a few weeks

ago that he announced his battle with cancer. He was 66.

The church, of course, will name a successor to lead the

140,000-member, 11-county Saginaw Diocese. The community will

welcome the next bishop, and Untener's successor will embark

on a path to leave his own mark.

Yet Untener's legacy will survive through his civic example

and in his acclaimed religious writings. His ``Little Books''

are inspirational guides used by Catholics and non-Catholics

alike. The level of praise from within the religious

community, from clergy of all faiths, is a testament to

Untener's bridge-building skills. His outreach sometimes

rankled members of his own faith, as in his support for

female priests, as contradictory to traditional church

doctrine.

As a man living among us, however, Bishop Untener's humble

march toward unity serves as an example we all would wisely

strive to follow.

The community was blessed by Bishop Untener's presence for

nearly a quarter century. The people he touched are forever

changed; the community he served was changed for the better,

too.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of Flint, Michigan to honor their Pastor the Rev. Dr. F.O. Hockenhull and First Lady Marion J. Hockenhull for 35 years of dedicated service to the Church community. On Friday, March 26, 2004 the congregation of First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church will gather to honor their Pastor and First Lady during a special dinner to be held at the Holiday Inn located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

1 Cor. 4:1-2 reads: ``Let a man consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.'' Rev. and Mrs. Hockenhull have exhibited the character of true Christians. They have dedicated their lives to spreading the word of God to all of mankind. They are leaders who lead by example. They set high standards for themselves and the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. Their serious stance on education and the teaching of Christ have helped their church to blossom into one of the most influential church families in the city of Flint. Rev. and Mrs. Hockenhull have worked as a team for 35 years of build a strong ministry at First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Hockenhull beyond his duties as Pastor is the President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Leadership and Educational Congress-Flint, Michigan, Associate Director General, National Baptist Congress of Education, and Co-Chair of the Stewardship Commission, National Baptist Convention, USA, to name a few. Proverbs 31:29 reads: ``Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.'' Mrs. Hockenhull is a virtuous wife, mother, and child of God. Her commitment to spreading the gospel of Christ is unwavering. She is an impressive role model for young women. Rev. and Mrs. Hockenhull have made sufficient contributions to both the City of Flint and the State of Michigan. The First Trinity Missionary Baptist church family thanks their Pastor and First Lady and so do the citizens of the communities they have inspired. I pray that God will continue to bestow his blessings upon Rev. and Mrs. Hockenhull and the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church as they continue their march onward as Christian soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues of the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring two of my dearest friends, Rev. and Mrs. F.O. Hockenhull for 35 years of commendable service to community.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, the programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, especially NOAA's hydrographic survey, current and tide measurements, and nautical charts are extremely important to ensure safe marine commerce and navigation.

H.R. 958 is noncontroversial legislation that would make helpful amendments to the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act to clarify authority and address recognized gaps in operations.

I am pleased that this legislation would authorize emergency response survey teams to go in and resurvey coastal areas after catastrophic storms which will enhance safe navigation for both commercial mariners and recreational boaters. I am also very much appreciative that this legislation includes my amendment adopted by the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans to authorize specific annual funding for water level observations important to my State of Michigan.

Great Lakes water level measurements constitute one of the longest, high-quality hydrological data sets in North America. Reference gauge records begin as far back as 1860 and some sporadic records date back to the early 1800s.

We will learn from these observations that the water levels of the Great Lakes can and do fluctuate greatly from year to year. These fluctuations can have dramatic negative consequences for shipping, port and marine operations, and lakeshore erosion throughout the Great Lakes Basin.

My amendment will ensure that adequate funding is allocated by NOAA to carry out those important observations in the future.

In closing, NOAA's navigation and hydrographic services are vital to the economic and environmental well-being of our Nation, and I urge all Members to support this noncontroversial bill.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, as noted by the previous speaker, H.R. 2408 is noncontroversial legislation that would reauthorize the existing authority that promotes volunteer programs and community partnerships across our National Wildlife Refuge System.

Volunteers provide truly indispensable hours of service to augment the yeoman labor of our Federal resource managers, rangers, and biologists stretched thin by the day-to-day demands of managing 98 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Congress should do all that it can to encourage the expansion of volunteer opportunities at our National Wildlife Refuges.

I commend the act's author and the bill's sponsor, my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton), for his continued steadfast leadership in promoting our refuges as places for both people to enjoy and wildlife to have a proper habitat.

I also congratulate the chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), and the ranking Democratic member of that subcommittee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), for developing mutually acceptable language to clarify the authority for the Fish and Wildlife Service to enter into cooperative agreements in support of volunteer activities.

This clarification should not only help spur the creation of new partnerships, but also enhance private sources of support for our refuges.

This is good legislation, Mr. Speaker, and I urge all Members to support the bill.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 2489, legislation that authorizes the distribution plan for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe's judgment funds.

The Cowlitz's compensation will be used to address a variety of tribal priorities, which include a housing assistance program, cultural centers, an elderly assistance program, and both educational and vocational training.

Held in trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs since 1973, this award furthers the tribe's goal of self-determination, economic development, cultural preservation, and protection of natural resources.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird) for his diligence and hard work. I also want to recognize the chairman of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) for their efforts in bringing this legislation to the floor. This legislation is noncontroversial, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2489.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird).

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the membership and friends of the Itinerant Ministry of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to honor my friend Rev. Dr. Isaiah Scipio, Jr., for fifty five years of spiritual leadership within the Christian Methodist community. On Saturday, February 28, 2004 the friends of Rev. Dr. Isaiah Scipio, Jr., will honor him during a retirement luncheon celebration to be held at the Sarvis Conference Center in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Rev. Isaiah Scipio, Jr. was born in Darlington, South Carolina on July 11, 1923 to Isaiah Sr. and Margaret Scipio. He graduated from Mayo High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Air Corps December of 1942, where he served honorably as a Technical Sergeant until August of 1946. After his tour of duty he enrolled at the University of Southern California where he received a Bachelor of Business Arts degree in 1959. In 1947 Rev. Scipio received his license to preach, and two years later in 1949 he was ordained Deacon and Elder. He earned his Master of Theology from the University of Southern California School of Religion. In 1947 a year after receiving his receiving his Theology Doctorate, he was assigned interim pastor of the New Era C.M.E. Church of South Los Angeles, California. Rev. Scipio from this point forward would be known as the traveling preacher. He has had the honor of spreading the word to congregations in California, Michigan, New York, Richmond, Virginia, Indiana and Ohio. From 1959-1962 Rev. Scipio served under Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. as President of the Western Christian Leadership Conference. He served two years as the President of the Greater Flint Council of Church. In 1970 he was elected General Secretary of the board of Missions, supervising work in Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, West Africa, Haiti and Jamaica. In 1993 he transferred to Flint, Michigan and was assigned to his current position as pastor of Dozier Memorial C.M.E. Church. As the passage of 2 Cor 9:13-14 reads ``While, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men. And by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.'' Rev. Scipio, you have championed for Christ for fifty-five years and the community thanks you.

Rev. Scipio is also an outstanding father, grandfather and husband. He is married to Marion and they have two lovely daughters, Brenda and Deborah and three lovely granddaughters: Stephanie, Donya and Shonna.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring my constituent and friend Rev. Dr. Isaiah Scipio for his outstanding service to the Christian community.