Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to rise before you today on behalf of the citizens of Linden, MI. On May 19, friends and family will join community and business leaders to honor Ms. Jean Sarginson-DeMayer and Ms. Judy Pieczynski as the 2003 Linden Citizens of the Year.

Jean Sarginson-DeMayer was appointed to the Linden City Council in December 1996, after she moved to Linden from my hometown of Flint, where she worked for 25 years as a supervisor for the City of Flint. She was subsequently reelected to two more terms, where she also served as the city's representative on the Grace Loose Senior Citizen Center executive board.

Judy Pieczynski has been a resident of Linden since 1983. A local business owner for 26 years, Judy served on the Linden Charter Commission and was elected one of Linden's first Councilors when it became a city in 1988. She has served on the Council ever since, and is a member of such groups as Zonta, and the Linden-Argentine Chamber of Commerce.

As members of the Linden City Council, both Jean and Judy have worked tirelessly and selflessly to promote, protect, enhance, and defend the quality of life for their constituents, which include their wonderful families. Their civic loyalty and dedication to improving their community serves as a shining example of the best our society has to offer.

Mr. Speaker, after decades of public service, both Jean Sarginson- DeMayer and Judy Pieczynski have decided to not seek reelection to the Linden City Council, following the end of their respective terms. For many years, the residents of Linden have benefited from their insight and wisdom, and they are truly deserving of being named Citizens of the Year. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating Jean Sarginson-DeMayer and Judy Pieczynski.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise before you today on behalf of the students, faculty, and alumni of Northern High School in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. This week Flint Northern will celebrate its 75th anniversary.

On January 30, 1928, Flint Northern High School was established as the city's second high school, located on McClellan Street on the city's north side. In the early years, many of the school's population came from immigrant children, whose families had come to the New World to find work in the city's booming auto industry. In the fall of 1971, the school was replaced by a new building on Mackin Road, where it stands to this day, providing opportunities for students of all races and walks of life to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to survive and succeed, and to become positive, contributing members of society.

For the past 75 years, Northern High has maintained a tradition of academic and athletic excellence, as well as alumni loyalty. The Northern Vikings have won 38 state Championships, bringing athletic honors back to their city and their school. It is estimated that Viking athletes have competed in more Class A Regional and District State and City tournaments in men's and women's sports than any other school in the State of Michigan. Vikings have also excelled in other competitive areas such as Speech, Debate, Music, and Choir, to name a few.

In 1987, a group of Northern graduates, seeking to preserve the accomplishments of past and present alumni, and to further instill school pride, created the Distinguished Alumni Program of Flint Northern. This program, the first known of its kind around the nation, raises scholarship funds and honors those graduates who have gone on to excel in professions such Medicine, Law, Education, and Military Service, among many others. The school's Viking Room is decorated with photos of 82 such alumni from throughout the country. As of this date, the Alumni Club Endowment Fund has provided 503 scholarships, totaling more than $300,000. This year, 35 members of the Class of 2003 will benefit from these scholarships.

Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher, I applaud the many men and women who have helped Flint Northern High School set the highest standards of scholastic success for 75 years. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in commending the efforts of Northern's alumni, and wishing their future alumni the best in all their endeavors.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

I rise in strong opposition to this bill. In 1998 the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) and I brought a bipartisan WIA bill to this House. Unfortunately, this is not the case today. The key failure of this legislation is that it does not respond to the economic realities that American families are facing today. We have 8.8 million individuals who are out of work. These are real people with names. We have growing budget deficits projected to top a half trillion dollars this fiscal year. Most alarming is the fact that three unemployed individuals are competing for every job.

In light of these dire economic conditions, I have grave concerns about the bill before us today. This bill unravels the very fabric of our Federal job training system. First, the proposal would eliminate the employment service, the program which matches those looking for work with jobs. The bill also block grants our job training programs. As our economy continues its downturn, it is extremely shortsighted to eliminate the function that matches jobs and individuals looking for work.

I must stress how disappointed I am that the Committee on Rules did not make either of my amendments in order to extend unemployment benefits. The House is not responding to the needs of the American workers by denying the debate on these amendments. The families of unemployed workers are struggling to ensure that they can afford their rent and put food on the table. We should not ignore the needs of these families. Where is the compassion of this Congress? I certainly can see the conservatism, but I do not see the compassion.

This bill also allows governors to take funding from veterans programs, programs serving individuals with disabilities, and other partner programs to fund one-stop infrastructure costs by also eliminating their seat on local workforce boards.

I am aware that an amendment may be offered today to cap the amount of funds that can be taken, but this amendment is deficient. This amendment is inadequate and will still place these programs and the services they provide at risk.

Lastly, Mr. Chairman, this legislation repeals existing civil rights protections. Under current law faith-based organizations do receive Federal funds and do an admirable job providing job training services. Unfortunately, the Republican bill would allow for these organizations to refuse to hire individuals due to their faith for positions paid for with Federal dollars.

Mr. Chairman, this bill does not respond to the needs of unemployed individuals and individuals with disabilities seeking to return to the workplace. In fact, it undermines the progress we have made under WIA thus far. I regret that the Committee on Rules has prevented us from responding to the real needs of American workers.

I urge opposition to final passage of this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), a member of the committee.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel).

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the remaining time.

Again, I regret we do not have a bipartisan bill. I regret that we did not get in the Committee on Rules the ability to offer the extension of unemployment benefits which are so sorely needed in this country. I regret the fact that we have chipped away at civil rights protections which are so precious in this country.

I would hope that somewhere along the line, before this bill is finally finished, that we get a bill that we can have support for on both sides of the aisle, but we cannot do that today.

Yes, Mr. Chairman. I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition although I am not in opposition.

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

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

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

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

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

The Kline amendment makes marginal improvements to the bill, but it does not reduce the funding that can be taken from veterans programs and programs serving individuals with disabilities. Instead, the Kline amendment puts this funding, and the services which it provides, at risk. I have two letters from leading organizations representing veterans and individuals with disabilities. Let me read from the letter from the National Rehabilitation Association:

``The Kline amendment would, we regret to say, have the unintended consequence of diverting deserving dollars from individuals with disabilities who want to work to fund a one-stop system which remains to this day largely inaccessible both programmatically and physically to individuals with disabilities.''

Let me also read a part of the letter from the Paralyzed Veterans Association of America:

``This amendment will not protect the disabled veterans outreach program and local veterans employment representatives services because the authorizing language for those programs sets no specific limits on administrative costs. As a result, the full amount of money appropriated for DVOPs and LVERs could, ostensibly, be directed by Governors to be used for one-stop infrastructure expenses.''

Clearly, this amendment does not address the critical issues of this legislation. It does, however, make marginal improvements. For that reason, I will not oppose it, but wish that we could get together at some point and try to improve the language.

National Rehabilitation

Association,

Alexandria, VA, May 8, 2003.

Dear Representative: As President and Executive Director of

the National Rehabilitation Association, respectively, we

have continuing concerns regarding the one-stop funding

structure being proposed for mandatory and additional

partner's participation in H.R. 1261 and in the

proportionality approach to that funding embodied in the

Kline amendment which was made in order under the Rule

granted yesterday to this bill.

The National Rehabilitation Association was established in

1925 and is the longest-serving and one of the strongest

advocates in ensuring the rights of individuals with

disabilities are respected and realized. Our mission is to

promote ethical and excellent practice in the field of

vocational rehabilitation.

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) comprises in Title IV

programs administered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,

as amended. The Public VR Program, as it is commonly known,

is an accountable, eligibility-based employment program

dedicated to the education, job training and counseling,

career placement and independence of individuals with

disabilities, including those individuals with significant

disabilities.

The Public VR Program, being the productive partner that it

is and always has been, continues to partner at the one-stops

on a cost-allocation basis, consistent with OMB guidelines.

The Kline amendment would, we regret to say, have the

unintended consequence of diverting deserving dollars from

individuals with disabilities who want to work to fund a one-

stop system which remains to this day largely inaccessible

both programmatically and physically to individuals with

disabilities.

The impact on individuals with disabilities is clear: If

individuals with disabilities cannot get through the door of

the one-stop shops, or do not find meaningful access to

employment information once inside, these individuals will

not become employed and may be forced to seek public

assistance in lieu of advancing or initiating a career.

H.R. 1261 reneges on a promise by Congress to safeguard the

separate funding stream of the Public VR Program, and in

doing so, exposes the Public VR Program to a one-stop system

that does not have a proven or uniform track record of

accountability, according to a recent General Accounting

Office (GAO) Report, and other well-respected organizations.

Both H.R. 1261 and the Kline amendment do not appreciate

that the one-stops do not now have--nor have ever had--the

qualified staff who provide comprehensive services and

supports that individuals with disabilities require in

seeking the dignity of work in an increasingly one-size-fits-

all employment environment. These requirements include

qualified rehabilitation counselors and other qualified

professionals employed by accountable State Agencies, in

conjunction with their Community Rehabilitation Program

Partners (CRPs), who include private providers, employers

and businesses.

Most importantly, the Kline amendment does not define the

term ``proportionality'' and, accordingly, we are unsure of

how and if this approach would work to the benefit of all

individuals with disabilities who want to work.

Relatedly, the Public VR Program does not have a separate

line item funding stream for administrative costs or a cap on

administrative costs, which we believe, further complicates

participation of the Public VR Program at the one-stops other

than on a cost-allocation basis.

The untested, unproven proportionality approach advanced by

the Kline amendment simply does not--and cannot--protect the

millions of eligible individuals with disabilities who will

benefit from the comprehensive services and supports that

only the Public VR program can provide individuals with

disabilities who want to work.

The Public VR Program has been doing more with less for

years. Presently, there are

37 State Agencies on an Order of Selection, which places a

priority of service on those individuals with the most

significant disabilities. The waiting lists for the holistic

services and supports that only the Public VR Program can

provide individuals with disabilities increase everyday.

While the Public VR Program has served and secured

employment for millions of eligible individuals with

disabilities for decades, because of years of woeful

underfunding, the following State Agencies cannot now serve

all of the thousands upon thousands of eligible individuals

with disabilities who seek the dignity of work and the

comprehensive services that only the Public VR Program

provides individuals with disabilities include, by Region:

Region I--Connecticut General, Maine General and Blind

Agencies, Massachusetts General Agency, Rhode Island and

Vermont General.

Region II--New Jersey General; the Virgin Islands.

Region III--Delaware Blind Agency, Maryland, Pennsylvania

and West Virginia General Agencies.

Region IV--Georgia and Kentucky General and Blind Agencies,

Mississippi, North Carolina, General Agency and Tennessee.

Region V--Illinois, Minnesota General, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Region VI--Iowa General, Kansas, Missouri General, Nebraska

General.

Region VIII--Colorado; North Dakota.

Region VIII--Colorado, North Dakota.

Region IX--Arizona, California, Hawaii.

Region X--Oregon Blind, Washington State General Agency.

As we mentioned previously, these are the State Agencies

that maintain continually-increasing waiting lists for

eligible individuals with disabilities who want to share in

the American Dream by having a career, owning a home, being

able to support a family and living independently in their

communities.

While having a career is the primary goal of the Public VR

Program, this can only become a reality with a solid plan for

employment developed with and supported by the Public VR

qualified professionals in conjunction with the individual.

The Kline amendment does not and cannot solve the problems

that individuals with disabilities continue to confront at

the one-stops.

Just think about it. The Public VR Program is funding the

administration of an inaccessible one-stop program--which is

absent qualified staff and accountability--with funds

designated for supporting the poorest group in our society

with the highest unemployment rate and the majority of the

community living below the poverty line.

Given the continuing, critical concerns the disability

community at large has with the absence of accessibility,

accountability and qualified staff at the one-stops, the

National Rehabilitation Association cannot and will not

support H.R. 1261.

Respectfully Submitted,

L. Robert McConnell, Ph.D.,

President.

Michelle Vaughan, MBA,

Executive Director.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

I am very familiar with the group that he is seeking to serve here. In the City of Flint, Michigan, we have people who really have a sense to find themselves during that period in their life, and I think extending this to age 24 is a reasonable thing for us to do and will make sure that we give those people in that age group that second chance to find themselves and to set goals for themselves. So I think this will be something that will add immeasurably to the bill, and I am very happy that the gentleman has offered the amendment and certainly urge everyone to support the amendment.

I know the gentleman from Atlanta has been up to my city and I have been to his city. We have seen youth in this group.

Mr. Chairman, as designee of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), I offer an amendment.

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

We have discussed this amendment with the majority, and we have agreement upon this.

This amendment simply would increase the amount of funding going to local areas by a statutorily defined formula.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings).

(Mr. HASTINGS of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. Speaker, this motion responds to the economic realities that American families are facing today. We have 8.8 million individuals who are out of work. We have a growing budget deficit of about a half trillion dollars. Most alarming is the fact that three unemployed individuals are competing for every job.

In light of these dire economic conditions, this motion responds to America's needs by extending UI benefits. This motion would extend UI benefits for 26 weeks for newly unemployed workers and 13 weeks for those who have exhausted their benefits. Mr. Speaker, over 42 percent of those individuals who have exhausted their benefits are still unemployed under the present economic conditions.

Mr. Speaker, nearly 9 million workers are unemployed. The current UI extension expires at the end of this month, only 24 days from now. Where is the compassion of this House? How can we leave our Nation's families guessing as to when their next meal will be coming?

Mr. Speaker, this motion deserves the support of the House today.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to the honorable service to this country and its citizens given by Staff Sergeant Scott Sather, Sergeant Michael F. Pederson, Specialist Richard A. Goward and Private First Class Jason M. Meyer. On May 5, members of the community will gather at a benefit concert given by the Carriage Town Ministries in Flint, Michigan, to honor Staff Sergeant Scott Sather, Sergeant Michael F. Pederson, Specialist Richard A. Goward and Private First Class Jason M. Meyer for their service to this nation.

Staff Sergeant Sather graduated from Clio High School in 1991 where he excelled in baseball and football. Staff Sergeant Sather joined the United States Air Force in 1992 serving in Washington and England. During his service, Staff Sergeant Sather earned several honors, including a Bronze Star. Staff Sergeant Sather and his wife, Melanie, were married in July of 2002. Staff Sergeant Sather made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation on April 8, 2003 while serving in Iraq.

Sergeant Michael F. Pederson graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1996. Following graduation from high school, Sergeant Pederson joined the United States Army where he was assigned to Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. Sergeant Pederson made many achievements while in the Army as well as at home, where he helped support a large family, including his 7-year-old daughter. Sergeant Pederson made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation on April 2, 2003 while serving in Iraq.

Specialist Richard A. Goward graduated from Merrill High School in 1989. Following his graduation from high school, Specialist Goward joined the United States Army where he served from 1990 to 1996. Sergeant Goward married his wife, Karen, and they had two children. Sergeant Goward attended the Corrections Officers Training Academy and was employed at the St. Louis Corrections Facility until the events of September 11, 2001 once again called Sergeant Goward to duty and prompted him to enlist in the Michigan National Guard. Sergeant Goward made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation on April 14, 2003 while serving in Iraq.

Private First Class Jason M. Meyer graduated from Howell High School in 1999. Following his graduation from high school, Private First Class Meyer joined the United States Army where he was assigned to Fort Stewart in Georgia. Private First Class Meyer married his wife, Melissa in March of 2002 and lived in Hinesville Georgia at the time of his deployment. Private First Class Meyer made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation on April 8, 2003 while serving in Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, Staff Sergeant Sather, Sergeant Pederson, Specialist Goward and Private First Class Meyer are sons, they are fathers, husbands and friends. They are true Americans, deserving of our respect and gratitude not only for their devotion to the United States and its ideals, but for their devotion to their families, their friends and their communities. These men are a symbol of excellence to everyone in this nation, and are a shining example of the best our society has to offer. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to these men, their families and their achievements. May their sacrifices to be remembered always.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph Shovels as he retires from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint. Joe has worked for the organization for 39 years. A party in his honor will be held on April 30th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Joe began his career working for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint after graduating from Michigan State University. A lifelong caseworker with the organization, Joe stayed dedicated to this vital job ever since his graduation. His dedication to ensuring that the children are provided for is legendary. Going above and beyond has been a hallmark of his career. The longest serving employee with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint, Joe has characterized his work as a ministry instead of a job.

His attitude toward children has garnered recognition from his peers and from the community. Big Brothers Big Sisters has named him Caseworker of the Year. In February, Priority Children gave him the Roy E. Peterson Caring Adult Award for his steadfastness to bettering the lives of the children in the Flint community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint will inaugurate an award to be given to their employees and volunteers called the ``Good Joe Award'' in his honor. The kickoff for this award will take place at a dinner to be held later this month.

I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Joe Shovels on an exceptional career and a job well done. The children of Genesee County have benefited from his conscientiousness, his compassion, and his commitment to improving their lives.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in opposition to the bill before us today. H.R. 1350 does not ensure full funding of IDEA and, worse, jeopardizes the civil rights of children with disabilities.

Reauthorization of IDEA has traditionally been a bipartisan effort. In Michigan, I was cosponsor of the Special Education Act, which was passed before this Congress addressed the education of children with special needs in the least restrictive environment. In my tenure here in Congress, I have always supported the reauthorization of IDEA, but I cannot support the bill before us today.

First, this legislation does not provide any additional resources for IDEA. It does not get us any closer, Mr. Chairman, to fully funding IDEA, an effort that many Members have worked on for many, many years. Democratic members of the Committee on Education and the Workforce attempted to address this issue in committee. We offered several amendments that would provide mandatory spending for IDEA. Unfortunately, these amendments were defeated on party-line votes. These amendments represent the only way to ensure full funding for IDEA in this legislation.

Second, the legislation jeopardizes the civil rights of children with disabilities. This bill would allow children with disabilities to be removed from their current educational placement for any violation of a code of student conduct. The bill also eliminates the current manifestation determination. Manifestation determinations ensure that children with disabilities are not unfairly punished for acts they cannot control. The discipline provisions in this legislation are simply unfair.

Last, I would like to express my disappointment that this legislation does not continue funding for the freely associated states. These former U.S. territories have an extremely high percentage of children with disabilities due to U.S. military testing of weapons around the islands that make up these nations. I hope this issue can be further addressed in conference, Mr. Chairman.

In closing, I urge Members to carefully consider the impact that this legislation will have on children with disabilities. The disabled children of our Nation are best served by defeating this legislation today.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the bill before us today. H.R. 1350 does not ensure full funding of IDEA and worse, jeopardizes the civil rights of children with disabilities.

Reauthorization of IDEA has traditionally been a bipartisan effort.

In Michigan I was cosponsor of the Special Education Act, which was passed before this Congress, addressed the education of children with special needs in the least restrictive environment. In my tenure here in Congress I have always supported the reauthorization of IDEA.

But I cannot support the bill before us today.

The last time we reauthorized IDEA in 1997, we worked tirelessly with our majority colleagues to improve this program for children with disabilities and the schools which serve them.

Unfortunately, the pace at which this legislation has moved has left very little time for public input or bipartisan discussions.

This bill has fundamental flaws.

First, this legislation doesn't provide any additional resources for IDEA. It doesn't get us any closer to fully funding IDEA--an effort that many members have worked on for numerous years.

Democratic members of the Education and the Workforce Committee attempted to address this issue in committee.

We offered several amendments that would provide mandatory spending for IDEA. Unfortunately, these amendments were defeated on party-line votes.

These amendments represent the only way to ensure full funding for IDEA in this legislation.

Second, the legislation jeopardizes the civil rights of children with disabilities.

This bill would allow children with disabilities to be removed from their current educational placement for any violation of a code of student conduct.

The bill also eliminates the current manifestation determination. Manifestation determinations ensure that children with disabilities are not unfairly punished for acts they cannot control. The discipline provisions in this legislation are simply unfair.

In addition, the bill places a strait jacket on parents of children with disabilities by instituting a 1-year statute of limitations.

This restriction will prevent parents of disabled children from raising issues with the education of their children to those issues that are less than 1 year old. This unfairly constrains parents and their efforts to ensure their children receive an education.

Lastly, I'd like to express my disappointment that this legislation does not continue funding for the freely associated States.

These former U.S. territories have an extremely high percentage of children with disabilities due to U.S. military testing of weapons around the islands that make up these nations.

I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that the freely associated States receive funding under this legislation and their negotiated compacts of free association.

I hope this is an issue we can further address in conference.

In closing, I urge Members to carefully consider the impact that this legislation will have on children with disabilities. The disabled children of our Nation are best served by defeating this legislation today.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring a great educator, Theodore Mansour, as he retires from his position as Director of State and Federal Relations for the Genesee Intermediate School District.

Ted, as his friends know him, joined the United States Army in 1944 after he graduated from St. Matthew High School that year. He served in the field artillery during his time in the Armed Forces. Resuming his education at the University of Notre Dame after his discharge from the military, Ted earned a degree in Business Administration majoring in Accounting. He put his business skills to work and served as the president of Mansour's Supermarkets for 15 years. He went on to be a partner in Lisa's Red Carpet Travel Agency, president of Mansour's Budget Market and is the current owner of the Jolly Olive Deli and Bar.

Paralleling his years of business experience, Ted also served in the public sector. During the time he was the supervisor of Flint Township, the landscape of that community was changed forever with the building of Genesee Valley Mall, the development of sewer and water systems and the construction of Carman High School. In addition to being a supervisor, Ted held the posts of Genesee County Supervisor and County Commissioner, a Michigan State Legislator for the 83rd District, a Flint Township Trustee, a member of the Michigan State Tax Commission and the Flint Township Planning Commission. Always committed to improving the quality of life in the Flint area, Ted has actively participated in the Genesys Health Systems Board, the Genesee Memorial Hospital Board, the Flint Heights Senior Citizens Housing Board, the Genesee County Food Service Advisory Board, the Boy Scouts of America, Tall Pines Council Executive Board, and the American Arab Heritage Council. In 1972 he was named Director of Government Relations for Genesee Intermediate School District.

As the father of 6 children, Ted knows firsthand the hopes and dreams of parents for their children. This understanding of the vital need for quality education fueled Ted's fight for the right of every student to be able to learn in a safe, clean, modern environment. He worked with the Michigan State Legislature in 1978 to get the school zone speed limit law passed. He vigorously lobbied in Lansing and Washington to obtain funding for the schools in the Genesee Intermediate School District. Time and time again he has fought on behalf of individual school districts for disputed money. Ted is effective at communicating to legislators the needs of educators in their struggle to provide an up to date education to their students. He has earned the respect of educators, administrators, and legislators. I have trusted his advice and welcomed his input for many years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and honor the service of Theodore Mansour to the people and children of Genesee County. His ethics, commitment and effectiveness have set an example that public servants will try to emulate for years to come.

Mr. Chairman, while I vote in favor of the Reynolds/ Rogers Amendment today in support of a continued prohibition on Great Lakes offshore oil and gas drilling, I strongly believe that an outright ban on these activities is necessary.

I am concerned that the Rules Committee would not allow into order a stronger amendment protecting our Great Lakes to be voted on by the House. Last year, I joined 2264 of my colleagues in supporting an amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act that would have banned any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funds from being used to process or approve permits for drilling in or under the Great Lakes. This is the kind of positive action that is needed to ensure these treasures remain safe for future generations.

While I support the Reynolds/Rogers Amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2003, I believe much stronger action needs to be taken to protect the Great Lakes.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose this unnecessary amendment, which will hurt our already struggling economy. It will jeopardize the jobs of workers in Flint, Bay City, Saginaw, and other communities in my home State of Michigan. It will undermine the efforts we, as a Nation, are making through the investment of billions of dollars in alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles.

The broad range of organizations opposing this amendment demonstrate its flaws. These include the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, National Association of Manufacturers, the National Farm Bureau, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the wrong amendment at the wrong time. Our automobile industry and their dedicated

workers deserve our support, and we can give it to them by rejecting this amendment.

Just recently the National Highway Traffic Administration did their job and increased CAFE standards. This amendment will lead to reduced passenger safety, the loss of jobs and economic damage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the outgoing director of Saginaw Habitat for Humanity, John Perna. Mr. Perna is leaving his position as director of the organization after six years in that post. He will be honored at a dinner on March 8th in Saginaw, Michigan.

John Perna's background as a student of theology at the University of Notre Dame and his work in church music ministry helped him to expand the Saginaw Habitat for Humanity. He started working for Saginaw Habitat for Humanity in 1996. At that time he was the only paid staff person. Four houses were built that year by the organization. Today, the staff includes seven full time employees, one part time employee and three Americorps members. The group anticipates completing sixteen houses in the Saginaw community this year including the Blitz 2003 when eight houses will be built in two weeks.

Saginaw Habitat for Humanity holds the principles of being an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry foremost in all its endeavors. Committed to eliminating substandard shelter and homelessness from the area, Saginaw Habitat for Humanity has partnered with several area churches and organizations to make affordable, respectable housing available to all. Reflecting on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the members, volunteers and staff of Saginaw Habitat for Humanity have put their faith into action. A cornerstone of this action is the ``economics of Jesus,'' or volunteers responding to those in need. Together the homeowners, the construction volunteers, partner organizations like the Home Builders Association, the Michigan Prison Build Program, the Michigan National Guard and area High School building trades students contributed the sweat equity that made the dream of a new home a reality for several families.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating John Perna and Saginaw Habitat for Humanity for the work they have accomplished thus far. I wish Mr. Perna the best as he starts a new phase of his life, and I wish the best for the incoming director, Paul Warriner, along with the entire Saginaw Habitat for Humanity organization. May they continue in their work until every person has a decent place to live.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing an outstanding humanitarian, Vera Rison. Vera is being honored Thursday night at a Community Tribute and Retirement Dinner in my home town of Flint Michigan.

Vera Rison is one of my dearest friends. I treasure her wisdom, her common sense, and her ability to go to the heart of a dilemma and seek a solution. The many years she spent working at Genesee Memorial Hospital gave Vera insight into the problems faced by average families. She has never stopped working to ease the burdens faced by so many. Through the positions she held as chair of the Service Employees International Union Local 79, director of human resources at Amy Jo Manor Housing Complex, the Genesee County Community Mental Health Board, the Substance Abuse Services Board and the Jobs Central Workforce Development Board, Vera has always maintained her vision and commitment to a better future for everyone.

Through her work as a Genesee County Commissioner and a State Representative, Vera was able to see some of her ideas become concrete, working plans. She sponsored a bill to reduce the number of abandoned houses. She also was the driving force behind the renovation of the Amy Jo Manor Housing Complex. In addition, Vera worked tirelessly for individuals in trouble. She frequently advocated on behalf of persons sentenced to prison. She arranged for basic services to be provided for the handicapped and devoted many hours to ensuring the uninsured received health care.

The Genesee District Library paid Vera an awesome compliment when they named the Beecher branch of their library the ``Vera B. Rison Library.'' It is a tremendous tribute that the library, where all persons of every age can come and improve their minds and lives through knowledge, is named for the woman who spent a lifetime witnessing the potential in all persons and pushed them to achieve their personal best.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring a dear friend, Vera Rison. She is an inspiration to me and I wish her the best as she starts the next phase of her life.

I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) for yielding me this time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Republican welfare bill and in support of the Cardin-Woolsey-Kind Democratic substitute. Mr. Chairman, much has changed from the last Congress when we last debated this legislation. Our States are facing deep financial deficits. States are cutting health care programs, funding for the schools and universities, and struggling to ensure their citizens have employment. The bill we are debating today does not recognize these dire times for our States.

The Republican bill would increase work requirements when 8.3 million Americans are out work. The Republican bill fails to provide adequate child care funding, relegating many of the children to substandard or unsafe child care arrangements. The Republican welfare bill actually reduces education and training opportunities for TANF recipients. Fortunately, the Democratic substitute offered by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey), and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind) provides us with a viable alternative to improve this country's welfare system. The Cardin substitute would allow 24 months of education and training to permit a TANF recipient to get the skills they need to acquire a good-paying job. The Cardin substitute would increase child care funding by $11 billion over the next 5 years. The Cardin amendment also ensures that TANF recipients do work by requiring that 70 percent of welfare recipients are engaged in work activities.

Today's debate should not be a debate over whose bill forces more welfare recipients to work longer hours. Instead, we should be focused on how the system can help individuals to acquire long-term, high- paying jobs.

Mr. Chairman, I urge Members to defeat the Republican bill and to support the Cardin-Woolsey-Kind substitute.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 41 congratulating the University of Portland's women's soccer team for winning the NCAA Division 1 championship.

On December 8, the University of Portland captured its first national championship. In fact, this is the University of Portland's first national championship in any sport.

I want to start by extending my congratulations to Head Coach Clive Charles and to all of the athletes on the University's winning squad.

Winning a championship brings national acclaim to a school, and the team's players and fans should treasure this exciting moment.

While it is important that we focus on this victory, it is also critical to recognize how opportunities for women in sports have grown and the impact of title IX.

This win by the University of Portland Women's Soccer Team reminds us of the value and importance of this landmark statute.

Unfortunately, Title IX is once again under attack. The administration's Commission on Opportunity in Athletics recently proposed so-called reforms to Title IX that would undermine this important civil rights statute. The commission's reports would recommend that girls and women be provided less athletic opportunity than boys and men by loosening protections and safeguards that have existed for many years. The commission was formed by Secretary Paige to advance the administration's agenda to weaken the opportunity for women and girls on the athletic field.

With Title IX successes over the 3-plus decades of its existence why would we want to weaken it now? Women now constitute more than 40 percent of

those involved in college athletics, as opposed to 15 percent in 1972.

While we may be confronted with proposals to change Title IX, I would advise the administration not to propose initiatives to weaken this critical law.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) and the rest of the Oregon delegation for introducing this resolution, and again to extend my congratulations to the University of Portland's Women's Soccer Team.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) has been very supportive of Title IX, and he and I shared our great admiration of Mrs. Mink. I appreciate his comments.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Loretta Sanchez).

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, today's resolution recognizes the contributions of Catholic schools. Mr. Speaker, I attended Catholic schools myself. I received a high-quality education from these schools and have benefited greatly. Also, children all across America have benefited from a Catholic education. Certainly, we can all agree that Catholic schools are a strong and positive force in America's educational system.

Fortunately, the great, truly great, aspect of the American education system is its diversity. The goal of the American education system, both public and private, is to provide anyone in any city, in any State, with the opportunity to succeed.

The educational recipe for success in our country certainly includes Catholic schools, schools with other religious focuses and nonreligious private schools, along with our public schools. It is this variety, this diversity, that truly makes American education powerful and makes American education successful in its mission.

Mr. Speaker, today we are recognizing the educational and societal contributions that Catholic schools make to our Nation. I believe we must recognize the importance and value that all pieces of our educational system have in the lives of our children.

Mr. Speaker, in closing I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter) for introducing 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.