Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to honor Mr. Mark Simoni, 9th District Rear Commodore of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, for his hard work and dedication to promoting recreational boating safety within the Great Lakes and the Saginaw Bay. On February 21, 2004, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flint Flotilla 15-02, will gather to honor Mr. Simoni during the ``Change of Watch'' awards ceremony to be held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan at Mario's Restaurant.

Mark Simoni was born in Flint, Michigan, on December 19, 1952. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1971, and upon completion he attended the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. In 1991 Mark became a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary- Saginaw 15-05. Mark has unselfishly given of his time and resources to ensure the safety of boaters and families. His commitment to the U.S. Coast Guard team mission led him to hold elected offices such as Flotilla Commander-Saginaw 15-05, Division 15 Captain from 2002-2003, and Vice Captain from 2000-2001. Mark has also held staff positions on the Flotilla, Division, District/Region and National level. Recently (2004) Mark was promoted to 9th District Region Rear Commodore of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mark has volunteered countless hours in the areas of Public Education, Vessel Safety Checks, Safety Patrols, Search and Rescue, Maritime Security and Environmental Protection. A fine example of loyalty is when he used his personal watercraft to patrol the Great Lakes along with other auxiliarists to ensure that Michigan waterways were secure after the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center tragedy. Mark has proven himself worthy of his new title as 9th District Region Rear Commodore. This new position will allow him the opportunity to provide administrative and supervisory support to the Flotillas and Divisions within his district.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating Mr. Mark Simoni on his promotion and also in honoring him for his past deeds. He has and continues to serve his country with enthusiasm and steadfastness. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of my hometown of Flint, MI, to honor a great man, Mr. Ruben Burks for his indefatigable service as past UAW Region 1C Secretary-Treasurer. On Thursday, February 19, 2004 the community will honor Mr. Ruben Burks during a special dinner to be held at the Mott Community College Prahl Center ballroom, also located in my hometown of Flint, MI.

Ruben Burks was born August 23, 1933 in Louisiana. He relocated to Flint, MI in 1955, and gained employment with General Motors Corporation (GM) Fisher Body Plant 2 as an assembler. He also became a member of the UAW Local 598, during that same year. As a member of Local 598, Ruben held several leadership positions, such as shop committeeperson, alternate committeeperson, and executive board member. In 1970, former UAW President Walter Reuther appointed Ruben to the International Union staff in Region 1C. Region 1C serves UAW members of GM, independents, parts and supplier plants in 11 counties in south- central Michigan. In 1983 Ruben became the Assistance Director of Region 1C and remained in that position until 1989 when he was elected to the office of Regional Director, where he served a total of three terms. On June 24, 1998, Ruben was elected to the Union's second- highest office, Secretary-Treasurer of the UAW. Ruben maintained this position until retirement in 2002. During his tenure, Ruben was a strong leader in promoting economic development, he worked diligently to attract and keep good jobs in the Flint community. He was instrumental in the UAW-GM community health care initiative in Flint, which helped to improve the quality and accessibility of health care while at the same time making the health delivery system more cost efficient. Ruben has advocated over the years for the working family to ensure that their voices were heard among politicians and business leaders.

Ruben Burks is currently actively involved in a host of civic, charitable, and youth organizations within his community. In 1997 Mott Community College awarded Ruben with an honorary degree in Community Development in recognition and appreciation for his contributions to the Flint Community. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, Ruben Burks is also the devoted father of 7 children and grandfather of 10 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, this community, indeed this world, is better because of Ruben Burks. Ruben Burks has been a positive influence on me. I am a better Congressman, a better person because of the example and influence of Ruben Burks.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring my constituent and dear friend Ruben Burks for his outstanding contributions to the Flint community and the State of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary of Michigan, to honor Dr. Essie L. Bailey for 33 years of dedicated service as President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary, an auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. On Saturday, January 10, 2004, the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary will recognize Dr. Bailey's accomplishments during a dinner to be held at the Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, A.J. Pointer Family Life Center located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Dr. Essie L. Bailey was born and raised in Mississippi. Upon relocating to Flint, Michigan she became a faithful member of the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she is currently serving as a Sunday school teacher, leader of the Missions Union and a Deaconette. Dr. Bailey was granted an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities from the Urban Bible Institute of Religious Studies. She has served the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. as the President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary for thirty-three years, President of the Wolverine State Baptist Woman's Auxiliary for eight years, Chairwoman of the Great Lakes Baptist District Foreign Mission Board, and Chairwoman on the District Presidents' breakfast committee. These roles have allotted Dr. Bailey with the opportunity to spread spiritual enrichment to women throughout the world. Her work has taken her to Africa, where in 1973, she served as the Great Lakes Baptist District Association General Ambassador to Africa. She also traveled on missions to Canada, and Israel. Dr. Bailey faithfully served the convention until failing health caused her to recently step down from her position as President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary. During her tenure, Dr. Bailey was, and still is a positive religious influence within the Christian community. She is a true foot soldier for the Lord.

Dr. Bailey has received numerous accolades for her dedicated service. To name a few, she received the City of Flint Drum Major Award, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Woman of the Year Award, and the State of Michigan Outstanding Service Award. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, Dr. Bailey is also a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

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 Dr. Essie L. Bailey for her outstanding service to the Christian community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor one of General Motors Corporation's (GM) finest, Mr. Guy D. Briggs, who is retiring as GM's Vice President of Manufacturing after 43 years of distinguished service on December 31, 2003. To recognize his accomplishments, Guy will be honored during a plant wide celebration to be held in his honor at the Truck and Bus Plant located in Flint, Michigan on December 1, 2003.

Guy D. Briggs received a bachelor's degree in economics and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1960 and 1961, respectively. Upon graduating he hired in at General Motors Corporation (GM) as a college graduate in training, and was assigned to the Chevrolet Manufacturing Plant located in Flint, Michigan. While working at the Chevrolet Plant, Guy held several supervisory positions. In 1969 he was selected for the Chevrolet Executive Development Training program. Once he completed the program he returned to his plant as the superintendent of manufacturing. In 1973 GM assigned Guy to the former Chevrolet Parts Plant, located in Saginaw, Michigan to assume the role of general superintendent of production, and a year later he transferred to the Saginaw Manufacturing Plant holding the same position. In September of 1975, Guy was appointed to the position of superintendent of production at the Saginaw Grey Iron Casting Plant, a position he maintained until 1976 when he was promoted to manager of the Chevrolet's Pressed Metal Plant located in Parma, Ohio. After his stint away from home, Guy returned to Flint, Michigan in 1978 to become manager of the Chevrolet Engine Plant and to complete the Dartmouth College Executive Development Program, which subsequently led to his promotion in May of 1983 to regional manufacturing manager, and then to acting general manufacturing manager for Chevrolet. In February of 1984, he became the manufacturing manager at the former Chevrolet-Pontiac-GM of Canada Group. From 1985 to 1991, he was vice president in charge of manufacturing operations for GM's Saturn Corp. subsidiary. In 1991, Guy was elected vice president of GM and appointed group director of operations for the truck group. In 1996 he was named vice president and general manager of the GM truck group until 2001 when he became vice president and general manager of vehicle manufacturing. Effective May 1, 2003 Guy was appointed GM vice president of manufacturing, his new role will allow him to continue to work with the manufacturing leadership team to provide support during the 2004 model-year product launches and the 2003 Labor negotiations. Guy is currently the Chairman of the board for the Oakland County (Michigan) Traffic Improvement Assoc., and a member of the Bishop International Airport Authority board of directors, Executive Board member for the Detroit Area Council of Boy Scouts and GM's key executive for the University of Wisconsin.

Guy Briggs has spent his entire career ensuring that GM remains the best in the world. His loyalty to GM is evident by the number of moves he and his family have made. Aside from being an automotive enthusiast, Guy is a humble family man. He is a devoted husband to his lovely wife Karen and a devoted father to his five children. During his tenure Guy has earned the respect of his Company and its employees. He has a strong love for the Automotive Industry and Flint, Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating my constituent and my dear friend, Guy Briggs, on his retirement, and wishing him and his family the best in future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to instruct.

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

Mr. Speaker, the motion I am offering today asks conferees to provide the highest possible funding level for the Pell grant program. It is important to remember that the vast majority, 84 percent of the 5 million Pell grant recipients have incomes less than $30,000. Unfortunately, since President Bush took office, this program and its recipients have suffered.

During President Clinton's term the Pell grant maximum rose from $2,300 to $3,750. In contrast during President Bush's current term the Pell grant has only risen $350 in the past 2 years. All this comes at a time when the cost of college is rising significantly.

In the House and Senate fiscal year 2004 appropriations bill, these troubling trends have continued. These bills freeze the maximum Pell grant at $4,050, the first such freeze in a decade.

As a result, the maximum Pell grant would finance only 36 percent of the average individual's college cost in the 2004 academic year under the Republican bill. This is compared to 84 percent when the program was first established.

To make matters worse, the House and Senate bill were actually under the administration's admittedly paltry request, under the administration's request. This chronic underfunding, coupled with the sour economy, has led to a growing deficit in the Pell grant program. If we continue to underfund this program, this deficit is likely to grow into the billions of dollars.

Pell grant funding is crucial for those seeking to attend college. Almost two-thirds of all students must borrow to finance their college education. The average student loan debt has nearly doubled over the past decade to $17,000. Pell grant recipients are four times more likely to borrow student loans. Families of low-income, college- qualified, high school graduates face an annual unmet need of $3,800. College expenses not covered by Pell grants, work study, or student loans, $3,800.

A college education is critical to an individual's future success. Individuals holding a bachelor's degree earn an average of 80 percent more than someone with just a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, this earnings' gap for an individual with just a high school degree widens to well over $1 million. These statistics are startling and make access to college education even more important today. An investment in Pell grants is truly an investment when you see the size of that gap.

The recipients of those Pell grants will return far more to the Treasury than what we received in the Pell grants. That is not just guessing; that is going back in history to the GI Bill of Rights. No one on my side of the city of Flint, Michigan, went to college until the GI Bill of Rights came along. They went to college and they returned far more to the Treasury than what they received from the government. This is truly an investment.

Unfortunately, the Republican record on this issue is poor at best. In fiscal year 1996 House Republicans cut President Clinton's request for a $2,620 maximum Pell grant by $180. Over the past 2 years, the Pell grant has only increased $50. Both the House and Senate bills have frozen the maximum Pell grant. And now the Pell grant program is running a deficit. This deficit is very likely to increase given our current budget and economic conditions.

Mr. Speaker, this House needs to take a stand today. We need to emphatically say that we are going to reverse the trend of recent years and actually invest in the Pell grant program. Without such an investment, our students, especially the most needy, are going to continue to have the doors of college education shut in their faces.

Mr. Speaker, I urge members to support this motion to instruct.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, the motion that was read, that is for overall student aid. We maintain the House level, which is higher than the level of the other body. But we also ask that for the Pell grants we reach the highest grant level possible.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, before I recognize the gentlewoman from New York, to say that we, obviously, are concerned and worried that whenever a conference committee meets that the House may come back with something less than what was in the House version of the bill. That is why this motion calls upon the conferees to provide no less than the House level for overall student financial aid and the highest amount of funding for the Pell Grant program. Because strange things have happened in conference before.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

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

Parliamentary procedures did not enable us to ask for a higher amount, or we would have asked for a higher amount.

The motion calls upon the conferees to provide no less than the House level for overall student financial assistance and the highest amount of funding for the Pell grant program.

Without adequate resources in this program, low- and moderate-income students will not be able to gain a post-secondary education. College costs are soaring, we know that. So much so that Democratic Members introduced legislation today to help hold down college tuition increases. But without additional Pell grant funding, our neediest students are going to continue to be left behind.

This Congress is able to pass massive tax cuts, which I voted against, for the wealthiest in our Nation; yet the maximum Pell grant has barely been increased since President Bush entered office. The Pell grant program is running a deficit. This deficit is likely to increase based on the likely outcome of this conference, and that is our concern.

The President's record on Pell is clear. Pell grant funding has not been a priority since President Bush took office. Increases in this account have largely been due to Democratic efforts

to raise funding. In order to ensure a well-educated workforce, we need to provide opportunities for all individuals to gain a college education. Low- and moderate-income individuals need Pell grants to attend college. It is that simple. Unless we make Pell grant funding a priority, we are not providing everyone, regardless of their economic means, with a college opportunity. I urge Members to support this motion.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 7(c) of House rule XXII, I hereby notify the House of my intention tomorrow to offer the following motion to instruct House conferees on H.R. 2660, the fiscal year 2004 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

The form of the motion is as follows:

I move that the managers on the part of the House at the

conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the

bill, H.R. 2660, be instructed to insist on no less than

$14,247,432,000 for student financial assistance and the

highest funding level possible for subpart 1 of part A of

title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Pell Grant

Program).

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize the accomplishments of my longtime friend Mr. Fred Salem. Fred Salem is a child advocate and philanthropist. His hard work and dedication to the people of Genesee County is without doubt commendable. On November 12, 2003, the community along with his family gathered to say thank you during a party held at the Ramada Inn located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Fred Salem has been a resident of Mt. Morris Township for 35 years. If one could sum up the character of Fred Salem, it would be said that he is a concerned, compassionate, loyal and dedicated citizen. Fred is a humanitarian. Fred has dedicated numerous hours and dollars toward worthy causes. Through his efforts many children and organizations have been able to fulfill dreams that would have otherwise been dismissed. Fred is currently affiliated with a number of organizations, those organizations include but not limited to, the Whaley Children's Center, St. John Vianney Day Care, New Life Childcare & Preschool, Girl Scouts and Brownies Troops of Genesee County, Boy Scouts, The Sylvester Broome Center, Big Brothers and Sisters Organization. Fred is also involved with the Flushing Community Church of the Nazarene, Dr. John Socey and staff, Dr. Chambers & Staff, St. Pius Church and Bible groups, St. George, New Life Christian Fellowship, St. Robert's Pre-K classes (all), St. Robert's Kindergarten classes, Flushing Kindergarten, St. Agnes Church, 96.1 and 93.7 radio stations' picnic, Johnny Burke Birthday Party, and the Northern High School Class Reunion.

On a personal note, each year Fred and his wife Cindy host the annual Community Fourth of July fireworks display in their backyard. Fred steps up when the Government can't. At his residence Fred has transposed his backyard into a miniature Disney Land. Children from ages 2 and beyond come to partake in the fun festivities that are held there year around. One attraction that children enjoy is the go-cart course he had installed and also the historical walkthrough, which includes an old fashion store, antique cars and trucks.

Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, he is a wonderful devoted family man to his wife Cindy.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating my friend Fred Salem. He has served his community with enthusiasm and concern. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay homage to a very dear friend of mine, Reverend Dr. Avery Aldridge. Reverend Aldridge passed away in his sleep at his residence in Flint, Michigan on Saturday, November 1, 2003 at the age of 78. I am deeply saddened by this great loss, for Reverend Aldridge was an inspiring and positive force for Genesee County, the State and Nation. He was a true friend and advisor. I will miss him greatly.

Dr. Avery Aldridge was born on February 9, 1925 in Widener, Arkansas. He organized The Foss Avenue Baptist Church, located at 1159 E. Foss Avenue, Flint, Michigan on December 2, 1956. Under his leadership Foss Avenue Baptist Church has organized 50 auxiliaries and committees to carry out the work of the Lord. Dr. Aldridge also founded several enterprises to serve the membership and community. Those enterprises are the Foss Avenue Dairy Queen, Foss Avenue Free Clothing Center, Foss Avenue Federal Credit Union, Avery Aldridge Family Life Center, which was the first of its kind to be opened in Flint, and the Foss Avenue Christian School of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Church's current facilities and enterprises are valued at over $3 million. Through Dr. Aldridge's leadership, Foss Avenue Baptist Church has grown to be a tremendously influential Church in Genesee County. One of the greatest blessings of being a father is to know that your children turn out well. Dr. Aldridge has that blessing. On February 10, 2002, Dr. Aldridge installed his son, Reverend Derek Aldridge, as the new Pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church.

Dr. Aldridge made his mark in history when he became involved in the civil rights movement of the 1960's. His no nonsense and non-violent approach helped to calm the tension in the City of Flint, after the 1967 rioting in Detroit. Dr. Aldridge was the voice of the community. He fought for better education and work opportunities, not only for the African Americans, but also for all people. Dr. Aldridge from that moment forward was revered as the Civil Rights Leader for Genesee County. In 1969, he founded the Concerned Pastors for Social Action (CPSA) to rid the community of local institutional racism, and to improve the relationship between the community and the police.

The CPSA has worked hard to ensure that the voice of the people is heard loud and clear among those wanting to hold public office. Because of the work of the CPSA, political candidates and elected officials have become more sensitive to the needs of the people. During the early 1980's, Dr. Aldridge led the petition to have Detroit Street, located in the inner city of Flint, renamed to Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Dr. Aldridge stated that the renamed Street would serve as ``a role model for youngsters in the inner city.'' The change was approved by City Council in 1987. Dr. Aldridge remained President of the CPSA until 1999, when he had to resign due to illness.

Dr. Aldridge during his life held several leadership roles within the Church community. He served as President of the Wolverine State Congress of Christian Education and Convention Coordinator for the National Baptist Convention for 25 years. He was Vice President and Director General of the National Baptist Congress for 4 years, and he also served on the Board of Directors for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the Sunday School Publishing Board, Nashville, Tennessee. He was also a member of the Todd Philips Children's Home Board of Directors--Detroit, Mott Children's Health Center, Michigan National Bank, Flint Housing Commission Board of Directors, Advisory Board of the Flint Goodwill Industries, Professional Advisory Board Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors Girl Scout Council and of the Boy Scouts of America, and as a Commissioner on the National Holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Board. Dr. Aldridge also held the position of Instructor and Member of the Baptist Ministers Alliance.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Aldridge leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy his beautiful and devoted wife of 54 years, Dr. Mildred Aldridge, his son, Reverend Derek Aldridge, his daughter, Karen Aldridge-Eason, and nine grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in offering condolences to the family of Dr. Avery Aldridge, and in thanking them for sharing Dr. Aldridge with our community.

Mr. Speaker, my message to his congregation and all of our community is as follows.

``Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek

and humble in heart.'' [Matthew 11:291

It takes a strong person to be meek, a strong person to be

in charge of his passions and emotions.

Reverend Avery Aldridge was such a person.

He was strong in his love of God.

He was strong in his love of the Church.

He was strong in his love of family.

He was strong in his pursuit of justice.

He was strong in his effort to eliminate injustice.

And all this deep strength, he exercised humbly, as an

instrument of God's Holy Will.

Because of Dr. Aldridge's strength, anchored in humility

and meekness, this community is a better community.

This Church is a stronger representation of the Mystical

Body of Christ.

All of us here in this Church are better people because of

that strength of faith and action of Doctor Avery Aldridge.

The greatest tribute we can render to Dr. Avery Aldridge is

to emulate

his love,

his dedication,

his humility, and

his Christ centered strength.

Dr. Aldridge, as a triumphant member of the Communion of

Saints, please ask Almighty God to shower His Blessings upon

us that we might use our strength to carry out God's Holy

Will.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the members of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church of Flint, Michigan, to congratulate them on their successful completion of a $2 million expansion/renovation project. The church will hold a dedication ceremony to celebrate this blessed achievement on Sunday, November 9, 2003. Bishop Philip R. Cousin, the Presiding Bishop of the Fourth District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the guest preacher and will preside over the dedication.

The expansion of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church started with a vision 10 years ago and now that vision has come to life. Proverbs 29:18 states that ``Where there is no vision, the people perish.'' Vernon Chapel A.M.E church is definitely alive, and growing by leaps and bounds. One proof of that growth is their newly constructed 8,700 square-foot family life center. The church and community will utilize the facility for wedding receptions, recreation events and banquets. Inside the church, seven new classrooms were added along with four offices, an elevator, and six restrooms. They have also added a day care and health care site. The church's purpose in starting this project was to give back to the community. They saw a need and they fulfilled it. With the newly expanded facility, the church will be able to spread the Gospel to more people in different ways. Reverend Darryl Williams, Pastor of Vernon Chapel for 13 years, stated to me that completion of this project is a testament to their faith, their progressive attitude and their desire to serve the people of Flint and Genesee County in a greater capacity. The members of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church are beyond doubt dedicated to the work of the Lord.

Mr. Speaker many people in Genesee County have greatly benefited from Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church outreach. This church consistently thrives to make the community a better place to live and worship. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating this fine Christian community on a job well done.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 300. This resolution recognizes the outstanding contributions of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Christian colleges and universities. All of our institutions of higher education, their faculty, staff, students and alumni play an important role in making our Nation stronger and more productive.

Higher education is a critical element in the lives of Americans. Obtaining a college degree translates into higher incomes, stronger families, and greater contributions to society.

Fortunately, the truly great aspect of the American higher education system is its diversity, including its rich religious heritage. We have a higher educational system, coupled with Pell grants and student loans, that can provide access to a quality education.

Whether you attend a 4-year public or private university, a 2-year community college or proprietary institution of higher education, we have outstanding educational opportunities. This recipe for success certainly includes Christian colleges. They are deeply rooted in the history and growth of this country. Their work and the work of their alumni is rightly being recognized today. It is this variety, this diversity, that truly makes higher education a national treasure in this country.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge all Members to support this resolution.

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

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. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 94. This resolution expresses our concern that there should be an adequate supply of direct care providers to provide services to individuals with disabilities in community-based settings.

Individuals with disabilities, including those with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities, have long sought to work and live in their communities. This allows them to join with the rest of society in being productive and contributing citizens.

Access to services in the community, rather than institutional-based services, is critical to many individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Supreme Court, as part of the Olmstead decision, affirmed the right of individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities to receive community-based services as an alternative to institutional care. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of direct care providers.

Low pay and other factors are leading to a high turnover and a struggle by service providers to maintain a full complement of support staff and quality supports. High turnover rates can result in major negative implications, including heightened stress levels, injury, and the inability to live in the community.

With the advancements we have seen to date as a result of the Olmstead decision, many individuals with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities live in community-based residences. Nevertheless, many more are listed on waiting lists for community-based services.

I believe this resolution is the first step in Congress recognizing the significance of the problem in this area.

Our colleagues, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps) should be recognized for bringing this issue to our attention.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge all Members to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the motion that will be made by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey) to recommit, because of the provision that keeps the Department of the Interior from performing its legal responsibility and

further delays justice to a half million account holders who have been waiting for an accounting of the individual Indian trust for more than 100 years.

This so-called time-out provision is objectionable because it would require that the 1994 American Indian Trust Management Reform Act not be interpreted to require the Department of the Interior to conduct a full historical accounting. This is a way to avoid an order by a Federal judge in the Cobell v. Norton case, who just last month ordered the Department of the Interior to perform a complete accounting of the individual Indian trust.

This provision provides zero incentive for the Department of the Interior to mediate or negotiate a settlement of the Cobell case; and it sends a terrible message to the Indians that when they finally get their day in court, Congress will pull the rug out from under them.

Mr. Speaker, just last year this House overwhelmingly voted to strike a similar provision from the 2003 interior appropriation bill. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, this provision violates the House rule against legislating on appropriation bills. It also violates the House scope rule because it was not included in either the House or the Senate fiscal year 2004 interior appropriation bill.

The authorizing committee has started an important dialogue about the options to settle the Cobell case. It is critical that the committee of jurisdiction, the Committee on Resources, be permitted to continue its work without interruption. I urge my colleagues to support the motion to recommit; and if that fails, to vote against the conference report.

Mr. Speaker, working families in my home State of Michigan and our Nation continue to face mounting job losses and a sagging economy. Our international trade deals have left our workers behind. Nowhere is this more obvious than with China. Since March of 2000, we have lost 2.6 million manufacturing jobs while at the same time our trade deficit with China has ballooned.

While House Resolution 414 is a step, we need real action from Congress and this administration. We need to revoke PNTR with China and start over. We need legislation encouraging American companies to keep jobs here rather than sending them overseas. We are at the crossroads to determine our Nation's place in the world. Do we stand by and watch while our jobs go overseas, while our families suffer at home and while our trade deficits rise? Or do we support our working families' needs, keep good manufacturing jobs in our industrial heartland, and get our economy back on its feet? I think the answer is very clear, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rule because of a provision included in the Interior conference report that would limit the Federal Government's accountability to over a half million American Indian Trust beneficiaries by preventing the Department of Interior from conducting a complete historical accounting of individual Indian Trusts, as directed by a Federal court last month in Cobell versus Norton litigation.

Last year, the House voted overwhelmingly to strike a similar provision in the fiscal year 2003 Interior appropriations bill. And in July of this year, the gentleman from North Carolina (Chairman Taylor) graciously agreed to drop a similar provision from the fiscal year 2004 Interior funding bill before it was considered on the House floor.

Despite these actions, the provision in the conference report, once again, serves to delay justice to the Indian beneficiaries who have waited for over 100 years for an accounting while opening up the government to new legal claims.

The Congressional Native American Caucus opposes this provision. The chairman and ranking Democrat of the Committee on Resources, the authorizing committee, oppose this provision. As a matter of fact, just a few minutes ago, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), during the markup over in the Committee on Resources, asked that if this rule is approved to vote against the Interior appropriations bill.

In addition, this provision was drafted without the input of the authorizing committee or any of the Indian Trust beneficiaries or Indian tribes.

Mr. Speaker, this provision violates the House rule against legislating on the appropriations bill. It may also violate the House scope rule since the provision was included in the conference report without having first been included in either the House or the Senate bills. It violates, I believe, the U.S. Constitution separation-of- powers doctrine since the provision dictates how a

Federal law relating to Indian Trust management reform should be interpreted. That interpretive function is the responsibility of the courts.

The House Committee on Resources held two hearings on Indian Trust funds this year, and it plans to hold more hearings. These hearings in the authorizing committee will produce the proper framework for settlement negotiations to resolve the Cobell case. Let us give the authorizing committee the opportunity to complete its job.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) are seriously committed to this. That is why they asked just a few minutes ago that if this rule is passed and the bill does come for a vote, the conference report, that we vote ``no'' on that conference report.

So I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to oppose the rule and to vote against the conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to bring to your attention that on September 19, 2003 the Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Saginaw, MI, celebrated their 135th year of praising and serving the Lord. The Church commemorated this milestone with a series of festivities, which included an old fashion worship service and play depicting the Church's history. The Church will conclude the celebration in December with a musical and All States Day.

Psalms 48:1-2 states ``Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.'' Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1868 with a membership of fifty. The Church family has grown considerably over the last 135 years. They have been blessed with eight different pastors, each one expressing a desire to see the church grow spiritually and physically. The most noted of these leaders is Reverend Roosevelt Austin, Sr., he became pastor in 1956, at a time when the Church was experiencing financial difficulty. Through prayer and perseverance, Reverend Austin balanced the Church books, and inspired the Church members to pledge toward a new building and expanded educational facility. Reverend Austin remained Pastor of Zion for 44 years, and at retirement the Church debt was paid in full. The Lord continued to send great leaders to Zion, in May of 2001 a young minister by the name of Reverend Rodrick Smith from Shreveport, LA answered the call, he was ordained by Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Benton, LA in 1993. Under the direction of Reverend Smith the Church is continuing to expand and build upon the name of the Lord. Zion Missionary Baptist Church currently has 650 faithful followers of Christ. The Church thrives on the premise that the Holy Spirit and the Word of God should guide them, and the Pastor and Official Staff should work together in complete harmony. This firm belief has brought this Church through many trials. Zion Missionary Baptist Church is a dynamic force for the public good. They have consistently made a difference in the Saginaw area.

The inspiration for living by Christian ideals is repeated again and again in the lives of the ministers and congregation of this Church. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask that my colleagues in the 108th Congress join me in saluting Zion Missionary Baptist Church for 135 years of celebrating and spreading the word of the Lord to the community of Saginaw, MI.