Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren), a new Member of the House and a cosponsor of this resolution from the 2nd District of Oklahoma.

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

Mr. Speaker, the United States was forever changed on April 19, 1995, at 9:02 a.m. Central time. What began as a perfect spring day in Oklahoma City, quickly turned into a nightmare when a bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people and injuring more than 850.

Today, as we reflect on that horrific event, I am proud to stand before you in support of H. Res. 184, recognizing a National Week of Hope in commemoration of the 10th-year anniversary of the terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City. So much has changed since that fateful day. No longer do we as American citizens believe that we are isolated from terror. We know that the threat of another terrorist attack is very real. In the face of this threat, however, we have chosen to face our fears and to work together to keep our country safe.

Immediately following the explosion on April 19, the true character of Americans emerged. Law enforcement personnel, bystanders, and those who had narrowly escaped harm rushed toward danger to attend to those who were injured by the explosion. Because of their heroism, many lives that otherwise would have been lost were saved that day.

In Oklahoma City today, where the Alfred Murrah Building once stood, stands a poignant memorial that reminds us of each cherished life that was lost that tragic day. It also serves as an important reminder to all of us that each day is truly a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I want to state my emphatic support for this bill. The National Week of Hope will provide all Americans with the opportunity to reflect on the importance and value of human life. The National Week of Hope will include a day of faith, a day of understanding, a day of remembrance, a day of sharing, a day of tolerance, a day of caring, and a day of inspiration. Each day represents a core value that reflects the strength of our Nation.

I want to thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Istook) for introducing this meaningful legislation. I pray that all Americans will take cognizance of it and continue to demonstrate the bravery and compassion that were exhibited that tragic day in Oklahoma.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa), the sponsor of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I simply want to commend and congratulate the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) for his outstanding recognition and sensitivity and in raising awareness relative to the contributions of local residents of his congressional district. People who would otherwise never be heard of or heard from, he takes the time to highlight their accomplishments and their achievements. I commend the gentleman for it, join in full support of this legislation, and urge its swift passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, although Women's History Month has just ended, while riding back on the airplane from Sri Lanka, I was thinking of the community where I live and decided to write this article about some of the women who have helped shape the Westside of Chicago. Obviously, there are many additional women who I could have featured and, hopefully, I will have an opportunity to do that some day.

Needed: A New Generation of Community Leaders

The recent passing of Ms. Leola Spann jarred my thoughts

and inspired me to write to put these thoughts down on paper.

Ms. Spann was a delightful, committed, dedicated, visionary,

hardworking woman of great integrity. She was willing to work

hard for what she believed. She revitalized the Northwest

Austin Council and kept it alive and thriving until she could

work no more. Now we face the question: Who will be the next

Leola Spann?

The Westside of Chicago has been rich with people like

Leola Spann. Mary Volpe for many years lived, ate, slept,

dreamed her commitment to the Northeast Austin Organization.

She worked in a bi-racial environment as her community was

experiencing transition, yet she never wavered, and remained

steadfast until she could go no more. Who will be the next

Mary Volpe?

Illinois Daggett moved with her husband, Jerry and their

children, from the Near Westside to Austin at the beginning

of its great transition: a period of block-busting, panic

peddling, racial turmoil and community instability. She

immediately established herself as an activist and community

leader. She became a seriously fierce advocate for education,

mental health and community stabilization. She founded, and

operated for several years, the Austin Developmental Center,

was a WVON ``On Target'' radio talk show host and a social

service professional. Unfortunately, Illa was injured by an

insane man at her job on the Near Northside where she was

running a City of Chicago Community Service Center. As a

result of her injuries Illa has been in a coma for the last

fifteen or so years. Who will be the next Illinois Daggett?

The death of Pope John Paul II has caused me to think of

Nancy Jefferson, who used to be called the Mother Theresa of

the Westside. Nancy was a crusading nurse and social worker

who became Executive Director of the Midwest Community

Council. In this role Nancy became a premier protector and

promoter of the Westside of Chicago which had been the last

port of entry for large numbers of African Americans

migrating to Chicago from the rural South. Nancy and the

Midwest Community Council set up social service programs,

organized block clubs and other self help activities, got

people actively involved in politics, was credited with

helping to elect Jane Byrne Mayor, was one of the architects

of the Harold Washington campaigns and was instrumental in

getting Leroy Martin appointed Superintendent of Police. Who

will be the next Nancy Jefferson?

Obviously this is a call for new leadership. Nobody

appointed these women, nobody moved out of their way, nobody

decreed that these women should lead. They simply stepped up

to the plate, did what they did, led where they went, and

made valuable contributions to the community.

You can too!

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 256. It abuses the people.

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

Mr. Speaker, financial literacy may be more important today than during any other time in our Nation's history. That is why I am pleased to support H. Res. 148, introduced by the gentlewoman from the Great State of Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), which supports the goals of Financial Literacy Month for Youth.

As the resolution notes, a study by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy found that 92 percent of college students have at least one credit card by their sophomore year. This fact becomes alarming when you consider that the same study found that only 26 percent of people between the ages of 13 and 21 claimed that they had been taught how to manage their money by their parents. This resolution serves as an important wake-up call for all of us: the administration, Congress, and the American taxpayer.

As the economy begins to rebound from an arduous period, now is an opportune time to teach all Americans, young and old, about fiscal responsibility. The Jump$tart Coalition's aim is to identify personal finance materials for educating our youth. To that end, they have established 12 must-know personal finance principles for young people if they want to improve their financial future.

The 12 financial principles stressed during Financial Literacy Month for youth are, one, map your financial future; do not expect something for nothing; high returns equal high risk; know your take-home pay; compare interest rates; pay yourself first; money doubles by the rule of 72, which is a way of determining how long it takes your money to double while in the bank; your credit past is your credit future; start saving young; stay insured; budget your money; and do not borrow what you cannot repay.

These important, but basic, principles are of value to all of us. But let me add one more, since the 15th is not too far away: pay your taxes, and on time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to endorse this resolution supporting the goals of Financial Literacy for Youth Month and urge all of my colleagues to support it as well. As a matter of fact, my mother used to tell us that if you take care of your nickels, then your quarters will take care of themselves.

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

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa), the cosponsor of this resolution.

(Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers on our side. I would just simply close by suggesting that my father used to tell us that money is like life. The better you manage it, the longer you are likely to keep it.

Madam Speaker, I strongly support this resolution.

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

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

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time

as he might consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the sponsor of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), another strong proponent of firefighters.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the Democratic whip.

Madam Speaker, I will close for our side, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Firefighters are indeed on the front lines between the public and the devastation that fires or other emergencies can cause. This mostly volunteer force helps protect the public interest from these dangers by rapidly responding to a variety of emergencies despite hazardous conditions and long, irregular hours.

Every year fires and other emergencies take thousands of lives and destroy property worth billions of dollars. Fire kills 3,700 and injures more than 20,000 people each year. Direct property losses due to fire reach almost $11 billion a year.

Firefighters pay a high price as well. Approximately 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year.

Firefighters must be prepared to respond immediately to a fire or any other emergency that arises. Because fighting fires is dangerous and complicated, it requires organization and teamwork. Education, training and teamwork have lowered the rate of America's fire losses today to represent a dramatic improvement from more than 20 years ago. In 1971, this Nation lost more than 12,000 citizens and 250 firefighters to fire.

We owe a debt of gratitude to firefighters for making our communities safer. Therefore, I strongly support this resolution and urge that all of my colleagues do the same, and we continue to owe tremendous debts of gratitude to those men and women who every day protect us from fires.

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

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume; and as a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join our chairman, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), in the consideration of H.R. 1460, legislation naming the U.S. postal facility in Springfield, Virginia, after Captain Mark Stubenhofer. This measure, which has been sponsored by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, was introduced with the support and cosponsorship of the entire Virginia delegation.

Captain Mark Norman Stubenhofer died on December 7, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by small arms fire. Captain Stubenhofer, a company commander, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Regiment, 1st Armored Division in Fort Riley, Kansas. Captain Stubenhofer, a native of Springfield, Virginia, was on his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed.

Mark Stubenhofer graduated from West Springfield High School in 1992. In high school, he was a student government leader, member of the homecoming court, and baseball player. After high school, Mark went on to graduate from Clemson University with a degree in history in 1996. Mark joined the Army after graduating from college. While in the Army, he was certified as an Army Ranger and jump instructor. He earned the Bronze Star during his first tour of duty in Iraq.

He left behind a wife, Patty, and three children, Lauren, Justin, and Hope. Madam Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis) for seeking to honor the sacrifice of Captain Stubenhofer by naming a postal facility in his honor in his hometown. I urge swift adoption of this resolution.

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

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

One of the great experiences I have had in life was to have an audience with Pope John Paul II. I traveled to Rome with the former mayor of the city of Chicago, Harold Washington; two other colleagues of mine at the time, a Jewish gentleman, Larry Bloom, and a Polish gentleman, Bill Krystaniak. The four of us met with the Pope, two African Americans, a Jewish person, and a Pole. When we were ready to leave, Bill Krystaniak replied, ``We can actually end our trip because one of my wishes has been fulfilled.''

Each one of us left with a tremendous sense of peace and tranquility, knowing that we had been in the presence of encompassing greatness, one who fought poverty, ignorance, discrimination, totalitarianism, whose arms were wide enough and broad enough and strong enough to embrace the hopes of the world.

I strongly support this resolution. Chicago is home to more Poles than any city in the world with the exception of Warsaw, and I know that we experienced a tremendous sense of pride, not only our Polish citizens, but all of Chicago, knowing that Pope John Paul II, had passed our way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Pope John Paul II. He served as the head of the Catholic Church during a tumultuous 26 year period that saw changes that rocked the World as well as the Church. During his life, Pope John Paul II's influence extended far beyond the Catholic faithful to non-Catholics and world leaders. As a result, his death is mourned by people of all faiths around the world.

In his role as head of the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II led a growing Church that spans 6 continents and consists of people from very different backgrounds. His credibility as a leader was bolstered by his willingness to take stands that were often unpopular and sometimes viewed by many in highly developed countries as anachronistic. His willingness to take stands that reflected the traditional teachings of the Church was strengthened by his willingness to acknowledge that the Church had at times failed to stress its traditional teachings during challenging periods. He did not just acknowledge past errors, but sought to prevent future ones by confronting the totalitarian threat of his time, the Soviet Union.

John Paul II was a tireless champion of democracy in Eastern Europe and an unrelenting critic of the Soviet Union and its puppet regimes in Eastern Europe. His experience growing up in Nazi occupied and Soviet controlled Poland surely influenced his pro-democracy, anti- totalitarian worldview.

As Chicago is home to the largest number of Poles of any city in the world other than Warsaw, his death hits especially close to home. Many Chicagoans of Polish descent fled Poland during the crackdowns and turmoil of the 1980s--a period during which Pope John Paul II was a major figure in the pro-democracy, anti-Soviet movement in his homeland. Developments in Poland proved decisive in ending Soviet domination in Eastern Europe as well as the collapse of the Soviet Union itself. For his leadership in the fight against totalitarianism, many people in Eastern Europe and of Eastern European descent hold him in particularly high esteem.

His leadership in the pro-democracy movements in Eastern Europe represents only one facet of his numerous accomplishments. A complete list would not be possible, though I am certain that my colleagues in the house will point out many more.

Mr. Speaker, on February 26 the young men of George Westinghouse Career Academy High School's basketball team, lead by coach Quitman Dillard, won their fourth City Championship in the last six seasons.

The game was never really in doubt and second place Simeon could never get any closer than eight points in the second half.

By a score of 67-52, Westinghouse clinched their place at the top of the Chicago Public League, according to press reports, one of the Nation's top high school basketball proving grounds.

The 72 team Chicago City league is reportedly used by some college coaches as a benchmark for the success of their recruiting efforts.

The Westinghouse team was powered by DeAndre Thomas, rated by many as the best high school player in Illinois. Thomas scored 29 points, snagged 9 rebounds and had three assists.

However, the victory was definitely a team effort. Westinghouse had 23 assists.

Marquis Johnson scored 14 points and secured 11 rebounds. Kris Harris and Corey Caston each scored nine points. Caston had 7 assists.

Mr. Speaker, Westinghouse Career Academy, which serves the Austin, South Lawndale and West Garfield Communities, is a public school fighting its way to the top in every category.

Eighteen percent of its almost 1400 students are enrolled in honors classes. They were City champs in the C-CAP culinary arts competition.

Westinghouse students have earned nine medals in Academic Decathlon competition.

Tonight, Mr. Speaker, I salute Westinghouse Career Academy and Principal Dr. Lona C. Bibbs.

The Westinghouse Warriors are setting an example for the entire school by now setting their sights on the next task: the State finals. All Chicago wishes them the very best.

The Westinghouse Warriors have, through their hard work, their determination and their talent, achieved a remarkable record.

Congratulations to the Westinghouse team, their coach and to each of these outstanding young athletes individually.

Mr. Chairman, the CBC budget is sane, rational, logical, serious. It recognizes the tremendous need that exists in our country to assist those 2 million people who are currently in jails and prisons and the 650,000 who return home every year. Therefore, it increases juvenile justice programs by $300 million, $100 million for the weed and seed drug elimination program, and $300 million for prisoner reentry programs, and it does not raise taxes. It rolls back the tax breaks that were given in 2001 and 2003 to those individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $200,000. People in my community say, provide the services, don't give to the rich.

Madam Speaker, a large number of people are on the Hill this week from ACORN, one of the most effective grass-roots community organizations in America. The group I just met with told me one thing. They said, Tell the President if it ain't

broke, don't fix it. Add to it, but do not fix it. Of course they were talking about Social Security that has been the lifeline for millions of seniors in our country since its inception.

Madam Speaker, I will just repeat what ACORN told me: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre), the other cosponsor of this resolution.

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

Madam Speaker, from time to time, it is important that we acknowledge our individual histories and the characteristics that define us as Americans. Last month, we celebrated African-American History Month. Today, I am very happy to stand with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre) and the other 56 cosponsors of H. Res. 41. This bill recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States by expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day should be established as National Tartan Day.

Scottish Americans have played important roles in the growth and development of this Nation. Three such Scottish Americans are John Witherspoon, Andrew Carnegie and Alexander Graham Bell. John Witherspoon immigrated to the United States in order to become the sixth President of Princeton University. He was a member of the ratifying convention that made New Jersey the third State to ratify the Constitution of the United States. He also is identified with the Common Sense Philosophy, which is considered to be of importance in the development of our national life.

Andrew Carnegie came to the United States not as an educated man but as a poor immigrant. His vision and business acumen earned him a fortune in steel during the industrial revolution. Carnegie used his wealth to establish one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Much of his collected fortune was spent to establish over 2,500 public libraries and to support institutions of higher learning and public education. By the end of his life, Carnegie gave away $350 million.

Inventor Alexander Graham Bell, like Carnegie, was primarily self- educated, and he, too, accomplished much during his life. Graham is best known for inventing the telephone, though he explored the realm of communications and engaged in a great variety of scientific activities.

Almost a decade ago, Congress recognized the influential role of the Scottish community in our country by making April 6, 1997, National Tartan Day. April 6 was chosen because it commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, which asserted Scotland's sovereignty over English territorial claims and influenced our own Declaration of Independence.

Therefore, Madam Speaker, I want to take this moment to thank the originators of this bill for their leadership and want to reiterate my strong support for H. Res. 41. Our Scottish citizens have made a tremendous impact on the development of this Nation, and all of us are proud of them.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I have always been told that music is a universal language, and so I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 45 to recognize the benefits and importance of school-based music education. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the reality our schools face today is one of budget cuts yet while trying to maintain a well-rounded curriculum for our children. After-school programs, art classes, intramural sports, late bus routes and even music classes are being eliminated.

We know music education helps young minds to develop creatively and express emotions. We know that studies show that early music training can enhance a child's ability to reason and think critically and that children exposed to music at a young age learn better in other subjects.

We also know that children trained in music score significantly higher on reading tests than those who were not.

We know that secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances such as alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drugs.

The College Board identifies the arts as one of the six basic academic subject areas students should study in order to succeed in college, and the Department of Education agrees by listing the arts as subjects that college-bound middle and junior high school students should take, stating that many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

Although the Department of Education sees music education as a prerequisite to college and countless studies have shown the vast impact of music education, it is still missing for too many schools, particularly public schools in inner city neighborhoods having virtually no access to music education. Local budget cuts are depriving approximately 30 million students of an education that includes music.

It is not only at the local level that is forcing schools to abandon music education, but the lack of Federal funding as well. Without music education, so many of our great musicians that we admire today would be doing something else.

Not only musicians, but it has been noted that even the very best entrepreneurs and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry are nearly, without exception, practicing musicians. The school music program was there for them, and we need to have it there for the next generation of musicians, thinkers and entrepreneurs.

So, Mr. Speaker, I gladly rise in support of this resolution and urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Nevada for bringing this resolution to the floor, and I am pleased to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), a cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner), the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close for our side.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to join with my colleagues, the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), in support of House Resolution 124, honoring Jewish students and teachers on their 7- year completion of the 11th cycle of the daily study of the Talmud.

Mr. Speaker, the Talmud is considered to be an authoritative record of rabbinic discussions on Jewish law, ethics, customs, legends, and stories. The Talmud is comprised of two components, the Mishnah and the Gemara. It expands on earlier writings in the Torah and it is the basis for all later codes of Jewish law and much of rabbinic literature.

Today, we celebrate the conclusion of the 11th cycle of the Daf Yomi, a Jewish tradition that began over 80 years ago. Daf Yomi was created by Polish Rabbi Meir Shapiro in 1923. He wanted to create a way for Jews across the world to unite and study and pray. Daf Yomi does just that, and it also helps Jewish people to reconnect with their faith and to make it part of their daily lives. In order to complete the Daf Yomi, a person must study the Talmud each and every day for 7 years.

Mr. Speaker, I think that everyone, regardless of their faith and beliefs,

can appreciate and respect the profound commitment people must make in order to complete such an impressive task. To celebrate this accomplishment, countless people around the world are expected to gather together and to study in unison in the same manner that those we honor today gathered to study.

In the United States alone, thousands of people are expected to celebrate the occasion. I think that the participants and teachers alike deserve a rousing applause from this body for their shared sense of purpose.

I stand in strong support of this resolution and again want to congratulate each and every person who will participate and all of those for whom it will have meaning.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens) for yielding, and I would like to associate myself with some of the comments that both he and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) have made relative to the import and the importance of African American History Month.

I would certainly agree that all of those who have lived and who have come to this country have become a part of making America the great Nation that it indeed is. Oftentimes, when

we think of black history, I grew up in an era where I was taught to read by unlocking words and, to an extent, we were taught that history meant his story, and lots of people think of history as meaning his or her story. I have been challenging young people throughout my district and every place that I have gone to view black history not so much in the context of history, but in terms of ``mystery,'' meaning that it becomes my story. And each one of us has a story that we can write or a story that we can tell.

I spent part of Monday, I say to the gentleman from New York, with 10 kindergartners in a school, and they were watching ``Roots'' as I came into the classroom. And before we ended the day, each one of them had decided that they were going to be an integral part of making black history and that they were going to look back to understand where they came from so that they would have a better understanding of how they got to where they are, and they would have a greater awareness and appreciation of where they ought to be going.

So I want to commend the gentleman from New York and the gentleman from Maryland for helping to bring alive the historical development of African Americans in this country so that all of us know that we continue to move forward even as we look back. I thank the gentleman for this opportunity.